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View Winners → City of Pasadena Removes Memorial for Anthony McClain
News Oct 21, 2020
Scores of people have visited the memorial since the shooting on Aug. 15. | Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
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By Terry Miller
With increased tension among neighbors, police and Black Lives Matter supporters, a makeshift memorial for Anthony McClain was removed Tuesday by Pasadena Public Works. McClain was shot and killed by Pasadena police on Aug. 15 after a routine traffic stop.
The controversial move is on the heels of increased activity in the area near La Pintoresca Park, including the latest on Monday when two people were seriously injured in a shooting where at least 30 rounds were fired at vehicles.
On Wednesday morning, Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian issued the following written statement regarding the memorial’s removal”
“The City of Pasadena has removed the Anthony McClain Memorial across from La Pintoresca Park in a safe and respective manner. There are community members who support the decision and several who do not. However, the memorial has been concerning for residents in the neighborhood and the police department. Since August 15th, La Pintoresca Park and the adjacent area has seen a significant increase in calls for service (471), calls involving a gun (9), assaults (8), shots fired (6), guns recovered (2), culminating with a Monday night (Oct. 19th) shooting involving two victims.
“Police will be assisting at the La Pintoresca Branch Library as the Pasadena Health Department distributes free flu vaccinations to Pasadena residents. Simultaneously, Pasadena Police Community Services will be working side-by-side with Pasadena Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS), distributing valuable information to community members regarding crime prevention and recreation.
“The police department will execute a detailed operations plan to provide extra service to the neighborhood over the next two weeks. The police department will also be taking a proactive approach espousing outreach, prevention, intervention, and enforcement at and near the park.”
This is an evolving story. Beacon Media will update as the situation warrants.
