Altadena Chamber Asks Community Members to Write to Congressional Leaders

Two regional chambers of commerce are urging locals to write congressional leaders before June 15 in support of Governor Newsom’s $39.8 billion supplemental appropriation for disaster funding.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association was joined by the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce to launch the letter-writing campaign because Congress has yet to approve Newsom’s request submitted in February 2025.

“We ask that you submit the form no later than Sunday, June 15th,” according to a joint letter from chamber leaders. Their effort aims to present a compelling case to Congress for the time-sensitive relief funding.

The chambers invited affected businesses to sign a draft letter available online and write personal stories about how wildfires have impacted their business, community and family.

Participants can submit responses through an online form at https://form.jotform.com/251026783133149 that also accepts photographs.

In their letter, chamber leaders support the supplemental disaster allocation request to assist small businesses in rebuilding through grants, low-interest loans and streamlined access to federal resources. They also seek to expedite and increase funding allocation to ensure small businesses receive comprehensive, timely and adequate support.

Judy Matthews, president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association, and Barbara Bruderlin, chief executive officer of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, signed the appeal.

The chambers encourage business owners to forward the request to other wildfire-affected businesses.

“Together we can make a difference in getting our community this much needed federal assistance!” the appeal urges.