Los Angeles County Fire Engine 137 responded to the building at approximately 4 a.m. Monday, Dec. 26, according to a news release from the city of Palmdale.
“The fire started on the structure’s second floor, and the fire’s source was an artificial Christmas tree. According to Captain Sorrano, the fire was ignited by an outside source and was not the result of an accidental electrical fire,” the news release states.
“Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a second call at the exact location detained one individual, who stated they started the fire. The person apprehended also confirmed that they were homeless. The suspect was arrested for arson and burglary and had a history of petty theft,” the city’s news release states. The suspect’s name and age were not immediately released.
According to city officials, the suspected arson occurred on the heels of a Dec. 21 council meeting, where a majority of the public’s remarks centered around homelessness and a rumored plan to relocate LA’s homeless population to the Antelope Valley.
“Homelessness is one of our top priorities,” Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt said in the news release. “The council is well aware of the concerns of our residents, and we plan to address them immediately.”
Authorities have not yet determined the fire and water damage to the Chimbole Cultural Center, which for now, will remained closed until further notice, city officials said. Residents with an upcoming event at the Center should contact Palmdale city staff beginning Jan. 3.
The Chimbole Cultural Center is located at 38350 Sierra Highway in Palmdale.
Sheriff Bill says
update: the suspect is no longer homeless
Firefighter Bill says
Word on the street is Hufblower lite that fire as he left Palmdale city government. Being a real firefighter and all. Chimbole Center is a Palmdale icon.
FFF says
Hoffbauer lit a fire before he left alright, but not the kind of fire that burned at Chimbole Center. Hoffbauer lit a fire that took Palmdale down and handed it over lock stock and barrell to Rex and the Lancaster cabal. Look for a statue of him to be erected on the BLVD. It’s the least Rex and the boys can do for what he delivered.
Philip Wood says
I counted close to 7.5 million dollars of give aways to Lancaster and for mostly fairgrounds but nothing for the city he was suppose to represent. Maybe he has a family member ready for community fair board appointment. Rex and Marvin got ahold of his ego and its all over for Palmdale.
John Orr says
I’m still wondering what ever qualified him to be Mayor, he didn’t even own a bar.
The Mayor of Stomptown says
Officials go PC with the headlines below:
“Fire causes Chimbole Center closure
Officials: Unhoused person started blaze”
Homeless or Unhoused, has Hillary would say “What difference does it make”?