By Rick Assad

Over the course of a 10-game, regular-season schedule, there’s always some tough teams and a few others that aren’t as difficult.

For the Burroughs High football squad, when facing Glendale, it would fall in the latter category.

On Friday night at Moyse Field in the Pacific League opener, the Indians emerged with a resounding 49-6 win, but the opening half wasn’t as lopsided.

Nicholas Garcia uncorked three scoring passes in a lopsided win over Glendale. (Photo by Steve Garden)

The Nitros, who now have a four-game losing streak, fell behind 20-6 at the intermission, but it could have been much closer if not for a terrific defensive stand.

Burroughs, which is an impressive 5-0 and ranked No. 9 in the CIF Southern Section Division XI, scored 29 unanswered points in the second half to blow the contest wide open.

“Glendale played with a ton of passion and a ton of heart and I respect what Cary Harris is dong with that program,” Burroughs second-year coach Rand Holdren said. “They pushed us in the first half and we put it together and played a ballgame.”

Holdren said the week of practice leading up to Friday’s match could have been better.

Garcia hands off to Jon English, who had a rushing score and a receiving touchdown. (Photo by Steve Garden)

“We’ve got to work on executing,” he said. “That’s been our theme all year. We got a little lethargic in practice this week. We’ve put together a lot of good weeks in a row. We’ve got to learn how to win.”

After punting on its initial series, Burroughs had the ball after a Glendale fumble. It took one play for senior wide receiver Aiden Forrester to race 50 yards with 9:07 on the clock for a 7-0 lead.

“Our practice weren’t the best and you practice how you play,” said Forrester, who had 72 yards on two carries and one catch for 87 yards. “We didn’t do well in practice. In the second half, we were able to pull it together for that, even though score-wise, we won the first half, they really won the first half because we were shooting ourselves in the foot with mistakes. I feel like in the second half, we came out and executed.”

Burroughs coach Rand Holdren addresses the team during a time out. (Steve Garden)

The Nitros, who fumbled five times, then fumbled on their next possession. This miscue was turned into a 15-yard burst by sophomore running back Jon English (game-best 113 yards on 13 carries) that made it 13-0 with 5:35 remaining in the first quarter.

The Indians (5-0 and 1-0 in league), who had two fumbles, extended their advantage to 20-0 when senior quarterback Nicholas Garcia (six of 14 for 180 yards) drove his team from the Burroughs one-yard line and capped the march with an 87-yard strike to Forrester as 5:54 remained in the second half.

The Nitros (99 total net yards) cut the deficit to 20-6 when junior quarterback Juan Estrada (five of 12 for 66 yards) hit senior wide receiver Ethan Aldrete (two receptions for 46 yards) with a 31-yard toss as four seconds remained in the period.

Lineman Isaac Reyes (No. 66) celebrates with his teammates after a key play against the Nitros. (Photo by Steve Garden)

Two possessions earlier, Glendale (1-4 and 0-1 in league) forced a Burroughs fumble at the Indians’ 48-yard line and marched to the one before Estrada was turned away on fourth down.

Early in the third period and the Nitros punting at their seven-yard line, the ball was snapped way over senior Edgar Ovasapyian’s head, who picked up the ball, but bobbled it.

Forrester, a defensive back, pounced on the ball and after Garcia (four rushes for 13 yards) ran the two-point conversion into the end zone, the Indians were ahead 28-6 with 9:22 left.

The next time Glendale had the ball, it was forced to punt as Burroughs (427 total yards) began its next possession at midfield.

It required just one play to score as Garcia tossed a well-designed screen pass to English, who raced 50 yards as 7:19 remained in the third period for a 35-6 edge.

After yet another Glendale punt, the Indians forged a 42-6 cushion when Garcia drilled sophomore wide receiver Vincent Harris with a 13-yard strike for his only catch as 1:37 was left before heading to the fourth quarter.

The Indians secured another Glendale fumble which was turned into a score as sophomore running back Carlos Andres Rodriguez (41 yards on 10 carries) found the end zone on a one-yard plunge, capping a five-play, 34-yard drive.

“Our main focus was to come out and execute and whatever the coach called, we were going to execute,” said senior offensive lineman Caden Cardenaz. “We ended up running a little bit more tonight and that’s what we did and we just executed.”

How can every player do better? “I watch film and I hope to communicate with other linemen and just work together to fix that up [mistakes] and make sure that we got the right calls so we know what we’re doing, so that we’re all on the same page, so that we can execute,” Cardenaz said.

The next league game will be Friday at 7 p.m. when Burroughs plays host to undefeated Crescenta Valley.

The post Burroughs Football Has Spectacular Second Half, Beats Host Glendale appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Dr. Oscar Macias, Principal at Luther Middle School, has announced the wildly exciting fundraising event “Running in the Halls” has an Oct 5 date for this year’s running.

This 5K gives both students and former students (better known as adults) a chance to run threw the halls of the school without getting yelled at or having to serve a detention.

This event comes close to selling out so signup NOW!.

Registration starts @ 7 a.m.

Individual registration is $25 or a team of 10 is $200

The post Luther Middle School Encourages Running in the Halls appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Rick Assad

This is Mike Lucero’s first year as the Burbank High boys’ water polo coach and in time hopes to build a competitive program.

One of the steps needed to help solidify this desire is to face top-notch competition like Thousand Oaks, which came to the Bulldogs pool on Monday afternoon for a nonleague match.

Arvin Avakemian played well despite Burbank losing to Thousand Oaks. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Though the Lancers raced off to a commanding lead, they were hard-pressed in the second half by Burbank, but eventually won 16-11.

Thousand Oaks (14-3) scored four goals in each quarter while the Bulldogs (4-6) were shut out in the first quarter.

Burbank then tallied four goals in the second frame before adding three in the third and four goals in the fourth period.

“We definitely kind of pressed more because defense wins championships,” Lucero said of his team during the match. “We’re capable of doing that. We scored four goals in one quarter. We’ve got to stay focused.”

Still, Lucero liked what he saw. “Thousand Oaks is a strong team. We definitely weren’t intimidated. Our goal within the next year is to be at that level,” he said.

Pavel Tantchev scored two goals for the Bulldogs, who were only outscored 8-7 in the second half. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Leading the way for the Bulldogs was sophomore driver Jonathan Agazaryan with five goals while sophomore setter Robert Kharazyan scored three goals.

Junior Conner Halvorsen paced the Lancers with five goals, including three in the opening quarter when Thousand Oaks led 4-0.

Halvorsen’s 15-footer with 5:35 left made it 1-0 and Halvorsen’s 12-footer with 3:57 on the clock extended the margin to 2-0.

Senior Carsen Peyton’s seven-footer with 2:49 left put the Lancers ahead 3-0 and Halvorsen’s 10-foot strike with one second on the clock pushed the advantage to 4-0.

“It was a good contest so it stayed within about three or four goals the entire game,” Thousand Oaks coach Zach Graper said. “We got to see a lot of people that hadn’t had a lot of opportunity step up and come into more contributing roles. These are games that will help us a lot come playoff season.”

