Normally in this space we would have today’s political commentary. And there is plenty going on in the news on which to comment — a new redistricting proposal (that excludes redrawing U.S. House lines), the growing food fight between Speaker Fabian Nunez and the California Nurses Association, or Rep. Pete Starks’ apology after making an ass out of himself — to name a few.
That said, these wildfires raging all over Southern California make it very difficult to just ‘dive in’ to political analysis, as if somehow today should be ‘business as usual’ for the FR. Like many, I have spent much time watching television, listening to the radio, and surfing the web, trying to stay up on what is going on, and where. I am overwhelmed with sympathy for people who are losing their homes, and awed by the bigger-than-life task of trying to manage and suppress all of these fires.
It is clearly a testament to good firefighting skills that, given that well over 400,000 acres have burned (with over 900,000 people evacuated), that there has been so little loss of life.
I know a significant number of people who have relocated because of the immediate danger to their homes, and I hope that you will join with me in keeping them, and everyone impacted by these fires, in your prayers.
Long term, there will be policy and "political" issues that come from this situation, which we’ll cover as comprehensively as we do so many other issues.
But the time for after-fire analysis and reaction is not yet upon us. Right now, all of our energies and resources need to go to this present danger, and to doing everything we can to be supportive of the victims and the firefighters who are on the lines.
Take care,
Jon
October 24th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Here’s the real bummer:
Probably 95+% of the burned areas are owned by governments at the federal, state, and local levels. Their management has proven very hazardous to their neighbors. Most refuse to clear brush or allow others to clear brush.
Culprits include the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Angeles National Forest, Malibu Creek State Park, Tuna Canyon Park, Santa Clarita Woodlands Park, San Bernardino National Forest, Cleveland National Forest, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and so on.
These government agencies keep pointing fingers at others. They should clean up their act and become safe, good neighbors.