Hamilton “Ham” Lloyd, a retired Burbank schools teacher, administrator and coach, was remembered for encouraging students to be good athletes and better people.

Lloyd passed away on Dec. 29 of congestive heart failure at his Burbank home, said his wife Jane. He was 89.

Born in Franklin, Ohio, in 1924, Lloyd graduated from Fremont High School in Los Angeles. He served more than three years in the Army Infantry during World War II. He then received his physical education degree from the University of Redlands and masters from Cal State Los Angeles.

He taught at Whittier and Beaumont high schools prior to moving to Burbank in 1952 and launching his more than 30-year tenure with schools here. He began teaching at John Muir Junior High School, then transferred to Burbank High School where he was varsity football coach from 1955 to ’63. His Bulldog football team won the Foothill League Championship in 1956.

From 1963 to 1980 he was Assistant Principal of Student Activities and Associated Student Body officers advisor at Burbank High.

He and his brother, Jim Lloyd, were assistant principals at opposing schools — Jim at Burroughs and Ham at Burbank High — from the mid-1960s to the early ’70s. So there was friendly chiding back and forth as to which school would win the crosstown rival football game.

In fact, the brothers came up with a way to fan the fires of competition with the Bed Races. The students in the Young Life clubs on both campuses pushed beds down San Fernando Road after school during Spirit Week — the week of the Big Game.

“I beat him 3 out of 3,” he said.

After a close call with a business’ plate-glass window, they changed to a wheelbarrow race, Jim said.

Ham’s next assignment was Principal at Monterey Continuation School. He stayed from 1980 until his retirement in 1984.

He really didn’t want to go, said his wife Jane, but once he got there, he realized as a principal how he could help those kids that were having so much trouble.

“It broke his heart to see what was going on but he did help many of them and they turned out to be very successful,” she said.

There was one girl who had had a baby between her sophomore and junior year, Jane remembered. In the two years that she went to Continuation school she took all the classes that were necessary to receive her diploma as well as extra credit classes.

“Ham didn’t realize she was going to graduate and she graduated with honors,” Jane said, adding Ham was very surprised. “There were many other kids that he was glad that he was there to help them have a better life.”

Also a strong believer in community service, Ham was a member of the Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club. He had recently been honored for his 50 years of membership in the organization, said President Bruce Lilly.

“He’s been the mentor to a lot of our members in his friendly, giving service to our club and particularly the youth of Burbank,” Lilly said. “He was involved in everything in the club.
He would help new members to get acquainted with Kiwanis projects and was on the board of directors for a long time. He set the direction of what should be done.”

Lilly remembered how well Ham was liked when Lilly attended Burbank High School.

“Even though he was Vice Principal, the students loved him because he was always fair and he was always even keeled, even tempered and a good guy,” Lilly said.

Ham’s younger brother Jim Lloyd always looked up to Ham, he said, even though he had to endure the teasing all older brothers are prone to do.

“I have tried to emulate a lot of his style of living particularly when it came to working with kids since we were both educators, teachers and coaches, and I admired his ability to get through to kids and really help them with not only what he was teaching like football or whatever but also to be a better person.”

Ham is survived by his wife of 63 years Jane; his son and daughter-in-law Steve and Jennifer Lloyd of Murrieta, Ca., and daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Ben Cox of Portland, Ore.; his brother and sister-in-law Jim and Gail Lloyd of Burbank; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; and two great-grandchildren on the way.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 11 at the Burbank First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow. Interment will be private at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Centennial Leaf Fund at Burbank First United Methodist Church.

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Just after midnight, around 1:00 a.m. Friday morning, January 3, a resident on the 1000 block of Hamline Pl. spotted an adult mountain lion jump over a fence and run up into the Burbank Hills behind his house. The resident had been awakened by the furious barking of his two dogs, both outside in the backyard at the time, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

When the man went outside with a flashlight to see at what his dogs, both Rhodesian Ridgebacks, were barking, he saw the fully-grown cat leap from his backyard over his fence and run up the rough terrain into the Burbank Hills of the Verdugo Mountain range. It is not known if the mountain lion was wearing a radio collar.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs, growing to 24 to 27 inches at the top of the shoulders and weighing about 70 to 85 pounds. In Africa, from where the hunting breed hails, they are known for keeping lions at bay.

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Friday evening traffic got a lot worse when two cars collided at the intersection of Burbank Blvd and Buena Vista Street, and one of those cars involved rolled over.

Burbank Police responded several units to the intersection as evening traffic is usually very heavy, and indeed after receiving several 911 calls reporting the accident with an overturned auto.

Burbank Fire Paramedics treat the driver of this auto after it was involved in an accident at Burbank Blvd. and Buena Vista Friday evening. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Fire along with Police responded with several pieces of emergency equipment, as it was originally reported that one vehicle that was overturned still had a person trapped inside. That driver self extricated just as the Police were arriving. That driver declined medical aid, and the driver of the auto in the middle of the intersection had to be removed by Firefighters and Burbank Paramedics transported her to Saint Joseph Providence Medical Center with non life threatening injuries.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Fire Paramedics check out the driver of this overturned Infinity after it was involved in a auto accident Burbank Blvd. & Burbank Blvd.