Excluding the first period, Burbank played well against Thousand Oaks. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Graper then added: “We’re missing three starters and the boys really stepped up and was ready to play,” he noted. “We got a great level of depth. It was a lot of fun. Burbank really showed a great contest.”

Thousand Oaks then took control 6-0 on back-to-back goals from junior Greg Olsen on a 10-footer with 6:08 left and a five-footer with 4:54 showing.

The spell was finally broken when Kharazyan connected on a five-footer with 4:40 left and a six-footer, 22 seconds later.

Each team divided the next four goals as Halvorsen drilled a 10-footer with 1:58 on the ticker that made it 7-2 and senior Dylan Hearst canned one from 18 feet and 14 seconds left for an 8-4 edge.

Mike Lucero, the Burbank coach, emphasizes defense. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Sandwiched in between were two goals from sophomore driver Pavel Tantchev that came with 1:24 and was from 12 feet that cut the lead to 7-3 and a six-footer with one minute showing as Burbank drew within 7-4.

The Lancers outscored the Bulldogs 4-3 in the third quarter as senior Maison Van Item scored from point-blank range and 6:42 left for a 9-4 margin and Halvorsen’s 12-foot laser with 4:22 remaining for a 10-6 lead.

Hearst’s 14-footer with 2:27 left made it 11-6 and Peyton’s 10-foot bullet with two minutes left saw the Lancers pull ahead 12-6.

Agazaryan scored all three tallies for the Bulldogs in the third quarter and they included two from point-blank range and came with 5:23 left that sliced the Lancers’ lead to 9-5 and with 4:41 on the clock as the Bulldogs drew within 9-6.

When Agazaryan drilled a 12-footer with 1:04 remaining, Thousand Oaks’ lead was lowered to 12-7.

Agazaryan poured in two goals in the fourth quarter that included a six-footer with 4:22 left that trimmed the lead to 14-9 and an 18-footer with 45 seconds remaining that sliced Thousand Oaks’ lead to 16-11.

Burbank senior driver Kourosh Dolatshahi’s 14-footer with 5:30 left made it 13-8 and Khazaryan’s eight-foot tally and 3:51 on the clock cut the advantage to 14-10.

Junior Cade Rond’s 14-footer with 5:47 left for Thousand Oaks made it 13-7 and Peyton’s point-blank strike with 5:16 left pushed the cushion to 14-8.

Senior Braden Padburg’s 10-footer with 2:21 left made it 15-10 and Peyton’s six-footer with 50 seconds remaining increased the Lancers’ lead to 16-10.

Burbank senior goalie Sarkis Terpetrossyan was outstanding, especially in the second quarter when he blocked multiple close-range shots.

The post Burbank Boys Water Polo Falls To Thousand Oaks, But It’s A Battle appeared first on myBurbank.com.

John Muir Middle School and Japan’s Rebun High School cemented their ongoing friendship with a Sister School proclamation at Muir’s seventh annual Japan Day celebration on Friday, September 20.

During the Burbank Board of Education meeting on Thursday evening, September 19, officials from the Consulate-General of Japan and Rebun High School joined visiting ninth-graders from Rebun, Muir teachers and administrators and Burbank Unified School District officials to officially announce the two schools Sister School status to the Burbank Board of Education.

John Muir Middle School announced Sister School status with Japan’s Rebun High School at a recent Burbank Board of Education meeting. Pictured are: (back row, left to right) Yaeko Hosobuchi, Deputy Consul General Hiroki Matsuo (Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles), Teacher Ted DeVirgilis (JMMS), Principal Dr. Greg Miller (JMMS), Rebun Principal Hiroyoshi Sakano, BUSD Board President Dr. Roberta Reynolds, BUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Hill, Rebun Mayor Toru Ono, Rebun School Superintendent Osamu Iwaki, Rebun Town Exchange Coordinator Mamoru Suda, Rebun Town Councillor Yuichi Kashiwaya, Rebun Town Vice Superintendent Tatsumi Miura, Madam Fumi Akutagawa; (middle row, left to right) Exchange Coordinator Dr. Akiko Agishi, Rebun students Kaito Takagi, Noa Sasaki, Jin Tsushima; (front row, left to right) Rebun students Haruto Soma, Kansuke Kawamura, Kizuku Takamichi, Koya Komoto, Takeru Tada, Keisuke Nozaki. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

Visiting students from Rebun also performed the “Nanchu Sōran Bushi,” a traditional dance performed before fishing in the northern Hokkaido region of Japan where Rebun Island is located for school board members.

At the Friday afternoon Japan Day celebration, which is sponsored every year by the John Muir Booster Association, Muir students watched a short presentation on science teacher Eric Blinder’s visit to Japan this past summer, as he shared what he learned from visiting the country and meeting its people. He noted the similarities and differences between the school system in Japan and the U.S. and talked about his new experiences with food and the ease of public transportation.

Students at John Muir Middle School enjoy a shamisen musical performance at Japan Day festivities. (Photo By Connor McCrory)

“The students at Muir will remember the events of this week for some time – I know I will!” commented Muir teacher Ted DeVirgilis who has coordinated the annual Japan Day program at Muir for the past seven years. “The board meeting was a public proclamation of Muir’s commitment to deepening our international friendship with Rebun High School.”

“The Sister School commitment is basically to host each other’s students, strive to have our respective English and Japanese classes communicate (a la Skype or similar) intermittently, and look to connect via technology when we can,” explained DeVirgilis. “We are sending a group of students, teachers and Dr. Miller to Rebun Island next June and Rebun has agreed to have our students do a homestay there.”

At the Japan Day event, the nine visiting ninth-graders from Rebun High School all introduced themselves to the Muir students and each shared something they really liked as a hobby or about America. Muir students responded loudly to many of the shared interests and hobbies, such as music, basketball, hamburgers and more. The Rebun students again performed the “Nanchu Sōran Bushi.”

(Photo By Connor McCrory)

Visiting guest artist Sasaki Mitsuru performed traditional folk songs on the shamisen, a Japanese stringed instrument that was prominently featured in the 2016 stop-motion movie Kubo and the Two Strings. Mitsuru plays the tsugaru style shamisen, a fat neck type that is the largest and loudest of the shamisen.

“The dance by the Rebun students and the shamisen performance by guest artist Sasaki Mitsuru were loved by the whole school,” added. DeVirgilis. “Two Muir teacher-musicians, Steven Moos and Glen Jaffe, even joined the shamisen players onstage in an improvisation with mandolin and guitar.”

Every year, students from Rebun Island visit the U.S. and include a stop by Muir Middle School’s Japan Day, during which Muir students explore different aspects of Japanese arts and culture. In previous years, students learned about flower-arranging, origami, yasakoi dance, taiko drumming, paper cutting and tea ceremony, among other arts.

