Latest news with #SteadfastLA
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Steadfast LA, Banc of California Launch Initiative to Help Wildfire-Impacted Small Businesses
The Small Business Initiative Will Provide Grants of up to $50,000 Directly to Small Businesses that Have Faced Challenges as a Result of the Wildfires. Initiative Will Also Encourage Consumers to Support These Businesses Through a Social Media Content Series Steadfast LA, the nonprofit founded by civic leader and businessman Rick Caruso to accelerate the rebuilding of Los Angeles with private-sector solutions, has announced a Small Business Initiative launched with a $1-million donation from Banc of California's Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund. The initiative will support retailers, restaurants and other independent businesses in Altadena, Malibu and the Pacific Palisades impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires with direct grants of up to $50,000. Caruso officially introduced the initiative at CNBC's Small Business Playbook 2025 event alongside Gordon and Shirley Wong, owners of Knoll's Pharmacy in the Palisades, which was destroyed in the fire. During the event, Caruso noted that independently owned small businesses are the backbone of the economy in Los Angeles, accounting for over 90% of all businesses in L.A. County, according to the LAECD. 'These small businesses were about much more than commercial or economic activity. They were local hallmarks that gave neighborhoods their soul and fostered a sense of community. We cannot abandon them. This is about ensuring they have the tools, resources and support they need to come back,' said Caruso. 'We also want this initiative to send a broader signal that not only are these local institutions going to reopen, but these communities as a whole have a bright and optimistic future ahead.' Through this initiative, eligible small businesses in Altadena, the Palisades and Malibu can apply for direct grants – administered by an independent third party – to help them reopen their doors or support their operations. Banc of California is donating the initial $1 million to fund this initiative, with Steadfast LA providing added support and soliciting further donations. This comes on top of Banc of California's recent donation to the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Disaster Relief Fund and the creation of the bank's Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund. 'As the largest independent bank based in Los Angeles, we know that small businesses are the foundation of our local economy,' said Jared Wolff, chairman and CEO of Banc of California. 'Their success and sustainability are integral not just for jobs and the economy but provide the optimism and confidence that communities need to move forward. We're proud to support small businesses that desperately need help right now, to stand with Steadfast LA and to help turn our vision for a brighter future for Southern California into a reality.' In addition to financial support, Steadfast LA will use social media to showcase these small businesses' remarkable resilience, highlight their additional needs and encourage consumers to support them. 'These businesses aren't faceless storefronts. They are the fabric of the community,' Caruso added. 'They are made up of people: owners, employees and loyal customers. They deserve an advocate to help address the challenges they're facing through no fault of their own. Through this initiative, they'll have one.' Small businesses interested in receiving a potential grant from this initiative can review the eligibility criteria and submit their info on the Steadfast LA website. Formal applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and grant recipients will be announced shortly thereafter. Information sourced from Banc of California. Learn more by contacting media@
Business Wire
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Steadfast LA Launches Initiative With Banc of California To Help Rebuild, Reopen, And Support Small Businesses In Wildfire-Impacted Communities
BUSINESS WIRE)--Steadfast LA, the nonprofit founded by civic leader and businessman Rick Caruso to accelerate the rebuilding of Los Angeles with private-sector solutions, announced today a Small Business Initiative launched with a $1 million donation from Banc of California's Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund. The initiative will support retailers, restaurants, and other independent businesses in Altadena, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires with direct grants of up to $50,000. Caruso officially introduced the initiative earlier today at CNBC's Small Business Playbook 2025 event alongside Gordon and Shirley Wong, owners of Knoll's Pharmacy in the Palisades, which was destroyed in the fire. During the event, Caruso noted that independently owned small businesses are the backbone of the economy in Los Angeles, accounting for over 90% of all businesses in LA County, according to the LAECD. 'These small businesses were about much more than commercial or economic activity. They were local hallmarks that gave neighborhoods their soul and fostered a sense of community. We cannot abandon them. This is about ensuring they have the tools, resources, and support they need to come back,' said Rick Caruso, founder and chairman of Steadfast LA. 'We also want this initiative to send a broader signal that not only are these local institutions going to reopen, but these communities as a whole have a bright and optimistic future ahead.' Through this initiative, eligible small businesses in Altadena, the Palisades, and Malibu can apply for direct grants –administered by an independent third party – to help them reopen their doors or support their operations. Banc of California is donating the initial $1 million to fund this initiative, with Steadfast LA providing added support and soliciting further donations. This comes on top of Banc of California's recent donation to the LA Area Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Disaster Relief Fund, and the creation of the bank's Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund. 