Gerardo and Tomi Ruiz, originally from San Bernardino, California, relocated to San Antonio, Texas, after a devastating fire damaged their home. The couple had considered moving for a while due to the increasing cost of living and social issues in California, but the Line Fire in September 2024 compelled them to act. While they appreciate Texas for its affordable living and welcoming community, they find themselves missing California's food and closer family ties. Their story underscores the intersection of environmental adversity and the pursuit of a better life.
We both ran out in our underwear because we didn't have time to get clothes. The fire destroyed about half of our house, plus there was smoke damage everywhere.
Many things, like homelessness and gang activity, seem to have gotten worse in recent years. We had been talking about leaving California for a while because the cost of living was dramatically increasing.
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