Rebun Principal Hiroyoshi Sakano (left) and Muir Principal Greg Miller (right) sign the Sister Schools proclamation at Muir’s Japan Day celebration on September 20, 2019. (Photo By Connor McCrory)

At Friday’s event, after the cultural activities, all Muir students joined the visiting Rebun students and officials, along with school faculty and administration on Mustang Field to witness the unveiling of the Sister School flag, which was designed by Muir teacher Amy Prosser and features the mascot of each school.

Muir Principal Greg Miller and Rebun Principal Hiroyoshi Sakano both said a few words and signed the Sister School proclamation.

Vice-Consul Yuichiro Tanaka, of the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, also spoke. He mentioned that when he was the age of Muir students, who are in their early teens, his family moved to Australia.

Tanaka said the experience changed his life and opened up many possibilities. He encouraged Muir students to visit other countries and expose themselves to other cultures.

(Photo By Connor McCrory)

“I love that we now have a Sister School flag that will be raised below the American Flag for future Japan Days,” DeViriglis also said. “The support from the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles was incredible.”

“We were visited by the Deputy Consul, a Vice Consul, and the actual Consul General over the course of three days. On Saturday at a small event at Japan House (Hollywood/Highland), Akira Muto, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, congratulated Muir and Rebun High School on our Sister School status.”

“It’s amazing what can happen if your show an appreciation for another culture,” DeVirgilis added. “Muir was already ‘famous for friendliness’ but now Muir and Burbank are known in Japan and the Japanese-American community as a place where Japanese culture is appreciated.”

Students from Rebun High School in Japan perform “Nanchu Sōran Bushi,” a Hokkaido fishing dance, for Burbank Board of Education members during the school board meeting. (Photo By Ross A Benson)

Forty-seven Muir students, along with school officials and chaperones, are planning a trip to Japan in 2020.

“For Muir’s trip to Japan next May and June, the Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture will be meeting us to honor our continued exchange with Rebun, and the U.S. Consulate in Sapporo will be hosting a barbecue for us,” DeVirgilis said.

“All of this is because Japan Day – and our friendship with Rebun – has grown over the past seven years.”

The post Muir Middle School Celebrates Japan Day, Sister School Status With Rebun School appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Teacher of the Year, John Burroughs High School Drama teacher Guy Myers, was selected as one of the 16 Teachers of the Year for Los Angeles County, as announced in a ceremony on Friday, September 20. He will move on to consideration for the California State Teacher of the Year, the results of which are announced in October.

Myers first started at JBHS as an English teacher and when the drama teacher retired, he was offered the chance to take over the program. In the ensuing years, he’s built the JBHS Drama Program into multiple classes of Drama 1, Drama 2, Musical Theater and Advanced Play Production which enrolls hundreds of students in grades 9 – 12.

John Burroughs High School Drama teacher Guy Myers moves on to consideration for California State Teacher of the Year. At the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year ceremony on Friday, September 20, are: (from left to right) Myers’ sister Jill Kent, Myers and his husband Brian Carlson, and Myers’ father Robert Myers with his significant other Wendy Marciante. (Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“I’m a theater geek – I always have been, and I always will be,” commented Myers. “After graduating from Yale with a degree in Theater Studies and serving as president of the Yale University Dramatic Association, I traveled the U.S. performing, writing and directing.”

“But I was most inspired working with high school and college students in the theater classroom. It’s magical. When nurtured to express themselves creatively, students find their voices and shake off their fears. It was challenging and rewarding, and I knew I had to be a teacher.”

So he earned a Master’s degree in education and a teaching credential in English from Mount St. Mary’s College in 2005. Two years after that, he happened to be driving past JBHS right as school was letting out.

“The energy and enthusiasm from students leaving campus were electric, and I turned to my friend and said, ‘I’m going to teach drama at this school.’ Mission accomplished.”

Burbank 2019 Teacher of the Year Guy Myers with his sister Jill Kent. (Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“I’m extremely proud of Burroughs’ theater program, which I built from scratch beginning with only a few students,” Myers continued. “We perform three mainstage productions annually and have earned statewide and national attention from multiple theater organizations.”

“While accolades are flattering, what’s most gratifying is seeing students reach their potentials and step onto the stage or into the world with bravery and confidence – knowing they can and must share their stories with us all.”

Myers “loves teaching his students to express themselves creatively, find their voices and share their authentic selves. Through the art of storytelling and the power of words, [he] hopes to embolden his students with confidence and bravery as they walk out onto the stage or into the world.”

Several of his students have written comments about their experiences in the JBHS Drama Program that Myers read aloud at a recent Burbank Arts For All Community Exchange meeting highlighting successful BUSD progams in the arts.

Burbank Teacher of the Year for 2019, John Burroughs High School Drama teacher Guy Myers, was selected as one of the 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year on Friday, September 20. (Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“I can’t think of a single reason to be open about who you are in high school. It must seem a bit of a played-out trope, hating high school. But it’s a trope I’m guilty of,” wrote one of Myers’ students. “I felt I had to put on an armor every day to get through the day. The armor held all the parts of me that made me individual.”

“I don’t know how Mr. Myers did it. He created a space freeing in a place that is anything but. He nurtured creativity, honesty, self-expression of his students in his classes,” the student continued. “He created a space where young people felt safe to try out who they were for an hour of the day. My education comes from the experience of being open in the sight of others.”

Now that Myers has been selected as one of the 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year, a State selection committee will review the candidates’ applications and visit their respective schools to see the teachers in action and the California Department of Education will conduct another interview. The State Superintendent of Education will then choose the five California Teachers of the Year and announce the honorees in October.

JBHS Drama’s first performance of the season is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time,” which runs November 22-24 at the high school auditorium. More information on the JBHS Drama program can be found here.

The post Burbank Teacher Of The Year Honored As Los Angeles County Winner, Moves On To State Consideration appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Justin Hess. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

Justin Hess, the current Acting City Manager, was unanimously selected by the City Council to serve in the permanent position during a closed session meeting on September 24 and reported during the City Council meeting that same night. His official start date will be October 1, 2019.

Hess has been serving as Acting City Manager since June 26, 2019, when Ron Davis announced an extended vacation period and his planned retirement scheduled for September 30, 2019.

“Justin has a remarkable track record of success here in Burbank.  He understands the needs of the City and has helped to set the course of where we are going in the future,” said Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy. “Mr. Hess’ proven leadership skills, extensive knowledge of the City and his time both as an Assistant and Acting City Manager has confirmed that he can successfully lead our city into the future.”

Hess has served as the Assistant City Manager since 2013.  During this time, he has been responsible for achieving many meaningful changes. One of the most significant accomplishments has been helping to balance the budget forecast and addressing the City’s pension liability.  In addition to receiving voter approval on four ballot measures last year, Mr. Hess has also been instrumental in helping to establish responsible capital spending through the formation of the Infrastructure Oversight Board.  He has also worked on governance changes with the City Council, Boards and Commissions, Committees and staff, and setting expectations that promote civility and respect. 

“I’m excited to continue working with the City Council, staff and members of our community,” says Hess. “It’s a privilege to serve such a dynamic city and I look forward to maintaining and enhancing the high quality of life we’ve come to expect in Burbank.” 

