Los Angeles, Ca
Thieves in Southern California stealing 1920s-era bronze streetlight poles
Authorities in Pasadena are searching for a suspect or suspects who have stolen more than a dozen vintage 1920s-era bronze streetlight poles, officials announced Tuesday.
The thefts, according to a news release from city officials, occurred between March 29 and April 1 around the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. on South Orange Grove Boulevard between Green and State streets.
“In the last four days alone, we’ve had 11 of them stolen,” Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Dederian told KTLA.
The historic bronze streetlight poles are more than 100 years old and authorities said that replica-style replacements can cost upwards of $1,600.
In photos, a rusty, heavy-duty chain can be seen tethered to one of the poles, evidence left behind after the suspects were unable to shake the pole loose.
Authorities believe the suspects are using a vehicle to ram the streetlights before using the chain and the vehicle to forcibly pull the poles from their foundations.
“They’re backing in vehicles, tying a chain around them and yanking them out of the ground,” Dederian said.
Neighbor Doug Devos told KTLA’s John Fenoglio that he recently watched as one man in a flatbed pickup truck pulling a trailer attempted to steal one of the poles just after midnight.
“An individual got out of the truck and was casing one of these things, walking up, checking it out, going back and getting stuff,” he said. “From where I was across the street it was dark, but he was getting something to wrap around it.”
Devos reported what he saw to police, but by the time officers arrived, the man had already left the area.
The crooks, according to authorities, are likely trying to salvage the bronze that the poles are partially made from.
“They probably get $400-$500 for it, so that is really who we want to target, the middleman,” Dederian said.
Asked what kind of charges a person could face for this type of nonviolent property crime, Dederian said it’s likely vandalism and that the thefts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent the laws in the city allow.
Even more frustrating for residents is that the streets are now much darker at night, making people feel unsafe.
“It’s an embarrassment, a shame,” Pasadena resident Allen Nolet said. “You have to think people are hurting way more than is obvious to do something like that, or they just have no regard beyond their own selfishness.”
Anyone with any information about these incidents, who may have witnessed any suspects stealing the city’s property or who may have home surveillance footage of the thefts is urged to contact the Pasadena Police Department.
Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.
“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.
“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.
Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.
The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.
A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.
Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.
A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.
The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.
Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.
While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.
The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.
Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.
Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.
Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.
An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]
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