Old Pasadena (File Photo – Ken Lund)
Given that twenty-three percent of all licensed businesses in Pasadena are located in the evacuation order and do-not-drink water areas, the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division released a survey on January 24th, 2025 for businesses to complete about the challenges and impacts they face as a result of the Eaton Disaster in order to get a clearer understanding of their impact and to inform advocacy and support efforts.
By Scott Phelps
As of February 19, 2025, 557 businesses had completed the survey.
Key findings
- Disruption of operations
Sixty-eight percent of businesses surveyed reported closures, with most of those closures lasting less than a week. Forty-seven percent indicated no impact on their supply chain, inventory, or delivery operations. However, nineteen percent experienced delayed delivery times, while fourteen percent reported multiple operational disruptions. Despite these challenges, eighty-two percent of businesses were open, with an additional fifteen percent operating under limited hours.
(Photo – City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division)
- Physical damage
Twenty-three percent of businesses reported physical damage due to the disaster. The majority of damage was attributed to smoke, ash, and wind. A smaller percentage of businesses also reported other types of damage, including ten businesses that sustained total losses from fire.
(Photo – City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division)
- Loss of revenue
Forty-seven percent of businesses reported significant revenue losses, while thirty-two percent experienced minor losses. A striking ninety-five percent of businesses indicated they had received no financial assistance for recovery. The majority of businesses expressed that grants would be the most helpful form of support during the recovery process. Additionally, ninety percent of business owners reported that they did not lose their homes.
(Photo – City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division)
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