Posted by 
We’re aiming to return to a more regular version of our newsletter format this Thursday (with some bias towards fundraiser events). But we’re also facing an incredibly difficult dilemma: How do you start a recovery before the emergency is even over?
This question is backdropped by another critical two-day stretch of weather with a “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning in place from noon on Monday to 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Peak wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph in the coasts and valleys are expected, along with gusts of 60 to 100 mph in the foothills and mountains. The warning is most dire for sections of Ventura County stretching down to Malibu, as well as portions of the San Fernando Valley and as far east as Pomona. Hopefully nothing happens. Then again, maybe another blaze erupts. It’s the not knowing that keeps us on edge.
advertisements
Unfortunately, this state of uncertainty is already having knock-on effects felt well beyond the burn scars. As this Eater LA compilation captures, the struggle of local restaurants in the wake of the wildfires is real. Understandably, people aren’t seeing this as the time to dine. Whether it’s the air quality, the evacuations, or the uncomfortableness of eating out as tragedy befalls friends and neighbors, things have slowed down.
The businesses models of these establishments rely on razor thin margins. Operating at half or one-third of capacity for weeks at a time can be a death blow. And yet, it’s also the restaurants that have exhibited some of the most generous community spirit. Consider the case of Ozzy’s Apizza in North Hollywood. Per SFGATE:
“Ozzy’s is just one of countless LA restaurants that — despite being battered themselves, in so many ways — have stepped up big-time since the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Sunset fires broke out last week. Restaurants have been at the forefront of ad hoc community support and mutual aid networks from the first hours of the Palisades Fire, sending food to the front lines and to shelters, as well as offering free meals to those in need.
But in the wake of all of those good works is a simple economic truth: California’s fires are yet another challenge to an industry that has felt gut punch after gut punch in recent years.“
In so many ways, it reminds us of how things played out during COVID. We balance priorities. We weigh costs. We make tradeoffs, many of which are painful. When we think of the victims of this disaster, our minds rightfully turn to the homeowners who lost everything. To renters facing permanent displacement. To businesses erased from the map. To neighborhoods torn apart.
At the same time, we have to strive in earnest to keep alive the restaurants shops, and institutions that are still here which add vibrancy, depth, and character to our city. And we owe it to them to reward them for their generosity in a time of crisis.
This isn’t to say we advocate the need to go out and spend your bank account dry. And definitely be mindful of your health as we navigate the environmental hazards brought on by the fires. But at the same time, maybe be a bit more intentional with your purchases in the days/weeks/months ahead as the city finds its footing in the aftermath of calamity. To start, maybe check out this list of fundraiser events we put together last week.
Stay safe out there, and we will send more words soon.
Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!
By subscribing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy and consent to receive emails from We Like L.A. about news, events, offers, and partner promotions.
advertisements
