818 Roundup: Arrests made in connection with 15 burglaries, Schiff's software app challenge, LCF tree removal

Feb. 21, 2014 12 AM PT

Good morning and happy Friday, 818 readers! Temperatures for today -- Feb. 21, 2014 -- are expected to reach a high of 81 degrees and a low of 51.

Here’s our roundup of the top headlines in the area:

A man and woman who investigators say were tied to a string of 15 burglaries in Burbank in the last three weeks were arrested this week. Nicholas Caves, 25, and Tabitha Gallagher, 24, both transients, were arrested after investigators recovered evidence allegedly connecting them to the rash of residential and garage burglaries in which power tools, computers and sound equipment were stolen, according to Burbank police.
The removal of a Sycamore tree in the backyard of an unoccupied La Cañada home has led the city’s code enforcement division to review its policy on tree removal and ordinance on protected trees.
Could the creator of the next WhatsApp be from the 818 region? That may be what Rep. Adam Schiff’s (D-Burbank) has in mind as he launches a first-ever congressional challenge for students to create software applications that demonstrate students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
Police on Thursday arrested a 54-year-old man who was allegedly growing hallucinogenic mushrooms inside a north Glendale apartment that they described as riddled with cockroaches and rotting food.
Three companies controlled by billionaire developer Rick Caruso are looking to recover at least $2.1 million from a maintenance company for allegedly failing to pay its legal fees stemming from a water-damage claim filed by a restaurant formerly located in the Americana at Brand.

Follow on Twitter: @SameeaKamal.

818 Roundup: Arrests made in connection with 15 burglaries, Schiff’s software app challenge, LCF tree removal