King City residents rally behind business damaged by large fire

Vince and Tina Lopez are residents and longtime business owners in King City. When a fire destroyed the Borjon Auto Center, what they felt was more than just a financial loss.

“When it was burning, my son said ‘Mom, I feel like I’m watching my house burn down’,” said an emotional Tina Lopez.

The Lopez’s still own the building but before the Borjon’s bought the dealership, Vince and Tina operated the business for 30 years. Now all that’s left is charred vehicles and crumbling walls. Earlier this month a fire broke out at a trailer park next door. It injured three -and left multiple families homeless.

“We feel for them, our neighbors. And that’s what it’s all about. The building, well, it will be rebuilt,” said Vince Lopez.

Although the business is still selling cars out of a temporary office, Mayor Robert Cullen said this is a setback for the community.

“This is one of the largest sales tax contributors to the city,” said Cullen.

But in true small town fashion, Cullen has come up with a solution.

“I have pledged as mayor that when they do re-build the dealership, that I will be the first person to buy a car from the dealership when it’s rebuilt,” said Cullen.

And that’s why the Lopez’s say they’ve never left this tight-knit city.

“We love King City and our community,” said Vince Lopez.

At this time, there’s no word as to when the owners will re-build. As for the trailer park, power and gas have been restored.