“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.
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:
This Page (2) was Added 06/18/2026 For Whiteman Airport Page 2 Please Click Here
News, Challenges, Events & Correspondence:
Accepted for Publication
7/20/2026 Matthew Stone (published by the Sun) responding to a Roberto Barragan letter to the editor at the San Fernando Valley Sun /el Sol newspaper.
7/22/2026 SCAUWG.ORG submitted a response to the Roberto Barragan article as well - awaiting moderation.
On Behalf of those who benefit from the services that Whiteman airport facilitates like those who benefited from the rapid responses to the Palisades Fire, the Hughes Fire, and most recently the Sandy Fire. On behalf of those that benefit from the Search & Rescue CAP that operates at Whiteman, and those who train at Whiteman and become airline pilots, and on behalf those who have benefited from the over 10,000 free kids flights, and those that benefit from the helicopters based at Whiteman, that provide the eyes in the sky traffic and news coverage, and those kids who continue to receive free “explorer” or Cadet training, or learn how to build an airplane at the EAA, that grow up and get jobs in the aviation industry, I say, “well done!” And, don’t forget the residents not only of Pacoima, but Burbank, Van Nuys, Santa Monica and Long Beach as they are happy their skies and airports don’t become congested and overburdened because of displaced Whiteman traffic.
On behalf of all these I would like to thank the pilots based at Whiteman, and those responsible for the tremendous benefit the entire LA Basin enjoys because of their participation. These pilots and personnel stand up for the County, and the goals our County fathers wished for.
True, the County is preempted from certain regulatory activities. They are also preempted from issuing drivers licenses, charging state sales tax, and managing the National Guard. Perhaps the critics of our governmental system would propose closing the streets and freeways because of the huge daily accident toll claiming the County cannot control drivers’ licenses? The County does however control gate passes at Whiteman airport, and is also obligated to perform airport maintenance, which had the County not refused to accept federal funds would be in better repair.
Had they been accepted those funds could also have upgraded the homes located very close to the runway. Those residents have been forgotten by the anti-airport critics.
While true almost all aviation accidents are caused by operator error or mechanical breakdown, the same is true of accidents on Santa Monica Boulevard and other County maintained thoroughfares. Luckily for drivers the County isn’t yet allowed to build houses in the middle of Santa Monica Boulevard!
County and City airport critics and certain “stakeholders,” acknowledge the “lack of investment,” but feel it isn’t responsible for accidents. Years ago, putting the similar wires that two airplanes hit underground was proposed. Anti-airport foes disagreed and influenced the decision to keep them above ground predictably creating an accident spiderweb.
Not accepting Federal grants was meritless for three reasons: 1) the airport already has perpetuity, benefit, 2) no legitimate fear of obligation extension, and 3) it contradicts the current anti-FAA cry. On one hand the County opts to not accepted available FAA aid, and on the other, the County complains, and throws the FAA under the bus!
FAA Staffing: I offer this comparison. Your child wants a new bicycle, but their allowance doesn’t provide enough money to pay for school lunch and books and still have enough for the bicycle. The FAA is like the child. They have many goals and need an increased staff, but they don’t control the budget, Congress does. Long-term contracts could save money. Engaging is impossible as Congress has limited funding to one-year periods. Result: Don’t criticize your kid or the FAA for not being able to afford what each would like to do. If you truly have a problem with staffing limits, please address that criticism to your congressional representatives. Have you?
The FAA however, via extradentary effort, has created the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), a voluntary organized group composed of aviation professionals devoted to reporting safety challenges, community outreach, and recurrent pilot education. The FAASTeam extends the eyes and ears of the FAA at little cost in comparison.
Some airport critics might not have noticed that the FAASTeam is at Whiteman. I personally have produced, or co-produced, and spoken for years at not just one free seminar every 4 months, as currently requested by the County, but at over 40 per year, and I am not the only representative at Whiteman. It is a successful program. Only 0.33% of pilots involved in Part 91 general aviation accidents had a “current” phase of the FAA WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program at the time of their accident. And one shouldn’t discount the U.S. Air Force auxiliary Civil Air Patrol based at Whiteman either.
The amount of misinformation spread by those who allegedly might have ulterior motives is disturbing. For example, drug testing: the FAA enforces a federally mandated Industry Drug and Alcohol Testing Program under 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40, designed to protect public safety.
Another example: negatively referring to Whiteman as a “non-standard” airport. There is no “non-standard” airport. There are “non-standard” instrument approach requirements for airports, meaning that the requirements for pilots to fly that approach mandate HIGHER than standard requirements and are designed to provide an extra safety element.
Other terms like “Declared Distances” might also confuse those who haven’t had the opportunity to do the necessary study. Declared distances are often published by authorities for each runway end and are used to define the available lengths for aircraft performance calculations. In practice, they are published in official aeronautical sources for most commercial service airports. These values are regulatory for Part 121 passenger aircraft and are essential for safe takeoff and landing performance planning. For example, no general aviation or commercial pilot should operate an aircraft without knowing the usable length of a runway!
If Whiteman Airport is deemed unsustainable and a continued danger to local residents—despite the fact that no local resident has died as a result—then, by the same logic, the City should also consider closing Van Nuys Airport and LAX, where large jet traffic could be argued to pose an even greater risk. Yet, ironically, many airport opponents likely have no problem flying out of LAX.
