Mexico Disaster Brings Fears to Boyle Heights : Reaction: One mother loads car, drives off to search for her relatives in Guadalajara.

There was not much Hector Gallegos could do Wednesday but listen to Spanish language radio news reports inside his Boyle Heights music store, consoling worried customers who flowed in desperate for information out of Guadalajara, Mexico, ravaged by a series of devastating gas explosions.

“This is a terrible day for everyone,” said Gallegos. “People are shaken and frustrated because all the phone (lines) are down. No one can get through to family.”

News of the massive underground explosions that tore through Mexico’s second-largest city jolted scores of residents in Los Angeles, home to an estimated 400,000 people with family ties to the state of Jalisco, of which Guadalajara is the capitol.

In the shops, beauty parlors and restaurants of the heavily Latino neighborhood of Boyle Heights crowds turned up radios and huddled around television sets, keeping anxiety-ridden watch for any news that could help them determine the fate of loved ones.

Many said they stationed a family member by the phone all day so as not to miss an incoming call from relatives in Guadalajara.

Gallegos said his mother was so stricken over the fate of her two sisters and two brothers who live in the city that she packed up her car with food and clothing and drove off to try to find the family.

“She just couldn’t wait it out. She was too nervous,” said Gallegos, adding that he sold out of Mexico maps in his shop as others had the same determination to help loved ones in the devastated area.

At Guadalajara Cars, a Soto Street dealership, the Becerra family tried in vain to reach relatives who live near the explosion zone. At 4 p.m. the phone finally rang. Relatives from outside the city called to say the family was not hurt, but had been evacuated from their homes and was staying at a hotel across town.

One aunt, who happens to be visiting the Becerra family from Guadalajara, can only surmise from news reports that her home several miles away from downtown is not damaged.

“But from what we heard today, you don’t know where it is going to hit next,” said niece Laura Becerra, 24. The family has urged the aunt to stay in Los Angeles until the crisis ends.

“My mother, everyone, we were crying, happy that our family was fine,” Becerra said. “This is very sad for all the people there.”

Jose Esparza, 46, said he kept vigil by his television, where Spanish language stations offered extensive coverage of the disaster including airing the names of dead.

“My sister’s name was not on the list,” Esparza said. “There is nothing more I can do now but hope she calls.”

John Alvarez said his family “waited in terror” for the phone to ring. His sister and five children live in the downtown area hit hard by the blasts. At 1 p.m. the phone rang.

“It was my sister. She left the city early in the morning with the children to visit friends about two hours away,” Alvarez, 27, said. “She doesn’t know what happened to her house. But she is fine. We will help her with the rest.”

Where to Call for Information

U.S. citizens wanting information about a relative who is a U.S. citizen in Guadalajara can call the Citizens Emergency Service Center at 202-647-5225.

To reach the Red Cross in the United States, English speakers may dial 1-800-842-2200. Spanish speakers may dial 1-800-257-7575.

The Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles was also taking inquiry calls at 213-351-6800.

The Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese has established a special emergency fund to aid victims of the tragedy. Those wishing to donate can send checks to Los Angeles Archdiocese--Guadalajara Aid, 1531 West Ninth St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90015.

The Red Cross is also accepting donations. Checks should be designated for Mexico gas explosion relief and mailed to:

Red Cross

P.O. Box 37243

Washington, D.C. 20013