Invisible Fire Victims in the Canyons
Enlace, News Report, Hiram Soto, Translated by Elena Shore, Posted: Oct 25, 2007
CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. — They were kicked out of the canyon, literally, laying their suitcases full of clothing and other items on the side of a tomato field. This was their evacuation. They stayed there for hours while they tried to figure out a plan B.
These farm workers and Mixtec peasants who have lived in the open air in the McGonigle Canyon for years are among the most destitute residents affected by the forest fires. But while some left the area, many remain in the canyons, either because they do not want to or can’t leave.
"We’ve been telling them that they are in an evacuation zone but they don’t want to move because they have all their stuff in the hills and because they’re afraid of the police and the people," said Juan Ramon, an activist with the Indigenous Front of Binational Organizations.
Many of these immigrants have been targets of harassment and frequent protests by groups like the Minutemen, and have been evicted by the police several times. To help these men, activists and volunteers have been urging the community to donate items such as tents, eye drops, blankets, water and canned food.
“We’re also asking for sleeping bags so they’ll be able to move more easily from one place to another,” said Ramón, who said they have been offered space at a local Catholic church but no one had accepted the offer to move.
Christian Ramírez of the American Friends Service Committee has been visiting the area to try to convince these immigrants to evacuate, but so far the vast majority have refused.
“This is where they work and since they don’t know the city, they prefer to stay there,” said Ramírez. "The problem is that they get their food from snack trucks that pass through the area and it may be that these vendors are no longer going there."
Jorge, a worker who did not want to give his last name, said the last two nights have been tough since strong winds have been blowing and it has been difficult to breathe, even with masks.
"The cold is already starting to hurt at night," he said. When asked why he didn’t accept an offer to move to a shelter with a roof, food and blankets, he simply replied: "No, no, for what? No."
Those who wish to donate items may do so by contacting Juan Ramon of the Indigenous Front of Binational Organizations at 760-216-0826 or the American Friends Service Committee at 619-233-4114.
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