Despite Fires, San Diego 'Open for Business'

U.S. businesses have contributed $20 million to California wildfire relief and recovery efforts

By Dennis Schaal

As some of the California wildfires are coming under control, federal, state and local officials said Friday that the situation on the ground is transitioning from a focus on providing shelter to recovery efforts.

“The message from San Diego to the rest of the country is that San Diego is open for business,” Ruben Barrales, the CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said during a conference call set up by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center.

Barrales said fires still are burning in eastern sections of San Diego County, but the urban areas are getting back to normal.

The Chamber, meanwhile, indicated that U.S. businesses have contributed some $20 million in cash and in-kind donations to assist relief and recovery efforts.

“Assistance pledges include $5 million from Sempra Energy; $1.5 million from Qualcomm; $1 million each from Bank of America, GE Foundation, Target and Wal-Mart; $750,000 from Safeway and Safeway Foundation; free calling services and products from Verizon; and other notable contributions from such companies as Anheuser-Busch, Chevron, CVS/pharmacy, Microsoft and Toys “R” Us,” the Chamber stated.

Numerous other companies said they have assisted relief efforts, including General Motors and the GM Foundation; Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water; Comerica Bank; and Aloca Foundation.

In addition to the civilian toll, many businesses have been destroyed during the fires.

Barrales of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce said local officials are considering establishing a fund for business recovery similar to such efforts established in New York City after 9/11.