Burbank Police closed the intersection in all directions and detoured traffic to enable Paramedics and Emergency personnel on the scene to work safely, as well as traffic officers conducting the investigation as to who was at fault.

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Music legend Phil Everly passed away yesterday of C.O.P.D. at Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Everly, the tenor of the singing duo, appeared in the 2011 Burbank On Parade, where he enjoyed waving to hundreds of fans along the 2 mile parade route. He was driven in the classic 1957 Chevy owned by Rich Radd, and driven by Radd’s son Richie.

Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers appeared in the 2011 Burbank On Parade with family members, driven by Richie Radd in his dad’s classic 1957 Chevy. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Everly Brothers had 35 Billboard Top 100 Singles. Back in the day, they were recognized by almost every musician known.

Throughout the 1950s, the Everly Brothers used Gibson J-200 guitars, some with dual white pickguards. In 1962, Gibson Guitar Corporation collaborated with the brothers to produce the Gibson Everly Brothers Flattop a signature acoustic guitar.

Phil Everly was involved with his own musical instrument accessories company. Everly Music Company, located here in Burbank, produces products designed by Phil and Jason Everly, Phil’s eldest son, for guitar and bass.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Mickey McNamee (center, wearing the Burroughs letterman sweater) was inducted into the Burroughs Hall of Fame this past October (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Michael L. “Mickey” McNamee

August 29, 1939 – January 2, 2014

Coach McNamee passed away peacefully on January 2 at the age of 74.  Mickey was born August 29, 1939 to parents Arthur and Nellie. He grew up in Burbank and found his first love playing baseball in the outfields at Olive Recreational Center and at John Burroughs High School where he was named to the All-CIF team.

He chose to study and play for two years in Coalinga at West Hills Community College before attending USC where he played baseball for his coach and longtime mentor Rod Dedeaux.  There, he and his teammates went to two College World Series and won the 1961 national championship.  Mickey was a lifelong Trojan supporter and rarely missed a home football game.

After graduation, he began teaching and coaching at San Marino High School.  For 44 years, Mickey dedicated himself to improving the school and its athletic programs.  He influenced the lives of thousands of students, faculty, and San Marino community members. 

Mickey McNamee

On most days, you’d find him coaching baseball at McNamee Field where his teams qualified for 30 CIF Southern Section playoffs, won five championships and more than 600 games, a total that puts Mickey among the top 20 all-time winningest high school baseball coaches in California. 

Mickey taught several subjects in the classroom at San Marino, coached football, served as Athletic Director and district negotiator.  Some of his greatest friendships and fondest memories came from the annual class trip he planned with Yosemite Institute.  There, he taught students about the outdoors, how to face fear and personal challenges, and gain self-confidence.

His athletic achievements, coaching, and commitment to service have been recognized through countless awards and commendations.  He received service awards from City of San Marino, was named coach of the year six times, and was honored by the Baseball Association.  This fall, Mickey was inducted into the athletic halls of fame at Burroughs High School and West Hills Community College.

Mickey joins his daughter Trisha, who died in July 1992.  He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Caryn and her husband Kevin and grandchildren, twins Quinn and Shay from Danville CA, and sister Dale (Riggs) and her family from Burbank CA.

The celebration of Mickey’s life will begin at 2 pm on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at San Marino Congregational Church, located at 2560 Huntington Drive in San Marino, CA.  Services are open to the public.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to groups that were most meaningful to Mickey during his life: 

Yosemite Institute (http://www.naturebridge.org/yosemite-national-park) and USC Keck School of Medicine (http://www.keckmedicine.org/giving/). 

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Stan Lynch (photo courtesy of long-time friend Bill Stevens)

Stan Lynch was a man who cherished his granddaughters, relished his job as journalist covering issues facing Burbank and rallied around philanthropic endeavors helping the underprivileged and projects that preserved local history.

Lynch died of natural causes in his home on Friday evening. He was 69.

Born in Burbank on Nov. 23, 1944, he often reminded friends he was delivered at the Magnolia Hospital in the Magnolia Park area of the city where he grew up.

Lynch was a member of Burroughs’ Class of 1963, which is known for having President John F. Kennedy visit its Senior Prom, said photographer Ross Benson, Lynch’s longtime friend and co-worker at myBurbank.com, the website Lynch was employed with at the time of his death.

Lynch earned a degree in art at Cal State Northridge and after graduation became a reporter and photographer for the Burbank Daily Review, now known as the Burbank Leader.

During the early 1970s he worked for the city of Burbank in the personnel department. He was hired on through the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act — a federal program that provided training and jobs in public service.

Lynch worked with Mary Jo Watkins, who retired from the city of Burbank in July after 42 years. She called him “Mr. Burbank.”

“Stan was an administrative analyst helping the personnel analyst in recruiting new employees,” she said. “He would conduct Civil Service testing for applicants and work with the personnel analyst to formulate the job specifications in order to hire people.”

