To the editor: I’m positive there may be going to be a push to enhance constructing codes now that now we have skilled these devastating fires. Let’s needless to say nothing is free. (“The challenge now is deciding how to rebuild safely in areas destroyed by fire,” editorial, Jan. 19)
It’s logical that we’d like higher fireplace codes to guard our properties. We additionally want codes that require earthquake-resistant development since we’re in earthquake nation.
And we’d like photo voltaic mandates since we wish to decrease fossil-fuel use. And we would like all-electric properties to keep away from the hazard of gasoline stoves and fireplaces. And we would like drought-resistant yards for water shortages. And we would like intensive environmental research to guard the atmosphere. And we would like an in depth allowing course of to ensure all the pieces is finished accurately. And we would like properties to be reasonably priced.
Sorry, however the final level will not be appropriate with the others.
I’m not taking sides on this debate. Slightly, I’m simply mentioning that we possible can’t get all the pieces we would like, and arduous selections must be made.
David Fractor, Tarzana
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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 purported to do when the 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 susceptible to some type of catastrophe — earthquake, flood or fireplace.
Again within the early Nineteen Seventies, there was an city planning motion referred to 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.
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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 legislation already exempts changing or rebuilding present constructions, constructing small constructions similar 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 are usually not regulated by CEQA. What the order will do, sadly, is feed the false narrative that CEQA is someway exacerbating the state’s housing disaster.
The order additionally threatens to weaken constructing codes. These codes at present shield public well being and security, together with by making buildings extra fire-resistant. Why would we wish to shortly rebuild properties that might pose a menace to residents?
Constructing codes shield Californians from public well being risks similar to air and water air pollution. Additionally they work to gradual 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.
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To the editor: Robin Abcarian’s column, “California’s cycle of fiery destruction and reconstruction is older than you might think,” provided the identical outdated options.
Get up, California. The heavyweight company leaders within the state have to step ahead and kind a activity pressure 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
