Home2028 Olympic GamesLOS ANGELES FIRES: Wind warnings for Tuesday and Wednesday; Chula Vista training center reaches out; FIG offers...

LOS ANGELES FIRES: Wind warnings for Tuesday and Wednesday; Chula Vista training center reaches out; FIG offers support

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≡ LOS ANGELES 2028 ≡

“Particularly dangerous situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning in effect 4 am Tuesday until noon Wednesday due to damaging northeast to east winds and low humidities. …

“There will likely be damaging winds gusting between 55 and 70 mph across portions of the red flag warning area from early Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning, leading to the PDS Red Flag Warning upgrade. areas in the Red Flag Warning (especially during the PDS time frame) will have a high risk for large fires with very rapid fire spread, extreme fire behavior, and long range spotting.

“While dangerous PDS Red Flag Fire weather conditions are likely with this event early Tuesday morning into Wednesday morning, this wind event is not expected to be as strong and destructive as last week`s windstorm.”

That is from the U.S. National Weather Service on Monday afternoon, with the warnings for high winds again – less than last week – that could cause more damage, especially from the Palisades Fire, which is under better control, but still dangerous.

This fire has threatened Riviera Country Club, slated as the site for golf for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but without any damage so far. The UCLA campus has gone to remote learning just in case the easterly winds move toward the campus.

The LA28 organizing committee posted a message of support on X last week:

“To LA, our city, our community, our home –

“We are eternally grateful to the firefighters, first responders, and everyday Angelenos working around the clock to keep us safe from the devastating wildfires.

“Our hearts are broken, but we are resilient and so proud to be part of this united and kind community.”

There was also a link to a page with more links to fire, housing and Red Cross sites.

The fires are also a problem for athletes, with so many in the L.A. area, and disruptions to training schedules. Brian Melekian, the President of the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, south of San Diego, posted a statement which included:

“Sport may not seem the highest priority right now, but we understand the need and comfort of routine, for athletes training for collegiate championships, professional competition, and international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“For athletes affected here in Southern California, we are here to offer you a place to train, eat and rest. We can provide you a community to feel safe in the company of a caring environment. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

“There are tough and challenging times, and we are steadfast in our desire to be there for you: tomorrow, or any time in the near future.”

The Chula Vista facility opened in 1995 as a U.S. Olympic training facility but is now independent and has facilities for more than a dozen sports, plus housing and dining.

A survey of International Federations Web sites found one salute to Los Angeles, from the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique:

“The whole world has been shocked by the news of wildfires in Los Angeles and the huge scale of devastation they have left in their wake.

“The FIG commends the work of all those involved in emergency and rescue work in order to protect the lives of those at risk due to these catastrophic fires.

“’Gymnastics is a huge sport in the US and USA Gymnastics has thousands of members in Los Angeles,’ said FIG President Morinari Watanabe.

“’It is so sad to see the level of destruction across the region at the start of a new year. Our thoughts are with the gymnastics family, our friends at the Organising Committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the entire population of the region at this difficult time. The FIG will do everything it can to support affected gymnasts in the region.’”

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