In a unanimous vote that seeks to expedite the recovery of small businesses following the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a new motion put forth by Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Acknowledging the tenacity of Altadena's business community, Barger emphasized the need for rapid and effective support from county resources. "Altadena's business owners have shown incredible resilience in the face of unthinkable loss,” Barger stated. “They deserve support from our County that moves with urgency and clears the roadblocks standing in the way of their recovery."
The recent motion includes two primary initiatives aimed at bolstering recovery: the creation of a Small Business Concierge Program and a Streamlined Alcoholic Beverage Sales Permitting Pilot. The Concierge Program, steered by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, is set to offer personalized assistance to help business owners navigate the often complex landscape of county permitting, licensing, and financing, while also aiding them in connecting with legal support and other essential services.
Meanwhile, the Alcoholic Beverage Sales Permitting Pilot, managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, aims to significantly reduce the time required for permit approvals by forgoing Conditional Use Permit hearings in favor of staff-level approvals, drawing inspiration from similar, successful programs in other cities. Supervisor Barger's motion, as reported, also calls for efforts to enhance pedestrian-friendly areas and the overall revitalization of Altadena’s commercial spaces, and for businesses to be linked to County contracting opportunities to help maintain operations as they recover.
County collaborations won't be a lone effort; there's a planned partnership with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, the Altadena Recovery Task Force, and philanthropic organizations to ensure the initiatives have the greatest impact. A detailed implementation plan is due in 30 days, with a subsequent 90-day status update to keep the Board informed on staffing, resource allocation, and outreach strategies, as well as providing long-term recommendations for sustained progress.
Altadena's businesses, still bearing the brunt of the devastation wrought by the Eaton Fire, can anticipate more direct support through these newly approved measures. The community's enduring spirit, coupled with tangible assistance from the County, paves a path toward a more resilient and thriving local economy. For additional details and an audio statement from Supervisor Barger, the press can access the material here.
