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Ted Ancona, 73, and his wife, Valerie Mathews, 71, found themselves in a predicament no one could have foreseen – displaced by the devastating Eaton fire that ravaged their Altadena home. Left with nothing but the pictures they grabbed off the walls and their beloved 14-year-old cat Callie, the couple sought refuge in their 24-foot RV, a temporary haven amidst the chaos.

Their journey led them to the Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campground, nestled in a county park in San Dimas. Here, amid the tranquility of nature, Ancona and Mathews found solace from the harsh realities of L.A.’s unforgiving housing market, where thousands of families displaced by the Eaton and Palisades fires faced exorbitant prices, bidding wars, and a shortage of available homes.

However, their respite was short-lived. A looming deadline threatened to upend their fragile stability. The RV park’s regulations prohibited long-term stays, leaving Ancona and Mathews scrambling to find a new place to call home. As the clock ticked down, panic began to set in, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their future.

Their plight sheds light on the intricate web of restrictions that hinder displaced families from securing temporary accommodations during times of crisis. Rules once designed to facilitate recreational access now posed insurmountable obstacles for those in dire need. Rob Sagginario, the RV park’s general manager, expressed his regret, citing contractual obligations that left him powerless to offer an extension to the fire victims.

Thankfully, relief may be on the horizon. The Los Angeles County supervisors are poised to vote on a measure that would lift time restrictions at two county-owned RV parks – Bonelli Bluffs and Dockweiler State Beach. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasized the county’s commitment to supporting residents in their time of need, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.

Despite these efforts, privately owned RV parks remain excluded from the proposed resolution. Daniel Weisfield, owner of Off the Grid RV Park in Lake Hughes, echoed the frustrations of many, grappling with county-imposed limitations that hinder his ability to accommodate displaced individuals. The delicate balance between aiding fire survivors and ensuring public safety in high-risk fire zones complicates the decision-making process.

In the midst of uncertainty, Ancona and Mathews cling to the hope of a reprieve, a chance to prolong their stay at the campground they now call home. Their resilience shines through as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives from the ashes. Ancona holds a piece of salvaged pottery, a poignant reminder of the memories lost in the fire, while Mathews juggles the practicalities of canceling utilities and making physical therapy appointments.

As they look ahead to a future marred by uncertainty, one thing remains clear – the road ahead may be long and arduous, but with each passing day, Ancona and Mathews draw strength from their shared history, their unwavering resolve to rebuild, and the support of a community rallying behind them in their time of need.