When was this published?

This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Seamus Bozeman at Los Angeles Times - California.

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93 degrees at work: Pasadena businesses swelter after copper wire thefts wreck AC units

Summary by The Los Angeles Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times - California · July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

These days, the temperature inside the kitchen at Sweet Red Peach bakery is at least 93 degrees.

Why this matters in The Los Angeles

The crippling heat inside Sweet Red Peach bakery is a stark reminder of the ripple effects of copper wire thefts on local businesses. With air conditioning units out of commission, entrepreneurs are forced to navigate not only the sweltering temperatures but also the potential loss of productivity and revenue. As Pasadena businesses struggle to stay cool, the economic impact of these thefts will likely be felt throughout the community. The city's small business owners, who are already operating on thin margins, may be forced to absorb the costs of repairing or replacing damaged AC units, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers or reduced hours of operation. As the summer months approach, it remains to be seen how Pasadena will address the root causes of these thefts and support its business community in maintaining a safe and comfortable working environment.

About this story

Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California. The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: business · Published: July 22, 2026 · Source: Los Angeles Times - California · Reading time: 1 min

Summary created by	The Los Angeles Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times - California
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 22, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 22, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

93 degrees at work: Pasadena businesses swelter after copper wire thefts wreck AC units

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93 degrees at work: Pasadena businesses swelter after copper wire thefts wreck AC units

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