Because of proximity and history, any time Burbank High and Burroughs face each other in athletic competition, something is always at stake.

On Friday night at Tomahawk Field, the stakes were raised even higher because if the Bulldogs captured this Pacific League baseball encounter, they had a chance to pull even with Crescenta Valley for second place behind first place Arcadia.

But if the Indians prevailed, they would be tied with Muir at 8-6 and have a chance for the postseason.

Davis Mieliwocki went five innings and collected the win as Burbank prevailed 10-3 over Burroughs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

In a game that lasted almost three hours and saw nine total pitchers employed and eight combined errors committed, Burbank walked away with a 10-3 victory.

With the triumph over their longtime rival, the Bulldogs are 10-4 in league, tied with the Falcons while the Indians posted a 7-7 mark, one game behind the Mustangs, and are out of the CIF Southern Section playoffs which begin next week.

For the seniors who win, there is always extreme joy and happiness, while for the losers there is only pain and sadness.

“Tough preseason for us. We played the monsters. But it seemed to kind of work in our favor,” said Burbank coach Bob Hart, whose team went 8-3 down the stretch. “I liked the resiliency. I like the fact that they were in every game. I had juniors wanting to give at-bats for the seniors. Ultimately that’s a testament to their character and that’s probably what I’m most proud of. I love to see guys who are selfless. We’ve got a bunch of those guys. I’m probably more proud of that than the score.”

Xavier Dubon was one of seven pitchers used by the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Craig Sherwood, who has coached baseball for 39 years and has also won a CIF championship, knows the other side.

“Sixteen seniors,” he said. “All I did was get those kids into the ballgame tonight. Hopefully we would do well and we just didn’t do well. The ball didn’t bounce our way.”

Sherwood went on: “I’m proud of all my players,” he said. “Every single one of them. The toughest part is you’re a family. You spend 10 months together. Then suddenly it’s gone after the third out is made. It’s tough. It’s emotional.”

Neither team scored in the first inning, but the Bulldogs (10-12-1), who scored three runs in the third and fourth inning, struck for two runs in the second as junior Jakob Duarte’s double into the left field corner scored junior Troy Lee, who walked to begin the frame.

Duarte then advanced to third base on a passed ball and eventually crossed the plate on an error.

The Indians (10-19), who committed four miscues, evened it at 2-2 in the second frame when senior Nicco Chuidian was hit by a pitch that nipped his nose, went to third on a double to right field by senior Preston Lemus and scored on a wild pitch.

Jakob Duarte stretches at first base as Nicco Chuidian runs hard. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Lemus took third base on a wild pitch and scored on a single from junior Brian Garcia, who also doubled to left center in the sixth inning.

Chuidian was the starting hurler and allowed one hit, striking out one with three walks across two frames.

“It hurts. It really does,” said the right-hander. “Coming into this season and having our heads high and expecting to win. Having that high note. Having that high goal. That expectation.”

Chuidian added: “My team. We’ve been through it all. We’ve been through countless walkoffs. Countless wins. Countless losses. We’ve been together,” he said.

Aidan Gonzalez motors down the line as Collin Johnson readies for the catch. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Was there a point that changed the season?

“I wouldn’t say there was a tipping point, per se,” he noted. “But it would seem that after Pasadena, that loss, really got to us. From there we got on a consistent losing streak.”

Chuidian, who will attend Cal State Fullerton, but not play baseball, went on: “We came out and gave it our all. I am glad that I was able to play with this team,” he said. “This team has been battling with me for over three years It’s been a blessing to play for these coaches and be part of this family.”

After that 6-1 setback to Pasadena at home on March 29, the Indians went 2-7 that included a 3-2 loss in eight innings to Burbank on Tuesday.

In a cloud of dust, the Bulldogs score a run in a 10-3 victory over the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank, which also turned in four errors, made it 5-2 in the third inning as senior Daniel Ruiz lashed a run-scoring double to left field that brought in sophomore Ryan King, who led off with a base hit to right field.

Lee’s single to right field plated senior Davis Mieliwocki, who walked and a sacrifice fly to left by junior Dominik Severo brought home Lee.

Mieliwocki toured five innings and was credited with the win after surrendering three hits, fanning nine, walking four and hitting two batters.

Senior Joey Clark entered in the sixth inning and struck out three and allowed two hits over two frames.

A three-run fourth was helped because of three errors by the Indians as Burbank, which didn’t get a hit in the frame, extended its lead to 8-2.

Neither visiting Burbank or Burroughs played stellar defense. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Junior Oaklee Spens walked and scored, King was nicked by a pitch and scored and Mielowicki, who reached on a two-base fielding error, also crossed the plate.

Burbank tacked on two runs in the fifth inning when it rapped out four hits including a run-scoring single by Mieliwocki that drove in junior Aidan Gonzalez, who singled to left field.

The other run scored via a walk to Lee with the bases filled as Spens, who singled to left field, scored.

A run in the sixth sliced Burbank’s lead to 10-3 as senior Jesse Rodriguez, who was safe at third base on a throwing error, scored on senior Andres Salazar’s grounder.

Senior Julian Jaramillo singled in the third and seventh inning for the Indians and senior Cody Winters doubled off the fence in the fifth for the Bulldogs.

Senior Nathaniel Metz took the loss and didn’t retire a batter, yielding one hit with one walk.

Senior Xavier Dubon went one inning, striking out one and allowing two hits and senior Josh Hooker hit two batters, issued one walk and whiffed one over one inning.

Senior Brandon Aguilar failed to retire a batter and allowed one hit, Jaramillo gave up three hits, struck out two with one walk in one inning and Salazar fanned three with one walk in two innings.

The post Burbank Baseball Caps Regular Season With 10-3 Win Over Burroughs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Arts For All Foundation has raised nearly $100,000 in recent weeks to support arts education in Burbank public schools for their Give Instead Gala. With just 10 days remaining in the month-long campaign, the Foundation makes a renewed push to raise additional funds in hopes of meeting their $200,000 goal by May 10.

The Foundation announced on April 12 that instead of throwing a fancy party with a lot of overhead, they were focusing efforts to encourage people and local businesses to make direct donations to support arts grants for the Burbank Unified School District, calling the campaign the Give Instead Gala.

“Burbank Arts for All Foundation is inspired by all of the stories shared by donors during its Give Instead Gala emphasizing the importance of arts education in a student’s school day,” commented Foundation Executive Director Trena Pitchford. “These stories make it clear that many adults living and working in Burbank benefited from the arts when they were young, and they want the same creative experiences for children in school today.”

