Stuck in Smoke Damage Limbo | San Diego News

After the Eaton Fire, Gil Barel’s Pasadena home survived the flames but was left in toxic disarray—smoke damage so severe she’s forced to wait on her landlord and insurance to finally make it safe for her and her kids. Her own tests revealed dangerous heavy metals, yet the landlord’s March “cleaning” felt like a sham, with belongings still hidden and surfaces untouched. Stuck in limbo, she relies on renters insurance to cover temporary housing and some losses, but can’t claim more without an inventory—and even that testing wasn’t covered. With FEMA aid ending in October and city pressure mounting, Barel’s story exposes California renters’ vulnerability as elections loom for the state’s insurance commissioner, whose decisions could reshape disaster recovery for thousands. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/16f7d861b70cf2f4