Elizabeth Jeffords advocates for AB 985 to assist Castaic families impacted by landfill crisis

The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee of the California State Senate convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the Chiquita Canyon Landfill Crisis and the proposed Assembly Bill 985 (AB 985). The meeting featured testimonies from affected residents, including Elizabeth Jeffords, who shared her harrowing experience living near the landfill.

Jeffords, a resident of Castaic, detailed the severe health impacts she and her neighbors have faced since moving into their homes. She described debilitating symptoms such as respiratory issues, fatigue, and neurological problems, attributing these to the toxic environment created by the landfill. Jeffords emphasized the financial strain on families forced to cope with health crises while managing mortgage and property tax obligations in an unsafe living situation. She advocated for AB 985, which aims to provide homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to the landfill disaster with temporary relief from the threat of losing their homes.

The committee members responded with empathy and support for the bill. Senator Grayson commended the bill's author for addressing the dire situation and expressed his support for the property tax provisions. However, he raised concerns regarding the mortgage forbearance aspect of the bill, indicating a need for further discussion in his banking committee.

Senator Ashby also expressed his support for the bill, acknowledging the importance of finding effective solutions for those impacted by the landfill. He encouraged collaboration with the banking industry to ensure that any proposed remedies are meaningful and beneficial.

Throughout the meeting, committee members recognized the urgency of the situation and the need for legislative action to protect the affected families. They committed to further discussions on the mortgage forbearance provisions while expressing their overall support for AB 985.

In conclusion, the committee's deliberations highlighted the ongoing struggles of residents impacted by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill and underscored the importance of legislative measures like AB 985 to provide necessary relief and support for affected families. The committee plans to continue discussions on the bill and explore additional solutions to address the financial burdens faced by these communities.