My name is Edward Darvin, and I’m here to discuss concerns of our 212 unit community La Veta Monterey Condominiums. We are in a crisis and the lack of urgency in restoring gas to our community is unbearable, and is causing significant distress to countless residents that include several seniors and children.
Not having this basic utility is detrimental to the health and well being of all the residents that live in the complex. We have seniors with underlying medical needs, some who are incontinent and are unable to bathe in warm water. We have families who are unable to cook, and are spending hundreds if not thousands eating out more often than normal. Obviously, there are alternatives to this crisis, but they are challenging, costly and very time consuming.
Our community has no democracy, and is run by an illegitimate board that were never elected the past 3 years, and have been serving for nearly 100 years combined. 4 of the 5 board members do not live onsite, and are unable to see everyday occurrences that include increase theft and vandalism, non residents constantly roaming our community, and countless reoccurring plumbing issues that are not being addressed properly while using unlicensed vendors in the past, in addition to some vendors that residents feel are not qualified to do the repairs in our community. Last Monday on June 19th we had a monthly meeting, and both the management property and board were unable to tell us where over $200 thousand dollars went to plumbing repairs in 2022. When it comes to transparency, there is none.
On October 16, 2017, a major gas leak occurred right outside the all of my unit where I had to call 911. The fire department immediately shut off the gas, and in less than 24 hours, our gas was restored. I ended up going to the hospital after being really sick, and looking back my wife and I after 1 year of being married could have died. In February 2023, 2 major gas leaks occurred, and during that time several areas were identified with markings around the community that appear to have been forgotten and are only being addressed now; however, due to the extent of leaks throughout the complex, it was recommended by SoCal gas that the entire community be re-piped.
If this was addressed by Huntington West Properties and the Board of Directors as far back as February 2023, instead of a finger pointing blame at SoCal gas and the resident(s) who called, this crisis could have been avoided and or already repaired. The long term health effects of the gas leaks that have been occurring all over the community is unknown, and if appropriate action is not taken immediately, it will cause a domino effect of financial hardships, decreased property values or loss, and multiple lawsuits filed in court.
The residents of La Veta Monterey Condominiums are respectfully asking for any assistance from the City of Orange to ensure that these concerns are being addressed competently, and at the utmost urgency.
Dear City Council Member Dumitru,
My name is Edward Darvin, and I’m here to discuss concerns of our 212 unit community La Veta Monterey Condominiums. We are in a crisis and the lack of urgency in restoring gas to our community is unbearable, and is causing significant distress to countless residents that include several seniors and children.
Not having this basic utility is detrimental to the health and well being of all the residents that live in the complex. We have seniors with underlying medical needs, some who are incontinent and are unable to bathe in warm water. We have families who are unable to cook, and are spending hundreds if not thousands eating out more often than normal. Obviously, there are alternatives to this crisis, but they are challenging, costly and very time consuming.
Our community has no democracy, and is run by an illegitimate board that were never elected the past 3 years, and have been serving for nearly 100 years combined. 4 of the 5 board members do not live onsite, and are unable to see everyday occurrences that include increase theft and vandalism, non residents constantly roaming our community, and countless reoccurring plumbing issues that are not being addressed properly while using unlicensed vendors in the past, in addition to some vendors that residents feel are not qualified to do the repairs in our community. Last Monday on June 19th we had a monthly meeting, and both the management property and board were unable to tell us where over $200 thousand dollars went to plumbing repairs in 2022. When it comes to transparency, there is none.
On October 16, 2017, a major gas leak occurred right outside the all of my unit where I had to call 911. The fire department immediately shut off the gas, and in less than 24 hours, our gas was restored. I ended up going to the hospital after being really sick, and looking back my wife and I after 1 year of being married could have died. In February 2023, 2 major gas leaks occurred, and during that time several areas were identified with markings around the community that appear to have been forgotten and are only being addressed now; however, due to the extent of leaks throughout the complex, it was recommended by SoCal gas that the entire community be re-piped.
If this was addressed by Huntington West Properties and the Board of Directors as far back as February 2023, instead of a finger pointing blame at SoCal gas and the resident(s) who called, this crisis could have been avoided and or already repaired. The long term health effects of the gas leaks that have been occurring all over the community is unknown, and if appropriate action is not taken immediately, it will cause a domino effect of financial hardships, decreased property values or loss, and multiple lawsuits filed in court.
The residents of La Veta Monterey Condominiums are respectfully asking for any assistance from the City of Orange to ensure that these concerns are being addressed competently, and at the utmost urgency.