Woodbury President Luis Maria R. Calingo PHD and Shana Warren Exec from Boys & Girls Club. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Woodbury University announced on Tuesday December 10 that they will be supporting The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley’s Amazon fundraising campaign by encouraging their faculty and students to participate.

During the holiday shopping season, faculty and students will be encouraged to log onto www.bgcburbank.org and click on the Amazon banner to access the Amazon website. With every purchase made 4-10% of the transaction will be donated back to the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley from Amazon. There are no special codes or hidden fees.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Faculty and students will be given stickers to place on their cell phones and computers as a reminder about the campaign. The donations will go to help expand and sustain academic success programs such as College Bound, where Club members receive guidance and resources to fulfill high school graduation and college eligibility requirements.

Although Woodbury is launching their support during the holiday season, Amazon will continue this fundraising initiative on an on-going basis. “We are grateful to both Amazon and Woodbury for their support to us. These are great partnerships that will help us grow and continue to serve youth in the community,” says Shanna Warren, Executive Director.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Woodbury to Help Boys & Girls Club in Fundraising appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The much anticipated PizzaRev has opened in Burbank.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Los Angeles-based custom-assembly artisanal pizza concept, has completed construction on its sixth location and is now open here in Burbank.

With the recent installation of PizzaRev’s custom-built 9,600 pound stone-bed “Fire-Deck” oven, guests will “Craft Their Own” artisanal-quality pizza and have it served piping hot to them in less than three minutes.

“We are incredibly excited to be opening our newest location this week in the ‘media capital of the world.’ We think PizzaRev will be a great addition to the innovative Burbank restaurant scene” said Irv Zuckerman, Co-CEO of PizzaRev.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The location sits conveniently nearby the AMC Movie Theaters in the Palm Plaza at 175 E. Palm Ave.  (at N. San Fernando Blvd).

Two “Grand Opening” promotions have been announced in celebration of the new Burbank location. First, PizzaRev – Burbank has launched a free-to-enter sweepstakes where 5 lucky guests will win “Free Pizza for a Year!” To enter, simply fill out an entry form at the Burbank location or visit www.pizzarev.com/freepizza/burbank . Five lucky guests will be chosen at random to win! Full sweepstakes rules available here; must enter by January 31, 2014. The second promotion is a “Facebook Fan Appreciation Night.” To participate, simply “Like” PizzaRev – Burbank’s Facebook page  and show your Facebook status via phone or print-out to a claim a FREE PIZZA on Sunday night, December 15th, 5pm to 10pm only at PizzaRev’s Burbank location!

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

PizzaRev is a Los Angeles-based fast casual Pizza chain that has re-invented the way America eats its favorite food by presenting a truly interactive dining experience where customers craft their own pizzas choosing from a wide variety of high-quality ingredients, in any amount, for one price. PizzaRev fires its pizzas in a stone-hearth oven which produces a delicious, crispy Roman-style thin pizza in just 3 minutes.

PizzaRev was founded in 2012 by longtime entertainment industry executives Irv Zuckerman and Rodney Eckerman, who bring Fortune 500 executive operating experience along with their Management team of highly experienced and long-tenured restaurant operators.

The post PizzaRev Opening in Burbank Attracts Large Crowd appeared first on myBurbank.com.

While Santa Claus, decorated trees, twinkling lights, colorfully wrapped presents, carols, and last minute shopping are all part of our modern day observance of Christmas, if you would like to experience what that very first Christmas might have been like now is your chance.

Village Church will be putting on their “Journey To Bethlehem” program this weekend.  It’s not your average Christmas program either.  The church’s courtyard has been transformed into Bethlehem as it may have been at the time Jesus was born.  From the Roman Centurions standing guard over the costumed vendors who are “selling” their wares, to the live animals in the living nativity scene, it immerses you into what Mary and Joseph may have encountered.

Over 60 church members are involved in the productions that has taken many months to put together.  From the sets to the costumes, volunteers have been hard at work getting everything ready for this weekend.   This is the 8^th time the church has put on “Journey To Bethlehem.”   The program is only presented every other year.

Your personal journey to Bethlehem begins just as it did for Mary and Joseph over 2,000 years ago, as your register for the “census” under the watchful eye of the Roman guards.  Next you visit the Money Changer, who will present you (free of charge) with your own coins to use in the marketplace.  You then enter the market place which is the church courtyard transformed back in time.

Using the coins you were given, you can purchase all kinds of interesting items, from delicate flowers made by a wood carver from Mulberry branches, to handmade knitted caps, to pita bread with honey.   There is something there for both young and old to enjoy.

As your journey continues, you visit the inn that was too full to accommodate Mary and Joseph.  Like them you proceed to the stable, which this year has been designed to be more in keeping with what Biblical scholars believe was in a cave.  There you will find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger, all portrayed by real people.

“We have several babies portraying Jesus,” said Mary Anderson-Harris, a spokes person for the church, “As well as rescue animals in the nativity scene.

The “Three Wise Men” are also there, and as you get to the end of your journey, you see where they have parked one of their camels.  The camel is not real, but it does offer a great place for a photo opportunity.

