What goes into the debris removal process after a wildfire? We ask the experts
In the days and months ahead, those who have lost homes or businesses due to the recent wildfires that have impacted the region will begin the difficult process of removing debris from their property. Last week, as many were just beginning to consider their first steps in that process, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of debris in critical fire areas until a hazardous materials inspection has been performed. For some, this order highlighted how complicated the multi-step, cross-agency debris removal process will be, especially for homeowners eager to rebuild. Today on AirTalk we’re joined by Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, to talk about the recent Los Angeles County Department of Public Health order. Also joining us this morning to walk us through the debris removal process is Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 9. Do you have a question about the hazardous waste or debris removal process? We’d like to hear from you. Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
President Trump plans to change birthright citizenship, we dig into its legality and logistics
President Donald Trump rolled out a blueprint to beef up security at the southern border in a series of executive orders that began taking effect soon after his inauguration Monday, making good on his defining political promise to crack down on immigration and marking another wild swing in White House policy on the divisive issue. Actual execution of many of these far-reaching immigration agenda is certain to face legal and logistical challenges. Among them is a new plan to end to automatic citizenship, for anyone born in America, which could have notable implications for Southern Californian residents. Today on AirTalk, we’ll discuss the questions surrounding Trump’s actions related to birthright citizenship with Amanda Frost, law professor at the University of Virginia and an expert on immigration and citizenship law and Pratheepan Gulasekaram, professor of law at the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as director of the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law.
With files from the Associated Press.
SoCal History: wading into the Pacific Palisades
When a fire ripped through the Santa Monica Mountains on January 7th, people across the globe learned a new name. The Palisades. The Pacific Palisades, or the land where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Ocean, is much more than just a neighborhood. For some it is a stop along PCH, for others it's a place they’ve called home for generations. From Hollywood ranches to a surfers paradise, the Palisades has a recent but storied history. Today on AirTalk, we’ll be taking a look at the cultural and environmental history of the Pacific Palisades. Joining us to discuss is Wade Graham, historian and affiliate with The USC-Huntington Institute for California and the West. Also joining us is long time resident and LAist FilmWeek Critic Wade Major. Do you have a question about the history of the Palisades? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Rebuilding after the fires: We ask survivors of the 2017 Tubbs fire how they restored their community
As the Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn, with the Palisades now at 63% containment and the Eaton fire at 89%, the full devastation and loss is still being assessed. So far, about 9,400 structures have been reported destroyed in the Eaton fire with about 5,000 for the Palisades. With full containment nearing, many residents have begun to return to their homes. Some have started to clean up debris and will soon begin the long process of rebuilding. Building a home is already difficult, with permits and insurance and HOAs. With the added difficulties of building back better after a fire, how might the city and county help ease the process? And what does a rebuild look like after such devastation? Today on AirTalk, we look towards the past with our neighbors in Santa Rosa who survived the 2017 Tubbs fire to help guide us through to the future. Joining us to talk about rebuilding and reconstruction after wildfires is Jeff Okrepkie, City Councilmember of District 6 for Santa Rosa and founder of Coffey Strong, a non-profit that advocates for policies and provides resources to Tubbs fire survivors, and Andy Christopherson, partner with Synergy Group, a residential development company in Sonoma County, California.
SoCal History: Altadena’s rich and vibrant community
Altadena is one of those rare places in Los Angeles County where people of many backgrounds and ethnicities have been able to afford the American Dream of homeownership. Situated near the base of the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of downtown L.A., Altadena was known for its mixture of single-family homes, restaurants and businesses. It’s been a sanctuary for Black residents in particular: about eight of 10 African Americans living there own their homes — close to double the national rate. So when the Eaton Fire ignited last week and tore through Altadena and parts of neighboring Pasadena, the loss was felt deeply in the community and beyond — both by those who are familiar with its history and by those just learning of it. Joining us today on AirTalk is author Michele Zack and MacArthur Foundation Chair of Black Studies UC Santa Barbara, Jeffrey Stewart.
With files from LAist. Read the full story here.
