SAN FERNANDO : Chamber Relocates So Repairs Can Begin

The San Fernando Chamber of Commerce has moved out of the South Brand Boulevard building owned by the city so that earthquake repairs can be made.

Bruce Cohen, chief executive officer of the chamber, said the office moved last week so the city could replace five walls for about $50,000.

“This was an old fire station,” Cohen said. “Most of the fire station held up very well.”

But he said the building suffered a lot of cosmetic damage from the Jan. 17 Northridge earthquake. The building is being repaired now, after other more seriously damaged city-owned buildings have been repaired.

“They were ready to go almost a month ago,” Cohen said. But chamber officials asked the city to delay the repairs until now so the chamber could hold major events such as the San Fernando Fiesta.

The chamber has had to compromise for the move from 519 S. Brand Blvd. to the temporary office at 444 South Brand, Suite 201, because the temporary office has much less space than the other location.

The repairs are expected to take four to six weeks. The phone number for the chamber remains the same, (818) 361-1184 or fax at (818) 898-1986.

Business is expected to continue as usual, Cohen said.