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The tragic fires in Los Angeles have affected hundreds of thousands of people, and Latino restaurants are doing what they can to help by providing food to those in devastated communities.
Mexican seafood restaurant Pez Cantina is one example.
“We’ve been providing meals to the Pasadena Fire Department as well as the Pasadena Department of Buildings and safety inspectors, and also to our local church, Church of Our Savior, whose many parishioners have been affected with evacuations,” says Bret Thompson, chef and co-proprietor of the restaurant, which has locations in Pasadena and Los Angeles. “A group of volunteer kids have been helping us.”
Likewise, Nativo HLP, Guerilla Tacos and Guelaguetza have collaborated to gather donations and deliver over 1,500 warm meals to evacuation centers and fire departments.
"It's such an honor and a humbling experience to see us all rally together for the most vulnerable amongst us, and it's just one of those moments where you just feel so proud to be part of L.A. and this community," Corissa Hernandez, owner of Nativo HLP, said in an interview with Channel 7 Eyewitness News.
A number of Mexican/Latin restaurants have announced that they’re offering free meals to first responders and people displaced by the fires. These include all four locations of Madre Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria in Valencia, Sonoritas Prime Tacos in Sawtelle, and Taqueria Frontera in Cypress Park.
Cuban restaurant Café Tropical in Silver Lake also is providing free meals to anyone impacted by the fires, and has been collecting food donations from other restaurants to be distributed to those in need.
“If somebody comes by and is in need, we’re happy to accommodate,” chef and co-owner Ed Cornell told the Los Angeles Times.
And Los Angeles headquartered Guisados donated a percentage of sales on January 13, 14 and 15 from all 10 of its locations to help support the American Red Cross, Pasadena Human Society and Los Angeles Fire Department.
Restaurants Need Help, Too
Of course, the fires have directly affected the restaurants and their employees well. For example, Latin-style coffee shop Café de Leche in Altadena was destroyed, and Diego Hernandez, chef of iconic L.A. restaurant El Cholo, lost his home.
The Latino Restaurant Association, a trade group headquartered in Los Angeles, launched a fundraiser on January 10 with the aim of helping Latino restaurants rebuild after the fire. (Click here to make a donation.)
“Our vibrant Latino restaurant community is among those hit hardest….These restaurants are not just businesses; they are cornerstones of our neighborhoods, providing jobs, cultural pride, and connection,” Lilly Rocha, executive director of the LRA, wrote in a letter to prospective donors. “I am committed to doing everything we can to help these establishments rebuild and recover.”
Rocha explained that the donations will be used to provide emergency assistance to impacted restaurant owners; support displaced workers; help rebuild the restaurants; and advocate for additional resources from local and state governments.
The association also sent its members information on applying for assistance from government sources, and it organized a food donation drive to feed firefighters from Nevada who are helping their Los Angeles comrades.
Some restaurants in other parts of the country also are helping out. For example, the non-profit organization Chicago Chefs Cook organized a fundraiser whereby participating restaurants will donate proceeds from special menu items to help Los Angeles-area restaurants affected by the fire. Several Latin restaurants are participating, including Frontera Grill, El Molcajete Sauces, and Toro.
Sidebar: Do You Need Assistance?
Resources are available for restaurants that have been impacted by the fires. Those resources include:
Restaurant Care. This non-profit, devoted to providing stability to food and beverage workers in crisis, is offering grants of $350 to $1,500. Visit restaurantscare.org/help/ for details.
Federal Disaster Relief. You can complete an application for assistance at disasterassistance.gov or en espanol at disasterassistance.gov/es
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Businesses affected by the fires can apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans. For details, visit sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires
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