Senator Boxer, Erin Brockovich hold press conference about odors in Mecca

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) visited Saul Martinez Elementary School in Mecca, CA, now famous for the stench that began emanating through the town last year.  Two waste recycling companies operate open compost dumps in Mecca producing particularly foul-smelling odors. Senator Boxer and environmental activist Erin Brockovich both weighed in on the issue when reports of an overpowering foul and gassy smell found their way to the State Assembly and the EPA.  At the press conference, Senator Boxer was joined by the head of the EPA for Region 9, the secretary of the California EPA, an executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.  Mecca is a small, economically disadvantaged community, making it even more difficult to shut down pollution offenders in the face of statewide, business-friendly litigation.Read youth reporters' reflections on Coachella Unincorporated