Altadena, California — In a milestone moment for the recovery of small businesses affected by recent wildfires, Steadfast LA, in partnership with Banc of California, has officially distributed the first round of grants through its newly launched Small Business Initiative. The program, designed to help entrepreneurs restore operations and maintain their place within local communities, awarded a collective total of $125,000 to three beloved Altadena businesses: Webster’s Community Pharmacy, Fair Oaks Burger, and Altadena Cookie Co.
These grants represent more than just financial support — they symbolize hope, stability, and a commitment to preserving the fabric of Altadena. Each recipient has faced significant challenges in recent months, particularly fire-related damages that threatened their ability to stay open. With this funding, these cornerstone businesses can continue serving families, residents, and visitors while signaling that Altadena is on a path of renewal and growth.
Celebrating Altadena’s Legacy Businesses
Among the recipients is Webster’s Community Pharmacy, a fixture in the neighborhood for nearly a century. As the pharmacy prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, it stands as a testament to resilience and long-term community service. Owners Michael and Meredith Miller have weathered both economic shifts and natural disasters, and the new grant provides essential resources to strengthen their operations for the next chapter.
Fair Oaks Burger, a family-run restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable comfort food, also received a grant. Owned by the Lee family, the eatery has long been a gathering place for residents. Damage from recent fires left operations strained, but the financial assistance will ensure the restaurant continues to be a hub where Altadenans come together.
The third recipient, Altadena Cookie Co., run by Jessica and Michelle, represents the new wave of entrepreneurial spirit in the community. Their specialty cookie shop has quickly earned a loyal following, blending creativity with a love for local engagement. The grant will help the business recover from fire-related setbacks and continue growing as a sweet staple in Altadena.
Leadership Visits and Community Support
To underscore the importance of this initiative, Rick Caruso, Founder and Chairman of Steadfast LA, and Jared Wolff, Chairman and CEO of Banc of California, personally visited each of the three businesses this past Tuesday. During these visits, they met with owners, listened to their stories, and presented the grant checks in person.
The encounters were documented on video and have been shared through Steadfast LA’s social media platforms. These clips highlight the struggles faced by small business owners since the fires earlier this year, as well as their determination to rebuild with the support of this program. In the coming days, Steadfast LA will release more in-depth profiles of the businesses, offering the broader public a glimpse into their recovery journeys and the vital role they play in the Altadena community.
Rick Caruso reflected on the experience, noting:
“Meeting with and hearing stories from the Millers at Webster’s Pharmacy, the Lees at Fair Oaks Burger, and Jessica and Michelle with Altadena Cookie Co. was moving and underscored how ingrained they all are in the community. I’m really proud that, through this initiative, they’ll have the resources to overcome the adversity they’ve faced since the fires and get back to doing what they do best: serving their customers and remaining part of the fabric of Altadena.”
Jared Wolff echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the bank’s dedication to helping small businesses thrive:
“As the largest independent bank based in Los Angeles, Banc of California takes pride in supporting small businesses that define the character and vitality of our communities. Seeing firsthand the strength and spirit these small-business owners bring to Altadena was inspiring, and they are exactly who our initiative was designed to help. We look forward to distributing more grants and helping more small businesses recover.”
The Small Business Initiative: A Regional Effort
The Small Business Initiative was launched by Steadfast LA just last month with a mission to provide direct support to wildfire-impacted small businesses across Southern California. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 to help businesses reopen their doors, repair damage, or stabilize operations during uncertain times.
The initiative is not limited to Altadena. It extends to Malibu, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades — regions that have all been hit hard by wildfires in recent years. To date, over 500 small businesses have submitted applications for grants, underscoring both the widespread need and the enthusiasm for recovery efforts. The upcoming rounds of grant distributions will prioritize businesses in the Palisades and Malibu, ensuring that more communities can benefit from this vital program.
Banc of California made the initiative possible through a $1 million contribution from its Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund. This seed funding ensures that multiple rounds of grants can be awarded, while Steadfast LA continues to build momentum by providing added support and encouraging further donations from other stakeholders.
More Than Money: A Path Forward for Communities
The impact of this initiative goes beyond financial assistance. For the business owners, the grants serve as validation of their role in the community and recognition of their resilience. For residents, they are a tangible sign that their neighborhoods will continue to thrive despite setbacks.
Rebuilding after natural disasters often requires more than physical reconstruction — it demands restoring confidence, preserving local culture, and creating opportunities for economic stability. By supporting small businesses, Steadfast LA and Banc of California are ensuring that the community’s character and vitality remain intact.
The collaboration also highlights the power of partnerships between private organizations and financial institutions. By combining resources, expertise, and networks, initiatives like this can achieve broader, longer-lasting impact. It also sends a clear message: community resilience is strongest when local institutions and businesses work together.
