Though the Pacific League hasn’t yet begun, it’s highly likely the Burroughs High and Burbank baseball teams will probably qualify for the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

The Indians and Bulldogs have deep and capable pitching staffs, which is a key factor in having a winning season.

One of Burroughs’ strengths will be its pitching staff, which boasts a dozen hurlers. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs, which is looking to make the playoffs for a fifth straight year, has a dozen pitchers on the staff and all are capable of performing at a high level.

“This is one of our team strengths this year with 12 players able to toss the ball,” longtime Burroughs coach Craig Sherwood said. “While no one pitcher is dominant, there is a staff of very capable pitchers as well as situational pitchers that will be called upon constantly to get outs in big situations.”

If there is an ace it would be senior and three-year starter Nicco Chuidian, while last year’s Pacific League Pitcher of the Year, Xavier Dubon, is a submarine specialist and very effective.

If the Indians are in front and it’s late in the game, the closer and set-up men will be seniors Andres Salazar and Julian Jaramillo.

Burbank works on its defensive prowess. Defense and pitching will be two keys to success. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The long relievers will be senior submariner Michael Le and juniors Tobey Ho, Johnny Angel, Colgan Martin and Matthew Ziegler.

The rest of the Indians’ staff includes seniors Josh Hooker, Brandon Aguilar and Nathaniel Metz.

The Indians participated in three preseason tourneys and they include the prestigious Easton Tournament, which is loaded with talented teams, the Lancaster Rotary West Tournament hosted by Quartz Hill High and the Coach Bob Tournament in Arizona.

The Indians are 2-6, with a 6-5 decision over Lancaster in the Lancaster Rotary West tourney and an 8-1 triumph over Highland in the Quartz Hill tourney.

It’s a close one at first base when the Indians played a recent game against St. Francis. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs will open the league portion with a game at Hoover on March 8.

Behind the plate will be sophomore James Turner and will be supported by junior Albert Prado.

Senior Collin Johnson will play first base, bat in the No. 3 hole and also packs a potent stick.

Johnson, who swings lefthanded, is a power hitter who hits for a high average and will be backed up by senior Chris Magoon.

Second base will be a strong battle between junior Devon Esquivel and senior Preston Lemus, a transfer from Arizona.

Burbank Coach Bob Hart hopes to see a lot of runs and hits during the season. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

When Jaramillo isn’t on the mound, he will toil at third base and will be backed up by junior Hyatt Entz, who played on the boys’ soccer team.

Brian Garcia, a junior all-league pick, will hold down shortstop and bat leadoff for the Indians.

Junior Jorge Gutierrez, who is capable of playing second base and third base, will also see action at shortstop.

Chuidian will play center field when not on the hill and backed up by Salazar and Le.

The rest of the outfield consists of seniors Dylan Rolando and Rio Lopez, and juniors Kevin Gutierrez and Ho.

The utility infielders are seniors Daniel Roman and Hoover transfer Christian Morales, while junior Angel can play in the infield and outfield.

If pitching is crucial to winning, then the Indians are definitely ready. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

The Bulldogs failed to make the playoffs last season, but did advance to the quarterfinals in 2017.

“We have that challenge now,” Burbank coach Bob Hart said of getting back to the postseason. “But they’re going to have to find and accept their roles.”

Hart said despite an 0-3-1 record including a 5-0 loss to powerful Harvard-Westlake in the Easton Tournament, he’s optimistic.

“That was a very respectable game to a very good team,” Hart said of the Wolverines. “I think we’re going to be okay.”

Like its crosstown rival, Burbank, which also had a 3-3 tie against Chatsworth, commence the league season at Muir on March 5, will depend on pitching and will be paced by senior Davis Mieliwocki, who throws 85 to 87 miles per hour.

The Bulldogs can lean heavily on skill, experience and a solid pitching staff. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

When not on the rubber, Mieliwocki, an all-league, second-team selection, is a steady and heady presence at third base.

Senior Joey Clark is also a key starter, while senior Andrew De La Torre, junior Jacob Duarte and sophomore Ryan King, who is the starting shortstop, will all need to be productive on the hill.

The rest of the pitching staff includes juniors Josh Balos, Willem Clendenin, while Troy Lee and King and Clark will be the primary closers.

The catching duties will primarily fall upon juniors Dominick Severo and Alberto Ayala.

Duarte, Lee and Clark will play first base, senior Kenny Wong and junior Tyler Lamarsna will see action at second base and senior Daniel Ruiz will back up Mieliwocki at third base.

Junior Oaklee Spens will patrol center field, De La Torre will play left field and junior Aidan Gonzalez will see time in left field.

The remainder of the outfield consists of seniors Cody Winters and Vincent Romano and juniors Justin Robinson and Adam Loera.

The post Burroughs, Burbank Baseball Teams Ready To Roar appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank police detectives are investigating a possible homicide that might have occurred during a party in the 4000 block of Clark Avenue Saturday morning, March 2.

There are few confirmed details at this point except that a 21 year-old man was dropped off at St. Joseph Medical Center with a gunshot wound and then had to be transported to a trauma center where he later died from his wound. 

Police were called to St. Joseph’s when alerted by the hospital staff at 2:36  am according to a release sent out by Sgt. Derek Green of the Burbank Police Department.

By the time detectives found out the possible location of the shooting and responded to the home on the 4000 block of Clark Avenue, most of the people from the party had left the scene. Detectives remained at the scene for several hours.

Police have not released the name of the victim. During the night police received no reports of gunfire heard in the area although there were several possible auto burglaries that also occurred in the same area during the night.

Police have not released the name of the victim yet.

The post Police Investigate Shooting on Clark Avenue appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Both Burbank and Burroughs Highs have lost some key athletes to graduation, but that shouldn’t play a key role in the success of both schools this season.
The Bulldogs appear to be strong as a dual meet squad and the Indians appear to have found their next pole vault star.

Burbank
The Bulldogs won the boys’ league dual meet title last year and are hoping to duplicate the feat.
“That’s what we’re shooting for,” said David Card, who took over as head coach after serving as an assistant to longtime head coach Darin Wolf.

Burbank has a strong group of sprinters and distance runners that could go deep into postseason competition.
The spring group is led by junior Bryan David, a 400 meter specialist, who ran under 51 seconds last season. Freshman Jack Sapyta is one of the best sprinters to ever come through Burbank. He ran the 200 meters in 22.73 seconds last year with the Burbank Vikings.
Junior Cole Le’au is also back. The Bulldogs have picked up a transfer in Kendall Fauntleroy, who will become eligible in late March. Sophomore Dylan Branden is another sprinter to watch for.

The distance running group is led by sophomore Andres Leon and junior Victor Goli. They are supported by a host of others.
Senior Zion Chavez will be counted on to provide points in the long and triple jumps as well as in the pole vault. James Symth is the defending league champion in the discus and will provide some key points in the throwing events.
Sophomore Marcus Halm is solid in the jumping events and the hurdles.