But Watkins first met Lynch when she was 15. She entered the Miss Burbank Pageant and he took the pictures and wrote the story for the Burbank Daily Review.

“His heart was really back at the Review. Stan was always the guy who wanted to be where the action was,” she said. “If there was a fire in the middle of the night, there would be a picture of it by him or Ross Benson in the paper.”

Lynch also loved local politics, and probably should have been on a debate team, she added.

“He loved to discuss issues and get to the heart of things and offer a different perspective,” Watkins said.

Lynch was a substitute teacher for Burbank public schools and also for private Providence High School, Watkins said, and several of his students have written tributes to him on his Facebook page. He was also a big supporter of the Burroughs marching band when his son Steven was a member.

Lynch served on the committee when Burbank On Parade was revived in 1979, said Sandy Dennis, one of the founders.

“Stan would assist the chairmen to see that all was going well along the parade route,” Dennis said. “He was known as Stan the Button Man, and his lapel button business made all our parade souvenir buttons in the 1970s and ’80s.”

He also made lapel buttons for candidates running for City Council during those years, said Mary Jane Strickland, founder of the Burbank Museum. He supported campaigns for Tom Flavin, Leland Ayers and Bill Rudell. And he served as the first president of the Burbank Historical Society, Strickland added.

He loved preserving information about his hometown so much, he created the website burbankhistory.com.

Any time there was a chance to promote Burbank– he was there, Dennis said.

“He made it a lifetime commitment to support the city where he was a native son,” she said. “He wrote for the Daily Review and it was not a big surprise to go to a city event, and Stan would be there. And if there was something to get accomplished, he was there to help.”

Lynch served on the Time Capsule committee and helped to decide what items would be placed inside it, Dennis added.

He also had a philanthropic spirit and was a member of the Burbank Coordinating Council as a representative of Edison Elementary School, said Coordinating Council President Janet Diel. For the council’s Holiday Baskets program he would put together boxes of non-perishable food items and gifts and deliver them to needy families each year.

“When Burbank Coordinating Council was given free tickets to the Cavalia horse show for our low-income families last year, Stan worked tirelessly to contact and then deliver tickets to them in a one day turnaround,” Diel said. “We could not have done it without his help since the tickets were only given to us the day before the performance.”

The Coordinating Council also covers the cost of summer camp experiences for children from low-income families through its Camperships program, Diel said. Lynch found a new camp through his church that children could attend and he helped process the paperwork for the children attending.”

As a member of Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn., he was a longtime friend, supporter and decorator of floats, Diel said. He spent every year from Christmas to New Year’s at Phoenix Decorating in Pasadena, as a volunteer giving tours of the floats the company was decorating for the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Former Burbank mayor Dave Golonski called Lynch a “fixture in Burbank.”

“He was someone that really cherished the small-town atmosphere of Burbank and exemplified it by paying close attention to what was happening and being involved in the city he loved,” Golonski said.

Lynch has been a friend and mentor to Craig Sherwood, executive editor of myBurbank.com, the website Lynch, as managing editor, has been providing content for on such topics as crime, civic issues, calendar items and personality profiles.

“Stan was someone who helped bring the passion of covering everyday news into my life,” Sherwood said. “He always asked questions and was not scared to have an opinion.”

Lynch was an amazing writer with great instincts for news, Sherwood said.

“When we started myBurbank, he was one of the first to come with me. It did not matter how much the pay was in the beginning. He was just thrilled that he would be the one everyday giving out the arrest reports and the crime log.”

Lynch was totally devoted to his granddaughters, and many times would turn down news assignments because he needed to take care of them, Sherwood said, adding, he really enjoyed being with them.

He is survived by his son, Steven, and granddaughters Savannah and Madison. His parents, Opal and James Lynch, brother Bart and sister Yvonne Nieto all preceded him in death.

There will be a viewing from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 14 at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Hollywood Hills.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. A reception will follow, location to be announced. Interment will be at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills.

There is an online page set up for people to make donations to help with funeral arrangements at  http://www.gofundme.com/61o3uw

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Frozen yogurt shop Froyo Bliss was allegedly robbed at gunpoint on Sunday, January 5, by a young male adult. At 12:35 p.m., the suspect entered the shop and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the clerk and demanded money from the cash register.

The suspect fled with an unspecified amount of cash and Burbank Police are actively investigating leads, according to Sgt. Justin Meadows of the Burbank Police Department. Froyo Bliss is located in the mini-mall at 101 N. Victory Blvd. near the intersection of Olive Ave.

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It was only fitting that the most recent column that our beloved Stan Lynch wrote about was on Christmas trees and the joy they bring to all of us.

Like Christmas trees, Stan brought us much joy through the years. He was a wonderful man who lived life to the fullest sharing his kindness and love to the last day that he lived on this earth.

He volunteered his time at so many places including the Christmas tree lot. Much like Frosty the Snowman, Stan brought out the life in all of us.

Stan’s face was always “aglow” when he talked with others. His eyes “twinkled” with kindness and caring towards others. He always saw the goodness in others, especially in his son and two granddaughters who he loved and adored.

