J’can families among those devastated in California wildfires

A number of Jamaican families in southern California have been affected by the ongoing wildfires, with reports confirming the destruction of several homes.

While most Jamaicans in California reside in the Englewood area of Los Angeles, there are also communities in Palisades, Pasadena, and Altadena. The Pacific Palisades area has been most heavily affected by the wildfires.

The Sunday Gleaner has confirmed at least four Jamaican properties affected, causing huge losses and great uncertainty.

Benny Headcock, who lives in Altadena, said he returned from a visit to Florida to find his home and two motor cars destroyed.

“We were only able to visit the property two days ago. We did not know about the destruction before returning to California,” he told The Sunday Gleaner on Friday. “Right now, we are just bumming around. We are in a hotel, but we are looking for somewhere to rent so we can move out.”

Headcock said he lived at the home with his family for 10 years before they moved to Florida, where they spent about six years. They then returned to the Altadena house, where they have resided for the past 20 years.

He said that while the house is insured, he will have to wait for the insurance payout before buying a new home. Insurance companies have noted that settlements could take some time as a result of the widespread destruction.

OLYMPIAN, ENTERTAINER AFFECTED

Among the other Jamaicans confirmed to be affected are a Jamaican Olympian, an entertainer and a gastroenterologist. Repeated attempts by The Sunday Gleaner to speak with them were unsuccessful, as their phones rang without answer.

Dr B. Roy Davidson, president of the Los Angeles Caribbean Cricket Club and a community activist for more than 38 years, told The Sunday Gleaner that while he has had reports of Jamaicans being affected by the wildfires, he was unable to provide specific information or figures, as communication has been difficult.

While he did not sustain fire damage, Davidson said his home lost power for more than 48 hours and the water pressure in his area has been very low.

“While I am not getting information about specific people who have lost property, I do know that several Jamaicans had to evacuate their homes because of the fires,” he said.

He added that at least 20 Jamaicans were among some 500 healthcare clients who had to be evacuated. Some have started to return to their homes.

Jamaica’s global diaspora representative for the West/Midwest Region, Shauna Chin, told The Sunday Gleaner that several resources are available to assist Jamaicans affected by the fires, including shelters where they can stay if they need to evacuate their homes. An animal evacuation centre has also been established.

Chin said food banks, donation centres and arrangements with Airbnb for free sheltering are also in place for those in need.

Clothing donations are also being coordinated.

Chin explained that these efforts are being managed through the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC. The embassy has urged Jamaicans in California to contact them if they require assistance.

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