(American Political Report)—In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have swept through California, Matt Diamond, a Malibu resident, has become a local hero by organizing a neighborhood fire brigade that managed to save nearly a dozen homes during the recent Palisades Fire. Diamond, who has been surfing in Malibu for years, emphasized the importance of community action in disaster situations, highlighting the lack of immediate professional support during the crisis.
The fire, which ignited on Tuesday, quickly escalated, with Diamond observing the fire’s rapid spread near Sunset and Pacific Coast Highway. He described the scene as the flames “taking everything in their path,” moving at a rate of about a quarter mile every 30 minutes. Diamond, alongside other community members, took it upon themselves to combat the fire, using whatever equipment they could gather, including axes and shovels.
Diamond’s involvement in fire prevention isn’t new; he formed the brigade after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which left a significant scar on the region. He’s critical of the state’s current wildfire management, particularly under Governor Gavin Newsom, advocating for a return to controlled burns. Controlled burns, or prescribed fires, are used to manage forest undergrowth and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by clearing out potential fuel for fires.
“Controlled burns are essential,” Diamond stated. He believes that the state’s reluctance to implement these preventive measures stems from fears of litigation if burns accidentally spread. He argues that the potential damage from not conducting these burns far outweighs any legal risks, suggesting that the government should bypass bureaucratic hurdles for the safety of residents.
The Palisades Fire not only tested the resolve of local residents like Diamond but also underscored the severity of California’s wildfire situation. The fire claimed at least one life, as reported by the City of Malibu, and led to the evacuation of celebrities and destruction of high-value properties.
Diamond’s experience underscores a broader call for communities to be proactive in their safety, urging residents to establish direct lines of communication with local emergency services and to prepare for disasters. He shared how the community managed resources during the Woolsey Fire, setting up a makeshift camp for operations, which has now been recognized by the Los Angeles Fire Department as a valuable asset in fire management due to their intimate knowledge of the local terrain.
As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat, Diamond’s story is a testament to the power of community action and the urgent need for policy changes in fire management strategies. His call to reinstate controlled burns is a reminder of the complex balance between environmental stewardship and public safety in California’s ongoing battle with wildfires.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