He always found time to enrich the lives of others by simply being the person God created him to be. At the “Holiday in the Park” festival on Magnolia Blvd. this past November, Stan sat there at the “myBurbank” booth proudly and with much pride as the managing editor for myBurbank greeting everyone who walked by.

Little did we know that Stan was spreading his love from his heart one final time to all of us.

As Stan so appropriately wrote in his final sentence in the story below- “and that’s just one more neat thing about Christmas trees — they are not only beautiful, but they help spread goodwill.”

Like a Christmas tree, Stan was a beautiful man who spread goodwill his entire life. And for that, we say “Thank you, Stan.”

By Stan Lynch, Managing Editor

When we think of Christmas trees, most of us probably see that beautifully decorated tree, all aglow with twinkling lights and shiny ornaments. From giant trees like the National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. to the small table top trees, they all convey a certain magic when decorated.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Getting from “just a tree” to being a Christmas tree is quite a transformation — as I learned last week when I volunteered to help at my church’s Christmas tree lot. The very first thing I learned is that Christmas trees are heavy.

Some of the 6-7 ft. noble fir trees are probably close to 40 or 50 lbs. in weight. I’m guessing on the weight because I don’t normally pick up anything that weighs 40 or 50 lbs. I also found out that douglas fir trees are lighter than the nobles. They are bushy looking, too. Not at all like the old douglas fir trees we got when I was a kid. And then there are the nordman trees with needles that are light green on the bottom and dark green on the top of each branch.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

It would take one strong person, or me and someone else, to carry one over to the special sawhorses where an inch or two of the trunk would be cut off. Even with a chainsaw, it is a tricky operation. If the trunk isn’t cut straight, the tree will lean.

Once the tree is checked to make sure it is straight, the stand and water bowl are nailed in place. Then it is carried over and placed with the rows of trees for sale. one final touch, adding water.

Now watering may seem like a simple task. As a novice tree lot worker, I was down on my hands and knees lifting up branches to fill the water bowls. On my second time at the lot, a nice lady showed me the trick to watering. You stick the long snout of the water into the branches until you hit the trunk. Then carefully pour the water so it cascades down the tree and into the bowl. With proper watering, a Christmas tree should last three to four weeks

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

It obviously isn’t an easy task to pick the perfect Christmas tree with all the different types and sizes.  When a customer would ask my opinion, I would always go with the safe answer and suggest they get the “green” tree.

All the profits from trees sold at this lot go to help programs for children. Other groups, like the YMCA and Burbank High, do the same, selling trees to benefit their various programs. And that’s just one more neat thing about Christmas trees — they are not only beautiful, but they help spread goodwill.

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On Saturday, January 4, four vehicles with side mirrors stolen were reported to Burbank Police, all relatively close to each other, with two in the hill community and two near the 5 Freeway. Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department commented, “It’s our belief that all four incidents appear to have been conducted by the same individual or group of individuals because of similar type of theft and the close time frame and proximity.”

At 5:30 a.m., a 2014 black Infiniti two-door car was reported as missing its driver side mirror, and the incident is believed to have occurred between 4:30 and 5:30 the morning of January 4.

At 1:00 p.m., both side mirrors were reported taken from a white 2012 BMW 3 series, parked on the 1600 block of Victory Pl. near the Burbank Empire Center, and the theft is reported to have happened between 11:50 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Later that afternoon, two more thefts were reported. Sometime overnight form January 3 until when the owner checked his vehicle at 2:30 p.m. pm January 4, the driver side mirror from a 2008 black BMW X5 was taken while parked on the 1900 block of Amber Lane.

Sometime between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the theft was discovered, both side mirrors were taken from a 2007 black BMW 3 series on the 1500 block of Victory Place.

Each side mirror costs $300 and can be easily removed from the side mirror housing. There were no damages to the vehicles reported, just the missing side mirror glasses. There are no suspects at this time.

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By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

As Pacific League action begins tonight, Burbank coach Jerry DeLaurie has one major goal in mind: finish games. The Bulldogs went 6-6 in the non-league portion of its schedule. In order to make another postseason berth, Burbank will need to find a way to win the close games as they did a year ago.

During DeLaurie’s first season as coach, the Bulldogs won nine games by six points or fewer. They shot 43% from the field and 72% from the free throw line as Burbank went 16-13 overall and advanced to the second round of the CIF playoffs.

With his system now in place and the players adhering to his program philosophies, one would think that BHS would take the next step in its quest to become a top tier team in the Pacific League year in and year out.

Yet wins have been hard to come by this season due to the Bulldogs’ ineffectiveness to shoot the ball. They have shot poorly in areas they succeeded in last year and the result is in the pudding: Burbank has lost five games by five or fewer points.

“We are just having a tough time putting the ball in the bucket. If we remotely shoot like an average team, we could be a top three team in league,” DeLaurie said. “It’s a mixture of being mentally focused and believing in yourself. We are not good enough to take plays off. Playing hard will keep us in games.”

