Fire Reef

11^th November 2020

Dear Governor Newsom,

I’ve been a resident of the great state of California all my life and watching the wildfires burn is of growing concern. I sheltered in place but was almost trapped in my home by the smoke and ash. For now the economy is faltering and the tourists that make up much of the California economy are gone, but they will return, and we want them to find something better when they come around again.

Then I look at the burnt out buildings on the news and see the fire scorched husks of cars and ask myself if there isn’t something that can be done with the aftermath to lessen the likelihood or severity of the next fire. At very least some plan to help California pay for it all could be found in the wreckage of homes and businesses.

Then it came to me that not all of the state’s forests are susceptible to fire, they are all subject to climate change, but some grow where fire cannot reach. I write of our kelp forests which are of the fastest growing variety. Unlike a forest of trees, the kelp forests need something like stone or brick to anchor them in place. A burnt out chimney may not be of use to a new home, but it can provide habitat for sea creatures, and aid the kelp that will fight global warming. 

It would come to me that in the wake of the fires we have burnt out bricks that would go to the landfill. These could be used to expand our natural reef system and build the forests of kelp or at very least stop beach erosion. A large memorial reef could be planned with the burnt materials of lost homes and cars. This would benefit our environment, commercial fishing, and tourist trade. 

The fires have become a way of life here in California. We have come to accept that they will get worse every year. We need to prevent them as best we can, fight them as efficiently as possible, and heal stronger than before. After all, who would take a vacation in a state where the sun is blotted out with smoke?

Just a suggestion,

 

Richard Leland Neal

First of the New Year

A year has passed since I wrote this and I still feel the same. I think we should party every now and again all year and not put it all off to the end.

What do you think?

1^st of the New Year 2012

Dear Cassi,

Today was a day I felt like part of the scenery. As I worked at my station the world was partying down. Cider was passed about of which there was none by the time I came to work. These events of recklessness have never had a big appeal with my faculties.

       

No additional funds were allocated to the aftermath and the cleaning crew most certainly had a bad day of looking after the mess. May be I have too much a thought for the other folks who have to clean up after things, but why can’t we have fun without such extravagance?

       

I took my patrol that night after all the revelers were safely in bed to see the concrete pelted with glitter. As I walked I could hear the pop of celebration in the distance. There was the faint smell of gun powder in the air.

       

There was some satisfaction that I had gotten through the holidays without any great problem. There are times that all I want is the world to leave me in peace. The revelries of our world have little meaning without the cultured understanding of its ceremony.

       

The dawn of the New Year is supposed to be symbolic of rebirth and still how few greet it with a firm back and level head? We use that moment to end the celebration and for the next few weeks we eat the candy of the past festivals and keep getting fat.

       

Most of us are so drunk of the first of the New Year that we couldn’t keep our resolutions if we wanted to and the bulk of that lot can’t even come to work. I think this business is a joke but what can you do about it?

Stay safe, Cassi,

Richard Leland Neal