Move ’em underground
A Reuters story about the recent fires in Southern California noted that “most of the fires were believed to have been started by power lines blown down onto tinder-dry brush.”
If that is the case, why aren’t the power companies required to move their wires underground as they do in many other parts of the country?
We have relatives in North Carolina and their power wires are all underground so they don’t get blown over during hurricanes. Santa Anas can be equally dangerous because they combine high winds with extremely dry conditions.
Kevin Clewley, La Jolla

While bureaucracy straightens its ties
What a sweepingly better contrast given by the La Jolla Village News, when compared to the U-T editorial commentaries and “mutual boot licking” that went on and on during the recent fires.
Editor Anne Terhune hit the nail on the head (“Season of the Witch,” commentary, Nov. 1, page 8). The fires gave unusually long photo-op chances to elected officials from the “Governator” down to local politicos, sickening as it was, trying to convince all how “wonderful and happy” things were at evacuee sites. People were burned out of their homes.
Let’s now hear a chorus of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” To hear the accolades being thrown about by politicians recalled to mind those never to be forgotten words of the “Decider” after Katrina hit the Gulf Coast: “Heckuva job, Brownie.”
Someone please tell me why burned-out citizens would be heartened by the presence of Bush, or any other politician, stumbling around on burned rubble of Rancho Bernardo home sites, especially after FEMA’s miserable failure in Louisiana and Mississippi. The existence of Air Force One in the area prevented firefighting flights from resuming their tasks as early as they could have gone to work.
The community’s preparedness for these fires after the Cedar fires four years ago was sorely remiss. As the bungling bureaucracy impeded efforts, militarily trained copter and fixed winged pilots remained grounded awaiting civil servant appointees to come aboard. Hopefully, there won’t be more fires, but if there are, let the military’s crafts get to the fires first, while the bureaucracy straightens its ties for the media. As the second back to the last sled dogs barked to their lead dog, “Either lead or get out of the way!”
Dr. Ernie Lippe, University City

Landslides and city responsibility
The recent landslide problems on Mt. Soledad are very likely only the beginning.
The threat of further landslides is sure to affect the price of real estate in large areas on Mt. Soledad.
Mt. Soledad is composed of ancient seafloor, which means it is composed of unconsolidated material. The ground has been disturbed by erosion and development, making it weaker and more unstable. While water leaks and water breaks may contribute to the causes of landslides on Mt. Soledad, it will have to be proven that a lot of water was the major cause of any one landslide if the city of San Diego is to be held responsible for any single disaster.
However, the question here is: can the city of San Diego be held responsible for landslides and loss of property on Mt. Soledad because it approved development there and participated in the disturbance of the hillside through construction of roads, etc.?
Kent Trego, La Jolla

Keep La Jolla free!
As we see it, La Jolla has no parking problem. Yet a “Pilot Parking Program” may soon be a reality. Many locals are protesting. Paid on-street parking will create new problems for the majority who live, work, or visit here.
Residents would be among the biggest losers, as their once tranquil neighborhoods become increasingly congested with vehicles in search of scarce spaces in permitted areas. The plan apparently is designed to generate parking meter revenues at our expense.
Let’s unite by voicing our opposition before it’s too late.
Albert and Kathleen Fredman, La Jolla