Sen. Ben Allen visits Lindero Canyon students, addresses landfill concerns and local bike plan

State Sen. Ben Allen visited Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills on a recorded episode of Next Gen Agoura Hills to speak with eighth-grade students about local issues, public service and how young people can get involved.

During the visit, Allen said his office has heard continuing concerns about a local landfill and that he planned to visit the site to learn more. "We're constantly people are constantly reaching out to us, on so many different issues... we're gonna go down there and check it out and learn a little bit more about what's going on," Allen said, adding that "individual truck drivers are not, following all the procedures they're supposed to follow." The senator said his team has been pressing permitting and other governmental agencies for clearer answers for residents.

The session also turned to pedestrian and bicycle access. Students described a shortcut near a nearby Target that they said can be "sketchy" and asked for safer walking connections and more protected bike lanes on busy streets. Katya, the program host, and students noted the city is developing a bicycle master plan; Allen encouraged the students to stay engaged as the plan advances and suggested there are multiple ways to influence community infrastructure beyond running for office.

Mental health and school wellness were also discussed. The interview took place in Lindero Canyon Middle School's wellness center, and speakers emphasized school-based supports. Allen described personal strategies for stress management — exercise, family time and brief moments for decompression — and told students he wanted elected officials to better understand how social media and technology are changing childhood.

Students spoke about local volunteer opportunities and leadership roles they already hold, including the rec center, a teen advisory board at the school library and orchestra section leadership, and asked about public-service pathways. Allen urged them to consider a broad view of public service — working for elected officials, volunteering, serving on boards or working in government affairs — and to think expansively about how to make a difference.

The visit combined local concerns about infrastructure and environmental management with a career‑focused conversation for middle‑school students. No formal actions, votes or ordinance measures were taken during the recorded visit.