𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔: Activists Demand Action on Palisades Fire Toxic Debris Cleanup

Dozens of demonstrators marched from Santa Monica City Hall to the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, March 9, 2025, demanding urgent action to address toxic wildfire debris polluting Los Angeles County’s coastline. The March to Save the Sea brought together environmental activists, community members, surfers, and local leaders who voiced concerns over hazardous waste accumulating on beaches in the wake of the Palisades Fire. Chanting "Keep the debris out of the sea!" and "We want answers, not cancers!" protesters called for immediate environmental testing and cleanup efforts, emphasizing the dangers of toxic ash, asbestos, and heavy metals that have washed onto the shore. Many speakers accused government officials of failing to provide transparent testing and cleanup plans, warning that continued inaction would lead to severe public health and ecological consequences. Elizabeth Kahn Baum, a lead organizer of the march, highlighted the need for accountability from local and state officials. She emphasized that there is no clear plan to remove the toxic debris, pointing out that storm drains are already black with contamination. She called the situation a serious public health crisis, urging immediate, consistent, and transparent testing across Los Angeles County beaches. Veronica, another organizer, stressed that the disaster is far from over. She refuted claims that the debris is simply burnt wood, explaining that hazardous materials such as batteries, insulation, plastics, and other chemicals are breaking down on beaches and leaching into the ocean. She warned that the longer officials wait to act, the worse the damage will become. Surfers and longtime beachgoers expressed frustration over the ongoing pollution. One local surfer stated that he had not been in the water for weeks because of the contamination. Another protester, dressed as a “goddess of the ocean” covered in soot and debris, symbolized the devastation to marine life and urged immediate action, stating that sea lions and fish were suffering due to the pollution. A petition circulated at the protest called on Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and other officials to stop hazardous waste processing at Will Rogers Beach and Topanga Creek, citing the ecological sensitivity of these areas. Protesters also demanded expanded environmental testing, calling for more sample sites, increased frequency, and transparency in reporting. They pushed for immediate, ecologically responsible cleanup efforts that do not involve heavy machinery, which could further disrupt fragile marine ecosystems. Many protesters emphasized the economic impact of polluted beaches, warning that declining tourism and unsafe swimming conditions could have long-term consequences for coastal communities. Others pointed out that hazardous waste from the Palisades Fire continues to spread, posing risks far beyond Santa Monica. While Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete was unable to attend due to travel, organizers noted that their advocacy efforts had led to some initial progress, including the decommissioning of hazardous waste sorting sites at Will Rogers Beach and Topanga Creek. However, they insisted that this was only the beginning, urging continued public pressure on officials to ensure comprehensive cleanup efforts.a The protest concluded with a renewed commitment to activism, as organizers announced plans to form a Coastal Alliance and register as a 501(c)(4) organization to push for stronger environmental protections. Demonstrators vowed to continue marching, petitioning, and demanding action until officials provide clear answers and solutions. One activist stated that people should not have to beg for clean beaches and insisted that the government must step up because the ocean cannot wait.