CLEARLAKE — Lake County Youth Center (LCYC) was struck by theft last week. Theft of the center”s swamp cooler subsequently resulted in damage and loss caused by fire.
LCYC Supervisor Nick Logoteta said sometime between Thursday night and early Friday morning the swamp cooler unit was ripped from the side of the building and stolen. He said when the unit was removed wires were exposed, which later resulted in fire.
“When they pulled the swamp cooler out it basically ripped the wires apart and it shorted down to the outlet and started a fire,” he said, adding that the center”s new monitor heater, which was located under the unit, was destroyed.
Logoteta said that the incident is hampering available activities at the center. “Now we are incapable of running at full operation for our youth,” he said. “The video games and the TV are not available now, which are the main entertainment choices for our kids on hot days.”
Logoteta said repairs are expected to cost at least $2,000. He said in light of recent funding cuts, this added expense could not have come at a worse time. “The youth center suffered major cuts this year, just like many other state and federally-funded programs,” he said. “Operating with little or no money is going to make getting these repairs done very difficult. We only have a month of summer left and these kids need this program.”
The center is turning to the community for assistance in remedying the situation, which includes electrical and structural repairs and equipment replacement. Donations to help with the repairs/replacements may be sent to Lake County Community Action Agency, PO Box 969, Clearlake, CA 95422; memo line should note “for repairs of the youth center” or call Logoteta at 994-7281 to find out what you can do to help.
Those with information concerning the theft should call the Clearlake Police Department at 994-8251.
Contact reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
