S A N TA M O N I C A
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
INSIDE FAA Rules on SM Airport Runway Removal
PAGE 3
November 1 – 7, 2019 Volume XXII, Issue 15
GETTY FIRE FORCES WIDESPREAD EVACUATIONS
Homeless Deaths Doubled LA County Public Health releases report on fatalities among homeless population By Sam Catanzaro
“An Extreme Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Strong Santa Ana winds gusting between 30 and 50 mph will continue to impact wind prone areas of Los Angeles. Widespread single digit relative humidity is forecasted with poor to no overnight recoveries. This all adds up to an extreme fire weather threat, meaning that conditions are as dangerous for fire growth and behavior as we have seen in recent years.,” Humphrey said. Evacuation orders have been lifted for the Mountaingate community, Pacific Palisades and most of Brentwood with the exception of the following: Tigertail Road at Deerbrook Lane to Chickory Lane
Over the past five years, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness countywide who have died has doubled according to a report released this week by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), an increase that is occurring on the Westside as well. The report, released on Tuesday, October 29 shows that the number of deaths from 2013 and 2018 increased by 536 to 1,047. In addition, the death rate increased by over one-third, accounting for the increase in the homeless population. "This alarming increase in homeless deaths requires immediate action to improve the care for our most vulnerable populations," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. "As we work hard to secure housing for those experiencing homelessness, we have a civic and moral obligation to prevent unnecessary suffering and death. We need to start this work by speaking directly with those experiencing homelessness to better understand how to align our support." According to Public Health, drug and alcohol overdose was the largest contributor to the overall increase in the homeless death rate. From 2016 to 2018, the overdose death rate was 26 times higher among the homeless than among the general population. Other leading causes of homeless deaths included heart disease, traffic injuries, homicide and suicide.
EVACUATE, see page 11
DEATH, see page 17
Photo: Eric Church/LAFD.
Firefighters combat the Getty Fire Monday night
Fire burns over 700 acres, destroys 12 homes By Sam Catanzaro
Mandatory evacuation orders for Pacific Palisades and parts of Brentwood have been lifted as firefighters continue to battle through Santa Ana winds combatting the Getty Fire, which as of 10:00 a.m. Thursday is at 39 percent containment. The fire, which broke out in the Sepulveda Pass near the Getty Center around 1:30 a.m. Monday, has burned 745 acres and is at 39 percent containment as of 10:00 a.m. Thursday. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), 12 structures have been destroyed and 5 have been damaged as 7,091 residential buildings are threatened by the blaze. The Getty Center has not been damaged by the blaze. Two firefighters have suffered
non-life-threatening injuries. In a press conference Tuesday evening, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the LAFD announced that the fire was sparked by a tree branch falling on a powerline. “The fire was deemed an accidental start, caused by a tree branch that broke off and subsequently landed in nearby powerlines during high wind conditions. This errant tree branch caused the sparking and arcing of the powerlines, igniting nearby brush. All powerlines on the pole remained intact,” said LAFD Spokesperson Brian Humphrey. Firefighters worked Wednesday night to cool any hot spots and contain any flare-ups within the current fire perimeter. Adverse weather conditions will continue to be the greatest challenge for firefighters.
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