If those seeking closure and development at Whiteman airport truly supported Barton heliport, and if they truly understood the dynamics involved, they would know that the airport tower controls the local airspace, without which, fast and safe departures would be a thing of the past, and without Whiteman’s runway that can allow for additional transportation needs, and without the available land space for an equipment/supplies staging area, efficient firefighting would be compromised.
FAA guidance on closing an airport granted perpetuity does not allow the property to be repurposed for non-aviation use. See the Airport Improvement Program details.
I am also stunned that some who propose closing the airport do so to protect the Latino and other community residents. I will try to make it clear. If Whiteman closes and real estate development begins, the entire surrounding area will become gentrified, meaning many current residents will be forced to leave their homes due to increased rents, or building demolition and construction. Keeping Whiteman open is the only way to enhance the LA Basin, and at the same time PROTECT area residents! Please stand up for the truth and fight misrepresentation!
Thank you for your attention.
Ron Berinstein, Director, Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG)
7/16/2026 Can LA County legally mandate safety seminar training for pilots at Whiteman Airport in order to satisfy Supervisor Horvath's desire?
NO.
In regard to the proposed requirements for pilots at WHP: "FAA preemption in the area of aviation safety is absolute. State regulations that require air carriers to provide specific aviation safety related equipment, and to participate in safety related training, are therefore preempted." Med-Trans Corp. v. Benton, 581 F.Supp.2d 721, 740 (E.D.N.C. 2008). - Jol Silversmith Esq.
Meaning of “FAA Preemption in the Area of Aviation Safety Is Absolute”
The statement “FAA preemption in the area of aviation safety is absolute” means that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has complete, exclusive authority over all matters related to aviation safety in the United States. There is no other federal, state, or local agency that can set rules or standards in this field that take precedence over FAA regulations.
Key points to understand
- Preemption in law means that one law or authority overrides another. In this case, FAA law “preempts” any conflicting rules from other agencies.
- Absolute here means there is no exception — even if another agency (like the Department of Transportation, state DOTs, or local governments) tries to create rules about aviation safety, those rules cannot apply if they conflict with FAA regulations.
- This principle is based on the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act, which give the FAA sole authority to regulate aviation safety, including aircraft design, operation, maintenance, pilot licensing, air traffic control, and safety inspections.
Why it matters
- It ensures uniformity and consistency in aviation safety standards across the U.S.
- It prevents conflicting regulations that could create confusion or safety risks.
- It gives the FAA the power to enforce compliance and take action against violations without interference from other agencies.
Example
If a state DOT tried to require a different safety inspection schedule for small aircraft, the FAA could block that rule because it would conflict with FAA-mandated safety standards. The FAA’s authority is “absolute” in this domain.
In short, the phrase means the FAA’s rules on aviation safety are final and non-negotiable — no other agency can override them. al.com+1
07/13/2026 SCAUWG.ORG Apology - just added is the May 19, 2026, website page that Supervisor Horvath published responding to the BOS failure to approve her motion to extend protection for wildfire survivors against possible price gouging going forward. You can view the entire post Here, It can be read on the Whiteman Airport Page 2 at 5/19/26. SCAUWG.ORG responded with this opinion:
SCAUWG.ORG: It would appear that Supervisor Horvath states concern for area renters and residents who were victims of the great LA Fires. However, one might ask if that concern is real, why then does she support the closure of the airport that facilitates fighting those fires with immediate response and professionalism? She states that renters and residents deserve better, yet should Whiteman Airport be closed, the result will be area gentrification forcing renters and others to move away, not because of burning flames, but because of higher rents, and building development. Is that not what she wrote she wanted to avoid?
06/30/2026 LA COUNTY BOS JUNE 30, 2026, MTG HORVATH MOTION 16 - ENHANCING SAFETY AT WHITEMAN AIRPORT - MOTION 16 VIDEO
LA COUNTY BOS MTG JUNE 30, 2026, HORVATH MOTION 16
CLICK ON IMAGE to View the Video of the Motion 16 Discussion and Vote
06/30/2026 POLITICIAN INPUT - LETTERS TO THE BOS re: MOTION 16 - from U.S. REPRESENTATIVE LUZ RIVAZ and CA ASSEMBLYWOMAN CELESTE RODRIQUEZ
U.S. REPRESESENTATIVE LUZ RIVAZ
CA ASSEMBLYWOMAN CELESTE RODRIQUEZ
Webmaster Editorial Comment: One might find it difficult to believe that professionals charged with representing thousands of constituents no matter how sincere they could be so are so misinformed. Every aviation enthusiast would like to see proper airport maintenance but appearing to believe that repairing runway surface cracks will prevent pilot errors and/or mechanical issues from occurring seems naive. Additionally holding the FAA or NTSB to task, as has been promoted by some, do not recognize that the airport is a County entity, (not Federal), and the wires located on approach are a City responsibility (not Federal or NTSB)! Furthermore, reasoning that safety for Pacoima residents who chose to live near the airport, and who will be forced out of their homes due to gentrification should the airport close, is more important than protecting and serving the entire LA Basin with emergency services, acting as an FAA reliever, and without which cause a serious congestion problem for all neighboring airports and their surrounding communities, seems like those elected to represent our populace have believed anti-airport misrepresentation, and have not connected the real dots.
