The Fires of L.A.

 

Anyone with even a passing interest in the movie business cannot ignore the devastating fires that are raging across Los Angeles. These fires have impacted moviedom on a personal and business level, as thousands of displaced residents are now seeking housing where none exists.

Dylan Eckhardt, a high-end realtor says he "had $73 million in house listings wiped out in Malibu and Pacific Palisades where over 10,000 homes and other structures were obliterated. I'm waiving my commission for anyone who is directly affected by the fires."

Not only is renting or buying in the immediate aftermath of the fires at issue but the rebuilding after the fires die out will take, an estimated, seven to ten years. Rental properties in the adjacent areas range in price from $15,000-$45,000 per month.

Fanned by the Santa Ana winds (referred to as the evil winds) the fires did the most damage to the upscale Pacific Palisades (median house value of $7 million), Malibu, and the Altadena area of Los Angeles. Notable names of the individuals whose homes were destroyed were Anthony Hopkins, Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, James Woods, Mel Gibson, and Jeff Bridges just to name several. 

Beachfront homes in Malibu destroyed

Insurance recovery is not available for many who have lost their homes. For example, in July, State Farm Insurance dropped coverage on 72,000 homes in California, including 1,600 in Pacific Palisades.

Other Problems

Those whose homes escaped the flames but fled because they lived in an evacuation area are now dealing with looting, which has become a major issue.

Economic losses now total over $60 billion - the most ever in California, and the fires are still raging. The largest being the Palisades Fire, which was moving eastward toward Santa Monica. The Sunset Fire broke out, as well, in the Hollywood Hills area scorching over 40 acres.

What Are the Issues

Incompetence, some would say dereliction of duty, within the public sector is event. Governor Newsom, LA Mayor Bass, and the Head of the Fire Department instantly come to mind. The State Insurance Commission and the Public Safety Commission are also guilty of poor, if not bad, judgement. And finally, the State Legislature.

Californians themselves need to take responsibility as well, for electing people that are not capable administrators or legislators except for the fact that they meet DEI based social criteria. We must come to grips with the fact that the most meritorious and qualified get appointed and elected to these very critical positions. 

As regards the cost of rebuilding - it should be on the shoulders of Californians and not the entire nation. Perhaps if they are stuck with the bill for the devastation the citizens of California will understand that they must change their ways as regards to the very liberal policies they hold and where they spend their tax dollars. Woke don't work.

By: Jim Lavorato