On the girls’ team, Burbank appears to be in a position to compete for a league title.
“We have the depth and quality to challenge Arcadia,” Card said.
Sophomore sprinter Stephana Powell is a transfer from Van Nuys High and should be solid in the 200 and 400 meter events.
Sophomore Jayla Flowers could be on the best Burbank has ever had in both the sprints and in the long and triple jumps.
The distance running crew is very deep and led by senior Shalom Mejia and junior Sol Fernandez.
Sophomore Tamryn Betts is the returning league champion in the high jump.
Freshman Emma Cusumano has the potential to be a star like her older sister, Haleigh, who graduated from Burbank in 2017.

Burroughs

The Indians are not as deep as in the past, but still have a few elite individuals.
Sophomore Eli Gault-Crabb could be the next in a long line of pole vault stars.
He opened the season against Canyon High by clearing 14 feet, 2 inches.
Junior Caleb Black is an elite 400 runner for coach Levon Davis.
“Caleb, if he’s healthy, he might go 48,” Davis said.
Senior Raymond Berrellez along with junior Logan Berger and sophomore Jimmy Nealis give Burroughs a solid distance running group.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

The Burroughs girls’ team is led by senior sprinter Jada Martinez-Reese.
Sophomore Elizabeth Surratt could have a breakout season in the 300 intermediate hurdles after going 47.57 in league finals last year.
Burroughs will rely on a solid core of a distance runners to get the bulk of their scoring from.
Sophomore Jordan Guzman, senior Lakely Nealis and freshmen Sophia Navarro and Kimberly Ramirez should make significant impacts.

The post Burbank, Burroughs Track Finding New Stars appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The post Tennis Teams Looking Solid Early On appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Thursday evening, the Magnolia Park Optimist Club recognized three members of the Burbank Police Department family for their achievements as part of the Optimist International Respect for the Law program. Citizen Volunteer Kaye Norris, Police Technician Helen Quach, and K-9 Officer John Embleton were all honored in a ceremony with individual achievements highlighted by Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Kaye Norris is the 2018 “Volunteer of the Year.” Kaye retired from 35-year career as a teacher in LAUSD, and after a short time taking a break determined “if this is retirement, I don’t think I like it.”  Since then she has found her call through volunteering in activities with her church, and the Burbank Temporary Assistance Center.  However, Kaye also had always been interested in police work, and decided to join the Burbank Police Community Academy course, and fell in love with the environment.  Since then she has spent up to 515 hours and 8 months a year as a Burbank Police Department Volunteer, currently working with the Traffic Bureau. According to Chief LaChasse, Kaye is always open to learning new skills and working wherever needed within the Department.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Helen Quach is the 2018 “Non-Sworn Employee of the Year.” Working with the Burbank Police since 2009, Helen currently works in the Department’s Warrant Office, responsible for maintaining entries supporting restraining orders, and supporting the Subpoena Control Office. She also assisted in the implementation of the Department to a new web-based subpoena system managed by the LA County District Attorney’s Office.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

K-9 Officer John Embleton is the 2018 “Officer of the Year.” Officer Embleton joined the Burbank Police Department in 2005 following service with the LA County Sheriff Department and has worked K-9 since 2010.  Officer Embleton and his K-9 partner Bram serve the city and surrounding communities, responding to emergency calls, incidents, weapons, and narcotics investigations, often identifying potential threats simply through experience and awareness.

One such incident took place at the end of October 2018.  Officer Embleton was en route to an early morning K-9 training exercise and came upon a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 210 near Sylmar. Stopping to render assistance, Officer Embleton also “ran” the vehicle plates as is his routine when making a stop.  In this case, one of the plates came back as a vehicle belonging to a murder suspect from Sacramento County.  The suspect was apprehended, bringing praise to both Officer Embleton and the Burbank Police Department.

Being on the front lines of violent criminal apprehensions, Officer Embleton and his partner Bram are often called to assist other local agencies when needed.  Bram recently was assisting a call supporting LAPD, and when engaging a violent suspect, was injured, breaking several teeth.  Fortunately, Bram is just fine, and is receiving a new set of titanium “choppers” to replace his broken teeth, and will be back on duty soon.

L/R Vonda Noondorf Event Chair, Kaye Norris, John Embleton, Helen Quach and Police Chief Scott LaChasse (Photo by Ross A Benson)

The Respect for Law Program began in 1965 with the support of the FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and now includes more than 1500 participating Optimist Clubs around the world. In addition to awards programs honoring police staff, the Optimist Club promotes improved partnerships between police and citizens through programs to introduce youth to community law enforcement officers, lawmakers, law processes, and reinforcing the need for youth to understand and obey the law.

Chief LaChasse noted that Burbank has seen a reduction in crime, with citizens playing an important role in contacting law enforcement when observing activities that have resulted in improved response times and a safer city.

Congratulations to all out Burbank Police Honorees, and to the Magnolia Pak Optimist Club for supporting Law Enforcement and the community through their Respect for the Law Program.

The post Magnolia Park Optimist Club Honors Burbank Police Staff appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Wednesday, February 27, the Cusumano Development Team saw 12 years of planning and hard work come to fruition while they and 400 guests watched as the ribbon was cut for the new Talaria mixed-use building.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

In the garden courtyard of the new complex, Michael Cusumano shared some reflections and observations. Since his team started work on the project, the City has had five City Managers; when he started there was Mary Alvord, then came Mike Flad, Ken Pulskamp, Mark Scott and now Ron Davis. It was hard enough to keep one city manager happy yet he kept five happy.

They started in 2007 with a dream, a vision to build a community in the media district that was unlike any community that had been built before in this region, Cusumano said.

Those who have been watching for 12 years recall the site was 24 different parcels of land on two blocks. In the beginning, it wasn’t clear that they would ever be able to buy all of the parcels that were necessary to consolidate the site. Then the financial world fell apart in September of 2008. The team could have walked away but they continued to trust that in the end, it would all come together and they would build the project that they had always dreamed about.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Cusumano said there were hundreds of people that played important roles in the development of the project and contributed hours.

From the beginning, Whole Foods has been a wonderful part of the project, he said.

“They were committed to this site and this project from day one, they never wavered or flinched in their commitment and when they opened their doors on June 20, 2018, the public got to see their long-awaited Whole Food Burbank. It’s been noted that the store is one of the most beautiful stores in the world and to date one of the most successful in the Whole Food Chain.”

The project architect, Gustaf Soderberg and his team from VTBS, have been able to capture the design of a community that was dreamed of in the beginning. “They were the design masters in what is being acknowledged as one of the most exciting designs anywhere in the Los Angeles area.”

Cusumano also acknowledged Nadia Geller Designs who are also based here in Burbank and were responsible for all of the interior designs and furnishing. The other big part of the development was Burbank based McCormick Construction who oversaw the complete construction of the complex project.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Cusumano took time to acknowledge one person very important from the beginning and that was Michael Hastings. “He never would let any issue dampen his enthusiasm for this project.” Cusumano said it was Michael who coined the name “Talaria” and he had taken pride in the project the same as the Cusumano team.

