Whiteman Airport Page 2 - Southern California Aviation United Working Group

“Supporting Airports, Strengthening Communities”

Please check for updates:

* Above obtained from CS SW OCT 31, 2024

Historical Perspective:

About the photos - Special to SCAUWG.ORG from Matthew Stone - "The first two images and last are from--of all things--a cigarette matchbook issued on behalf of Whiteman Air Park, undoubtedly by Marvin Whiteman has Whiteman's name stylized as he had it in his company signs. This little matchbook gave remarkably detailed pattern info for WHP (which was using its old runway then (I would guess 18/36)), such as its 800 ft TPA.

Based upon the streets featured and the distinct absence of the Four Stacks (despite their hazards as obstructions right about where the 45 deg. pattern entry is called for) as well as the mention of swimming, I would guess this matchbook originates somewhere between 1948 (the pool was dedicated that year and is featured in an illustration in the matchbook) and 1953 (the Four Stacks are built). I will be looking into the streets further to attempt to pin the date down. Image #7 was an old 1947 press clipping I ran across long ago which this contemporary matchbook map meshes well with.

The other photos date to much later...the late 1960s and show the surrounding area. The most notable feature of these are the first clear views of Whiteman's racetrack. (Per Jim Miller, Marvin Whiteman had put that project together on the basis of his own involvement with stock cars and to keep racing nearby but off the streets.)" - M.S.

01/31/2026 "... I snapped photos of the historical advertisement posters present in the WHP terminal that lean into the past just as the matchbook does." -Mathew Stone

Historical Posters photographed by Matthew Stone

Special Notices:

Happenings at Van Nuys Airport.

New permanent pattern altitude is 1600 feet msl (800 feet agl).

Landing fees are still on hold. The current recommendation is for a charge of $9.65 per 1000 lbs. landed weight (Cessna 172 at 2400 lbs. = $23.16 per landing) through the end of Fiscal Year 2026 (June 30, 2026) and then increasing to $14.18 (Cessna 172= $34.03). The LAWA Board of Airport Commissioners until at least January 29th.

This Page (2) was Added 01/14/2026 For Whiteman Airport Page 1 Please Click Here

News, Challenges, Events & Correspondence:

05/20/2026 MONICA RODRIQUEZ. / IMELDA PADILLA SONSOR A CITY COUNCIL MOTION SEEKING DAMAGES RE THE RECNET IN FLIGHT LOW APPROACH TO THE WHP RUNWAY, BLAMING THE AIRPORT MFOR MISMANAGEMENT.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER RODRIQUEZ BLAMES COUNTY PWNED WHP AIRPORYT FOR A PIOLT'S LOW APPROACH ACCIDENT

5/20/2026

RODRIQUEZ MOTION BLAMING WHP - VOTE and PROCEDURAL DATA

05/19/2026 THE RESPONSE FROM LACDPW as ORDERED by LAC BOS - WHAT WILL MAKE WHP SAFER - RECOMMENDATIONS

RESPONSE TO 5/29/26 MOTION #29 - PAGE 1 OF 8

RESPONSE TO 5/05/26 MOTION #29 PAGE 2 OF 8

THE FULL DOCUMENT ADDRESSES:

A 3-YEAR AIP GRANT IS RECOMMENDED

ABSOLUTELY NO REFERENCE TO PERPETUITY, AND IN FACT IGNORING It.

ANOTHER CAC AND A PART 150 STUDY

FLIGHT PATH REDESIGN GOALS

READ THE ENTIRE RESPONSE DOCUMET BY CLICKING HERE

05/19/2026 JUST RELEASED! The BLUE RIBBON COMPMISSION Report ordered in 2025 by the LA County Board of Supervisors

BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION - COVER PAGE

CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK for the final report of the LA County BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION (BRC)

This study was initiated to respond the 2025 fires:

https://labrcommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BRC_FinalReport_Digital_FullResolution_061825.pdf

Our understanding is the enactment of certain directives of this was just put before the BOS today (May 19, 2026) under this motion

Some of the familiar names recognized as anti-airport activists that participated with this effort are Veronica Padilla-Campos (Pacoima Beautiful) and Rudy Ortega, Jr. (Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians).

Perhaps the most directly relevant reference made in this report re: Whiteman Airport (politically) is on page 67 (I-63) in the report is this excerpt:

"The LACoFD and the LAFD should collaborate with other agencies to update and align water infrastructure design fire protection standards for fire flow volumes, residual pressure, hydrant design and spacing, and other design factors; explore the use and deployment of temporary solutions—like portable high-pressure hoses, water tanks, and pumps—to quickly deliver water where it’s needed most for firefighting; and coordinate refill locations, including identifying new locations as needed, for firefighting helicopters."

As both Ms. Padilla-Campos and Mr. Ortega were part of this BRC and the previous WHP CAC, their positions with regard to WHP can be referred to:

in the Whiteman CAC, they advocated against expanded emergency services (by favoring airport closure)
- Further, they did so over the explicit counsel from/objections raised by the LA County Fire chief
After the fires, in this BRC report Ms. Padilla-Campos & Mr. Ortega co-sign on this report advocating for increasing firefighting air assets' abilities and access

To our (SCAUWG.ORG) knowledge, Ms. Padilla-Campos and Mr. Ortega have never recanted their anti-WHP stance--despite its direct contravention of the goals of this BRC.

05/19/2026 LA COUNTY BRC - DEFINITION - FIREFIGHTING -

RELATES TO A NEW MOTION 5/19/2026

05/19/2026 Does LA County Support Pacoima Beautiful and Real Estate purchases? This 2025 Video illustrates a strong link between the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the NGO.

Watch the short VIDEO HERE.

05/19/2026 "PACOIMA" GREED -- NOW, IMPORTANT AGAIN - YOUR COMMENT NEEDED!

EMAIL CONTACTS - CLICK ON IMAGE - IMPORTANT

05/18/2026 Tanker unit from Barton/Whiteman as it took part in responding to the Sandy Fire:

Responding to the SANDY Fire - Photo credit: Ventura County Star

05/18/2026 SANDY FIRE FOUGHT BY BARTON HELIPORT (PAI)

EN ROUTE TO SANDY From BARTON (PAI) IN ABOUT 10 MINS.

Flight logs verify the participation of at least one LA County Fire unit operating from Whiteman/Barton in fighting the Sandy fire (first reported at about 10:15am on 5/18); it was quite possibly as the first air unit on the scene (LACoFD was in the air and flying to the scene within 10 minutes):

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N821LA/history/20260518/1722Z/KPAI/KPAI

The same LA County Fire unit was on scene for hours thereafter:

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N821LA/history/20260518/1952Z/6CA4/KPAI

"A <10 minute response time from the first reports to launch and travel to the fire seems pretty good" "Probably NOT a smart idea to replace Barton and the Airport with a development or whatever, unless you feel garden hoses will work and put out fires!" - M.S.

05/17/2026 LA COUNTY in Partnership with PACOIMA DEVELOPERS - The Program that HAS GONE PUBLIC - Just RELEASED:

CLICK THE IMAGE and VIEW the APPLICATION DATA

CLICK ON THE IMAGE for HOME SCTREEN DETAILS - RELEASED BY SUPERVISOR HOLLY MITCHELL

Examination of the program reveals the following goals:

CAF GOALS FOR COMMUNITY GENTRIFCATION

05/14/2026

To: J:M. Haney

The Most Current LA County REQUEST EXTENTION

5/12/2026 Email Response to Editor NBAA INSIDER re: linking to Meg Godlewski's 05/06/26 Whiteman Airport press coverage:

In the past, a fine reporter, however, this 5/6/26 Whiteman article was flawed. I can attest to that, as given guidance by Attorney Jol Silversmith (represents NBAA) I researched and proved that Whiteman has the benefit of Perpetuity, and as a publisher of aviation safety and airport advocacy information, I have studied the politics involved, as well as the airport operations. I wrote her some very detailed comments. Her very short dismissive response was obtuse. Details can follow should you be interested. It is unfortunate that she didn't do more homework, and as a result didn't see the facts behind the smoke that Supervisor Horvath clearly intended to manipulate the press with. - This note is intended as a very polite reminder that not all news, particularly that which rides the coattails of sensationalism, is true just because it is in print. - Personally, I feel Meg, a CFI and Cal Pilots member, should have known better. Should you be interested in Whiteman's real story that should be in print, I invite you to tour the dedicated Whiteman pages (1&2) found at SCAUWG.ORG. Whiteman Airport Page 2 - Southern California Aviation United Working Group - I really respect your work. I link to it often.

RESPONSE from NBAA INSIDER DAILY:

I appreciate you sending this along and will keep it in mind when sharing/writing articles on this topic. - NBAA INSIDER DAILY

Further Response to INSIDER DAILY:

Thank you for the courtesy of a timely response.

if one discounts all of the community outreach programs, its place as a Federal reliever airport, and its subsequent importance to the NAS, Whiteman Airport just recently saved lives and property during the LA Fires. The fire chief is on record stating that the staging area and the Tower enabling quick departures are necessary.

Whiteman should not be blamed be blamed because a few pilots demonstrated that recurrent training was necessary, or that their status needs further evaluation. Yet in the interest of real-estate development and area gentrification, some politicians with real estate backgrounds or with certain campaign supporters, blame the airport or the control tower, neither of which have any jurisdiction to regulate flight, of "lack pf safety, desire closure at any cost, stack "community advisory committees with staff members and established cohorts, manipulate fiscal starvation by denying FAA Grant Funding, by diverting airport revenue, and by sponsoring a 1.5 million dollar closure study for an airport that enjoys perpetuity.

I wonder if folks should close Denver because of the recent fatal accident, or how about LAX, should it be closed because an Alasca Airlines Jet was offshore enroute to it, or how about Newark where an inbound flew too low on approach?

In this case, folks that claim to represent their districts really represent themselves.

SCAUWG.ORG publishes the details.

THANK YOU.

05/08.2026 EMAILED LETTER TO JASON MORGAN - (And Response) re: Supervisor Horvath's Motion

Dear Jason Morgan,

Regarding the recent directive to address safety issues at WHP, we respectfully submit that KWHP is safe, but it is Supervisor Horvath's hold on the acceptance of further grants that is the largest obstacle to further improving safety. Notably, Horvath crafted carefully-worded dialogue to procure testimony at the May 5 meeting from staff to the effect that her political agenda has not reduced safety, but even if strictly true, that obscures the fact that her groundless hold on FAA funding impedes safety enhancements.

Please share these ideas with Steve Barger as your response to the May 5 BOS mandate to report back to the BOS in seven days creates an opportunity to set the record straight and offer pathways forward to improving safety at KWHP as well as the other LAC owned airports.

By way of further background, based on what is presently known, the recent accident that precipitated motion 29 resulted from alleged pilot error, due to the pilot flying too low on approach, which is a matter independent of LAC management and ownership of the of the airport.

Here are three main points in response to the BOS mandate issued May 5, 2026.

1. Los Angeles County has no ability to close the airport, or to restrict operations (for safety or any other reason), because of its perpetual federal obligations, as recently confirmed by the FAA.

2. Proactive actions for LAC to improve safety at KWHP, without restricting operations, include: 1. Undergrounding the electric lines in the approach path to the runway. 2. LAC purchasing neighboring properties to clear the Runway Protection Zones of obstacles, consistent with recommendations made 15 years ago in the 2011 Master Plan for Whiteman. 3. Upgrade the approach glide slope light indicators from a PAPI (i.e., a two-light system) to a VASI four light system, for improved visibility to pilots. 4. Request that tower staff are trained to call out low glide path warnings to pilots on approach. This is obligatory for IFR flights but warnings rarely are provided for VFR traffic. Many of these projects would be eligible for federal grants, which would cover the majority of the costs.

3. Supervisor Horvath needs an offramp to save face: Your recommendation should be: “The best thing the County could do is resume taking federal grants for capital improvements that would further enhance safety, but nothing about the airport is currently unsafe as measured by compliance with FAA standards and regulations.”

Thank you.

To Steve Barger, two airport users request an in-person meeting to discuss broader issues regarding the airport system. I can be reached at 626 353-6861.

05/08/2026

From: Jason Morgan <jmorgan@dpw.lacounty.gov>
Date: May 8, 2026 at 8:38:33 AM PDT
Subject: Re: Bullet points for Horvath BOS response.

Good morning,

I certainly appreciate your engagement on this topic. At this time, Public Works has an established approach in place, but your input is certainly valued.

Per your request, I forwarded your email and request to meet to Deputy Director Steve Burger.

Jason Morgan

Chief, Aviation Division

Los Angela County Public Works

05/06/2026 SCAUWG.ORG RESPONSE to Meg Godlewski, author FLYING's article: LA County Scrutinizes Whiteman Airport Operations - Following a recent accident, a supervisor calls for federal review amid questions about the facility's long-term future. - You can view this article Here.

SCAUWG.ORG: Hello Meg,

Many times, I have complimented you and your work product. You once wrote that a journalism teacher measured successful reporting by whether you are criticized by both sides of the issue. That teacher forgot two very important factors. 1. Verifiable facts should not be ignored and 2. You must search for the "hook." - the most newsworthy puzzle piece.

Though as always, I appreciate your devotion to aviation, this article fails to meet your usual professional standard.

