Altadena Chamber Launches ‘Back in Business’ Initiative to Help Local Businesses Rebuild After Eaton Fire

Where Oh Happy Days, Freddys Antiques and Altadena Pizza used to be (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce has unveiled Back in Business, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at supporting local businesses in their recovery following the devastating Eaton Fire.

By News Desk

The program focuses on revitalizing Altadena’s economy by offering critical support to businesses that were displaced or severely impacted by the fire. This recovery effort is powered by a network of community volunteers committed to helping their neighbors.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

At the heart of Back in Business is its Volunteer Outreach Program, which connects trained volunteers with local businesses in need of help. The program serves both for-profit and non-profit organizations that have been directly impacted by the disaster.

Volunteers offer a range of support services, including:

• One-on-One Assistance
  Volunteers work closely with business owners to assess their needs and provide tailored solutions, especially for those who have lost both their physical locations and, in some cases, their homes.
• Emotional Support
  Understanding the emotional toll of the fire, volunteers offer compassionate listening and support to help business owners navigate the recovery process.
• Business Reconnection
  Volunteers play a pivotal role in reconnecting businesses with their customer base, helping rebuild long-term relationships within the local community.
• Relocation Assistance
  The initiative identifies available spaces for displaced businesses and matches them with suitable relocation opportunities.
• Guidance & Resources
  Volunteers connect business owners with critical resources, such as permits, tenant improvement programs, and funding options, to support their rebuilding efforts.

While county officials and Chamber personnel are stretched thin due to the scale of the disaster, Back in Business steps in to bridge the gap by leveraging the passion and energy of local community members eager to help their neighbors.

How the Program Works

The Back in Business initiative operates on two key fronts: outreach and space identification.

– Outreach Volunteers:

Volunteers are carefully recruited and trained to assess the needs of affected businesses through structured questionnaires. These volunteers then connect business owners with pro bono experts, including legal, real estate, and architectural professionals, to navigate the complex recovery process.

– Finding Available Spaces:

A dedicated team of commercial realtors and urban planners is actively identifying available properties for displaced businesses. This includes creating a database of vacant spaces, conducting property walkabouts, and exploring financial incentives to make leasing more affordable for business owners.

A Grassroots Effort, Built on Collaboration

The program is led by Julianna Delgado, a Pasadena Planning Commissioner with expertise in urban planning and disaster recovery. Supported by Councilmember Rick Cole, the program emerged from a grassroots task force convened in direct response to the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.

“The return of businesses is crucial to our community’s recovery,” says Delgado, emphasizing that rebuilding requires compassion, cooperation, and commitment. The initiative also draws on a group of local professionals, including attorneys, architects, and real estate experts—all of whom are deeply connected to Altadena and have a personal stake in its recovery.

A Community-Led Recovery

Back in Business has formed key partnerships with organizations such as the L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity, the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Department, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and local neighborhood associations. These collaborations ensure businesses receive the comprehensive support they need during the recovery process.

In addition, plans are in motion to establish a Mercado-style community gathering space aimed at supporting micro-businesses and pop-up enterprises, further strengthening Altadena’s economic landscape.

How You Can Help

The success of Back in Business depends on community involvement. Altadena residents are encouraged to volunteer, offer relocation assistance, or share available resources to help local businesses recover.

For more information, to volunteer, or to offer available space, contact Julianna Delgado, PhD, FAICP, Program Director, at julianna.delgado@sbcglobal.net or call 626-354-8797.