Cusumano also thanked his team at Cusumano Real Estate Group. On this project, his partners had been steadfast in their commitment and belief in the project. He shared that his wife Caroline will now have him back after working 80 hour weeks and he was happy to work with his son Tanner on his first project.

The Taleria project is Burbank’s only Green Certified residential community certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The living units consist of one, two and three bedroom units with a total of 241 units. Some of the amenities include: in-home dining, fully equipped fitness center with spa facilities, saunas, messages rooms, a pool with lap swimming and a private screening room. The garden where the party was held includes fire pits, BBQs, green lawn and an area private for dog owners.

Here is a gallery of pictures from the party. Click on the frames to enlarge it.

The post Talaria Officially Opens With Ribbon Cutting And Premiere Party appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Joaquin Miller Elementary School and William McKinley Elementary School are just two of the Burbank Unified elementary school that celebrated Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day with Read In Day on Friday, March 1.

Miller Elementary was visited by 45 guest readers in the classrooms including Board of Education Vice President Armond Aghakhanian, Director of Elementary Education Dr. Peter Knapik, Director of Wellness Johanna Chase, Assistant to the Superintendent Kimberley Clark, Principal at Muir Middle School Dr. Greg Miller,  Kenny Maler from the Burbank Police Department, Cadet Joseph Rangel from the Burbank Fire Department, Burbank Youth Services Librarian Cathleen Bowley, former NASA Rocket Scientist Kevin DeBruin, former Miller PTA President Wendi Harvel, Miller Booster Club President Liga Zervena,  Saundra Montijo from the Burbank Arts For All Foundation and three retired Miller teachers: Mike Hammell, Darla Marquis and John Ossiff.

Miller Principal Judy Hession is ready for Read In and Pajama Day. (Photo By Ross Benson)

Several Miller parents also volunteered their time to read to the students.

“The Miller Read In and Pajama Day is one of our staff and students’ favorite day,” commented Miller Principal Judy Hession. “We get to read for fun and the best part, we get to do this in our pajamas!”

Hession also thanked Azuree Natice, Miller library coordinator, for organizing the annual event.

“I had asked our readers to make sure that they talk about the importance of reading and how they use this skill each day,” added Hession. “I have seen how important it is to make sure that our students are able to read and to understand what they are reading before they move onto the middle school. We hope that students can see how reading is connected to everything that the will be doing in the future.”

Assistant Fire Chief Danny Alvarez, McKinley Principal Liz Costella and Director of Elementary Education Peter Knapik. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

More than 28 community members joined Read In Day at McKinley Elementary, such as Police Chief Scott LaChasse, Assistant Fire Chief Danny Alvarez and Burbank City employees and officials including Vice Mayor Sharon Springer. Board of Education members Charlene Tabet and Clerk Steven Frintner were joined by district staff, local business members and former McKinley Principal Ms. Holliday.

Local developer Michael Cusumano with students Amanda Lainez and Natalia Rubio for Read In Day at McKinley Elementary, where he also went to elementary school. (Photo By Ross Benson)

“The event was a fun and rewarding experience for our students to have the community members come read to them,” commented McKinley Principal Liz Costella and Community Liason Janeth Moreno.

“The students were really excited about having a visitor read to their classroom and being able to share what they have been learning this year.” 

“Not only did the students enjoy the experience but all of the McKinley staff and guest readers had a wonderful time too.”

“Guest readers commented on the great conversations and interactions they had with the students.”

“They enjoyed not only getting to read to the students but getting to know more about what the students have learned this year and our McKinley Community”

“Our Community Read-In is one of our favorite annual events and we look forward to it each year.”

The post Miller And McKinley Elementary Schools Celebrate Read In Day appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Release supplied by Burbank Police Dept.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the March 2^nd shooting death of 21-year-old Christian Guevara.

The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of March 2, 2019 in the 4000 block of West Clark Avenue. At about 2:36 A.M., Burbank Police Officers responded to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after a man was brought into the emergency room suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as Guevara, was transported to a local trauma center, but died as a result of his wound.

Investigators learned that Guevara had attended a party at the residence where the shooting took place. In the course of the investigation, Burbank Police Detectives identified a person of interest in the shooting. That individual was interviewed by investigators and confessed to shooting the victim. The motive and circumstances leading up to the shooting are still being investigated.

The suspect has been identified as Robert Stout, a 19-year-old man from Van Nuys. On March 4, Stout was placed under arrest and booked for murder. He is currently being held on $2 million bail.

In addition, a second suspect has also been arrested for his involvement in the crime. That suspect has been identified as Jose Valdivieso, a 19-year-old man from Northridge. Valdivieso was also booked for murder and is being held on $2 million bail.

The gun believed to have been used in the shooting has been recovered by investigators.

Formal charges against both suspects are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The post Burbank Police Arrest Two in Homicide Investigation appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Swimming is a sport that hasn’t been the most successful since Olympian Cathy Ferguson made her mark locally in the 1960s. But strides have been made in recent years at both Burbank and Burroughs highs with several school records have been broken. This year we could see some more.

Burbank

The Bulldogs are led on the boys’ side by junior David Lee, the defending Pacific League champion in the 50 and 100-meter freestyle events.

Burbank has a solid core behind Lee. Senior Gevorg Vardanyan should offer help in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Junior Ryan Feldman could also have a strong season in the 100 backstroke and 200 freestyle.

Senior Dorian Andrei, like Vardanyan, figures to do well in the butterfly and medley events.

Senior Charlie Thorpe should offer some support in the freestyle events and senior Ashot Gavurmadzhyan is strong in the breaststroke and butterfly events.

“The boys team is looking to remain in the top three in the Pacific League, while also securing automatic cuts for relays for the CIF meet,” Burbank coach Cody Parker said. “David Lee (is aiming) to remain the top sprinter in the league, while qualifying individually for CIF. The girls look to secure a spot in the top three in the Pacific League.”

The Burbank girls’ team is led by senior Michelle Morlock, who is a 50 and 100 meter freestyle specialist.

Senior Melody Moradi offers help in the freestyle events, as does senior Emily Udall, who will also compete in the butterfly.

Juniors Simone and Geneva Bethel are also freestyle specialists. Simone Bethel could also score some points in the breaststroke.

Burroughs

The Indians are led by junior distance swimmer Maya Wilson, who has qualified for CIF competition the last two years.

Senior Aleah Orozco also brings back key experience in the freestyle and relay events.
Junior Emmanuella Nathan returns to give the Indians another swimmer with varsity experience in the relay events.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Sophomores Madeline Spangler and Isabelle Mucha were both on varsity as freshmen.

The top newcomer is freshman Lilliana Noriega.

For the Burroughs boys’ team, senior Reigh Abaoag is the top returner. He is particularly strong in the butterfly and breaststroke events.

Seniors Issack Dowling, Nathan Gault-Crabb and Arshak Berberyan also figure to play key roles.

Sophomore Nicolai Lazarev is a distance swimmer with a bright future ahead.

