I realize this is not the place to discuss things other than fire apparatus but with the commentary feel I should throw my two-cents worth in.
Los Angeles FD is being hit like so many other cities around the country. The necessity for change started coming about when the rolling brownout's started. You would be amazed at all the things the City shells out money for. For starters, the mayor alone has some 200 people working directly for him. The City gov got carried away when times were good and it is always nigh on impossible to pull back when revenue diminishes.
Prop 13 was voted in by a landslide--many fire and police folks voted for it. It was a real shame to see retired folks forced out of their homes because they couldn't pay the taxes. And in spite of purported dire consequences, the State and Local governments adjusted quite well.
Once again, take a close hard look at what money the CA gov is shelling out to all sorts of people and things; including welfare for illegals. CA has been very generous with money they really don't have. Again, when times were good the money flowed, as the economy diminished, the spending didn't.
Also notice that the Los Angeles County FD has not taken quite the same budget hits. Because a large portion of their funding comes from contract cities, is becomes incumbent for those cities to manage their money better. Their respective generosities, except for the political atrocities in Bell, tend to be much better managed. However, Inglewood, has not been able to meet it's County FD contribution and has seen the level of protection drop.
The various cities, who have their own FD's, in and around LA have made cuts in their respective FD's but are managing not to drop below critical levels.
One of the most difficult things to grasp is fire activity is down--all over the country. Departments have to adjust-more paramedics, and more ambulances. Fire codes, fire prevention, building materials, new types of construction, and perhaps the biggest factor, Public Education, have played a hand in reducing fire activity. Think about it, when a four-year old sees smoke and dials 911, the FD in turn responds faster and can often catch the fire at the incipient stage. Far cry from the days of it had to be really blowing before someone saw it.
Another factor playing a role in reduced fire activity are cultural changes brought about by immigration, both legal and illegal. These folks respect their property and take better care of it plus they do not want to draw attention to themselves. It is very politically incorrect to even mention this element but it is a very real fact. Thus where fires might have been a regular occurrence, the frequency has diminished.
Check the tweet's and info from FD's around the country--many, many places have realized significantly reduced fire activity. Along with that the politicians will view the statistics and put the money elsewhere.
Remember, every politician, irregardless their party, hunts for money as kids do for Easter eggs. When they find it, they will gorge their programs silly in hopes of reelection. Think about it.
Happy Easter!!!
John
Los Angeles FD is being hit like so many other cities around the country. The necessity for change started coming about when the rolling brownout's started. You would be amazed at all the things the City shells out money for. For starters, the mayor alone has some 200 people working directly for him. The City gov got carried away when times were good and it is always nigh on impossible to pull back when revenue diminishes.
Prop 13 was voted in by a landslide--many fire and police folks voted for it. It was a real shame to see retired folks forced out of their homes because they couldn't pay the taxes. And in spite of purported dire consequences, the State and Local governments adjusted quite well.
Once again, take a close hard look at what money the CA gov is shelling out to all sorts of people and things; including welfare for illegals. CA has been very generous with money they really don't have. Again, when times were good the money flowed, as the economy diminished, the spending didn't.
Also notice that the Los Angeles County FD has not taken quite the same budget hits. Because a large portion of their funding comes from contract cities, is becomes incumbent for those cities to manage their money better. Their respective generosities, except for the political atrocities in Bell, tend to be much better managed. However, Inglewood, has not been able to meet it's County FD contribution and has seen the level of protection drop.
The various cities, who have their own FD's, in and around LA have made cuts in their respective FD's but are managing not to drop below critical levels.
One of the most difficult things to grasp is fire activity is down--all over the country. Departments have to adjust-more paramedics, and more ambulances. Fire codes, fire prevention, building materials, new types of construction, and perhaps the biggest factor, Public Education, have played a hand in reducing fire activity. Think about it, when a four-year old sees smoke and dials 911, the FD in turn responds faster and can often catch the fire at the incipient stage. Far cry from the days of it had to be really blowing before someone saw it.
Another factor playing a role in reduced fire activity are cultural changes brought about by immigration, both legal and illegal. These folks respect their property and take better care of it plus they do not want to draw attention to themselves. It is very politically incorrect to even mention this element but it is a very real fact. Thus where fires might have been a regular occurrence, the frequency has diminished.
Check the tweet's and info from FD's around the country--many, many places have realized significantly reduced fire activity. Along with that the politicians will view the statistics and put the money elsewhere.
Remember, every politician, irregardless their party, hunts for money as kids do for Easter eggs. When they find it, they will gorge their programs silly in hopes of reelection. Think about it.
Happy Easter!!!
John
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