Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti provided new information surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. The recent reports reflect a level of stabilization in all the state ordered measurements; this will create more opportunities for reopening the city. The mayor emphasized the progress can be derailed if the community slacks on social distancing efforts. Garcetti encourage the city to remain in a space of unity as we waiver through multiple fires and hardship brought on by the impact of COVID-19.
Mayor Garcetti opened his statement acknowledging the severity in the air quality surrounding Los Angeles. Garcetti stated, “…Our air is choked with smoke, we see an orange sky, an obscure sun on too many days.” Reflecting on the safety of the environment, Garcetti highlighted the cereal images ofo multiple homes on fire. Residents stemming across the country had to leave their homes and seek refuge from the enflamed landscape.
Garcetti shared that there has been countless acts of kindness and a progressive growth in community spirit. There is an overall sense of accountability among the collective environment; to protect everything that is dear to the city and those who inhibit it. The mayor stated, “But even in the midst of the latest challenge, we do what we do here in Los Angeles. We continue to help one another to find a way to dig deep, to find that extra gear to keep going and to make sure that we protect everything that we love, here in Los Angeles.”
The Mayor recapped this past weekend, L.A. City activated four smoke relief centers, at multiple recreational halls. A critical flame has erupted in The Angeles National Forest in Azusa, Ca has been engulfed in flames since September 6. Its Labeled the “Bob Cat Fire,” located close the Cogswell Dan and West Fork Use Area. Its been reported to be burning “heavy fuels” and its rapidly spreading; over 72,000 acres incinerated. Fire crews are on the front lines right now, meeting every challenge with a sense of victory and hope in mind.
Other fire fighters are up north, where there are ten different fires. The fire team is spread out, protecting communities that help support previous fires that Los Angeles was faced with last year. The amount of damage in the state collectively, has reached record breaking numbers. There has been more destruction seen this year than either year recorded in history. Garcetti stated, “ We are feeling the immediate impacts of climate change and facing challenges that demand our commitment to the long term solutions… its too late to reverse the warming, but to mitigate the impact in our communities and throughout the world.”
With the numbers reflecting a decrease, the mayor shares his concern in the change of pace in the collective community. Garcetti stated, “Our top public health goal has been keeping infections low enough to make sure our hospitals have the capacity to serve any patients.” He went on to explain the significance in each essential role that holds the fragile infrastructure alive.
The Mayor regenerated the role of civic duty, it is to be mindful and support of everyone in the community. Chairwoman Kathryn Barger collaborated with Garcetti to meet the U.S. Sergeant General. They shared actions taken place in Los Angeles in response to the multiple areas of concern. Garcetti stressed that motion to put politics aside and help cities that have been deeply wounded in multiple areas.
Garcetti acknowledge the critical role each Angeleno plays as waiver through strenuous terrains. He stated, “When we come together, and we figure out ways that we can protect one another. Whether its our loved ones or strangers in our city. We are one Los Angeles, and we are proving that each day.”
