California, Michigan Credit Unions Restoring Branches Damaged by Rioters
California Coast Credit Union contributes funds to help repair local businesses.
Credit unions are restoring their branches following recent riots that erupted during the protests over the death of George Floyd.
The $3 billon California Coast Credit Union in San Diego donated $5,000 to a recovery fund to aid La Mesa businesses that suffered damages on May 30. The Cal Coast branch in the La Mesa Springs Shopping Center was among those local businesses that were heavily damaged.
Todd Lane, president/CEO of Cal Coast, said the damage is probably in the six-figure range. He said he expects the branch to reopen in about two weeks after repairs are completed.
The La Mesa Business Disaster Recovery Fund, established by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, has raised more than $140,000.
“We’ve had a branch in La Mesa for 30 years and have always been very engaged in the community, supporting local businesses, schools and families,” Lane said. “The recovery fund donation is a meaningful way to continue our support, and we encourage other area companies and individuals to contribute to the fund as well. Together we can show everyone that La Mesa is a resilient community and will come out of this stronger than ever.”
Michael Poulos, president/CEO of the $1 billion First Michigan First Credit Union in Latrup, said rioters broke windows and did other exterior damage to the branch in downtown Grand Rapids on May 30.
A lot of other downtown businesses also suffered damage, he noted.
“This morning, (May 31), I saw the real Grand Rapids extended community,” Poulos wrote in a LinkedIn post. “There must be hundreds, if not more, people walking around with brooms, shopvacs, and other cleaning supplies offering their help to clean up the damage. I am almost in tears watching the goodness of humanity working hard to make up for the few who have caused so much trouble. These are all volunteers, many of them don’t even live in Grand Rapids, but they gave of their time to come help. People offering food and water. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.”
At least eight people, including a minor, have been charged by police with rioting, malicious destruction of property and arson, according to local media reports.