“Journey To Bethlehem will be open Dec. 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 14, from 5-8:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4-7:30 p.m. Admission is free.  Village Church is located at 3216 W. Victory Blvd., at California St.  Parking is across the street at Ralph Foy Park, or on surface streets.

Bethlehem has come to Burbank, as the courtyard of Village Church goes back to the time of Jesus’s birth.

The post Take A ‘Journey To Bethlehem’ This Weekend In Burbank appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Wednesday, December 11, at 9:47 p.m., Burbank Police responded to a reported armed robbery in the YMCA parking lot at 321 E. Magnolia Blvd. Two men, ages 20 and 21, had just left the gym at the YMCA and were standing next to their vehicle talking when they were approached by a male Black about 20-25 years old. The suspect brandished what looked like a small gun and told the two men to empty their pockets.

The alleged thief took two wallets and two cellphones and ran away, west on Third St. The men were not injured. The suspect was about 5’10″ – 5′ 11″ and wearing a gray hoodie sweatshirt. There two victims heard a vehicle leaving from the direction the suspect ran but did not see it, according to Sergeant Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department. People with additional information about this crime are urged to call the Burbank Police at 818-238-3210.

The post Armed Robber Holds Up Two Men In YMCA Parking Lot appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Wednesday, December 11, at 10:25 a.m., Burbank Police were dispatched to assist a Burbank Animal Control officer at a residence on the 3300 block of W. Chandler Ave., answering a call about several small dogs running loose in the alley nearby. The Animal Control officer collected all the dogs running loose and then contacted the dogs’ owner, Joyce Cruz, age 51, in the backyard of the residence.

Animal Control gave Ms. Cruz a citation for unleashed dogs and past-due dog registrations, which she refused to sign. During that time, Burbank Police ran a standard procedure records check on Ms. Cruz and discovered she had three outstanding Burbank warrants. The warrants were all for misdemeanors and included a $15,000 warrant for disturbing the peace and two $1000 warrants for Burbank Municipal Code violations for failing to register dogs.

Ms. Cruz was arrested and booked at the Burbank Jail for the outstanding warrants. She was cited and released and is due in court in January. Animal Control has visited the residence several times in the past for loose dog complaints.

The post Failure To Register Dogs, Outstanding Warrants Earns Local Woman Trip To Burbank Jail appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Thursday, December 12, a residential burglary was reported on the 600 block of N. Rose St. The incident occurred sometime between 1:30 a.m. the morning of December 12 and 3:15 p.m. that afternoon. When the victim returned to the residence at 3:15 p.m., he noticed the rear French doors of the house had been pried open and both bedrooms were ransacked.

The items stolen were two watches and a laptop, from an office in the adjacent garage, according to Sergeant Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department. There are no suspects at this time.

The post Residential Burglary On N. Rose St. Reported appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Three local students attended the Annual Education Conference held December 4-6 in San Diego by the California School Boards Association (CSBA.) The conference works to improve understanding of policies and practices affecting education in California and increase communication amongst school districts’ administrative staffs and school boards.

The 2013 AEC was attended by Student Board Members Alex Khalil from Burbank High, Joseph Jurado of Burroughs High and Linda Reyes Echeverria from Monterey High. Kelly Saunders, Burbank High history teacher, chaperoned the three students. Board of Education members Dave Kemp, Dr. Roberta Reynolds, Charlene Tabet, Ted Bunch and Larry Applebaum also attended the conference along with BUSD Superintendent Dr. Jan Britz and Kimberley Clark, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Public Information Officer for the school district.

Alex Khalil (ASB President and Student Board Member for Burbank High School), Joseph Jurado (ASB President and Student Board Member for John Burroughs High School), Kelly Saunders (history teacher at Burbank High School and chaperone), Linda Reyes Echeverria (ASB President and Student Board Member for Monterey High School) visited the CSBA’s Annual Education Conference in San Diego. (Photo Courtesy of Burbank Unified School District.)

“The CSBA conference was a very wonderful experience. Being in the room with fellow student board members who share similar interests and are all leaders was what I enjoyed the most,” commented Ms. Reyes Echeverria. “The atmosphere was so professional and friendly, which made it all that more enjoyable. The keynote speakers looked at subjects differently and believed that just because one method doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean another method won’t.”

“The breakout sessions were full of information that has made me all the wiser and more aware of how to do different tasks in many ways, not just the way we have been taught is correct,” continued Ms. Reyes Echeverria. “Our group was great – we all had a splendid time and got to know each other better. Everything about the conference was phenomenal. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a conference where I was this sad to leave, and since then, wish I could go back. It was simply amazing.”

Student Board Members from BUSD have attended the conference for the past three years, in addition to playing important roles throughout the year in the district. They attend the bi-monthly School Board meetings and address the Board of Education, senior staff, audience at City Hall and on the Burbank Channel. Student Board Members report on their respective high schools’ activities and events and may cast preferential votes on matters not subject to closed session discussion. Preferential votes are cast prior to the official Board vote and are recorded in the Board minutes, although their votes do not affect the final outcome of a vote. Student Board Members may also make motions during meetings, which may be acted upon by Board members, except on matters dealing with employer-employee relations.

