Los Angeles Hiking Above Black Smog

 

I'm coming around the corner with that distinguished COUGH, COUGH, COUGH. I went to the doctor last week. He said I may have mild asthma. In the past, I was told I may have bronchitis. A friend's mother was told her cough was nothing. Six months later revision. Terminal lung cancer. Yes, my high school best friend, Tina, has a mom named Annette, who never smoked and has inoperable lung cancer. She is a sweet woman who wants to garden. Okay. I have been researching clean indoor and outdoor air for some time now. Last week, I interviewed the former executive director of the Clean Air Duct Association. I cough more when the air conditioner goes on, therefore I always have it off. But I was curious what's circulating in those ducts. I have decided to write a quarterly CLEAN AIR NEWSLETTER (Update: newsletter didn't happen, this blog did) to report my salient findings with resources and links for interested readers.

I went hiking this late afternoon. Experience the beauty of L.A. nature set against BLACK, and I mean BLACK smog. We're breathing it.

And here's another photo for those in Santa Monica who think that ocean breeze is keeping the smog away. It isn't. The black extends out toward Catalina Island. See for yourself. Why don't we all leave Los Angeles, start over somewhere clean, and bike to work. And why don't employers insist more employees work from home if possible. And on a bright note, it was a wonderful hike. Always is.