06/29/2026 (4) PUBLIC RESPONSES (of Many) to the BOS AGENDA ITEM #16 ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES at WHITEMAN AIRPORT (Public Comment was invited - 6/29 4pm)
From the Director, SCAUWG.ORG:
From Commentator Matthew Stone:
To the LA County Board of Supervisors:
It is long past time for the Board of Supervisors to stop its careless, needless and neglectful refusal of federal funding which is offered to Whiteman Airport.
The funding freeze was never approved by Angelenos and has undercut safety improvement efforts needlessly. Proper action today regarding enhancing safety at Whiteman Airport means proceeding with the common sense measures aviation experts have long recommended, including seeking and accepting federal funds for improvements, upgrades and mitigation measures.
The money for these things is freely available--the BOS must simply stop letting special interests' anti-airport politics be prioritized over people and public safety.
Overwhelmingly the local community supports KEEPING Whiteman Airport open and operational so that it may CONTINUE to serve the community. To best accomplish this, Federal Aviation Administration grants must be accepted to finance critical modernization and safety improvements.
As the FAA has already acknowledged LA County's obligation to operate Whiteman as an airport in perpetuity; there is no legitimate reason to decline FAA funding...the time to accept it is now.
Do not delay or deny upgrades to Angelenos--the public deserves this and special interests advocating for developers have no right to block these. Angelenos not only need Whiteman to remain open, they want this outcome.
For the sake of fairness and proper governance, this must be respected and acted upon by facilitating and supporting Whiteman's continued function. Only a very small group of individuals, often motivated by profit seeking, wish to see the airport closed.
Angelenos' best interests and will should not be held hostage by anti-Whiteman special interests' lobbying to stop airport improvements and progress that is favored by and helpful to the majority. The selfish focus of anti-Whiteman advocacy groups on profits and politics over people and public safety cannot be allowed to dictate policy.
If Supervisor Horvath wishes to be believed as serious about safety at Whiteman, there is no substitute: seek and accept the federal funds readily available to improve safety at Whiteman and they exist for the purpose of making stakeholders safer around and at Whiteman.
Supervisors, show Angelenos you will put public safety above political interests: seek and accept the FAA funding that will promote the safety measures you claim to want. Actions speak louder than words.
From Commentator Marc Haney: via email
From: Marc Haney
Date: June 29, 2026 at 11:32:51 AM PDT
To: ExecutiveOffice@bos.lacounty.gov, et al
Subject: Please keep and modernize Whiteman Airport
Dear local leaders and team,
It is known that Whiteman Airport is:
1. Required to operate in perpetuity as per federal regulations.
2. Is the most profitable airport in the five county airport system and subsidizes other airports such as Compton: Compton can not self sustain on its own.
3. Is an important reliever airport and central to public safety regarding disaster relief.
Supervisor Horvath has done damage by declining federal funds for maintaining and improving the airport. One such safety measure would be to underground the electric utility lines on the approach end of the runway or add colored bollards balls to the existing utility lines. Second, the runway is due for a proper overhaul, not the temporary slurry seal that is being considered as a band aid.
S. Horvath would be well served to seek and understand airport functions, as well as federal regulations for compliance to grant assurance obligations.I am writing as a resident of El Monte to express my strong support for keeping Whiteman Airport open with a focus on modernization and safety improvements instead of closure.
Whiteman Airport has been part of the San Fernando Valley community for more than 80 years. It supports local jobs, flight training, emergency response operations, wildfire support, public safety activities, and small businesses. Its economic impact is massive, creating hundreds of jobs and bringing in more than $100 million in economic activity for the region.
Closing the airport would not eliminate aviation activity. It would simply shift more traffic and congestion to nearby airports and create new regional problems.
I believe the better path is to improve the airport while continuing to address community concerns. Local leaders should move forward with practical solutions that benefit both residents and airport users, including:
• Upgrading aging infrastructure and improving safety systems
• Using available FAA funding for modernization projects
• Expanding noise mitigation efforts and improving operational practices
• Supporting cleaner and quieter aviation technology, including electric aircraft
• Improving communication and transparency with surrounding neighborhoods
• Continuing meaningful community engagement with Valley residentsMultiple neighborhood councils, including Pacoima, have voted overwhelmingly in support of keeping Whiteman Airport open, and I hope those voices will be fully considered as the County evaluates the airport's future.
Please prioritize modernization, safety improvements, and responsible planning before considering any irreversible decision to close Whiteman Airport.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
James Haney
El Monte
From KAGEL CANYON CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Page 1 of 3
For the whole document please CLICK HERE
06/27/2026 - At approximately 1 p.m. today (June 27th) an aircraft was reported to have made an emergency landing * in the riverbed about a quarter mile east of the runway at Santa Paula Airport. The single engine propeller Bellanca 17-30A departed Glendale, Arizona, this morning around 9 a.m. and was en route to Santa Paula Airport. The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft and was transported to a local hospital with what were reported as minor injuries and in stable condition. There was no damage to property and no other injuries reported. The Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office were on scene. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration were notified and will begin investigating the accident. Please respond with any questions. - Well wishes to you, Jannette O: (805) 388-4287 - E: Jannette.Jauregui@venturacounty.gov
*Included here as an illustration of how Ventura County discloses and treats an accident as opposed to how LA County does.
