CA - Massive fire at Oakland warehouse party, 36 dead, 2 Dec 2016 #1

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Gitana just called me.

She was adamant that you all know how much she appreciates all your kind words and love. It means so much to her during this awful time.

Gitana also asked that no one set up any sort of fund for her family. While she greatly appreciates the thought she would rather try and help her brother get the funds from the fundraising sites going on now for the families.

She needs your help with something else. She needs your incredible sleuthing skills.

Gitana wants to find out how her brother can go about applying for funds and making sure no one else tries to claim they are the next of kin and are the ones giving her sister-in-law the funeral.

https://www.youcaring.com/firevictimsofoaklandfiredec232016-706684

Here is another fund set up for the families. While Gitana did not mention this particular fund why don't you try and find out the same things.

http://grayarea.org/initiative/fire-relief-fund-ghostship-oakland-fire/

1- Find out exactly what her brother has to do to apply for the funds

2-How does the fund make sure the money is going to the proper next of kin. Proper being the legal next of kin who has the right to hold the funeral.

Post what you find out here and I'll make sure she sees the information.

Thank you for all your help.

Tricia

Bumping.

I've been in touch with AZlawyer. She forwards her heartfelt love & condolences. I know she's busy working but I'm going to email her this request of Gitana's. Maybe she can provide some guidance.

Love and prayers to all.

Blue, I am so happy your family is safe and together!!! God Bless and comfort you.

:grouphug:
 
From known info, due to the super heated smoke and gases rising up the makeshift stairwell, combined with the likely occurrence of a flash over caused due to the contained area of the fires origin. Imo, by the time they realized the ensuing catastrophe, it would have been too late.. Disorientation would occur rapidly due to breathing the toxic gases and smoke, and extreme darkness would set in where all senses would be lost except touch and hearing. Panic would have set in and the ability to think logically is severely hampered...
The total victim loss, now at 36, will be much higher, imo..

I've always seen my Dad as a typical "tough guy" firefighter, not quick to show emotions, but he actually teared up a bit talking about this. He said pretty much the same thing...by the time these poor people would have been aware something was wrong, it was already too late for them to get out. He said there was a case years back where an airplane caught fire while still on the runway and yet many people died because panic set in and the evacuation process turned into a free-for-all of people fighting to get to an exit. I can't even imagine how much worse this would have been with no real staircase and a maze of furniture to navigate. It's just too heartbreaking to think about.
 
Praying for peace and comfort for Gitana and her family, and Blue and her family. I can only echo what others have posted and that is that we are all here if you need us for anything. [emoji26] [emoji173]

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I was speechless when I first heard about this tragedy. I've looked at the FB's of Ion and his wife and was horrified that there were children in this lifestyle of theirs. I am no longer speechless but do not have a whole thread to post what I REALLY think.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these victims who died such a senseless and horrific death.

Why?
 
Gitana, my thoughts, love, and prayers are with you and your family. Please remember to take care of yourselves during this time.
 
Thoughts and prayers for our dear Gitana, her family, and the loved ones of fire victims :grouphug:
 
After seeing the array of photos, Ion's written statement and comment at the hotel, I have no words...actually, I have a LOT of words and they're NOT nice...

These interior photos are sickening. They do not reflect "art." They reflect the depravity and the obsession of Ion with HIMSELF, as do his FB posts and his demeanor and statement at the hotel...."My, my, my, my" is all he thinks about. Even when his children were taken away, his FB rants were all about how HE felt. There was nothing about how his children must be feeling. In fact, his older daughter tried to comfort HIM!!

Viewing the photos, I had an intense urge to run screaming from the building. The fact that he and his wife could raise their children in that environment is beyond understanding. In addition to the fire-trap clutter, there was a preoccupation with death (many skulls) and an abundance of scary religious images. Nothing for kids. Only a narcissist and his equally disturbed wife would inflict that on their children, who have no choice. The scary thing is that they consider themselves to be good parents, who were unappreciated and persecuted by family and former friends and "the system" when their children were removed. No personal insight at all.

