Just Trying to Make a Clean Getaway

Noting my interest in stupid criminal tricks, Dr. James Montagano of L.A. mentioned an ex-con patient of his who said he had been featured in a book about such celebrated cases.

Of course, the fellow, a bank robber, really owed his fame -- such as it was -- to his inexperienced getaway driver.

The latter, seeing no reason to waste time while parked outside during the robbery, decided to patronize a carwash across the street. He was still in there when his unfortunate partner emerged from the bank.

No way to be typecast: Burbank actor Will Rogers subscribes to a service that notifies him of available roles. But he was a bit baffled when he was singled out for one part (see accompanying). Of course, it is colorful, in a way.

Ooh L.A. L.A.: Perusing one ad, Wallace Danielson of San Diego wrote: “We’re not sure whether the thongs are to be worn while dipping ice or later when the party gets going really good.”

Maybe the real estate boom is over: After seeing the paltry amount discussed in a flier he received, Rich Roberts commented: “They must think I live in my car.”

A torrent of names: It may not be a prerequisite, but it’s interesting how many TV weathercasters have names that fit the job, including Dallas Raines and Johnny Mountain at KABC, and, in San Diego, Matt Baylow at KFMB.

Elsewhere in the nation, you can encounter a:

* Larry Sprinkle (WCNC, Charlotte, N.C.)

* Amy Brooke (KPNX, Phoenix)

* Brooke Dusk (WEAU, Eau Claire, Wis.)

* Bob Sheets (WFTV, Orlando, Fla.)

* Bryan Hale (KGBT, Harlingen, Texas)

* Dave Marsh (WESH, Orlando, Fla.)

* Steve Pool (KOMO, Seattle)

I’d also include another San Diego weathercaster at KFMB who makes me think of warm ocean breezes. Her name: Aloha Taylor. You knew I didn’t mean Larry Sprinkle.

Before we say aloha to 2003: The Seal Beach Sun listed some of its favorite offbeat police log items of the last year:

Tuesday, March 11, 7:07 p.m.: “A citizen called to complain that a neighbor was watering down the area and that the hose was too loud.”

Friday, June 6, 6:37 p.m.: “A citizen was concerned due to unknown subjects, possibly juveniles, leaving lemons on her front lawn. The caller believes it could turn into something worse.”

Sunday, July 27, 2:29 p.m.: “A caller reported something burning in an apartment. Orange County Fire Authority officials arrived and found a smoldering bong in a cabinet.”

miscelLAny: Inland Valley Bulletin columnist David Allen points out that Diamond Bar is the home of the Pendergast Parole Museum, billed as the only attraction of its kind in the nation. Its collection includes photos, files of famous cons, a parole agent’s desk (made at San Quentin) and a copy of “A Dictionary of Criminal Slang.” Allen mused: “If you make a return visit to the Parole Museum, does that make you a recidivist?”

Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATimes, Ext. 77083, by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012, and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.