(Back row left to right) Foundation Board members Suzanne Weerts, Freddy Jarjour, Bob Mohler, Tom Vice, Carrie Brown, Karen Broderick, Cathy Stevens, Patrick Prescott. (Front row left to right) Board members Debbie Kukta, Caroline Solberg, Karen Volpei-Gussow, Foundation Executive Director Trena Pitchford, Board members Alexandra Helfrich, Jill Vander Borght, Art St. Germain, Lili Rossi, Barbara Beckley, Kevin McCarney. (Photo Courtesy Burbank Arts for All Foundation)

Twelve Burbank teams have also been created to network and help with the direct donation campaign.

“Thanks to our team captains and all our donors we are almost half way to our goal! We invite everyone to join us and share why you support arts education, the Foundation’s work, or help a team reach their goal!”

More information and personal stories about the ways the arts have affected donors and the fundraising team captains can be found at this link.

The Burbank Arts For All Foundation is also running an online silent auction, with information on the items and ability to bid located at this link. Concert tickets, yoga classes, garden tours, music, art, vacations and more are all available for bidding through May 12.

Direct donations can be made online here. All donations are tax-deductible. The funds raised from the Give Instead Gala will go to support the Foundation’s grants, which specifically fund arts education for Burbank public schools.

Recently, the Foundation announced a grant of $100,000 to save one of the elementary music teacher positions, which had been on the chopping block as Burbank Unified faces a budget shortfall for the coming 2019-20 school year.

The post Burbank Arts For All Foundation Nears May 10 Deadline appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burroughs High boys’ volleyball team didn’t get the easiest of draws in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs.
But the Indians didn’t get rattled by the fact that they were playing Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, a private school that draws many students from Burbank.
Burroughs fought off a tough challenge by the visiting Knights and came away 25-21, 27-25, 25-23 winners.
“We’ve worked really hard up to this point and it is paying off as we can see in these games. We’re just happy to keep it going. We’re all striving to prolong our season and we’re going hard at it,” said Burroughs sophomore star outside hitter Kade McGovern, who had 10 kills.
Burroughs will host Mission Viejo Thursday in a second round match at 6 p.m.
Burroughs coach Joel Brinton said his team, which improved to 20-12, accomplished what it set out to do.
“The guys played well. We executed some things that we wanted to. I think our middles did a really good job to start and set the tone at the beginning of the match. When any team is able to do that, it’s going to pretty good,” Brinton said.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

With a young team, Brinton, who has coached the Indians to 10 consecutive Pacific League titles, said preparation for postseason isn’t easy.
“I keep talking to them – it’s the playoffs. When it is on the line, they’re (opponents are) going to play harder and harder. We need to find a way to play crisper and crisper,” he said.
The match was tight throughout.
Burroughs got a big point in the first game when Jagger Green put down a kill to make it 15-11, which was enough for Notre Dame to call a timeout. Green finished with nine kills.
Notre Dame led 6-4 in the second game, but Burroughs came right back. Although the Indians were never in total command, they clearly had more confidence.
The Knights had a chance to tie things up late by taking a 25-24 lead. But Burroughs got a kill from Green to tie things up again. Following a Notre Dame error, McGovern served up an ace to give Burroughs a 2-0 cushion.
Burroughs carried the momentum into the third game, as Connor Burroughs who finished with a team-high 11 kills, got things started.
Notre Dame (23-12-1) fought back and tied things up at 14. But Burroughs would not be denied.
“They fought hard and brought energy on every play,” said Notre Dame sophomore Nicholas Tidik, who lives in Burbank and is committed to Pepperdine.
Tidik’s father Michael is in the Burroughs Athletic Hall of Fame.
Burroughs got 25 assists from Carter Cottrell and 22 digs from Sam Tipton.

The post Burroughs Boys Volleyball Takes Care of Notre Dame appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Family Service Agency of Burbank (FSA) is excited to announce the Twelfth Annual Care Walk will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 at Johnny Carson Park starting at 9:00 a.m. 

This annual event raises funds for no-cost school counseling programs. FSA provides life-changing, often live saving individual and group mental health care on 19 school campuses as well as prevention services daily in their 2 Student Care Centers at Burroughs and Burbank High Schools. Last year the school-based counseling services provided over 12,000 hours of assistance and the high school program an additional 3,400 hours. In total, nearly 3,400 students received services.

Photo by © Ross A Benson

     Sponsorships for the Care Walk event are available starting at the $1,000 level up to $10,000 for a Presenting Sponsor. Individuals can participate as a team member or on their own. Each participant will receive a tee shirt, a participant medal, and a free breakfast provided by Command Performance. Registration fees are $25 for youth and seniors, $35 for adults, with team fees starting at $225 for youth and $325 for adults. In addition, there are numerous exhibitors offering services and giveaways.

     Each year the event honors an individual who has offered services and support to the counseling programs provided by FSA. This year the Jeri Buliavac Care Award will be presented to Todd Niesen, who has a long history of support for FSA and its services. The award will be presented at 7:45 a.m.

     To get more information on this event or to register, go online at www.CAREWALKOFBURBANK.org or visit local libraries, recreation centers or other municipal facilities.

The post Family Service Agency Prepares for Twelfth Annual Care Walk appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Unified School District kicked off an awareness campaign on Saturday, April 27, about current budget cuts the District faces. Volunteers showed up at Burbank High School in the morning to pick up stacks of informational flyers, with the goal to deliver one to every household in Burbank.

Most flyers were handed out or left at residences throughout the city last weekend, with the rest of the flyers being distributed this coming weekend, May 4-5.

BUSD faces a 3.5 million dollar structural deficit for the 2019-20 school year. Officials have been working to address the problem for the upcoming budget, which meant eliminating and reducing a few positions, along with other cuts.

“We are not receiving enough revenue to cover rising costs (utilities, retirement, healthcare),” Burbank Unified Superintendent Matt Hill explained. “Also, we were not collecting enough fees to cover the rising cost of Horace Mann (part of our budget balancing solution is to raise fees at Horace Mann.)”

(Photo By Ross Benson)

This structural deficit looks to continue indefinitely.

“It is going to increase as we try to keep up with Cost of Living increases and the State is pushing more pension costs down on us,” continued Hill. “We are forecasting that we will need to cut $2-3 million per year if we want to give any sort of Cost of Living Adjustment to our employees.”

Burbank Unified’s budget awareness campaign aims to explain this situation to City and community stakeholders. People can learn about California’s education system and how its schools are funded at this link.

Despite having the fifth-largest economy in the world, California ranks in the bottom 10 states for per pupil funding. The California School Boards Association has set up a website at this link for more information on ways California could increase per pupil funding.

