I’d like to add that many people now are feeling the wrath of climate change and adding smoke to the already hazardous air is ridiculous and uncalled for. There are alternatives to wood burning, such as gas, that would give these beach-burning fanatics a less-polluting fire. Why they feel the need to smoke up the area making it necessary for many to avoid enjoying the beautiful beaches is beyond me. It seems very selfish of them to think that the beach is theirs and theirs alone and anyone who has breathing or heart problems must stay away. How unfair!
I implore the AQMD to hold their ground on this issue for the sake of everyone. They should not step back because of a bunch of unruly people trying to wield their power. This whole issue is, and continues to be, a question of what is more important: health or pollution. The answer is simple.
This article appears in 55 Fiction 2013.