06/23/2026 Whiteman Airport Association and Friends of Whiteman Airport: Tomorrow, the L. A. County Aviation Commission will be holding their June meeting at Brackett Airport at 7:00pm. The agenda for the meeting is below.
6/21/2026 Letter to the San Fernando Sun/el Sol Editor submitted by Webmaster Ron Berinstein (SCAUWG.ORG): - Published 6/25 See it at this link: https://sanfernandosun.com/2026/06/24/whiteman-airport-8/
Accepted for Publication
To the Editor:
LA Times - Letters to the Editor
06/21/2026 Letters to the Editor: The Whiteman Airport is an ‘irreplaceable’ asset for the community - From LA TIMES - (1) "To the editor: After the Tuesday crash on Whiteman Airport grounds caused by faulty landing gear on a Cessna plane, L.A. County Board Supervisor Lindsey Horvath requested that operations at the airport “cease immediately” and stated that she has “repeatedly called for … corrective actions” on the part of the federal government (“Another crash at L.A. County’s Whiteman Airport is sparking calls for federal reform,” June 16). In 2024, she enacted a freeze on federal grants for the airport, resulting in deferred critical infrastructure improvements. - In addition to being a home to the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s air operations unit, Whiteman Airport is in a strategic location for rapid aerial response during emergencies in foothill communities as well as the San Fernando Valley. The airport also is an economic asset to businesses and local jobs and has provided youth aviation programs since 1971 for students ages 8-17. I hope that both politicians and the public will attend the upcoming June 27 Community Aviation Family Festival at this irreplaceable airport."
Katharine Paull, Kagel Canyon, Calif.
(2) To the editor: Airports don’t cause accidents. Freeways don’t cause accidents. Accidents are caused by people, not by an airport or a highway. "The hue and cry by the Board of Supervisors and Pacoima residents is to close Whiteman Airport because it’s dangerous. But we haven’t heard a word about closing the three freeways surrounding Whiteman, which have far more accidents than any airport — including Whiteman."
Trent Sanders, La Cañada Flintridge
06/20/2026 - Barnstorming: The War On Whiteman - From Aero News Network - "How Political Opportunism, Historical Amnesia, and Redevelopment Ambitions Are Putting Another American Airport In The Crosshairs" - News/Analysis/Opinion By ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell
"To characterize an FAA-governed public airport as "unregulated" is not merely inaccurate; it demonstrates such a fundamental misunderstanding of aviation that one is left wondering whether any effort was made to understand the subject before public pronouncements began."
06/19/2026 Latest Whiteman Airport accident intensifies debate over Pacoima airfield - From Los Angeles Daily News - "Safety experts say determining whether an airport is unsafe requires more than counting crashes - After a small plane skidded off the runway at Whiteman Airport this week and crashed through a perimeter fence into an airport parking lot, local officials once again renewed calls to close the Pacoima airfield, arguing the latest incident underscored longstanding safety concerns for surrounding neighborhoods. - The runway overrun on Tuesday, June 16, which injured the 77-year-old pilot after the aircraft’s landing gear failed, was the latest in a string of high-profile incidents involving aircraft operating to or from the county-owned airport in recent years. - Those accidents have fueled a long-standing debate over whether Whiteman Airport should remain open, pitting community advocates and elected officials who say the airport poses unacceptable risks against airport supporters, who argue it remains an important regional asset and should instead be modernized." This article with insight mentions perpetuity. Read it Here.
06/19/2026 The Whiteman Airport opposition - A May 5, 2026, Letter supporting Supervisor Horvath's motion (described via earlier coverage) - Pro-airport supporter's comment: "These anti-airport supporters seem to profess they would like safety and studies, as long as no funding is secured for airport improvements, and the results of the sought-after studies suits their alleged biased already determined and alleged poorly informed opinions."
Guest Comment: "Not only do the authors of the May 5th letter seek to deprive Angelenos of access to Whiteman (a public facility), all of its various services (emergency services, general transit, public services, education, etc.) and damage the local infrastructural network Whiteman is a crucial part of, the group also wants Angelenos to subsidize their ambitions. - By seeking for taxpayers to pay for land remediation, the group is not only demanding to have the land for their interests but also pushing for LA County taxpayers to bear all costs of their dreams' foundations: your dollar, their development. -
SUPERVISOR HORVATH PROPOSES THE ENHANCEMENT OF SAFETY MEASURES AT WHITEMAN (MOTION 16 - JUNE 30 MTG)
SUPERVISOR HORTHAN PROPOSES SAFETY MOTION (16)
VIEW THE ENTIRE MOTION HERE
WAC on INSTAGRAM
06/19/2026 Honoring the Hagopian's who have dedicated their volunteer efforts toward the preservation and betterment of Whiteman Airport. VIDEO - They are featured as part of the WAC releases on Instagram. Just Click on the image.
(SFVS/el Sol Photo/Danara Castañeda)
06/18/2026 From the San Fernando Sun/el Sol: Community Members React to Latest Local Plane Accident Out of Whiteman Airport 6/17 Written by
Lazaro Gonzalez, who works at a hangar near Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, was arriving to work on Tuesday morning when he noticed a commotion – firefighters, onlookers and a completely wrecked small plane in the parking lot outside of the landing area.
