Malibu Businesses Urge Support After Palisades Fire and PCH Closure

Malibu Declared "Open for Business"

• ⚠️ Following the devastating Palisades Fire, local leaders are declaring Malibu "open for business" to encourage recovery.
• 💡 The fire and subsequent closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) have negatively impacted hundreds of small businesses.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

• 📉 Many small, mom-and-pop shops are struggling to pay bills and rent due to a significant drop in revenue.
• 💰 Over 300 brick-and-mortar businesses are unable to pay rent, with some facing potential economic collapse.
• 🛠️ Business owners have had to cut payroll and overhead costs, with some operations nearly shuttered.

Challenges with Pacific Coast Highway Closure

• 🚧 The indefinite closure of PCH is the primary reason for the lack of customers, impacting both locals and tourists.
• 🚗 While PCH cleanup is necessary, businesses are urging support through alternative routes like the Metro bus or via Canaan Road and Malibu Canyon Road.
• ⏳ Business owners emphasize that survival is difficult if PCH does not reopen entirely by summertime.

Community Support and Resilience

• 🤝 Business owners are anxious for customers to return and are asking the public for support to get back on their feet.
• 🌱 Despite damage from fires, some businesses like Rafi Lounge, which opened during the pandemic, are relying on donations and community support.
• ✨ There is a strong belief that Malibu can come back stronger, but it will require time and the power of the people and their support.