County Reaches Out to Landlord on Behalf of Webster’s Pharmacy

[Updated] The L.A. County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs reached out to a property management company threatening to evict Altadena business owners despite the county moratorium.

Meredith and Michael Miller of Webster’s Community Pharmacy have received two eviction notices for failure to pay rent even though they have showed they are enduring a hardship due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

“They explained to our landlord the terms of the county’s eviction moratorium and 12 months repayment period, and so we hope the three day notices to pay or quit will now stop,” said Meredith Miller. “The DCBA has also offered to act as a neutral third party should we need help getting an agreeable repayment plan with our landlord. We are trying to focus on serving our customers and getting through this like everyone else, and so we really appreciate the community and the county support.”

The LA County Board of Supervisors has passed a rent moratorium that gives renters facing hardship caused by the Coronavirus outbreak 12 months to catch up on their rent after the Safer at Home orders ends.

Despite the moratorium, the Millers received second notice less than a week after Calitex LLC first demanded they vacate the premisies.

The property management company demanded that property owners apply for a small business loan before asking for relief on the rent. The moratorium does not require them to apply for a loan.

The Miller’s attorney responded to the first notice and explained the hardship she and her husband Michael are facing, but that did not resolve the situation.

“They sent us a second, three day or quit notice on Saturday, which to me was just another bullying technique,” Miller said. “So in the meantime, the LA County Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Affairs have been in touch with, or will be getting in touch with these landlords to try to explain to them why what they’re doing is illegal and that they need to back off.”

The notice is demanding a $5,000 payment.

Meredith and her husband Michael have paid half the rent on the Lake Avenue property where the pharmacy has been for nearly 100 years and continue to make smaller payments.

The Millers have owned the pharmacy for 10 years.

On March 31, Calitex LLC sent a letter to all of its tenants.

“We hope that you and your staff are staying safe during the COVID-19 situation. Please note that the April 1,

2020 rent is due in accordance with your lease and expected to be paid on time.”

Pasadena Now has reached out to Calitex and has not received a return call.

“Please understand that the Landlord is not the Government and is not able to help any of our tenants but the Federal Government has made resources available through SBA and other agencies to help all small businesses hurt by the pandemic,” the letter reads. “Please promptly apply for any government loan programs available to you or check with your insurance provider if you have business interruption insurance for help paying your rent in accordance with the lease.