Student Board Members also serve as their school’s Associate Student Body (ASB) Presidents. The CSBA conference expands the perspectives of these student attendees, adds to their knowledge and enhances their roles on the BUSD governance team.

The post BUSD Student Board Members Attend Education Conference appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Friday morning, December 13, Joaquin Miller Elementary’s former Principal Gail Copeland was honored at the monthly Flag Assembly with the renaming of quad and amphitheater area as “Copeland Courtyard.” Family members, BUSD administrators and Board Members and former colleagues of Mrs. Copeland joined all the children, teachers and staff of Miller Elementary for the program. Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy presented the school with a certificate from the City of Burbank, in recognition of the dedication of Copeland Courtyard.

Doug Copeland, Principal Judy Hession, Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy and Chris Copeland smile at the Copeland Courtyard dedication ceremony, surrounded by Miller Elementary schoolchildren. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mrs. Copeland was Principal of Miller Elementary for 19 years, retiring in 2003. She spent over 42 years working in the Burbank Unified School District as an educator, including a total of 28 years at Miller, first as a teacher and then as a principal. Mrs. Copeland passed away on January 12, 2013, after a battle with cancer.

“Mrs. Copeland helped design this quad/amphitheater and it was her idea to have a monthly flag assembly to bring the entire school together to recognize students,” commented current Miller Elementary Principal Judy Hession. “The flag assembly was the perfect way to honor Mrs. Copeland for all of the things she did to help make Miller the wonderful school that it is.”

“Mrs. Copeland had the gift of bringing out the very best in people and inspiring them to want to continue to do better,” added Mrs. Hession. “Mrs. Copeland will be remembered for making a difference in so many people’s lives. I had the honor of working with Mrs. Copeland as her Assistant Principal at Miller for six years before I became the principal. She was the best mentor that anyone could ask for.”

“It’s kind of amazing that this courtyard dedication happened after all these years and it’s all because of the efforts of Principal Judy Hession and the staff at Miller,” commented Ms. Copeland, reflecting on the recognition of her mother. “As a principal, my mother put students’ needs first and had a special ability to inspire and empower her colleagues and staff to do what was best for the students.”

“She listened attentively and calmly to ideas from the staff and made decisions based on the input of others. My mother had that unique ability to listen, that was part of her DNA, her character,” added Ms. Copeland, who now teaches at Jefferson Elementary, the same school her mother first taught at in the beginning of her career with BUSD. “She was also very humble and a true inspiration to those around her.”

Ms. Copeland attended the flag assembly with her father and Mrs. Copeland’s husband, Doug Copeland. School Board members Larry Applebaum, Ted Bunch and Charlene Tabet also attended, along with several district officials including Dr. Tom Kissinger and Emilio Urioste. Superintendent Dr. Jan Britz attended the reception for the event, held after the dedication ceremony, in the two-story school’s foyer.

Miller Elementary’s business partner, Eric Foster, from the Burbank City Federal Credit Union was also on hand for the flag assembly, along with Andrea Canady, the former Director of Elementary Education when Mrs. Copeland was Principal at Miller.

“It was so nice to have so many people who worked with Mrs. Copeland at our flag assembly,” Mrs. Hession commented. “This is a testament of how much Mrs. Copeland is loved and respected.” Mrs. Hession also mentioned how proud she was of all the children of the school being able to sit attentively for the longer-than-usual flag assembly program.

“Having this plaque out there in the courtyard, with my mother’s name on it, is very important to me and my family as a reminder of my mother and her legacy,” Ms. Copeland said, as she related how deeply touched her family has been by dedication of the Copeland Courtyard at Miller Elementary.

The post Miller Elementary Dedicates Copeland Courtyard In Honor Of Beloved Principal appeared first on myBurbank.com.

There are few things these days that you can do with your kids that are entertaining and education, as well as free.  But such as thing does exist at the Village Church in Burbank.

The church is once again presenting their “Journey To Bethlehem” program.  It’s like a giant play where you join with the actors as you travel back in time 2,000 years to the time of Christ.  They church members have transformed their church courtyard into a a replica of what Bethlehem might have been when Jesus was born.

I first learned about “Journey To Bethlehem” two years ago.  I took my then 6 year-old granddaughter, Madison, to see it, and we were both amazed at how interesting it was.   Last year at this time she was asking me about it.  I had to explain that the church only puts on the program every other year.  She started asking me about it again this year, about a month ago.  I reassured her that we would be going.

It was just as interesting this time.  Even my other granddaughter, 2 year-old Savannah, was enthralled.   Using the “shekels” handed to them by the money changer, the kids could buy small handmade toys, carved flowers, and even little knitted caps.   Their favorite thing to do was buy a carrot for one shekel and feed it to the rabbits.  Maybe because we have ordinary pets at home, they were quite interested in the sheep, rabbits, and chickens.  They favorite was the horse that was at the entrance.

The Roman Centurions with their shinny gold-colored armor and long red capes also caught their attention. The real baby in the nativity scene, along with a miniature donkey was also a favorite of the girls.   As we left the nativity scene, we made one last stop at the camel sitting on the grass lawn.  The Three Wise Men were standing nearby.  He wasn’t a real camel, much to the girls’ dismay, but he did make a great place to stop and take a photo.