Justin Hess. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

Hess began working for the City of Burbank in 1997 and has served in many capacities including Assistant Planner and Administrative Analyst, along with interim positions as Financial Services Director and Management Services Director and most recently, Assistant City Manager.  He is currently the Vice President of the California City Management Foundation (CCMF), which is the premier advocacy and support organization for city managers in the State.  Hess is a long-time member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and recently received his ICMA Credentialed Manager designation.

He earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and is a graduate of the Executive Master of Leadership Program at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Policy, Planning and Development. 

The City Council will consider the new city manager’s employment contract including salary on October 1

The post Justin Hess Named City Manager by Burbank City Council appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Thursday afternoon, September 19, the Verdugo Aquatic Center was transformed into a “Rock A Hula”-themed party for Burbank seniors, 55 and older. There were over 300 in attendance.

The Na Kapua O Joslyn dance group performs a Hawaiian number. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

This was the sixth year that the Parks and Recreation Department transformed the pool area into a hula party, with blowup palm trees, tiki torches, table decorations and dozens of beach balls in the pool.

According to Lynn White-Shelby, Burbank Senior Board Chair, this year’s event was one of the best Rock A Hula events ever held.

Elvis Scot Bruce as Elvis. ( Ross A Benson)

Several City Council Members and Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy were in attendance along with Justin Hess, Acting City Manager, and Assistant City Manager Judie Wilke along with Marisa Garcia, Acting Parks and Recreation Director.

As in past years, Elvis impersonator and singer Elvis Scot Bruce and his band performed traditional Elvis songs along with Don Ho numbers for those in attendance.

Members of the Joslyn Dance team called Na Kapua O Joslyn Dancers performed, garnering lots of applause.

Hotdogs were served along with ice cream sandwiches, chips and drinks. While some ate, others danced and some even exercised in the pool.

Here is a photo gallery from the Rock A Hula event:

The post Burbank Rock A Hula Brings Seniors Together For Fun appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Rick Assad

After the Burbank High girls’ tennis team stood and went toe-to-toe with longtime crosstown rival Burroughs for two hours and forty minutes on a warm and sticky Tuesday afternoon, the host Bulldogs finally emerged with a hard-fought 11-7 Pacific League triumph.

Burbank, which has six wins and two losses overall this season and is 3-2 in league play, employed a balanced attack in order to score points as its singles players garnered six points and its doubles duos grabbed five.

Host Burbank and Burroughs gather for the players’ introductions. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Leading the charge as usual for the Bulldogs was senior Kristina Kirakosyan, who swept at No. 1 singles, faring 6-1, 6-0, 6-0.

Kirakosyan knocked off Burroughs No. 1 sophomore Isabella Harris-Bermudez, No. 2 freshman Elane Shane, who was substituting for sophomore Lauren Pieri and No. 3 freshman Kaitlyn Glaim.

Though the match itself wasn’t that lopsided, Kirakosyan wasn’t hard-pressed while earning her three points.

“Yeah, I had a pretty easy time,” admitted Kirakosyan after her work was concluded. “I don’t know if I expected more [from Burroughs], but they played better last year, in my opinion.”

Kristina Kirakosyan swept at No. 1 singles for the Bulldogs in a match against the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

At No. 2 for the Bulldogs, Siya Joshi also swept her opponents as the junior went 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Harris-Bermudez picked up a set winning 6-1 as she defeated Burbank No. 3 singles, senior Natalie Khachikian.

Pieri did as well at 6-3 when she knocked off sophomore Lilyan Hawrylo, who was subbing for Khachikian.

Glaim also was victorious at 6-4 against Khachikian.

Though the Indians are without a win this season in four overall matches, which happen to be in league, they are improved over the last few seasons and are headed in the right direction.

Burroughs’ No. 1 singles Isabella Harris-Bermudez is about to hammer one. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs fared much better in doubles action as the No. 1 tandem of senior Alice Weber and senior Suzy Kim claimed two sets at 6-2, 6-2.

They defeated the No. 2 Burbank duo of sophomore Emily Hasunuma and freshman Ellen Petrosyan and the No. 3 tandem of sophomore Jenna Jabourian and sophomore Lena Jabourian.

“As for the singles thing, usually schools stack their singles so they put the better players there,” explained Weber. “For us today, we just tried to keep it consistent and play our usual game. Make sure that we don’t make a lot of unforced errors.”

Weber then added: “This is our first year playing together, but we’ve known each other since the seventh grade,” she said.

Weber said it’s difficult to tell for sure if the team is improved because there are so many variables.

“I don’t know if we’re better,” she said, “but we have different players and we’re doing different lineups.”

Burbank’s No. 1 doubles team of sophomore Elli Sumera and freshman Nairi Zeytounzian held off Weber/Kim at 7-5.

Burroughs’ No. 2 doubles team of sophomore Vanessa Muga and junior Keili Brahms also picked up two sets at 6-4 and 6-3.

The post Burbank Girls Tennis Earns Triumph Over Rival Burroughs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Rick Assad

It was extremely loud and it was pretty much jammed-packed with excited fans on both sides of the gymnasium when the Burbank High girls’ volleyball team hosted rival Burroughs on Tuesday night.

In slightly more than an hour, much of the yelling subsided on the Bulldogs’ side as the Indians took matters in their own hands and eventually pulled out a three-set sweep of pesky Burbank, winning 25-15, 25-17, 25-17 in a Pacific League match.

Digging balls are crucial because it keeps the play alive and allows an opportunity to score. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

It seemed no one could handle senior outside hitter Lydia Grote, who finished with a match-high 20 kills, and her dominance began in the first game.

“What we try to focus on, especially in matches like these, is that we just focus on our side of the court and our bench and our cheers and we focus on what we can do before the game,” said Grote, who will be attending the University of California at Berkeley, where she will play on the women’s volleyball team. “We can’t focus on what other people are doing. What the outside factors are. We have to focus on our benefits and what we do best.”

Grote scored two of the first three points for the Indians, who moved ahead 3-0. When Grote picked up four kills, Burroughs (10-4 and 7-0 in league) forged a 6-2 edge. Grote’s winner made it 8-2 and forced the Bulldogs (8-10 and 4-3 in league) to ask for time out.

Is this the best Grote’s played this season? “I’d say it’s up there,” she noted. “I’d say Arcadia and this game were my best, but as a team, the last two games have been crucial for us.”

Burroughs sophomore middle blocker Bella Lomet rises and is about to add a spike in a match against the Bulldogs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Grote’s spike made it 9-3 and another kill by Grote handed the Indians a 10-4 advantage.

Burroughs senior middle blocker Camila Sanchez-Tellez’s kill pushed the lead to 11-6.

Grote’s tapper made it 16-8 and junior middle blocker Emily Caneday’s push saw the Indians lead 20-10.

Is this the best Burroughs team Grote’s played on?

