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Oakland Warehouse Master Tenant Has Shown Erratic Behavior, Disregard For Safety

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The focus right now is on the victims and their families and authorities are focusing on the recovery effort to bring closure to loved ones.  However, soon the investigation will also focus on who is responsible and certainly investigators will want to speak to the building's master tenant.

Derick Ion is reportedly the head of the Oakland Ghost Ship artists collective, a live-work warehouse and what is now the scene of the deadliest fire in Oakland's history.

In some YouTube videos, his behavior appears erratic. In others, he talks about what he calls the festival culture,  offering a rambling description of his desire for a simplistic life.

"Build things out of the earth," Ion said.  "Oh my god that's a life."

A video from 2012 depicts an elaborate concert called "Viva Muerta" or "Living Dead" complete with flames.

Ion sparked backlash on Facebook after this post appeared on his page early Saturday morning:

"Everything I worked so hard for is gone. Blessed that my children and Micah were at a hotel safe and sound... it's as if I have awoken from a dream filled with opulence and hope....to be standing now in poverty of self worth."

The post quickly received thousands of comments chastising him for his insensitivity and blaming him for the dozens of deaths.

FULL COVERAGE:  Deadly Oakland Warehouse Fire

Ion and his partner were reportedly warned the building was unsafe by neighbors, city inspectors and friends, especially out of concern for his three children.

"I, on several occasions, stood right in front of the building and said, Derrick, this is not safe, your kids are in danger here." Danielle Bordeaux said. "And his attitude was that I was being hysterical."

The Oakland planning and building department said Ion did not request the required permit for Friday night's party. CBSLA was  unable to reach Ion for comment.

MORE: 

Authorities Begin To Release Names Of Oakland Warehouse Fire Victims

Survivors Recall Horrific Moments Fleeing Oakland Warehouse Fire

Click Here To Help The Victims And Their Families

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