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Malibu businesses continue to be caught up in the wake of the Palisade fire, with some shopkeepers saying the conditions are worse than they are during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With customers and patrons who may not have access to the Pacific Coast Highway, small business owners said they fear that if something doesn’t happen soon, they’ll no longer be able to hang out despite surviving the pandemic.
“It’s like a cemetery there,” Malibu diver owner Barbara Gentil explained on Friday the eerie stillness of Malibu.
Small coastal cities were not destroyed by the Pallisard fire, but the traffic restrictions in particular on PCH essentially blocked them from the world, in addition to losing local customers who were kicked out of their homes and workplaces.
Twelve employers estimated their income had fallen by 30% to 80%. However, they said there was not much help for them as their stores were open and not damaged.
“There are assumptions in Malibu’s demographics,” said Lindy Benson, who owns Blue Salt.
“I can’t even pay half the rent right now,” said Gene Arnold, who has owned a vitamin barn since the ’80s. “This is worse than the Covid Paycheck Protection Program.”
Gentil also reflected the financial struggle and explained that she is still recovering from community loans.
Some of those whose livelihoods are online said that the full reopening timeline of PCH would help them. They also called for a government campaign, highlighting how to access Malibu from the 101 highway and canyon.
Instead of suggesting employers take more loans, they want grants, tax credits and rental assistance, according to Malibu city officials.
“We talked about what we could, eviction pauses, various stimuli,” said Malibu City Councilman Haylin Conrad.
The city of Malibu also said it was “actively” looking for a solution.
“The city has launched a Business Pulse survey to check in our businesses and find ways to best support them,” the city said in a statement. “The results of this investigation and potential support options will be discussed by the city council at a regular meeting on April 14th.”
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