In Altadena, Webster’s Pharmacy Owners Facing Eviction

[UPDATED]   Despite a county rent moratorium, owners of an iconic business are facing eviction.

The owners of Webster’s Community Pharmacy on Lake Avenue in Altadena told reporters on Tuesday they have received a notice to vacate the premises for failure to pay rent.

According to a news report aired on Tuesday, owner Meredith Miller has complied with the regulations of the county rent moratorium by providing the landlord with evidence of her financial hardship seven days before the rent was due.

But the landlord allegedly told her she had to pay the rent and to get a small business loan.

“I have paid half the rent on my pharmacy property,” Miller told TV reporters on FOX Tuesday night. “I have been making weekly payments to try to stay as up to date as I can.”

On Monday, Miller and her husband Michael received a three-day notice to pay $5,000 or vacate the premises.

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.”

Officials with the company also requested that tenants send proof of application for a small business loan if they cannot pay their rent, as a condition of asking for rent deferment.

Under the moratorium, businesses are not required to apply for a loan to receive rental relief.

Pasadena Now reached out to Calitex on Wednesday 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.

Under the county moratorium evictions have been halted for   business owners facing economic hardships caused by the Coronavirus outbreak. Tenants will have a year to settle back rent after the emergency ends.

Officials with the county plan to step in and help resolve the situation.

Pasadena Now has reached out to Meredith Miller for comment.

Webster’s Pharmacy has operated in Altadena since 1926 when Frank Webster opened it. At the time, it was a pharmacy with a soda fountain, cosmetics, liquor, and photo supplies.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, son William Webster expanded the stores and services up and down the block, and connected the stores by removing walls, according to the now defunct AltadenaBlog.