to the editor: When one makes an investment, they must perform due diligence to determine if they can afford to take on the risk (“After years of disaster-level mudslides, Rancho Palos Verdes is finally getting some federal aid. Is it enough?” May 7). Surely each of these homeowners knew the risks involved in buying a house on unstable terrain. It is unfair to the rest of us to have to pay for a very bad choice, a choice from which we get no benefit.
The houses should be expropriated and the owners should pay for the removal of debris. Homeowners can still own the land, but it must be divided into open space, allowing only one trailer that can be removed in a day. Additionally, the property should not be allowed to be insured.
Gregg Ferry, Carlsbad
