The Grocery Outlet on Lake Avenue in Altadena reopened Wednesday for the first time since the Eaton Fire tore through the community.
Sandra Valenzuela and her husband, Jose, bought the store a few years ago and have been working night and day since the fire to get things ready to go.
“Today is such a special day for us, not just because we're reopening the store, but really the message to our community that we're here, that we're alive, and we're moving forward,” Jose told KNX News’ Jon Baird.
“We are happy to see our community come and join us today,” Sandra added. “It's a big milestone for our community after the fire tore through here.”
While the store survived the fire, Baird reported there had been heavy smoke inside the store and 30 tons of product was damaged by the smoke.
The couple opened the store’s parking lot to disaster response groups like the Red Cross and the L.A. County Department of Public Health. They also hosted a big event with the local Rotary Club where they provided food and supplies to thousands of people who live in the fire zone.
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The store will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
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