Quake Aid, Rebuilding

* Our daughter was a tenant at Northridge Meadows. She was not in the apartment when the quake hit, for which we are very grateful. We also want to express gratitude in two other areas.

The staff of FEMA was wonderful. Our daughter was able to get an appointment the Saturday following the quake. The two men from FEMA were efficient yet very patient and compassionate with my daughter, who was very emotional about the potential loss of her worldly and cherished possessions. Although you are nameless to us, thank you.

The gentlemen from the Fire Department deserve an especially big thank you and pat on the back. On two occasions that following week these men, at personal risk to themselves, went into the building and salvaged a great many of her belongings. They did so with a care and understanding that can only come from people with big hearts. They will have our enduring gratitude.

BOB and MARTY BOLLING

Seal Beach

* First of all, I’m not Scrooge. I feel that those people deserving of earthquake relief should get it. But in looking at the long lines of people waiting for help from the government (i.e., taxpayers), I can’t help but wonder if everyone there has tried to use his or her own resources first. This, of course, excludes those waiting for loans.

I was taught that you should have three months’ salary saved to use in emergencies. It seems that even if their dwelling is uninhabitable the bank is still standing. Is the government here to bail out everyone? Do people really need 18 months of certificates for housing? Does everyone need food stamps? There is a surplus of apartments in the area. Everyone should be able to find one in a short period of time, say three months at the outside.

I think it’s time we began looking to ourselves for solutions instead of depending on the government.

P.S. Has anyone thought of requiring earthquake insurance along with fire insurance to get a mortgage?

SHIRLEY GLASGOW

Lake Arrowhead

* In regard to “The Next Terror: Challenge of Rebuilding” (Opinion, Jan. 30): The author describes the task of rebuilding as being slow in one paragraph and “perhaps impossible of realization” in another paragraph. This is most negative and pessimistic.

Los Angeles County has a diverse population and a diverse economy quite able to rebound from the natural disaster that occurred. Sadly, there are people and businesses that have and will suffer, but there are people and businesses that will try to turn this around to their advantage.

Rebuilding is perhaps the wrong way to think about earthquake recovery, and the wrong way to approach the situation. Rather than rebuild what was old, why not use this as an opportunity to build something new? Why not think of the possibility of “new-building”? This is a time to rethink and change what doesn’t work: the retail store to re-evaluate layout and store design, the homes and apartments that needed improvements.

To be sure, loss of any kind is unfortunate, but the right approach is what we need at a time like this.

MICHAEL L. STEMPEL

West Hollywood

* Isn’t it ironic that Southern California is going to rely on some of the same licensed architects, contractors and building inspectors that brought us the structures that collapsed? Earthquakes don’t make me nervous, they do.

MARVIN L. PULIN

Anaheim

* The courageous men and women of Caltrans have been and are performing miracles under the worst conditions and with amazing speed. Sing their praises loud and clear!

MARGARET BERNSTEIN

Malibu