There is never a doubt that DeLaurie’s teams will play hard defensively. If a player doesn’t give maximum effort, he will find a seat with the coaches’ best friend: the bench. Burbank’s defense has been outstanding limiting teams to 46 points per game.

If it were not for Burbank’s tough, aggressive defense, the Bulldogs could very well be 3-9. Then again, if it were not for a struggling offense in search of consistency and production, Burbank could be 9-3 at this moment.

“The effort and defense is there. We are aggressive no doubt. We play hard, we rebound well, play strong team defense, dive for loose-balls,” DeLaurie said. “We can get stops on seven or eight possessions at a time and not score. It can get frustrating.”

Burbank competed recently in the “49th Annual Dick Sporting Good Holiday Classic” and went 1-3 with the three losses by four points or less. They reached the championship game of the “Pride of the Foothills Tournament” held at Glendora High.

The Bulldogs went 3-1 in the tournament with their only loss coming to Damien, a very good team from the CIF Southern Section. Seniors Richard Elmoyan and Anthony Kardosh were named All-Tournament.

Elmoyan continues to play inspired basketball on both ends of the court. Elmoyan, a second-team all-league selection in 2013, is averaging 12.8 ppg, five assists per game and three steals per game. He personifies the all-around player a coach dreams for.

“Richard is playing like an all-league player. I’m really happy with him. I’m very impressed,” said DeLaurie.

Kardosh, a 6-foot-4 center, averages 11.7 ppg and brings a defensive presence for the Bulldogs. Senior Adam Pasco contributes 9.8 ppg while fellow senior Danny Terrones has been a reliable sixth man off the bench.

Without doubt, Burbank is knocking on the door of becoming a very strong team. Attention to detail on its half-court offense, better focus on the foul line and restoring confidence as a team will be areas that DeLaurie will address as the Bulldogs begin their second season.

“Shooting is contagious and about being confident,” DeLaurie said. “If we can take care of that, then we will be fine.”

If Burbank can knock down the door by becoming a more proficient offensive team to go along with its tough-nosed defense, they will be right in the thick of the Pacific League race come February.

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Burbank’s Arts For All foundation (BAFA) funded a mini-golf course design project for teacher Nancy Martin’s three eighth grade Geometry classes at John Muir Middle School in December. Working in groups of three, 86 students designed and then built miniature golf holes, complete with obstacles and requiring at least one angled shot. Students spent a few class periods constructing their mini-golf projects and two top designs were announced on the last day of school, December 19.

One of the winners of Muir Middle School’s Geometry class Mini-Golf project. (Photo Courtesy of Muir Middle School)

Students first sketched a miniature golf hole design, mindful of square feet constrictions, and were required to use a certain amount of geometric shapes and angles.  After making a scale drawing of the project, they figured out how much the wood for the side boards and the carpet for the floor would cost. Then they built their 3-D model using foam board, green felt, straws, string, large popsicle sticks, construction paper, magic modeling clay, tape and glue. Some kids brought in items, like trees, farm animals, characters, colored felt, paint and other decorations, to add to their projects.

“I usually try to do a project with my Geometry students around this time of year and I had always done Tessellations with them which incorporates art with geometry,” commented Martin. “One day over the summer, I saw a mini-golf project mentioned in my National Education Association newsletter so I investigated.”

Another winner of Muir Middle School’s Geometry class Mini-Golf project. (Photo Courtesy of Muir Middle School)

The top two projects out of all three classes were chosen by Martin and school principal Dr. Greg Miller, based on correct scaling of the design drawing to the 3-D model and the fun quotient of the mini-golf hole design.

“The kids had to learn how to deal with two other kids on this project and had to decide who was going to work on what part. They had to learn how to communicate their ideas with each other as well as explain the reason their project should be chosen in written form,” Martin highlighted as some of the educational and Common Core-related aspects of the project. “There obviously was a lot of math involved too, a lot of measurement and scaling. Many had not played miniature golf before, so I showed a video demonstration and an in-class demonstration on shooting and banking your shots with my daughter’s Barbie golf set.”

Teacher Nancy Martin discusses math concepts with a student. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Burbank Unified School District, along with public schools across the state and the country, are making the transition to Common Core, a set of national education standards emphasizing deeper study on fewer topics within each subject. Inter-disciplinary methods are encouraged, such as the mini-golf hole project combining art and construction with mathematic principles, illustrating the application of geometry in a hands-on approach.

“Common Core standards require that students go beyond simply mastering a skill and into using that skill creatively, to problem solve in a variety of situations, and innovate,” commented Peggy Flynn, BUSD Arts Coordinator, who helped Martin write a grant proposal to BAFA for funding for project materials. “Nancy guided the kids through the process of designing and creating a scale model of a miniature golf course using geometric and algebraic tools and principles.”

“I think I was the only math teacher to ever ask for a grant,” added Martin. She noted that BAFA funded the entire project with a $645 grant and the materials purchased for the project totaled about $650.

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When Daniel Roebuck was cast in a Glendale holiday production, it set off a chain reaction of changes for a Burbank theater company.