“I have to say every team that I’ve played on has their benefits,” she said, “but I’d say this is the strongest team I’ve played on at Burroughs. We’re just very adjustable. Whoever is on the court, maintain a high level of play.”

Junior outside hitter Catie Virtue’s spike made it 23-12, but consecutive aces from Burbank senior setter Ashley Eskander trimmed the lead to 24-15. Eskander’s errant serve gave Burroughs the initial set.

Burroughs did a great job setting up its hitters, including Lydia Grote, who had a match-best 20 kills. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We just try and slow the game down as much as we can,” Eskander said of playing against Burroughs. “Take every point, point-by-point and go from there. We try to not get too far in our heads. Obviously it’s hard, but we just try our best. We try to remain calm.”

Early in the second game, Burbank jumped ahead 3-1 on a kill from senior outside hitter Katie Treadway, who had four kills and nine digs.

Grote’s laser evened it at 3-3 and the lead ballooned to 6-4 on another kill from Grote. Sophomore setter Meagan Lynch’s winner gave the Indians an 8-6 cushion.

Burbank then rallied and seized a 12-11 advantage on a service winner from Eskander.

Katie Treadway delivered four kills and nine digs for the Bulldogs in a match with the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We can always work on our defense,” said Eskander, who had 15 assists, eight digs, six kills and six aces of what the team needs to do better. “Definitely more consistent on serving, but I think our offense needs to step it up a bit. Just play hard.”

When Burroughs senior defensive specialist Natalie Hooper added an ace, the Indians bolted ahead 14-12.

It became 15-13 on Grote’s kill and senior setter Milana Abrahamian’s service ace made it 18-13 as the Bulldogs requested time.

A kill from senior opposite hitter Joelle Burras saw the Indians dash ahead 21-16 and a spike from Grote was the set winner.

The Indians took control of the third set 5-2 on an ace from junior defensive specialist Reese Coblentz.

Burbank’s Bianca Hudson rises to the occasion. The junior middle blocker had two blocks and a kill. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

An ace from Burbank senior setter Kassandra Gonzalez trimmed the lead to 8-6.

When Eskander added her potent, super-quick push, the Bulldogs bulled ahead 9-8.

“This year, there’s an emphasis to treat every game the same. Maybe they were a little amped up because it’s a crosstown game,” Burbank coach Karl Rojo said about the longtime rival. “We try to treat it like a regular match.”

Rojo spoke about some of the problems. “The unforced errors definitely did not help out at all,” he said. “It killed our momentum when we had good momentum. Like serving into the net when we get a good kill. That should not be happening with our team. The unforced errors like the communication errors when the ball drops in between players. That should not be happening.”

A block from Sanchez-Tellez gave the Indians an 11-9 lead and Grote’s kill made it 14-11.

Back-to-back aces from Eskander evened the set at 14-14, but Grote’s kill made it 18-14 and another winner from Grote pushed the lead to 21-15.

Virtue’s kill made it 23-17, Virtue’s tapper saw the Indians inch ahead 24-17 and a block from Sanchez-Tellez sealed the set and match.

Senior defensive specialist/libero Morgan Bolger added nine digs with an ace, junior opposite hitter Tamryn Betts tossed in three kills, junior middle blocker Bianca Hudson had two blocks and one kill and junior sophomore libero/defensive specialist Makalya Kim contributed two digs for the Bulldogs.

Burbank will conclude its regular-season schedule with a visit to Burroughs on October 17.

The post Burroughs Girls Volleyball Requires Three Sets Versus Host Burbank appeared first on myBurbank.com.

After many years and construction delays, the long-anticipated Empire Interchange at the I-5 Freeway is due to open next week.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

With this opening comes another phase of the construction as crews begin their work on the area of the Burbank Blvd. bridge that crosses the I-5 Freeway. As soon as the interchange opens, work will start with the closing of several ramps proceeding the construction.

The following three ramps are scheduled to close as early as this weekend:

(1) The northbound I-5 loop off-ramp to westbound Burbank Boulevard
(2) The southbound I-5 off-ramp to Burbank Boulevard
(3) The westbound Burbank Boulevard loop on-ramp to southbound I-5

(see map below)

Once the ramps close, the I-5 Empire Avenue Interchange should be used for the following:

For the NB I-5 loop off-ramp to WB Burbank Boulevard: Continue north on I-5 and exit at Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard; turn right and take San Fernando Boulevard; turn right on Burbank Boulevard

For the SB I-5 off-ramp to Burbank Boulevard: Drivers may: (1) Exit at Empire Avenue; turn right on Empire Avenue; turn right on Lincoln Street; turn right on Victory Place and continue to Burbank Boulevard

OR

(2) Exit at Empire Avenue; turn left and take San Fernando Boulevard to Burbank Boulevard

OR

(3) Exit at Verdugo Avenue; turn right and take Front Street to Burbank Boulevard

For the WB Burbank Boulevard loop on-ramp to SB I-5: Use the SB I-5 on-ramp at Empire Avenue or the SB I-5 on-ramp at Verdugo Avenue/Front Street.

As early as January of 2020, the Burbank Blvd. bridge will be closed for reconstruction that may take up to 16 months to complete. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2021.

The post Empire Interchange to Open, Burbank Freeways Ramps to Close appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Rick Assad

When a quarterback has multiple targets at his fingertips, he’s likely going to rack up significant yardage and score multiple touchdowns.

Aram Araradian has that luxury as the left-handed throwing junior piled up 256 yards through the air in a 39-21 victory over Pasadena in a Pacific League matchup at Memorial Field on Thursday night.

Aram Araradian hands off to Isaac Glover, who had 150 yards and one score. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Araradian ended his night by completing 14 of 25 pass attempts with one interception and launched two touchdowns.

For good measure, Araradian also tacked on a five-yard rushing score that came with 1:49 left in the third quarter and shoved Burbank ahead 33-7, which finalized a 48-yard, five-play march.

“We knew we were playing a talented team, so we knew we had to come out strong,” Araradian said. “All our skill guys have trust in the line and faith in the line that they can get their stuff done and then we do our stuff, run, pass, whatever it is.”

Araradian, who carried the ball five times for no yards, said having so many exceptional players around him does make his job that much easier.

Aram Araradian gets tackled on a running play. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“I put the ball in the spot and they go and get it,” he said. “They’re guys that get yards after catch. It could be like a 10-yard pass and it goes 25, 30 yards.”

On this evening, Araradian’s favorite target was junior wide receiver Brandon Pena, who hauled in nine receptions for 188 yards.

Pena’s 19-yard catch on Burbank’s first possession made it 7-0 with 8:51 left in the initial period and it capped a seven-play, 40-yard drive.

Senior wide receiver Ben Burnham, who is another favorite target, chipped in with four receptions and 61 yards.

Burnham’s 25-yard scoring grab with 50 seconds left before halftime from Araradian, saw Burbank (3-3 and 2-0 in league) slide ahead 27-7.

