By Stephen Witt, Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Margarita “Maggie” Cortez stood beside El Patron Mexican Restaurant, 2555 Lake Avenue in Altadena, wiping tears of gratitude from her eyes as she addressed her children, grandchildren, government officials and locals who had come to celebrate the re-opening of her eatery, a community mainstay for 16 years.
“I’m gonna stay here fighting for the restaurant, fighting for everyone that doesn’t wanna leave Altadena. Altadena is gonna be strong. I have a lot of faith in everyone here,” said Cortez. “And my heart is broken to see everyone here. This little one, my granddaughter, that is talking. My kids, everyone, every one of you guys are really appreciated. God bless you.”
The popular eatery’s re-opening celebration also kicked off the County’s continued efforts to bring back Altadena’s once-vibrant business community, decimated in the January 7, 2025 Eaton fire that killed 19 people and destroyed 9,418 structures, according to Cal Fire, making it the second-most destructive wildfire in California history.
That partnership over two years has provided entrepreneurial training, technical assistance and grant funding to local businesses, mainly in Altadena, and has helped 20 Altadena businesses reopen or relaunch over the past six months, including three childcare centers.
Through its Altadena Concierge Program, ICON CDC offers free one-on-one business consulting and personalized recovery planning, along with help navigating permitting, licensing and regulatory compliance, connecting businesses to loan and grant opportunities, and ongoing training to support business growth.
“I do think when we do have a reopening, when a business is in the face of economic challenges and community challenges, willing to open up and bring friends and family together, that we take that time and do it. That’s why ICON CDC is happy and proud to be partnering with El Patron to let everybody know that they’re here, they’re open for business,” said ICON CDC Executive Director Roberto Barragan.
DEO Assistant Director Leila Lee said the county’s wildfire relief fund has distributed more than $24 million to workers and businesses, including $17.7 million to more than 2,000 small businesses, and that a new financial clinic launched this week to help business owners like Cortez manage debt and access capital.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and portions of the San Gabriel Valley), whose Fifth District includes Altadena, was also on hand for the re-opening, noting that she has known Cortez and El Patron for years.
“This truly is a beloved business in Altadena. I know it’s been a struggle. We talk about resilience as it relates to the fire survivors. Resilience is not just for those who lost their homes. It’s for those who have businesses. It’s for those who have family members who lost everything,” said Barger.
Businesses seeking recovery assistance can reach the county’s Small Business Concierge Program, run in partnership with ICON CDC, at (747) 208-2283 or AltadenaBusiness@iconcdc.org.
