'It's just trying times:' Copper theft leaves Pasadena bakery without AC during SoCal extreme heat

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Pasadena bakery is struggling through the Southern California heat after thieves stole copper wire from its rooftop air conditioning unit, leaving the business without AC during some of the hottest days of the year.

Sweet Red Peach Bakery co-owner Danny Griffin said the theft came as a shock.

"It's just trying times, it just makes you think, 'What's next?" Griffin said.

Griffin continued serving customers last week even as temperatures inside the bakery reached 92 degrees.

"It was the last thing in our mind to think that somebody would go on our roof and hit our specific AC unit and damage it to the point where it's inoperable," Griffin said.

According to Pasadena police, thieves stole about $4,000 worth of copper wire from the bakery's rooftop AC unit on Wednesday. The theft left behind an estimated $15,000 in damage.

Griffin said the impact extends beyond the business itself.

"The staff suffers, the business owners suffer, the community suffers," he said.

The bakery had been open for a little more than a year after its opening was delayed by the Eaton Fire. Co-owner Kenyatta Glover said the latest setback has been emotionally difficult.

"This just took us for a loop like mentally, and I mean, I've been crying the last two days. You have to smile to keep from crying, but it's a lot, because we're human. One can only take so much," Glover said.

The timing has proven especially challenging as Southern California experienced extreme heat. Cakes melted inside the bakery, and the heat even affected freezers and other appliances.

Despite the conditions, customers continue to support the business.

"I normally get the chocolate chip pecan cookies. They're the best," said Ken Hitts, a regular customer.

Hitts said he is also making an effort to support the owners.

"I've been trying to support Danny and particularly African-American businesses, because they struggle probably more so than other businesses," he said.

A few doors away, a Trek Bicycle store has also experienced repeated crime. The store manager said burglars have targeted the business three times in the past seven months, costing nearly $100,000.

For Griffin, however, the challenges are especially difficult for a newer small business trying to stay open.

"We're going through it, and it's tough and we're barely open," he said. "Lord Jesus Christ is my savior, and I think God's going to take care of it ... you can't have a testimony without a test."