los Angeles Businesses find Resilience – and Aid – After Devastating Wildfires
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Despite a challenging economic climate and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles small businesses faced another critically important hurdle in January 2023: a series of destructive wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The blazes, which claimed at least 31 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures, dealt a severe blow to the region’s economic backbone, but also sparked a wave of community support and innovative relief efforts.
The Fires’ economic Toll
The January wildfires displaced approximately 150,000 residents, triggering a ripple effect throughout the Los Angeles economy. With homes lost, consumer spending plummeted, forcing many businesses to halt operations, suspend payrolls, or even close permanently. A research report from UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute and Center for Neighborhood Knowledge revealed the extent of the damage: 1,907 brick-and-mortar stores were demolished or damaged, and 39,000 businesses – representing 230,000 employees – were disrupted.
“Most businesses were inside the fire perimeters, and up to half of the exposed businesses were destroyed,” the report stated. The impact was particularly acute for microbusinesses, which dominate the local economic base. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, yet they are often invisible in disaster recov
A Helping Hand: DoorDash and Community Spirit
Amidst the devastation, several organizations stepped forward to provide crucial assistance. DoorDash, through its Main Street Strong program, offered $10,000 grants to businesses impacted by the fires. Di Bernardo’s Pizzeria in Eaton Canyon,a beloved neighborhood staple,was among the recipients.
The Di Bernardos faced significant challenges after the Eaton Fire, operating at reduced hours for months while continuing to pay their employees full wages. The $10,000 DoorDash grant proved crucial in bridging the gap. Beyond financial assistance, the shop became a community hub during the crisis, assisting residents with mail and donation distribution. “We just put all that love and care right out into our community, and we’re getting it back, and that’s really cool,” Di Bernardo shared.
From Crisis to Community Support
Xuntos, a Spanish tapas bar in Santa Monica, also received a grant and utilized the funds to support its team. Owner sandra Cordero Berends, who previously collaborated with World Central Kitchen Inc. to provide meals for medical workers during the pandemic, immediately mobilized to assist those affected by the Palisades Fire.
“Right away, I called World Central Kitchen, and I was like, who needs help? Who needs to be fed?” Berends recalled. “I don’t like to sit around and wait to see what’s going to happen.” Xuntos began offering free meals to firefighters and evacuees, keeping her staff employed and fostering a sense of community. “It was very touching,” Berends said. “And it was great to be of service.”
A Path to Recovery
The city of Los Angeles has also stepped up with financial aid, allocating $17.7 million to 2,181 small businesses and nonprofits, and an additional $5.7 million to 2,892 workers through the L.A. Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. “Fire survivors deserve nothing less than a full and fair recovery, and these funds reflect Los Angeles county’s commitment to just that,” stated Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. “With $23.4 million in grants, we ensured that every eligible small business, nonprofit and worker had access to meaningful relief to move forward.”
A year after the fires, Xuntos is thriving, with Berends planning new menu items and collaborations with local chefs. While foot traffic hasn’t fully returned to pre-fire levels, she remains optimistic, noting “a little bit of energy shift” in the community. The Di Bernardos share a similar sentiment, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support they’ve received. “I think for me going into [2026], I really would love to see all of us be a bit more grounded with one another, and be more responsible with the care for each other,” Di Bernardo said. “By working together is how you get through tougher times.”
