This color reflects the June sun today. It used to be the case that "June gloom" dominated this time of year, with the Catalina eddy pushing the marine layer in to cover Los Angeles and cool it down. There was some of that cool weather during May, but June has emerged as a summer month.

No, there's no such thing as climate change. Why do you ask?

It helps to have the perspective of 60 years on the planet, and coast-to-coast experience. Getting older, getting a long term, wider look at things makes for greater contentment--you have seen things work out even when it seemed impossible at the time--and for greater worry--what if we don't heed the warning signs and take appropriate, care-full action, wait till it's nearly too late and then do something drastic, with unintended consequences?

I will no doubt be dead by then, but still I am concerned for the future of our planet, our species.

Negative outcomes are not inevitable, though, if we start early with what I see as sensible efforts (and not terribly expensive). We can reduce heat-related stress (and deaths) by things like roof top gardens (to counter the urban heat island effect) and provide air-conditioned cooling centers for the elderly and the needy.

In Griffith Park there's a house with a vertical garden running up each outside wall. Fascinating! Insulation, flowers and vegetables, all in one creation.

People die during heat waves. Whether you are convinced that there is climate change or not, the death count is undeniable. We can, and should, take action. Today, going up to 96 degrees, is a reminder.

P.S. it's 4 p.m. 104 degrees!