'If we open, we have to start over from scratch.' Businesses still stuck a year after the L.A. fires

"A year after the January wildfires, most businesses in affected neighborhoods remain shuttered, with those reopened reporting roughly half their previous customer base and revenue. More than 1,800 small businesses across burn zones face an uncertain future, with owners struggling to navigate insurance claims and cleanup costs largely unsupported. Business leaders and major developers are pushing officials to speed up permitting and inspections, saying faster reconstruction is critical for jobs and tax revenue."

"The charred remains of the historic Pacific Palisades Business Block cast a shadow over a once-bustling shopping district along West Sunset Boulevard. Empty lots littered with debris and ash line the street where houses and small businesses once stood. A year since the Palisades fire roared through the neighborhood, only a handful of businesses have reopened. The Starbucks, Bank of America, and other businesses that used to operate in the century-old Business Block are gone."

"All that remains of the Spanish Colonial Revival building are some arches surrounding what used to be a busy retail space. The rusty remains of a walk-in vault squats in the center of the structure. Nearby, the Shade Store, the Free-est clothing store, Skin Local spa, a Hastens mattress store, Sweet Laurel Bakery and the Hydration Room are among the many stores still shuttered. Local barbershop Gornik & Drucker doesn't know if it can reopen."

Most businesses in fire-affected neighborhoods remain closed a year after the January wildfires, and reopened businesses report about half their previous customer base and revenue. More than 1,800 small businesses across burn zones face uncertain futures as owners struggle with insurance claims and cleanup costs largely unsupported. Business leaders and major developers urge faster permitting and inspections to accelerate reconstruction critical for jobs and tax revenue. The historic Pacific Palisades Business Block and many nearby stores were severely damaged or destroyed, leaving empty lots and charred remains. The Palisades fire burned 38 days, destroyed over 6,800 structures; the Eaton fire destroyed more than 9,400 structures. Combined, the fires killed 31 people.

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