Workers Continue Amid Crisis in Santa Monica

By Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — In the face of the Palisades fire on Wednesday afternoon, which sent plumes of dark smoke high into the sky and cast an orange haze over the north end of Santa Monica, many workers remained focused on their tasks. As residents evacuated the area, tradespeople continued their jobs, highlighting the stark contrasts in this typically serene coastal community.

Adrian Rodriguez, a landscaper from Los Angeles originally from Querétaro, Mexico, remarked that despite the circumstances, the weather was “fine for trimming trees.” He noted that his work was located away from the fire line, allowing him to continue working through the crisis.

While affluent residents were understandably anxious about losing their homes, many workers felt the pressing need to keep earning a living. Construction crews, delivery drivers, and other laborers kept moving, emphasizing their commitment to their jobs under challenging conditions. David Salais, a construction worker, stated, "We work wind, rain, fire, natural disaster. We don’t stop," as evacuation orders were announced nearby.

As many residents hurriedly packed valuables from their homes, Marvin Altamirano, a UPS driver, shared, “We gotta pay bills. It’s not like they’re gonna pay us to stop working and leave.” His commitment illustrates the financial pressures that many workers face during emergencies.

Josue Curiel, another worker repairing a balcony in an apartment building, emphasized the necessity of survival as the motivation behind their continued presence on site. The sentiment among these workers reflects a broader theme of resilience in the face of natural disasters.

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