As communities try to recover and rebuild from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, many business owners have lost their livelihoods and are unsure whether they will be able to get back on their feet.
Nuccio’s nursery school in Altadena has been in operation for 90 years. Owner Jim Nuccio said closing is likely the only option after the Eaton Fire destroyed important structures on the property.
“It’s very likely that we’re getting closer to retirement sooner than we thought,” Nuccio said. “Most of the buildings are gone. The equipment is gone, but quite a few plants are still alive.”
Nuccio has only visited his home twice since he was evacuated after authorities closed off access to the burnt ruins. Most of his plants survived the fire, but with no water, proper care, or utilities available to keep the plants alive, the nursery’s future is bleak.
“We don’t have water,” he told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson. “We’re looking at different ways to water the plants.”
This nursery school specializes in breeding rare azaleas and camellias. Nuccio estimates there were about 200,000 plants on his property before the Eaton Fire destroyed it.
Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena was forced to close its business after the Eaton Fire destroyed its plant and equipment. (KTLA) Jim Nuccio, owner of Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, plans to close his business at the end of 2025 in the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Equipment destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccio Nursery School in Altadena. (KTLA) The Eaton Fire destroyed plant and equipment at Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) The Eaton Fire destroyed plant and equipment at Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) Small businesses destroyed by Eaton fire. (KTLA) Small businesses destroyed by Eaton fire. (KTLA) A street lined with small businesses destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA)
But many of his plants are dying. Without access to water in the coming days, they won’t survive. Mr. Nuccio estimates the impending loss at more than $1 million.
Domenico’s Italian Kitchen in Pasadena has been serving the community for over 60 years. When the wildfires broke out, owner Donnie Bitonti said he wasn’t going to let his family business go down without a fight. He hosed down the roof and did what he could before leaving.
“It was raining embers,” Bitonti recalled. “Honestly, I didn’t expect the building to be standing in the morning.”
After the evacuation order was lifted, Bitonti returned and was very relieved to find his restaurant still open.
Firefighters work to prevent flames from spreading at Domenico’s Italian Kitchen in Pasadena during the Eaton Fire. (Donnie Bitonti) Firefighters work to prevent Domenico’s Italian Kitchen in Pasadena from becoming engulfed in flames during the Eaton Fire. (Donnie Bitonti)
But now, like many other business owners, new challenges are emerging in the aftermath, made worse by ongoing power and utility shortages.
“I’ve already filled the trash can four times with food that I had to throw away,” Bitonti said. “So just looking at the amount, that’s over $10,000 worth of groceries thrown in the trash.”
The City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Department is providing assistance to unemployed business owners and restaurant workers with grants ranging from $350 to $1,500.
A $10 million grant was also awarded to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to assist displaced residents and affected businesses.
Meanwhile, many small business owners are slowly getting back on their feet and coming to terms with their losses. Bitonti said he’s grateful his restaurant is still around. Once I start and run my own business, I want to find ways to contribute to my community and give back to those in need.
“We want to feed people who have lost everything,” Bitonti said. “I have a friend who needs a hot meal.”
The Disaster Loan Outreach Center for small business owners seeking assistance and resources is available at Pasadena City College’s Continuing Education Center. Click here for more information.
Additional support and resource options for residents can be found here or on the LA County Emergency Resources website.
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