Even if you don’t have children or grandchildren to take on the “Journey To Bethlehem,” you should go check out this once every other year event.  We went on Friday night.  It will be open again Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15.   The hours are 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, and 4-7:30 p.m. on Sunday.  The church is located at 3216 W. Victory Blvd.

The post Take Your Kids To See This appeared first on myBurbank.com.

It was a banner year for the Burbank Vikings (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

2013 Pacific Youth Football League
East Division
All Stars
Burbank Vikings

Senior Division

Darnell Williams / RB / Senior Black

Erwin Hernandez / C / Senior Black
Kevin Hebri / T / Senior Black

Junior Division

Andrew Graves / C / Junior Black
Joshua Johnson / LB / Junior Black

Bryce Young / QB/CB / Junior Green

Dante Coxsom / RB / Junior Green

Loyal Terry / RB / Junior Green

Sebastian ‘Sunshine’ Leal / WR / Junior Green

Manny Pimentel / G/DT / Junior Green

Malachi Meeks / DT / Junior Green

Michael Sorokin / DE / Junior Green

Jacob Moore / LB / Junior Green
Franco Alonso / LB / Junior Green

Midget Division

Tobi Baklayan / QB / Midget Green

JimE DeYoung / RB/LB / Midget Green
Anthony Spearman / RB / Midget Green

Cooper Meek / WR / Midget Green

Larry Franco / C / Midget Green

Tadashi Butler / G / Midget Green

Gabriel Ayala / T / Midget Green

Zion Chavez / DT / Midget Green

Niko Candido / DE / Midget Green

Mason Cotton / CB / Midget Green

Bantam Division

Jordan White / RB / Bantam White

Maurice Johnson / TE / Bantam White

Atticus Coots / G / Bantam White

Shawn Wilson / DE / Bantam Black

Russell Diep / LB / Bantam Black

Luke Rogers / CB / Bantam White

Lorenzo Leal / S/WR / Bantam White

NOTE: These names and positions were provided by the Burbank Vikings. Any mistakes are not of the myBurbank.com staff

The post Burbank Vikings All-Stars Announced appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Updated:   12/15/13

Bad Driving Lands Bad Guys In Jail

A 2001 Nissan with two men in it was heading out of town shortly after 2 a.m. December 7, when it caught the attention of a Burbank Police Officer.   As the officer pulled the car over for a traffic violation at Glenoaks Blvd. and Hollywood Way, one of the occupants was observed tossing out identification and credit cards.

Littering was the least of their offenses.   In plain view in the car was narcotics paraphernalia.  A search of the vehicle turned up stolen property, burglary tools, identity theft items, and drugs.   The two occupants, Brandon Honaker, 21, of Reseda, and Brian Anthony Garcia-Melara, 19, of Tarzana, were arrested and transported ot the Burbank Jail.  A search of Garcia-Melara found suspected methamphetamine on his person, and he was also charged with bringing drugs into a jail.

Three Arrested After Police Find Drugs In House

Narcotics, and identity theft information found in a Burbank home resulted in the arrest of three people November 6.   As part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, Burbank Police served a search warrant on the house at 3206 W. Chandler Blvd. at around 5:30 p.m.  Inside the residence they recovered narcotics, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, and identity theft information.

The three suspects, Peggie Wilson, 53, Jessica Klein, 25, and Kelly Rolph, 33, were all arrested for possession of a controlled substance.  Wilson and Klein were also arrested for possession of stolen property.

Thief Caught In The Act

A Burbank Police Officer on patrol November 6, in the parking structure at the Burbank Town Center, noticed a man using his cell phone’s flashlight to light up the interior of a car’s trunk.  As the officer approached, the man quickly shut the trunk and bean to walk away.

When the officer stopped him, the man, Sarkis Serob Hovakimyan, 19, of Burbank, said it was his friend’s car, and he was meeting him in the mall.  The friend was contacted, and his story did not match that of the man. Based on items in the trunk, the officer determined that it was not his friend’s car.   After it was discovered that the suspect had attempted to open other parked cars, he was placed under arrest.

A search of the suspect turned up cash, and a search of his car resulted in the recovery of stolen property and prescription narcotics.  One vehicle owner was contacted, and reported that the cash had been stolen from his car.  Another victim identified property stolen from their car.  Hovakimyan was booked into the  Burbank Jail for receiving stolen property, possession of narcotics paraphernalia, drug possession, and taking or damaging parts of a vehicle.

This Guy Went To Hooters For The Food, And Went To Jail For The Bill

A group of friends went to Hooters at 600 N. First St. on December 6, for a late lunch/early dinner.  Apparently utilizing the “dine and dash” method, some of the people left the restaurant, but one man was left behind.  Apparently he was too busy looking at the waitresses and didn’t see everyone leave.

According to police Osvaldo Macias, 18, of Phoenix, Arizona, also attempted to leave, but was spotted by the staff.   When he refused to pay the tab for the $60 worth of food and beverages, he was placed under citizen’s arrest.  Burbank Police transported him to the Burbank Jail where he was booked for defrauding an innkeeper.  His bail was set at $500.  No word if his “friends” bailed him out.