(Photo By Ross Benson)

After adjusting for inflation, public schools in California are receiving the same amount of funds per student that they were getting in 2008 before the recession.

Burbank Unified officials have been advocating for increased State funding for education.

“We have been meeting with elected officials to discuss our needs,” said Hill. “We will also join the California School Board Association and California Teacher Association when they meet with elected officials in Sacramento and have a joint rally on May 22.”

While every Burbank public school has received a California Distinguished School award, the rising costs are forcing the District to make cuts in order to comply with the directive for a balanced budget. Concern is mounting over the effect these cuts will have on the quality of Burbank public school education.

Burbank Unified Superintendent of Schools Matt Hill speaks to BUSD budget awareness attendees. (Photo By Ross Benson)

Burbank Unified officials note that one-time funds are not a fix for their ongoing budget problems. They see a parcel tax measure as the only way to get needed ongoing funds for the Burbank school district.

From the BUSD budget awareness flyer: “While the State of California continues to look for ways to get more money to schools that will get us to 2019 levels, the only way the school district can get needed ongoing funds is through a local measure for neighborhood schools. The City of Burbank is a supportive partner to the Burbank Unified School District. However, our schools are not funded by the City of Burbank. We do not receive any of the sales tax revenue the city collects. 100% of the funds collected through a local measure would go directly to the Burbank Unified School District. These funds will significantly reduce the burden to the school district and allow BUSD to keep providing equity and excellence for our students.”

State Senator Anthony Portantino talks with the crowd at the Burbank Unified budget awareness rally. (Photo By Ross Benson)

School officials are currently polling the community and school stakeholders via phone call and email about the idea of another parcel tax measure for the 2020 ballot. The most recent parcel tax, Measure QS, narrowly failed to pass the required 2/3 approval.

Hill encourages people to contact him with questions at MattHill@BurbankUSD.org.

Whether the 2019-20 State budget will boost spending per pupil in public schools is not yet clear.

The Governor releases his revisions to the State budget on May 10 and then the California State Legislature has until June 15 to submit a final budget to the Governor.

People may wish to contact their State representatives Anthony Portantino, Laura Friedman and Robert Hertzberg, in addition to Governor Gavin Newsom, to advocate for increased per pupil funding for public schools.

More information on California’s public education spending can be found on this webpage authored by the California Budget and Policy Center.

More information on the Burbank Unified School District budget can be found here.

The post Burbank Unified Kicks Off Budget Cuts Awareness Campaign appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A mere six points separated the Burroughs High boys’ volleyball team from knocking off Mission Viejo in a CIF Southern Section Division II second-round playoff match on Thursday night.

But hitting errors and service miscues were simply too much to overcome as the visiting Diablos earned a 28-26, 28-26, 26-24 victory.

In the opening set, the Indians were ahead 13-7 which forced Mission Viejo, which now owns an 11-match winning streak, to ask for time.

This is the third consecutive year that Burroughs, which captured its 10th straight Pacific League title, has fallen in the second round.

Luke Kvarda rises to the occasion for Burroughs, which fell to Mission Viejo in a CIF second-round match. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Indians committed 19 service errors across three sets and had 17 service mistakes and hitting errors in the opening set which helped their undoing.

“We preach learning and we didn’t learn,” Burroughs coach Joel Brinton said. “So all year we’ve had an issue with finishing sets. So when we’re up 24-22, you better finish the set, especially in a playoff game.”

Burroughs’ lead swelled to 16-9 when junior middle blocker Troy Outwater and sophomore opposite hitter Kade McGovern teamed up on a block.

The Indians darted in front 17-10 on a kill from junior outside hitter Connor Burroughs.

Mission Viejo (24-5 and 8-0 in the Sea View League) outscored the Indians 9-2 and evened it at 19-19.

But the Indians (20-13 and 11-1 in league) bulled ahead 20-19 on a winner from Burroughs.

Kade McGovern tallied eight kills for the Indians, who lost to the Diablos in three sets. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mission Viejo knotted it at 20-20 on a spike from senior opposite hitter Andrew Kim, who led the way for the Diablos with 19 kills, five digs and two blocks.

A tapper from Burroughs put the Indians in front 23-22 as Mission Viejo asked for a stoppage in play.

Another blast from Burroughs, who had a match-best 22 kills, handed the Indians a 24-22 edge.

One more point would secure the first set, but Kim’s kill sliced the lead to 24-23 and when Burroughs delivered a mishit, it was tied at 24-24.

The Indians weren’t done as they led 25-24 on a kill from McGovern (eight kills) only to see the Diablos level it at 25-25 on a service error by Burroughs.

After Mission Viejo moved in front 26-25 on McGovern’s mishit, the Indians tied it at 26-26 on a service error by senior setter Everado Castillo, who had three aces and three digs.

When sophomore libero Cole Kvarda’s serve hit the net it became 27-26 and Kim’s winner sewed up the game for Mission Viejo.

Connor Burroughs finished with a match-high 22 kills for the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We’re a team and whether we’re up by seven or down by seven we have confidence that we can always come through,” Mission Viejo coach Ryan Thurlow said. “There’s 10 seniors here. This is our year to do it. We just started to settle in and pass the volleyball. It’s a very tough place to play. Especially initially. This is a great, great program that they [Burroughs] run.”

The second game was knotted at 2-2 on an ace from senior Caleb Parham (five kills and one block).

It was tied at 4-4 on senior Chad Carter’s errant serve and 6-6 when Burroughs hit the net.

Mission Viejo settled in and led 11-7 on back-to-back winners from Kim. The Diablos moved ahead 13-9 on a tapper from Carter (two digs and two kills).

The Indians then outscored the Diablos 5-1 and tied it at 14-14 on a kill from Burroughs.

A service ace from sophomore setter Carter Cottrell made it 15-14, but it was deadlocked at 15-15 on a mishit from Cottrell.

Mission Viejo dashed in front 20-18 as the Indians, who swept Notre Dame in the opening round on Tuesday, asked for a break in the action.

Sam Tipton, who had 16 digs, makes a valiant effort to save the ball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

It was knotted at 22-22 on a kill from Kim and when senior Colin O’Brien (six kills and five blocks) tossed in a stuff, the Diablos moved ahead 23-22.

It was tied at 23-23 on McGovern’s spike.

It was even at 24-24 on a kill from Burroughs and level at 25-25 on a tapper from senior outside hitter Luke Kvarda.

Kim’s laser made it 26-25, Kim’s winner pushed Mission Viejo’s advantage to 27-26 and when Kim added one final dagger, the Diablos grabbed the second set.

