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Residents press South Gate council over illegal truck yards, allege health and corruption concerns; city says actions underway
Summary
Many residents urged council to enforce codes against illegal truck yards, naming specific sites and alleging pollution and alleged political favoritism. City staff said investigations and legal steps are in process and that some rezoning requests will go to the Planning Commission.
A series of public commenters at the March 11 South Gate City Council meeting urged the council to move aggressively against several properties they said were operating as illegal truck yards and salvage or storage sites, citing pollution, health risks and alleged preferential treatment.
Speakers named specific addresses including 8530 Alameda, 9313 Reo, 4552 Ardine and a newly raised site at 5625 Firestone. Commenters described long-running operations, alleged illegal dumping and claims of elevated lead and arsenic levels in nearby yards reported in a 2018 EPA sampling effort. Joanne (no last name given), introduced herself as a cancer research advocate and cited a January 2025 noncompliance notification that, she said, stated operations at 8530 Alameda “should have never been operating” and that a permit had expired in 2021.
Nonprofit and resident groups urged code enforcement and immediate termination of illegal activities. Speakers also raised campaign contribution records and alleged preferential treatment; the city attorney advised that allegations of corruption are serious and, if there is specific evidence, should be taken to the district attorney’s public integrity unit for review.
City Manager Rob Houston and staff responded in detail. Houston said each property cited has a different factual and legal situation. He said the Engel property on Alameda has been the subject of legal discussion and that the property owner has the right to submit applications to the Planning Commission. He said the city had told the owner that current uses are not permitted and that there is ongoing legal work.
Staff said Mr. C’s Towing has bought a property with split zoning; the front portion allows certain uses while the back portion does not, and the owner is pursuing a rezoning submittal while the city works with the operator on fencing and signage. Ardeen-area properties were under review; staff said records from 20 years ago appear to show permissions but they are contacting the property owner for documentation. The city manager said the city is “taking this seriously” and is pursuing research and enforcement where appropriate.
Council members asked staff to continue updates and one councilmember asked for a briefing on East LA College project status at a future meeting. The Planning Commission was scheduled to consider Engel’s submittal next week, staff said.