Express Check Out Line To Jail

One shopper must have thought waiting in line to check out wasn’t to his liking, as he simply walked out of the Burbank Target store Wednesday afternoon — with a shopping cart full of merchandise.

According to Burbank Police, Albet Grigorian, 44, of Glendale, a loaded up a shopping cart with everything from cleaning supplies to a small refrigerator. Rather than go through the check out line and pay, Grigorian simply walked out of the store with the merchandise.   He was stopped by store security outside the exit.

Grigorian’s shopping cart contained a basketball hoop set, DVD’s, children’s clothing, toiletries, and an X-Box game system, as well as windex, paper towels, and the refrigerator.  The value of the merchandise totaled $976.  He was placed under arrest for grand theft, and booked into the Burbank Jail.  His bail was set at $20,000.  He is due in court next month.

The post Crime Report for December 2013 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Members of the all-volunteer Bike Angels program displayed dozens of refurbished bicycles on the front steps of Burbank City Hall Friday morning prior to the bikes being donated to less fortunate children.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Bike Angels program, which began five years ago, is comprised of active and retired City of Burbank employees, local residents, members of the business community, school children and many others who restore used bicycles to like-new condition which are then given to non-profit groups who distribute them during the holiday season.

Burbank groups such as the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Boys & Girls Club and the Family Service Agency benefited from the work of over 60 volunteers who work year round to restore the bikes.

Elaine Pease the founder and Director of The Bike Angel Program (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

In addition to putting smiles on children’s faces, the Bike Angels program promotes healthy exercise, reduces landfill waste, and helps lower air pollution by reducing automobile trips.

The program, which started about five years ago, collects bike which are donated at the Burbank Recycling Center, then volunteers spend an average of $30 per bike to bring it back to life. They have put about 400 bikes back into service for needy Burbank children.

The collecting has already started for next year’s delivery.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Bike Angels Come Through Again for City’s Youth appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Burbank) announced a groundbreaking opportunity to allow individual citizens to draft a piece of legislation directly via an online Wiki.  Citizens can visit the “Wiki bill’s” website, and by using an interface similar to Wikipedia’s, they can propose, draft, and edit a bill, which Gatto has committed to introducing, after a consensus emerges.  This is the first purely crowdsourced piece of legislation in the United States.

Assemblyman Gatto has advocated for using technology as a tool for citizen engagement.  “This is a great way for people to have a voice in their government,” said Gatto.  “Too often, special-interest groups draft legislation.  In contrast, ‘crowdsourcing’ a bill on the Wiki platform will allow for a fully transparent brainstorming, drafting, and editing process that will incorporate ideas from a large group of people.  The collective wisdom of the public will choose the final product.”

The effort is designed to perfect other citizen-participation mechanisms that are flawed.  For example, the Petitions.WhiteHouse.Gov site allows citizens to propose broad concepts, but has no teeth, in that the public cannot directly draft legislative text, and there is no commitment by the government to act.  On the other side of the spectrum, many reformers (including Assemblyman Gatto) believe that California’s Ballot Initiative process is too strong, because inflexible initiatives can tie the hands of elected officials in perpetuity.  In contrast, Gatto’s Wiki process takes advantage of the ubiquity of the Internet to allow vast numbers of people to participate in their government from the comfort of their homes, and allows other members of the public to see exactly how the process unfolds.  Thus, it is a way to effect real change, but the ideas will also get fully vetted through the normal legislative committee process after Gatto introduces the bill.

To narrow down the submissions in this first trial of the process, Gatto is asking bill drafters to focus their proposals on changes to the California probate code.  This subject matter was selected because it is one where large numbers of specialists exist with an interest in participating (lawyers, CPAs, etc.), but also, since almost everyone has had some experience in handling the death of a loved one, large numbers of the public are also likely to have an opinion on how California’s relevant laws could be improved.

Those interested in participating should visit www.MikeGatto.wikispaces.com.  Once there, users can see what other people have proposed, propose bill text themselves, edit what others have proposed, and view the history of the entire process — just like a Wikipedia entry.  Assemblyman Gatto will introduce whatever consensus emerges by the State Legislature’s bill-introduction deadline, which is in early February 2014.

The post Gatto Invites Public to Draft the United States’ First Ever “Wiki Bill” appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burroughs Indians: Pasadena Poly Tournament champions

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Two weeks into the season, the Burroughs boys’ basketball team has already reaped the benefits of transfers Amaad Wainright and Rashid Ewing. The Indians won the Pasadena Poly Tournament last Saturday defeating Holy Martyrs, 81-53.

MVP Amaad Wainright

Wainright was selected the Tournament Most Valuable Player after he dismantled Holy Martyrs with 25 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and five steals. He averaged 28.5 ppg and 11.3 rpg over the four-game tournament.

Ewing was selected all-tournament after he averaged 18 ppg.

Burroughs (6-2) has won six straight games after dropping its first two games of the season at the Simi Valley Tip-Off Classic. The Indians have also received stellar play from Chris Hovasapian, Steven Hubbell and Steven Sanchez.

Burroughs coach Adam Hochberg has been rather pleased with the development of his squad and the direction they are going in.