It was a dark and heavy environment, reflecting the minds of both adults. From their FB posts, they clearly consider themselves to be on a different plane, high above and beyond average people and the evil "system." No wonder they felt their "art" was more important than laws or safety. Unfortunately, their many friends bought into their "schtick" and viewed them as a "magical" family. I expect these friends will continue to support them, as one or two persistently did under his original FB comment. NO! They are both ugly people who have used the gullibility of others to promote and support themselves to the detriment of so many.

I could go on, but this is enough. I hope he is charged to the max. His wife needs to be charged too for her participation. I pity their poor children. But even more, I pity and grieve for those who lost their lives, those who survived and will never be the same, their families and friends. I pray for them and wrap them in love.
 
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir
50 mins · Oakland, CA, United States ·
'THEY ARE MY CHILDREN': ABC News Bay Area affiliate KGO ABC7 News spoke exclusively with Derick Ion Almena, the man who ran the doomed "Ghost Ship" warehouse in Oakland, asking him what he would say to victim families.

https://www.facebook.com/WorldNewsTonight/videos/10154414502179818/

Brace yourselves, this made me so angry.

:jail:
 
After seeing the array of photos, Ion's written statement and comment at the hotel, I have no words...actually, I have a LOT of words and they're NOT nice...

These interior photos are sickening. They do not reflect "art." They reflect the depravity and the obsession of Ion with HIMSELF, as do his FB posts and his demeanor and statement at the hotel...."My, my, my, my" is all he thinks about. Even when his children were taken away, his FB rants were all about how HE felt. There was nothing about how his children must be feeling. In fact, his older daughter tried to comfort HIM!!

Viewing the photos, I had an intense urge to run screaming from the building. The fact that he and his wife could raise their children in that environment is beyond understanding. In addition to the fire-trap clutter, there was a preoccupation with death (many skulls) and an abundance of scary religious images. Nothing for kids. Only a narcissist and his equally disturbed wife would inflict that on their children, who have no choice. The scary thing is that they consider themselves to be good parents, who were unappreciated and persecuted by family and former friends and "the system" when their children were removed. No personal insight at all.

It was a dark and heavy environment, reflecting the minds of both adults. From their FB posts, they clearly consider themselves to be on a different plane, high above and beyond average people and the evil "system." No wonder they felt their "art" was more important than laws or safety. Unfortunately, their many friends bought into their "schtick" and viewed them as a "magical" family. I expect these friends will continue to support them, as one or two persistently did under his original FB comment. NO! They are both ugly people who have used the gullibility of others to promote and support themselves to the detriment of so many.

I could go on, but this is enough. I hope he is charged to the max. His wife needs to be charged too for her participation. I pity their poor children. But even more, I pity and grieve for those who lost their lives, those who survived and will never be the same, their families and friends. I pray for them and wrap them in love.

I thought the decor was interesting. Lots of interesting items. I wonder how much it cost to import furniture from Bali.

As interesting as it is, think about how filthy it would be to live with all of that stuff. No dusting, no washing.

I know people like this and there are plenty who have started communes with the superior attitude. Think of the filth the Malheur protesters lived in. Same kind of people. Far above the rest of us. So enlightened
 
I've yet to see an official floor plan of this facility and wonder what type of restroom facilities there were. If people were actually living in this warehouse, were there toilets, sinks, etc.? How about running water? How about a kitchen or designated cooking area? Or, did the "residents" fend for themselves with makeshift heating elements?
 
I've yet to see an official floor plan of this facility and wonder what type of restroom facilities there were. If people were actually living in this warehouse, were there toilets, sinks, etc.? How about running water? How about a kitchen or designated cooking area? Or, did the "residents" fend for themselves with makeshift heating elements?

I saw a woman named 'Mack' being interviewed on CNN. She is a former tenant who left in 2015. She said there was ONE bathroom for 20 tenants when she lived there.

