Despite ongoing wildfire struggles in Southern California, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk are now open again, starting on January 10. This move follows a two-day closure prompted by the intensifying emergency situation.
In spite of the continued mandatory evacuations and the area remaining at risk, Universal continues with regular business operations.
On this coming Friday, the 10th of January, both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be in operation. Starting from that day, they will return to their usual business hours.
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) January 10, 2025
Universal announced its reopening in a social media statement, saying:
On Friday, January 10, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will reopen to their regular schedules. Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent and persisting fires. We express our gratitude to the brave first responders for their tireless work in these challenging circumstances.
Even though the statement expresses compassion, the move to reopen the company raises doubts about their focus on important matters. As fires continue to burn and entire communities are at risk, one may ponder whether it’s suitable to open an amusement park in these dire circumstances.
Footage from inside Universal Studios Hollywood yesterday @UniStudios
— Universal HIGH 🌎 (@HighUniversal) January 9, 2025
Based on KTLA reports, approximately 40,000 residents living in western Los Angeles are under compulsory evacuation due to ongoing wildfires that are being fueled by strong winds. The Palisades area has been significantly affected, with houses and other buildings engulfed in flames. Videos from the scene show entire streets turned into ash, although the overall destruction is yet to be fully assessed.
This week, fierce winds and arid surroundings ignited fires that forced numerous families from their homes, leaving them in doubt about whether they’ll have a place to come back to. Emergency workers are putting in long hours, bravely battling these blazes as the origin of the fire is still being probed.
A series of recent sunsets have been spreading across Runyon Canyon and are now posing a danger to iconic sites such as the Hollywood Bowl, suggesting they might consume these landmarks entirely.
To some people, it seems insensitive or out of touch to consider reopening a place like Universal Studios Hollywood during these challenging times, when local residents are still struggling and facing so much uncertainty.
As a movie-goer visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, I must share my thoughts on their recent decisions. Initially, the studio wisely closed its doors on January 8th and 9th, acknowledging safety concerns stemming from extreme winds and imminent fire risks in the area. This was a prudent move given the unpredictable nature of the conditions.
However, the swift reopening of the park, with fires still actively burning and first responders working tirelessly to contain them, raises some eyebrows. This quick reopening might send a message that profits are being prioritized over compassion, which could be seen as insensitive during such critical times.
Resting the theme park in an area less prone to fires and more urban might reduce immediate risks for visitors, but reopening operations amidst a crisis so close by feels detached from the severity of the situation at hand. With firefighters tirelessly working and evacuees searching for safety, welcoming vacationers and tourists back could appear insensitive.
Universal’s statement aims to show compassion towards those affected and acknowledge the efforts of first responders simultaneously. Yet, actions can often be more powerful than words, and reopening during an ongoing crisis might give off a misleading impression. Some visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood might welcome the restoration of routine, but critics could perceive this action as prioritizing profit over fundamental human concerns.
Aircrafts are fighting the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.
Love to see those planes dropping water and fire retardant in such an heartbreaking scene.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 9, 2025
In the wake of this calamity, Southern California ponders whether companies such as Universal genuinely understand and prioritize the communities they serve, or if profit ultimately takes precedence over all else.
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2025-01-10 23:55