The real Story:

Politicians rush to cover up their faulty tracks by diverting attention to the FAA and representing an airplane enroute is the product of an unsafe airport that needs their heroic pursuit of safety and airport enhancement to solve.
Politicians rush to cover up their fiscal mismanagement
Politicians scheme to favor developer profit and sacrifice public welfare and the overwhelming evidence of pro-airport community support

Flaw: Mr. Whiteman built the airport on his privately owned farmland.
Flaw: Aircraft in Flight are regulated by the FAA and calling for the FAA to investigate their own regulations IN ORDER TO CAMOFLAGE that Horvath ordered the multi-year airport funding freeze that starved the airport, and is the primary reason why physical improvements were denied, even though they were sought after by airport management and stakeholders.
Flaw: She ordered that Federal funding for projects be denied (to NOT obligate the airport beyond that 20-year figure you referenced). Same, she thought, would allow the County to close it asap without consideration for the emergency services the public deserves, like the important role it played fighting fires (Hughes Fire & Others). They favor private development for “community benefit.” Not neighborhood safety, but real estate development that would spur gentrification that would ultimately result in the present neighborhood residents to be forced out.
Incorrect logic... improving buildings, even making ALLEGED RUNWAY improvements would not prevent a pilot's low approach of errant flight procedures. Both are regulated by the FAA and not the County
Horvath admitted in print on her website in 2024 the funding freeze on Federal funds. That prevented the mitigations voiced as needed by current day airport opponents, but believing Horvath and the perceived 20-year Grant Assurance, also announced by the LA County Dept, of Public Works, backing Horvath they voted NOT to accept Federal Funding suggesting that the County should pay 100% of the costs.
Whiteman is the fiscal star of 5 County Airports by far. Why then could those "improvements" not be realized? That would be because the County uses WHP airport revenue to support other airports. Using WHP revenue at other County airports is not illegal, but the physical status is certainly NOT the airport's fault. Like City Councilmember Monica Rodriquez has recently charged, it is the County Mismanagement.
It has been suggested by very knowledgeable sources that if Whiteman were to close it would mean the future closure of two other County Airports as well. Something Supervisor Horvath overlooks.
Bottom line: The airport opponents fear of accepting another 20-year obligation and your reporting of a 2021 date, and the false statements-of-fact on that issue by the BOS and the LA County Dept of Public Works are all wasted, worthless reasons for not improving the airport.

FACT: Whiteman has the BENEFIT OF PERPETUITY. Something that some have POSSIBLY BEEN doubting but confirmed not only by the facts I surfaced in 2024 ,but recently ALSO confirmed in a January 2026 via a FAA letter that answered a request for perpetuity confirmation by the OED, addressed to the La County Office of Economic Development (OED). Perpetuity trumps 20-year grant assurances. FAA Guidance to those who could authorize closure is clear on the subject. Bakersfield and Oceanside found that out. FAA Guidance regarding AIP Grants is published on SCAUWG.ORG.

That FAA letter DID NOT STOP the OED from issuing $200,000 more ($1.5 million in total) to Trifiletti. And THAT brings us to a major contention, alleged purposeful financial mismanagement and possible alleged mismanagement to cover up mismanagement.

Note: The fire chief of Barton Heliport is on public record stating that the airport is important for efficient Emergency Services

Note: Make no mistake. After pursuing airport closure, the heliport will be targeted as well.

Note: As a designated reliever airport closing Whiteman would cause Havoc in the NAS

Note: relocating 400 aircraft to other airports (Van Nuys?) – Certainly not Hollywood Burbank would cause Van Nuys Airport big problems and the residents near VNY even larger problems. Monica Rodriquez would rejoice, but one wonders if City Councilmember Imelda Padilla would be responsive to the VNY airport area residents.

In other news: Public Comment response to Horvath’s 05/05 BOS motion was 44 in favor of keeping the airport to one opposed, yet the BOS voted 4-0 to accept the motion that also included following the CAC input wherei9n a panel of selected members chosen from Political staff, Pacoima Beautiful Staff and at least on beneficiary of significant grant funding from the City Council. That input was to close the airport. THAT was part of the motion submitted under the guise of enhancing Airport safety.

The anti-airport March Sponsored by ICONCDC and Pacoima Beautiful scheduled for May 5, drew about 12 people. Every nearby Neighborhood council has VOTED TO SUPPORT THE AIRPORT, AND SURVEYS OVERWHELNINGLY INDICATE THE “COMMUNIY” DOES AS WELL.

This email took some time to write. I’ve sent it to encourage telling the real story. Using the media as pawns to serve the folks who have less than honorable intentions is less than ideal. The courtesy of a response would be nice.

Once again, I admire your work, please accept this email as evidence I care about your continued success.

With respect, Ron - SCAUWG.ORG

RESPONSE FROM MEG GODLEWSKI:

Ron,
The piece I wrote was intended to show that the accidents that have happened near Whiteman Field do not have anything to do with the operations or airspace. This is why I included the NTSB reports.

I am well aware of the agenda of both sides. - Meg

RETURN FURTHER RESPONSE to Ms. Godlewski: From Dr. Marc Haney

Meg, thank you for writing the article highlighting some of the forces causing a movement to close KWPH.However, you should be aware of the force of Supervisor Horvath has created behind this closure movement.

Supervisor Horvath was voted in to the Supervisor district about four years ago and clearly had an agenda to close Whiteman:

Immediately, Horvath terminated the two aviation commissioners for her district, Anton and Pascucci, with one week’s notice through a phone call from her staffer. Anton was then sitting Aviation Commission Chair. No thank you for your service. These two commissioners were replaced with a community organizer and an environment lawyer.
Horvath unilaterally ordered the LAC department of public works to deny approximately $50 million of federal funds for airport improvements at KWHP. There has been a FAA funding freeze for this airport for nearly three years while several projects are in immediate need (runway , taxiway improvement). Horvath issued the order without the approval of the other 4 BOS.
A discussion of undergrounding utility lines subject of the recent crash was shelved two year ago.
Horvath ignored a letter to the BOS from sitting Aviation Commissioners, industry organizations, that KWPH is obligated to remain open in perpetuity due to FAA grant obligations.
Despite this knowledge, Horvath ordered a land use study, of which $300,000 came from aviation division accounts and allegedly$400,000 from her district funds, with he targeted goal of closing Whiteman Airport.

Summary, it is incumbent upon you to follow up with these facts and the points Ron Berenstien has made.

Horvath is posturing in the recent May 5 BOS motion to appear on the right side of the issue in order to cover up the fiscal stranglehold she has saddled KWPH with. A classic political head fake maneuver.

Horvath does not understand federal regulations, nor the right path forward.

A single aircraft flying low hitting powerlines that were recommended to be undergrounded two years ago, is not the responsibility of LAC , while efforts to improve this safety issue were rejected. Just as the officer involved shooting of a car hijack person causing a five-mile freeway back up in Pacoima (occurring simultaneously with the May 5 BOS meeting) could not have ben prevented. Bad piloting is not the same as having an unsafe airport. Though, poor sponsor management of an airport, such as Horvath starving KWPH of necessary funds to maintain a safe airport creates an unsafe environment.

This is the story you are obligated to research and report on. Thank you, Dr. Haney, KEMT, LAC airport advocate.

SCAUWG.ORG: Further RESPONSE to Meg Godlewski:

Neither Dr. Haney nor I take issue with the point you just made.

I take issue that the way your article was voiced (to a Novice) e.g. grant assurance explanation, you allowed the major misrepresented implication of twenty years to go unchallenged.

THAT has been a MAJOR THRUST allowing the starvation of funding to be accepted. THAT INCORRECT Assessment has been sold to the public for years now, just like lead, pollution and sound. WHP has already had enough sensationalist bias content meant to lure an audience at the expense of the airport. Speaking for myself, I expected more, and I gave you the "more." Instead of replying "thank you, I'll pursue a follow up," you again told me about "sides." One thing that I have learned at 75 is how to, with security, address my failures, as well as my successes. It's very easy for me to say, "thank you, you are right."

This is not an argument between sides of opinion. THIS IS FACT and it has been misrepresented, and you continued that interpretation. Mr. Whiteman developed farmland; there were no residences. The city later allowed the zoning that allowed building of structures almost up to the runway, and now there are "complaints" from the City. Motion 29 had 44 public comments favoring the airport and criticizing Horvath. Only 1 liked her motion that was designed to look like she was the champion of safety while at the same time cancelling professional opinion and setting up the near future process of following the CAC, which was stacked with members handpicked for their bias by Monica Rodriquez, and was programmed to close the airport... I have biographical data detailing the significant players. THIS IS NOT, and nor HAS IT EVER BEEN, TWO LEGAL OPINIONS IN GOOD FAITH that seek a conclusion. This is a story of alleged political manipulation and greed. Ask if residents agree. There was a sponsored march on MAY 5^th by PB and ICONCDC. About 12 people showed up.

Much of the press has been "played," reduced to pawns in the process of the political game. The real story is not told. Sensationalism is easier.

Personally, I stand tall. I feed folks information, and I release info which at times, just like a couple of weeks ago re: SMO, gets republished. My site is logged into 15000 times weekly because I supply Safety info, and I report Verifiable truth.

You can write anything you desire. But as I see it, you can be part of the problem, or part of the answer. THOSE are the only two "sides" I recognize here. Mark elequently elaborated upon my thrust.

A don't fly out of Whiteman, though I regularly as a FAASTeam Rep I taught there for years; I don't fly to Whiteman. I did put money where my mouth is contributing twice the amount that the Airport association did to the effort of positive airport advocacy. I see WHP not just as an airport, but as a potential harmful model that might be used to shape the future of GA. - Ron

Anti WHP March

05/05/2026 Pacoina Beautiful and ICONCDC sponsored closeWHP march. About 12 people showed up.

05/05/2026 PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – On Friday, lawmakers announced that multiple airports in Oregon will receive over $3 million in federal funding. - "U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum, and Maxine Dexter revealed that 10 airports in Oregon will receive federal funding with a combined total of $3.14 million.

“Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.”

The cities benefiting include: McMinnville, Burns, Florence, Troutdale, Ontario, Corvallis, Lexington, Newport, Tillamook, and Gold Beach. Story Here.

SCAUWG.ORG ASKS - Can Whiteman Airport benefit from the Oregon Example? WHERE are the Pacoima Politicians?

05/05/2026 Whiteman Airport Safety Motion Revives Closure Debate - From AVweb - "The Pacoima airport’s future remains under review as county officials seek a federal safety review. - Whiteman Airport Safety Motion Revives Closure Debate - The Pacoima airport’s future remains under review as county officials seek a federal safety review." SCAUWG,ORG Note: Unfortunately, not unlike some other well-groomed media sources in an effort to print "both sides of a circumstance the political spinsters can take a victory lap. Supervisor Horvath desiring to be perceived as a safety czar writes two litters to Federal agencies asking them to improve safety at Whiteman airport perhaps implying that the airport needs to be improved in order to improve the pilot skills of those relatively few pilots that have suffered accidents while flying toward, or away from the airport. The fact not covered in the PR releases that have inspired those media sources if the note that it was Supervisor Horvath that ordered that Whiteman Airport not accept any FAA Funding for improvements years ago, and it has been the BOS that has taken airport revenue away from the Whiteman (the Breadwinner) and used it to help fiscally support other L A County airports. - You can read the AVweb story Here.

05/04/2026 COMMENT SUBMITTED TO THE LA County Board of Supervisors - Motion #29 Enhancing Safety at Whiteman Airport. Motion as submitted by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath can be viewed HERE.

Submitted on the morning of 05/04/2026 SCAUWG.ORG wrote:

With reference to Agenda item #29 Enhancing Safety at Whiteman Airport

Dear Honorable Members of the Board of Supervisors:

Suspending #22.1 denies knowledgeable stakeholders with related professional backgrounds from comment and allows those without formal training concerning the matter at hand to shape consequences. Recently, the BOS requested the OED to EXPAND and DELAY the $ 1.3 million dollar report of Trifiletti Consultants and spend $200,000 to do so. Now a few weeks later, this motion essentially says study is not needed. If so, allocating now what has become 1.5 million dollars to study Whiteman Airport would seem to be pointless and the misappropriation of public funds.
Whiteman Airport is NOT responsible for regulating the pilot activity of aircraft that are not even at the airport. Aircraft while in flight are regulated by the FAA, and certainly NOT by the County.
Blaming the airport for an accident aircraft enroute to it is tantamount to blaming the County of Los Angeles for the thousands of automobile and motorcycle accidents of those enroute to Los Angeles. The County can not be expected to be responsible for every accident vehicle. Anything otherwise would make the County liable for untold millions of dollars.
Referring to the Community Advisory Committee. The “CAC” did not represent the community. The CAC panel was primarily chosen by City Councilmember Monica Rodriquez and was chosen from obligated political staff members, those who receive grant monies from the City, and those with already well known bias that favored private developers accessing public land for fiscal benefit.
Certain CAC members voted against community improvement measures that they initially supported because not knowing that Whiteman Airport already had the benefit of perpetuity, they thought voting for the improvements to be paid for with Federal monies would obligate the airport to stay open longer.
Conclusion: Whiteman is not responsible for aircraft in the air. The CAC did not represent the community, in fact publicized several false statements of fact that denied the County’s own studies. Vehicular accidents happen. Aircraft traffic is much safer than automobile traffic. Addressing otherwise is not only discrimination, but particularly in case, potentially harmful to not only those residents of Pacoima that chose where they are living, but also to the residents of the County-at-large who could be put in harm’s way. The airport is referred to on record as recognized by the Baton heliport management and the FAA as necessary to both expediate emergency services, and to be an important element of the National Airspace System. The motion that at first may sound inviting is faulty and those who are truly for the community’s well-being should vote, “NO.”

