Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced that the omnibus appropriations bill – which will fund the government for the next year – includes a provision directing the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and FAA to address helicopter noise Los Angeles County skies. Residents of the Los Angeles region have been plagued for decades by frequent and disruptive helicopter noise, and despite persistent efforts to work on a collaborative basis with stakeholders to reduce the impact of helicopter noise, little has changed.

Last year, Schiff, Feinstein and other members of the Los Angeles delegation introduced legislation, the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act, and encouraged the FAA to act independently of legislation.  Following a lengthy study, the FAA released their report on the Los Angeles airspace, urging voluntary measures over a regulatory approach, which many homeowners and lawmakers felt was an insufficient response.  This legislation, which is expected to be voted on this week, will finally force the FAA to act.

“For years, the FAA has not felt the urgency that homeowners and residents across Los Angeles County have felt – very literally with the rattling of windows – on the need to reduce helicopter noise,” said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). “While we are continuing to work with the FAA on voluntary measures, we need to take an ‘all of the above’ approach towards solving this issue – including new rules and regulations.  With this legislation, FAA will have one year to act on its pledge to reduce helicopter noise or it will be forced to regulate.”

“I am pleased the omnibus federal funding bill includes a provision to reduce excessive helicopter noise in the Los Angeles Basin,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). “I have worked on this issue with Congressman Schiff, Senator Boxer and others for more than two years, and this bill will finally lead to concrete action. The provision requires the FAA to initiate regulations addressing helicopter noise and safety issues above Los Angeles within one year, unless the agency can demonstrate that the six voluntary measures it recommended in May have proven to be effective. The FAA must also move forward with those six voluntary measures immediately. I am optimistic this provision will improve the quality of life for millions of people living in Los Angeles.”

Senator Feinstein, with the support of Schiff and Los Angeles delegation members, successfully included language in the Senate transportation appropriations bill and ultimately the omnibus spending bill that will be voted on later this week that would require the FAA to develop regulations related to the impact of helicopter use on the quality of life of LA County residents within one year unless the FAA can demonstrate the effectiveness of the six action items in the helicopter noise report. Efforts to include language in the omnibus were supported by the Los Angeles Helicopter Noise Coalition (LAHNC).

Below is the provision included in the appropriations bill:

Sec. 119D. The Secretary shall (1) evaluate and adjust existing helicopter routes above Los Angeles, and make adjustments to such routes if the adjustments would lessen impacts on residential areas and noise-sensitive landmarks; (2) analyze whether helicopters could safely fly at higher altitudes in certain areas above Los Angeles County; (3) develop and promote best practices for helicopter hovering and electronic news gathering; (4) conduct outreach to helicopter pilots to inform them of voluntary policies and to increase awareness of noise sensitive areas and events; (5) work with local stakeholders to develop a more comprehensive noise complaint system; and (6) continue to participate in collaborative engagement between community representatives and helicopter operators: Provided, That not later than one year after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall begin the development of regulations related to the impact of helicopter use on the quality of life and safety of the people of Los Angeles County unless the Secretary can demonstrate the effectiveness of actions taken under the previous proviso to address helicopter noise.

Following the release of their report – the Los Angeles Helicopter Noise Initiative – Schiff and homeowners hosted a town hall meeting with the FAA in which they committed to support the following actions: evaluate existing helicopter routes to identify feasible modifications that could lessen impact on residential areas and noise-sensitive landmarks; analyze whether helicopters could safely fly at higher altitudes in certain areas along helicopter routes and at specific identified areas of concern; develop and promote best practices for helicopter hovering and electronic news gathering; conduct outreach to helicopter pilots to increase awareness of noise-sensitive areas and events; explore a more comprehensive noise complaint system; and continue the collaborative engagement between community representatives and helicopter operators, with interaction with the FAA.

This legislation will hold the FAA’s feet to the fire and will ensure that the agency will complete their work on time and without delay. If after a year, residents, homeowners and business owners do not see a marked difference and reduction in the level of unnecessary helicopter noise, the legislation will require the FAA to set new rules and regulations – something that they thus far have been unwilling to do.

