On November 10, a big fire broke out at around 3:45 a.m. at a construction site near Amherst and Gorham. 150 firefighters were called to the scene to douse a fire authorities say was arson.
South Brentwood Residents Association President Marylin Krell reached out to victims and began organizing a donation drive to help individuals and families driven from their apartments. The building next to the fire suffered exploding windows, smoke and water damage.
“It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced,†said Tina Diehl, who is six months pregnant. She and her husband, Mike, were out of their apartment less than one minute after they realized what was going on. The bright light from the blaze awakened Tina, who knew instantly that this was an extremely serious and dangerous situation.
Those evacuated won’t be able to return to their apartments for several months. The three Brentwood Hotels – Luxe, Angeleno and the Brentwood Inn – all provided a place to stay on a temporary basis. Fazio Cleaners pitched in and contributed dry cleaning.
“The community has been amazing,†noted Michelle Goldstein, who, along with her husband and two children, 12 and 15, are now staying with grandparents.
Here’s an update from Marylin Krell:
Thursday, November 10th was a horrible day. An arsonist set fire to a condominium project on Gorham Ave. that was in the framing stage. Not only did the six structures burn down, but the new home next door was demolished and the apartment building across the alley was damaged so badly that six residents had to move out.
Prior to construction, South Brentwood Residents Association had worked closely with the neighbors and the developer and his team to create 19 conditions that were agreed upon in order to make this project work for the community… And then this.
The good news is that no one was injured, an LAPD helicopter in the air located the fire so the 165 firefighters who came to our aid knew exactly where to go, and the fire was extinguished quickly and efficiently. Many of you helped each other… you checked in on elderly neighbors and helped them get out of their homes safely. Power and cable workers arrived at the scene at 4:00 AM. in order to restore services.We have a lot to be thankful for.
Since this has been identified as arson, the police have asked that if you have any information which might be helpful (such as hearing a car or voices near the site in the middle of the night) call 213/893-9800.
At Councilmember Rosendahl’s request, the LA City Council offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/persons responsible for the fire. Let’s hope the arsonist is found soon and can do no more harm.
I wish to thank everyone who has contacted me with offers to help the fire victims! It has been so heartwarming to have so many offers from so many friends and neighbors!
We have lots of donated maternity clothes and no need for any clothing.
But those of you who want to help the families can contribute the following:
Many have offered to help with gifts of cash and we can now accept them. With the money we collect, we will purchase beds or pay for dry cleaning or buy other items that each family needs.
The check should be written to “Brentwood.90049†and a description recorded at the bottom “Gorham Fire Fund,†or it can be written to “Brentwood.90049-Gorham Fire Fund†on one line and mailed to:
Brentwood 90049
149 S. Barrington Ave. #194
LA, CA 90049
Brentwood.90049 is a tax exempt 501C3 Tax ID#95-4659261.
Your canceled check will be your receipt.
Baby items:
There are two families who are expecting their first child and would appreciate donations of like new items. One is expecting a girl, the other doesn’t know the sex yet.
For the teenagers:
The kids don’t really need anything, but they have been very shaken by this experience and I’m sure they would appreciate an unexpected gift.
The teenage boys would love a gift card from Best Buy or GameStop.
The teenage girl would “be over the moon†with a gift card from her favorite store Urban Outfitters.
These items can also be sent to the address above.
Thank you!
A special thanks to Fazio Cleaners who have provided dry cleaning and laundry services at greatly reduced costs; the Angeleno Hotel for housing the victims for five nights at no charge; the Luxe Hotel, the Brentwood Inn, and the Best Western Plus Royal Palace Inn & Suites for their offers of greatly discounted room rates; the Luxe Hotel for offering to purchase new beds at the hotel’s wholesale cost; St Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Fr. Ben Le and the Brentwood Knights of Columbus Council for sharing their Thanksgiving dinner and their generous contribution of $1000; Joseph Lalezarian of Gorham Ventures LLC for his generous contribution of $1000; moms who have donated their maternity clothes; Jeff Hall of Brentwood News and Nancy Freedman, BCC chair for their assistance, and all of you who have offered so many items including cash, your homes and your time to help these folks.
The families are all very grateful for everything!
As we approach the holiday season, let’s be thankful for our police and fire protection, our health, our families, and the circle of friends in our community.
Marylin Krell
President, South Brentwood Residents Association
For more information or to contact us regarding contributions, go to http://southbrentwood.org/
