LA City Public Works Illegal Dumping Report

LOS ANGELES (August 20, 2009) - The City of Los Angeles Department of
Public Works reported moderate illegal dumping activity in Los Angeles
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008-09, Public Works Board
President Cynthia Ruiz announced recently.

Citywide, 15 arrests were made and 172 administrative hearings conducted as a result of Bureau of Street Services and Sanitation combined efforts. In South Los Angeles, where the City Attorney South Bureau Illegal Dumping Collaborative task force has identified the top 10 illegal dumping locations, 11 arrests were made, and two vehicles
impounded.

"Regular surveillance has been conducted at selected South Los Angeles locations three days per week over the past two months reports William Robertson, Bureau of Street Services Director. Moreover recently, at the request of the Collaborative task force, surveillance times and locations were adjusted to include other areas affected in or near those previously identified.

Trash and debris observed was reported to the Street Services Lot Cleaning Division or Sanitationâ•˙s Bulky Item pick-up crews for immediate removal. Administrative citations were issued based on evidence collected at the locations.

The Bureau of Street Services also has implemented an online Illegal Dumping Crime Tipâ•˙ link on its website to allow citizens
to anonymously report Illegal dumping locations and provide suspect as well as vehicle information, said Robertson.╡ Visit
www.lacity.org/boss/SSIED/illegal_dump.

Since creating the link, 32 reports of illegal dumping have been received. Most violators were homeowners who placed bulky items on the parkway and alleys without contacting the Bureau of Sanitation to request pick up service. In addition, Citywide, 1,503 administrative citations were issued to Multi-Family Bulky Item illegal dumping
violators. Following are target area statistics:

Current Quarter April - June 2009:
Arrests: 6
Administrative Hearings: 23
Administrative Citations: 142
Impounds: 2

Fiscal Year July 2008 to June 2009
Arrests: 15
Administrative Hearings: 172
Administrative Citations: 723
Impounds: 2
11 arrests in illegal dumping collaborative target area
2 arrests in Council District 9 outside target area

Online Illegal Dumping Crime Tip - Complaints Received: 32

Illegal dumping cleanup efforts cost the City about $12 million annually. Offenders can face misdemeanor or felony convictions. If convicted of a misdemeanor, an offender can receive a sentence of six months in jail or a fine of up to $3,000, according to California State Penal Code section 374 .4. For a felony conviction, the fine can be as much as $10,000 or three years in prison, according to State Penal Code 374.8. Los Angeles Municipal Code 66.25 documents the penalty as six
months in jail or a fine of $1,000, or both.

Don't Dump on LA pilot-campaign that targets severely impacted sections of South Los Angeles and Wilmington has been in effect since November 2008. The campaign stresses the City $1,000 reward to citizens who report incidences of illegal dumping that lead to the arrest and conviction of offenders said Ruiz, and we remind citizens to call 3-1-1, the city's non emergency hotline, to report violators. All calls are strictly confidential.

For more information contact the Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation Public Works Public Affairs Office at (213) 978-0333.