The post Schiff and Feinstein Announce Helicopter Noise Reduction Legislation appeared first on myBurbank.com.

ATM Wireless store on Glenoaks Blvd. was broken into and dozens of smartphones, including Apple iPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy S4 brands, were taken in the early morning hours on Wednesday, January 15. Burbank Police responded to an alarm from the store at 4:46 a.m. and discovered the security bars covering a window in the back of the business had been pried away and the window smashed, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

Police officers called the owner to the scene and he determined that between 30 to 45 smartphones were taken from the rear storage area of the store. The phones retail for approximately $250 each and the projected loss is between $7500 and $11,250.

The owner and Burbank Police are reviewing security video from the ATM Wireless store, located at 400 N. Glenoaks Blvd., at E. Magnolia Boulevard. “It anyone in the area at that time of the burglary heard or saw something, please call the Burbank Police at 818-238-3210,” commented Ryburn.

The post Dozens Of Smartphones Taken From ATM Wireless Store appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Multiple small items were taken in a residential burglary on the 3300 block of Brace Canyon Drive on Wednesday, January 15. When the resident returned home at 4:20 p.m., after leaving the house at 7:20 a.m. that day, and parked her car in the garage, she noticed the door from the garage to the house was locked, which was unusual, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

Inside, the house had been thoroughly rummaged, with drawers and closets open and items scattered about. The resident reported the theft of a camcorder, iPod, about $600 to $700 in cash and a black briefcase containing personal documents.

Entry was made through a smashed rear kitchen window. There are no suspects at this time. The Burbank Police Department encourages anyone who may have seen something unusual or out of the ordinary, like a strange vehicle or person, in the area during the day on Wednesday, to contact them at 818-238-3210.

The post Residential Burglary Reported On Brace Canyon Drive appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Cathy Ferguson

As part of the celebration of both its history and its vision of the future, Wednesday the Burbank Y – which received the first business license issued by the city of Burbank – unveiled more than $1 million in renovations of its aquatics center and pool, men’s shower facilities, enhancements to the Child Development Center, gym renovations and other facility upgrades to further serve its membership.

In 2014, the Burbank Community YMCA celebrates 90 years of being a centerpiece of the Burbank community – helping people to learn, grow and thrive – as a leader in youth development and in teaching and imparting family values, healthy living and social responsibility.

On hand for the festivities, serving as co-masters of ceremonies, were

(L to R) JC Holt, president & CEO, Burbank Community YMCA, Burbank City Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, Two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cathy Ferguson, a Burbank High School student and Y member who trained at the Y’s pool. Ferguson competed at the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo, winning gold medals in the 100-meter ackstroke and as a member of the U.S. team in the 4×100-meter medley relay, Burbank City Councilman Jess
Talamantes

Burbank City Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy and two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cathy Ferguson, a Burbank High School student and Y member who trained at the Y’s pool. Ferguson competed at the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo, winning gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke and as a member of the U.S. team in the 4×100-meter medley relay.

The post YMCA Celebrates With $1 Million Renovation appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Froyo Bliss was robbed again at gunpoint yesterday, January 16. At approximately 2:30 p.m. a white male suspect pointed a blue steel handgun at the yogurt shop’s clerk and took an undisclosed amount of cash, according to Sgt. Justin Meadows of the Burbank Police Department. The alleged armed robber fled on foot towards the rear of the mini-mall lot at 101 N. Victory Blvd. in which Froyo Bliss is located.

The suspect appears to be in his 20s and about 6’1.” He was reportedly wearing a yellow and multi-color plaid flannel shirt. The police report the suspect is reportedly “similar” in appearance to the first robbery suspect who robbed Froyo Bliss on January 5, added Meadows.

Burbank Police and Detectives responded to the scene and surrounding area, but did not locate the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

The post Froyo Bliss Robbed Again At Gunpoint appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A pillowcase was the only reported loss in a residential burglary on the 1100 block of N. Clybourn Avenue. On Thursday, January 16 at 4:16 p.m., the victim called police to the scene. The alleged incident occurred on January 15 between 7:15 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. on January 16.

