Guards Stem Looting at Burned Apartments

Security guards kept nonresidents out of the charred remains of the Ridgewood Garden Apartments on Wednesday after some people, including residents whose units did not burn, took donated clothes and food intended for the fire victims.

“We have some gangs and looters trying to come in here, so we put up some security,” said Cesar Nacuspag, the apartment maintenance supervisor. “We’d like those things for the people that need it.”

The security also keeps curious residents out of danger while fire officials continue to investigate the $1-million blaze, which is not believed to have been an accident.

As people sifted through piles of donated clothes in the apartment complex lobby Wednesday morning, Victoria Shook, a volunteer assisting the manager, asked them to verify their names and apartment numbers.

“It might seem kind of rude, but that’s what we have to do,” she said.

Of the 368 apartments in the complex, 31 burned, but only 20 of those were occupied. Because many of the damaged or destroyed apartments were home to more than one family, the fire displaced 102 residents.

“Other people are coming in to get food and it’s not right,” said Sandra Alvarado, an assistant to the manager. “They need to focus and understand, this is for the victims.”

Manager Terri Alvarado took new clothes away from residents she knows did not suffer a loss in the fire.

“People from the outside have been coming and taking stuff,” she said. “I just want the victims to have it.”

The Red Cross set up a screening process to ensure that only fire victims stay the night and eat the free meals, but volunteers have registered about 120 people.

“We’ve had hordes of people coming in,” said volunteer Carole Stanley. “They’re hungry, they’re dirty, they’re tired. We don’t turn away anyone.”

A Red Cross disaster relief truck parked outside the apartment complex Wednesday featured a sign indicating that food items were intended only for fire victims and those assisting them.

“We can’t just let anyone arbitrarily take it,” said Jere Greene, chairman of the disaster action team.

As it was, the truck served 140 people Tuesday, Red Cross volunteers said. Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Anaheim passed out an additional 350 brown bag lunches Tuesday and Wednesday.

“There are so many people here,” Pastor Monte Whitaker said. “We brought enough for the whole neighborhood. We just want to give graciously.”

Twenty-five children whose homes were destroyed and their families were guests Wednesday at Disneyland. None of the children had ever been to the amusement park.

About 96 of the displaced tenants were expected to move Wednesday night into undamaged vacant units at the apartment complex.