NDLON URGES URGENT ACTION FOR TENANTS IN ALTADENA APARTMENTS WITH TOXIC REMEDIATION AND FIRE DAMAGE CLEANUP

LOS ANGELES, March 20 – On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Pasadena Community Job Center, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), and allied organizations joined Comité de Inquilinos 403 in a press conference at 403 Figueroa Drive, Altadena, to demand immediate action from their landlords and government officials to address the urgent health and safety issues facing tenants living in fire-damaged apartments.

The residents, many of whom are immigrant workers, have returned to their homes after the devastating Eaton Fire, despite the risk of contamination from smoke and ash. They have been forced to live in unsafe conditions due to a lack of support from the building’s management and insufficient cleanup efforts from authorities.

“We were forced to return to our apartments, even though we knew they might be contaminated, because we have nowhere else to go, do not forget the families and people who are still struggling, our nightmare continues”, said Brenda Lopez-Ardon, a resident of 403 Figueroa Drive.

“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.”

During the press conference, the tenants have outlined the following demands:

1. Immediate restoration of basic services: Gas and electricity must be restored immediately, IMMEDIATELY.

2. Prioritize cleaning of affected areas: Authorities must prioritize cleaning areas where residents already live to prevent health risks.

3. Fairness in rentals: Organized and timely cleanup must be guaranteed to protect the health of tenants.

4. Adequate and permanent solutions: Real and lasting solutions must be implemented to repair long-standing problems, ensuring that tenants can live in a healthy environment.

5. Enforcement of L.A. County ordinances: Landlords must comply with tenant protection ordinances to ensure their rights are respected.

6. Transparent communication between the 403 Tenants’ Committee and the landlord: All communication regarding the apartments must be conducted through the 403 Tenants’ Committee to ensure clear and honest communication.

Pablo Alvarado, Co-Executive Director of NDLON, said: “We stand with the Comité de Inquilinos 403 because their demands are not just for basic rights-they are about justice for working families and immigrant communities whose lives have been turned upside down by this fire. 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.”