Tenants of an apartment complex on Figueroa Drive in Altadena have been living without gas and electricity for over two months following the Eaton Fire. The blaze, which damaged the complex’s carports and nearby structures, left residents grappling with unsafe living conditions and persistent smoke and ash contamination. Many tenants, including numerous immigrant workers, have faced not only difficult living situations but also a loss of income as their workplaces were affected by the fire.
Residents have expressed frustration with the management company, Regency Management, for delays in restoring utilities and insufficient cleanup efforts. Brenda Lopez, a tenant, voiced her concerns, saying, “We just want to shower with hot water again and cook meals for our family.” Despite the building not being red-tagged, visible damage remains, and tenants have been forced to make do with do-it-yourself repairs. According to KTLA, Regency Management is awaiting county permits to proceed with restoration work and has stated that they will not charge rent until utilities are restored.
Community organizations, including the Comité de Inquilinos 403 and the Pasadena Community Job Center, have joined tenants in demanding action from the property owner, SPN Real Estate Holdings LP, and local authorities. They are calling for the immediate restoration of utilities, prioritized cleanup, and long-term structural repairs. Pablo Alvarado, Co-Executive Director of NDLON, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The situation is urgent, and both the landlords and local government must act swiftly to clean up these toxic environments and restore safe living conditions.”
As tenants continue to protest and advocate for their rights, they hope for swift action to restore safe and livable conditions in their homes.
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