Assembly Passes Illegal Dumping Bill

Last Thursday, the California State Assembly passed AB 679, a bill that allows the County to collect money to pay for the cleaning of illegally dumped trash and waste. It now goes to the Senate for a vote. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R), who represents Menifee.

As it stands now, when court convicts someone of illegal dumping, that person is required to pay fines and penalties, usually amounting to around $3,400. However, Riverside County Code Enforcement Department, which does the actual clean up work, doesn't collect any of that money.

This bill allows the Code Enforcement Department to submit an invoice of cost, to be added to the penalties and fines.

You can get the full details of this bill online, here...
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/....ab_679&sess=CUR&house=B&author=benoit

This is particularly good news for Menifee Valley, because so many people are dumping trash here. There are also many piles of dirt, garden waste, and broken concrete being dumped at various lots.

There are places all over Quail Valley like this. They're not easily visible from the road, because illegal dumpers tend to walk behind a hill where they can't be seen. But if you walked out there you will find a junk yard of busted ovens, ripped up couches, broken glass, and everything else that people are too lazy to dispose of properly.

In Sun City, at the corner of McCall and Valley Blvd, you can see piles of dirt and debris dumped by dump trucks. Where are these dump trucks coming from, who's operating them?

It's good that Benoit is making these dumpers pay more for their crimes, but the Sheriff needs to focus on busting the dumpers. Otherwise, us taxpayers are going to keep paying for the cleanup.