To the editor: As an environmental lawyer deeply involved with the consequences of climate change—manifested in the recent wildfires tearing through Los Angeles—I found myself in disbelief as I hurriedly packed up my family and our cats to escape our Altadena home on Tuesday night.
While I pen this, my house stands in jeopardy, the synagogue my family attends and my children’s elementary school have already been consumed by the flames, and many friends find themselves with nothing left. My heart aches with fear and sorrow, further intensified by frustration over the lack of accountability for the fossil-fuel companies who have profited while contributing to such devastation.
With damages now estimated at over $50 billion, the L.A. fires are among the most catastrophic disasters in American history. Yet, the oil companies that play a significant role in the climate turmoil leading to these fires escape without consequence.
A major focus of the organization I’m part of is to see through a California climate superfund bill in this legislative session. This bill aims to redirect some of the sizable profits from corporate polluters to address the damage they have wrought.
It is high time we lift this enormous financial burden of climate disasters off the shoulders of Californians and place it squarely on the polluters, where it rightfully should be.
Maya Golden-Krasner, Altadena
[The author is the Deputy Director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute.]
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To the editor: The current wildfire crisis in Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of what could happen when “the Big One” hits—a major earthquake event we all know is due. However, such an earthquake would also bring down buildings, cause numerous casualties, and trigger almost a total breakdown in communication—think dead cellphones, no internet, and scarce or nonexistent radio and TV broadcasts.
Listen closely, everyone: First responders will be stretched beyond their limits during the Big One. You may find yourselves alone, left to manage for days or even weeks.
Here’s my suggestion: Get involved with your local Community Emergency Response Team chapter. Learn how to extinguish small fires, conduct light search and rescue missions, provide first aid, and use radios for communication effectively.
Don’t count on immediate assistance when the Big One inevitably strikes.
Jon Rowe, Costa Mesa
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To the editor: Our city is already grappling with a significant housing shortage, and now, due to these devastating fires, thousands more find themselves homeless in Los Angeles.
Local governments should act swiftly to end all short-term rentals, like those offered through Airbnb, for tourists in the region. This would allow these homes and apartments to revert back to the housing market, giving fire victims a chance to find stability in their home city and begin rebuilding their lives.
This situation is an absolute emergency, demanding immediate action from our elected officials to ensure Angelenos have the housing they desperately need.
Kathy Reims, Los Angeles
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To the editor: In light of the inferno blazing through the City of Angels, once things settle, the mayor and City Council should come together and declare a citywide holiday. This day would honor the remarkable and historical efforts of our firefighters and first responders—the true angels for the residents of Los Angeles.
This holiday should be indelibly commemorated with a parade down the city’s streets, allowing all of us to gather, united in gratitude, and celebrate their bravery and dedication.
Moshe ben Asher and Khulda Bat Sarah, Encino
