Senior Apartments in Brawley temporarily evacuated to Red Cross emergency shelter

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) - Late Friday evening, dozens of residents at the Cuidad Plaza Senior Apartments in Brawley were informed they had to vacate the premises immediately due to earthquake damage repairs and safety issues.

Residents and caregivers said they were not offered any money for motel rooms, nor were they offered any temporary rentals.

They did say that they were told their rent would be frozen until the repairs are completed.

One resident, Jose Valenzuela, said he was woken up at 11 p.m. by the owner who told him he had to leave the property.

"We got a letter. We actually had the owner; she talked to my brother. And she actually, well she told us to get out of there...they told us that it was not safe," Valenzuela shared.

Another resident said he was concerned about getting his medication and his belongings.

Brawley Mayor JJ Galvin, and Brawley City Council member Gil Rebollar called a late night meeting at City Hall to coordinate mutual aid efforts.

The city opened the Lions Center, where the American Red Cross set up a temporary emergency shelter.