Car wash fundraiser is just one of the ways that people from Altadena, Pasadena -- and even Texas -- are helping the Lopez family. But there's always the complaining neighbor.
Pictured: It was a busy day at Carl's Jr. in Pasadena at the carwash fundraiser for Katherine Lopez.
There was steady business at today's carwash fundraiser for the family of Katherine Arlene Lopez, the three-year-old from Altadena who died in a tragic Wednesday morning accident . Although the girl's funeral will be paid for by the personal foundation of Supervisor Michael Antonovich, there are still many expenses for the struggling family in the wake of her death, and the fundraising is still going on.
Raising funds for the little girl's family has become the personal cause of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.
'This is the community coming together," said Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean, who was attending the car wash, which will be held today and tomorrow at Carl's Jr., 790 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena. McLean said that the donations have been coming in steadily at the Altadena Sheriff's station, which along with Wells Fargo Bank is accepting money for the family. "Altadena, Pasadena, the response has been great."
McLean reported to the office at 6 AM this morning, and found a bunch of messages, including one from a man in Texas who was moved by the family's plight and wanted to donate money.
Katherine had run out of her family's home unexpectedly Wednesday morning and into the narrow driveway just as her mother was backing out the car. The struggling family could not afford a funeral, and her mother doesn't have much margin to take time off of work.
Although Antonovich's foundation will pay for the funeral, the family still faces expenses for a headstone, wake, and the need to give Katherine's mother Yesenia Lopez some space to grieve without worrying about how she's going to pay the bills.
"My sister's still trying to do the best she can -- it's still a nighmare," said Katherine's aunt, Yaneth Lopez, who was attending the carwash. I'm very grateful for everything that's being done for us, especially Capt. McLean, he's very, very good."
Around noon, as the workers were taking turns enjoying lunch -- purchased by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who was there to lend his support -- a Pasadena police car drove up. Office J. Riehl of the Pasadena Police Dept. told Capt. McLean that an "anonymous neighbor" had complained about the activity and he was there to see if there was a permit.
"I'm here to shut you down," he said.
PIctured: Pasadena PD Officer Riehl talks to Capt. McLean about a permit for the carwash.
The officer met with the restaurant manager, a permit was produced, and he went on his way.
The car wash will go until about 4 PM this afternoon, and will be open again tomorrow starting at about 9 AM, according to Yaneth Lopez. In the meantime, donations are also accepted at Wells Fargo Bank ("Katherine Lopez Donation" Acct #73-21253424), the Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr., and Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.
Edited 7/3: Cleaned up and clarified some language.