Just eight weeks after the April 20 crash landing of a single-engine Cessna in Pacoima – where it ended up upside down in the parking lot of an O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store on Van Nuys Boulevard – it was yet another plane wreck out of Whiteman, Gonzalez realized.
“It’s scary because, you know, I work here and sometimes I’ll be here for three or four hours, maybe five hours in the hangar,” Gonzalez told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol about the accident happening so close to his workplace. “Sometimes I ride my bike back and forth [in this area] for maybe one hour … so it’s gonna be a little scary for me after this [crash].”
The accident involving the single-engine plane was reported at 9:11 a.m. on June 16, just beyond Whiteman’s runway, near 12653 W. Osborne St. The plane had landed on the runway, but its landing gear didn’t deploy properly, causing it to skid through a perimeter fence before stopping in the adjacent parking lot. - The 77-year-old pilot was transported to the hospital, visibly distressed, but suffered only minor injuries. You can read the entire account Here
Published Content
06/18/2026 Webmaster Ron Berinstein on behalf of SCAUWG.ORG responded to the above Article published by the "Sun." The comments from this post that also appeared on Facebook were published.
Comments:
1. Whiteman Airport was there since the forties. Everyone surrounding it located there later by their choice. LA City Zoning regulations deemed it safe. Everyone buying property near the airport had to sign escrow papers SAYING THAT THEY KNEW THERE WAS AN AIRPORT NEARBY!
2. Airports by law cannot, and do not control pilot qualifications. Those are federal matters. Should that not be the case, Monica Rodriquez could argue to close city owned Van Nuys Airport, as Van Nuys has had many, many, more accidents associated with it than Whiteman.
3. How about LAX? Should nearby residents propose closing LAX because an Alaska Airlines jet crashed while preparing to land and everyone on board was killed? Edwards AFB? Should it close because a B-52 just crashed killing 8? Should Reagan International close because of the recent helicopter / jet accident?
4. There are hundreds of car accidents on our freeways and roads daily nearby Pacoima. Should San Fernando Road and the nearby freeways with the cars and trucks that emit pollution, and have homes and businesses on both sides of them, cease operations immediately pending studies?
5. Residents know this: Should the airport close, imposing a tremendous overload and congestion for at least two other local airports, and possibly flight delays, and certainly delayed emergency firefighting responses, the associated redeveloped land use will most certainly turn public land to private-for-profit enterprise, and cause area residents to face higher rents and receive eviction notices, and be forced to relocate in order to accommodate new construction.
6. LA County has seen fit to allocate over one million dollars composed of community social fund monies, combined with airport revenue and other funds to study land use for an airport necessary for area emergency service and already given the FAA benefit of perpetuity, and special airport reliever status.
7. Supervisor Horvath says she supports improving local fire response service and advocates for an improved Whiteman airport, yet for years she has denied funding for Whiteman. Additionally, LA County sends Whiteman revenue to at least two other County owned airports starving Whiteman of its own revenue.
8. It’s time that our politicians start actually representing what is truly good for our communities, and not what may be good for the pocketbooks of certain special interests.
9. The helicopter base chief has said Whiteman is necessary for them to provide efficient response. The devastating fires were fought by helicopters from Whiteman. The Sandy fire was fought by Whiteman Helicopter first responders. Search and Rescue is headquartered there, Thousands of free rides for community children have been made available from there.
10. Whiteman Airport needs to stay public. Low-income housing can be built elsewhere, thus protecting the area residents from strain on natural resources and the resulting traffic congestion
06/18/2026 Community Members React to Latest Local Plane Accident Out of Whiteman Airport - The San Fernando Valley Sun - Additional accident coverage from the San Fernando Sun/el sol and report of WAC released comments.
6/16 ACCIDENT (credit: KTLA)
Rodriquez on Facebook (credit Fox Local)
06/17/2026 City Councilmember Monica Rodriquez on video addressing the 6/16/2026 WHP accident. She charged that this was the fifth accident in six years, that WHP is a threat to her district residents, and is unregulated. Critics of the councilmember who appeared to be visibly aging suggest that she is either vastly uninformed about the regulations imposed by the FAA, and even CalTrans, and that cities impose whilst addressing airports, or she should be more honest. "Let her try to build an airport! She will quickly find out just how much airports are regulated!" " was one comment. On social media her assertions went overwhelmingly unwelcomed. Another comment: "Monica Rodriquez said she messaged Supervisor Horvath stating that the County is not "being responsive to the safety concerns...," (and other charges). One might inquire about how many messages of that character Councilmember Rodriquez has sent to Councilmember Imelda Padilla, whose district includes Van Nuys Airport, and that has experienced many more accidents associated with it, than those quoted at Whiteman and haven't resulted in a single community resident fatality." One can view the Fox Video here.
