Tustin residents and city leaders are expressing frustration with the state and the U.S. Navy following a massive fire at a WWII hangar one month ago.
People living near the site say toxic dust is still caked on surfaces inside their homes. They’ve called on the city to act. The city is pointing the finger at California and the federal government.
"The city has yet to receive clear and concise and direct health guidance and I hear you," Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard told residents at a public meeting. "We are your neighbors. We have kids in those schools, and we do not have clear answers from our health professionals."
"It is the time for the Navy to step up," said Lumbard. "It is time for the state to step up. It is the time for the environmental agencies to do what they are empowered and authorized to do; is to give health guidance."
Although the Navy has committed $1 million for cleanup, city officials say they have yet to receive any of the money.
Frustration has also been leveled at the state. Even immediately after the fire, there was a sense that the Newsom administration hadn’t taken the disaster as seriously as other, similar events. There was no disaster declaration. And while crews got to work cleaning up asbestos outdoors, there was no assistance offered for cleanup inside homes.
It's still not clear what caused the fire. The investigation is ongoing.