From left, director George Strattan and actor Daniel Roebuck, sitting, watches Jim Roope in a scene from the Neil Simon comedy “God’s Favorite.” (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Roebuck had committed to playing Scrooge at Glendale Centre Theatre, so he had to find another director for the Saint Francis Stage Company’s annual play, which he has co-directed since its inception seven years ago. But things have fallen into place and the show will go on, opening a two-weekend run this Friday night.

When the Stage Company was selecting the script , Jim Roope suggested Neil Simon’s “God’s Favorite”, a comedy based on the biblical Book of Job in which a man refuses the devil’s temptation to renounce God, even after he loses all material things.

“He never figured that I’d say ‘Good! OK. You star in it!’ ” Roebuck said. “I think Jim thought I’d be playing the lead, but he is perfect for it.”

Jim Roope, right, with the ensemble of the Saint Francis Stage Company rehearsing for the Neil Simon comedy “God’s Favorite.” ( Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

It is the first time Roope will star in the Burbank production. And the change up gave Roebuck time to complete the run in Glendale.

Next, they needed a director. Several people suggested Burbank resident George Strattan, but he hadn’t directed anything for a couple years. Eventually he was contacted and said yes.

“They brought me out of retirement,” Strattan quipped.

A veteran actor of stage and TV, Strattan acted in or directed plays at the Burbank Little Theater during the 1960s and he co-owned the Golden Mall Playhouse with Pam and Walt Gilmore from 1973 to 1980. He has also directed more than 75 shows at Glendale Centre Theatre.

“I’m still getting my little residual checks for 1960s shows like ‘The Waltons’ and ‘The Monkees’, but I much prefer live theater,” he said. “That one-on-one with the audience is so exciting.”

Rehearsing “God’s Favorite” are, from left, director George Strattan, Jim Roope and Daniel Roebuck. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

The last play Strattan directed was “Once Upon a Mattress” at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont a couple years ago, he said. This is the first time he is directing “God’s Favorite.”

In past shows, Roebuck has played more of the straight man opposite Roope’s zany characters. In this production, it’s Roebuck’s turn to be “wacky”, Stattan said.

“Sidney Lipton is a very different role for Dan. He’s going to be hysterically funny,” he said. “He’s a crazy, wacky character, totally out there. Charles Nelson Reilly played the role on Broadway in 1974, and always played wacky characters.”

But as far over-the-top as Roebuck can be, he still makes it real, Strattan added.

“That is important because I don’t think it’s funny if they aren’t real,”

As Joe Benjamin, Roope is “wonderful” as the more introspective character this time, Strattan said.

“It’s one of the best things I have seen him do,” he said. “I loved him when the company did ‘Sunshine Boys’. He was so different in that, and again over-the-top, but extremely real. And that’s what he does in this. He’ll make you laugh and he’s very touching too when he talks about all the sacrifices his mother and his father made for their family.”

The play’s premise is so close to real life, Roope said.

Daniel Roebuck, left, listens as George Strattan shares a light moment with the Saint Francis Stage Company cast rehearsing “God’s Favorite” opening its two-weekend run on Friday. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

“We become so discouraged when things go wrong in our lives, that we forget how wonderful our lives really are,” he said. “If all the stuff we have was gone, we would still have our family and the blessing of that should be enough. And so the greatest gifts are who you love.”

While it’s a comedy, there is a lot of emotion and that’s typical of Neil Simon, Roope said. He can bring you up and down.

“It’s brilliantly written and George Strattan takes what’s on the page and makes it happen on stage,” he said.

This is a reunion for Strattan and Roebuck. The last time they did a show together, Strattan directed Roebuck in “No Time for Sergeants,” 30 years ago at Glendale Centre Theatre.

“It was the first play I did when I came to Los Angeles, and I have said for 30 years and this is no exaggeration that he is absolutely one of the best directors I have ever worked with in any medium,” Roebuck said. “George is so smart and so intuitive with comedy.”

Roebuck is also thrilled to be playing a role that Charles Nelson Reilly played on Broadway. Reilly once directed Roebuck in the play “Fast Friends” here in Los Angeles.

While he plans to put his own stamp on the Sidney Lipton role, Roebuck will pay homage to the “Hollywood Squares” regular by donning a pair of dark-rimmed glasses.

“Big weird glasses like he used to wear,” Roebuck said.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “God’s Favorite” by Neil Simon
WHO: The Saint Francis Stage Company
WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 10, 11, 17 and 18; matinee
at 2 p.m. Jan. 12, $10 adults and $5 children.
TICKETS: $15
WHERE: 3801 Scott Road, Burbank
CONTACT: (818) 504-4400 or www.sfxschoolburbank.org/SFSC.php

The post St, Francis Xavier Presents “God’s Favorite” Play appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Meet MuttShack’s Rescue of the Week, it’s ‘AMY!!

Come out and meet Amy this weekend. She’s a about 2 year old white with black terrier mix (possible parsons russell mix) and big big brown eyes. She loves going out for walks and just being near you. She can easily get scared with loud noises and sudden movements but will quickly realize that she is in a safe place with kind and gentle people. She’s a complete sweetheart with a good amount of energy. Being treat driven, Amy is easily trainable for tricks. She knows how to sit and lay down and working on rolling over.

