Jeff Ridgway, a janitor in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood, has been the talk of the town after he refused to evacuate despite devastating fires. Amid the charred remains of homes, Ridgway remains holed up in his residence, determined to protect what little remains.
Authorities have repeatedly ordered residents to vacate the region due to security reasons, but Ridgway, who has been a long-time resident in the community, refuses to move. “This is my home. I will not leave it, no matter what,” he said. The makeshift campsite is a sign of resilience and one that evokes questions regarding personal safety from natural disasters.
There have been mixed reactions from his neighbors with some hailing him as a man of principle, while others fear his action sets a bad precedent. Local authorities are continuing with measures to inform all residents of the dangers of remaining behind as the recovery efforts advance.
Ridgway’s story brings into the fore how many people tend to emotionally identify with their homes, even if they are to be destroyed. In rebuilding Los Angeles, his stand reminds of the human spirit and its ambiguous relationship with loss and perseverance.
