To the editor: I’m certain there may be going to be a push to enhance constructing codes now that we’ve skilled these devastating fires. Let’s understand that nothing is free. (“The problem now’s deciding easy methods to rebuild safely in areas destroyed by fireplace,” editorial, Jan. 19)
It’s logical that we want higher fireplace codes to guard our properties. We additionally want codes that require earthquake-resistant development since we’re in earthquake nation.
And we want photo voltaic mandates since we need to decrease fossil-fuel use. And we wish all-electric properties to keep away from the hazard of fuel stoves and fireplaces. And we wish drought-resistant yards for water shortages. And we wish intensive environmental research to guard the setting. And we wish an in depth allowing course of to ensure every part is finished accurately. And we wish properties to be inexpensive.
Sorry, however the final level will not be suitable with the others.
I’m not taking sides on this debate. Reasonably, I’m simply declaring that we probably can’t get every part we wish, and onerous selections must be made.
David Fractor, Tarzana
..
To the editor: After each catastrophe, there are all the time those that say victims shouldn’t be allowed to rebuild within the affected areas.
However what are victims presupposed to do when town of Los Angeles is already constructed out with a 500,000-housing unit scarcity? In the meantime, nearly each nook of Los Angeles is weak to some form of catastrophe — earthquake, flood or fireplace.
Again within the early Seventies, there was an city planning motion known as Design with Nature. As a substitute of avoiding nature, let’s return to designing with it.
Stewart Chesler, Granada Hills
The author is an expert city planner.
..
To the editor: It’s unclear why Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended California Environmental High quality Act laws for initiatives rebuilding within the wake of the L.A. fires. CEQA wouldn’t apply to those initiatives, because the regulation already exempts changing or rebuilding present constructions, constructing small constructions akin to single-family properties and establishing housing initiatives in infill areas.
Thus, Newsom’s govt order is pointless. It is not going to speed up L.A.’s restoration as a result of most rebuilding initiatives should not regulated by CEQA. What the order will do, sadly, is feed the false narrative that CEQA is in some way exacerbating the state’s housing disaster.
The order additionally threatens to weaken constructing codes. These codes presently shield public well being and security, together with by making buildings extra fire-resistant. Why would we need to rapidly rebuild properties that would pose a risk to residents?
Constructing codes shield Californians from public well being risks akin to air and water air pollution. In addition they work to sluggish local weather change, which is fueling these fireplace disasters.
With efficient management, L.A. can rebuild in a method that protects folks’s well being and security. CEQA doesn’t stand in the best way.
Michelle Black, Santa Monica
The author is an environmental legal professional.
..
To the editor: Robin Abcarian’s column, “California’s cycle of fiery destruction and reconstruction is older than you would possibly assume,” provided the identical previous options.
Get up, California. The heavyweight company leaders within the state have to step ahead and kind a process drive to analysis, consider and make suggestions on rebuilding, firefighting and general administration of the state sources.
Present California leaders have proven their incompetence.
Raymond Holm, Thousand Oaks
