The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a $50,000 reward Wednesday, Feb. 22, for information that helps authorities find 14-year-old Elias Rodriguez.
A local San Fernando business, Taco’s Way, is also contributing $1,000 for information leading to finding the teen.
Flyers are up throughout the Northeast Valley community with the boy’s photo and description. Residents have been very concerned about his whereabouts and some parents have been nervous about sending their children to school.
Taco’s Way owner Gabriel Barajas said he grew up with the teen’s uncle and as soon as he heard the news he began posting the flyer to let people know that his restaurant is offering a reward.
Barajas said that anyone who wants to add to his contribution can drop it off at the restaurant and it will be routed toward the reward fund.
“I’ll give them a receipt and make sure that it is properly handled,” Barajas said. “It’s so unfortunate, these things just shouldn’t happen. We are a small town and a tight community and we need to help each other.
“As soon as I heard it was my friend Oscar’s nephew, of course I wanted to help. I encourage everyone to donate. When there is a reward, it does act as an incentive for people to get out there and help.”
Rodriguez disappeared during the fierce rainstorm last Friday. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, black sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt.