Altadena Tenants Demand Safe Living Conditions
Residents of an apartment complex in Altadena, California are demanding that their landlord restore safe and livable conditions after being left without power and basic services for months following the devastating Eaton Fire in January, which scorched over 14,000 acres in the region.
- Unsafe Conditions: Half the building is still without power, forcing tenants to rely on extension cords. Many remain without hot water or working heaters. Debris from the wildfire remains uncleared, raising fears of contamination.
- Tenant Demands: At a rally on March 20, 2025, residents called for:
- Restoration of electricity, hot water, and heating.
- Timely cleanup of fire-damaged and hazardous areas.
- Adequate repairs and long-term solutions.
- Transparent communication from management.
- Community Response: Tenants say they’ve faced threats of police or immigration involvement from landlord representatives. They’ve reached out to government officials and churches, and are now supported by community leaders, the NAACP, and the National Day Laborer Organization (NDLON). Advocates stress that these are not just tenant rights issues but matters of justice for working families and immigrant communities.
- Voices from Residents:
- “We just want to be able to shower with hot water… to feel warm at night.” – Brenda Lopez
- “We are here because we don’t have anywhere else to go… Even though we’re indoors, we are living in uncertainty.” – Mari Mares
Community leaders continue to urge both landlords and local government to act quickly to restore safe living conditions and protect the health and rights of displaced families.