'
06/16/2026 LA County Public Works Supports Call for Enhanced FAA Pilot Oversight and Aviation Safety Measures - From LACDPW - "LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2026) — Los Angeles County Public Works is supporting Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath’s call for enhanced Federal Aviation Administration oversight, pilot training, and safety programs at County-owned general aviation airports following recent aviation incidents that have raised concerns among residents and stakeholders. The latest incident, which occurred earlier today at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, involved a pilot who crash landed his Cessna single-engine aircraft with the wheels up—colliding with airport fencing before coming to a stop in the onsite parking lot. The pilot received minor injuries. - In a letter sent to federal aviation officials, Supervisor Horvath urged the FAA to evaluate opportunities..." Continue to read Here.
06/19/2026 Guest Comment: "As in their previous correspondence to the Board of Supervisors, Public Works is on board with taking care of business...the problem remains the official(s) beholden to anti-airport special interests who demand upgrades be blocked." - Matthew Stone
06/16/2026 Supervisor Horvath immediately issued comments regarding the most recent (6/16/26) accident. Actually, it might be said that the accident provided an opportunity to issue a press release stating her previously held political platform. Critics of the Supervisor mention that should she desire to represent her district faithfully, she might consider withholding hyperbole and speak maturely, rather than scrip speech with official looking graphics, that allegedly she knows is lawfully irrelevant, but is designed to be a rally call for her political benefit, at the community's expense.
Supervisor Horvath response to the 6/16 accident
06/15/2026 The Whiteman Airport Coalition (WAC) has announced their brand-new website. Whitemanairport.com. There is a link enabling quick comments to local political leaders. Their press releases will most certainly be posted on the site.
- Visit our "email local leaders" page here and fill in your full name, neighborhood and email. Be sure to use your real info so our elected leaders know they're hearing from actual constituents.
- Then, select which groups you want to message. Choose from LA County Board of Supervisors, LA County Public Works or the LA City Council. You can even select all three!
- After that, just hit the "Open draft email" button and your auto-generated email will pop up in your default mail application (you can also manually copy and paste it if necessary). * Hit send, and off it goes.
06/13/2026 Whiteman Airport Association Display Day will be held tomorrow June 14, 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Signings of paperwork will be in Hangar HH09 from 10:00anm until 1:00pm. - Other items of interest:
06/12/2026 From the Mission Hills Neighborhood Council website: https://www.mhnconline.org/mission-hills-hears-about-entities-benefitting-our-community/
The coalition shared about the many businesses, nonprofits and jobs provided as a result of the Whiteman airport Peri. They noted that the airport is so profitable it is supporting two other airports. They invited everyone to come to the Community Day on June 27 to a free family festival to learn more about aviation.
The airport has been granted to operate in perpetuity and each time contracts are conferred, they too stipulate how long the airport must be open. Nonetheless, the county is using funds intended to maintain the airport to instead study closing the airport. This has depleted the airport from funds that can help it continue to operate safely and prevents it from entering long term leases which would also benefit the airport and the community. In addition to the jobs that it provides for the surrounding community, it is noted that the airport actually provides a buffer to airplane noise from the Burbank airport. Currently the noise is generated by mostly small single engine airplanes. The airport has a three mile zone around it for the safe operation of those planes. Should the airport be closed, then the large noisy jets that fly into Burbank would be permitted to fly directly over the neighborhood currently protected by the Whiteman Airport.
06/12/2026 This excerpt from Horvath staff. This quotation is something to concern ourselves with:
“Barton Heliport and Whiteman Airport are separate facilities and should not be viewed as interdependent. The future of Barton Heliport is not predicated on the future of Whiteman Airport,” said Constance Farrell, Horvath’s Communications Director.
“Barton Heliport is not large enough to accommodate the Fire Department’s operational needs, including the addition of two Sikorsky Firehawks funded through voter-approved Measure E,” she added.
Guest comment: "I believe we can agree that Farrell's statement is plainly false, given what we have heard from LA County Fire and airspace realities (coordination with BUR). - Whether Farrell is being intentionally deceptive or simply uninformed is not clear (but we can certainly speculate); however, what is clear is that Farrell is only a political mouthpiece...a spokeswoman, not a pilot, a firefighter or an aerial firefighter. Whatever her other credibility, Farrell's standing to speak on Barton matters pales in comparison to that of the LACoFD fire chief who operates from Barton. (Horvath and her staff should absolutely be deferring to the FD--not that I expect that.)" - M.S.
06/12/2026 Opinion Recently Shared: "...some background info to the latest WAC release prior to the SVANC meeting. The plaza with the Subway just off the end of the runway is up for sale and makes mention of the airport's ongoing political battle as part of the sales pitch. As I related to her, I do not believe that there is much to that comment and there are other explanations for why the owners may be seeking to sell (little San Fernando Road just beside it is an epicenter of RV encampments). Still, it did attract some interest and speculation." - M.S.