“There are two words that I tell my guys and everything in life and that’s clutch up,” Thurlow said. “You gotta know that you want the ball. The difference tonight was we wanted the ball when it was 25-25. We wanted to pass it. We wanted to serve it and we wanted to spike it.”

The Diablos seized control 4-1 in the third frame when a hit from Burroughs went out of bounds as the Indians asked for time.

Mission Viejo forged ahead 9-5 on a block from Parham and it became 10-6 on Kim’s kill. The Indians inched within 12-9 on a blast from Burroughs and 14-11 on McGovern’s dagger.

When Kim’s rocket sailed out of bounds, the Indians drew within 14-13 as the Diablos requested time.

O’Brien’s tapper gave Mission Viejo a 15-13 cushion, but the Indians then raced ahead 20-18 on Kim’s mishit.

Kim had consecutive winners that evened it at 20-20, but a hammer from senior middle blocker Jagger Green (seven kills) leveled it at 21-21.

“I think we beat ourselves up a lot,” said senior libero Sam Tipton, who had 16 digs. “Even when we’re up by one, up by two, I think we’re always in control, but it’s either we don’t make a pass for ourselves or that our sets are too far out. I think it’s the errors. We had about 45 unforced errors. A lot of those came later in the games.”

Tipton, who will attend Grand Canyon University and try to walk-on, added: “I think it comes down to self discipline,” he said. “Especially later in the game, I think we played out of character. We preach high, hard and deep and then we saw them swinging really low.”

Kim’s blast made it 22-21 and Outwater’s winner leveled it at 23-23. The Indians squared it at 24-24 on a kill from Burroughs.

The final two points came on a tapper from Parham and a kill from Kim that sealed the game and match.

Senior setter Steven Grandinetti finished with 24 assists for the Indians.

The post Burroughs Boys Volleyball Has Season End On Sweep By Mission Viejo appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Former longtime Burbank High teachers, coaches and athletic directors Dave Kemp and Frank Kallem were honored Saturday at Burbank High, as the school’s athletic field was renamed in their honor.

Dave Kemp

Kemp spent 34 years as a teacher at Burbank High, coaching cross country, track and field, football,  soccer, and golf. He retired in 2000. He also spent 12 years as a member of the Burbank Unified School District Board of Directors. Kallem, who retired with Kemp in 2000, was a teacher at Burbank for 38 years. He spent 20 years as the athletic director and coached the cross country team for 13 years, winning two CIF Southern Section titles. Kallem also coached track and field and swimming at Burbank.

High school teammates at Hoover High in Glendale, Kemp, and Kallem later became brothers-in-law as they married two sisters who also attended Hoover and would become Judy Kemp and Sharon Kallem.

Frank Kallem

“Even though they are Hoover High graduates, Frank and Dave were inducted into the 2010 Burbank Hall of Fame as they embody the true meaning of leadership on and off the field,” Rep. Adam Schiff said at the ceremony. “Both coaches have been responsible for numerous league championships and have achieved the highest level of success in high school sports. We hope that all future athletes at Burbank High School that practice and play on this field not only succeed in winning their competitions but also honor the legacy of coach Dave and coach Frank by continuing their commitment to personal growth and excellence in activities they undertake.”

A number of local dignitaries and former athletes paid tribute to Kemp and Kallem for their dedication to the school.

“It is a wonderful way to acknowledge the service of what (former mayor) Gary Bric referred to as icons in our community. I’m particularly proud of Dave Kemp for all of the work he did with Title IX,” Mayor Emily Gabel Luddy said.

Mayor Emily Gabel Luddy

Current Burbank Principal Mike Bertram also spoke of Kemp and Kallem.

“These two men have enriched so many Burbank lives over the years and left their paw prints all over this campus. It’s their legacy that helped build this place to be what it is today,” Bertram said. “It’s only fitting that this facility where I stand is named for them. I’ve had the fortune to work directly with Dave Kemp when he was a School Board member and his leadership and dedication to not only BUSD but more importantly to Burbank High School will always remain with me. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Frank and the relationships he developed and all the kids’ hearts that he’s touched over the years. Even though the facility looks nothing like it did years ago, calling it the Kemp-Kallem Field will forever keep the rich history and memories built on this campus.”

Kemp, who was the track coach at Burbank in 1979 when Jeff Nelson set the national record in the two-mile run, told the crowd that included more than 100 family, friends, alumni and colleagues that he loved working at Burbank.

“There are so many people that I would like to thank for the career that I’ve had and the pleasures I’ve had at Burbank High School,” Kemp said. “I want to say thank you to everybody that is here, everybody that had a part in making my life so good and so blessed during my time at Burbank High School and with Burbank Unified School District. This is a great community. I think when you travel around the world and see how other people live, you think I am so lucky that I am here in Burbank, California.”

“First of all, I’d like to thank all of you for coming. As I look up in the stands I see so many people, we go back with the memories that are just unbelievable. You remember all the things we did together and I remember those things too,” Kallem said. ” I have so many dear friends that I know are in the stands today. We set a lot of records, but the most important thing wasn’t the records, it was the camaraderie that we had with each other. I don’t think there’s a school in the United States that had as much of a close-knit group as we were at Burbank High School. It was an amazing experience for Dave and myself.”

The post Burbank High Dedicates Kemp-Kallem Field appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Glendale Youth Orchestra celebrates the final concert of its 30th season and the last performance of long-time beloved conductor Brad Keimach with a show at The Alex Theatre in Glendale on Sunday evening, May 19.

While Los Angeles has several excellent youth orchestras, the Glendale Youth Orchestra, which draws its young musicians primarily from Glendale, Pasadena and Burbank, has consistently ranked near the top. The GYO performs standard symphonic repertoire and the May 19 concert also features the winner of the orchestra’s annual concerto competition, Jamie Yoon.

Brad Keimach conducts the Glendale Youth Orchestra in concert at The Alex Theatre. (Photo Courtesy Glendale Youth Orchestra)

The concert begins with Mozart’s Overture 2, The Magic Flute, followed by Bach’s Air and then Yoon, a student at Crescenta Valley High School, will perform the first movement of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. The concert closes with a performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony #9.

The Glendale Youth Orchestra puts on three concerts annually, in November, March and May. Keimach has conducted the GYO for 19 years.

“Brad’s retirement is a celebration not just for all the years put into teaching but for every young musician he has helped along the way and the knowledge that was imparted,” commented GYO Board of Directors President Mara Kelly.

Brad Keimach conducts the Glendale Youth Orchestra in concert at The Alex Theatre. (Photo Courtesy Glendale Youth Orchestra)

“Brad has elevated the quality of our program by challenging the members to be their best,” she added.