When the victim came home at midnight, he noticed the front door to his residence was damaged and the interior ransacked. The only item determined to be missing was a pillowcase from the master bedroom.

“Often in a residential burglary, a suspect grabs a pillowcase to fill with items,” commented Sgt. Justin Meadows of the Burbank Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing and there are no suspects at this time.

The post Pillowcase Taken In Residential Burglary appeared first on myBurbank.com.

From reports on the Bilingual Dual Immersion program and the Eight-Year Plan for Class Size Reduction to public comments and a number of other items, the Burbank Unified School Board considered a very full agenda in a meeting that took almost five hours on Thursday evening, January 16, at City Hall. Student representatives from Burbank and Burroughs High Schools spoke to the Board about upcoming activities at their respective high schools. District personnel, parents and the members from the community addressed the Board as well.

Dr. Tom Kissinger, Director of Elementary Education and Categorical Programs for the district, outlined the addition of 23.5 elementary teachers over the coming eight years, in a plan to reduce class sizes in grades K-3. While the plan will be adjusted from year to year as conditions change, BUSD expects to achieve a 24:1 student to teacher ratio by 2019, one year ahead of the State’s mandate on class size for primary grades. Currently, Kindergarten classes are at a 28:1 ratio throughout the district and first through third grade classes have 30 students for every teacher.

The Spanish Dual Immersion Kindergarten program at Disney Elementary was profiled in detail by Kissinger. The success of the program was also celebrated and talk turned to expansion of the program in coming years.

“We have to offer more options for our students,” commented Superintendent Dr. Jan Britz. “We have a lot of different kinds of parent interest and student interest as well and we want to be the district that provides these options for our students.”

The week of February 3 to 7, 2014, was proclaimed School Counseling Week, in recognition of the services school counselors provide to students. The nationally recognized week is promoted by the American Association of School Counselors. Board Member Larry Applebaum read the resolution and expressed his strong support and deep gratitude for the work school counselors do in the district.

“I know how much we value the work of our school counselors and not only are they academic advisors but they really help assist our students throughout the district with life challenges and the pressures of being adolescents in today’s society,” also commented Anita Shackman, Director of Human Resources for BUSD, as she introduced the resolution.

Dr. Emilio Urioste, Director of Secondary Education, introduced the new textbook Burbank and Burroughs High School teachers want to use for AP Spanish classes and discussed its attributes. The high school World Language program teachers considered several texts and chose Temas, which means “themes,” because it most closely aligned with the new Common Core standards and recent changes to the College Board’s AP Spanish test. Students would also be able to access the book online at home and use included programs to respond to teacher questions and communicate with other students.

The Board ratified the addition of an English teacher for the spring semester at Burroughs High School, using funds for class size reduction from the Local Control Funding Formula. Additional classes were added to both Burbank and Burroughs High Schools for the spring semester, as reported earlier in January on myburbank.com.

After some discussion, the Board approved 5-0 the proposed YMCA operation of a five-week 2014 summer school enrichment program, including remedial programs for second and third graders and a short term language immersion program for fourth and fifth graders. For the first year of the summer program, the YMCA would get a discounted non-profit rate of $8000 for use of two classrooms and some facilities, with the rate and conditions subject to change as needs would change, according to Kissinger.

Edison Elementary is the planned site for the program. The YMCA would also offer childcare from 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the summer program. Board Member Dr. Roberta Reynolds expressed her support for the program, seeing it as a win-win for all involved.

Board Member Charlene Tabet expressed her appreciation for the large numbers of people who attended the special meeting on January 9 at the District Office to voice their needs and desires for BUSD spending in the future.

“So many people came out to begin talking about where we’re going to start restoring projects and people to the district and our schools,” Tabet commented. “I was so appreciative to see a lot of people come out… I wish that would happen more often.”

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at City Hall on Thursday, February 6. Agendas for upcoming meetings can usually be found online several days before scheduled meetings on the district’s website.

