Kudahi, Calif. (KABC) — Over the New Year’s holiday weekend in Cudahy, more than $25,000 worth of technology equipment was stolen from a nonprofit’s youth lab.
It takes place at the Cudahy Technology Center located in the Lugo Park Community Center in Cudahy. The nonprofit Southeast Community Development Corporation was looted.
“I was not only stunned, but angry,” said Emma Hernandez, the nonprofit’s executive director. “That’s where I am now. I’m going through whatever phase. I’m outraged that someone has chosen to do this to our community.”
The nonprofit’s mission is to help bridge the digital divide for young people in low-income communities in the region. It offers free science, technology, engineering and math courses. The community center was broken into, but only the lab’s items were stolen.
Hernandez said the theft happened sometime over the holiday weekend, adding that the security system was turned off when it happened. Most of the stolen devices were brand new devices purchased last summer. Hernandez thinks it’s not just a one-man job because the equipment is heavy.
“We want our kids to go to college and have the experiences that other kids in Silicon Valley or Orange County or elsewhere have,” Hernandez said. “They have great tech centers. Our communities need it .”
A police report has been filed. Due to this incident, the first day of classes has been postponed until further notice. The nonprofit is working to replace most of the items through insurance companies.
Cudahy Councilman Elizabeth Alcantar said the city is working with the nonprofit to help raise funds to get the project back up and running.
The non-profit organization also launched a Facebook fundraiser.
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