Heat Wave Harnesses Pacific Palisades

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

Scorching temperatures were reported all across Southern California over the weekend, continuing through the start of the week.

The National Weather Service listed new daily record highs on July 6 and 7, such as 117 degrees in Woodland Hills and Van Nuys.

Weather Specialist Stuart Seto from the National Weather Service told the Palisadian-Post that hot weather records also concern low temperatures—meaning that overnight low temperatures have been unusually hot.

Palisadians are often affected by the summer heat by way of their favorite pastime: hiking.
A hiker was rescued from Temescal Canyon Park in Pacific Palisades on the morning of Friday, July 6. The high was 103 degrees that day.

Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69 responded to a call from a 63-year-old man with an “unspecified medical complaint.” He was hoisted by Air Operations and transported to a local hospital in fair condition.

Another hiker, this time a 35-year-old female, was rescued on Saturday, July 7, at 1:02 p.m. LAFD spokesperson Amy Bastman confirmed to the Post that the reason was due to “heat distress.”

Captain Tommy Kitahata from LAFD Station 69 told the Post that the woman was hiking with three other people, which is much preferred than going alone, though the group was in the park at the hottest part of the day.

Kitahata recognized that Temescal Canyon Park remains favorable to hikers all year round because of the easy access and available parking, though many people are “ill-prepared” as far as carrying enough water and wearing suitable clothing for the activity.

“Hydration, lightweight clothing [breathable fabrics] and planning for the weather are key factors to consider,” he said, adding that “sturdy shoes” make a huge difference.

He advised people who are intent on hiking in Temescal to plan accordingly by going early in the morning, before the temperature soars.

A vegetation fire also occurred on Saturday, July 7, at Almar Avenue in El Medio Bluffs. Bastman reported that LAFD Station 69 responded, and “54 firefighters contained a quarter-acre of light to medium grass in 25 minutes.”

As the threat of brush fires increases, Jeff Escalante and his team at LAFD Station 69 are working to clear brush from vulnerable areas.

According to City News Service, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power dealt with numerous power outages over the weekend—caused by the unprecedented demand on cooling systems.

“DWP said Saturday’s power demand was the second-highest of any weekend day in the city’s history, with peak use exceeding 5,700 megawatts.” They advise, “judicious use of air conditioning, and use of drapes, curtains and blinds to keep sunlight and heat out of rooms.”

To escape the heat when out and about, all LA branch libraries and recreation centers operate as designated “cooling centers.” To determine their location, call 211.

The city of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department offers tips to “Beat the Heat” this summer, including how to recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion and the importance of staying hydrated.

They also emphasized that children or pets must never be left alone in a hot vehicle, “not even for one minute,” because “temperatures inside a car can quickly skyrocket to deadly levels.” To see the full list, visit lacity.org.

In addition, LAFD paramedics stress hot weather safety tips at lafd.org.