The post School Board Hears Jam-Packed Agenda And Discusses Adding More Elementary Teachers appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A bicycle worth $1000 was taken from the backyard of a residence on the 1400 block of Broadway, in a neighborhood right near the 5 Freeway. Tools worth $20 were also attached to the gray frame bicycle with blue rims, according to Sgt. Justin Meadows of the Burbank Police Department.

The grand theft between 7:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on the morning of January 16. The bicycle was in the backyard behind a locked gate. There are no suspects at this time, the make and model of the bicycle reported stolen was not declared and neither was the bike registered with the Burbank police, added Meadows. He went to to say the BPD finds bicycles throughout the city all the time, but if there is no proof such as a record of the bike serial number and owner, the police cannot reunite the bike with its owner.

The post Bicycle Reported Stolen From Gated Backyard appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Over this past week, people have shared their memories of Stanley Steven Lynch, a city native and champion supporter of all good things in Burbank.

Family and friends celebrated his life Wednesday during his funeral service in the Old North Church at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. With its historic ties to Paul Revere’s ride, what better place to hold a service for Stan, a well-known history buff.

Robert M. Bock of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, where Stan was a member, noted that once you touch the soul of another person, you will never be separated from them.

Stan’s son Steven called him “Dr. Dad” and the “smartest man in the universe”. And whenever Steven would get in the car with his dad, Stan would point out places where things happened in town.

“He had a story about everything!” Steven said.

Stan supported Steven while he was in the marching band at Burroughs, and also when he took photography classes.

Granddaughter Madison, all of 7 years, grasped her speech and addressed the crowd with confidence. She delivered it proudly without tears. At the end of it, her hope, she said, was that her tiny sister would remember how wonderful Grandpa was.

High school buddies Dave L. Johnson and Darryl Eisele stood together at the podium. Johnson recalled how, back in high school, he and Stan would get the algebra teacher to start talking about horse racing and he wouldn’t stop until the dismissal bell rang.

Stan also introduced Jodi Gable, Burbank High School Class of ’65, to the Beach Boys after a dance at Olive Rec., and she became their fan club president, Johnson said.

Bill Stevens, his best friend, met Stan at Burroughs. They shared the love of journalism. Stan worked at the Daily Review and worked at the Sunland Tujunga Record Ledger. They often would hang out at Bob’s carhop area, ordering a soda and french fries. When a call would come over their police radio, they’d ask the carhop to hang on to their food until they returned from the call.

Stan’s final resting place overlooking Burbank, as Stan would love.

In the 1980s the two served as each other’s best man at their weddings. Bill recalled that Stan and a group of friends showed up at the honeymoon site, and getting the bride and groom to come down to the lobby, serenaded them with kazoos. Upon returning to their hotel room, the couple found it filled with balloons and their bed covers concealed an alarm that took several minutes to find and dislodge the pin.

Longtime friend Ross Benson called Stan the ultimate news person.

“If you wanted to know a stat or fact about Burbank, you’d call Stan,” Benson said.

Some 40 years ago, Benson and Stan started the Neighborhood Radio Watch. They also volunteered with the Burbank Tournament of Roses and helped to get the float from Burbank to Pasadena. In recent years, Stan would volunteer giving tours of the floats being decorated in Pasadena the two weeks prior to the parade. And like clockwork, Stan would come down with a cold, spending long hours in the freezing tents that housed the floats.

Benson remembered Stan’s quirks — always adding six teaspoons of sugar to his iced tea, and sharing advice — always carry a pad of paper and pen.

He was the ultimate obituary writer. He could capture the person’s best qualities and relate them with finesse. He was also a great editor and a stickler for correcting journalistic style in his colleagues’ news stories.

Each time he would sit down to write a story, Benson would always say “‘How would Stan write this?’ ”

“And tomorrow, I will say the same thing,” Benson said.

A few days prior to the funeral service, former Burbank Leader managing editor Paul Hubler and former Burroughs photography teacher Tim Brehm offered their memories of Lynch.

Hubler served as managing editor during the mid-1990s and hired Lynch as an opinion page columnist after he submitted several letters to the editor. Hubler remembered that Lynch was a provocative columnist, who challenged the prevailing ethos of the community at a time when neighborhood groups were seeking to limit growth in the city.