06/11/2026 An update: Whiteman Airport Coalition presentation (by Estevan Roth) at the Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council meeting was well received and their Community Impact Statement supporting was voted forward (I believe it's passed outright and to be send along to the City Council now)
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- Because Roth is not traditionally the main presenter for the WAC, he did bid me to assist him a little with some comments and points, which I did (a few specifics such as the scheduled retirement date of 100LL and a few other small bits)
- One neighborhood councilor did express some concerns about lead while explicitly making her support for continued airport operations clear; Roth and myself did speak to her concerns--she ultimately abstained from signing onto the letter (which passed 10-0 with her abstention)
- One point I hammered in my own comments--brief as they were--was the blocking of safety efforts by anti-airport voices like Pacoima Beautiful
- Beyond that, the meeting was mostly uneventful...SVANC is known to be friendly to WHP
- Because Roth is not traditionally the main presenter for the WAC, he did bid me to assist him a little with some comments and points, which I did (a few specifics such as the scheduled retirement date of 100LL and a few other small bits)
- The various officials' representatives (for Horvath/Monica Rodriguez/Celeste Rodriguez/Caroline Menjivar) made no statements regarding the airport at all
example: available property
06.10.2026 The Case for Redeveloping Blighted, Vacant Properties Before Closing Whiteman Airport - From WAC - "Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors continues to spend time and millions of taxpayer dollars studying closure and redevelopment scenarios for Whiteman Airport.- But here is the question nobody will seems willing to answer: Why is the County considering closing one of the region's most important public assets while vacant and underutilized properties sit idle all around the San Fernando Valley? - The Redevelopment Sites Already Exist - Just down the street from Whiteman Airport sits several boarded-up commercial buildings on a prime piece of real estate at the corner of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Osborne Street. Neighbors tell us it’s remained vacant for decades."
Webmaster Comment: The answer to the above question is relatively simple: The County owns the airport. The County would have to purchase the locations referred to in this article. Yat the case is compelling as the County is committing funds toward closing the airport that could otherwise be used more profitably. You can read this very well illustrated commentary from WAC by Clicking Here. - Caution: This link may not work with VPNs engaged.
06/06/2026 Another Lead Study [though not directly pointed at WHP]
COUNTY BOS ORDERED LEAD STUDY - ENTIRE DOCUMENT CLICK HERE
0607/2026 Guest Comment: "So far, I've not been too hurt to hear the lead issue because inaction on leaded paint, pipes, etc while caterwauling about the airport only proves a lack of genuine interest in solving lead matters...perhaps this new effort will change that, though this still seems to be passive tracking rather than action (a large scale effort against legacy leaded paint and the like). The way I see it, the entire issue is fading and becoming truly nothing more than a talking point with 100LL headed into the sunset. The longer the pols wait and the closer the phaseout gets, the less credibility pols can pretend to have with other sources sitting idle with no retirement on the books." - M.S.
6/03/2026 Aviation Commissioner Rudy Villarreal rumored to resign his commission seat following his electoral victory; Rudy Villarreal (Lakewood City Council District 2, California, candidate 2026) -Commissioner Villarreal captured 52% of the vote.- SCAUWG.ORG welcomes the political contribution the commissioner will offer as a Lakewood City Councilmember, and wish him our very best!
06/03/2026 Guest Comment: Some notes regarding the June 2nd Public Election: [Nothing too surprising]
- Predictably, Horvath easily secures reelection--but it's not the 'mandate' she claims (<200,000 votes amid a district of ~2 million)
- Monica Rodriguez (unopposed) wins with a listed 100% of the vote -- Rodriguez' campaign account actually boasted about this, apparently unironically
- At the WHP Airport Association meeting, I opined Rodriguez' folks would fawn over these returns--numbers that'd "would make Saddam Hussein blush"
Rodriguez' endorsed allies (1 of 3 successful):
- City Attorney: Hydee Feldstein-Soto (defeated: Feldstein-Soto has been trounced, a very distant 3rd place)
- City Controller: Zach Sokoloff (17 pts behind incumbent Mejia, probably defeated; I am not sure the 50+% 'autowin in primary' condition applies to this seat)
- Mayor: Karen Bass (headed to November runoff - Bass' future is something of a wild card in today's politics)
LA City Council District 3 seat:This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the night's events, because of its apparent potential for a 'proxy war' between various anti-WHP elected officials and known figures. However, at this time it's not clear how serious the divide between them (over their prospective CD3 candidates) is:
- Tim Gaspar: leading with 49% of the vote currently
- Endorsed by Monica Rodriguez, John Lee
- If Gaspar can clear 50%+1 of the vote in the primary, he can bypass the November election altogether
- Rodriguez actively pursued and used the 'June primary autowin' tactic in 2022 to avoid the November elections
- Given Gaspar's current tallies, it seems very possible
- Barri Worth Girvan: trailing with 39% of the vote
- Endorsed by Lindsey Horvath, Caroline Menjivar
- Menjivar staffer Teodora Reyes and Pacoima Neighborhood Councilmember Walter Garcia appeared with Girvan in a San Fernando Valley Young Democrats event
- C.R. Celona: predictably trounced...he had no money to speak of and never had a serious chance on that basis
Overall, it'll be interesting: it might be advantageous to see the CD3 race turn bloody, as discord among these pols and known anti-WHP actors might help the pro-airport cause. We do not yet know how competitive or bitter these two sides are about one another.Beyond the CD3 race, the most prudent matter to tend to is probably investigating Hilda Solis' successor (Maria Elena Durazo) in Supervisorial District 1. I have not read too much about Durazo yet--she'll be of direct relevance soon, so I'll have to catch up sooner or later on her. - M.S.