The post Swimmers Only Getting Faster at Burbank, Burroughs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The vocal and instrumental music programs at Burbank and John Burroughs High Schools join forces and Reach For The Stars with a highly anticipated fundraising concert on Friday, March 8, at Burbank High’s Wolfson Auditorium. Students and supporters gathered Sunday, March 3, to raise funds at California Pizza Kitchen and kick off a week of heightened awareness for the upcoming concert.

The concert includes performances by Burbank and Burroughs bands and choirs, some of whom are mentored this year by the industry professionals from the Musicians at Play Foundation.

The second half of the concert, conducted once again by Anthony Parnther, internationally renowned maestro from the London Philharmonic, features iconic works by John Williams and Michael Giacchino.

Don and April Williams, founders of Musicians At Play Foundation, are joined by Peggy Flynn, BUSD Arts & Career Technical Education Coordinator, to promote the upcoming “Reach For The Stars” concert to raise funds for Burbank high school music programs. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

Musicans At Play founder and professional timpanist Don Williams reprises his role as the annual concert’s special guest.

Last year’s Music Is Instrumental concert, held in May 2018, was a resounding success, by both artistically wowing the audience and financially bringing in more than $132,000 for musical instrument repair and replacement.

This year, the Burbank and Burroughs choirs and bands have taken leadership of the event, explained Peggy Flynn, Arts & Career Technical Education Coordinator for the Burbank Unified School District.

Proceeds from the March 8 concert will be used for instrument repair and replacement and for essential performance equipment for the BHS and JBHS auditoriums, she added.

Students and supporters of Music Is Instrumental program and the “Reach For The Stars” concert raise some funds at California Pizza Kitchen for Burbank and Burroughs High Schools’ music programs. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

Tickets are available at www.busdarts.com and the online auction is also live for pre-event viewing and bidding. Donations and sponsorships are welcomed and can be made online as well. The online auction runs through 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

VIP tickets are $40 each and include assigned orchestra and balcony seating and an intermission reception with food and entertainment. Instrument and equipment adoptions will also be available at the event.

Peggy Flynn, BUSD Arts & Career Technical Education Coordinator, with Don Williams, professional timpanist and Musicians At Play founder. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

General admission seating is $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

The Burbank High School instrumental program is led by Justin Klotzle and choir program by Brett Carroll. Burroughs High School’s instrumental program is headed by Taylor Arakelian and choir by Brendan Jennings, who is also directing the Reach For The Stars concert. JBHS VMA parent Jessica Good chairs the event.

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 8. Burbank High School is located at 902 N. Third Street in Burbank.

The post “Reach For The Stars”: BUSD Raises Funds For High School Music Programs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

For six innings, the Burbank High baseball team managed to score only two runs and trailed by two runs entering the seventh inning.

This all changed as a three-run seventh proved decisive for the host Bulldogs, who rallied and tamed Muir 5-4 in a Pacific League match on Friday night.

Seven batters came to the plate including senior Andrew De La Torre, whose single off senior Brian Love, the losing pitcher, settled into right field as junior Troy Lee, who was safe on a fielder’s choice, scored the game-winning tally.

Ryan King was credited with the victory after picking up for starter Davis Mielowocki. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“Finding a hole and putting the ball anywhere,” De La Torre said of his game-winning single.

When the Bulldogs trailed it looked as though the Mustangs were in position to even the season series at a game apiece.

Was there any doubt that Burbank would win?

“Maybe once or twice, but then we found a way to get it back and pick it up,” De La Torre said of the rally. “We just wanted it more than they did.”

Two batters earlier, senior Cody Winters knocked home two runs with a sharply hit ball that found its way to left field as sophomore Ryan King, who led off by reaching on an error and senior Davis Mielowocki, who walked, both scored.

Love went two and two-third innings, striking out one, walking one with three runs allowed and three hits.

Senior Emilio Martinez gave up four hits, two runs, hit one batter, fanned three and walked four over four innings for the Mustangs.

Muir (6-3 and 0-2 in league) is much improved this season after opening its campaign with five straight wins.

Cody Winters delivered a two-run single for the Bulldogs, who rallied for a 5-4 win over Muir. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“They have speed,” longtime Burbank coach Bob Hart said of the fleet-footed Mustangs. “Speed is a tough opponent sometimes. But the key to that is not give away free bases.”

Though down by two runs entering the seventh, Hart remained confident.

“This team has shown that ability where they’re not going to just sit down the last two innings and call it in,” he said. “Sometimes when you’re chasing one run and that team gets one more, it’s like the nail in the coffin.”

The Mustangs, who lost at home 1-0 to the Bulldogs on Tuesday, scored two of their runs without the benefit of a base hit in the first and third innings.

Burbank (2-3-1 and 2-0 in league) leveled it at 1-1 with a tally in the second inning when junior Jakob Duarte walked with one out.

Davis Mielowocki reached base twice and scored a run in the seventh. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Junior Adam Loera entered as a pinch runner and then advanced to second base on a balk and third base on De La Torre’s single to center field.

De La Torre took off for second base hoping to draw a throw and did, but put on the brakes and raced back to first base.

While this was transpiring, Loera sensed it was time to run and blasted off for home plate with the run.

Burbank tied it at 2-2 in the fourth inning when junior Oaklee Spens lofted a sacrifice fly to left field with one out.

Duarte led off the inning with a double off the screen in right center and advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt from De La Torre.

Burbank’s two pitchers limited the Mustangs to four hits and four runs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Muir, which stole six bases, took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Mielowocki issued a one-out walk to senior Aryonis Harrison.

Mielowocki allowed three runs over five-plus innings, yielded two hits with 11 strikeouts and three walks.

“I just wanted to make sure I got ahead with my strikes,” Mielowocki said of his outing that saw him fan the side in the second and fourth and strike out two batters in the first and third. “Make sure I could work off that first-pitch strike. Hopefully get some guys out. Have some guys roll over and have my defense work behind me.”

King was credited with the win after touring two frames, giving up two hits with one strikeout and one hit batter.

Harrison then stole second base and third base and scored when Mielowocki uncorked a wild pitch.

Mielowocki walked junior Harper Taylor with two down, but was left stranded when senior Tobias Humphrey struck out.

The Mustangs collected a run in the third and forged ahead 2-1 when Mielowocki walked senior Tyquise Solomon to begin the inning.

Burbank collected five walks off two Muir pitchers. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Solomon swiped second base, took third base on Mielowocki’s wild pitch and scored on a run-producing grounder by Harrison.

Junior Amaris Harrison singled to left field to begin the sixth inning.

Harrison stole second base, took third on a sacrifice bunt from Aryonis Harrison and scored to make it 3-2 on a single to center field by junior Ely Resendiz.

A solo run in the seventh gave the Mustangs a 4-2 edge as senior David Solis was nicked with a pitch by Kings to start the inning.

Solis stole second base and with two out, Solomon delivered a bloop single to left field that plated Solis.

The post Burbank Baseball Rallies For 5-4 Victory Over Muir appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Playing shorthanded is a tough way to operate, but the Burbank High softball team had to against Arcadia on Monday afternoon.

