Rising From the Ashes : BALBOA BOULEVARD ONE YEAR AFTER THE QUAKE AND FIRE

A year after the Northridge earthquake caused a gas line to explode under a stretch of Balboa Boulevard in Granada Hills and burned five homes to the ground, the lots remain empty, scarred reminders of the devastation that consumed the neighborhood.

But most of the remaining homes in the 11600 block of Balboa Boulevard are now completely rebuilt, many improved with additional rooms or new landscaping. Patches of new asphalt where the two explosions occurred are beginning to fade in with the rest of the heavily-traveled pavement north of the 118 Freeway.

There is at least one new neighbor on the street, and one old neighbor who probably should not be back. Lana Craig bought a house in October that had been on the market prior to the quake and that had not been badly damaged. Jaspal Jammu and his two children moved back into their still quake-damaged home in August because he was running out of money. But, unemployed for two years, he does not have the money to fix it and the bank has begun foreclosure proceedings.

The quake had broken a water main under the street, causing an explosion that propelled chunks of asphalt through the roofs of some homes. An hour later, the turn of the ignition of a stalled pickup truck at Balboa and Rinaldi ignited gas from a broken line that exploded, causing a second crater in the street and spewing flames 100 feet high. The flames set trees and then homes on fire.

It may be a long time before residents can pass a day without being reminded of the violent morning a year ago.

“It’s definitely kind of lonely, and looking out the window and seeing empty lots is a daily reminder of what happened,� said Dawn Herrera, who with husband, Phillip, made repairs to their home as the money came in because they did not have earthquake insurance. “The people next to us to the south are just now rebuilding, and constantly hearing the pounding is another reminder of that morning.�

President Clinton visited Balboa Boulevard last year two days after the quake, but this year in a return visit to mark the anniversary of the quake, he did not visit the site.

11647 Balboa Blvd.

The lot remains empty and for sale. The original owners used the lot as collateral to buy a new home, according to their real estate agent.

11655 Balboa Blvd.

The lot remains empty, although the owners, Al and Rosemary McNeill, still plan to rebuild, according to neighbors.

11661 Balboa Blvd.

The lot remains empty and for sale. According to the listing real estate agent, the previous owners have moved out of the area.

11701 Balboa Blvd.

Property owner Jaspal Jammu moved back into his still-damaged home in August to save money, but can’t afford to rebuild, and the bank may soon foreclose on the property.

11709 Balboa Blvd.

Lana Craig bought the property three months ago. The house, which was for sale prior to the quake, did not suffer much damage.

11646 Balboa Blvd.

Phillip and Dawn Herrera have completed rebuilding their badly damaged home. Without earthquake insurance, the Herreras made repairs as the money came in.

11652 Balboa Blvd.

Kevin Patrick has completed rebuilding his home with insurance money. Patrick personallyasked President Clinton for help during a presidential visit last year.

11658 Balboa Blvd.

The lot remains empty. Neighbors said the owners moved to Northern California soon after the quake hit.

11700 Balba Blvd.

The lot remains empty, but a private property sign has been attached to a chain link fence. The listed property owner could not be reached for comment.

11710 Balboa Blvd.

One of the first houses on the block at which repairs were completed, new landscaping adorns the front yard and a wood fence replaced a brick wall on the side of the property.