06/03/2026 Guest Comment: Whiteman Airport Association 06/02 Meeting Notes: It was a fairly sedate meeting with about 12 people in attendance. However, there are a few key points to relate from it and the recent AvComm meeting in El Monte:
- The Trifilleti report has been pushed back again:
- Jim Miller related Jason Morgan's AvComm meeting statements that Trifiletti is now seeking:
- To conduct more small 'focus group' meetings in July with a larger meeting for the community
- Host another community event off-airport akin to the December event (perhaps in August)
- Projected release of the Trifilleti report is now late 2026; nothing concrete
- If there was any details or discussions about a need/request for further monies, resources, etc with the AvComm, Jim Miller did not relate these
06/02/2026 - The Whiteman Airport Association will be meeting tonight to discuss a number of items of interest.
Olsen Ebright, Head of Digital, Atlas Consulting, our Public Relations firm will be at the meeting. He has been compiling video interviews of people about what the airport means to them and how they have been positively impacted by the airport. This is a chance to discuss your personal story about Whiteman Airport. The interviews will be shown on various Social Media platforms as part of the Whiteman Airport Coalition outreach. These are positive uplifting interviews about what we do at the airport.Hear about the upcoming Whiteman Aviation Community Festival, June 27, 2026. We will discuss the event and some special operating procedures which will be in place for safety purposes.We will also discuss some construction activity related to the replacement of the building which used to be the office of Marvi Whiteman and will impact the taxiway adjacent to the Blue hangars. The work will result in the closure of the taxiway for two days.05/29/2026 Att: City Council District - West Valley - Resident / Voters.
SCAUWG.ORG RESPONSE TO A DISTURBING GIRVAN ANSWER
FULL TRANSCCRIPT AND COMMENT - CLICK HERE
Editorial: To Be fair, besides the continual flow of text messages each characterizing Girvan as the representative of every community segment from the Girvan Campaign regardless of notification of our criticism, Tim Gaspar has chosen to reach out by phone. SQUAWG.ORG commented in a similar way to a live caller who represented that he would escalate the data. There was no further response except from similar callers reading from a script and without knowledge of my time-consuming detailed conversation with caller number one. Likewise, after two requests for comment on his website, C.R. Celona Independent, did not respond either. Our observation is that at least Mr. Celona is not part of the already established, City Hall "Club."
Given the consequences of airport closure include losses to emergency response and infrastructure, it is only fair Angelenos hear the facts about Whiteman Airport.
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To begin with: Whiteman and LA County’s Barton Helipad are interdependent facilities, not “entirely separate” ones.
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In 2023, LA County Fire Assistant Chief Robert Gaylor, then a Battalion Chief based at the Barton, testified airport closure would disrupt LA County Fire’s crucial, life-saving operations originating out of Barton (which relies on the airport control tower and its airspace) and that closing Whiteman would eliminate the frequent emergency operations by aircraft and helicopters which use the airport—as we all witnessed during the January 2025 fires.
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Chief Gaylor spoke the truth about Whiteman and Barton. Yet years later, airport opponents still confuse these operationally indivisible facilities as somehow separate. They are not.
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For context regarding anti-Whiteman politics and the related redevelopment plan, interested Angelenos may read this analysis of the ICONCDC study and its proposals:
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https://sanfernandosun.com/2026/07/08/whiteman-closure-for-safety-or-profit/
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This analysis highlights the facts and motivations around Whiteman closure efforts.
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As for claims about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they range from mere grumbling about federal authorities’ decisions to ignore politically motivated grandstanding to ignorance about inspectors’ responsibilities, as well as disregard for current contracts and existent obligations.
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As verified earlier this year and reported in March, the FAA has confirmed that LA County is legally obligated to operate Whiteman as an airport in perpetuity. As federal obligations are already in place and perpetual, accepting more FAA funding is effectively free—there is no reason to reject these resources.
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Anti-Whiteman opposition to FAA funding and safety improvements, generally speaking, comes down to two points: 1) ignorance of the facts and 2) safety as not a genuine concern, but merely a political talking point.
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Because the FAA typically pays 90% of airport project costs, irresponsibly refusing federal funds is fiscally foolish—especially when LA County faces a budget shortfall. The ongoing FAA fund freeze, initiated by LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath in 2024 at the behest of Whiteman opponents, means LA County taxpayers must pay 10 times the cost they would otherwise pay for services. In fact, airport detractors demand Angelenos pay 100% of costs for work LA County could accomplish for a mere 10% of the cost. Angelenos are paying more money for no good reason.
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Finally, anti-Whiteman voices should not pretend to speak for all residents. Anti-airport events typically average about 12 to 20 attendees…all too often the same familiar faces in spite of extensive advertisement.
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Whiteman, Descanso Gardens and the Hollywood Bowl are County-owned facilities serving all of Los Angeles County residents. Residency in the neighborhoods adjacent to these public assets is beside the point: Angelenos are Angelenos with these facilities theirs to access. As many airport detractors do not reside in Pacoima themselves, their disparaging complaints toward so-called ‘non-residents’ are quite galling.
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For years now, public comments have overwhelmingly and reliably favored Whiteman, voicing eager support for current and continued operations. Angelenos strongly support Whiteman and Barton: it is past time to respect the will of the people.
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Rather than continue pushing their personal ambitions and for-profit agendas, anti-Whiteman special interests must drop their crusade, embrace the airport and welcome desired improvements for the community. Angelenos deserve to have their needs met, their voices heard and their wishes honored.