Major Bank’s Palisades Branch Reopens After Wildfire Closure

Some Local businesses, including a hardware store and supermarket, also resume operations as the community recovers

A major bank branch in Pacific Palisades will fully reopen on March 5 after being closed since January 8 due to the L.A. wildfires, making it the first major financial institution in the area to resume full operation.

Wells Fargo, with a branch located on Sunset Boulevard, will reopen with in-house experts available to assist customers with Federal Emergency Management Agency applications, destroyed document recovery, insurance claims, and other financial services for those recovering from the Palisades Fire.

As part of its wildfire recovery efforts, the bank is waiving surcharge fees for non-customers at 15 ATMs in the affected area. Additionally, it has pledged $500,000 to the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds and partnered with Together for LA to provide resources and support for impacted small businesses. 

Employees also volunteered at the LA Food Bank and Los Angeles Coliseum to assemble care packages for families affected by the disaster, according to the bank.

Wells Fargo’s branch reopening is part of a larger wave of businesses returning to the Palisades community following the wildfire devastation. 

Anawalt Lumber, a longtime family-owned hardware store, recently reopened its local branch after undergoing weeks of repairs and restocking. The store, which has been a trusted supplier of construction and home improvement materials since 1923, is playing a vital role in the rebuilding process by providing essential supplies and expert guidance to residents and contractors.

“The community has always relied on us, and we are honored to be here to help them rebuild,” a store representative said. “We’ve seen so many residents come in ready to start repairing their homes, and we are doing everything we can to support them.”

Vons supermarket has also resumed operations at its Sunset Boulevard location. The store, still operating on a generator while power is being restored, is currently offering a limited selection of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads, and refrigerated snacks. A company spokesperson emphasized the store’s commitment to resuming full service as soon as possible.

“This area was deeply impacted by the horrific wildfire, and we are extremely grateful for the dedication of our community members and people across the country who are contributing to the ongoing relief efforts and rebuilding process,” the spokesperson said.

in News, Upbeat
Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

New Playground, Library Services, Tennis Courts and More Coming to Palisades Rec Center 

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Significant improvements are in progress at the Pacific Palisades Recreation Center, with multiple projects advancing Significant improvements are in progress...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

Committee Granted Authority to Oversee Grants and Donations for Palisades Council

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Grants Committee is tasked with developing application processes and eligibility standards for PPCC grants and donations The Pacific Palisades...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month; 37 Connected to Services

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually Santa Monica’s...

Multi-Family Venice Property on Rare Double Lot Lists at Over $5M

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

In total, the four units provide 5,398 square feet of living space A multi-family property located one block from Venice...

Vacant Alphabet Streets Lot Lists for $1.99M After Price Cuts

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The site previously held a 6,001-square-foot residence built in 2018, which included a basement, possibly streamlining the permitting process for...