🔥 The clock is ticking! Santa Monica Airport, a critical asset in our fight against wildfires, is slated for closure in 2028 to become housing or maybe a park (no way). But here's the catch:

-Emergency Response Hub: During the Palisades Fire, this airport was our lifeline. It served as a staging ground for countless firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and ground support, saving lives and homes. Without it, our response time to future fires could be disastrously delayed.

-Toxicity and Cleanup: Turning this land into housing or a park isn't just expensive; it's fraught with environmental hazards. The cleanup of toxic waste from decades of airport operations could cost us millions, just like the debacle at Playa Vista. Is this really the best use of our resources?

-Prevention Over Cure: We need to act proactively. By converting the airport into a dedicated emergency services base, we can:

• Pre-position a fleet of 24+ water-dropping helicopters and 6-12 tanker aircraft, ready to launch within minutes of a fire alert.
• Establish an evacuation center, supply depot, and emergency equipment storage right at the heart of our most fire-prone areas.

-High-Risk Zones: Areas like Brentwood, Santa Monica, Bel Air, and the San Fernando Valley are ticking time bombs. Without immediate aerial support, the next fire could devastate these neighborhoods before help arrives.

CALL TO ACTION:
-@CAgovernor @GavinNewsom @RichardGrenell @BenAllenCA @HenrySternCA @SenHenryStern @RickChavezZbur @LindseyPHorvath @kathrynbarger @BradSherman @tedlieu & all state & local officials:

-We urge you to purchase or lease and preserve Santa Monica Airport NOW before it's too late.

-Support the transformation into an emergency services airport. We cannot afford to lose this strategic location.