All-Tournament Rashid Ewing

“We are starting to click as a team and we are getting more comfortable with our game plan and the roles that are required to execute it,” he said. “Wainright and Ewing are going to lead the way most nights. The other guys are realizing more and more that they will benefit from the attention that those two guys receive from opposing teams. So they all need to be ready to step it up because it may be different role players each game.

“More than anything, if we continue to give relentless effort defensively and rebound the basketball we will be very successful this year because we are at our best after we get stops and we get out in transition.”

The Indians return to the court when they compete in the Chaminade Christmas Classic on Dec. 26 against St. Bonaventure at 6 p.m.

Pasadena Poly Tournament-

Burroughs 81 Holy Martyrs 53 (Championship)

Tournament MVP Amaad Wainright had 25 points, 10 rebs, 8 asts and 5 steals. All-Tourney selection Rashid Ewing added 16 points and 6 rebounds and Chris Hovasapian contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Burroughs 65 San Marino 58 (semifinals)

Amaad Wainright 34 points and 12 rbs, Rashid Ewing 20 pts.

Burroughs 84 Rosemead 30

Amaad Wainright had 32 pts, 8 rebs, 7 asts, 5 blks, 4 stls. Rashid Ewing had 23 pts, 8 rebs and Steven Hubbell added 10 pts.

Burroughs 87 Pasadena Marshall 50 

Amaad Wainwright scored 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, had six assists, four blocks and four steals. Steven Sanchez had 20 points including six three-pointers.

The post Burroughs Boys Basketball Wins Pasadena Poly Tournament appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Police conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Magolia Blvd. at Ontario St. on Saturday, December 14, between 9:00 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. Burbank Police screened all 596 drivers who passed through the checkpoint for signs of driving under the influence. Ten drivers were detained for standardized field sobriety tests.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Five citations were issued to unlicensed drivers, one citation was issued for driving on a suspended license and one vehicle was impounded. Burbank Police also issued 25 warnings.

“The purpose of this operation was to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, to serve as a deterrent to driving while impaired and to reduce the number of persons killed or seriously-injured in alcohol-relation traffic collisions,” commented Sergeant Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department, in a prepared statement. “The Burbank Police Department remains committed to making Burbank a safer place to live and work.”

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The sobriety checkpoint was funded by a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and are held periodically throughout the year in Burbank and other cities and communities throughout the state.

The post DUI Checkpoint Screens Close To 600 Drivers appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Friday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m., Burbank Police officers served a search warrant at 2507 N. Orchard Dr. and recovered a substantial amount of marijuana, more than four pounds, in the residence. Officers also recovered weighing and packaging items, U.S. currency and a handgun. They also collected evidence such as special lighting and pots that suggested the converted garage was being used as a grow room, according to Lt. Eduardo Ruiz of the Burbank Police Department.

Burbank Police arrested Aleksandr Narodetskiy, 26, and Shelby Kolpfer, 22, both of Burbank, at the residence after they tried to flee, mentioned Lt. Ruiz. They were booked at the Burbank Jail for possession of marijuana for sale and cultivating marijuana and their bail was set at $500,000. They are due in court tomorrow, December 17.

The base bail amount for this type of arrest is usually around $50,000 but Burbank detectives requested the Court enhance the bail amount to $500,000 based on the evidence recovered. The judge agreed.

Managing Editor Stan Lynch contributed to this report.

The post House Raided For Marijuana Grow Operation, Two Arrested appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The 14th Annual MVP Winter Basketball Camp is now accepting sign-ups.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We will help get you to the next level and improve your total game: defense, shooting, offense, team play, footwork, rebounding, and knowledge of the game, while having a great time doing it,” Camp Director Mike Graceffo said.

This camp has always been successful with Graceffo and his staff providing personal attention to each camper as they coach and teach the fundamentals of the game. Drills, contests and games highlight the camp.

Dates are January 2, 3, 4 for boys & girls grades five through nine. For more information, please see below.

The post 14th Annual MVP Winter Basketball Camp Coming Soon appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Former Burbank Police Detective Mike Reyes has been denied reinstatement by Burbank City Manager Mark Scott.

Reyes was one of the officers fired after the investigation into the handling of the Porto’s robbery. His is one of the first cases to reach arbitration close to four years after the incident and three years after being fired.

Scott had requested and was granted more time then the 30 days that he was suppose to make a decision.  He could have either upheld he arbitrator’s nonbinding decision to rehire Reyes or deny the former officer, which now gives him the right to file suit against the City if he desires.

When reached about the decision, Scott said that he has been advised not to comment about the decision.  Reyes or his attorney were unable to be reached for comment.

There are approximately six officers still awaiting their arbitration case to be heard, although one’s is partially done and waiting to be continued.

Another former officer, Elfago Rodriguez lost his arbitration hearing while former officer Omar Rodriguez and the City both dropped their suits against each other when Omar Rodriguez was allegedly offered a medical retirement and possibly back pay, although it has not been verified by either party.

There is also currently a Grand Jury investigation and separate  FBI investigation which may wrap up soon according to sources.