Even so, the Bulldogs found enough intestinal fortitude to rally from four runs down in the sixth inning, but then gave up two runs in the seventh inning and lost 7-5 in a Pacific League contest at McCambridge Park.

Alyssa Porras went seven innings and took the 7-5 loss. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank managed four hits off sophomore Sophia Garzona, who went seven innings, striking out six and walking three.

Senior Alyssa Porras toured seven frames for the Bulldogs, surrendering 11 hits with three strikeouts and two walks with two hit batters.

The Bulldogs (2-4 and 1-1 in league) were without the services of seniors Nikki Davis and Emily Monterrey along with junior Savannah Benson.

It seemed late in the game that Porras may have been tired, but wasn’t taken out by Burbank coach Mike Delaney.

“We thought about it a couple of times. But where they were in the lineup versus what she was doing with those kids, it didn’t ever come up to it at that point,” Delaney said. “She battled. She missed a few spots, but we didn’t help her with our flat-footedness today. We were flat-footed with our defense.”

The Bulldogs cut Arcadia’s lead to 5-4 with a three-run fifth inning as seven batters trotted to the plate.

Base hits were hard to come by for the Bulldogs, who managed four. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

With none out, senior Izzy Sanchez lined a sharp base hit to center field as senior Sarah Garelick, who walked and sophomore Erika Montoya, who collected a single to left field, both scored.

Senior Alex Davis was safe on a fielder’s choice that scored a run as pinch runner, junior Tiffany Estrada, who came in for Porras, drew a walk.

“Our outfield didn’t help us and our hitting didn’t help us,” Delaney pointed out. “We did not hit in key situations. That’s what we’ve been kind of stressing the last couple of games. We’re all trying to hit the ball over the fence. You hit the ball in the air here, it’s just an out.”

The Apaches (9-1-1 and 2-0 in league) bolted ahead 7-5 in the seventh when senior Deja Westbrook drilled a single to left with one out. Westbrook moved to second base on a grounder by senior Helena Simpson.

Burbank’s infield defense was solid against the Apaches. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A clanging double to left center by freshman Morgan Howey (two hits) scored Westbrook and Howey crossed the plate when senior Karly Gills roped a base hit to center field.

Burbank evened it at 5-5 with a run in the sixth inning as sophomore Lily Stell clubbed a long one-out triple to right center, and Garelick’s grounder drove in the run.

The Apaches opened up a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Simpson’s single up the middle scored sophomore Averi Wong, who singled to left field with one out.

The Bulldogs tied it at 1-1 in the first inning when Davis led off with a booming triple to right center and crossed the plate on a sacrifice bunt from senior Amaya Broyls.

“I think our hitting is what drives us,” Broyls said. “When we’re hitting line drives in the gap, and when we’re getting good hits off her, it gives us a lot momentum and that’s what helps us.”

Broyls then added: It’s been hard with all the rain and we’ve been trying to practice and some girls have been hurt,” she said. “Being a catcher. Being a senior. Being a captain. There’s a lot of pressure and I feel like I need to lead the team along with the other captains. We have the younger players. We all need to step up and do our job.”

A two-run third inning by Arcadia made it 3-1 as Westbrook lined an inside-the-park homer to center field that plated Wong, who was safe on a force out.

The Apaches’ advantage became 5-1 in the fifth inning when Wong’s triple to right center knocked home sophomore Delaney Prater (two hits), who doubled to left center and Westbrook’s grounder scored Wong.

The post Burbank Softball Loses Tough One To Visiting Arcadia 7-5 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The first Burbank-Burroughs boys’ tennis match of the season was so close that everyone was done playing and they had to get their calculators out to see who won.
Visiting Burbank escaped with a 73-71 win in games after both teams won nine sets each.
“I told the guys every game counts,” Burbank coach Loi Phan said. “I told them a win (in a set) would be great, but I need games. I knew it was going to be super close.”

Burbank (4-2 in league and overall), was able to pull through thanks to No. 3 singles player Hakop Kerimyan pulling out a 6-2 win over Burroughs No. 2 Kyle Lester.
“The nerves really got to me against the last guy. I beat him 6-2, but it was very hard fought,” Kerimyan said. “Most of the points went down to the wire. Most of them were his mistake and not my skill. This is my first year on varsity and there was a lot of pressure being in on the deciding point.”
Burroughs (3-3) was led by No. 1 singles player Sam Bernardy, who earned a sweep by going 6-4 over Sid Denduluri, 6-2 over Yash Desai and 6-0 on Kerimyan.
“It was an exciting match. I actually thought we were going to win when we got started,” Burroughs coach Roy Bernhardt said. “But then it started getting tight.”
Lester, who was the Burroughs No. 2 singles player, fell 6-1 to Denduluri and defeated Burbank No. 2 Yash Desai 7-5.
Burroughs No. 3 player Blake Hildebrandt went 0-6, 3-6, 2-6.

In doubles, Burroughs won five of the nine sets.
The Indians No. 1 team of Mark Do and Trieu Nguyen lost 6-4 to Burbank’s No. 1 team of Ethan Lee and Abasi Abukusumo . Do and Nguyen defeated the Burbank No. 2 team of Greg Gevojanyan and Daniel Khrlobian 6-4 and the No. 3 team of Dominik Sumera and Michael Westwood. 6-1.
The Burroughs No. 2 doubles team of Cameron Flowers and Sebastian Muga fell 6-1 to Lee and Abukusumo, defeated Gevojanyan and Khrlobian 6-1 and lost 6-2 to Sumera and Parker Katz, who substituted for Westwood.
The Burroughs No. 3 team of Daniel Cho and Rafael Munguia lost 6-1 to Lee and Abukusumo, but defeated Gevojanyan and Khrlobian 6-2 and went 6-0 over Sumera and Westwood.

The post Burbank Boys Tennis Tops Burroughs on Tiebreaker appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Young musicians from Burbank and John Burroughs High Schools joined industry professionals to present the second annual Music Is Instrumental fundraising concert, Reach For The Stars, on Friday evening, March 8, at Burbank High School’s Wolfson Auditorium.

Conducted by internationally known maestro Anthony Parnther, the young instrumentalists and vocalists were mentored throughout the performance by seasoned musicians from the Musicians At Play Foundation.

(Photo By Ross Benson)

Film composer Michael Giacchino (Star Trek, Incredibles, Up) made a surprise appearance to kick off the second half of the concert and the performance of “Star Trek Suite,” featuring themes from Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek Beyond.

“The Musicians at Play’s music mentorship program gives students the opportunity to sit next to L.A.’s finest professional film and concert musicians,” commented Musicians at Play founder and professional timpanist Don Williams. “Students learn musical and professional skills they can apply to a professional music career or any career path they choose. Professional mentoring transforms careers and changes lives.”

Film composer Michael Giacchino made a surprise appearance at the “Reach For The Stars” fundraising concert. (Photo By Ross Benson)

Actor Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, emceed the evening.

A silent auction and online auction were held, with items including an original Star Wars music score signed by John Williams, an Up movie score signed by Giacchino and musical instruments signed by various popular musicians.

