The recent Eaton fire in Altadena has left the community reeling as small businesses grapple with the aftermath. The devastation is evident along Lake Avenue, with some businesses left in ruins while others miraculously survived. The economic loss from the fires has soared to over $250 billion, marking it as one of the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history.
The impact on small businesses is particularly severe, with nearly 1,900 establishments located within the fire burn zones. These businesses supported over 11,400 jobs, painting a grim picture of the crisis they now face. Owners are left to navigate insurance claims, loan applications, and the daunting decision of whether to rebuild. For those whose businesses remain intact, there are still challenges to overcome, from smoke damage to the fear of losing customers.
Leo Bulgarini, owner of the eponymous gelateria and restaurant, expressed the prevailing sentiment among business owners. Despite his establishment narrowly escaping the fire, the loss of neighboring businesses has left him questioning the future. The once vibrant community now feels like a ghost town, with uncertainty looming over the local economy.
Burned down but not out
Steve Salinas, owner of Steve’s Bike Shop, has felt the brunt of the fire’s impact. The shop, which he has been a part of since he was 14, succumbed to the flames, leaving him devastated. Determined to rebuild, Salinas is rallying with the support of his community. Despite facing significant losses, he remains optimistic about the future, focusing on giving back to those in need while he works towards reopening his beloved shop.
Four walls and no customers
Ashima Gupta, the owner of Code Ninjas, is facing a different kind of challenge. While her learning center survived the fire physically, the loss of customers and the absence of families in the area have left her business in limbo. With utilities still out and a sharp decline in memberships, Gupta is uncertain about the road ahead. Like many other entrepreneurs in Altadena, she is looking to her insurance and landlord for support as she navigates the post-fire recovery.
After five decades, pet shop calls it quits
Carrie Meyers, the owner of Steve’s Pets, has made the difficult decision not to rebuild her business after it was destroyed by the fire. With a heavy heart, Meyers reflects on the decades spent running the pet shop and the challenges she faced along the way. Despite the loss of her business and her home, Meyers remains resilient, focusing on rebuilding her life and supporting her employees during this difficult time.
The stories of these Altadena entrepreneurs paint a vivid picture of the impact of the Eaton fire on small businesses. As the community comes together to support these business owners, the road to recovery may be long and arduous. However, with resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of their community, these entrepreneurs are ready to face the challenges ahead.