The demolition-by-neglect pattern is frustratingly predictable at this point, especially when prior demolition permits got filed without replacement plans. Victorian housing stock in Hollywood is rare enough that losing El Nido to what appears to be arson (with squatter presence and previous fires) feels less like accident and more like outcome. I've seen similar dynamics playout in other cities where property sits deliberately unmaintained until fire or collapse solves the "problem" for the owner. The landmark nomination timing makes this even more suspect.
I’m glad it’s being investigated. Not for one minute do I believe this was an accident. I’m deeply upset about this whole situation. And this loss. Especially the signs and breeze-block walls.
It was likely squatters, but if the property had been secured more thoroughly, the fire might not have happened. A vacate order is only as good as the level of enforcement it gets.
The vacate order needs to go up much more quickly and the LAPD needs to act. CD-13 wants to send out assistance teams to help the squatters relocate, but such teams do not have arrest authority. Early Los Angeles history - Alice Stebbin Wells was a social worker and she became our first policewoman because she knew that she needed the power of the badge to be effective. When someone is facing the threat of arrest, it's amazing how fast they will accept help.
The demolition-by-neglect pattern is frustratingly predictable at this point, especially when prior demolition permits got filed without replacement plans. Victorian housing stock in Hollywood is rare enough that losing El Nido to what appears to be arson (with squatter presence and previous fires) feels less like accident and more like outcome. I've seen similar dynamics playout in other cities where property sits deliberately unmaintained until fire or collapse solves the "problem" for the owner. The landmark nomination timing makes this even more suspect.
Yes, we unfortunately have a demolition-by-neglect/demolition-by-squatters problem in LA.
..it really is a shame. the hollywood center motel was truly a hollywood landmark.. RiP El Nido
I’m glad it’s being investigated. Not for one minute do I believe this was an accident. I’m deeply upset about this whole situation. And this loss. Especially the signs and breeze-block walls.
It was likely squatters, but if the property had been secured more thoroughly, the fire might not have happened. A vacate order is only as good as the level of enforcement it gets.
The vacate order needs to go up much more quickly and the LAPD needs to act. CD-13 wants to send out assistance teams to help the squatters relocate, but such teams do not have arrest authority. Early Los Angeles history - Alice Stebbin Wells was a social worker and she became our first policewoman because she knew that she needed the power of the badge to be effective. When someone is facing the threat of arrest, it's amazing how fast they will accept help.
The owner of the property has an interesting biography. He seems like the kind of person who pays for problems to go away.