SUNLAND : Funds Sought to Repair Restaurant

Sterling’s, a landmark restaurant in Sunland, has not yet fallen to a demolition crew, but its owners are still playing the same waiting game that began when the Northridge earthquake struck.

On July 1, the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety threatened to have the restaurant torn down unless it was repaired by the end of September. But Councilman Joel Wachs was able to get an indefinite extension granted, said Vicki Lee, Wachs’ deputy.

Now, Wachs’ office and the restaurant owners, Al Jesensky and Ben Caputo, are trying to find a way to pay for an estimated $350,000 in damage to the restaurant--either through the Small Business Administration or other loan programs, Lee said.

“It’s a very difficult situation that Sterling’s is in,” Lee said. “We’re looking into every alternative program that might be available.”

Sterling’s started a petition drive earlier this year to garner support, and its owners, as well as Wachs, have written to a wide variety of federal and state officials looking for help.

Sterling’s Restaurant first opened in 1938 and has been at its current location at 8737 Fenwick St. since 1965. It has been a popular meeting place for most groups in the Sunland and Tujunga area for years.

The restaurant also draws groups from Lake View Terrace, Sylmar, Burbank and elsewhere.

Most of Sunland was spared by the temblor, but the Jan. 17 quake buckled floors, cracked walls and separated the walk-in freezer and refrigerator from the walls at the restaurant, which was in default on an SBA loan. That has hampered its attempts to get emergency help.