The I-210 Bridge two main column structures in the center median are complete and the “form” was moved early yesterday morning to the southern shoulder and is now installed around the third. The abutments are also well underway, and crews are getting ready to turn their attention to the super-structure.
In the coming weeks, installation of the falsework will begin. This activity will take a number of weeks to complete, and will require up to 20 late-night closures of all eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway. Some closures will occur on consecutive nights, and all will take place starting at Midnight with lanes reopening by 5 a.m.
This week, the Fire Department had a special visitor who turned out to be a true Christmas miracle. On Saturday, December 10, a 911 call for a baby not breathing was dispatched. Upon arrival, the crew found two-year Thierry Espinoza in full cardiac arrest. Fast action and advanced life support from Firefighter/Paramedic Harvey Hewitt and Anthony Gallegos, along with Captain Brad Dover, Engineer Andrew McDaniel and Firefighter Randy Towns was initiated, including insertion of a special medical device into the shin bone for medicine administration, insertion of a tube for breathing, heart defibrillation and CPR.
Baby Thierry was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital in critical condition and was later transferred by ambulance to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where he underwent therapeutic hypothermic treatment (lowering the core body temperature) and advanced medical care. After 8 days in the Intensive Care Unit and another two weeks in a cardiac monitoring unit, Baby Thierry was released from the hospital.
On Wednesday, Baby Thierry, his older brother William and Mom Karin along with his buddy, Diego and Diego's Mom, paid a visit to the fire station to say thank you. All of the on-duty crew were extremely happy to visit with Thierry and spent time visiting, playing, and showing the boys around the station. They also spent time talking with Mrs. Espinoza and sharing in the joy of his survival. This was a unique and special visit, as the crews knew that Thierry's condition was critical and didn't know the outcome of his treatment and care. Certainly this was an incredible story with a very happy ending and a true Christmas miracle.
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Monrovia Firefighters on scene, the care of nurse's and Doctor's as well as Thierry's strength to survive, the Espinoza family had a special Christmas this year.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 2-4. – Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, December 27 through January 3, 2011, the Police Department handled 508 service events, resulting in 100 investigations. Following are the highlighted issues and events for the weekdays listed above.
On January 2 at 7:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Olive regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle is a white, 2002 Toyota Camry. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 5'10", medium build, wearing dark clothing. The vehicle’s engine was left running while the victim made a delivery. The vehicle was last seen southbound Magnolia from Olive. Investigation continuing.
On January 3 at 3:57 p.m., a business in the 1400 block of South Mountain called to report one of their service vehicles was taken between December 31 and January 1. The vehicle is a white, 2006 Toyota Corolla. It was last seen parked on their lot. When they returned to work after the New Year holiday they discovered it was missing. They did not report the vehicle stolen right away because they thought one of the service technicians may have left it at a different location. When the vehicle did not turn up, they called police. Investigation continuing.
On January 3 at 7:03 p.m., police responded to the report of domestic violence at a residence in the 100 block of East Pomona. A husband and wife were arguing, when the wife held up a barbecue fork in a threatening manner. The husband taunted his wife to stab him and she did. She stabbed him in his left forearm. She fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers. The officer later spoke to her on the telephone and she agreed to come to the station, where she was arrested without further incident.
On January 4 at 6:21 p.m., police received a call reporting a hydroponic marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 700 block of West Walnut. The property owner was told by a neighbor that the upstairs unit had a water leak. The owner responded, but no one was home. He went inside and found all of the rooms full of marijuana plants. The water leak was caused by the irrigation system for the plants. When officers arrived, they found the wiring for the system was creating an electrical hazard. An employee from the Edison Company was summoned, who rendered the location safe. Approximately 250 plants were seized, along with expensive hydroponic equipment. Investigation continuing.
Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center reports on its Facebook page that THE Magazine (a Pasadena-area publication) has named it one of 50 inspiring charities. Here's the online magazine: http://goo.gl/eTXgg
- Brad HaugaardMonrovia PetSmart, on Huntington near the 210 Freeway underpass, opens Jan. 16. http://goo.gl/usCtC