The GYO was named an L.A. Phil Premier Youth Orchestra by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2012 and has performed twice at Walt Disney Concert Hall during Keimach’s tenure.

Tickets and more information can be found on The Alex Theatre’s website. General admission ticket prices vary from $12 for students and seniors to $15 for adults, with some additional discounts that individuals may qualify for via The Alex Theatre.

Brad Keimach conducts the Glendale Youth Orchestra in pre-concert rehearsal at The Alex Theatre. (Photo Courtesy Glendale Youth Orchestra)

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and parking is available in adjacent lots. The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Boulevard in Glendale.

More information on the Glendale Youth Orchestra can be found on their website.

Editor’s Note: While there’s always a lot going on in Burbank, myBurbank’s “Get Out Of Town!” highlights some of our favorite activities and events outside the town borders.

Image Courtesy Glendale Youth Orchestra

The post Get Out Of Town!: Glendale Youth Orchestra 30th Season Finale appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Bret Harte Elementary School turned their Open House into an all evening event that brought many families out to enjoy the festivities. Families brought blankets and picnicked on the grass, enjoying food from Sandoval Tacos and Rounds Burger while kids laughed and played with friends.

Photo By Ross Benson

Curriculum specialist, Nicole Rippee, organized S.T.E.M. activities for the kids on the front lawn of the school for the hour and a half before the classrooms were open to parents.

Kids were challenged to make a Hotwheels ramp to land a car in a bucket and to try and build the highest structure with Keva planks.

Once Open House began, the halls were filled with proud parents and beaming children, showing off the work they had finished throughout the school year.

Some teachers even created scavenger hunts to help parents discover all of their child’s work around the classroom.

As the Open House came to a close, children and their families met out front of the school by the auditorium for their annual egg drop.

Photo By Ross Benson

Bret Harte students submitted their egg drop contraption which was designed to help keep the egg safe and protected while being thrown off the school roof.

The submissions came in all shapes and sizes including one with a parachute, one in a bag of popcorn, and even some with balloons.

Mrs. Rippee tossed the contraptions off the roof and into a kiddie pool as Bret Harte Principal, Martha Walter, carefully examined each fallen egg for cracks.

Out of all the amazing submissions by students, not a single egg broke during the fall and a 100% success rate was announced as the kids clapped and cheered.

The post Bret Harte Elementary Open House Engages Children With STEM Activities appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Upon initial inspection, it appears that being a high school softball coach is a pretty easy job.

You simply gather your players for a pregame drill and then the team plays a game. Then you conduct another pregame drill and play another game. Add a few more practices and that’s it.

But in reality, it’s far more complicated and nuanced than that and it’s also very time consuming.

For Mike Delaney, the longtime Burbank High skipper, the job simply demanded too much of his time on and off the field. On Monday, he stepped down from the position.

Mike Delaney stepped down as Burbank High’s softball coach. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“I had been mulling this over for a couple of months,” Delaney said of resigning. “I made up my mind two or three weeks ago.”

Delaney informed Burbank principal, Dr. Michael Bertram of his decision a while ago and said he had the full support of Bertram and the entire athletic department staff during his tenure on the clock.

Delaney then added: “It’s been a really time consuming job,” he said after serving as the head coach for six years.

Delaney gathered the team on Monday before exit meetings and told them he would not be back next season.

This is the letter Delaney sent to the players’ parents.

“There are a few reasons that I made this decision. First and foremost the position of head coach had become extremely time consuming off the field,” he wrote. “Resolving and or mediating conflict between boosters and parents regarding fundraising became an almost nightly occurrence with either phone calls, texts or emails.”

The letter continued: “This along with [the] district’s inability to resolve the majority of our [Title IX] concerns, and my concern that neither could be resolved quickly or without a bigger off field time commitment from me were major factors in my decision,” it read. “I could no longer rationalize the amount of time I was taking away from my family.”

Burbank finished 11-13-1 overall this campaign and went 8-6 for fourth place in the Pacific League.

In a CIF Southern Section first-round playoff match on the road, the Bulldogs lost to Pomona Catholic 10-2.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with each and every team,” Delaney said. “But the job took up too much of my time.”

On most weeks, Delaney and his staff put in no less than 15 hours and as many as 18 hours.

“Now softball is practically a year-round sport,” he pointed out. “It begins in August and runs until the end of the year. When I first started, it began in January and went until the end of the year.”

If one considers travel ball, softball is indeed a year-long sport, but Delaney wasn’t a travel-ball coach.

One point, of the eight league schools, only Burbank and Burroughs don’t have an on-campus softball field and a batting cage.

Still, the Bulldogs were successful despite this under Delaney, making the postseason five of the six seasons.

Delaney, who also coached at Village Christian for nine years, said that core values are an essential lesson the girls will take with them.

“Every year is different and every year is a challenge,” he said. “Teaching the core values was important from the time they were freshmen.”

Delaney added: “I always felt it was a privilege to be the head coach and a huge responsibility to those athletes.”

Delaney said that when he drove home, it hit him that he’s not the coach. “Those are great memories,” he said. “There are some who are part-time players and there are travel-ball players and they want to get to the next level. But to see the joy in each of them is what makes it so rewarding.”

Delaney summarized his feelings: “Every team wants to win, but there is only one team that’s going to win in each division,” he said. “Of course I want them to compete. But having core values is what they’re going to take with them.”

The post Mike Delaney, Burbank Softball Coach, Resigns Position appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Unified School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hill is the featured speaker at the Burbank Arts For All Foundation Spring Community Exchange on Wednesday, May 8, at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Services Building, Room 104.

“We invite the community to come together and support Burbank Unified in their time of need,” commented Foundation Executive Director Trena Pitchford. “Join us to engage in a robust conversation and receive actionable steps that you can take to make a difference in the lives of students.”

Information about the event can be found on the Foundation website here.

Image Courtesy Burbank Arts For All Foundation

Arda Tchakian, District Representative for State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (District 25), District Director Sarojini Lall and Maria Azilazian, Field Representative for CA State Assemblymember Laura Friedman (District 43) will give a State level arts education overview.

Hill will then talk about the BUSD budget and arts education sustainability.

Carol Briggs, Burbank Council PTA President, will then talk about advocacy and Burbank School Boosters Association President Jen Lurie will give an update.

Pitchford will talk for a few minutes about how the Foundation is addressing the budget cuts and concerns in Burbank public schools.

A Q&A session will be held after Caroline Solberg and Paula Trubisky go over some steps community members and school stakeholders can take right away to support efforts for increased funding for Burbank schools.