Confirmation of Comment Submission

How to Submit a Comment: Online Portal/eComment: Many counties use an online system (e.g., LA County Public Comment or San Diego's eComment) to submit comments directly on specific agenda items.

05/04/2026 To the BOS from Marc Haney, SGVAA - San Gabriel Valley Airport Advocate re: Motion #29

Oppose "Public safety at Whiteman airport needs to be of foremost importance. However, Lindsey Horvath unilaterally froze FAA funds to be used in part for safety concerns at Whiteman Airport; Allegedly $50 million dollars was denied from the FAA for airport improvement and safety purposes, denied without the approval of the BOS. Two years ago, a proposal to underground the powerlines that were recently hit by a low flying aircraft, INDEPENDINT of operations of Los Angeles Count owned, Whiteman Airport, was denied by Horvath. Horvath ignores the FAA grant compliance rules in operating a federally funded airport without the support of the BOS. Horvath recklessly ignores 22.1 to exclude accountability. Horvath has moved forward without County BOS protocol to spend 1.9 million of taxpayer funds on a study that has pre-emotively been shown to be futile: Whiteman Airport has to be operated in perpetuity per FAA regulations. Horvath has recklessly joined a futile path not supported by the BOS, FAA, and residents of Pacoima. Sha has failed at her fiduciary responsibility to manage taxpayers funds ,mis-directed by a few who have real estate development personal gain in mind. Hoervath should be admonished for her reckless spending of tax payers dollars while promoting her own personal agenda outside of the support of the BOS. Lindsey Horvath's autocratic actions should be admonished and sanctioned by the BOS. Whiteman Airport is a part of the LAC airport system, and national aeronautic system subject to federal oversight, not Horvath's pet project to appeal to a small number of developers who stand to gain from its closure. Vote no on this action item. It is polluted and contaminated. A LAC board of supervisor acting outside the boundaries of accountability should be admonished and sanctioned."

04/30/2026 Special to Scauwg.org "ICONCDC / Pacoima Beautiful holds a meeting event. ICONCDC (nonprofit) and Aquaria Funding Solutions (private firm) appear to be both led by Roberto Barragan, who has been featured on various recent newscasts as a voice of anti-Whiteman sentiment. ICONCDC is the recipient of city fiscal grants. - One observation: "The gist of it appears to be an unsurprisingly slanted meeting just as one would expect from Pacoima Beautiful/ICONCDC. It was anti-airport voices hosting an anti-airport event while being less than honest about history, such as how they neglect to admit their own role in blocking safety enhancements [e.g. putting high wires underground], noise reduction measures and other improvements."

Another statement alleged that it appeared Pacoima Beautiful and ICONCDC rounded up a bunch of anti-airport folks to complain about the airport, lead pollution and even the firefighters. On the subject of lead: Something that struck me recently is the issue of leaded paint in Pacoima. Where is the outrage? Certainly, leaded paint is around in the area and exposure to it can cause problems...yet the people who harp for years on end about Whiteman say absolutely nothing about leaded paint. (I recall exactly one instance (circa 2022) where Pacoima Beautiful acknowledged leaded paint (while advertising for some remediation efforts). that was within days of them seamlessly blaming WHP for all local lead exposure.

The fact that anti-WHP crowd says nothing about other lead exposure sources (almost all of which are more readily available) and not facing retirement as 100LL gives away the game..."lead" is just a talking point to them. They do not care about it nor do those who caterwaul about it actually fear it. It's just an act. For instance:

Helen Tran, a known PB affiliate who works at the Western Center on Poverty & Law, bellyached in video footage about lead pollution and the horrors of all the chemicals 'spewed on the neighborhood' by WHP at the 4/30 meeting. Tran's comment, which was highlighted by PB in their photo recap, is something else that can be taken to support the 'staged' theory...Tran certainly didn't just walk in and say what she did, she's known to PB.

Helen Tran, while an expectant mother, took part in the Caroline Menjivar SB1193 photo-op in 2024 beside Whiteman...if she genuinely believed leaded fuel was the threat her hysterics portray it as, would she have done that? I think not. (The same can be said about Teodora Reyes' sister Crystal "Diosy" Reyes; she is currently an expectant mother and repeated this series of action while reporting on the 26F crash.)

Also: upon reviewing her dossier, it is plainly stated that Tran was previously affiliated with Neighborhood Legal Services--which is the business that Yvonne Maria Jiminez (also present on 4/30 and a CAC panelist) is an associate at.

Yet again, a closer look at the usual suspects around WHP reveals that the anti-WHP gang seems to be a perpetually small, tight-knit circle." - M.S.

Webmaster observation: Other sources of lead in residential or commercially zoned neighborhoods:

Industrial and commercial activities

Lead-acid battery manufacturing and recycling – These facilities can release lead dust and fumes during production, reclamation, and smelting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency +1.
Ore and metals processing – Nearby smelters, refineries, or metal fabrication plants can emit lead-containing particulates into the air U.S. Environmental Protection Agency +1.
Waste incinerators and utilities – Burning certain waste streams or operating older power plants can release lead if it’s present in the waste or equipment shunwaste.com.
Commercial construction and renovation – Dismantling older buildings with lead-based paint can stir up lead-contaminated dust into the air archive.cdc.gov +1.

Transportation-related sources

Vehicle emissions – While leaded gasoline is no longer used in on-highway vehicles, older vehicles or certain specialty fuels may still contribute small amounts U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Legacy and urban environmental factors

Historic lead contamination – Many urban areas, including commercial zones built on older infrastructure, have soils and dust with elevated lead from past industrial use, leaded gasoline, and smelting archive.cdc.gov +1.
Dust resuspension – Wind or construction activity can stir up lead-contaminated dust from roads, sidewalks, and building surfaces archive.cdc.gov.

Indoor and secondary sources

Cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes – Second-hand and third-hand smoke can deposit lead onto indoor surfaces, which can then be inhaled or ingested U.S. Environmental Protection Agency +1.
Commercial products and consumer goods – Some imported goods, cosmetics, and traditional remedies may contain lead, which can be released indoors archive.cdc.gov.

Why commercially zoned areas can be affected

Even without large-scale smelters, commercial zones may be near airports, battery recycling plants, or older industrial sites. They can also be located in urban cores where historic lead contamination is widespread, and where traffic and construction activities resuspend lead dust U.S. Environmental Protection Agency +2.
Public health note - Lead exposure in these areas can occur through breathing contaminated air or hand-to-mouth contact with lead dust. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable archive.cdc.gov +1.

If you live in or work in a commercially zoned neighborhood, monitoring local air quality data, checking for nearby industrial sources, and maintaining good indoor air quality can help reduce exposure risk.

I wonder if the anti-airport folk should be enraged about the use of 12V lead/acid car batteries and those who smoke cigarettes or use cosmetics? Of course tearing down old buildings for the CAF (see later notes) plan would not be helpful if there was a lot of lead-based paint!

Regarding the 4/30 meeting:

- An after-meeting impression is that not only do those who sponsored this event desire to close the "airport" per se, but it is also alleged that the sponsors seem to suggest that the adjacent Barton Heliport should also be dismantled. - One informed source of information in her comments at the 4/29 meeting at WHP, Josie Zarate (formerly affiliated with Pacoima Beautiful herself) testified to the LA County Aviation Commission that she is now turned away and prohibited from Pacoima Beautiful events (undoubtedly like the 4/30 Vaughn school meeting) explicitly because she does not share their views. Alleged also is that other prominent, trustworthy locals (including neighborhood councilors) have reported experiencing the same treatment, and that exclusion from PB events because of differing political views is very normal, and that PB is not receptive to dissent.

The San Fernando Sun recorded segments from the 4/30 ICONCDC/PB meeting. Also a Fox news report aired segments of the meeting. One observation made after viewing the collection of videos is that the Subway boxes depicted the possibility that some of the audience may have been incentivized by the presence of complimentary dining. Also noticed was the Roberto Barragan [ICONCDC] himself controlled the microphone and selected who in the audience responded. You must decide for yourself based upon previous judicious analysis of fact if the material presented by the speakers is truthful, and if the speakers selected from the audience spoke with possibly scripted messages, and if one in particular, was in fact read.

View video #1 recorded by San Fernando Sun/el Sol HERE. View video #2 HERE.

Responding on Facebook to the Sun's Coverage the following is a sample:

Comment: "There are other comments like this--but the gist is that many people suspect the meeting was staged, that its composition was carefully crafted (the high number of staffers/known affiliates on hand supports this) and the event was purposely 'quiet' in its advertisement to the public while news media (Univision) were invited in.

There are other comments like this--but the gist is that many people suspect the meeting was staged, that its composition was carefully crafted (the high number of staffers/known affiliates on hand supports this) and the event was purposely 'quiet' in its advertisement to the public while news media (Univision) were invited in." - M.S.

05/05/2026 Complete Texts of all comments to the BOS re: HORVATH Motion 29 [voted Approved on 05/05/26] - See the LIST HERE

04/30/2026 From 4/21/2026 Monica Rodriquez Statement

4/30/2026 Supervisors to take up additional safety provisions at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima - From Daily News - "The motion, to be heard May 5, comes after a plane crashed near the airport, critically injuring the pilot and knocking out power to the neighborhood" Editorial Note: Congratulations to the Daily News. This article reflects airport coverage in a more balanced tone than the inital sensationalism style that other news sources adopted. Read the article Here

4/30/2026 From Supervisor Horvath's website 4/30/2026 - A proven source of anti-airport sentiment, and the force behind a freeze upon accepting Federal funds for airport improvement, now desires to be portrayed as a proponent of airport safety. The County has been under considerable criticism from City Councilmember Monica Rodriquez for improper airport management. Perceived as a longtime political ally of Supervisor Horvath, it is questionable whether the Supervisor is reacting to City Council criticism, or the criticism of those promoting the airport

CLICK ON IMAGE TO READ THE MOTION

04/29/2026 EDITORIAL OPINION: 'Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive' - Sir Walter Scott, 1808 from his poem, "Marmion." Today, in modern times, we might be familiar with the expression "Damage control." Though most certainly Supervisor Horvath was not in office when first there was a power line strike years ago on the approach to Whiteman Airport, through no fault of the airport, forces aligned now with the supervisor lobbied against putting those lines underground, as well as declaring federal funds should not be accepted for the completion of projects they originally argued for. Over the past couple of years, a large list of airport related improvements has surfaced. Those projects remain stalled because Supervisor Horvath denied the opportunity to fund 90-95% of the needed projects with Federal funds made available via FAA Grants.

This, for a time remained conjecture, as public records requests yielded no specific written order to withhold the application for funding. Recent investigation however has affirmed that Supervisor Horvath has written on her own website the truth. She did so declare. This may be that she was afraid that accepting Federal funds would delay her preferred option of airport closure due to the associated FAA grant assurances. Those obligations were represented by LA County Public Works Dept. as lasting twenty years. Ironically, that too was incorrect, Whiteman Airport has the previously undisclosed benefit of perpetuity, made public by SCAUWG.ORG due to a real estate purchase decided upon in 1998 making the twenty-year obligation to stay open mute. Now public that via a funding freeze Supervisor Horvath planned her goal that still favors real estate development via airport closure. Closing Whiteman airport would result in limiting public emergency responses and potentially causing havoc within the National Airspace System. Her letters (shown below) appear to provide a veil of safety concern without changing her preference for closure. Should Supervisor Horvath now desire to favor airport perpetuity recognizing that the County is contractually bound, SCAUWG.ORG is most willing to report her position here, and to the public media. In any case. SCAUWG.ORG desires to see the verifiable results of any airport improvement voiced platform. We are mindful of programs endorsed but never funded and/or never realized.

04/29/2026 Supervisor Horvath letters to the FAA Administrator and to the chair of the NTSB. - Made available compliments of Matthew Stone

4/29 HORVATH LETTER TO THE FAA

4/29 HORVATH LETTER TO THE NATIONAL TRANSPORATION SAFETY BOARD

04/29/2026 Special to SCAUWG.ORG - LA County Aviation Commissioner's Meeting held 4/29 at Whiteman Airport - By Matthew Stone

Attendance was roughly 40 people plus six Aviation Commissioners, several Public Works staff and two or three media teams (from NBC, Telemundo and I believe ABC7)
- No anti-airport speakers materialized, which the news media later noted with surprise
The media teams appeared to be filming inside as well as outside
- NBC news report: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yASqDGBzEQc)
  - Horvath's team was evasive about a request for information on the FAA funding freeze, per NBC's report
- So far I have not found any hits for ABC7 or Telemundo, but it appears likely they may also report on the matter, perhaps in the morning
Overall, the meeting centered on the Aviation Commissioners as eager now to press for action (and funding) to shore up Whiteman as well as the other county airports for sake of safety
- The Aviation Commission seemed buoyed further on that by sentiments in the room and the taste for it in the surrounding community as well
- It appears the ball is in the Board of Supervisors' court (especially Horvath) to get out of the way of progress and to allow Whiteman to seek and obtain whatever funds it can.

