Letters to the editor: The grid must be reenergized; Biden fights for us

Electrical grid needs upgrades

My family and I have been adversely affected by Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and I am concerned that not enough is being done to upgrade the electrical grid.

Since 2020, multiple sustained shutdowns have impacted thousands of Ventura County customers for many hours, causing significant inconveniences for families and businesses, including productivity losses and food spoilage.

Additionally, some residents who rely on electrical medical devices for survival have faced danger.

SCE owns and operates the electrical distribution system servicing Ventura County. PSPS events are scheduled when sustained wind speeds reach 31 mph or gusts of 46 mph for bare wire circuits and 40 mph sustained winds or gusts of 58 mph for covered wire circuits.

Areas with bare wires are more prone to creating electrical sparks that could start fires. SCE can reduce fire risks by encasing wires, trimming trees around power wires, and replacing flammable poles with fire-resistant ones.

Of the 10 electrical circuits supplying power to my hometown, Moorpark, five have historically been subject to PSPS. In October 2023, SCE reported to Moorpark that it had completed grid hardening efforts on two circuits (Strathern and Zone).

Consequently, PSPS events in October and November 2023 did not result in shutdowns in those areas, reflecting the improvements’ value.

However, three Moorpark circuits (Brenan, Gabbert, and Morganstein) have yet to be improved. As of May 31, 2024, SCE’s website indicates that improvements for the Brenan Circuit are only in the planning stages, and no plans are listed for the Gabbert and Morganstein circuits.

For the safety of all Ventura County residents, the work on these remaining circuits must quickly progress so that the risk of fires sparked by the electrical grid can be further reduced.

Emmy Davila, Moorpark

Biden shows strength, courage

How many of us, young or old, could have stood on that stage not feeling well in front of millions across from a sneering orange bully?

Governing and caring leadership is what is important, not a stage performance. President Biden has shown strength and courage to fight for us. He cares about protecting us from the ravages of climate change, protecting women’s healthcare rights, treating heartbreaking gun violence as a public health emergency, as we successfully reduced smoking deaths and drunk driving.

He showed skilled diplomacy in joining our world community, speaking at the 75th anniversary of NATO.

The Maga cult of “No” relishes whining and finger-pointing. They are against everything, but what, if anything, are they for?

If President Biden can get back up and fight, we can also unite and fight for our country.

Joy Hamlat, Oxnard

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters to the editor: The grid must be reenergized; Biden fights for us