Aram Araradian passed for two touchdowns in a 39-21 win over Pasadena. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We came out and ready to go. But we executed and kept the drive alive,” Burbank coach Adam Colman explained. “The offense grinded it out. Stayed on the field.”

Colman then added: “We’ve got a lot of weapons,” he said. “When our ground game is working like it was tonight, you just kind of pick your poison. It’s really tough to stop. It puts a lot of pressure on the opponents. They’re all unselfish and about the team.”

Burbank’s ground attack was highly effective as senior running back Isaac Glover accounted for 150 yards on 29 carries, that included a pair of first-half touchdowns.

“Just overall team-work,” Glover explained on why Burbank prevailed over a much-improved Pasadena team. “We just executed on every single level. Moving the ball and executing. Everyone doing their job.”

Isaac Glover gets free on the right side and runs for yards. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

What’s Glover’s approach each and every week?

“Watching film and seeing what they do,” he said. “Learning a new game every week.”

Glover’s six-yard romp into the end zone with 1:57 left in the opening frame made it 14-0 as Burbank drove 80 yards on 13 plays.

Glover’s second scoring tally was a four-yard blast with 7:11 remaining in the second quarter as the hosts pulled ahead 20-7.

On this drive, Araradian calmly and confidently marched the home team 92 yards which consumed 10 plays.

Araradian then positioned Burbank down the field after getting the football at the Pasadena 31-yard line and used six plays with senior running back Tyler Murphy (eight yards on five carries) scampering in from two yards and 8:21 left in the game that made it 39-14.

Pasadena (3-2 and 0-2 in league) has skilled players up and down its lineup and trimmed Burbank’s advantage to 14-7 when senior running back Au’dante Bailey scored on an eight-yard run that ended the first quarter and finished a five-play, 58-yard excursion.

Bailey’s 68-yard kickoff return for a score with 1:38 remaining in the third quarter sliced Burbank’s lead to 33-14.

When Pasadena sophomore wide receiver Mekhi Fox raced 60 yards with eight minutes remaining in the contest, Burbank’s lead was reduced to 18 points.

Burbank, which began the season with losses to Moorpark at home and Golden Valley on the road, has now won three of its next four games.

Burbank’s next game will be Friday at Moyse Field on the campus of Glendale High when it plays Crescenta Valley.

The post Burbank Football Starts Quick And Prevails 39-21 Over Pasadena appeared first on myBurbank.com.

One thing was certain Friday night and that was that either host Burroughs High or visiting Crescenta Valley would leave Memorial Field with their first loss of the season.

In the end, it was the Falcons who made fewer mistakes in a 42-19 Pacific League victory over the Indians.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

“We’ve started slow all year. Starting slow killed us,” Burroughs coach Rand Holdren said. “We’re playing catch up. We’ve got to start out better. They came out and punched us in the face.”

Burroughs (5-1 overall, 1-1 in league), failed to score in the first half, despite having great opportunities.

Down 7-0 early in the second quarter, Burroughs had the ball deep in Crescenta Valley territory, but could only get as far as the 6-yard line.

CV (5-0, 2-0) got on the board as quarterback Chase Center scored on a 15-yard run with 7:55 left in the first quarter.
Center hooked up with Colby Rees on an 8-yard touchdown with 6:47 left in the first half to make it 14-0.

The Falcons added a third touchdown in the first half with just 16.9 seconds left, as they took advantage of great field position following a Burroughs punt. Center scored on a 3-yard run.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Burroughs seemed to have broken out of its slump when Nicholas Garcia hooked up with Aiden Forrester on a 7-yard touchdown at the 9:16 mark of the third quarter. Garcia finished 17 of 33 for 234 yards passing

But an 85-yard touchdown run by Maximus Grant following a Burroughs turnover seemed to sway things back to the Falcons’ liking.

“We made some adjustments and started moving the football,” Holdren said. “They (CV) did a nice job. I respect them a great deal and I’d like to play them again.”

Garcia and Forrester hooked up on a 10-yard touchdown with 9:35 remaining to make it 35-13.
Grant scored his second touchdown, a 30-yard run with 5:29 to play to give the Falcons a 42-13 cushion.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Garcia and Carson Cardenaz hooked up on a 6-yard touchdown with 22.4 seconds left in the game.

Burroughs will host Muir High next Friday at Memorial Field in a Pacific League contest. Muir will be coming off of a bye week as its scheduled opponent, Glendale High, canceled the game due to not having enough healthy players.

The post Burroughs Football Stopped by Crescenta Valley appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Walk Bike to School Day at Jefferson in 2018 (Photo by Ross A Benson)

Motorists are encouraged to be on the lookout for an increased number of pedestrians and bicyclists this coming Wednesday, October 2, as Burbank schools take part in the annual Walk and Bike to School Day.

According to the Burbank Unified School District, several thousand students from schools throughout the District will be walking and biking to school Wednesday morning along with parents, teachers, and community members.

BUSD Superintendent Matt Hill created a video:

Walk & Bike to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling, and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools, and the broader community.

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Burbank Is filled with many different amazing restaurants from Tallyrand to The Castaway, but when it come to finding a good hot wing restaurant in Burbank there aren’t many. 

Photo by Connor McCrory

As of September, 2019 “OG Wingz” is one of Burbank’s only family run hot-wing restaurants that caters specifically to hot-wings, making it a unique asset to Burbank.

Upon arriving at Og Wingz I was greeted by Mario Bolanos (manager & head cook at Og Wingz), with a very professional vibe, He quoted “I think Og Wingz is an amazing addition to Burbank, and I hope that people like the idea of a HEALTHY hot-wing spot”

After being greeted I sat down and ordered six “BBQ honey” wings & six “golden heat” wings. While waiting for my food I talked to Jack Torosian (founder) and asked him why he started Og Wings. He responded, “I work out a lot and wanted to find a healthy alternative to fast food, so I invented Og Wingz”. Jack also wanted to mention that “All of our chicken is sourced locally and its 100% USDA organic”.

Photo by Connor McCrory

When I received the wings they were served on a metal tray with a paper liner and included a few celery and carrot sticks.  The honey wings had a nice zesty “BBQ honey” flavor and the “golden heat” had a spicy but not too hot mango flavor. I must say, these were the bests chicken wings I’ve ever eaten.

I was surprised to see a new creation of Jack Torosian called “Whealthy Meals” which are pre-packaged complete meals to buy or to go.  These can be delivered on a subscription basis.  Some of the meals consist of tri tip and mashed potatoes, shrimp and pasta, grilled signature salmon and many others.

Photo by Connor McCrory

All in all, “OG Wingz” is a phenomenal addition to Burbank and I recommend anyone who is in to healthy moderately priced food to try

OG Wingz located at 321 E Alameda Ave Unit #H, Burbank, CA 91502, open from 7 a.m. until 12 a.m. Check out OG Wingz on instagram @og.wingz and their website www.ogwingz.com

myBurbank Ratings:
Tops In Town (Outstanding)

The post Restaurant Review: OG Wingz appeared first on myBurbank.com.