04/29/2026 SCAUWG.ORG RESPONDING TO THE NBC 4 TV YouTube Coverage above and specifically:

"NBCLA reached out to Horvath's office to ask specifically about the frozen FAA funding, but she referred us to her statement from Friday, in which she calls on the FAA to conduct a full review of air traffic control operations."

Response to 4/29 to "Los Angeles County Aviation Commission Holds Meeting over Whiteman Airport Safety Concerns" by Macy Jenkins, SCAUWG.ORG sent to the NBCTV News desk a similar release as sent to KTLA on 4/25 (shown Below). This release PROVES that Supervisor Horvath via her own statement, has denied funding opportunities for Whiteman Airport.

04/29/2026 Whiteman Airport Safety – Concerns Raised versus Actions Taken - From San Fernando Sun/el Sol - Commentary by Matthew Stone - "Considering the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol’s extensive reporting on Whiteman Airport recently, greater context is timely and necessary.

Only hours after the April 20th mishap, avowed Whiteman detractors, including LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, as well as nonprofit leaders Veronica Padilla-Campos of Pacoima Beautiful and Roberto Barragan of ICON CDC, began spewing anti-airport politics. Understandably outraged, Angelenos recoiled in disgust at these attempts to politicize the issue.

On social media, these calls to close Whiteman were overwhelmingly panned by Angelenos. Public comments supported Whiteman and ridiculed Rodriguez for opportunistic “grandstanding” with many mocking her stance, likening it to closing roads over car crashes. Rodriguez’ years-long fixation on Whiteman angers many residents when problems such as crime, hazardous vehicles and broken street lighting continue festering in her district.

Everyday Angelenos quickly recognized this accident as an accident and expressed well wishes for the recovering pilot – the only person involved – and thanked his rescuers.

After witnessing regional fire catastrophes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, Angelenos understand how local airports like Whiteman serve as critical infrastructure keeping their families and neighborhoods safe.

For its part, Whiteman has been credited as ‘vital’ to saving Sylmar from last year’s Hurst Fire – something Monica Rodriguez refuses to acknowledge. Likewise, on April 20, a blaze beside Interstate 210 was quickly met by units operating on a routine deployment from Whiteman – the sort of prompt response an airport closure would eliminate.

Whiteman Critics Opposed Safety Improvements

Anti-Whiteman policies not only threaten Los Angeles’ emergency response capabilities and infrastructure – they already have undermined attempts to make Whiteman Airport safer for all.

History shows many Whiteman detractors who complain about its safety today are also responsible for blocking common sense protections for Angelenos – and are continuing to do so.

In 2011, Pacoima Beautiful helped defeat a detailed proposal for runway safety zones. After a fatal crash in these zones’ proposed location, Padilla-Campos boasted the 2011 opposition was the “easiest campaign [Pacoima Beautiful] had ever done.”

In 2023, Padilla-Campos and other Rodriguez appointees to the Whiteman community advisory committee pressed LA County to close the airport and to refuse Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding. LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath complied by disallowing FAA funds – inhibiting repairs, upgrades and mitigation efforts for neighbors and residents.

Although the New York Times quoted her as eager to replace local overhead power lines with underground equipment in response to the devastating 2025 fires, Rodriguez now dismisses the idea.

The long history of Monica Rodriguez and Pacoima Beautiful repeatedly obstructing attempts to make Whiteman safer establish a pattern of bad faith: ‘improving safety’ is merely a talking point for them, not a genuine aspiration.

A Future for Whom?

Previous coverage of Whiteman politics has discussed Angelenos’ “concerns that deals are being struck behind closed doors.”

In 2025, ICONCDC drafted a study proposing various developments on airport land, which drew heavily upon industry insiders’ input and encouraged its audience to “imagine” its highly speculative projected results. This study relies on faulty premises about Whiteman and altogether ignores the airport’s importance to local infrastructure and emergency response.

The study’s framing – focusing on developers’ visions for the future, rather than those of the community at large – gives Angelenos even more reason to fear they are being ignored.

Likewise, public LinkedIn data lists Sylvia DeLuna-Barragan, wife of Roberto Barragan, as bookkeeper for ICONCDC as well as for Pacoima Beautiful and two other nonprofits (associated with Monica Rodriguez and Luz Rivas); this record is likely to ignite locals’ interest.

Whiteman detractors have given Angelenos more than enough reason to be dubious about their motives and intentions.

Matthew Stone is a Los Angeles native and licensed noncommercial pilot with no professional or institutional affiliation with Whiteman Airport. Reprinted here with permission from the author.

04/29/2026 FOCUS ON ICONCDC - Roberto Barragan and his wife Sylvia DeLuna-Barragan in the spotlight

Per the San Fernando Sun/el Sol 4/29/26 article above:

"In 2025, ICONCDC drafted a study proposing various developments on airport land, which drew heavily upon industry insiders’ input and encouraged its audience to “imagine” its highly speculative projected results. This study relies on faulty premises about Whiteman and altogether ignores the airport’s importance to local infrastructure and emergency response.- The study’s framing – focusing on developers’ visions for the future, rather than those of the community at large – gives Angelenos even more reason to fear they are being ignored. - Likewise, public LinkedIn data lists Sylvia DeLuna-Barragan, wife of Roberto Barragan, as bookkeeper for ICONCDC as well as for Pacoima Beautiful and two other nonprofits (associated with Monica Rodriguez and Luz Rivas); this record is likely to ignite locals’ interest."

The following document allegedly illustrates recent fiscal interests. He, by report, seems to advocate for transferring public land at Whiteman Airport into the hands of real estate developers.

Partial Reproduction

View the entire document Here. ICONCDC Audits - Payments to Aquaria FY22-FY25 Pro Publica Report - CLICK HERE

04/28/2026 Yet another piece of published Content - NBC-TV 4 NEWS on YouTube: Here's a news report from NBC4 that covers the virtual press conference that the airport coalition conducted earlier today as well as Roberto Barragan's response to it:

Read the REPORT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWE-DHvTGMI

SCAUWG.ORG Published Comment:

@ronaldberinstein9556 "The NBC 4 NEWS Helicopter's home is Whiteman Airport. It is an AS350B-2 Eurocopter AStar (FAA registry N358TV), and is operated by Angel City Air under the NBC Los Angeles news team. Would NBC NEWS operate at an unsafe airport? Furthermore, sensationalism is NO EXCUSE for not verifying published content."

04/28/2026 Whiteman Airport Coalition full news conference (April 28, 2026)

Whiteman Airport Coalition media report

To view the media meeting Click Here or on the image.

04/28/2026 The WAC has issued a Media Advisory and subsequently produced the following Press Release:

Virtual News Conference: Aviation Experts Present Evidence on Whiteman Airport

Speakers included Curt Castagna, Dennis Lord and Christina Pascucci. he link to the online release was available only io a RSVP basis.

04/25/20 To: KTLA NEWS EDITOR:

FEEDBACK/INFO re: HORVATH – Safety Upgrades reported by KTLA “Call for answers after Pacoima plane crash.”

FEEDBACK to KTLA - SEE .PDF for ENTIRE FILE and LIVE LINKS

FEEDBACK TO KTLA - PART2 - SEE PDF for ENITRE FILE and LIVE LINKS

FEEDBACK TO KTLA - SEE PDF for ENTIRE FILE and LIVE LINKS

VIEW THE ENTIRE FILE (pdf) with live links by Clicking HERE,

04/24/2026 On Wednesday April 29. - The L. A. County Aviation Commission will be meeting upstairs at the Airport Administration Building (Vista Building) 10000 Airpark Way, Pacoima, CA 91331. There are a number of items of interest concerning Whiteman Airport and overall management of the five L. A. County owned airports. The Whiteman Airport Coalition will be making a presentation concerning the true facts about Whiteman Airport with regards to value to the community, safety, noise and pollution. Come and learn more about the airport and what efforts are underway to keep it open and operating into the future. The agenda is attached below. (Unfortunately, the meeting is not available online). Agenda Info Here.

PACOIMA FLIGHT ACCIDENT - INITIAL COVERAGE - 4/21/2026

04/23/2026 Blancoleria - Report - Pacoima Accident - (raises question of "forced" landing)

Blancoleria - Vivid Video of the WIRE STRIKE

04/23/2026 KTLA Again: (4/23/26) Flight audio in Pacoima crash raises serious concerns about control tower. From KTLA - "Flight audio recordings appear to indicate the air traffic control tower at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima had no power, and that controllers were unaware of a small plane crash that critically injured a 72-year-old pilot. - The April 20 incident occurred just after 11 a.m., with video capturing the moment a 2007 Cessna clipped power lines while coming in for a landing at the airport, triggering a massive spark and an upside-down crash landing in a parking lot near San Fernando Road and Van Nuys Boulevard. - Good Samaritans who witnessed the crash lifted the wreckage to pull out the pilot, who survived and is said to be in critical condition. - In radio transmissions between another pilot and Whiteman’s air traffic control tower obtained by KTLA, a controller appeared to have no idea the plane had crashed." Read and VIEW the televised entire report Here.

04/24/2026 Commentary re above KTLA Control Tower criticism: "What an allegedly terrible report. Contrary to the catch headline summary, the controller *did* take immediate action (traffic stop) to ensure airspace safety when an unusual situation (power/radar outage) occurred. Here is the full context: the planes ahead and behind the accident aircraft are both white Cessna 172s just like the accident aircraft. All three look practically identical and two have very similar tail numbers as well (26F/19F). When the power outage occurred, the controller responded by immediately stopping pattern operations--a wise move. Criticizing her for missing a momentary flash over 3600 ft away at treetop level which *may not even be visible to her* while she is surprised by the loss of her equipment, and busy addressing the situation is ridiculous." - M.S.

04/21/2026 Feedback for the KTLA 5 News Programming Department In response to KTLA Report Here.

RE: Pacoima Aircraft Accident

1. Charged: Residents want it closed – truth: EVERY nearby Neighborhood council has voted to support the airport by a very wide margin. The representation that RESIDENTS want it closed is flawed.

2. Charged: Monica Rodriquez was reported to claim the LA County airport is mismanaged (by LA County) inferring that a federally certificated accident pilot who intended to land there was the airport’s fault, and the airport should be closed. Yet, the thousands of car accidents in LA City don’t suggest that nearby freeways and streets should be closed.

3. Charged: LA County mismanages the FEDERALLY REGULATED airport and Airspace operations. Truth: LA County manages the facilities and should do a better job, but they are not responsible for approving certificated pilots.

4. City Council member Monica Rodriquez represents the city whose zoning dept. allowed development near the airport, there since the forties. Also, true – Property owners and residents chose to reside near the airport.

5. Whiteman airport played an important role saving lives and property during the LA Fires. Barton Heliport’s Chief is on record saying that efficient operation depends upon the airport being open supporting the airport tower’s role.

6. Besides the emergency services offered, Angel Flight, the CAP Search and Rescue Ops, Air Explorers, EAA & many other community services also find their home at Whiteman. KTLA’s helicopter I believe find its home is Whiteman as well!

7. Whiteman Airport provides revenue that keeps two other L A County airports open that otherwise would have to close.

8. Whiteman Airport is a FEDERAL RELIEVER AIRPORT and plays an important role in the National Airspace System (NAS).

9. Whiteman Airport should not have to endure closure demands allegedly motivated by those with the desire for fiscally profitable redevelopment interests. KTLA should not be a pawn in that game!

10. Whiteman Airport benefits from FEDERAL PERPETUITY that regulates the airport’s undisturbed longevity into the future because of an LA County real estate purchase in 1998. 11. There is much more that can be said…e.g. The recent FAA letter to LA County OED confirming “Perpetuity” and regardless of that advice the OED has allocated a reported 1.5 million dollars for use for a land use study. Redevelopment Interests exist on both the City’s and on the County’s part.

Bottom line: Should the airport close, apx. 400 aircraft would have to relocate. Monica Rodriquez would be happy, but Councilmember Imelda Padilla, whose district includes VAN NUYS Airport, would not be. Whereas the very vast majority of Pacoima Residents support the airport, that even provides free airplane rides for kids monthly, the residents of Van Nuys area (who also support Whiteman) definitely do not support expanding Van Nuys Airport, and would be up in arms!

Respectfully,
Ron Berinstein, Director, The Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG)

04/21/2026 Letter to NTSB from Monica Rodriquez

NTSB LETTER FROM COUNCILMEMBER MONICA RODRIQUEZ

04/20/2026 From ABC-7 EYE WITNESS NEWS:

PACOIMA, Calif. (KABC) -- A small plane snapped a high-voltage power pole before it overturned and crashed Monday morning in the parking lot of a Pacoima auto parts store, officials said. - The pilot, identified only as a male, was transported to a hospital in unknown condition after the crash, which was reported shortly after 11 a.m. in the 10800 block of North San Fernando Road, near Whiteman Airport, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Whether the patient was the aircraft's pilot was unclear. - No other injuries were reported. - High-voltage power lines were down nearby in the area of Ralston Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard, according to the LAFD.

Firefighters were seen covering an apparent fuel spill with hazmat-response gravel near the wreckage of the plane, a white Cessna. The cause of the crash was unknown. - The L.A. Department of Water and Power was working on securing the power to the lines and LAPD are evacuating local businesses and residences as needed for safety, fire officials said.