The post Burbank Unified Superintendent Talks About School Budget Concerns At Community Exchange appeared first on myBurbank.com.

John Burroughs High School Drama Department presents The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology (in 99 Minutes or Less) in the school auditorium this Friday through Sunday, May 10 – 12.

With a book written by Jay Hopkins and John Hunter, the play is a mashup of well-known Greek myths given a contemporary twist: “In this easy to understand comedy, you will see Gods and Goddesses walk the red carpet, learn about the creation of mankind and how the gods botched it up and witness Pandora’s fateful decision to open that ominous box! Famous love stories are presented like dating shows and Greek Wars and tragedies are presented like sporting event highlights, with costume changes and madcap mayhem!”

(Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“In The Iliad, Helen of Troy gets kidnapped, leading to a ten-year slap-fight of epic proportions followed by The Odyssey where Odysseus attempts to get home for another ten years while fighting seductresses, monsters and even the Gods themselves!”

“This show, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology (in 99 Minutes or Less), has been a joy to be a part of!” commented senior Caroline Dowers. “A majority of the cast is playing multiple roles which gives everyone a chance to explore fun and interesting character choices!”

“I am playing the characters Thetis, Chlamydia, Carol and Trojan Soldier – they are all very different from one another and a blast to play,” Dowers added. “This play is the last addition to my list of fun and memorable productions I have been a part of at JBHS.”

(Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“It is my last show with the Drama Department and I will surely miss being a part of the phenomenal productions we have put on, but I am glad to be leaving with joyful memories and amazing friends!” she also said.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have this production be my final performance at Burroughs,” said senior Jack Weerts. “It’s so high energy, with constant action and constant hilarity, it’s certainly not a show you can get tired of!”

(Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“I am loving the challenge of playing seven different parts in the play, from a Cyclops to the Greek Hero Theseus, and could not ask for a better cast or a better director than Mr. Myers,” Weerts added. “His vision always blows me away and is making this show one of the most fun productions I’ve been a part of. If you have 99 minutes to spare in your day, bring your stopwatch and stop by!”

“This is a slapstick farce that has made rehearsing this show one of the most fun we have ever worked on,” commented Drama Department head Guy Myers. “The script allows the students some freedom to improvise, and I am always impressed with how hilarious they are while thinking on their feet.”

“Each actor plays many roles as they speed through all of Greek mythology, making this show educational and entertaining.”

“Inventive staging, physical comedy and ridiculous characters make this show a great choice for the whole family!” he also said. “AND we are offering a free ticket to any junior high school student who shows up to the box office with their middle school ID with them!”

The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology (in 99 Minutes or Less) begins at 7:00 p.m. on May 10 and 11 and at 2:00 p.m. on May 12. Tickets are $10 for students/seniors and $15 for adults and can be purchased in advance at jbhsdrama.com or at the box office day of show.

The John Burroughs High School auditorium is located at 1920 W. Clark Avenue in Burbank.

The post JBHS Drama Presents “The Iliad, The Odyssey, And All Of Greek Mythology (In 99 Minutes Or Less)” appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Former Burroughs catcher Tyler Lewis helped bring the first league title to the Burroughs program since 1997 in 2015. He has now contributed to his college team at Whitman College in Washington reaching the NCAA DIII regionals for the first time since 1952 after winning the Northwest Conference Tournament.

Seeded number three, the Blues defeated number two ranked Pacific, 7-1, on Friday, then number one seeded Whitworth, 5-3, on Saturday to advance to Sunday’s championship against Whitworth.

After loosing the first game 9 to 6, the Blues won the deciding game 8-7. This is the Blues’ first appearance in the Northwest Tournament and first conference title since 1952. The Blues will play in the NCAA DIII regionals May 17-19 opponents and location TBD.

Lewis, a senior, has been an instrumental part of Blues success. Recruited as a catcher and a two way player, Lewis was moved to right field this year to fill a gap in the outfield. His strong right arm gave him the nickname: “the cannon” holding opposing players from advancing to third or scoring on balls hit to right field.

Tyler came on strong in the second half of the season with a 250 average, scoring 17 runs, with 14 RBIs, 5 doubles, 3 stolen bases and 3 home runs, one a grand slam.

Tyler graduates with a BA in Biology and minor in History. He is applying to the USAF hoping to fly fighters in defense of our country.

The post Lewis Headed to NCAA D-III Regionals in Baseball appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Fire Department will hold their annual Open House at Department Headquarters for Fire Service Day on Saturday, May 11.

The fire department will have plenty of displays, help teach sidewalk CPR while showing how they extricate people from cars at the scene of a traffic accident. They will have fire sprinkler displays and answer questions on anything fire related.

Tours of where the firefighters live while on duty and prepare the meals will also be held. Burbank Fire Corps will be there and Burbank’s Haz-Mat will put on a display of Hazardous Materials.

Burbank Bike Angels will have a Kid’s Obstacle Course, and there will be a Fire Train Display.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

This year, Lil’ Squirt and Pluggy will be on hand entertaining the younger members of the family.

The Hollywood Burbank Airport Fire Fighters will have a “Crash Rig” on hand allowing kids to measure up to the huge tires.

Members of Burbank Firefighters Union will be cooking and making pulled pork sandwiches to raise funds to help restore their antique fire equipment.

The Burbank Police Department, acknowledging National Police Week, will also have a large display of the equipment they use including their SWAT trucks, helicopter and police motorcycles. Members of the Burbank Animal Control will also be on hand to answer questions.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

Members of myBurbank.com will have a display showing pictures that have graced their website the last couple of years and answer questions guests may have.

The activities start at 9:00 a.m. and will go till 2:00 p.m. and headquarters is located at 200 North Third Street in Burbank.

The post Fire Service Day And National Police Week Observed With Saturday Events appeared first on myBurbank.com.

It was a long wait, but one that was certainly worth it for Burbank High’s Jayla Flowers Saturday at El Camino College in Torrance for the CIF Southern Section Track and Field Finals.
Flowers narrowly missed out automatically qualifying for the CIF Master’s Meet next weekend in the long jump in the afternoon. But she came back with a fine performance in the evening in the triple jump to earn an automatic spot in next week’s meet, which will also be held at El Camino.
Flowers came away pleased and noted that her season actually started late because she played basketball for the Bulldogs.

