<human>: Can you provide a brief overview of the text?

Backstory:  I'm located in Southern California and moved into my apartment on August 1st and was able to successfully setup my utilities online without issue -- or at least it appeared that way at the time.  Fast forward to a month and half later and I find myself without power today because the previous tenants had an outstanding balance on their power bill.

The catch?  *The previous tenants had my same last name.*

After speaking with the power company earlier today (in person), they told me that they had conducted an investigation and refuse to turn my power on until the outstanding balance is paid, which they oh-so-kindly let me know was in the amount of $2600!

I informed them that I am not liable for the previous balance and that I moved into the building for the first time on August 1st, yet they won't budge.  I even showed them my passport to let them know that I had been out of the country for 2 years previous to moving into my new apartment.

Furthermore, when speaking to them in person, not only did they assume that I was related to the previous tenants, they told me my story was hokey, and even told me that their decision is final and that they are "the law".  They even got a copy of my new lease and confirmed this with the landlord!

How can I be forced to pay someone else's debt? Is there anyone in the LA area that I could contact or speak with so as to help represent me?  

I'll be heading out to a coffee shop later so I can use my computer and check any responses.

Thank you!
<bot>: Previous tenants had the same last name as me and an outstanding balance on their power bill and the power company refuses to turn the power on for me until that balance is taken care of.