04/21/2026 NBC 4 TV Coverage: Plane crash in Pacoima renews safety concerns

YouTube video NBC 4 TV Paooima Accident Report 4/21/26

RESPONSE TO NBC-TV ACCIDENT REPORT:

04/21/2026 Supervisor Lindsey Horvath released a statement saying, “The safety of the Pacoima community is our top priority as we learn more about the downed plane at the O’Reilly Auto Parts store on Van Nuys Boulevard. My office is working with Councilwoman Rodriguez’s office, LA County Public Works, and LADWP to address the ongoing nearby power outages. I have called on Public Works to provide updates to surrounding community members. I look forward to receiving information from the National Transportation Safety Board as they conduct their investigation.”

Contributor Comment: No mention of the pilot and some statements such as..... "hoping he is OK and will fully recover" .........more concerned about getting power restored........whatever!!!!!!!!! - Andrew Pomerantz

04/21/2026 Monica Rodriquez posts online and the responses: - Compliments of Matthew Stone

Monica Rodriquez social media post 4/21/26

Monica Rodriquez attacks FAA NTSB County 4/21/26

Commentary: "It occurs to me that with perpetuity now announced--regardless of the long term (read: political) threats to perpetuity--the time to call for safety zone and grant funding is now. - Inaction was what PB brought in 2011 and it denied WHP safety zones. Mitigation is something that PB and LA County have blocked since 2023/2024 because of fears about FAA grant terms endangering closure...well with perpetuity now on the table, let's look at safety zones now with federal monies. (After all, the airport is already locked in by these commitments)."

04/16/2026 "On a positive note, the Pacoima Neighborhood Council continues to be a strong supporter of the Airport. They voted to keep the airport open five years ago and last night stated they have not changed their position and continue to support the airport." - James Miller, Friends of Whiteman

04/15/2026 Special to SCAUWG.ORG - Meeting Coverage of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council/WAC Meeting - by Matthew Stone

There were roughly 40 to 50 attendees in estimated attendance
- The composition of the crowd was overwhelming pro-airport
- News media from CBS appeared to film much of the meeting, though it wasn't aired.

A substantial fraction of local officials' field deputies, who should be in attendance to brief the neighborhood council on local governance matters and coordination, were absent:
- Teodora Reyes, field deputy for CA State Senator Caroline Menjivar (CA District 20) did not perform this duty; this was not an 'excused' absence, per the NC
  - However, Reyes did turn up later during public comment following the Whiteman Airport Coalition presentation to voice her views (presumably on only her own behalf)

During the Whiteman Airport Coalition (WAC) presentation, support for the airport was audible among the crowd
- Topics like pollution, noise and the future of air traffic after a potential closure raised skepticism in the crowd about anti-airport voices' real motivations
- The refusal of anti-airport campaigners (Monica Rodriguez in particular) to explain the intentions about the land has made many very doubtful about their sincerity...they want to know why those seeking closure refuse to answer Angelenos' questions about the anti-airport campaign's plans for WHP's land
Members of the neighborhood council reacted to the WAC presentation by speaking about their own experiences regarding the airport:
- Neighborhood Councilmember Reuben Garcia (attending via Zoom) stated that the 'real' issue with noise comes from the nearby train tracks and not the airport. Rueben Garcia also emphasized the airport has done outreach for a very long time
  - The refusal of Monica Rodriguez and others to explain their anti-airport motivations and plans for the land have generated tremendous distrust against them
- - In addition, Rueben Garcia expressed that the WAC presentation was enlightening for explaining why maintenance of the grounds (trees, signs, ambience, etc.) around the airport has fallen by the way side--willful inaction by the LA County Board of Supervisors
    - The County's neglect of Whiteman has caused locals near it to doubt the representation and recognition being affording to them by the Board of Supervisors
- Neighborhood Councilmember Fannie Long concurred, saying as a Hansen Hills resident on the hill beside Whiteman that 'only noise from the train and stray police helicopters' bothers her; Long maintains she supports the airport's operation
- Alone among the council, Pacoima Neighborhood Councilmember Walter Garcia expressed a harsh and biting attitude toward the airport, questioning:
  - its safety (citing the 2022 Metrolink mishap);
  - the deployment of unleaded fuels (deriding and discounting the current, progressive transition to unleaded fuels prior to leaded fuels' scheduled 2031 sunsetting);
  - and the expectant belief of WAC that the FAA is committed to 'following the law' by (presumably) opposing closure (a legal reality which casts the BOS study as 'wasteful')
- Whiteman Airport Coalition members responded to Walter Garcia's skepticism about the airport, addressing each point and explain how each 'complaint' he raised was without merit
  - Walter Garcia scowled throughout these responses and briefly argued with Reuben Garcia over the significance of 'uncertainty' regarding future aims with the land should closure occur...Walter Garcia suggested airport closure without any concrete followup plans was tenable to him

Several public commenters spoke altogether: a few in-person and approximately four via Zoom
- Multiple residents (including some neighborhood council members) testified to positive experiences they'd had over many years with the airport with such things as youth programs and outreach while deriding allegations about noise pollution
- Of the public commenters, only Teodora Reyes (speaking via Zoom) expressed a negative view of the airport:
  - Reyes listed a number of grievances against the airport:
    - An unspecified complaint about the diner at the airport (this was supposedly her only personal interaction with Whiteman--many years ago)
    - A tale of a couple with a young child in a nearby house under renovation supposedly encountering lead exposure (for which Reyes blames the airport)
      - While Reyes complained about lead pollution, attendees could be heard (correctly) acknowledging scientific tests have discredited lead pollution claims
    - A claim that 'a single accident' is proof the airport is too dangerous to have in amidst the area
      - Other public commenters and members of the crowd in the meeting hall audibly and thoroughly ridiculed this, pointing out the selective outrage about aircraft accidents while car wrecks are ignored
    - Strangely, Reyes also complained about 'community trauma' by alleging Ritchie Valens was so shaken by the 1957 Pacoima mid-air collision (which had no connection to Whiteman) that Valens 'refused to ever board an aircraft' again; as Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash after boarding in Iowa, Reyes' framing of Valens' life appears very incorrect
    - Teodora Reyes' comment was panned by attendees...amongst the crowd, some sharp reactions included derision of her as a 'liar' or 'monster'

Context: Teodora Reyes and Walter Garcia
- Both have expressed hostility toward Whiteman Airport for many years, in numerous public venues
- Teodora Reyes was a very vocal member of Pacoima Beautiful from around 2018 to 2024 (legal filings suggest Reyes' departure from PB was not amicable)
  - Reyes was a central figure in the organization's anti-Whiteman efforts from 2020 to 2024
  - Reyes joined Caroline Menjivar's staff after leaving Pacoima Beautiful
- Walter Garcia is currently a communications official for California Attorney General Rob Bonta
  - Garcia was an unsuccessful candidate for California Assembly District 43 in 2024
    - After losing in the primary, he endorsed Celeste Rodriguez (the eventual winner)
    - Campaign materials from Walter Garcia's 2024 AD43 campaign clearly state he had ties to Pacoima Beautiful

04/20/2026 Don & Shellie Hagopian received an award from the Boy Scouts of America and two proclamations from the county of LA and the city of LA for work with Aviation explorer group Kitty Hawk squadron three. Kitty Hawk squadron three is a Aviation explorer group that offers low cost pilot instruction at Whiteman Airport for the past 25 years this group is sponsored by the North Hollywood Optimist club since 1953.

"Don Hagopian also is president of the Whiteman Airport Association Don Hagopian also is president of the Whiteman Airport Association for the past 25 years. - Don and Shellie Hagopian have been the "rock" of the association. They have attended very display day, every meeting and have been the most dedicated folks that have steered the Whiteman Airport Association for more years than I can remember. I will forever have the image of Don sitting behind the little table on the grass outside of what was the pilot's lounge, now a CAP meeting room. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs were near by being grilled, and drinks kept on ice waiting in an Igloo for members to choose from were adjacent. He and his wife are to be honored most sincerely." - Ron Berinstein, webmaster.

04/11/2026 Whiteman Update: Whiteman Airport Display Day will be held Sunday April 12, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00pm. Paperwork signing will take place at hangar HH09 from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

News of Interest: The below Article was put out by the City News Service. It describes how the L.A. County Assessor is identifying aircraft using ADS-B to show the aircraft are actually based or operated in Los Angeles County, even though they are registered out of state. Click on the link for the story.

LA County Assessor Touts Effort to Capture Taxes from Unassessed Aircraft

https://pasadenanow.com/main/la-county-assessor-touts-effort-to-capture-taxes-from-unassessed-aircraft

Whiteman Airport Isn’t Failing. It’s Being Set Up to Fail - See the article (04/01/2026) below:

"The decisions made to not take FAA grants and not allow long term leases for development of Whiteman Airport are driving decay, not a lack of need for development of the airport to better serve the community."

Trifiletti Study: The Whiteman Land Use Study is advancing. The expected release date will be in June or July 2026. There will be another "Open House Meeting" in May, the Exact Date has not been announced, but it is expected a draft of the report will be discussed at that meeting. See the link below for the current information on the status of the report. See: https://www.whplandusestudy.com/

- Regards, James A Miller, Whiteman Airport Association, Friends of Whiteman Airport, Chair

4/11/2026 The Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG) Editorial: Regarding the yet unknown Trifiletti Whiteman Airport Land Use Study release date. It should be noted that the Office of Economic Development (OED) just tendered $200,000.00 in addition to the original $1.3 million cost, to per an informed source's recent published report extend the release date until after the June 2026 elections. This was described as time to allow for MORE community engagement. That may be questionable.

One might ask if the study results have already been foreshadowed, and if the sponsors of the study, who have well voiced their anti-airport bias, feel they need more time and another chance to try and change the already well established pro-airport community position, and save those sponsor's and their campaign fueled by misinformation, from public embarrassment. So as to avoid continued debate, we hope that the Trifiletti study will accurately describe the majority of community opinion, as well as the facts already agreed to over two decades ago by LA County and the FAA via regulations. That agreement included the benefit of perpetuity for the airport, and dictates the land use must be maintained for aviation. FAA precedent has upheld these types of agreements. It would truly be unfortunate if allowing an important public resource recently used for emergency services and fighting the LA Fires, to be transformed into a non-aviation commercial private development.

04/09/2026 Special to SCAUWG.ORG - re: the WAC - They are doing a great job. There aret appointments with all the Supervisors offices. The Bargers' group was spoken with last week, and additional meetings are scheduled. Several neighborhood councils with more to go have been slated. - by informed source

04/08/2026 Special To SCAUWG.ORG - Whiteman Airport Association 4/7/26 Meeting Report: Reported by Matthew Stone

Airport authorities at WHP are looking into a ground collision between a truck and a parked Cessna 310 from 3/27 and seeking video footage
Copper wire theft has damaged some capabilities at the airport (AWOS access via phone and terminal building phones)
The next Whiteman Airport Association meeting is scheduled for 7/7 at 7pm
- An interim meeting may be called before that due to the pending Trifiletti study (expected in June) and other events (EAA's June 27th airport day) prior to the intended July meeting
People and voices traditionally hostile to VNY have begun to lend support to the pro-WHP cause, given the noise/safety consequences of pushing WHP's traffic into VNY
Due to upheavals at VNY, many Van Nuys aircraft owners and business tenants have sought space at WHP for hangars and business development
- However, BOS-imposed limitations on leasing (offering month to month leases only) have stymied progress, shooing many away while other tries are on ice

04/02/2026 - Special to SCAUWG.ORG - The Los Angeles County tax Assessor has contracted with ADS-B data miner Situs Hawk to seek property taxes for aircraft based in the county. The County is reaching back five years for ADS-B data that establishes a home base in the county (although the stature of limitations is four years for escapement tax collection).

This practice of using ADS-B data to impose fees on aviation may come into violation with Senate Bill 2175 introduced by Senator ted Budd and supported by AOPA. The bill has yet to be passed. The bill prohibits government agencies and private actors from using ADS-B data to identify aircraft for the purpose of imposing fees or charges. https://pasadenanow.com/main/la-county-assessor-touts-effort-to-capture-taxes-from-unassessed-aircraft

04/01/2026 Whiteman Airport Isn’t Failing. It’s Being Set Up to Fail - From Whiteman Coalition - "Whiteman Airport isn’t failing. It’s being managed that way.

Los Angeles County supervisors and some city councilmembers have increasingly framed Whiteman Airport as underused, declining, and financially unsustainable. But the County’s own data tells a different story.

Whiteman supports roughly 424 based aircraft and serves as a critical hub for flight training, maintenance, and small aviation businesses in the San Fernando Valley. It is also a federally designated reliever airport, helping reduce congestion at Van Nuys and Burbank.

The activity is not disappearing. A recent Los Angeles County study projects continued aviation growth through at least 2035. Read More Here - Links to other Coalition Articles can be found there as well.

03/24/2026 FAA letter confirms Whiteman Airport obligated to remain - From AOPA - "Community coalition highlights case against closure - A newly surfaced letter from the FAA raises significant questions about whether Los Angeles County can legally close Whiteman Airport, even as the county moves forward with a $1.3 million study exploring the airport’s potential closure and redevelopment. - In a January 21 letter to county officials, the FAA confirmed that land purchased with federal Airport Improvement Program funds at Whiteman Airport created obligations that do not expire. According to the FAA, those obligations remain in effect for the useful life of the land and require the property to continue operating as an airport unless the FAA formally releases it. - The letter states that an airport sponsor that used federal funds to purchase land “must use the airport as an airport until released by the FAA. - That clarification raises an immediate question: Is studying the closure and redevelopment of Whiteman Airport realistic if the federal government has not released the airport from its obligations?" Continue nreading the AOPA release written by thenWhiteman Coalition author, by Clicking Here.