Jayla Flowers

“For the long (jump) there was good competition. I know I can get farther. There is always next year because I’m only a sophomore,” she said. “Today the competition for the triple was absolutely fantastic. I got to see some old friends.”
Flowers finished third in the Division 1 girls’ triple jump by going 38 feet, 5 inches. Her personal best is 38-8, which is also the Burbank school record. Her mark was the sixth best of the day.
In the long jump, she finished fourth with a best of 17-10 1/2. It was the 13th best mark, which means she will be the first alternate for the Master’s Meet should another competitor choose to drop the event.
Burroughs High sophomore Eli Gault-Crabb was scheduled to compete in the Division 1 boys pole vault. But after not feeling ready to compete following his warmup, Gault-Crabb decided not to compete.
“In the prelims on one of my last jumps when I was running I felt a little thing in my leg and it shut me down for the week,” Gault-Crabb said. “So I rehabbed all week and I wasn’t expecting to do anything today. On my first jump, I just felt it a lot, my hamstring. I don’t want to hurt myself and I have two more years.”
Gault-Crabb decided to stop during his warmup.
“I would rather let an alternate go and have a chance,” Gault-Crabb said.

The post Burbank’s Flowers Moves On to Master’s Meet appeared first on myBurbank.com.

William McKinley Elementary School held its annual Open House and Community Fair on Wednesday, May 1, with the theme “Panther Planet Pride.” Hundreds of the school’s families attended the event and several community organizations set up tables at the event for people to learn more about resources in Burbank.

The school featured “ideas and way to protect our earth,” according to McKinley Principal Liz Costella. “Student participateds in face painting, planting of seeds, composting, sorting recycling, art projects and so much more.”

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

“As part of our theme we featured Burbank TMO [Transportation Management Organization], the Burbank Recycling Center, Stough Canyon and CalSolar which demonstrated solar panels for our families.”

Families and their students could also climb inside a fire truck, a police car and an electric car with a solar panel roof.

Showing off a new electrical car with a solar panel roof is Principal Liz Costello and Tanner Cusumano. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

The Jordan Jazz Band performed and TK, kindergarten and first grade students sang three songs about recycling and a medley from the school’s “Willy Wonka” musical.

Visitors were also treated to dinner form the “Let’s Be Frank” food truck sponsored by Michael Cusumano of the Cusumano Real Estate Group.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

“The highlight of the night were the classroom visits. Families were able to see the amazing work their students have done all year, and students were able to show off all they have learned,” said Costella.

Incoming students for next year were also invited to attend the event to visit classrooms and “get a feel for our McKinley community.”

Donning a Firefighter Turnout Protective Coat is Principal Liz Costello with Engine Company 15’s crew during the Community Fair. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

“Community Fair and Open House night is one of my favorite nights of the year,” commented Costella. “It is a wonderful way to celebrate our community and a successful school  year.”

“I appreciate all of the community organizations joining us to share their resources with our families. The energy and excitement from our families and students is inspiring.”

The post McKinley Community Fair And Open House Draws Hundreds Of Families appeared first on myBurbank.com.

In the final days of the Give Instead Gala fundraising push by the Burbank Arts For All Foundation, two Burbankers held a small gathering that raised more than $11,000 for the Foundation’s arts education efforts.

Former Burbank Unified School District teacher, Linda Walmsley, and local business owner, Jon Schafer of Schafer Electric, hosted approximately 30 people at Walmsley’s Burbank home on May 9.

Friends and neighbors stopped by the party, depositing their donations for the Foundation in a collection bucket.

Host Jon Schafer, Foundation Executive Director Trena Pitchford, Host Linda Walmsley and Foundation Board member Suzanne Weerts at a Give Instead Gala home fundraiser. (Photo Courtesy Burbank Arts For All Foundation)

Michael Cusumano donated a gift of $5,000 from the Cusumano Family Foundation. Timur Tecimer of Overton Moore Properties, Sue and Vic Georgino and former school board member Larry Applebaum each gave $1,000 for the Give Instead Gala.

“It was wonderful to have so many friends support Jon and me in a cause that makes our city the best it can be for our children and our schools,” commented Walmsley.

Linda Walmsley with former students Casey and Cole Black and Astrid Newman. (Photo Courtesy Burbank Arts For All Foundation)

Two of Walmsley’s former students, Cole and Casey Black, also visited the party and added their donation to the cause.

“We so appreciate Linda and Jon taking the initiative to host such a lovely evening for Burbank Arts for All Foundation,” commented Foundation Board member Karen Volepi-Gussow. “There are so many worthwhile organizations in Burbank, and we appreciate the time and effort they gave to support our Give Instead Gala campaign!”

All proceeds from the Give Instead Gala benefits the Burbank Arts for All Foundation, which has worked in partnership with Burbank Unified School District for more than 12 years. The Foundation has made 298 grants and giving initiatives for BUSD arts education programs, totaling $662,000, over the years.

“Burbank Arts for All Foundation is so very grateful to the more than 300 donors, sponsors and community leaders – like Linda and Jon – who have joined us for the Give Instead Gala!” said Trena Pitchford, Executive Director for Burbank Arts for All Foundation. “To date, the Give Instead Gala revenue grossed more than $148,000 through donations and the online auction.”

“Our donors inspire us to continue our work throughout 2019. As we announced in February, the Foundation plans to give more to BUSD arts education through our community outreach programs and site based grant giving that will help teachers and impact students!” Pitchford added.

“The Foundation has been a committed partner of BUSD’s Arts for All master plan for more than 12 years and we intend to continue our work in the years to come.”

The post Small Gatherings Boost Give Instead Gala Fundraising Efforts appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Review by Greg Simay, MyBurbank.com

Angela O’Neill

Angela O’Neill’s sultry mezzo-soprano captures the enduring charm of The Great American Songbook.  She and her merry band of veteran musicians have been entertaining fans locally and inspiring more than a few couples to rediscover the pleasures of dancing cheek-to-cheek.

But O’Neill’s CD, “For Your Listening Pleasure,” allows fans old and new to savor her singing in the cozy warmth of their room, as I did on a recent gray May day. O’Neill is by turns sassy in “The Lady’s A Tramp” (first person), bluesy in “Stormy Weather”, euphoric in “It’s Almost Like Being In Love”, come-hither in “Dance With Me”, optimistic in “Route 66” and coy in “Teach Me To Love.”  And kudos go to the Thursday Night Band and Chris Galuman for their great orchestral back up. 

To Purchase the CD follow this link:

https://www.angelamaeoneill.com/about/foryourlisteningpleasure 

It’s almost like being at a nightclub—but without having to drive in this unseasonable rain.  And you can still dance with your sweetie.  Only 30 CD’s left, so don’t wait too long.

The next gig for Angela O’Neill is with the Outrageous8, “a little big band,” on Saturday May 25^th at the Wine Bar at The Myrtle Tree Café, 405 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia 91016.  For reservations, please call (626) 386-5024.

