To the editor: As some blame Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the hydrants operating dry in Pacific Palisades, I ponder if the unique designers of the firefighting water system there (and within the different hillside areas of Los Angeles) ever contemplated the mixture of gas ranges, lack of rain and depth of Santa Ana winds that we’re seeing because of international warming.
As we witnessed dramatic adjustments in local weather during the last three a long time, why didn’t earlier metropolis administrations apply that proof to considerably enhance the capability of the firefighting water system? It seems that a long time of metropolis leaders — each elected and appointed — have been asleep on the change.
It then is troublesome to assign blame to Bass, as she was elected solely two years in the past. It appears, although, that she ought to have already got introduced a fee of inquiry made up of consultants to advocate adjustments to our water infrastructure to handle the heightened danger. This physique also needs to counsel adjustments in constructing codes earlier than residents begin commissioning architects to arrange plans for substitute houses.
Mark Ryavec, Venice
The author, president of the Venice Stakeholders Assn., is a former legislative analyst for town of Los Angeles.
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To the editor: So the hydrants in Pacific Palisades ran dry. Maybe the brand new supervisor of the L.A. Division of Water and Energy can donate a few of her $750,000 wage again to town for upkeep and repairs.
And when there’s a disaster, why on the earth do officers waste time throughout information conferences patting themselves on the again for doing their jobs?
Glenn Zweifel, Mar Vista
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To the editor: The town of Los Angeles has acknowledged its shortcomings in making ready for and combating the present fires. Mayor Bass took a deliberate journey to Ghana whereas climate forecasters predicted catastrophe. A lot of the Palisades hearth was in Los Angeles County, not essentially town.
If local weather change goes to worsen, we’d like the perfect efforts of all authorities companies. The place was the water? The place have been the water bombers? The place have been the recent shot crews? The place have been county leaders on this most crucial time?
In case you settle for the very fact of local weather change, then try to be very fearful about your future once we don’t put together for the inevitable now. There isn’t any actual management, solely elected and non-elected officers hoping to carry onto their jobs.
If we make it by this disaster, we should maintain our leaders’ toes to the fireplace. We wish motion, no more of the identical.
William Carroll, Carlsbad
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To the editor: I want to shed some perception on the trauma to your psyche whenever you survive a hearth.
Our household’s home burned down in Oak Park, Sick., in 1976. My mother and father have been rehabbing a dilapidated Frank Lloyd Wright home. It burned in the midst of the night time with us inside. It was horrific. We misplaced all the things aside from some garments.
We have been so appreciative of the firefighters’ valiant efforts, and we relied on our group to assist us grieve and course of what occurred. Hearth destroys not solely property, but additionally your goals. It unnerves you. You do study to understand the little issues extra and notice that there’s little or no that you really want in life.
Survivors want group and love. Now just isn’t the time for blame; there might be loads of time later to try this. Individuals want to speak about their trauma and the way to course of it. I want I may attain survivors now to assist them perceive that their religion and energy might be examined, however they may survive.
The fireplace that engulfed our household was the principle motive I didn’t go to varsity at first. I couldn’t depart my mother and father. I waited till 2013 to get my bachelor’s diploma. It takes time to heal.
All of us can present extra compassion. Flip the flames of fireside into the sunshine our world wants now. It may have occurred to any one among us.
Diane DeCaro Runft, Lake Forest, Sick.
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To the editor: We’re grieving. We’re overwhelmed on the considered rebuilding. Our assets are restricted.
Los Angeles must focus by itself residents. Los Angeles must say no to the 2028 Olympics.
Linda Salzma, Rancho Palos Verdes
