Commentary: Candidates should be questioned on fire-prevention positions

When evaluating the candidates for the City Council election this fall, we should pay particular attention to their positions on preventing a fire like the one that burned about 350 homes in Laguna Beach in 1993. That was a disaster, and we seem to be on a path to repeat it.

The fire was started in Laguna Canyon on a day of Santa Ana winds, and it burned rapidly into town, changing the town and the lives of many of us forever. Those of us who were here then will never forget that day.

Today we seem to be creating a situation that is even more likely to bring a similar fire to our town. I am speaking of our Alternative Sleeping Location for homeless people on Laguna Canyon Road, near the dog park. It presently accommodates 45 people nightly and turns away many others due to lack of space.

Also there is now a proposal to add additional permanent housing for homeless people at the same location. We should be proud to help those less fortunate, but we should not risk burning the town again to do so. The homeless shelter needs to be in a different location. Persons turned away from the shelter often just find a place nearby to camp out. And it seems the large majority of the homeless smoke cigarettes.

Those camping sometimes start fires to keep warm. Many of the homeless walk up and down the canyon road at all hours going to and from town. Cigarette butts can be found all over. Recently, I observed a group of eight homeless people, just hanging out and talking. Seven of the eight were smoking. This is the norm.

The next time you observe a person who appears to be homeless, look to see if that person is smoking. Laguna is now just a fire waiting to happen.

Before we vote, each candidate running for City Council should be evaluated on their commitment to preventing disastrous fires, along with their position for the location of homeless housing.

RALPH HAUN lives in Laguna Beach.