“While many readers disagreed with Stan’s positions on movie studio and airport growth, Stan was a committed lifelong resident and I think all shared his core goal of building a better
Burbank,” Hubler said.

Lynch also had been a substitute teacher for decades, Brehm said. During the teacher’s strike in 1980, the teacher’s were out walking the line for a number of weeks.

“I needed someone we could trust to guard the photo equipment and Stan did a wonderful job,” Brehm said. “He was very reliable and a benefit to the program.”

Lynch always had an eclectic mix of things going on in his life. In addition to his journalistic side, he was always involved in business ventures like making the lapel buttons.

But most of all, Brehm said, “He was a true citizen of Burbank. He was always writing about a cause, and I always admired him for that.”

Donations can be made to BCR  Burbank Center For The Retarded  ‘a place to grow’  230 E. Amherst Drive, Burbank, Ca. 91504 in Stan Lynch name.

The post Packed Church Remembers Stan Lynch appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

For first-year coach Michael Singhanate and the Burroughs girls’ water polo team, it was the victory they so desperately needed. Playing on the road at the home of their rivals, the Indians came together and played their best match of the season.

The Indians won the rematch (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Behind five goals from senior utility captain Kailee Groveman, Burroughs defeated Burbank, 11-5, on Thursday to win its first league contest of the year. The Indians improved to 6-12 overall and 1-2 in league while Burbank fell to 4-7 and 1-2.

“The victory means a lot to all of us here at Burroughs,” Singhanate said. “We had a tournament over the weekend, and the only thing on our mind was everything we do, we do in preparation for Burbank. We knew they had some strong shooters and some good plays, so we knew to be aware at all times. But mentally we’ve been preparing since we had played them in their tournament and lost in overtime.”

Back on December 14, the Bulldogs knocked off the Indians, 5-4, in overtime as part of the Burbank Tournament. This time Burroughs would not be denied.

“We’ve been practicing a number of different plays, types of shooting, and we’re still currently working on other individual skills, but everything we’ve been working on we applied this game,” said Singhanate. “It definitely worked out for the best.”

Burroughs used a 6-0 spurt in the third quarter to pull away and get the victory. Singhanate sensed a victory as the game went on. The Indians were playing with more passion and energy than in previous matches.

“After each quarter, the fire grew inside all our girls and they put it to good use,” he said. “We definitely are going to do our best to bring that same intensity and energy into the rest of our season, and hopefully into CIF.”

Burbank fell to 1-2 in league (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Junior Sophia Piedrahita scored an additional three goals while senior utility Cheyenne Morrison scored two goals and junior Aliya Ehde scored one. Sophomore goalie Kate Wilke had a total of 12 saves and two steals.

Burbank was led by Stella Aghakian who scored three goals. Burroughs aggressive and pressure defense and solid goalie play from Wilke prevented the Bulldogs from mounting any kind of consistent offensive attack.

“This group of girls has seen tremendous improvement in all aspects of the game from day one. We had a rough start to our season, but these girls have been able to consistently look forward to their next challenge,” Singhanate said. “They’ve held their heads high, win or loss, but the energy and intensity that I saw in this game was one like no other. They wanted to win, and they didn’t let anything stop them. I couldn’t be any more proud or happier for this team.”

The post Burroughs Defeats Burbank, 11-5, in Girls Water Polo appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Unified School District holds its annual Kindergarten Parent Meeting on Thursday, January 23, at the Burbank Adult School auditorium. Dr. Tom Kissinger, Director of Elementary Education for the district, will present hourly programs throughout the day in English, Armenian and Spanish. The meeting will cover a range of information about the district’s Traditional Kindergarten program, as well as the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Spanish Immersion Kindergarten classes.

The same program will be presented hourly as follows: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. English, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Spanish, 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. English, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Spanish, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Armenian, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. English and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Spanish.