'As the largest independent bank based in Los Angeles, we know that small businesses are the foundation of our local economy,' said Jared Wolff, Chairman and CEO of Banc of California. 'Their success and sustainability are integral not just for jobs and the economy, but provide the optimism and confidence that communities need to move forward. We're proud to support small businesses that desperately need help right now, to stand with Steadfast LA, and to help turn our vision for a brighter future for Southern California into a reality.' In addition to financial support, Steadfast LA will use social media to showcase these small businesses' remarkable resilience, highlight their additional needs, and encourage consumers to support them. 'These businesses aren't faceless storefronts. They are the fabric of the community,' Caruso added. 'They are made up of people: owners, employees, and loyal customers. They deserve an advocate to help address the challenges they're facing through no fault of their own. Through this initiative, they'll have one.' Small businesses interested in receiving a potential grant from this initiative can review the eligibility criteria and submit their info on the Steadfast LA website. Formal applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and grant recipients will be announced shortly thereafter. For more information, visit About Steadfast LA Steadfast LA, founded and led by Rick Caruso, is a civic nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding Los Angeles after the devastating January 2025 fires. United by resilience and a shared vision for a stronger future, the organization comprises Angelenos committed to revitalizing the Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades communities. The group aims to accelerate the rebuilding process with efficiency and innovation by bringing together top leaders, bold ideas, and effective solutions to get things done right and fast. Visit for more information about the organization and follow their efforts on social media: X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. About Banc of California, Inc. Banc of California, Inc. (NYSE: BANC) is a bank holding company with over $34 billion in assets and the parent company of Banc of California. Banc of California is one of the nation's premier relationship-based business banks, providing banking and treasury management services to small, middle-market, and venture-backed businesses. Banc of California is the largest independent bank headquartered in Los Angeles and the third largest bank headquartered in California and offers a broad range of loan and deposit products and services through 80 full-service branches located throughout California and in Denver, Colorado, and Durham, North Carolina, as well as through regional offices nationwide. The bank also provides full-stack payment processing solutions through its subsidiary, Deepstack Technologies, and serves the Community Association Management industry nationwide with its technology-forward platform, SmartStreet™. The bank is committed to its local communities through the Banc of California Charitable Foundation, and by supporting organizations that provide financial literacy and job training, small business support, affordable housing, and more. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit us at
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mayor Bass partners with Lakers coach, former opponent to rebuild iconic Palisades building
A longtime neighborhood mainstay in the Pacific Palisades was severely damaged during January's devastating wildfires. Now, the Mayor of Los Angeles is teaming up with a former political opponent and the coach of the Lakers to bring it back. Mayor Karen Bass, alongside billionaire Rick Caruso and L.A. Lakers head coach JJ Redick on Thursday announced plans to bring back the Palisades Recreation Center. The public-private partnership pairs the city of L.A. with nonprofits LA Strong Sports and Steadfast LA — as well as other Palisades-based investors — to rebuild what the mayor's office called that 'hub of community and recreational activity' in west L.A. 'The City's number one pledge has been to eliminate any and every obstacle in the way of rebuilding, and we are forging new partnerships with all sectors as we continue to move Los Angeles forward,' said Mayor Bass. 'The Palisades Recreation Center, library and playground are each a vital piece of this community, which is why the City pushed for the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize debris removal at these landmarks. We will continue this progress, and I thank everyone — LA Strong Sports, Steadfast LA and key Palisades groups — for coming together for this new effort.' LA Strong Sports is a nonprofit started last month by Redick and his wife, Chelsea, as well as Charles and Jenna Jackson and Kylee Kilgore. Its goal is to help bring high-quality sports facilities and programs to L.A. after the fires disrupted participation for youths. 'We visited the Pali Rec Center the same day we decided to move to the Palisades. That visit showed us not only how important the park was as a physical space, but how the people and families who took advantage of it made up the beating heart of the community,' said JJ and Chelsea Redick. 'We're proud to formally announce a public-private partnership with the City and these local organizations to rebuild it so it can once again serve as a gathering place for sports and activities.' Meanwhile, real estate mogul and 2022 L.A. Mayoral election runner-up Rick Caruso started Steadfast LA in February to help provide private funding to rebuilding projects across the area. 'This public-private partnership to rebuild the Rec Center with the City and in collaboration with civic leaders, local groups, and industry experts demonstrates the vision of Steadfast LA in action,' said Rick Caruso, Chairman of Steadfast LA. 