I had never herd of this place before, but I have always found lofts and communes interesting. I deliberately declined to look in to it as it was happening, saving the matter for when I had more time and when all the dust had settled.
I know that in other places, like San Jose, there have been crackdowns on similar sites.
36 people killed
9880 sq foot building, originally a warehouse
residents,and hosting entertainment, record producer '100% Silk'
Fire started on first floor and spread rapidly, no fire sprinklers.
Only 2 stair cases, not leading directly to exits, one very hard to find at all. Mountains of junk of all types in the building/ ( Theatrical environs often like this. )
Building 20 days after the fire en.wikipedia.org
Satellite view, in center of screen, with all the vehicles parked in it. google.com
I guess it is this here where it says "Ghost Ship" on the wall. google.com
Some people were living in motor-homes inside Almena's place. Some are living in motor-homes on the streets of Mountain View:
sacramento.cbslocal.com