On July 13, 1959, the Sodium Reactor Experiment (SRE) meltdown began to overheat in the hills outside Los Angeles. It's theorized that the SRE meltdown released more radiation than the Three Mile Island accident because it didn't have a containment structure. John Pace was there that day and said he was instructed to vent the radioactive gas out the warehouse door. So he did. He and the workers were sworn to secrecy. It took 30 years for the secret to get out.

Unfortunately, the SRE meltdown wasn't the only accident at the Santa Susana Field Lab. There were toxic and radioactive spills, releases, leaks, explosions, and illegal open-air burnings that left the site massively contaminated. 

The Santa Susana Field Lab is still one of California's most toxic sites today. Studies have shown that the site's contamination is causing higher cancer rates in nearby communities. Boeing owns most of the site but doesn't want to pay for a complete cleanup. They have a deal to leave 90% of the contamination behind.

Residents, elected officials, and cleanup advocates have had enough. On the 65th anniversary of the meltdown, they're hosting an "SSFL Action Assembly" to support a complete cleanup, and you're invited.

Saturday, July 13, 2024
10: 00 am - 1:00 pm
Strathearn Historical Park
137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley, CA 93065

• Free continental brunch
• RSVP required
• The building has fans but no AC, please dress accordingly 

P.S. You can learn more about the meltdown and hear John Pace's story on the Emmy-nominated documentary, "In the Dark of the Valley," streaming on NBC.com