See all of the other great dogs here!

MuttShack Pet Adoption Center
@ Petco Burbank
3525 W Victory Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505

Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

The post Meet MuttShack’s Rescue of the Week, it’s ‘AMY!! appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Burbank) introduced legislation this week to ensure that crimes committed on college campuses are properly reported and investigated thanks to the help and insight of Burbank Councilman Bob Frutos. The legislation, AB 1433, would require colleges to report certain crimes occurring on or near campus to local law enforcement to investigate, if the victim does not request anonymity.

Councilman Frutos, a 28 year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, sat down for lunch with Gatto last fall at the Burbank Eatery on San Fernando Road. They were discussing a host of issues when the subject of campus crime and public safety arose. Frutos shared his perspective on the underreporting of rapes and other sexual assaults on college campuses, something that has been in the news often.

“Bob Frutos is not just a Councilmember, he’s a veteran cop, someone who has investigated criminal activity for nearly three decades,” said Gatto. “His insight into the issue and the need for campus crimes to be adequately reported and investigated was a catalyst for this bill. Councilman Frutos opened my eyes to this growing problem on a local and statewide level. ”

The legislation comes after several California colleges have been accused of covering-up on-campus sexual assaults because of concerns that higher crime statistics would lead prospective students to choose elsewhere. The unwillingness of campus officials to involve proper non-campus law-enforcement professionals greatly diminishes the chance that a perpetrator is arrested and convicted. This, of course, can allow a perpetrator to strike again.

“Victims of crime should not see their chances of justice hurt, nor should perpetrators be allowed to victimize others, because a school values its public image more than victims’ rights,” said Gatto. “Colleges should focus on teaching, and leave the investigation of crimes to the professionals — local police and sheriffs.”

Two southern California colleges are currently the subject of a federal investigation for their handling of on-campus sexual assaults and other violent crimes. In addition to the federal investigation, five U.S. campuses, including three in California, are the subject of a federal lawsuit alleging violations of Title IX and the Clery Act. The Clery Act is the federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose (once a year, in an annual report) information about crimes that happen on or near campuses.

In addition to failing to report crimes, several California colleges have also been criticized for failing to notice signs of dangerous or abusive criminal activity. At one state university, the administration admittedly failed to recognize the brutal, racially based abuse of a seventeen-year-old African-American student by his roommates. The abuse was discovered only after the young man was allegedly held captive in his room with a bicycle lock chained around his neck.

“Crimes that occur on campus should not be treated any differently than those that occur elsewhere in our community,” said Assemblyman Gatto. “California law needs to make sure that college administrators involve law enforcement when appropriate.”

The post Gatto, Frutos Team Up to Battle Campus Crime appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Despite not having the services of senior Ashley Linda at their disposal, the Burbank High girls’ basketball team didn’t miss a beat in a 63-20 dismantling of Pasadena Tuesday night.

Linda recently suffered a broken left foot in a tournament game against Alemany and is out four to six weeks. The Bulldogs regrouped knowing that others had to step up from this point forward to replace one of the team’s top scorers.

Coach Bruce Breeden

There was great execution on both ends of the court as Burbank raced to an early 16-2 lead in its Pacific League opener. Utilizing an aggressive 2-2-1 full court press, the Bulldogs made life miserable for Pasadena forcing nine first-quarter turnovers that led to 12 fast break points.

“Those are the things we’ve been working on. Trying to create turnovers up and down the floor,” Burbank coach Bruce Breeden said. “We felt that we could do that today. We came out and did what we needed to do.”

A driving layup through the heart of the Pasadena defense by Ratiana Karapet followed by a well-executed two-on-one fast break with Sharis Ghazeri finding Karapet for a layup gave BHS a 20-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Yazzy Sa’Dullah drives by a Pasadena defender (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank (9-6, 1-0) continued to pour it on in the second period. Yazzy Sa’Dullah, who scored seven of her game-high 16 points in the first quarter, grabbed a rebound and put it back in for a score to make it 27-3 with 5:45 left in the second quarter.

Back-to-back steals in the press that led to easy layups by Karapet and Sa’Dullah increased the advantage to 37-11.

Karapet finished off the explosive first half with a defensive gem as she stole the ball at mid-court and went uncontested for a layup at the buzzer giving Burbank a commanding 41-11 lead going into the break.

Karapet and Sa’Dullah combined for 22 first-half points as BHS forced 17 turnovers.

The final two quarters were more of the same as Burbank continued to rattle Pasadena with its press and crisp ball movement on offense.

Ratiana Karapet attacks the basket (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Sa’Dullah knocked down a “3” and Fatima Cisneros followed with another “3” that made it 49-11. The third quarter ended 54-17 while the fourth quarter was played with a running clock as Burbank closed out its ninth win of the season.

Sa’Dullah finished with an impressive stat line scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds, and adding three assists, three steals and for good measure, three blocks.

