Following El Charro Closure, Lafayette Businesses Offered Help

LAMORINDA, CA — In Lafayette, more financial help is on the way for businesses and nonprofit organizations struggling with the economic fallout from the pandemic.

The City of Lafayette's Business Assistance Program will begin again on Monday after the City Council voted recently to resume paying a consultant $10,000 a month to coordinate the program.

The program began at the start of the pandemic and has so far helped 82 local businesses and 10 local nonprofits each secure more than $1,500 in federal assistance.

The program was suspended in September after Congress failed to reach a deal on the Phase 4 COVID-19 relief package. With a new relief package now signed by President Donald Trump, the program can move ahead.

Now, as before, Townsend Public Affairs, with an office in Sacramento, will help coordinate the program, working to match grant requests with local, state and federal funding sources.

"One of our missions is to try to make the most of cities' dollars," said Casey Elliott of Townsend.

"It's a great return on investment."

Lafayette isn't the only East Bay city looking to help businesses with funding.

The Town of Danville has just started a similar business assistance program working with Townsend; the City of San Ramon. has also used Townsend's services.

On Wednesday, Elliott and Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell will host a webinar to provide detailed information about the new funding opportunities offered through the Lafayette Business Assistance Program.

Register online.

The webinar will also provide information about a similar state-operated program, the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.

This program awards micro grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Applications Applications are now being accepted for this program.

Additionally, Lafayette businesses may also register with the Business Assistance Program for one-on-one assistance by completing a business verification form, available on the city's website.

The program comes too late for El Charro Mexican Dining, a favorite Lamorinda lunch and dinner spot for more than 70 years, which closed permanently last week.

Restaurant owners Laura and Dave Shields announced the closure Tuesday in a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. The COVID-19-related county health orders restricting on-site dining, along with other factors, led to the decision to close.

Hundreds of commenters on the Facebook page wished a heartfelt farewell to El Charro.

"So sad to hear of your closing. I have been going for over 50 years," Vicki Nye wrote. "Just enjoyed take out on Christmas Eve. I am hoping you will reopen somewhere else. It has been a staple for us for four generations."

Relative newcomers connected with El Charro, as well.

"Our family felt connected to Lafayette through your restaurant when we moved here two years ago, it was our first meal out when we arrived," Rachel Force said. "We've been regulars ever since."

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