Life in the Ashes: Altadena Residents Struggle After Eaton Fire
In the aftermath of January’s devastating Eaton fire, many families have found themselves in precarious living situations. Rosa Ramirez, for instance, recently returned to her smoke-damaged apartment in Altadena after weeks of temporary hotel stays, facing the arduous process of sorting through damaged belongings.
Struggles Amidst Reconstruction
Ramirez’s apartment is cluttered with boxes of salvaged clothing and essentials, revealing the harsh reality of her family’s situation. “I’m slowly going through things to see what needs to be thrown out,” she explained, noting that some furniture would need replacing but not just yet.
Approximately a dozen families, including children and elderly residents, have chosen to return to their apartment complex, which an insurance assessment labeled “uninhabitable.” With no alternative housing options available and funds running low, the residents are now enduring a lack of basic utilities such as gas and reliable electricity.
Living Conditions and Health Concerns
The complex has become a focal point for criticism as residents contend with hazardous surroundings that include charred homes and debris left from the fire. These conditions raise serious concerns about exposure to harmful substances, including asbestos and lead, which could have long-term health implications.
Brenda Lopez, a community member who shares her apartment with a family of six, articulated the desperation of her neighbors: “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.”
Management and Resident Relations
Residents argue that management, Regency Management Inc., has been slow to respond to repair requests and has reacted negatively to tenants advocating for their rights. Complaints of power shutoffs and threats of renewed rental charges—ranging from $1,700 to $2,400—have heightened tensions within the community.
Contrarily, Jesse Carrillo, a legal consultant for the management company, countered these claims, stating they are actively working with relevant agencies to restore utility services, despite delays caused by the recovery efforts post-fire.
Community Organizing for Change
A newly formed group, the Tenants Committee 403, aims to address ongoing challenges and ensure that living conditions improve. With the assistance of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), residents are advocating for the safe repair of apartments without risking their housing security. The group plans to present their concerns at a scheduled news conference to draw attention to their plight.
Official’s Support and Future Steps
Col. Eric Swenson of the U.S. Corps of Engineers indicated that the removal of hazardous debris from the vicinity is a priority. Their goal is to safeguard returning families, especially as the area is surrounded by numerous properties that were also impacted by the fire.
As Ramirez reflects on her family’s situation amid the turmoil, she seeks nothing more than a return to normalcy. “It’s sad, living like this,” she confessed, after a moment alone in her home. “But for now, we must make do with what we have.”
