Sen. Barbara Boxer tours quake-damaged Napa
NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer toured quake-damaged Napa on Saturday. She wanted to see it for herself and work to help the residents put their lives back together.
Boxer got an eye opening private tour of Napa more than a month after the powerful 6.0 quake hit.
"It's so strange to be on the street and see the beauty of the Napa streets and then all of a sudden there's a home that's tilted and yellow tagged or red tagged," she said.
Much of downtown looks like a construction zone. Historic buildings, which crumbled during the quake, are surrounded by fences and tarps. Many businesses have reopened, but not all. The Andaz Hotel, virtually brand new, remains closed for repairs.
Boxer is promising FEMA assistance.
"People get very hopeless if they don't see hope forthcoming," she said. "And we know this private assistance is so important, it will provide grants up to $32,000 to help people repair their homes."
"I really need some help and I need some help now and not tomorrow, said Christina Jamison.
Many homeowners, like Jamison, are still struggling. Her 1889 Victorian was red tagged after the foundation collapsed during the quake. She doesn't have money for repairs and the bank turned her down for a loan.
"I wake up every morning at 4 a.m. crying," she said. "And I can't think straight."
Across town the stage was being set for Napa Valley Rocks, a concert to raise money for quake victims, featuring the music of Michael Franti and Spearhead. Promoters say Napa needs help.
"A lot of people don't realize just how many people are struggling, how many businesses are struggling," said concert promoter Dave Graham. "There are 16 businesses alone that are still closed down in Napa."
Businesses and homeowners who are trying to rebuild, are determined to make it happen.
