Struggles of Altadena Residents After the Eaton Fire
In the aftermath of the Eaton fire, families in an Altadena apartment complex are facing significant challenges as they attempt to reclaim their lives. Among those affected is Rosa Ramirez, who recently returned to her damaged two-bedroom apartment, where smoke remnants still stain the ceiling.
Living Conditions and Evacuation
Ramirez, along with her children, previously stayed in various hotels for nearly two months due to the fire, which forced them to evacuate in January. However, as financial resources dwindled and alternative rental options were limited, they returned to the complex despite its designation as “uninhabitable” by their insurance company. Inside, boxes of undamaged belongings are piled near a fish tank with murky water, symbolizing the uncertainty they now face.
Community Challenges
Ramirez’s situation is not unique. Many families residing in the complex report living without essential services such as gas and, in some cases, electricity. This has forced tenants to use portable stoves for cooking and to manage bathing without hot water. Surrounding their home, remnants of burned-out houses and vehicles raise concerns about potential exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos and lead.
Voices of the Residents
Brenda Lopez, a resident of the building, articulates the sentiment among many families: “The people who live here are people who don’t have anywhere to go; they don’t have money for a hotel or a car to stay in. We’re here because we have to, not [out] of stubbornness.”
Management and Repairs
Residents have expressed frustration over delays in repairs and a perceived lack of responsiveness from Regency Management Inc. They claim requests for attention to their living conditions have been ignored, with reports of retaliation including power shutoffs. Rent charges, expected to range between $1,700 to $2,400, have been mentioned as a looming threat despite ongoing repairs.
Legal representative Jesse Carrillo of Regency Management disagrees with claims of inadequate support. He states, “We have expedited all deposits and monies paid for the month if residents elected to move out.” Carrillo also cited ongoing issues with restoring gas service, linking delays to requirements imposed by federal and local agencies.
Advocacy and Community Support
In light of the situation, residents have come together to form the Tenants Committee 403, aiming to raise awareness about their difficult circumstances. They held a news conference to discuss their issues and advocate for repairs to be undertaken in stages, emphasizing the need for immediate action in a way that minimizes disruption to their living conditions.
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) has begun assisting the residents with their concerns, seeking to address not only their situation but also similar issues faced by other families in the burn zone. Pablo Alvarado, executive director of NDLON, notes that many residents lack the necessary credit history and resources to relocate effectively, thus emphasizing the urgency of addressing their health and safety concerns.
Response from Officials
Authorities involved in debris removal, such as the U.S. Corps of Engineers, have acknowledged the presence of occupied properties in areas where homes burned. They emphasize that the health and safety of residents are paramount, urging residents with health concerns to reach out to local health officials while they work to expedite debris removal processes.
Next Steps for Residents
While residents await improvements in their living conditions, the sense of urgency is palpable. “We don’t want families to be evicted,” said Alvarado, advocating for a focused response from local and state authorities to ensure that residents can remain safe in their homes.
Conclusion
As families like those of Rosa Ramirez and Brenda Lopez navigate the aftermath of the Eaton fire, they hope for swift action to rectify the hazardous conditions present in their lives. Their determination to advocate for their rights underscores a broader struggle faced by communities grappling with the dual toll of natural disaster and challenges in recovery.