The man known as “The Lion of the Senate” has died at the age of 77, leaving a legacy of crusading for liberalism. Ted Kennedy’s body currently lies in repose at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, where scores of people continue to bid farewell.  Over the weekend, he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his two brothers.

Fire season is upon us, and the proof is literally burning before my eyes.  As of this writing, I’m witnessing two fires, the earlier one commencing north of Azusa, and the Wednesday afternoon blaze near the foothills of La Cañada Flintridge. The 750+ acre Azusa fire centered in the Morris area of the Angeles National Forest thankfully cannot claim any homes or lives as victims (due to dry air and lack of winds in the area), although the pungent white haze in its wake is being inhaled by countless Southland residents. The second fire is now spread over ten acres of dry chaparral, and the Angeles Crest Highway is shut down north of Altadena. The cause of both fires are under investigation and let’s hope if arson is the cause the culprits are apprehended and prosecuted swiftly.  The forecast consists of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and low humidity, so another fire could easily spring up elsewhere. I want to take this opportunity to again commend the brave men and women of our local fire departments, who are sorely underpaid and who risk life and limb for us all.