Letter from the President
February 14, 2026
To all SMPOA Members,
It has now been six months since the new SMPOA Board of Directors began its tenure serving our neighborhood. Needless to say, we have been busy.
If you have been following our progress in the Sunset Mesa-Ge, it may appear that our efforts are centered exclusively on protecting ocean views and enforcing CC&Rs. While these tasks constitute our primary mission, they are by no means our only focus. Equally vital is our commitment to safeguarding Sunset Mesa from a recurrence of the devastating events of January 7th of last year.
Every fall and winter, our community is challenged by bone-dry Santa Ana winds. Historically, we "dodged the bullet" for sixty years—until last year. In retrospect, we were fortunate to have avoided such a catastrophe for so long. However, weather conditions and the threat of arson remain a dangerous reality, and we cannot assume it will take another sixty years for these risks to align again.
What are we doing about it?
Many questions remain regarding the events of January 7th, specifically concerning available firefighting resources and the timing of tactical orders. While legal efforts are underway to uncover these truths, our main duty is to look forward. We all agree that as our neighborhood is rebuilt, we cannot simply return to the status quo.
We are currently investigating ways to "harden" our neighborhood against future conflagrations. We have begun consultations with companies offering advanced solutions—including AI, sensors, fire retardants, and strategic fire breaks—that could potentially protect all 473 homes in Sunset Mesa. Some of these partners are established firms, while others are innovative startups; some will require cooperation from California State Parks and L.A. County. We are also coordinating research efforts with Supervisor Lindsey Horwath’s office.
While it is too early to share specific technical data, we will update the membership as soon as a viable plan emerges. We are also exploring funding options, with the goal of securing state or county grants to cover these costs.
Individual Responsibility and New Committees
These community-wide efforts do not replace the need for individual home hardening. Beyond L.A. County requirements, we encourage homeowners to consider supplemental protections such as roof sprinklers, pool pumps, on-site fire retardants, or private firefighting contracts.
Additionally, we are forming a new Safety Committee in partnership with Supervisor Horwath’s office. This group, composed of board members, residents, and county representatives, will be tasked with developing a neighborhood emergency plan and an "arson watch" team.
While this board may not be in office by the time Sunset Mesa is fully protected, we are dedicated to setting the process in motion.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jonathan Markiles SMPOA President