Chase returns to Pacific Palisades one year after the wildfire
One year after the Palisades fire destroyed its former location, Chase celebrated the grand opening of its new Pacific Palisades branch—restoring in-person banking and reaffirming its commitment to the community. The new branch sits right across the street from the former site, a small but meaningful reminder of continuity in the heart of the neighborhood. “Standing across from our old site is a testament that recovery is real. We’re proud to open our doors here and help turn resilience into momentum,” said Diedra Porché, National Head of Community Banking and Business Development and Regional Chair of the California and West Market Leadership Teams at JPMorganChase.
The opening is more than a ribbon-cutting—it’s a sign of how the neighborhood is rebuilding and re-centering daily life. In the months since the fire, families and small businesses have navigated tough choices about what to do next. A local branch may seem simple by comparison but having a place to ask questions face to face, sort out next steps, and get timely help matters. It shortens the distance between uncertainty and action, and it puts familiar support back within walking distance. “A lot of recovery happens in everyday moments—cashing a check, asking a question, getting quick advice. Having a team, you can walk in and see makes those moments easier,” said Ana Rosales, Chase Pacific Palisades Branch Manager.
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Over the past year, JPMorganChase contributed more than $9 million to Los Angeles wildfire recovery, supporting both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding. This included over $2 million for emergency aid through the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, and United Way, helping serve more than 160,000 people and provide financial assistance to over 30,000 households. The firm also supported housing recovery with $3 million for financial counseling and affordable lending, $1 million for interim housing, and direct help for homeowners with mortgage relief and insurance claims. Small businesses received targeted support through deferred loan payments and $1.25 million in grants to local partners, while employees volunteered over 4,000 hours and contributed $500,000 in matched donations.
This moment also reflects the community’s progress: a visible investment returning to the neighborhood, foot traffic, and a renewed sense that Pacific Palisades is moving forward. It also acknowledges what the Palisades has been through, and what’s ahead—rebuilding is a process, and financial stability is part of that foundation. “Financial stability is part of rebuilding. Our job is to make it accessible—clear guidance today and a path for tomorrow,” said Maria L. Garcia, California Divisional Director in Banking, Consumer & Community Banking at Chase and Member of the Los Angeles Market Leadership Team at JPMorganChase.
Chase’s presence here is rooted in partnership. The branch team includes professionals who know the area’s rhythms and priorities, and who can make swift introductions across the bank when specialized expertise is needed. That local knowledge, paired with on-site and digital tools, gives customers both immediacy and flexibility—help today, and a plan for tomorrow. “Our team knows this community. We’ll meet you however you prefer and keep it simple,” said Jennifer Kutzke, North LA Market Director at Chase.
Healing isn’t just about what’s replaced; it’s about what’s restored. We’re honored to be part of the Palisades’ next chapter.
For more information about our Pacific Palisades branch, please visit https://www.chase.com/locator/us/ca/pacific-palisades.
For information about everyday banking, please visit https://www.chase.com/.