The post Classic Songs For Angela O’Neill Fans appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A tomcat was on the prowl last Saturday evening, warily entering Nickelodeon’s cartoony courtyard.  He could’ve sworn he had heard a mating call caroming from one building to the next, mixing with the warm spring air heavy with the scent of jasmine.  But the mating call was starting to sound…different.

The frisky feline made his stealthy way past the four-star buffet and bar, under tables vibrating with cheerful chatter.  With cautious optimism he emerged from under a wine-stained tablecloth…

…and beheld a trio of boa-bedecked human females lustily belting out “Somebody Who Loves Me.”

They say the more you imbibe, the sweeter the karaoke singing becomes. 

Unfortunately for the tomcat, he was sober. 

By the time he cleared the outer wall, the terrified animal had left a sonic boom in his wake.  Less observant members of the feeling-no-pain audience thought that one of the trios must’ve banged her mike against something or someone.

Meanwhile, dogs howled in the distance, wishing they could jump the fence and join what surely must be some kind of canine celebration.  “Let them have their fond illusions,” the tomcat snarked to himself, still fleeing at supersonic speed.

A Greek professor unburdening himself on Mikonos, and who was admittedly woo-zo from all the ouzo, once averred that karaoke is punishment meted to the gods for chaining poor Prometheus to that rock.  But last Saturday the Olympians had a major consolation: Burbank Noon Rotary’s Second Annual Karaoke Fundraiser was for a great cause: helping Burbank Noon Rotary fulfill a very sizable pledge to, over the next five years, Providence Saint Joseph’s Foundation.

“It’s the single largest pledge Burbank Noon has ever made, “ stated Barry Gussow, who chairs the Burbank Noon Foundation. “And we had a very successful evening.”

Key PSJ goals are to add an expanded, state-of-the-art Emergency Room as well as a new Urgent Care facility.  And only supporting such worthy goals could stay the hands of the gods.  Otherwise, they’d have surely hurled lightning bolts at event impresario and Rotary Noon President Albert Hernandez, bobbing his cobra-headed cane like a majorette and prancing about in red-velvet-and-zebra bellbottoms.  You couldn’t unsee something like that, any more than you could unhear his ear-rending rendition of “Superfreak.”

Not to be outdone in harmony horror, a dozen or more Noon Rotarians attacked “Happy Together,” in a sonic version of gangs gleefully rampaging on Purge Night.

It fell to Burbank Sunrise Rotary to provide a respite from the melody mayhem.  When the Sunrisers sang, it brought tears of something to every eye. Even the stars in the sky gathered around them. (No, they weren’t meteors.)  You’d swear that all of them had been singing like angels from the crib.  Jessica Garcia, the night’s superstar with her seriously good “I Will Survive,” instantly became a member of Rotary Sunrise, whether she knew it or not.

Just about everyone made promiscuous use of props—feather boas, yachting caps, sombreros, and completely random accouterments.  And then there was a certain someone who, to spare his family, shall be referred to only as “J”.  As if the caterwauling weren’t enough, J would frequently flounce stage left and play the air bugle, and then the air piccolo, lurching into an interpretive dance for good measure.  At least he didn’t sing.

To be fair, the karaoke singers were the pawns of fate. Under Noon Rotary’s karaoke rules, you could nominate anyone to sing a song of your choice for only $25.  It’s even better if several of you each contribute $25, and better still if—how to put this in a kind way—singing is not your target’s wheelhouse.  The person nominated can avoid singing the song but only if they pay $40 to sing a different one or $50 to get out of singing altogether.

But more often than not, after a glass or two or three of liquid courage, there go your friends…

…Doing a duet of “It’s A Whole New World,” except that Aladdin is singing with the Genie…

…Singing “When Will I Be Loved?” and when she sings, “I’ve been knocked down,” a sign obligingly falls on her…

…Daring to attempt “Like A Virgin,” and sounding like demented castrati, which come to think of it, actually makes sense…

…Channeling Alexander Hamilton, although that turned out pretty well…

…Crooning romantic songs with their spouses…how sweet, even if any teenager in the hearing distance just wants to sink through the floor.

Your friends should’ve paid the $50.  But you knew that, terrible person.

Providing a recess from these horrors, Gussow introduced some of the leading organizers of the PSJ Foundation:

Dr. Angelique Campen, emergency department physician and a member of the PSJ Board of Governors

Renee Bianco, Executive Director of the PSJ Foundation

Angela Khurdajian, philanthropic gift advisor

Sarah Skolnik, administrative secretary for the PSJ Foundation

Always good to have a couple of angels in your corner.

Hernandez’ acknowledged event organizers Jessa Freemeyer, Barry Gussow, Renee Johnson, Greg Madore, Sunny Singer, Mike Thomas, Brian Volpei, and Natalie Worsham.  Noon Rotary gave special thanks to Vicky Fenton and Nickelodeon for donating the venue.

“We owe a huge debt to our amazing sponsors, which include many Burbank Noon members,” said Hernandez.  “We also want to thank our contributors.  Their generosity made for a great evening and allowed all the money raised to go toward our goal.”  Besides Nickelodeon, the contributors included: Backstage Café, California Eatery, Domino’s Pizza, Granada, Lincoln Beer Company, Porto’s Bakery and Café, Santoro’s, Tony’s Deli, Ugly Mug, and Zach’s Catering.

Rotary Noon is already gearing up for Karaoke III in 2020.  Tomcats, you’ve been warned.  Dogs—never mind, you can’t read.

The post Burbank Noon Rotary Again Sings Its Way To Fundraising Success appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Arts For All Foundation recently held a Community Exchange at which Burbank Unified Superintendent Dr. Matt Hill talked about the BUSD budget concerns and several representatives of State legislators spoke about the Governor’s budget and the ways it impacts spending in public schools.

Held at the Community Services Building, the May 2019 Community Exchange featured comments by Arda Tchakian (District Representative for State Senator Anthony Portantino, District 25), Sarojini Lall (District Director for CA State Assemblymember Laura Friedman, District 43), Maria Azilazian (Field Representative for CA State Assemblymember Laura Friedman, District 43), Superintendent Hill, Carol Briggs (President, Burbank Council PTA), Jen Lurie (President, Burbank Schools Boosters Association) and parent volunteers Caroline Solberg and Paula Trubisky.

A video recording of the Community Exchange can be seen at this link.

Additional links on the Burbank Arts For All Community Exchange page provide resources for more information on arts advocacy and a host of budget-related information on the Burbank Unified School District and the California State budget process.

The post Burbank Unified Superintendent, State Legislature Reps Update Community On Budget appeared first on myBurbank.com.