And she said that the police came and escorted he rout with her belongings because she called them for her safety because one of the tenants pulled a gun on her...? Anyway, she said the cops KNEW people lived there. They had been inside the building many times and they helped her when she moved her belongings into her car.
 
I thought the decor was interesting. Lots of interesting items. I wonder how much it cost to import furniture from Bali.

As interesting as it is, think about how filthy it would be to live with all of that stuff. No dusting, no washing.

I know people like this and there are plenty who have started communes with the superior attitude. Think of the filth the Malheur protesters lived in. Same kind of people. Far above the rest of us. So enlightened

The inside looked like it had been decorated by teenagers trying to show individuality, similar to what my friends and I did in high school when we were all obsessed with Nine Inch Nails and dark culture. Candles, skulls, tapestries covering our windows...the fact it drove our parents nuts was part of the reason why we did it. That's what teenagers do. I think most of us outgrew it once we hit college.
 
NPR had an interview with a former "tenant" who stated there was one toilet for everyone to share. Said toilet was evidently sub-standard and filthy to boot. Apparently that was the final straw for her and she moved out.

I've yet to see an official floor plan of this facility and wonder what type of restroom facilities there were. If people were actually living in this warehouse, were there toilets, sinks, etc.? How about running water? How about a kitchen or designated cooking area? Or, did the "residents" fend for themselves with makeshift heating elements?
 
My Mother took me with her to visit a friend out of state when I was 11 years old and they wanted to go 'antiquing'. We went to this very old 2 story house filled to the brim with so-called antiques. It was really just an old dusty house filled with junk. The weather was hot and raining. To this day I can smell that old musty smell. It was sickening.

I can just imagine how that warehouse smelled in the summer with all of the smells co-mingling. Makes me shudder!

:sick:
 
NPR had an interview with a former "tenant" who stated there was one toilet for everyone to share. Said toilet was evidently sub-standard and filthy to boot. Apparently that was the final straw for her and she moved out.

Yuck.....ugh..... I can't even imagine. Omg
 
Gitana just called me.

She was adamant that you all know how much she appreciates all your kind words and love. It means so much to her during this awful time.

Gitana also asked that no one set up any sort of fund for her family. While she greatly appreciates the thought she would rather try and help her brother get the funds from the fundraising sites going on now for the families.

She needs your help with something else. She needs your incredible sleuthing skills.

Gitana wants to find out how her brother can go about applying for funds and making sure no one else tries to claim they are the next of kin and are the ones giving her sister-in-law the funeral.

https://www.youcaring.com/firevictimsofoaklandfiredec232016-706684

Here is another fund set up for the families. While Gitana did not mention this particular fund why don't you try and find out the same things.

http://grayarea.org/initiative/fire-relief-fund-ghostship-oakland-fire/

1- Find out exactly what her brother has to do to apply for the funds

2-How does the fund make sure the money is going to the proper next of kin. Proper being the legal next of kin who has the right to hold the funeral.

Post what you find out here and I'll make sure she sees the information.

Thank you for all your help.

Tricia

I found this Fund as well, this is the Oakland A's and Raiders.

https://www.youcaring.com/oaklandfirevictimsfrom130531staveinoakland-706680


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I don't understand having a Rave with 100 people while there is priceless art all over the place that belongs to the artists that work and live there.

So was the art studio just more of a ruse to allow the artists to actually live there instead of living on the streets or something?

In all probability, the terms "studio", "artist" and "art" were broadly defined at the ware house. At the same time, I doubt there were many hard core homeless living there either as most of these prefer to live on the streets.

Rather, the warehouse seems to have been a warren of spaces for artists (both real and self perceived) supplemented by street entertainers, aspiring performers, tattoo artists, their customers, street vendors and those seeking a variety of mystical experiences.

My guess is that people paid for space (the walls were moved constantly, so the number and size of the spaces changed) and then were allowed to do pretty much what ever they wanted in it. Other areas seem to have been common areas. When people left- which probably happened a lot, any left behind art / "art", bric a brac, furniture etc was given to the next person.