Karapet scored 13 points to go along with six steals and three assists. Ghazeri had four points, seven rebounds and three assists and Abby Troy scored nine points.

“With Ashley out we had people step up which was good but now we need that for the next 12 games until she comes back,” said Breeden.

Burbank next plays at Arcadia on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

The post Burbank Girls Basketball Throttles Pasadena, 63-20 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

BOYS BASKETBALL:

Burroughs 74 Hoover 50

The Indians exploded for a 31-pt fourth quarter in the Pacific League win. Amaad Wainright led the team with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Hovasapian added 16 points and Rashid Ewing scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter.

Pasadena 69 Burbank 52

Adam Pasco scored 17 pts and Mike Woods added 12

GIRLS BASKETBALL:

Burroughs 71 Hoover 29

Paula Galicia had a career high 20 points; Sidney Ortega had 11 points; Jakarra Waddell had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals; Jordan Meltzer had 10 points; Justine Barraza had 8 points

Burbank 63 Pasadena 20 (see story)

BOYS SOCCER:

Burroughs 4 Hoover 0

Milosh Petko had 2 goals and an assist; Ashot Veisyan had 2 goals. Brandon Gerlach had 2 assists.

At 34 minutes, Milosh Petko score‎d off a great cross from Nolberto Alcantar. At 40 minutes, Brandon Gerlach’s corner was perfect for Ashot Veisyan ‎to score and make it 2 to 0.

At 66 minutes, Brandon Gerlach and VJ Salazar worked together on a corner kick to set up Milosh Petko for a back post header in the goal. At 80 minutes, Milosh Petko stole the ball and fed Ashot Veisyan for the 4th goal to seal the win.

Alberto Meir made one save for the shutout.

Pasadena 4 Burbank 0

GIRLS SOCCER:

Burroughs 6 Hoover 0

Goals scored by Noelle Garcia (2), Danielle Tilton, Miranda Kaekul, Alexsis Hernandez, Bailey Simmons

Burbank 3 Pasadena 1

Goals scored by Michelle Morales, Yvette Niwa, and Mireya Gonzalez
Assists by Lauren Brenn, Clarissa Guerrero, Kira Bochard

GIRLS WATER POLO:

The post Morning Sports Ticker appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Two more BMWs were reported with stolen side mirrors on January 4 and 5. Burbank PD is treating these two cases as related to the other four incidents of stolen side mirror glass reported on January 4, as first published in this myBurbank story.

Overnight from 10:00 p.m. January 3 to January 4, when it was reported at 7:00 a.m., both side mirror glasses were taken from a white BMW X3 on the 1600 block of Keeler Street.

Although, not reported until January 5 at 10:30 a.m., a separate reported theft on the 800 block of E. Walnut Ave. could have occurred on January 4, as that day is included in the possible time frame. In that instance, the driver side mirror from a 2011 silver BMW 3 Series was reported as stolen.

No other damage to the vehicles was reported, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department. “These mirrors are easy to steal and sell and cost $300 each to replace.”

Burbank Police are considering the recent rash of side mirror thefts to be related and perpetrated by the same individual or group of individuals.

The post Two More BMWs Reported With Stolen Side Mirrors appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A residential burglary was reported on the 1200 block of E. Tujunga Ave., north of Sunset Canyon Drive, in the Burbank Hills. On Wednesday, January 8, Burbank Police responded to a resident’s call about a possible intruder in his home. After clearing the property, the resident discovered several items missing, including various pieces of jewelry, and iPad, two purses, documents with personal identifying information and $1100 in cash.

The resident left his house to pick up a family member that afternoon at 4:30 p.m. and upon returning, discovered lights on and a closet door open, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

The resident immediately went outside and called police who searched the home and made sure no one was still inside. Upon re-entering, the resident discovered drawers and closets open and rummaged through and the items missing. There are no suspects at this time.

The post Residential Burglary Hits House In The Hills appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A residential burglary was reported from a garage on N. Bel Aire Drive overnight from January 8 at 5:00 p.m. until the call was made to Burbank Police on January 9 at 7:30 a.m. Unknown suspects took several items from a garage on the 600 block of N. Bel Aire Drive. Two flat screen computer monitors that had been left on the ground, a loaded shotgun and the driver side mirror of a black 2013 Mercedes were all reported stolen from inside the garage, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

There were no signs of forced entry and access is believed to have been made through a side door. There are no witnesses or suspect or vehicle descriptions.

The post Residential Burglary Reported From Garage On Bel Aire Drive appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Two flatscreen TVs and a laptop were taken from a residence on Fairview St. during the daytime on Thursday, January 9. During the hours of 10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., unknown suspects entered the house on the 1400 block of N. Fairview St. and took 55″ and 42″ flatscreen televisions and a MacBook Pro laptop, said Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

Access to the residence is thought to have been made through either an unlocked rear door or an already broken rear window in the back of the house. There are no suspects or vehicle descriptions.

The post Two Flatscreens And Laptop Taken From Residence appeared first on myBurbank.com.