The post Former Police Detective Mike Reyes Denied Reinstatement appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Tuesday evening, December 10, Jordan Middle School choir and music teacher Christine DeMore was presented with the Shining Star award along with Burbank-based composer John Debney by Education Through Music – Los Angeles (ETM-LA.) Actor Ed Helms emceed the event, held at the Skirball Center, and the entire Madrigals choir group from Jordan were part of the featured entertainment along with a number of Grammy-winning musicians.

Christine DeMore conducts Jordan’s Madrigals choir and LAUSD youth orchestra members in a performance of John Debney’s theme from “Elf” at the Skirball Center, backed by Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

As Vocal Music Director at Jordan Middle for the past 14 years, Christine DeMore oversees five award-winning choirs, comprised of 300 students – a full one-fourth of the school population, focusing on a classical choir program. The choir groups at Jordan, especially the primarily 8th-grade populated Madrigals, are also recognized as one of the top show choirs in Southern California. Many of these students go on to be soloists and members of John Burroughs High School’s nationally recognized choir program.

Mrs. DeMore accepts the Shining Star award with an inspiring speech. (Photo Courtesy of Cathy Jaramillo.)

Mrs. DeMore also directs Vocal Ensemble, an auditioned group of 12 voices, known for their a capella work. Every year, as Mrs. DeMore explains the choir program to parents, she emphasizes the college-level vocabulary and music theory she teaches to the children. In addition to vocal music, Mrs. DeMore teaches general music classes as part of the 6th grade elective program.

“I started teaching in college but I didn’t get this fabulous job here at Jordan until later in life. Children have fabulous imaginations at this age and if you can draw on their imagination, they can make incredible sounds,” commented Mrs. DeMore. “It’s more fun to teach and work with children because they sing with imagination.”

“What’s unique about Jordan kids are the sounds they make – their willingness to imagine sound and make that sound,” Mrs. DeMore added. “It’s all about how you design that sound, and they are such willing players.”

Jordan Madrigals perform with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, directed by Christine DeMore. (Photo Courtesy of Nadia Naffa

“What interests me is education, even more than music. Any type of music interests me, and in an educational way. I’m always wondering how to find a better way to teach kids: how much can you get from them; how high can the expectation be?” Mrs. DeMore went on to explain. “The more I expect, the more I get. The more music I give them, the more they want. They’re insatiable. So I’m always curious about schools that are low performing – they’re middle schools like us. How come the expectation isn’t that high? How come I’m not seeing that across the board?”

“It has to do with educating and with kids coming out of college – who’s guiding you to take on a group of children and make something special? You have to have a personal drive. That’s what I like about teaching at USC, to see these teachers in the final phase of their master’s degree. I’m telling them: ‘You must set your expectations high. Here’s how to get there, here’s how to do it. But go out and be the best you can be and try to get more from kids.’”

“It’s just the expectations seem so low so much of the time and that’s what’s mind-boggling,” continued Mrs. DeMore. “I think what we do isn’t that special, but there’s never a free moment. There’s always work happening. You’d think kids would reject it and not want to work, but that’s not true. They want more.”

Violinist Julie Gigante (who presented the award), Christine DeMore, David DeMore and Ella DeMore at the pre-gala reception. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Mrs. DeMore serves on the faculty of the USC Thornton School of Music, Master of Arts in Teaching program, teaching “Choral Conducting in the Classroom” and “Vocal Pedagogy” for choral and instrumental music graduate students. In 2008, Mrs. DeMore was awarded Burbank Teacher of the Year award and the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year award. She and her husband David have two children and three grandchildren.

“Typically we honor those individuals that may fly under the radar and are very well-respected in their field. After Christine DeMore was nominated, I went to see her teach and I was blown away,” commented Victoria Lanier, ETM-LA Executive Director.

Composer John Debney speaks with a teen reporter on the red carpet. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Award-winning composer John Debney was honored as well that evening with the Shining Star. Mr. Debney’s score for The Passion of the Christ was nominated for an Academy Award and he has scored box-office hits including  Elf, Bruce Almighty, The Princess Diaries 1 & 2 and Iron Man 2. Mr. Debney recently scored The Call with Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin and Jobs, starring Ashton Kutcher. Currently, he is working on Draft Day with Kevin Costner, SpongeBob Square Pants 2, and the TV mini-series Bonnie & Clyde.

Mr. Debney was born in Burbank and grew up in nearby Glendale. His studios are located in Burbank and he has performed at Providencia Elementary as part of the ETM-LA enrichment music classes. He, his wife and children also reside in the area. In his acceptance speech, he spoke of the challenges a musician and composer faces, including rejection, and lauded perseverance.

“Receiving this wonderful honor has touched a special place in my heart. Being able to give back to children by helping foster music education in our schools is of paramount importance,” commented Mr. Debney, after the event. “Music can enrich a child’s life in so many ways. It helps develop the mind and the heart. It is an outlet and a unifying force for good between all people. That is why my wife Lola and I felt that this organization was one we wanted to be a part of. Education Through Music LA helps so many kids, and we are honored to be a small part of this amazing organization.”

