A preliminary survey reviewed at Pasadena’s Economic Development and Technology Committee special meeting Wednesday revealed extensive economic impacts from the recent Eaton Emergency, with approximately 75% of responding businesses forced to temporarily close and most still operating without disaster recovery assistance.
The citywide impact survey, distributed to approximately 14,000 licensed businesses following the January 8 local emergency declaration, showed businesses faced multiple challenges including mandatory evacuations, ash and debris cleanup, Southern California Gas outages, do-not-drink water orders, and wind damage from fallen trees.
Of 251 initial responses, 83% reported revenue losses and at least 60% experienced supply chain or delivery disruptions.
While approximately 97% of affected businesses have now reopened, about 18% are operating with limited hours.
Only 6% have received or are in process of receiving financial assistance, according to survey results reported at the Committee meeting on Wednesday.
“We’re spending more time on the one-on-ones and relying on surveys to be answered as well. So we cover everybody,” explained David Klug, Economic Development Director, describing outreach efforts particularly in heavily impacted areas like North Lake.
The City’s Economic Development office has established a centralized resource webpage and is coordinating with multiple business organizations including Old Pasadena Management District, Playhouse Village Association, and South Lake Business Association. Several grant opportunities are becoming available, including:
- Los Angeles Region Small Business Relief Fund opening in February offering $2,000 to $25,000 in recovery funds
- TMC Community Capital’s Small Business Strong Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Fund providing $5,000 grants
- Restaurants Care Grants offering $350-1,500 for impacted food and beverage workers
The City is working with the Small Business Administration and Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity while exploring additional support measures, including potential utility bill relief for businesses forced to close during mandatory evacuations.
The Economic Development office plans to continue surveying businesses to better understand ongoing impacts as the community moves from emergency response into recovery phase following the January 17 City Council emergency resolution.