Two More Pomona Homes Are Facing Demolition
After demolishing two landslide-damaged houses last weekend, Pomona officials are debating whether to raze two more adjacent homes that appear to be in danger of toppling onto residences below.
“It’s a day-by-day thing,” Deputy City Manager John Gillison said. “If it pours down rain in the next couple of weeks, who knows what could happen.”
Recent rains eroded the slope below the houses, located in the Phillips Ranch area. The city red-tagged the four homes on Meadow View Drive on Feb. 24, declaring them uninhabitable, and immediately evacuated the occupants.
Saturday, crews tore down the homes at 34 and 36 Meadow View in an effort to prevent damage to residences below.
Building officials, engineers and geologists are assessing the fate of the two other houses.
The homes began showing large cracks when the rain-saturated hillside eroded beneath them, Gillison said.
The residents of the four homes are staying at a local hotel with the help of privately donated funds, city spokeswoman Monique Valadez said. The city has declared a local emergency and is helping them apply for funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Local residents have offered aid, and the city has set up an account for donations. Checks may be sent to the Phillips Ranch Disaster Assistance Fund, California Bank & Trust, 255 W. Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA 91766.
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