To the editor: I’m positive there’s going to be a push to enhance constructing codes now that now we have skilled these devastating fires. Let’s remember that 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 building since we’re in earthquake nation.
And we’d like photo voltaic mandates since we wish to decrease fossil-fuel use. And we wish all-electric properties to keep away from the hazard of gasoline stoves and fireplaces. And we wish drought-resistant yards for water shortages. And we wish in depth environmental research to guard the surroundings. And we wish an intensive allowing course of to verify every part is completed accurately. And we wish properties to be inexpensive.
Sorry, however the final level is just not suitable with the others.
I’m not taking sides on this debate. Relatively, I’m simply stating that we doubtless can’t get every part we wish, 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 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 kind of catastrophe — earthquake, flood or fireplace.
Again within the early Nineteen 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 knowledgeable city planner.
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To the editor: It’s unclear why Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended California Environmental High quality Act rules 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 reminiscent of single-family properties and developing 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 aren’t 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 defend public well being and security, together with by making buildings extra fire-resistant. Why would we wish to rapidly rebuild properties that might pose a risk to residents?
Constructing codes defend Californians from public well being risks reminiscent of air and water air pollution. Additionally they work to sluggish local weather change, which is fueling these fireplace disasters.
With efficient management, L.A. can rebuild in a manner that protects individuals’s well being and security. CEQA doesn’t stand in the best way.
Michelle Black, Santa Monica
The author is an environmental lawyer.
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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 must step ahead and type a job power to analysis, consider and make suggestions on rebuilding, firefighting and total administration of the state sources.
Present California leaders have proven their incompetence.
Raymond Holm, Thousand Oaks