It has been a long wait for Burbank High sophomore Kiara Hernandez to make her debut after sitting out the first part of the season following her transfer from Burroughs.

Hernandez returned Wednesday for the sixth and final Pacific League match at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena.
She shot an even-par 36 on the nine-hole course. The Bulldogs shot 214 as a team, but it was still 10 strokes short of toping league power Arcadia, who won by shooting 204.

Kiara Hernandez of Burbank High

“The greens were a little faster than I thought they would be. I was hitting my drives pretty good today. My wedges were a little off, but my putting kind of came back,” Hernandez said. “It’s a course that I know pretty well. I’ve played in quite a few tournaments here. I usually play pretty good here and I’m not surprised that I shot even par, but I know that I can always do a little bit better.”

Arcadia’s Erica Lee was the low medalist as she shot 35.

Burbank got solid efforts from Lisette Orellana and Alyssa Tran, who both shot 41. Maddie Lee shot 47, Cassie Morin-Gaona shot 49 and Kara Lee shot 50.

Burroughs was led by Abby Powell, who shot 47. Jocelyn Kim shot 50. Sadie Demmert and Skye Brauer each shot 52. Annika Lindgad shot 53 for the Indians and Isabella Alderete shot 58.
“I feel like we’ve put all that we can put out there,” Hernandez said of her team finishing behind Arcadia.

The post Hernandez Makes Grand Return in Pacific League Golf appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Tonight, October 4th the Family Service Agency of Burbank (FSA) will present an award named for an extraordinary Burbank woman and one of their visionary founding board members, Mary Alice O’Connor to Burbank’s County Supervisor Kathyrn Barger. 

It was Mary Alice’s intention that the award spotlight an individual who shares FSA’s sense of urgency to create and sustain safe spaces where Burbank’s youth, adults, and families can access, without obstacle, mental health counseling, awareness education, prevention programs, and critical advocacy.

FSA was founded 66 years ago for this purpose and never has their mission been more relevant.  In the last 20 years, due to a rare relationship with city’s leadership, FSA has researched, developed, implemented, and sustained a nationally recognized school-based counseling program, 3 long-term transitional homes serving homeless families, foster and emancipated youth, and battered women and their children – and  FSA’s 2 groundbreaking Student CARE Centers located at Burbank and John Burroughs High School campuses.

During the 2018/19 the school year, 1706 students initiated 14,874 visits to our school-based Student CARE Center’s alone seeking life-changing – all too often life-saving support.  Other FSA school-based counseling programs cared for an additional 1611 staff referred to students.  

FSA’s leadership has followed and admired Supervisor Barger’s commitment to mental healthcare over the years, deeply respect her work on behalf of our veterans, foster youth, and the homeless. 

We are all relying on her leadership and on her fierce commitment to creating awareness and access for our teens suffering from feelings of alienation, isolation, anxiety, depression – considering suicide.

It is for these reasons and so many more that… Family Service Agency of Burbank’s Board of Directors is honored to invite you to join them as FSA of Burbank honors Supervisor Kathryn Barger as this year’s 2019 recipient of The Mary Alice O’Connor Vision Award. 

The award will be presented at FSA’s annual Imagine a City  Gala to be held on Friday evening,  October 4th

https://familyserviceagencyofburbank.org/gala

The post Family Service Agency to Honor LA County Supervisor Kathyrn Barger appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Coordinating Council holds its first meeting of their 88th year on Monday, October 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Little White Chapel in Burbank.

The long-running aid organization plans to honor their Campership program partners and camp directors, as well as kick off the upcoming Holiday Baskets season, according to the organization’s president and co-chair of the Holiday Baskets program, Janet Diel.

Celebrating at Burbank Coordinating Council’s 81st anniversary luncheon are, from left, Joan Graves, program chairwoman; Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, and President Janet Diel. (Photo By Joyce Rudolph )

At the first meeting, Burbank Coordinating Council (BCC) will also welcome new and returning members over a luncheon. Membership is $20 per individual and $30 per organization, and lunch is $13.

“We need helpers for collecting food and gift items at stores on October 12, November 16 and December 7… and of course filling bags of food items on Wednesday, December 11, and delivering on Saturday, December 14 from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.,” she added.

BCC will also hold their fourth annual Spirit of Giving luncheon on Friday, November 8, at Burbank First Presbyterian Church, located at 521 E. Olive Avenue in Burbank. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased via paypal through the BCC website here.

“We will proudly be honoring both Charlene Tabet and National Charity League for their continuous and dedicated participation in the Holiday Basket program,” said Diel.

“Join the event for opportunity baskets, entertainment, delicious luncheon and of course honoring our amazing Holiday Basket contributors.”

Volunteers put together Burbank Holiday Baskets. (Photo Courtesy Burbank Coordinating Council)

Applications and and donor forms to contribute to or apply for aid via the Holiday Baskets program are attached to this article and are also available throughout Burbank at schools, libraries and parks.

BCC also offers service learning hours for students who volunteers their time helping out, Diel mentioned.

The Little White Chapel, host to the first meeting on October 7, is located at 1711 N. Avon Street. More information on the BCC can be found on their website.

The post Burbank Coordinating Council Holds First Meeting Of Season, Plans Holiday Baskets appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Rick Assad

One objective that Jacob Cook, the Burroughs High boys’ water polo coach wanted his team to accomplish was get off to a productive start in Thursday’s Pacific League match against visiting Crescenta Valley.

This is exactly what happened as a six-goal, first-quarter outburst allowed the Indians to waltz past the Falcons 13-6 behind five goals each from senior attacker Chet Conlan and senior utility Vahagan Sahakyan.

Chet Conlan scored five goals for Burroughs in a 13-6 win over Crescenta Valley. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We capitalized on a lot of opportunities,” Burroughs coach Jacob Cook said. “They came out aggressive. We didn’t come out too hard against Glendale on Tuesday. We made sure we came out hard and didn’t play catchup.”

Conlan tallied two goals and Sahakyan knocked in three in the initial frame as Burroughs (8-5 and 1-1 in league) took control 6-1 entering the second period.

“I think we’re doing well. We have a lot of potential,” Cook said of his squad, which can score goals in a hurry. “We have threats everywhere. We want to be league champs and that’s the goal.”

With this kind of cushion it was seemingly going to be real tough for the young Falcons to rally.

The Indians’ goalies were spectacular versus the Falcons. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“Burroughs did a good job of coming out, playing good press defense, our drivers were not getting open and then offensively Burroughs did a good job of being assertive,” Crescenta Valley coach Jan Sakonju said. “They got goals out of the center and they got good outside shots and it was a good offensive attack on their part which is why at the end of the first quarter there was such a point differential.”

Sakonju also thinks that the Falcons are going to be much better in the future.

“Burroughs beat us pretty decisively today, but it was a good learning experience for us,” he said.

The period commenced with senior center Matthew Mucha scoring on a 10-foot rocket with 6:18 left for a 1-0 lead.

When Conlan drilled home a six-footer with 5:35 left on the timer, the Indians’ lead swelled to 2-1.

