Families, friends remember victims on anniversary of Oakland Ghost Ship Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- One year has gone by since the horrific Oakland Ghost Ship warehouse firein Oakland, but the heartache for so many still feels fresh.

"It's very hard," said Mary Vega.

It's the first time Vega has visited the site. She wears a photo of her son Alex near her heart. He and his girlfriend were among the victims.

"They had new shirts just for the concert and she started dancing in my hallway, said Vega.

PHOTOS: Ghost Ship Fire poem left on Lake Merritt columns

Community members read the names of the 36 victims who died in the Ghost Ship warehouse

Twenty-two year old Vega and his girlfriend, 20 year old Michela Gregory were in love. They had been dating for five years. They came to the warehouse that night for a good time at a concert.

Earlier in the day, others left notes and flowers. Some just came to comfort one another.

On the night of December 2, 2016, the fire ignited in the building used as an artist collective

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The warehouse was hosting a concert, but the building did not have a permit for entertainment or residential use.

Later, investigators reported serious electrical problems inside.

"Oakland needs to rise up and do better, and we are trying to do that at the investment level with more inspectors," said Noel Gallo, Oakland city council member.

There are ongoing lawsuits filed on behalf of the victims' families against the building's owner, the city of Oakland and the property manager.

Click here for full coverage on the deadly Ghost Ship Fire.