Though having an all night party on the second floor of where you sleep would seem strange to most including myself, the eclectic residents probably considered it part of the charm- until they got tired of it and moved out.
 
Hey guys, we are with my sister and we are so relieved and exhausted and in a daze. I'm not following this thread right now, because I want as little information right now as possible...and I don't foresee I'd have the time anyway. I am posting this with my sister's permission.

She moved to San Francisco less than a year ago and then on to Oakland a few months later. She has struggled with mental illness her whole life. She thought being back near where she was born would be a healthy change. It was. She has a small group of good friends and they are all part of a community of artists and musicians. She had been in a very positive place, literally taking decades to be on this path. This has taken an enormous toll on her. She varies between shock, anger, sadness, and now an intense feeling of guilt. She has of course already spoken with proper authorities about her account that night and they will continue to be in contact with her. In the coming days, we will try and wade through all of the services being offered to her, so she can get counseling for this trauma. She has not spoken much about this to us, we are just trying to be there for her and be as gentle as possible.

She said that she was there briefly as the crowd was younger than her and she was not comfortable in the warehouse. From the time she entered to the time she exited, was brief though she can't sy how long. She was headed down the pallets when she realized there was fire. They were screaming to the second floor there was a fire. It was dark and she followed the voices of people yelling exit. The only thing she has said about the fire itself is that it was fast. So fast. She was completely unaware until she headed down that there was a fire. The people on the second floor must have had no idea.

We our doing best to help her remain completely anonymous. Were are trying to protect her from pubic questions. She was not on the missing list, ans since she checked in on Facebook, news reporters inundated her with messages. She has done away with facebook. Fortunately, it was not her legal name.

She has her life and we are so thankful and overwhelmed. But psychologically, I have no idea what this will continue to do to her. I am avoiding all news the best I can, because the anger I feel was beginning to consume me and that does not help her.

We are constantly thinking of Gitana. I cannot express the sadness I feel for their family. We are lifting them up in prayer constantly. The world suddenly feels very small.
 
Hey guys, we are with my sister and we are so relieved and exhausted and in a daze. I'm not following this thread right now, because I want as little information right now as possible...and I don't foresee I'd have the time anyway. I am posting this with my sister's permission.

She moved to San Francisco less than a year ago and then on to Oakland a few months later. She has struggled with mental illness her whole life. She thought being back near where she was born would be a healthy change. It was. She has a small group of good friends and they are all part of a community of artists and musicians. She had been in a very positive place, literally taking decades to be on this path. This has taken an enormous toll on her. She varies between shock, anger, sadness, and now an intense feeling of guilt. She has of course already spoken with proper authorities about her account that night and they will continue to be in contact with her. In the coming days, we will try and wade through all of the services being offered to her, so she can get counseling for this trauma. She has not spoken much about this to us, we are just trying to be there for her and be as gentle as possible.

She said that she was there briefly as the crowd was younger than her and she was not comfortable in the warehouse. From the time she entered to the time she exited, was brief though she can't sy how long. She was headed down the pallets when she realized there was fire. They were screaming to the second floor there was a fire. It was dark and she followed the voices of people yelling exit. The only thing she has said about the fire itself is that it was fast. So fast. She was completely unaware until she headed down that there was a fire. The people on the second floor must have had no idea.

We our doing best to help her remain completely anonymous. Were are trying to protect her from pubic questions. She was not on the missing list, ans since she checked in on Facebook, news reporters inundated her with messages. She has done away with facebook. Fortunately, it was not her legal name.

She has her life and we are so thankful and overwhelmed. But psychologically, I have no idea what this will continue to do to her. I am avoiding all news the best I can, because the anger I feel was beginning to consume me and that does not help her.

We are constantly thinking of Gitana. I cannot express the sadness I feel for their family. We are lifting them up in prayer constantly. The world suddenly feels very small.

:tears: Hold her tight.
 
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