Ed Helms serenades the signed banjo auction winners: Michael Giacchino, Michael Gorfaine, Richard Kraft and Randy Spendlove. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Mr. Helms entertained the guests throughout evening with song, comedy and some auctioneering. A group of four music industry executives bid $10,000 each for four signed banjos and a song made up on the spot and serenaded to them by Mr. Helms. Monica Mancini performed her father Henry’s classic “Moon River” with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Lisbeth Scott performed music from The Passion of the Christ with Chris Bleth, Steve Erdody and Mike Watts to a hushed audience.

ETM-LA’s Shining Star Award is bestowed upon one educator and one composer at the Annual Benefit Gala. The annual fete brings together some of the largest names and personalities in the music and performing arts arenas, and serves as a fundraiser to support ETM-LA’s ongoing partnerships and programs at certain LAUSD and BUSD schools.

“It’s is an amazing team of supporters and is making a real difference in children’s lives,” stated Ms. Lanier. “We are committed to honoring these composers and educators who do so much to further musical education for children.”

Christine DeMore poses with some of the members of the Jordan Midd;e School Madridals on the red carpet at ETMLA’s annual benefit gala at the Skirball Center. (Photo By Lisa Paredes.)

Last Tuesday’s event raised more than $200,000 for ETM-LA’s programs, via online and in person auctions and personal and corporate donations. The nonprofit will hopefully reach their goal of $250,000 once all the donations are tallied.

Education Through Music started more than 20 years ago in New York City as a nonprofit organization dedicated to provided music teachers and instruments in public schools. Now in it’s eighth year in Los Angeles, ETM-LA has partnered with several schools in LAUSD in addition to BUSD’s Providencia Elementary and Washington Elementary, at which they provide weekly music teachers and present special guest artists, including Mr. Debney and Mr. Helms.

Past honorees include Academy-award winning composers John Williams and Michael Giacchino and educators Reggie Andrews and Julie West, among others. The Honorary Chair Committee include Jon Favreau, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Jane Kaczmarek, Ellie Kemper, Garry Marshall, Rickey Minor, Ivan Reitman, Tom Shadyac and Mary Steenburgen.

The post Jordan Choir Teacher, Burbank-based Composer Honored At Skirball Gala appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Davina Del Castillo drives to the basket and ultimately scores against HW (Photo by Dick Dornan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

With Pacific League action looming in the distance, the Burroughs and Burbank girls’ basketball teams competed in the annual Magnolia Park Optimist Tournament hosted by JBHS this past week.

Yazzy Sa’Dullah has been a great addition for the Bulldogs (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Both teams got off to solid starts with Burroughs defeating Monrovia, 80-15, and Golden Valley, 65-58, while Burbank knocked off Monroe, 52-32, and Granada Hills, 41-37.

In the championship quarterfinals, the two cross-town rivals suffered losses that sent them into the fifth place consolation bracket. Burroughs lost to Canyon at the buzzer, 40-38, and Burbank succumbed to Brentwood, 64-53.

Facing two of the better programs in the area, Burroughs and Burbank each showed flashes of excellent basketball only to falter in crucial moments. Playing against these strong teams will prepare the Indians and Bulldogs for Pacific League action beginning in the New Year.

Harvard-Westlake 76 Burroughs 63

The Lady Indians matched up against perennial power Harvard-Westlake of the Mission League. The Wolverines jumped out to a 12-3 lead and a 23-15 first quarter advantage. Back-to-back baskets by Delany Nicol and Davina Del Castillo helped trim the deficit to 39-36 heading into halftime.

Coach Vicky Oganyan instructs her team (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Del Castillo’s breakaway layup gave the Indians their first lead, 43-41, early in the third quarter. Burroughs increased its lead to 48-43 before Harvard-Westlake responded with a 7-0 run to regain the lead, 50-48.

HW took a 53-50 lead into the fourth quarter and held a slim lead when a Nicol’s layup followed by two free throws from Sidney Ortega gave Burroughs a 62-61 lead with 3:05 remaining.

In a matter of seconds, the Wolverines took control of the contest outscoring the Indians, 15-1, down the stretch to win, 76-63. HW finished the game on an 11-0 run.

Del Castillo scored 15 points in the defeat while Jakarra Waddell added 10 points. Ortega finished with nine points.

Burroughs closed out the tournament with a 46-45 loss to Agoura.

Agoura 72 Burbank 57

The Lady Bulldogs went head-to-head against the defending CIF champions and Marmonte League champions from a year ago, the Agoura Chargers. A first-quarter blitz by both teams saw Burbank take a slim 21-20 lead into the second quarter.

Coach Bruce Breeden talks to his squad (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Agoura buckled down and outscored the Bulldogs, 13-5, to take a 33-26 lead into the break. The Chargers pushed the lead to 10, 56-46, at the end of three quarters.

Burbank would not go away quietly mounting a comeback that began with a 7-0 spurt to begin the fourth quarter. Leading 56-53 with 5:22 left, Agoura closed out the game on a 16-4 run to win, 72-57.

Pepperdine-commit Kim Jacobs scored 22 points for Agoura including a three-pointer at the 2:50 mark that broke the back of the Indians.

The Bulldogs’ Yazzy Sa’Dullah and Ashley Linda each scored 20 points.

Burbank ended the tournament with a 62-49 victory over Harvard-Westlake.

The post Magnolia Park Optimist Girls Basketball Tournament Recap appeared first on myBurbank.com.