Playing defense and getting loose balls was vital in Burroughs’ decision over Crescenta Valley. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Sahakyan’s laser from six feet, thirty seconds later, made it 3-1 and Conlan’s eight-foot bullet with 3:23 showing pushed Burroughs’ margin to 4-1.

A winner from eight feet by Sahakyan with 1:47 remaining handed the Indians a 5-1 advantage.

Sahakyan’s 14-foot dagger, 45 seconds later, made it 6-1.

Each team scored two goals in the second quarter, including senior utility Ryan Jaramillo’s five-meter penalty attempt with 3:51 left on the clock that saw Burroughs pull ahead 7-1.

Conlan’s six-footer with 38 seconds showing in the opening half gave Burroughs an 8-2 edge.

The third quarter was likewise even as both squads scored three goals that included Conlan’s 10-footer with four minutes left as the Indians darted ahead 9-4.

Sahakyan’s eight-footer with 2:41 remaining made it 10-5 and Sahakyan’s five-meter penalty toss with 12 seconds left allowed the Indians to glide ahead 11-6.

Vahagan Sahakyan also tallied five goals for the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs tacked on two insurance goals in the fourth period when Jaramillo scored from 10 feet with 6:04 left for a 12-6 advantage.

Conlan closed out the offensive festivities for the Indians with a six-footer and 2:49 showing for a seven-goal lead.

George Saroyan led the way for the Falcons (6-10 and 1-1 in league) with three goals and Saroyan’s six-foot cannon shot with 5:51 remaining in the first quarter evened it at 1-1.

When Saroyan found the back of the net from eight feet and 1:18 left in the second period, Crescenta Valley drew within 7-2.

Saroyan’s five-meter penalty throw with 2:49 left in the third quarter sliced the Indians’ lead to 9-5.

A point-blank toss from Jacob Choe with 38 seconds showing in the second quarter saw the Falcons get within 8-2.

Charlie Ward’s 16-footer with 5:03 left in the third stanza shaved the Indians’ edge to 8-4 and when Alden Marriott scored from eight feet with 44 seconds left in the same frame, Burroughs’ lead was reduced to 10-5.

The Indians outshot the Falcons 15-12 in the first half and 29-22 overall, and Burroughs goalies, senior Arthur Eldridge and senior David Karagezyan, turned away multiple shots and played exceedingly well.

The post Burroughs Boys Water Polo Gets Good Start, Knocks Off Crescenta Valley appeared first on myBurbank.com.

John Burroughs High School Drama instructor Guy Myers was named one of the five California State Teachers of the Year for 2020 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Friday, October 4.

“These five incredible teachers receive this prestigious honor for their focus, drive and determination to teach young people in California,” Thurmond stated in a press release.

Burbank Teacher of the Year for 2019, John Burroughs High School Drama teacher Guy Myers, was name one of the five California Teachers of the Year for 2020 on Friday, October 4. He was selected as one of the 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year on Friday, September 20. (Photo Courtesy Guy Myers)

“They are not only wonderful representatives for our state, but they also make profound differences in the lives of their students and their communities by employing innovative strategies to increase academic success and narrow the achievement gap among a broad range of students.”

Myers, along with Cupertino High School’s ELD and business law teacher Sean Bui, kindergarten teacher Brenda Barreras from Good Hope Elementary in Perris, Trabuco Mesa Elementary sixth-grade multi-subject teacher Mandy Kelly and West Sonoma County Consortium kindergarten through third grade special education teacher Katya Robinson, will join Thurmond for a luncheon and orientation day later in the month.

They will also be recognized at a State gala in January 2020, along with the other finalists from regions throughout California. Bui will move forward to compete against other State Teachers of the Year, with the U.S. Teacher of the Year announced in the spring of 2020.

The five new California Teachers of the Year for 2020 will promote and be ambassadors for the profession statewide during the next year.

“It is important to motivate and inspire other educators, champion the positive contributions of the teaching profession and highlight the rewards of being a teacher,” Thurmond added. “Great teachers are the core of a great educational system. Yes, teaching changes lives of individual students, but beyond that, teachers show us all that all children can achieve, no matter who they are.”

Burroughs High School Drama teacher Guy Myers takes a photo of one of his casts. (Photo Courtesy JBHS Drama.)

“It is a humbling and overwhelming honor to be chosen as one of the Teachers of the Year for California,” Myers commented when reached within hours of the announcement on Friday afternoon. “I grew up in public schools, and I am made up from all of the wonderfully supportive and caring teachers who nurtured me along the way.”

“I am so lucky to work with such terrific, creative teachers here at Burroughs and to have a completely dedicated administration who helps me be the best I can be for my students,” Myers also said. “I am so grateful for this acknowledgement of the work I do in the classroom and on the stage.”

A short video about Myers can be viewed online here.

The California Teachers of the Year program began in 1972 as a way to recognize outstanding teachers and encourage new teachers to join the profession.

John Burroughs High School Drama teacher Guy Myers poses with his Play Production class at the California Educational Theatre Association awards in this photo from January 25, 2019. (Photo Courtesy JBHS Drama.)

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Anyone who understands football knows that any time a team has 21 penalties for more than 200 yards and can still win by four touchdowns, something must be wrong.
Friday night visiting Muir High did just that against host Burroughs in a 35-6 Pacific League victory.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Thanks to a number of elite-level college prospects including UCLA-bound John Humphrey, the Mustangs were able to overcome their mistakes and remain unbeaten in league play.

“We were in the game. It was 14-0 at halftime. Our kids believed that they could win,” Burroughs coach Rand Holdren said.

But the Indians were unable to put up much of a fight offensively.

“We’ve got to move the ball on offense.,” Holdren said.

Burroughs quarterback Nicholas Garcia passed for 69 yards.

The Indians (5-2, 1-2 in the league) scored their lone touchdown at the 6:32 mark of the third quarter as Carson Cardenaz scored on a 6-yard run.

Muir (5-1, 3-0 in the league) got on the board with 9:53 left in the first quarter as Humphrey made a spectacular 19-yard touchdown grab off a pass from quarterback Amaris Harrison.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

The Mustangs didn’t take a 14-0 lead until just before halftime when Harrison and Humphrey hooked up on a 12-yard touchdown pass.

“ I can’t give our kids that look in practice,” Holdren said in preparing for Muir’s athleticism.

Muir went up 21-0 early in the third quarter on a 9-yard run by running back Tyrikk  Lawson.

Harrison scored on a keeper with 3:55 left in the third quarter to push Mustangs ahead 28–6.

Muir coach Zaire Calvin said the two-week break he had coming into the game played a key role in all of his team’s mistakes.

“We’re just rusty. We’re trying to get our chemistry back,” Calvin said.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

Harrison hooked up junior Calen Bullock on a 55-yard touchdown with 4:57 to play.

Burroughs has a bye next week and will host Pasadena Oct. 18.

The post Burroughs Football Dropped by Muir appeared first on myBurbank.com.