SCAUWG.ORG thanks AOPA and the "Coalition" Effort that provides useful reiteration of the perpetuity benefit made clear to the Supervisors and others two years ago. Full FAA Guidance issued to staff regarding closure requests is featured on SCAUWG.ORG. Read it Here.

Letter to the Editor - from a Whiteman Airport tenant - Sent to SCAUWG.ORG

1. Seems the AOPA has been very silent recently on trying to save this airport. As an AOPA member, I am once again requesting AOPA's active engagement.

The study being prepared by the LA County to make recommendations on the airport's future should be issued next month. The issue date has been very vague. https://www.whplandusestudy.com/

Now this article just appeared in the local press. Sounds like positive news. See attachment below. [refers to the San Fernando Son/El Sol Article published below] Just staying open is step one.

Furthermore, yesterday I caught part of a newscast where the topic seemed to be about the FAA going after California, and maybe other states, to enforce the proper use of available Federal airport improvement and maintenance funds. Seems that some government agencies are withholding FAA funds. Probably worth researching more about this.

As for WHP, it is apparent this is the case. Justification being that if the funds are used, then this impacts the possibility of airport closure due to FAA terms of use. As a hangar tenant at WHP I can tell you no money has been spent for years for improvements.

Some examples include;

-ATC tower is very old and some of the vital equipment including AC, and aviation instrumentation is unreliable or non-functioning.

-There are a number of critical safety issues, including power poles and trees in and around the flight path. Nothing has been done to correct these issues for years.

-The self-serve fuel island has four pump positions. Only one has been operable for many months.

-Pavement, including the runway, has not been resealed or even repainted for at least the 8 years I have been there. Critical paint markings have become hard to see especially at night.

-County owned hangars, including mine, are from the 1950's with significant leaks and unreliable doors. Staff at the airport are good listeners but have very limited resources to address these issues.

-Landscaping is practically non-existent

-The cafe closed many years ago and no attempt to refurbish and lease it has been made

It should also be noted that nearby VNY has recently implemented landing fees for small aircraft including practice activities. This has pushed even more activity to WHP.

Is anybody listening?

2. I got a response from AOPA. Niki is their new local representative. She was aware of closure situation but not the condition of the airport. I have a call set next week.

Yes on using my letter, but not my name.

Can’t believe how corrupt our politicians are. Horvath needs to be called out to a wider audience.

Our hangar rentals increased 10% last month. No notice to me. Instead, I got a notification of underpayment and a late fee penalty!! I’m furious.

03/18/2026 Whiteman Airport to Remain Open Unless Released by FAA, Letter Says - From San Fernando Sun/El Sun - "For years, the topic of closing Whiteman Airport in Pacoima has gone back and forth, with airport personnel and aviation enthusiasts speaking strongly in its favor while local nonprofits and politicians have been calling for its closure.

Supporters say that Whiteman provides a significant benefit for the community, providing jobs and programs for youth, while groups like Pacoima Beautiful have led the charge to close it – receiving political support from Los Angeles City Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Imelda Padilla, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and State Sen. Caroline Menjivar – alleging the airport poses an environmental and safety risk to the community.

But a recent letter issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January [published below on 03/09/2026] supports the airport, pointing out that the decision to close an airport can only be made at the federal level, not the local one." read the completion of the Sun article Here.

03/18/2026 SCAUWG.ORG welcomes Representative Luz Rivas's proactive attention to airspace safety over the San Fernando Valley. In her letter to the FAA administrator, she wrote:

"...Chair Homendy stated that the next midair collision is going to be at Hollywood Burbank Airport and that “nobody at FAA is paying attention.” This statement is deeply alarming and frightening, and the FAA must take immediate steps to ensure safety for passengers, community members, the workforce, and the industry.

The Van Nuys, Whiteman, and Hollywood Burbank Airports all have flight paths over my Congressional District in the San Fernando Valley. One error along any of these flight paths could result in a tragic outcome in the loss of life and property. It is the responsibility of the FAA to instill confidence in my constituents and the aviation industry and assure them that every possible tool is
being used to ensure safety."

SCAUWG.ORG concludes that the FAA IS RESPONSIVE and more can be elaborated on that point. Closing Whiteman Airport and the Whiteman Control Tower would not contribute to airspace safety, and nor would trying to relocate over 400 aircraft based at Whiteman to other area airports creating congestion, even if there was space available. City councilwoman Imelda Padilla represents the Van Nuys Airport area and has advocated for Whiteman's closure; one might ask how Van Nuys airport area residents would react to moving 400 aircraft to their airport. Thank you to Matthew Stone for bringing this article to our attention - SCAUWG.ORG - Noted is that Councilwomen Imelda Padilla is the sister of Veronica Padilla-Campos, the executive director of Pacoima Beautiful, longtime supporter of the "Shutdown Whiteman' message.

With all of the above in mind, SCAUWG.ORG webmaster/director Ron Berinstein submitted to the Sun the following comment:

"The community has always supported Whiteman Airport. Blame accusing the FAA as unresponsive is misplaced. FAA guidance has long supported airports with perpetuity benefit and when a Bakersfield airport (L45) with perpetuity applied for closure for redevelopment purposes similar to Whiteman, the request was denied. Even today, Whiteman qualifies for FAA grant monies, but Supervisors and those with development interests have opposed acceptance fearful of the less important 20-year attachment obligation to keep the airport open. Even today after perpetuity was revealed to the Supervisors via a letter in the public record written on October 21. 2024 by aviation notables, AOPA, NBAA, NATA, and VAI in association with the Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG), The FAA nor the community is to blame. Rather, those who claim to represent the community, should. The next election (less than 3 months away) is June 2nd."

03/13/2026 U.S. Representative LUZ RIVAS Letter to FAA re: Safe Skies over San Fernando Valley:

Reprinted from SCAUWG.ORG 4/6/2025 - Who is Luz Rivas? "Rivas was born and raised in Los Angeles. Rivas graduated from San Fernando High School in 1991. She earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, worked for Motorola, and then earned a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She founded a non-profit organization based in Pacoima, Los Angeles, to encourage school age girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She also served on Los Angeles' City Public Works Commission." - Wikipedia She succeeded Congressman Tony Cardenas and represents the 29th Congressional District that includes San Fernando and Pacoima. Congresswoman Luz Rivas is an engineer, educator, and public servant who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2025 to represent California’s 29th Congressional District – the first Latina to represent the district and the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background. She assumed office January 3, 2025. One can only assume that she has strong ties politically to those politicians that would prefer WHP closed and might follow in the footsteps of her predecessor Tony Cardenas, who allegedly ignored the data, and advocated for an alternative negative reality,

Her Website is: https://www.luzforcongress.com/

The site promotes her as: “Rivas has been a consistent and unwavering champion for communities, public health, and bold climate action. She not only helped pass major climate legislation in 2022, but she also pushed to make these policies even stronger.” - California Environmental Voters

Her Offices:

Washington D.C. office: 1319 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6131

Arleta District Office: 9300 Laurel Canyon Blvd., First Floor, Arleta, CA 9 1331 Phone: (818) 253-3535

03/09/2026 In a phone call earlier today with the LA County Dept. of Public Works it was acknowledged and confirmed that the $200k of additional funding to Trifiletti for the extended timeframe is being paid out; It was stated that the funding is originating from the DEO (not Public Works' funds--general, aviation or otherwise). Special to SCAUWG.ORG by Matthew Stone

03/09/2026 Published by Los Angeles County Politics (LACP) was:

Read it by Clicking: Whiteman Airport Study Delayed to Summer; Contract Extended

SCAUWG.ORG Comment: This is a very sad article by Stepen Witt who writes about some of the details.... SCAUWG.ORG, after reading the FAA letter to the DEO [published below] is left with many questions. One of them: How does one condone yet another $200,000.00 being spent for a land-use study land when knowingly the DEO itself confirmed FAA airport perpetuity? Another: Do they know something that we don't know that needs to be addressed?

03/09/2026 LETTER FROM the FAA ANSWERING the INQUIRY BY THE LA COUNTY DEPT. of ECONOMIC OPORTUNITY

CONFIRMS WHP PERPETUITY

You can download a copy of this letter by Clicking HERE.

02/22/2026 The PR Firm with noted personality Christina Pascucci was engaged by Penny Alderson (Vista Aviation) and James Miller of WHP. Her first project is a collection of supporters under the banner of "The Whiteman Airport Coalition." Sent to many was the following Email:

The Whiteman Airport Coalition has launched. Please fill this out if you’d like to be part of it. Your personal information will remain private.

Coalition Purpose

To advance fact-based decision-making and ensure the community’s informed voice shapes the future of Whiteman Airport. Through our work, your voice is heard, unified, and clearly represented.

Who We Are

The Whiteman Airport Coalition brings together community leaders, public safety professionals, aviation stakeholders, local businesses, and residents who care about what happens at Whiteman Airport. We’re focused on making sure any decisions about the airport are grounded in the law, make financial sense, protect regional public safety, and reflect what the community wants. Everything we do is based on documented findings, verified data, and an open, transparent civic process.

Why This Matters

Whiteman Airport is an active public-use facility supporting emergency response, wildfire operations, law enforcement, anti-terrorism operations, and regional transportation. Los Angeles County is evaluating potential closure. County-commissioned studies raise significant questions about legal constraints, financial exposure, operational feasibility, and public safety impacts. These realities must be clearly understood before any irreversible action is considered.

How we Operate

The Coalition’s work is organized across these three areas:

? Stakeholder Alignment: Clear updates summarizing reports, legal considerations, costs, and operational realities

? Public Information and Media Engagement: Fact-based coverage focused on safety and fiscal clarity

? Institutional Engagement: Direct coordination with Supervisors, County departments, and subject matter experts

What We Are Working to Ensure

? Accurate public understanding of public opinion and County consultant findings

? Full evaluation of legal obligations, including federal grant assurances

? Transparent assessment of fiscal impacts and potential repayment costs of closure

? Recognition of the airport’s role in fire response and emergency operations and value to the community

Our Ask For You

Join the Coalition’s information network to receive verified updates, upcoming engagement opportunities, and ways to ensure your voice is heard at key decision points.

We do not solicit donations. Our only goal is informed participation.

02/22/2026 NOW ADDED; Order 5190.6C, Airport Compliance Manual, to the FAA Website.

The Airport Compliance Manual sets forth policies and procedures for the FAA Airport Compliance Program. It provides basic guidance for FAA personnel in interpreting and administering the various continuing commitments airport owners make to the United States as a condition for the grant of federal funds or the conveyance of federal property for airport purposes. The Order discusses the obligations set forth in the standard airport sponsor assurances, addresses the application of the assurances in the operation of public-use airports, and facilitates interpretation of the assurances by FAA personnel.

This revision addresses the following:

Public comments offered on the 2009 update
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
Updated statutory and regulatory citation references
Policy changes adopted by the agency since 2009 to remain current with Federal statutes

Thank you, FAA Office of Airports Compliance and Management Analysis

02/22/2026 Page from the above order; (How i applies to Whiteman)

a. Obligations with Land Acquisition.
In regard to land acquired with federal assistance (e.g., FAAP, ADAP, AIP), so long as the airport sponsor has taken an ADAP or AIP grant since May 1980, the federal
obligations on the acquired land remain in effect until released by the FAA.2 The following background information is helpful in understanding this requirement:
(1) An airport sponsor who accepted an ADAP or AIP grant after 1980 agreed that the covenants on real property acquired with Federal funds are unlimited. This is
consistent with federal grant law generally, which provides that a grant of real property must be used for its intended purpose until and unless released by the
government. The public has been on notice of this since at least 1980.

(2) The “Duration and Applicability” section for the current grant assurances3 and in every set of assurances for an ADAP and AIP grant since 1980 has contained
the following language: The terms, conditions and assurances of this grant agreement shall remain in full force and effect throughout the useful life of the facility es developed or
equipment acquired for an airport development or noise compatibility program project, or throughout the useful life of the project items installed within a
facility under a noise compatibility program project, but in any event not toexceed twenty (20) years from the date of acceptance of a grant offer of Federal funds for the project.

However, there shall be no limit on the duration of the assurances regarding Exclusive Rights and Airport Revenue so long as the airport is used as an airport. There shall be no limit on the duration of the terms, conditions, and assurances with respect to real property acquired with federal funds. Furthermore, the duration of the Civil Rights assurance shall be specified in the assurances. [Italics added].

(3) These assurances apply to all property on the airport acquired with federal funds, not just property acquired with that project. The assurances thus apply to
any “real property acquired with Federal funds.” (4) The regulations implementing the ADAP program also contain the same basic assurance as to real property acquired with “federal funds.” 14 CFR part 152, Appendix D, paragraph 17 provides as follows:2There is no limit on the duration of terms, conditions, and assurances with respect to real
property acquired with federal funds. (See FAA Grant Assurances, Duration and Applicability; 14 CFR part 152, Airport Aid Program, Appendix D, Paragraph 17).
3The current grant assurances are available at: Grant Assurances 4-3

2/20/2026 5190.6C
17. Effective date and duration. These covenants shall become effective upon acceptance by the sponsor of an offer of Federal aid for the Project or
any portion thereof, made by the FAA and shall constitute a part of the Grant Agreement thus formed. These covenants shall remain in full force and effect
throughout the useful life of the facilities developed under this Project, but in any event not to exceed twenty (20) years from the date of said acceptance of
an offer of Federal aid for the Project. However, these limitations on the duration of the covenants do not apply to the covenant against exclusive rights
and real property acquired with Federal funds.

