LOSS OF LIFE from the fires was put at 24.

New wildfire warnings were issued on Tuesday as Santa Ana winds raised the threat of fiery embers dropping in on new areas of north Los Angeles County.

The Associated Press is reporting that the “greatest risk” could be to Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Simi Valley where over 300,000 reside.

To compound the issue, almost 90,000 households lost electricity because utility companies shut off power in an effort to keep their lines from contributing to the fire risk.

The count of fatalities from the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires has climbed to 24.

Weather experts are saying that the blazes are the product of dry winds and a landscape that hasn’t had any significant rainfall for eight months.

So far, the causes of the fires are still undetermined. The size of the affected area has not grown much on Tuesday, but containment has not increased very much either.

Defense sec’y pick grilled by Senate

PETE HEGSETH

Pete Hegseth, the admittedly “unconventional” selection by President-elect Donald Trump to become the new secretary of defense, was questioned for four hours by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

According to The New York Times, Democrats on the panel contended that Hegseth was unqualified for the post and raised issues about his marital fidelity, his drinking and his opinions about allowing women to serve in combat roles.

“I’m not a perfect person,” he said, “but redemption is real,” said Hegseth. “I have failed in things in my life and thankfully I’m redeemed by my lord and savior Jesus.”

Republicans have a slim majority in the Senate, but if they have no defections, his nomination is expected to be approved.

“External Revenue Service” proposed

President-elect Donald Trump, who has proposed hefty tariffs on some of America’s biggest trading partners, on Tuesday said he was planning to create an “External Revenue Service” to be responsible for collecting tariffs, duties and other monies from other nations.

He referred to “soft and pathetically weak trade agreements” and his intention to make other nations to “start paying, finally, their fair share.”

Currently the agency charged with collecting tariffs and such is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Weather: Cooler, some sun

The forecast for our West Orange County cities for the next few days calls for cooling temperatures and a mix of sunny and partly cloudy day. Wednesday is projected to have a daytime high of 76 and an overnight low of 44 with sunshine. Thursday will drop 10 degrees to 66 (43) and with sun. Friday will see that cooling trend continue down to 63 (46) with mostly sunny skies. Saturday dips slightly to 62 (45) and partly cloudy conditions.

Great Thoughts

“However little people may think of common newspapers, to a wise man they appear the Ark of God for the safety of people.”
– Pennyslvania Gazette, 1764