Nearly $60,000 of the original $75,000 fundraising goal was raised from donations, ticket sales, musical instrument adoption, and the silent auction. Work to reach the $75,000 goal, which will go to support instrumental and vocal music programs at Burbank and Burroughs, continues.

“We are continuing the effort online and plan to extend opportunities for instrument and equipment adoption,” commented Peggy Flynn, Burbank Unified Arts & Career Technical Education Coordinator.

Donations can still be made via PayPal online here.

Conductor Anthony Parnther at work with the Burbank musicians and industry professionals from Musicians At Play Foundation. (Photo By Ross Benson)

“We are so grateful to the Musicians at Play Foundation, the MAP mentors, our sponsors and all who attended the Music Is Instrumental benefit concert – together they made this opportunity possible,” Flynn commented. “Our students grew artistically and experienced firsthand what can be accomplished when we join forces around one important cause.”

“Music education is about more than aspiring to be a performer,” she added. “It teaches collaboration, innovation, patience, persistence and self-discipline. We are thrilled to have made progress towards our fundraising goal and so proud that we all did this together!”

(Photo By Ross Benson)

Musicians At Play founders Don and April Williams and the Foundation musicians lent their support to the 2018 Music Is Instrumental benefit concert, which raised more than $132,000 for instrument repair and replacement. BUSD aims to raise $1.2 million over 10 years for instrument repair and replacement.

With BUSD facing budget cuts to offset pension costs, the district’s high school instrumental and vocal music programs viewed the March 8 concert as a way to raise needed funds for their ongoing programs.

Burroughs vocal music teacher Brendan Jennings directed the Reach For The Stars concert and the other departments, led by Burroughs instrumental teacher Taylor Arakelian, Burbank High instrumental teacher Justin Klotzle and Burbank choir teacher Brett Carroll, all worked together to put on the show.

The MAP Foundation has provided mentors for BUSD high school musicians for three years, with last year providing the first collaborative concert. In addition to standard high school repertoire, the Foundation mentors have added in crowd-pleasing favorites from the film scoring world.

(Photo By Ross Benson)

“It is also important for students to play music that they ordinarily wouldn’t get to play,” added Williams. “John Williams and Michael Giacchino soundtrack music is the soundtrack of young peoples and adult lives.”

“Learning from the same musicians that played on the films is so important for them not just musically but for the life skills they acquire by watching professionals do their work. This experience with the mentors will help carry them through life as well.”

“Over the past three years, many students have used this experience as a platform to reach their college goals and professional career paths,” he also said. “Community support of instruments for the BUSD programs is crucial in giving the tools needed for students to reap the rewards of the program.”

 

The post “Reach For The Stars” Fundraising Concert Excites Audience, Nears Goal appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Stepping into the batter’s box and facing Crescenta Valley High pitcher Dee Dee Hernandez’s impressive arsenal isn’t an enviable task.

On Tuesday afternoon at Olive Park, the Burroughs softball team found out exactly just how tough the sophomore is after taming the Indians 4-0 and throwing a one-hitter across seven frames in a Pacific League game.

Freshman pitcher Kelsey Acosta went four innings and allowed six hits with four runs against the Falcons. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Hernandez didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning when senior Hannah Skinner lined a sharp single to left field.

What followed were three consecutive outs as junior Chloe Bookmyer flied to left field, senior Mia Storer popped to second base and senior Sierra Harvey grounded to second base.

“It’s CV. They’re a good hitting team. They’ve got a good pitcher. It’s all mental,” said Burroughs coach Wes Tanigawa, whose team is 3-4 and 2-1 in league. “The girls just gotta learn how to focus better.”

Tanigawa then added: “They feel pressure because they know this is a really good pitcher and they want to show they can do something,” he said. “They just have to learn to slow down the game.”

Hernandez toiled seven effective innings, struck out seven batters without issuing a walk and seemed cool as a cucumber.

Hernandez seized control from the outset, striking out freshman Kelsey Acosta and junior Isabella Kam swinging and inducing junior Sabrina Englebrecht to fly to center field.

Chloe Bookmyer shown taking a big swing against Dee Dee Hernandez, who tossed a one-hitter. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We’re just grinding,” said Crescenta Valley coach Amanda Peek, who saw the Falcons improve to 9-2-1 and 2-0 in league. “The girls didn’t come out like they wanted to today. Dee Dee’s a grinder. Our girls who show up daily, showed up today.”

Peek added: “Defense wins championships and that’s our mindset. Hitting comes and goes,” she noted.

Hernandez worked a perfect second inning as Skinner grounded to first base, Bookmyer bounced to second base and Storer fanned looking.

Harvey led off the third inning by grounding to shortstop, senior Citlali Mendez, who came into the game as a replacement for senior Lauryn Valenzuela at shortstop, then lined to shortstop and junior Memorie Munoz struck out swinging.

Hernandez worked a 1-2-3 fourth frame, fanning Acosta and Kam swinging and then getting Englebrecht to bounce back to the box.

Mia Storer takes her hacks against Dee Dee Hernandez, who went seven innings. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mendez fouled out to third base to begin the sixth inning, Munoz popped to third base and sophomore Dyani Del Castillo, who relieved Acosta in the fifth inning, grounded to third base.

Kam opened the seventh inning by bouncing back to Hernandez, senior pinch hitter Morgan Mersola struck out swinging and Skinner popped to third base for the game’s final out.

The Falcons’ offense started off early against Acosta, who was making her first start against the defending league champions.

Acosta was admittedly nervous before her outing, but throws hard and accurate and seemed confident in the circle.

In four innings, Acosta, who will learn how to throw a changeup, allowed six hits with three strikeouts and one walk.

Del Castillo worked three innings, fanning three, walking three, hitting one batter and surrendering three hits.

Crescenta Valley collected just one hit off Acosta in the first inning, but it produced two runs as freshman Izzy Jamgotchian lined a double to left field as senior Alyssa Hernandez, who was safe on an error and Hernandez, who walked and had a pinch runner enter for her, both scored to make it 2-0.

Alyssa Hernandez and sophomore Stephanie Wichman each collected two singles for the Falcons.

Jamgotchian advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt from senior Kristy Taix and crossed the plate for a 3-0 lead when senior Peyton Hause was safe on the second error in the inning.

The Falcons added a run in the fourth inning to make it 4-0 when sophomore Morgan Eng drilled a single down the line in the left field, stole second base and scored on an error.

The post Burroughs Softball Blanked By Crescenta Valley 4-0, Collects One Hit appeared first on myBurbank.com.

It will be a long road to see who will capture the Pacific League title in boys golf this season.
Arcadia High made sure of that Thursday when the Apaches were victorious at Griffith Park’s Harding Golf Course by scoring 386 over five competitors on the Par 72 course. Burroughs was second by shooting 395. Burbank followed in third at 398, followed by Crescenta Valley at 409 and Pasadena at 472.
Burroughs freshman Lincoln Melcher won low medalist honors shooting a three-under-par 69.

