Benito Flores, Advocate for Housing Rights, Has Died

Benito Flores, who took over a state-owned house in El Sereno over five years ago as a stand against homelessness in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 70.

A retired welder, Flores was committed to staying in his home. Just last month, he and supporters thwarted an attempt by lawmakers to evict him from a small double located on a narrow street in El Sereno.

In his effort to resist eviction, Flores constructed a large wooden structure, reaching 28 feet, on an ash tree in his backyard, planning to retreat there if law enforcement attempted to remove him.

Weeks after the eviction attempt, he continued strengthening his position, including building further defenses on another tree in his yard. Supporters suspect that Flores fell from the tree and tragically lost his life.

On a Friday afternoon, neighbors found him unresponsive on the ground near the tree, with a broken safety harness, as reported by Roberto Flores, who managed a local community center and participated in ongoing protests.

“He was a martial artist for human rights and decent housing for everyone,” stated Roberto, who is not related to Benito.

Flores was the last remaining protester in a movement that captured national attention beginning in March 2020.

Alongside a number of others, he had occupied a vacant house that belonged to the California Department of Transportation, acquired many years ago for a highway expansion that never occurred.

Activists, identifying themselves as “reclaiming our homes,” argued that invading empty houses was not a crime while tens of thousands were forced to live on the streets of Los Angeles with publicly owned homes sitting unused.

With public support, many of the “rikamers” were allowed to stay in Caltrans-owned properties legally for two years, thanks to a temporary lease arrangement with the city of Los Angeles’ housing authorities. However, when that lease expired in late 2022, Flores and many others sought to remain, claiming that alternative housing options provided were not adequate for their permanent needs.

As eviction threats loomed, some activists began accepting settlements to vacate the properties, while others faced forceful removals. But Flores remained resolute in his fight.

He expressed a desire to make a statement before the possibility of eviction in June, asserting that political leaders have failed to meet the housing needs of everyone. Living in the home for 14 years, he struggled with diabetes and worried that eviction would leave him with no choice but to sleep in his van.

“Who is supposed to provide permanent housing for the elderly, disabled, and families with children?” Flores questioned last month. “It’s the city and the nation. And they’re forcing me out.”

On Friday night, approximately 50 people gathered at Flores’ home for a vigil, honoring his life and activism. His body was covered in a white sheet and laid in the backyard, as supporters paid their respects by placing flowers around him.

The exact cause of death is currently under investigation, with officials from the LA County Medical Examiner arriving to retrieve the body for examination.