02/22/2026 Whiteman Airport is eligible to APPLY for a grant to update the control tower.

"The FAA Contract Tower (FCT) program, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocates up to $600 million over 10 years for the modernization of airport traffic control towers. These funds will allow airports to sustain, construct, repair, improve, rehabilitate, modernize, replace, or relocate non-approach control towers; acquire and install air traffic control, communications, and related equipment to be used in those towers; and construct a remote tower certified by the FAA.

This year, the FCT program is investing approximately $86 million to enhance our nation's Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT), here is what it will do:

This round of funding will be used to construct new towers and upgrade existing infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient air travel. These improvements aim to provide travelers with confidence in our cutting-edge air traffic management systems." - Webmaster Note: Will the County BOS treat this opportunity as an opportunity?

02/14/2026 COMMUNITY SOCIAL FUND to be used to Fund $475,000 toward Whiteman Airport "Closure" Study. In 2011 a revised guidance proposal was presented to the Board for Approval by County Council. In this case $475,000 from Supervisor Horvath's District. The Third District under Supervisor Horvath is home to over 2 million people, including parts of 10 cities, 26 unincorporated communities, and 49 neighborhoods in the City of Los Angeles.

Critics of the financed 1.3-million-dollar study to repurpose the airport's land that that is documented as entitled to an FAA perpetuity agreement not only feel that the funds could be spent in a more productive manner, but also that using the community social fund to partially finance the endeavor might not be using it in accordance to the spirit of the guidance provided in the following document written by County Council, and furthermore that the use of the funds for this project might not represent the best interests of the community-at-large that Supervisor Horvath represents. The following is a capture of the proposed guidance followed by a link to the full document.

THAT YOUR BOARD: Adopt the proposed Social Program Policy. -

PURPOSE/JUSTIFICATION OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
The County's Social Programs have benefited the residents of the County for over 20 years. Social Program Agreements provide funds to County departments, public and private agencies, and individuals, to establish County programs or to fund programs necessary to meet the social needs of the residents of the County, including but not limited to the areas of health, law enforcement, rehabilitation, welfare, education, and legal services, and to assist in the needs of the physically, mentally and financially handicapped persons and aged persons pursuant to California Government Code section 26227.

In the past, the Chief Executive Officer has provided guidelines related to the approval and implementation of social programs. In order to promote these programs and provide the public with a clear statement of the criteria and guidelines which govern them, adoption of the attached Board policy is recommended. View the ENTIRE DOCUMENT HERE.

The Trifiletti Land Use Study is due to be released in June 2026.

02/08.2026 Horvath won't run for Mayor - Good/Bad for KWHP?

02/04/2026 A Mayor of Bakersfield at the time (2006) petitioned the FAA to close Bakersfield Airport and allow a redevelopment project. The scenario closely parallels the circumstance at Whiteman Airport. The FAA answer closely follows issued FAA guidance for deciding these types of requests when the airport has not satisfied a grant "assurance," the obligation the recipient agrees to when the grand is accepted. There are other airports that also contribute to precedent setting examples. This is good reading. View it Here

02/01/2026 From CityWatch 01/08/2026 - Misguided Venture Reveals Supervisor Horvath’s Dark Side - "When Lindsey Horvath ran for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2022, she sold herself as a fresh voice. She prevailed at the ballot box, buoyed by a Los Angeles Times’ endorsement that crowned her as the “golden ticket” to a new and brighter political world. - But Horvath, a 43-year-old Ohio native who cut her political teeth in West Hollywood, has not proved to be such a fresh voice after all as she seeks reelection this year to the Board of Supervisors, one of California’s most powerful and least scrutinized elected bodies. - Horvath’s flip-side as just another slippery Old School politician has been on display with her conniving, arrogant and dishonest handling of a plan to construct a 167-bed homeless housing project on land donated with a charitable and binding promise, aka the Bandini-Jones covenant, that the land be used exclusively for veterans. - The Bandini-Jones covenant is named after two philanthropists who donated hundreds of acres in 1888 to an arm of the federal government with the condition that the donated land, including what is now the West LA VA campus, be used only to benefit veterans." Continue Reading this very detailed article Here

Webmaster Notes: Supervisor Horvath represents District 3 which includes the Pacoima Area. She is a frequent guest on Spectrum TV and in earlier in her private life she had an advertising and PR Firm. She has directly overseen and led major government initiatives involving large-scale real estate and property development in her roles as a Los Angeles County Supervisor and former Mayor of West Hollywood.

Key Real Estate & Development Oversight:

Transit-Oriented Development (Metro Board): As a member of the LA Metro Board, she has facilitated Joint Development projects intended to deliver 10,000 new housing units near transit hubs in areas like Santa Monica and the San Fernando Valley.
Post-Disaster Rebuilding Authority: Following the 2025 Southern California wildfires, Horvath spearheaded the creation of a Rebuilding Authority. This body is designed to coordinate construction, select developers, and use tax-increment financing to buy fire-damaged lots for rebuilding at scale.
Affordable Housing & Homelessness: She authored the motion to establish the first-ever Department of Homeless Services and Housing (DHSH), which centralizes billions in funding for housing development and supportive services.
Public Infrastructure Projects: She has championed major infrastructure developments, including the Rory Shaw Wetlands Park (a project combining flood control with recreational space) and significant rail extensions like the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail.

It is also worth noting that her Director of Budget, John Leonard, previously served as the Economic Development Director for West Hollywood, where he specifically oversaw public/private real estate development and property development functions under her leadership.

02/01/2026 SCAUWG,ORG response to the above CityWatch article (from Jan. 8, 2026)

"This article is a testament to conscientious journalism. CityWatch is to be complimented for publishing it, John Schwada is to be complimented for writing it. Though sad to say, this behavior, if correct as written, may not be limited to just the Armory project.

i am inviting John to investigate her desire to close Whiteman Airport. On her own website (March 2024) she published, "...Chair Horvath emphasized, the County will not seek future funding from the FAA that would further lengthen aviation operations at Whiteman Airport, a measure that is also in alignment with her November 7 motion on the future of the 78-year-old airport." Yet FOIA requests resolve that no funding freeze has ever been written,

Every nearby neighborhood Council supports Whiteman. A survey found that the majority of the community do as well (reference EAA Chapter 40). Opponents had to offer petition seekers $22 an hour to try and get signers. It would appear that that sentiment might not matter.

Whiteman Airport was responsible for fast helicopter departures whose mission it was to save people's lives and property during the LA fires. On one hand says she is for protecting LA County from future disasters and on the other hand she appears to favor developer interests and close the airport that played an important emergency services role.

The community was allowed to believe that the airport could close when twenty years passed from the last FAA grant received. That was misinformation, as Whiteman, because of an old BOS ordered real estate purchase, enjoys a "perpetuity" benefit. However, even after being notified by AOPA, NATA, NBAA, SCAUWG.ORG, & VAI of that benefit the Horvath sponsored $1.3 million study to determine possible airport land uses was passed.

So, Joihn Schwada, refer to SCAUWG.ORG > Airport Data > Whiteman, as this should be your next assignment,"

01/31/2026 The Four Stacks Are Going Away, this aerial Photo was taken January 28, 2026, by Matthew Stone

01/31/2026 ECHOES from the past have resurfaced - Once supported by Pacoima Beautiful So Cal Gas Company's Aliso Canyon Facility is leaking gas again See Here. - Why is this noteworthy? It brings attention to the fact that Pacoima once supported the Gas Company and the facility. Coincidently, during that pewrikod of time Pacoima Beautiful accepted money from So Cal Gas Company. From The LA Times - Nov 2020 - "Still, small expenditures can have an effect — either to build support or to preempt opposition. Take Pacoima Beautiful, which fights for cleaner air in the mostly Latino, low-income northeast San Fernando Valley. Between 2014 and 2018, the environmental justice group took $107,750 from Sempra subsidiary SoCalGas. - In August 2016, Pacoima Beautiful’s executive director, Veronica Padilla, wrote a letter to state officials in support of reopening the gas company’s Aliso Canyon storage facility, which a year earlier had sprung the worst methane leak in U.S. history.

We have full confidence in the ability of SoCalGas to deliver resources in a safe, reliable and non-hazardous manner,” she wrote. Eventually her group stopped accepting SoCalGas funding, and today it’s pushing Los Angeles officials to shut down a gas plant whose fuel is supplied by SoCalGas. The city-owned plant recently leaked methane for at least three years, raising concerns about potential health effects to nearby residents."

Per Google: Pacoima Beautiful has received funding that originated from Southern California Edison (SCE) and its parent company, Edison International. This funding is typically provided through corporate grants or as part of larger collaborative state-funded programs.

Verified Funding & Partnerships

Access Clean California: In 2022, Pacoima Beautiful was part of a coalition that received funding from Southern California Edison and the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) to expand access to clean energy and transportation programs in Los Angeles.
Edison International Foundation: While Pacoima Beautiful focuses on environmental justice, Edison International (the parent company of SCE) frequently lists them as a partner or participant in community initiatives. For instance, Edison International has historically funded environmental groups serving low-income communities in LA, which has included Pacoima Beautiful.
Fire-Safe Community Grants: SCE's parent company has collaborated with the California Fire Safe Council to provide grants for community fire prevention in its service areas, which include the San Fernando Valley where Pacoima Beautiful operates.

SCE’s Environmental Record in the Region

Although SCE does not own the four stacks, it has been penalized for environmental violations and infrastructure failures affecting the surrounding areas:

Greenhouse Gas Violations: In 2021, SCE paid a $350,000 settlement to the California Air Resources Board for failing to accurately report its use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas, over several years.
Wildfire & Ecosystem Damage: SCE has paid hundreds of millions in settlements for wildfires caused by faulty equipment. Most recently, in 2025, it agreed to an $82.5 million settlement for environmental and property damage caused by the 2020 Bobcat Fire, which impacted the nearby Angeles National Forest.

Recent Financial Context (2024–2026)

As of 2026, Pacoima Beautiful has successfully diversified its funding, moving away from certain utility partnerships (such as SoCalGas) to focus on state and federal grants.

2024 Revenue: The organization reported total revenue of $5.64 million for the fiscal year ending in 2024.
Major Current Funders: Recent high-profile donors include the Bezos Earth Fund, the Liberty Hill Foundation, and government grants like the $23 million Transformative Climate Communities grant from the California Strategic Growth Council.
LADWP Projects: In 2025 and 2026, Pacoima Beautiful has been active in the Electro Bici Program, funded by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which is a different utility than SCE.

For the most up-to-date donor details, you can review the Pacoima Beautiful 2024 Annual Report or their latest IRS Form 990 filings.

01/31/2026 Burbank Airport could be next scene of mid-air crash, airlines warn NTSB - From ABC News - VIDEO-ARTICLE "BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday expressed concerns over the dangerous possibility of the next deadly mid-air collision happening at Hollywood Burbank Airport. - The NTSB chair says its commercial airlines that are sounding the alarm, and says the FAA should take the warnings from airlines seriously. - "I keep hearing about other areas in the airspace where they are concerned. Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next mid-air is going to be at Burbank, and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said at a hearing, referring to the Federal Aviation Administration. "So, whether it is involving helicopters or not, people are raising red flags, and why aren't people listening? The FAA has to ensure safety. That is their job."

Tuesday's hearing was part of the investigation into a deadly mid-air crash near Washington, D.C. last year that left 67 people dead and involved an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane. - Whether it's helicopters like the deadly crash in D.C., or private aircraft, the concern is the amount of traffic coming and going from Burbank Airport and Van Nuys Airport in a relatively small airspace. Both airports are extremely busy. - According to the Aviation Safety Reporting System, there have been six near mid-air collisions at Burbank Airport since Jan. 1, 2021. The NTSB is demanding that the FAA take action." Read More Here.

Webmaster Note: Van Nuys East Pattern was lowered as of 1/05/2026, See VNY LTA Here

01/31/2026 Attention WHP Pilots - Danger nearby - Burbank Airport could be next scene of mid-air crash, airlines warn NTSB - From ABC News - VIDEO-ARTICLE "BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday expressed concerns over the dangerous possibility of the next deadly mid-air collision happening at Hollywood Burbank Airport. - The NTSB chair says its commercial airlines that are sounding the alarm, and says the FAA should take the warnings from airlines seriously. - "I keep hearing about other areas in the airspace where they are concerned. Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next mid-air is going to be at Burbank, and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said at a hearing, referring to the Federal Aviation Administration. "So, whether it is involving helicopters or not, people are raising red flags, and why aren't people listening? The FAA has to ensure safety. That is their job."

Webmaster Note: Van Nuys East Pattern was lowered as of 1/05/2026, See VNY LTA Here

01/29/2026 February 8, 2026, 10:00am to 2:00pm-Whiteman Airport Display Day. Signings of Display Paperwork from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Hangar HH09.

