Letters to the Editor

Editor:

The disastrous wildfires raging across SoCal leads me to ask the pertinent, life-and-death question that very well could directly affect us in Leisure World.

We are located literally across the street from the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, as are thousands of others in this densely populated area. If other people have the same concerns, I think it would be vital to know what plans are in place to ensure, public safety in case of a fire that could very well engulf this area in the future. The residents of Leisure World as well as citizens throughout the greater Orange County area need and deserve answers if any are to be had.

I think this to be the responsibility of the GRF to arrange such an informational meeting on this most important possibility.

Stevin Cohen Mutual 14

Editor:

Many thanks to the Golden Rain Foundation and to the Seal Beach Lions Club for arranging the Dec. 19 food box distribution. The fresh vegetables and fruit cost just $10 per box and I only had to pay and show my LW ID card to receive my box. A volunteer even carried the box to my car for me.

Everything went very smoothly and quickly and I was really happy to get such lovely food for such a good price. The next distribution will be on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m.-noon in the parking lot of Clubhouse 6.

The whole experience made me feel cared for and appreciated as a Leisure World resident. Thanks again to all those who made it happen.

Stephanie Smart Mutual 2 Editor:

The new hours at the St. Andrews and North gates presents a significant safety hazard for all residents of Leisure World for up to 12 hours per day. Having these gates locked from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m and 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., respectively, leaves us with only one exit for our very densely populated community of 10,000. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, we will certainly be gridlocked trying to evacuate through the Main Gate alone. Just as we have witnessed in the Palisades Fire where residents had to abandon their gridlocked cars and walk to safety, one egress is not enough. Picture it: given that so many residents here are elderly and/ or have mobility issues, who will be able to walk out once Golden Rain Road becomes a parking lot? Not only is our ability to exit in jeopardy, but the gate closures also prevent emergency vehicles and fire trucks from entering LW in a timely fashion. (Frankly, when I moved in, I thought three gates were insuffi cient for a community this size.) As I’m writing this, the dry winds are gusting again and the L.A. fires continue to burn. I urge the GRF to reconsider this change immediately and invite the fire marshal to join the conversation. Seconds count in an emergency. This is a disaster waiting to happen and we need those gates reopened now. This letter has been copied to Fire Station No. 48. Deborah Shaka Mutual 1 Editor’s Note: The North and St. Andrews gates were never open 24 hours a day. Until Jan. 6, they were open from 6 a.m.10 p.m. The GRF Board voted to reduce gate hours to save staffing costs as very few vehicles use the gates before 7 a.m. and after 8 p.m. However, should there be a community-wide disaster requiring a mass exit of vehicles, Security could open all gates in minutes. Editor: I just received the yearly statement in regard to our property tax and 2025 increases for each unit. The monthly charge has increased for myself with an additional $70 due each month. This housing increase is now more than 50% of my earnings. The rule is that you should pay no more than 28% of your income to housing, plus, the property taxes had a minimum increase. Evidently, this does not distinguish between single and double occupancy.

Wendy Souza Mutual 15 Editor:

Losing a home in a wildfire is a disaster. These victims of such a catastrophic event require support across all dimensions of their lives: physical, mental, financial and social. Among these, addressing psychological trauma is particularly critical.

As a psychiatrist with extensive experience in disasterrelated PTSD treatment, I would like to share effective strategies for coping with stress. These recommendations were used 30 years ago for 2,000 Korean victims of the L.A. riot while I was the medical director of the Asian Pacific Counseling Center at the Department of Mental Health. I treated U.S. soldiers and Vietnamese civilians who had war PTSD. These insights are meant to guide counselors and people directly affected by such tragedies. 1. The past is past. You can look back but don’t stare at it.

2. You are not the only victim. 3. Pay attention to people who had more severe damage than you (at least you are alive).

4. Start with what you have. 5. Allow thoughts and emotions to flow. If you dwell on one negative thought, that’s the end.

6. Seek out friends. 7. Find work. 8. Drive safely, move slowly. 9. Do what you can do and leave the rest to heaven. 10. Speak your thoughts to others (a counselor, friends) and participate in group activities.

11. Remember life ends not when you fail but when you give up.

Dr. Man Cho Mutual 4