“I felt pretty confident. My drives were going really far. The greens were pretty firm so you had to keep it below the hole. I think I adapted to that pretty quickly and I think that’s how I played better,” said Melcher who is committed to UCLA.

Melcher said he knows it will be a fight for the league title.
“Arcadia is good competition. We didn’t have our best rounds today. I think we have a good chance at beating them next time,” he said.
Thursday’s match was the second of six league matches the teams will play. Last week’s match that was scheduled to be played at DeBell Golf Course was postponed due to rain.
Burbank High sophomore J.J. Nakao, fresh off a weekend victory in the San Diego area in the Toyota Tour Cup at Carlton Oaks Country Club in Santee, was very impressive in being just one stroke behind Melcher by shooting 70.
“I wasn’t really happy with my round today, but I’ll take it,” Nakao said. “I hope I can play better. It is what it is.”

Also for Burroughs was sophomore Kodiak Hernandez, who shot 78. Senior Jake Panikowski shot 82. Sophomores Ryan McGowan, Trey Sanchez and Dylan Vallejo all shot 83.
For Burbank High, sophomore Kevin Kienlen shot 77. Freshman Ari Ahmed shot 78. Frank Maslyk shot 86, Louie Calzado 87 and Billy Malipun 101.

The teams will meet up again in two weeks at Santa Anita Golf Course, which is Arcadia’s home.

The post Arcadia Boys Golf Evens Things Up With Burroughs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

So far this campaign, the Burroughs High baseball team has been involved in two long streaks.

The first was a six-game losing skein to begin the season, but also own a four-game winning streak.

On Friday afternoon at Tomahawk Field, the Indians sideswiped Glendale 7-1 in a Pacific League game and have claimed six of their last seven games.

Nicco Chuidian dominated in five of the six innings he pitched against Glendale. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We’re starting to swing the bats a lot better with two outs,” Burroughs coach Craig Sherwood said. “In the first six games, we probably left 20 guys on with two outs. Now we’re starting to get those guys in. We got into a funk and we found our way out of it. We’re on the right track now.”

Nicco Chuidian was credited with the victory after working six innings, yielding five hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Chuidian’s only sub-par frame was the sixth inning when the senior right-hander gave up three hits and one run, but otherwise was stellar.

“Going into the sixth inning, I was getting tired,” said Chuidian, who doubled to left field in the sixth inning. “I thought that ball Collin [Johnson] hit was going to end the game. I said, OK, go out there. I don’t mind pitching. I had my mind set in the wrong place when I started that inning.”

The Indians played flawless defense in a 7-1 win over the Nitros. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Chuidian said despite the team losing its first six games, many were tight.

“Even when we went 0-6, all those games, they were all very close games. They were walk-offs,” he noted.

Burroughs grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first inning as it tagged junior right-hander Thomas Kovarik, who surrendered two hits across four innings, striking out six, walking five and hitting a batter.

In the frame, eight batters made their way to home plate with senior Michael Le and Chuidian each drawing walks.

Le went to second base on a wild pitch, third on a walk and scored when senior Preston Lemus was hit by a pitch that made it 1-0.

It’s a close call at second base in an attempted steal. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Chuidian took second base on a walk, third base on a hit batter and scored on the first of three errors by the Nitros (5-4 and 0-4 in league) as it became 2-0.

A two-run third inning saw the Indians, who are leaving for Phoenix, Arizona, to play five games in five days in the Coach Bob National Invitational Tournament,  slide ahead 4-0.

“It’s really important,” Sherwood said of the upcoming portion of the schedule. “We won that tournament three years ago and we’re looking to going there and doing well. We’ve got 12 pitchers on the staff and all 12 pitchers have done an outstanding job. I think we’re going in the right direction.”

This time Burroughs (6-7 and 4-0 in league) sent six batters to the plate as senior Julian Jaramillo delivered a run-scoring force out that brought in Johnson, a senior who was safe on an error, and junior Johnny Angel’s sacrifice fly scored Chuidian, who reached on a walk.

First baseman Collin Johnson is about to receive the ball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs extended its advantage to 5-0 with a run in the fourth as Johnson’s two-out bloop single to left brought home senior Andres Salazar, who walked to lead off the frame.

The Indians’ lead swelled to 7-0 with two runs in the fifth as eight batters waltzed to home plate against junior Michael Gonzalez.

Junior Hyatt Entz had a run-scoring infield single as Jaramillo, who singled to begin the inning and had senior Christian Morales enter as a pinch runner, scored and junior Brian Garcia’s single with two out drove in Entz.

Chuidian ran into some trouble in the sixth inning as he faced seven hitters including senior Darion Jenks, who had a two-out, run-scoring single that cut the lead to 7-1.

Collin Johnson readies to make the putout on Trent Lousararian. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“It’s been our team’s struggle all year long, where our first time through the lineup we tend to be very tentative, especially with a pitcher who is consistently in the zone,” Glendale coach Marcus Whithorne said. “That’s been our challenge. It shouldn’t take three or four innings. That second and third time we should perform better.”

Chuidian worked a perfect first inning that included striking out the side as junior Ian Nord fanned looking, senior Michael Tichenor struck out catcher to first base and Jenks whiffed swinging.

Another 1-2-3 frame followed in the second inning as Chuidian allowed a single to Kovarik, who went to second base on a balk.

Junior Ethan Aldrete fanned swinging and senior Nathan Wong lined to left fielder Angel, who gunned the ball into the infield which doubled up Kovarik.

Senior Trent Lousararian grounded to shortstop to begin the third inning, but senior Seth Harley singled to right field and stole second base. Chuidian fanned senior Ryan Kataoka looking and Nord swinging.

Chuidian’s third perfect frame followed as Tichenor grounded to second base, Jenks fanned looking and Kovarik struck out catcher to first base.

Chuidian faced four batters in the fifth inning as Aldrete bounced back to the box, Wong walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, third base on Lousararian’s grounder and Harley then bounced to shortstop.

Salazar went one inning for Burroughs, fanning one and hitting a batter, while Gonzalez worked two frames, striking out three with three hits allowed for Glendale.

The post Burroughs Baseball Downs Glendale 7-1 In Pacific League Match appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Spring Break is around the corner for Burbank Unified School District which means 9 full days of keeping those little ones busy.  If you’re looking for something local to do during March 16-24, here are 12 places to take your kids while staying in Burbank.

1.      Pickwick Ice 

Pickwick Ice Center (Photo By Ross A. Benson

Pickwick Ice is the perfect place for kids of all ages.  General admission is just $10 a person and children 3 and under are free. At the rink, you can rent a bobby which are those cute blue seals that kids can push or sit on to help them around the rink. For public session, hours check their website.

Pickwick Ice 1001 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506 818-845-5300

2. Pickwick Bowl

Bowlers of all ages will have a blast at Pickwick Bowl with their recently updated scoring system, L.C.D. monitors, and amazing graphics.  Bumpers and dragon ramps are available for your little bowlers and games start at just $5/person.