01/29/2026 February 3, 2026, 7:00pm-Whiteman Airport Association Meeting at Civil Air Patrol Building Classroom 1 (Old Rocky's) 12653 Osborne Street (use Google Maps). We will be discussing an exciting initiative to use a Public Relations campaign to highlight the Airport. We will need your help and financial support to make this a success. We will also discuss new positive information concerning the future of the airport. Finally, Clyde Carpenter, President of EAA Chapter 40, has taken on the job of coordinating an Airport Career and Family Day at Whiteman Airport (Open House) . We will be supporting this effort and need your help. We are entering a critical time with the final report from Trifiletti Consulting due out in June and a decision from the Board of Supervisors to follow. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to the airport, bring to light the critical need for the airport and the public's overwhelming support for Whiteman Airport.

01/28/2026 January 28, 2026 10:00am-Los Angeles County Aviation Commission Meeting at Brackett Airport. "The agenda does not have anything being voted on and appears to be just updates to ongoing issues and initiatives." - Comment by Jim Miller.

01/27/2026 Good News for Duncan Thomas! Confirmed last week, Duncan Thomas is the newest LAC Aviation Commissioner. Many forecast that Commissioner is a favorable choice of many GA advocates, He has been observed as a, "straight shooter."

01/25/2026 Airport Closure Request to FAA - How Might the Response Be? - The Following Addresses Bakersfield:

Page 1 FAA response to the City of Bakersfield

For the Full Very Revealing Document that illustrates Clearly the FAA Guidance followed for such matters - Tap or Click HERE.

01/14/2026 Current Subject: Unrealized Needed Airport Maintenance. Suggested has been that Supervisor has ordered verbally that no FAA Funding intentionally meant to sustain the needed repairs, be accepted so as to eliminate the 20-year grant assurance contract and allow for airport closure. Well, no evidence of a written directive seems to exist, but the fact is no grant has been applied for, and needed maintenance has gone unrealized.

Well, it appears that the truth was revealed in writing on Supervisor Horvath's website. Below is the webpage dated March 4, 2024.

THANK YOU to Matthew Stone for his diligent work collecting WHP press material.

HORVATH REVEALS: THIS IS IT! ON HER WEBSITE, AND IT REFERENCES AN LAC BOARD MOTION DATE!

-The Link:

https://lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov/whiteman-airport-unleaded-fuel/

SEE PARAGRAPH #3:

"Moreover, Chair Horvath emphasized, the County will not seek future funding from the FAA that would further lengthen aviation operations at Whiteman Airport, a measure that is also in alignment with her November 7 motion on the future of the 78-year-old airport."

November 7, 2023 Motion 20 Reimagining Whiteman Airport
Statement Of Proceedings

November 7, 2023 BOS Meeting Transcript Comments re: Motion 20 begin on page 283.
1151446_110723.pdf

1/14/2026 Special to SCAUWG.ORG: Review Notes of the 1/13 Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council Meeting w/ Guest Speaker Imelda Padilla - Reported by Matthew Stone Guest Contributor -

The 1/13 meeting of the Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council (SVANC) began at 6pm and went to its 7:50pm limit (the library hosting the event was closing as everyone piled out). The event was attended by roughly 30 people. Los Angeles Councilwoman Imelda Padilla (Council District 6 (CD6)) spoke for about 45 minutes from 6:10pm to just shy of 7:00pm prior to departing.

Imelda Padilla received a long list of questions from SVANC regarding local matters and a handful of questions from the public--my own included.
My questions to Imelda Padilla (with the LACP article proposing Whiteman be turned into a soccer stadium in hand) were:

Are you aware of this proposal, put forward by Veronica Padilla-Campos ([her] sister) and do you support it? What is your reaction to this suggestion to close this airport after seeing its important work meeting the devastating events of the January 2025 fires?

Imelda Padilla acknowledged she did read the 'make Whiteman into a soccer stadium' LACP article this morning (1/13) and is aware of Padilla-Campos' proposal.

Asked about her stance on the matter, Padilla demurred that she is 'so committed to other matters in CD6, including Van Nuys Airport as it deals with its landswap plans' that she is uninterested in political participation related to Whiteman (as it is in Monica Rodriguez' Council District 7) and directly referring to her similar April 9th, 2025 answers to me. When I reminded Padilla that Whiteman is a County facility subject to County oversight, she referred the matter to Lindsey Horvath. Padilla had no retort to the mention that Whiteman is a County-wide matter by virtue of its County-owned status and regional operations.

The only 'defense' Imelda Padilla put up regarding her sister Veronica Padilla-Campos' soccer stadium was referring to the quote in the LACP article wherein Padilla-Campos insisted her group (Pacoima Beautiful) has "never suggested that the emergency part of the airport be closed." When confronted with the facts that the LA County Fire Chief already explained the importance of and need for Whiteman's tower (which would not remain in the event of closure) to realize LA County's existent operations as-is and the reality that CALFIRE and other emergency operators use the airport/runway itself (not LA County Fire's co-located Barton Helipad), Padilla had no real retort.

Imelda Padilla simply re-emphasized the claim that Pacoima Beautiful has 'never advocated against the emergency services there.'In response, I noted that contention does not mesh with the realistic effect closure would have (LA County Fire's Barton Helipad operations would be, at best, hindered and CALFIRE/others' ability to operate would be flat out eliminated). While she did not get combative, emotional or rude, Padilla did not go any further on the question of Whiteman's future--instead referring it to local nonprofits (no specific names) and other pols (M. Rodriguez/Horvath) as a matter for them. As with the April 2025 meeting, Padilla abdicated any sort of involvement in the matter of Whiteman Airport despite its proximity.

Later on in the meeting, I publicly spoke to highlight the poor reasoning Imelda Padilla (who had left) had given--reminding attendees of the County-wide nature of the matter as well as the looming threat that the Pacific Palisades' plight could have befallen Sun Valley or other places. In a brief 1 minute comment, I pointed out that Imelda Padilla was essentially leaving local people voiceless about the airport's future despite its proximity and the enduring local and political interest in it. While the crowd was respectfully quiet, there was certainly no outward disapproval of those sentiments.

In chatting with folks as the meeting adjourned and people quickly piled out of the closing library, it was quite obvious that there is plenty of local interest in the issue of Whiteman Airport and that the general 'vibe' of the neighborhood council members was supportive of the airport, disapproving of closure particularly. None of the several I personally spoke to seemed moved by Imelda Padilla's contention that "it is a District 7 matter." To them, it is of interest and a topic for further discussion.

I believe Imelda Padilla was honest...she is probably not actively participating in anti-Whiteman efforts at this time.With Imelda Padilla's allies and people close to her (such as her sister Veronica Padilla-Campos who proposed the stadium idea) involved in anti-WHP efforts, Imelda Padilla has no real reason to actively involve herself. On the other hand, her actions signal very, very strongly that she favors closure even if she doesn't say so. Deliberately vague answers and a refusal to condemn closure efforts lends credence to this belief, especially after the January 2025 fires.

Regardless of her own stance on airport closure, the stadium proposal or other Whiteman-related politics, Imelda Padilla is shirking the matter and its broader implications. On that alone, she is failing her constituents. As busy as she is, this is an item that belongs on her plate--but she isn't dealing with it publicly. - MS

01/10/2026

Dear Whiteman Airport Community and Stakeholders,

Happy New Year and thank you for your continued engagement in the Whiteman Airport Land Use Study!

On behalf of the Study team, we would like to thank everyone who attended and participated in the Whiteman Airport Land Use Study Open House held in December 2025, as well as those who engaged with us through other outreach activities throughout the past year. Your time, thoughtful questions, and feedback are an important part of this process.

The materials shared at the Open House are now available at the links below. All Open House materials have also been translated into Spanish to ensure broad accessibility.

As a reminder, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath commissioned this Study to evaluate both the economic impacts and land use considerations of the Airport site—examining the following scenarios:

Airport closure and alternative uses.
Airport remains operational and includes community serving uses such as employment training, education, etc.

The Study is being conducted by the team of aviation and economic experts whom you met at the Open House, working with the support of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and in collaboration with the County Chief Executive Office and the Department of Public Works.

The next phase of the Study will focus on evaluating the costs and benefits associated with the land use scenarios presented at the Open House. The Study team is currently compiling stakeholder feedback received to date and completing the economic impact analysis to inform a comprehensive and thorough report that provides options and advises the Board of Supervisors on the future of the airport. We anticipate sharing the Study findings with the Pacoima and Whiteman Airport communities, and with stakeholders more broadly, in Spring 2026.

Thank you again for your participation, your perspectives, and your continued interest in the Whiteman Airport Land Use Study. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to 213-924-7666 or info@whplandusestudy.com.

Sincerely,
The Whiteman Airport Land Use Study Team

To Visit the Land Use Study Website for the Details Thus Far CLICK HERE

01/10/2026

FAA Guidance re: Approval Permission for Airport Closure / Federal Grant Assurance Program

As Whiteman Airport currently enjoys the benefit of perpetuity (detailed earlier on these pages) due to LA County's purchase of Real Property included in the Whiteman Airport Master Plan.

Read Detailed FAA Guidance related material CLICK HERE

01/07/2026 Below is a copy of a letter I (James Miller) was asked to share with Whiteman Airport Association Members concerning Requests For Proposals at Van Nuys Airport for development of a specific leasehold which has been divided into two separate lease holds. The big takeaway is that LAWA is changing the possible use of the land from smaller piston aircraft to larger Part 135 jets. The implied result would be fewer piston tie downs and increased costs for those who choose to stay. The result will most likely lead to increased demands on Whiteman Airport for tie downs and hangars and possibly forcing an Aviation training facility out of business. (Note: This represents yet another business who would consider Whiteman Airport as a base of operations if the County was entertaining long term leases.)

"LAWA LEASE UPDATE

December 30,2025

I hope that this lease update had more holiday cheer for you and less critical news.

On December 5th, LAWA issued RFPs for 5 expired leaseholds at Van Nuys airport. The Southwest Aviation leasehold was included in this grouping and split into two separate RFPs. The first parcel encompasses the Paramount site and the second, the rest of the leasehold to the South. In the RFP for the Southern part of my leasehold, LAWA is expanding the boundaries to include a vacant lot fronting Hayvenhurst and a part of the former Green Hornet site. Both sites are being promoted as having aviation development potential, even though the current land use, or FAA restrictions and/or airport specific plan precludes aviation development for these parcels.

As a current tenant, pilot, business operator and plane owner, you should be aware that the proposed use of my leasehold going forward is for general aviation use, not propeller use. (Note that LAWA utilizes a general aviation term to define aircraft over 12,000 lbs. takeoff weight and non-propeller.) Hidden within this designation is an attempt to convert the Southwest Aviation leasehold for jet aviation uses as LAWA receives a significantly higher land rental rate for jet operations.

If a Jet FBO is successful in obtaining the new lease, they will use the land for jet aviation to make the economics work and displace you and your plane. It is likely that you will need to find an alternative airport to fly out of as there is the lack of alternative sites for propeller aircraft and T hangars at Van Nuys.

Of addition concern is that current Southwest Aviation business tenants: the flight schools; insurance providers; tour operators and repair facilities, would be dislocated and the services currently serving the propeller aircraft community at Van Nuys would be lost.

This is major wakeup call, and we have a very short time fuse to organize and voice opposition to LAWA’s plan to reduce propeller access at Van Nuys. Southwest Aviation has set up a petition initiative at Change.org with the following link:

https://c.org/XGQ9nnmL9L.

We strongly encourage you to make your voice heard by signing this petition to retain propeller aircraft on Southwest’s lease and to eliminate the Hayvenhurst lot from this RFP.

When responding to this petition, here are suggested talking points for your post:

Your history of tenancy at Southwest Aviation Complex.

Keeping the current leasehold dedicated for propeller use, not jet use.

Affordability.

Need for a new lease term long enough to enable necessary improvements to the tarmac, buildings, parking lot and pilot facilities at Southwest Aviation. We are suggesting a minimum of ten years.

The importance of the current business operations at SWA to maintaining, operating, training and enabling private aviation at Van Nuys.

How your current operations benefit the local community such as number of students attending flight schools, number of employees, economic impact, mercy flights etc.

I thank you in advance for your concern and action in retaining private propeller aviation at Van Nuys airport

Warmly, Nick Mosich - Southwest Aviation Complex, lp"

01/07/2026 Whiteman Airport Display Day -Sunday January 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm - Signings of Display Paperwork from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Hangar HH09. Please bring your new blank form with you. Make sure your N number is in the upper right corner on both sides of the form.

01/07/2026 Whiteman Airport Association Meeting - Tuesday February 3, 2026 at Civil Air Patrol Classroom 1, 12653 Osborne Street, pacoima, CA 91331 - The WAA will meet to discuss upcoming events that are being planned for the airport throughout 2026 and how you can help. We will also discuss the current status of the report concerning closure of the airport.

12/20/2025 4 STACK DESTRUCTION Pictured from the air. - Removal of the Stacks may help cancel any resident pollution, but it creates some real airspace challenges. The Stacks are part of several "procedures," not to forget to mention, the structure is an easily identifiable VFR landmark.

"I am not sure if the obstacle lights on the intact funnels are operational, but the top of the eastern most funnel.

It is certainly gone. It appears to be the beginning of the very end for the Four Stacks is upon them." Photo Credit & Comment: Matthew Stone