'By bringing the public sector, the private sector, and the community together to do this, we're not only restoring an integral part of the Palisades, but we're showing how we can effectively respond to this tragedy with the urgency that the moment demands. We intend to follow a similar approach on our projects in Altadena and Malibu as well.' The joint public appearance for Caruso and Bass comes as the two have experienced a friendly relationship in recent months despite facing off in a heated election nearly three years ago. Last month, Caruso came out against a recall effort to remove Bass from office in light of the fire that killed 12 people and destroyed more than 7,000 structures. 'We must rebuild our communities, get people back into their homes, and open businesses that have been closed or lost. That must be our total focus. There is a time and place for politics, but it is not now,' Caruso said on X. In the coming weeks, the nonprofits and the city will work on expanding initial design plans for the new recreation center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Palisades Fire rebuild continues with plans for rebuilt rec center
The Brief Officials announced plans to rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center. The new park will feature a gym, sports fields and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. The old rec center was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. LOS ANGELES - Officials in the Pacific Palisades announced plans to reconstruct the Palisades Recreation Center on Thursday, months after the center was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. What we know Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Rick Caruso, her opponent in the 2022 mayoral election, held the joint press conference Thursday morning, alongside Los Angeles Lakers' Head Coach JJ Redick. The new park will include a gym, sports fields and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. The previous Palisades Rec Center burned down during January's Palisades Fire. A partnership between the City of Los Angeles, Caruso's Steadfast LA and the LA Strong Sports Foundation will carry out the project. What they're saying "We need to reimagine and rebuild this park," said Redick. Mayor Bass called the construction "a step forward" for the Pacific Palisades on their road to recovery after the fire. SUGGESTED: Rebuilding underway in Palisades Fire zone Caruso said the park will be, "no doubt one of the greatest parks in the United States for families." Caruso has been critical of the mayor's handling of the Palisades Fire since day one. As the fire ripped through town, he called FOX 11 to share his thoughts during the broadcast. On Thursday, some residents thanked them for putting aside differences for the Rec Center project. While the mayor emphasized urgency on the rebuild, saying things are moving faster than expected. Dig deeper One concern residents and builders have expressed to FOX 11 is security checkpoints currently setup to access the Palisades. The checkpoints cause lines of traffic that can have construction crews and homeowners sometimes waiting for an hour to get to their home. FOX 11 asked Bass and Caruso how they feel about the security checkpoints. "That's something I want to come together with the neighbors to decide," said Bass. "It is something, people want to be here, they want to make sure [they are] secure, but on the other hand, it's really a barrier. I was talking to several of the leaders just yesterday about what do we do to phase this out, but [also] keep people secure at the same time." SUGGESTED: Eaton Fire survivors struggling with housing, essential supplies 3 months after wildfire "It's a ridiculous thing that you're waiting two hours and you're checking someone's driver's license. What are we doing here," said Caruso. "I called the founder of Clear. I said, 'Would you develop an app on Clear and donate it to the city that gets people on their phone clearance that they could just drive up, get cleared and go?" The two political rivals still disagree on some things, but are now teaming up for the new rec center. "Working together with private philanthropy, that's the way we can get things done quickly," said Bass. The Source Information in this story is from a press conference held on April 10, 2025, and interviews with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and businessman Rick Caruso.
CBS News
10-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Lakers coach JJ Redick unveils public-private partnership with Rick Caruso, Mayor Bass to rebuild Palisades recreation center
Pacific Palisades resident and Lakers head coach JJ Redick unveiled a public-private partnership with Rick Caruso and Mayor Karen Bass to rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center. In January, the Palisades Recreation Center was ravaged by the Palisades Fire and damaged. Redick, who moved back to Los Angeles last year and bought a home in the Pacific Palisades community, said the recreation center was a hub that everyone in the neighborhood enjoyed. Even though his family only got to enjoy it for a few months before it burned down, he said he was able to see its impact. At a news conference Thursday morning, Redick said about 10 days ago he launched the LA Strong Sports Foundation with a simple mission to support the development of sports programs and facilities across the city. Businessman Rick Caruso's organization Steadfast LA, the LA Strong Sports Foundation, Mayor Karen Bass and the city of LA are coming together for a public-private partnership. The partnership will fund the rebuilding and redesign of the recreation center. "We want to make sure that for the sake of our young people, we not only rebuild the rec center but that we rebuild it better," Bass said. Redick said when the fire first broke out, he reached out to Bass and Caruso, who have been very supportive in the rebuilding and recovery process in the Palisades. "The beauty of this public-private partnership is that this community will have a say in the ongoing operation and the design of this park," Caruso said. "It is going to be their community park."
