This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
San Gabriel Mission cleans up after Jesus statue smashed in windstorm
Workers remove a damaged statue of Jesus from the San Gabriel Mission Cemetery crucifix memorial.
(
Corey Moore/KPCC
)
Listen
1:32
San Gabriel Mission cleans up after Jesus statue smashed in windstorm
San Gabriel Mission cleans up after Jesus statue smashed in windstorm
Crews at the historic San Gabriel Mission cemetery are cleaning up the mess left by last week’s windstorm. Workers Monday carried away a damaged statue of a crucified Jesus.
The powerful winds snapped a 70-foot eucalyptus tree that weighed thousands of pounds, causing it to smash into the large, historic crucifix memorial. The tree broke off both arms of the Jesus statue, leaving that metal sculpture hanging by the feet from the memorial.
Another statue of John the Beloved was also damaged. Staffers say they're amazed the sculpture of Mary is still standing.
It'll take all day for the crew members to clear away the heavy tree. They have to cut it up first.
After that, the nonprofit mission will have to figure out how much it will cost to get those statues repaired and back up — likely thousands of dollars.
Over the weekend, dozens of volunteers showed up to help clear away branches and other debris in the area.
Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly referred to the damaged John the Beloved statue as a statue of John the Baptist.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
