Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate Southern California last week as wildfires spread throughout the region. Early estimates from AccuWeather put the damage at more than $50 billion.
A number of iconic businesses were among those impacted by the fires. Take Reel Inn in Malibu, for example. In an Instagram post the owners of the 36-year-old restaurant said they were “heartbroken and unsure what will be left” of the restaurant.
Nearby, Rosenthal Wines lost its tasting room, the winery posted on Instagram.
Further east, the Bunny Museum in Altadena burnt to the ground, according to the museum’s Facebook page.
“Saved only a few bunny items. Saved the cats and bunnies. The museum was the last building to burn around us. . . but when the building next door went down, it spread to the museum,” the post read.
The iconic Getty Villa art museum, meanwhile, saw some of its trees and vegetation burn. And the Theatre Palisades, a theater dating back to 1963, was destroyed by the fire.
Businesses offer aid
A number of businesses and local organizations have stepped up.
The World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team, for example, provided meals to first responders and families impacted by wildfires while Planet Fitness offered a place for those impacted by the fires free access to showers and WiFi.
A number of area hotels are taking in people who have been displaced at discounted rates.
“We are devastated by the destruction of the fires raging across the Los Angeles region. Hotels are currently taking in thousands of Angelenos who have been displaced by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires. Many of our hotels are providing guests with discounted rates and the necessities they may have left behind in their evacuation, including toiletries. Many hotels are welcoming guests’ pets. Our hotels are also donating bedding and personal care items to temporary shelters. We stand ready to continue assisting Angelenos and first responders during this crisis,” said a statement from the Hotel Association of Los Angeles.
The California Community Foundation, which is featured on this week’s cover, announced that it would reinforce “its commitment to resilience and long-term relief with its Wildfire Recovery Fund.”
“With every devastating wildfire, our neighbors, friends, and family lose homes, memories, and their sense of safety – but we cannot let them lose hope,” said Miguel Santana, the group’s chief executive. “By investing in long-term recovery, we strengthen communities and help transform pain into resilience. Together, we can ensure that every person affected by disaster has the support they need to rise again, stronger and more determined than before.”
