Malibu Businesses Struggle to Reopen Following Twin Fires
Two months have elapsed since twin wildfires wreaked havoc on two communities in Southern California, severely impacting local businesses. The rebuilding process is anticipated to be extensive and challenging, threatening the viability of many establishments
Impact of Access Restrictions
Many businesses in Malibu face a secondary crisis exacerbated by the ongoing closure of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This closure has isolated the beach community from its primary customer base from the Westside, further complicating recovery efforts.
Numerous shops and restaurants report dramatic declines in sales, with some establishments seeing revenues drop to less than half of pre-fire figures. “The primary message we want to convey is that Malibu is open for business,” stated Mayor Doug Stewart, highlighting that much of the town remained unaffected by the fires.
Rebuilding Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
City officials and business leaders have urged Caltrans, the state transportation agency, to expedite access to PCH. Unfortunately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has yet to clear the debris from the hundreds of homes destroyed, which suggests that road access will remain compromised for the foreseeable future.
Malibu has faced recurrent disasters, including devastating wildfires and landslides. The Woolsey fire in 2018, which destroyed 465 homes, has left many still awaiting reconstruction. In January, the Palisades fire claimed the majority of houses from Topanga Canyon to Las Flores Canyon, contributing to a staggering total of 798 structures lost.
Local Business Resilience
The challenges faced by local businesses are illustrated by establishments such as John’s Garden, a well-loved sandwich and salad shop, which managed to survive the fire. Despite this, the eatery has experienced a drastic reduction in clientele, largely due to hindered access for both workers and patrons.
“We’re one of the oldest businesses in Malibu, soon celebrating our 50-year anniversary,” shared co-owner Boyan Kinov. He expressed frustration with his insurance provider’s reluctance to cover losses incurred due to business interruption from restricted access: “I feel like defeat. It’s unsustainable.”
Community Support Initiatives
In light of these struggles, various initiatives are underway to support local businesses. The city has begun purchasing daily lunches from different restaurants for its employees as a means of boosting revenue. Additionally, events such as the “Day of Hope” at Paradise Cove Café are being organized to provide free meals to first responders and those impacted by the fires.
Many community members have taken steps to assist businesses directly by ordering from them whenever possible, emphasizing the importance of sustaining local establishments during this challenging period. “We want to ensure that what survives doesn’t perish before we can rebuild,” remarked Lisa Barron, a Malibu resident whose home was lost in the fire.
Looking Ahead
While there remains a long road to recovery, efforts to restore access to Malibu and encourage patronage to local eateries and shops are gaining momentum. As residents and visitors adapt to alternative routes and rally behind local businesses, the spirit of resilience shines amidst the ongoing challenges.
“Our role is to continue serving the community, to be open, and to provide whatever help we can,” expressed Lynn Schulz, general manager of Marmalade Cafe.
Strategically implemented changes and initiatives combined with community support could help ensure that Malibu’s cherished businesses emerge from this crisis stronger, paving the way for a revitalized economic landscape.