Pickwick Bowl 921 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506 818-845-5300

3. Racers Edge Karting

Have a need for speed? Riders above 50 inches can speed around in this indoor karting facility right in the heart of Burbank.  Zip and zoom around the fun and challenging track which is set for all skill levels, and walk away with your very own customized race results.

Racers Edge Karting  960 Chestnut St. Burbank, CA 91506 818-861-7223

4. Stough Canyon Nature Center

Enjoy a day outdoors hiking Stough Canyon and visiting Burbank’s very own nature center.  Tucked away in the Verdugo mountains you’ll find the Stough Canyon Nature Center filled with hands-on tools for learning about wildlife and life sciences. Explore rocks with a magnifying glass, peek into the habitat of some real-life reptiles, and study the species of animals found right here in our very own mountains.

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 Walnut Ave Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440

5. Gorilla Art

Create and craft your little hearts out at this drop-in art studio right here in Burbank. Filled with supplies and crafting material, Gorilla Art is a great place to spark your little one’s imagination and let them experiment with new textures and ideas. The possibilities are endless.

Gorilla Art  1719 W Verdugo Ave  Burbank, CA 91502 818-861-7525

6. Prestige Kids Spa

Gather the girls and head over to Prestige Kids Spa for a mini spa party! Parties of 4 kids from ages 3-10 can enjoy an hour and a half of pampering with a mini mani and pedi, face mask, bow updo, glitter makeup, gemstone bracelet, and a lemonade toast. For more kids, check out their other spa party packages.

Prestige Kids Spa  4100 W Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91505  818-277-2605

7. AMC Theatre

Burbank is home to not one, not two, but three AMC theaters.  During Spring break is a great time to catch up on some new releases like Captain Marvel, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, and The Lego Movie: The Second Part.  Fortunately, all three locations are home to a MacGuffins Bar so parents can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, beer, and wine during the show.

AMC Burbank 16   125 E Palm Ave  (818) 953-2932

AMC Burbank Town Center 8 Burbank Town Center  201 E Magnolia Blvd #345  (818) 563-4901

AMC Burbank Town Center 6  Burbank Town Center 770 N 1st St  (818) 562-1401

8. WB Studio Tour

Experience where Hollywood is made during a 3-hour behind-the-scenes studio tour of WB studios.  Kids as young as 8 years old can enjoy the tour with their parents where you’ll visit backlots and soundstages, explore the DC Universe exhibit, enter the Batcave: Batmobile collection, and so much more. Tickets for SoCal residents start at $54. 

WB Studio Tour 3400 Warner Blvd.  Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 977-8687

9. Martial Arts History Museum

Dive into the educational, cultural, and artistic experience of martial arts in many different countries at the Martial Arts History Museum, located in the Magnolia Park district of Burbank.  Learn how martial arts played a role in history and traditions as well as in films and television and check out these amazing weapons and tools up close and in person.

Martial Arts History Museum  2319 W Magnolia Blvd  Burbank, CA 91506 (818) 478-1722

10. Verdigo Boulders

With over 15-foot high bouldering walls and 7000 square feet of climbing terrain, Verdigo Boulders is Burbank’s new climbing gym for both kids and adults alike. Stretch, maneuver, and problem solve multiple courses all while burning off that Spring Break energy. 

Verdigo Boulders 266 E Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91502 (818) 962-2377

11. Color Me Mine

Stamp, stencil, sponge, trace, or tape! No matter what technique you use, you’ll be walking out of Color Me Mine with a masterpiece.  This ceramic painting studio gives kids the chance to create anything from plates and mugs to piggy banks and keepsake boxes.

Color Me Mine 100 N San Fernando Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502 (818) 566-9990

12. Burbank Certified Farmers Market

Mayor Emily Gabal-Luddy buying some fresh berries. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

End the week of Spring break fun with Burbank’s very own farmers market, which is held every Saturday from 8:00am-12: 30 pm in the parking lot at Olive & Glenoaks. Enjoy food from local farms in Southern California from award-winning organic olive oil to hydroponic herbs.  Kids will love sampling some of the healthiest food in town.

Burbank Farmers Market 101 N Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91501 (818) 847-4774

The post Twelve Burbank Places to Take Your Kids on Spring Break appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Temporary Aid ( BTAC) held their yearly gala at the Castaways Valley View Room with a capacity crowd in attendance on Friday, March 15.

The evening started with a silent auction, including Dodger Tickets and tickets for The Ellen Show.

BTAC celebrates their 45th year of serving the community of Burbank in 2019. The organization received a certificate from State Senator Anthony Portantino.

Every year, BTAC presents their Burbank Top Award for Citizenship. This year’s recipient is Burbank Police Scott LaChasse. BTAC also handed out the inaugural Volunteer Legacy Award to Darryl Forbes.

For several years now, LaChasse and his command staff each make a $500 donation toward  BTAC’s Thanksgiving fund, which ensures all the clients of BTAC receive a frozen turkey and all the fixings for the holiday. Burbank Police Officers Association has joined the command staff with matching donations.

Forbes, a Burbank resident, is a former firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and when he retired in 2000 was the City’s Fire Marshall. Forbes started helping  BTAC back in 1974. He served on the Board of Directors from 1999 to 2018 and was instrumental in fundraising forBTAC’s newest home on Burbank Boulevard.

The evening was emceed by KNBC/Comcast News Anchor and Investigative Reporter Lolita Lopez.

Here is a gallery of pictures from the evening: (Click on an image to see it larger)

The post BTAC Honors Chief Scott LaChasse, Darryl Forbes During Gala Dinner appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Fourth-graders at Joaquin Miller Elementary School presented Rebel With A Kickstand on Thursday evening, March 14, in the school auditorium. The musical was also performed for fellow students in two performances on Friday, March 15.

“In this play Grandma Jackie goes backyard camping with her grandchildren Bobby and Susie,” explained volunteer and retired teacher John Ossiff, who co-wrote and co-directed the musical with fifth-grade teacher Melissa Pamperin. “When she tells them that she was and still is a rebel, they don’t believe her.”

(Photo By Ross Benson)

“So she takes them back in time to when she was a girl, to the day she got her bike. Not just any bike, a bike that could travel to other dimensions. She and her pet sloth, Nutin, used the bike, and ended up in a very different place.”

“There they found a kingdom in crisis, with a king being tricked by an evil new advisor.  They helped the king see what was going on, and helped save the kingdom… [and] the treasures of the kingdom, including a magic mirror, a magic harp and a goose that laid golden eggs.”

(Photo By Ross Benson)

The play include seven musical numbers and Pamperin made all of the costumes for the actors. The students worked for months to prepare the musical.

In January, 57 students tried out for the 27 parts in the play. Another eight students operated lights and sound and worked as backstage crew, added Ossiff. Two students played keyboards for the performance.

The students in the cast and crew rehearsed during lunch time and many mornings before school to prepare the production.

“The cast and crew all agreed that the experience of putting on this performance helped them learn and gain self-confidence,” Ossiff also said. “They  wish to extend their thanks to the entire Miller community who helped make this production possible.”

The post Miller Elementary Presents “Rebel With A Kickstand” appeared first on myBurbank.com.