By Michael Hixon | mhixon@scng.com | The Beach Reporter
Hundreds of goats have gone to work in Palos Verdes Estates to clear brush — reducing the hazard in a high-risk fire area.
More than $67,000 of funding came from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, allowing the city to contract with Fire Grazers Inc., a company familiar with the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to aid fire prevention.
Hahn joined PVE officials on Monday, March 17, in the Valmonte Canyon area of the city; that area is deemed an “extremely high priority” area, according to a press release from the supervisor’s office.
On Monday, Hahn said she liked the idea of using goats to clear brush because it is environmentally friendly.
“It’s clean,” Hahn said. “The goats get to eat and the city gets rid of their weeds. It’s a win, win.”
PVE Mayor Victoria Lozzi requested the funding from Hahn’s office.
“We realized we needed more fire clearance, and we needed it quick,” Lozzi said at Monday’s event, adding that Hahn “graciously” offered to fund the goats after a discussion at a recent luncheon.
Besides, the goats are entertaining.
“They are very visible to the residents, so they love going out here with the kids,” Lozzi said. “But to me, residents immediately say, ‘Oh, look, they’re doing something.’”
Hahn agreed.
“This is something that we don’t usually see; it’s fun,” Hahn said. “But I think more and more cities and counties are looking at this as a viable alternative to hiring landscapers or using environmentally uncool weed killers. This is a better way to do it.”
Michael Choi, CEO of Fire Grazers, said there were around 100 goats clearing about 3 acres at the site, with another 400 active at a nearby area of Valmonte Canyon.
In total, according to the supervisor’s press release, there will be 37 acres of weed abatement in four zones “deemed extremely high priority.”
The work, which is expected to be completed by the end of March, according to the press release, includes Valmonte Canyon and the Palos Verdes stables; Lunada Canyon; the hillside between Via Boronado and Espinosa Circle; and the hillside below Via Pinzon and Mirlo Gate House.
Originally Published: March 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM PDT