Copper theft leaves Sweet Red Peach Bakery in Pasadena without AC during SoCal extreme heat - ABC7 Los Angeles

What the report says

KABC-TV reports that Sweet Red Peach Bakery in Pasadena, California, was left without working air conditioning during a Southern California extreme heat warning after copper wire was stolen from its rooftop AC unit. The station reported the theft occurred Wednesday and left the business struggling through some of the hottest days of the year.

According to Pasadena police cited by KABC, thieves took roughly $4,000 in copper wire and caused an estimated $15,000 in damage to the system. Co-owner Danny Griffin said the situation was unexpected and difficult, with indoor temperatures reaching 92 degrees while the bakery continued to serve customers. The heat reportedly caused cakes to melt and affected freezers and other appliances.

Co-owner Kenyatta Glover told KABC the setback has been emotionally draining. The bakery had been open a little more than a year after its launch was delayed by the Eaton Fire, making the latest disruption especially hard for a newer small business. Customers have continued visiting, including a regular who told the station he wanted to support the owners and African-American businesses.

KABC also noted that a nearby Trek Bicycle store has faced repeated crime, with a manager saying burglars targeted that shop three times in seven months at a cost of nearly $100,000. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Sweet Red Peach Bakery. The incident highlights how copper theft can create repair costs far beyond the value of the stolen material, especially when essential equipment is damaged during extreme weather.