To the editor: I teach creative problem solving, and it's time for Governor Gavin Newsom to learn to think creatively about the fires burning in California now and in the future (considering climate change).
Newsom should try to think outside the state. On his way back from politicking in Washington, D.C., he should stop in Montana to see how that state has addressed its wildfire challenges with rapid-response pararescuemen and helicopter crews.
California is constantly monitored by eyes in the sky (satellites), and if our state uses AI expertise to locate new fires, then rapidly mobilized crews can put them out before they become large conflagrations costing billions of dollars in losses. These losses, in turn, result in skyrocketing insurance rates.
It's time for the governor to show leadership and vision, rather than short-sightedness. When one focuses on the alligators, it's easy to forget that the goal was to drain the swamp (a saying some associate with President Ronald Reagan).
Curtis Panasuk, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Increasing the use of air conditioning is not the solution to global warming. Our leaders must take into account the laws of thermodynamics before passing more laws aimed at combating climate change. Air conditioners run on electricity. Our electric power is still largely derived from fossil fuels. Therefore, using more air conditioners consumes more electricity which produces more carbon dioxide, further warming the planet. In addition, the heat produced locally outside by air conditioners worsens the heat island effect in cities. Lawmakers cannot rewrite the laws of physics.
Jack Debes, Santa Monica
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To the editor: The power of collective action is the antidote to policies that are captive to industry. It is quite obvious which party has an interest in accelerating the transition to renewable energy in time to make a difference to millions of lives. I will vote to ensure that we are not left behind.
Pam Brennan, Newport Beach
