Morning Brief: Fire Danger, A New Village, And A Sustainable Thanksgiving

Good morning, L.A. It’s Nov. 22.

Gusty winds and dry air that started yesterday and are expected to keep going through tonight are creating an increased risk for fires throughout California. 

Authorities expressed concern that the Arlanza Fire, which began Sunday when an off-road vehicle caught fire in Riverside County, could be affected by the gusts; as of yesterday afternoon, it was threatening several homes in the area.

My colleague Sharon McNary reports that winds could get as high as 45 or 50 miles per hour from the coasts in Ventura and L.A. Counties all the way into Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange Counties.

In SoCal, nearly 3,900 Southern California Edison customers have had their power shut off as a preventive measure, and as many as 14,500 have been notified that they may be next.

In addition to the increased risk for fires, today’s gusts are kicking up unhealthy amounts of dust. Experts are advising people who are sensitive to high quantities of particulate matter to avoid going outdoors, and to keep windows and doors closed until the air has cleared.

As we’ve reported, wildfires are getting worse in California, due to the climate crisis as well as wildfire suppression, poor forest management, outdated infrastructure, and building homes deeper in fire danger zones. All but three of California’s 20 largest wildfires have occurred since the year 2000, and five of the top seven occurred in 2020 alone.

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A., and stay safe out there.

What Else You Need To Know Today

• An L.A. jury acquitted L.A. Sheriff’s Deputy Luke Liu of voluntary manslaughter in the killing of an unarmed motorist at a Norwalk gas station in 2016.
• L.A. County opened a $100 million-plus  “village” in Sylmar that will provide healthcare for the region’s most vulnerable population.
• California’s new framework for teaching math in public schools has attracted much more attention — and controversy — than usual. 
• If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, here’s how to keep it COVID safe.

Before You Go ... Eat Your Leftovers, And Other Thanksgiving Sustainability Suggestions

No one wants their holiday meal to devolve into a bitter argument, so we’re here to help you navigate this potentially tricky conversation.

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Stefan Vladimirov/Unsplash

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The climate crisis isn’t going to be solved in one day, let alone one national holiday. But as with so many societal issues, small steps add up, especially if they’re done collectively. You don’t have to compost or go vegan (unless you want to!) in order to be conscientious this turkey day. From buying local to eating outside, here are some suggestions for having a sustainable Thanksgiving.