NDLON SEEKS URGENT FIRE REMEDIATION AND TOXIC CLEANUP FOR TENANTS IN ALTADENA APARTMENTS

LOS ANGELES, March 19 – On Thursday, March 20, the Pasadena Community Job Center, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and allied organizations will join the Comité de Inquilinos 403 to highlight the urgent needs and environmental dangers faced by  tenants who have returned to live and work in the ashes of the Eaton Fire.

We will join renters at a fire-damaged apartment complex on Figueroa Drive to ask government representatives and landlords for immediate help in making homes and apartment buildings safe for families and their children. Residents will tell their stories of the difficult choices they have had to make – rebuilding their lives with invisible dangers all around.

“We were forced to return to our apartments, even though we knew they might be contaminated, because we have nowhere else to go. We know we are putting our health at risk, but we don’t have the resources to do anything else. What’s most heartbreaking is that the company that owns the building is lying to us and offering no help. That’s why we decided to organize and fight for what’s right—because we love this place deeply. I grew up here, and now my daughter is growing up here, and we’re not going to let anyone take away what’s ours. We have formed the Comité de Inquilinos 403 of which I am a proud representative” said Brenda Lopez-Ardon, one of the tenants that has returned to live at 403 Figueroa Drive.

The following is a statement from Pablo Alvarado, Co-Executive Director of NDLON:

“We live in a landscape transformed by firestorms.The fierce winds and flames in Pasadena and Altadena have died down, but the toxic residue remains. And the difficult task of cleanup has barely begun.

“Many private homeowners with good insurance are already well on their way to decontaminating their homes and yards and moving on with their lives. But many renters and low-income homeowners living and working in the Eaton Fire zone – many of them immigrant workers and families – are struggling. So many buildings were destroyed or damaged, and so many displaced people lack stable housing.

“If tenants can find apartments to return to live in Pasadena and Altadena, those places are likely contaminated. The air, soil and water in the fire zone are poisoned by chemicals – a toxic soup, according to news reports. But people have to work – now. They need a place to live – now. And so they are coming back. Reference to contaminants.

“But testing of surfaces for contaminants is expensive – and hasn’t been done.Deep cleaning of apartments is expensive – and hasn’t been done. Removal of poisoned soil, bedding, carpets, furniture is expensive – and hasn’t been done.

“The authorities need to make it a priority to remove toxic debris and clean public areas in places where people are already living. Landlords need to remediate their properties inside and out, as quickly as possible. While the work is being done, they must work to protect the families who have no place else to go. They need to restore gas and electricity. And they need to make sure that they follow all L.A. County ordinances for renter protection.

“Today we stand with the members of the Comité de Inquilinos 403  – whose homes need toxic remediation to live safely. But thousands of tenants and low-income homeowners in dozens or hundreds of buildings need help, too. Government officials and landlords must do all they can to help these families, through testing, remediation and fair rental and housing policies. The challenges are difficult, but we will accompany our neighbors.”

WHEN: Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5 p.m.
WHERE: 403 Figueroa Drive, Altadena
WHY: Highlighting the needs of tenant families in fire-damaged neighborhoods.