LA County announced on Wednesday that 23 new billboards will go up, encouraging residents to support small and local businesses affected by January’s wildfires
Credit: County of Los Angeles
In an ongoing effort to assist communities affected by the January wildfires, LA County has raised 23 billboards encouraging patrons to show their support for small, local businesses that were impacted.
The billboards are a mix of digital panels, printed panels, and physical bulletins. The signs are simple yet effective, reminding patrons that each purchase made at a local establishment helps businesses and families recover from losses suffered during the tragic wildfires.
Part of an ongoing effort to help affected communities rebuild, the billboards are located in high-traffic areas across the county. They will stay up through November and advertise the Shop Local LA website, where people can find a directory of local and small businesses impacted by the destructive blazes to support.
The billboards were raised by ‘Shop Local LA‘, a campaign led by LA County’s Department of Equal Opportunity. The DEO partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor, which sponsored the signs, to distribute them across the county. The signs are meant to inspire residents and visitors to shop local and remember the many Angelenos and businesses affected by the fires.
Back in April, LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger first introduced a motion directing the DEO to create the campaign. “The Eaton Fire took so much from our communities, including many of the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy,” said Barger. “While some were lost entirely, others are still here and they’re fighting to survive the impacts of lost customers and foot traffic,” she continued.
“Through this Shop Local campaign, we want to inspire Los Angeles County residents to support these businesses so they can keep their employees, rebuild, and thrive for years to come. By shopping in Altadena, we can turn recovery into lasting revitalization and continue to stand with fire survivors.”
The ‘Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local’ campaign, launched in July, focused on raising awareness and garnering support for businesses struggling after the detrimental effects of the fires. A press release stated that the goal of the campaign is “to support small and micro businesses reeling from the economic impacts, such as losses to property, revenue, and customers in fire impacted communities.”
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The billboards, the latest initiative in this campaign, were installed about six months after the terrifying wildfires scorched over 40,000 acres across Altadena, Malibu, and the Palisades.
Small businesses in areas impacted by fire can sign up to be included in the Recovery Local Business Directory, a list the organization will provide to patrons looking to shop local. Shop Local LA says that incentives and events related to the campaign are coming soon. Anyone ready to join the cause can find more information on their homepage.