The Spanish Immersion Kindergarten program, held at the Disney Elementary site, debuted for the 2013-14 school year and feedback has been very positive. District officials are considering the possibility of adding an additional Spanish Immersion Kindergarten class in the coming school year. In Kindergarten, 80% of the teaching is in Spanish and 20% in English.

The class reaches 50% Spanish and 50% English instruction by fourth grade. BUSD encourages more native Spanish-speakers to apply for the Spanish Immersion Kindergarten, as Language Arts is taught in English and the English Language Learners program is available for those children requiring more English language development. An additional meeting focusing on the Spanish Immersion program will be held on February 10 and 11 at the district office.

District officials are considering a plan to add more elementary teachers to reduce class sizes in grades K-3 in the coming years. Currently, the Kindergarten class size is 28 children to one teacher, but BUSD is discussing measures to make that ratio 26:1 for the 2014-2015 school year.

Enrollment for the 2014-15 Kindergarten program begins February 3. The Burbank Adult School is located at 3811 Allan Avenue, near Hollywood Way. More information can be found on the district’s website at http://www.burbankusd.org/.

The post Spanish Immersion, Transitional And Traditional Kindergarten Programs Discussed At Upcoming Parent Meeting appeared first on myBurbank.com.

In a town that is largely film and television dominant, true artistry is found in a little theatre in Burbank.

Situated on the corner of Victory Blvd. and Avon St. is The Victory Theatre Center, whose purpose is to bring great theatre and inspiring stories to people from all over.

Artistic co-directors and married duo Maria Gobetti and Tom Ormeny built and founded the theatre in 1979 with the help of family and friends. The two were even married on the stage of the theatre.

On Jan. 24, The Victory Theatre Center will premiere the critically acclaimed play, “On The Money.”

The play, written by Kos Kostmayer, directed by Ormeny and produced by Gobetti, originally premiered at the theatre 30 years ago and was a huge hit. “On The Money” is a tale about personal pressure and the choices people make to get by.

Gobetti and Ormeny decided to reintroduce “On The Money” to the public because it is a story that speaks to society about financial crisis, something that has plagued the American economy for decades.

“It’s the foreshadowing of what’s happening now politically and financially, and what’s happened to the working class, the middle class,” Ormeny said.

The two said the play was very timely 30 years ago and feel that it can still resonate with an audience today.

“It’s still about money: having to make it, having to get it, having to borrow it, having to steal it,” Gobetti said.

Gobetti believes “On The Money” is a play that will really make people talk about the ethical issues surrounding the choices they make. It asks profound questions about the nature of our society, our true character and our economic climate. The play focuses on honest, hardworking characters who struggle to make ends meet while trying to support their families.

“The play, in a way, is a morality play,” Ormeny said. “What happens to society when good people have to make decisions that they’re not happy about to survive, when they feel they have to compromise their values to suit the zeitgeist that they see around them?”

Gobetti and Ormeny said the play reflects how the wealthy thrive and get away with crime, while the underclass populate our prisons and the middle class gets squeezed. The play depicts the desperation millions of Americans feel when they struggle to make ends meet in a difficult economy.

“It’s one of those wonderfully human, very American plays,” Ormeny said.

While “On The Money” is a drama, it has so much real humor in it, according to Gobetti. The play takes place in a bar and is very character driven with many comedic elements.

“On The Money” had a successful run 30 years ago, and because the message is one that doesn’t expire, Gobetti and Ormeny hope the response will be just as good.

“People screamed and yelled and stayed on the street corner talking about it, and I hope they’ll do the same this time,” Gobetti said.

“On The Money” runs from Jan. 24 through March 2. Find out more information about The Victory Theatre Center at http://www.thevictorytheatrecenter.com.

Check www.myburbank.com/nightlife this weekend for my review of “On The Money.”

The post VTC’s “On The Money” Depicts Struggle Of Our Time appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burroughs goalkeeper Alberto Meir gets carried off the field after his goal tied Pasadena with seconds remaining (Photos courtesy of Mike Kodama)

BOYS SOCCER:

Burroughs 3 Arcadia 0

Ashot Veisyan scored two goals and Milosh Petko added a goal and an assist for the Indians who remain in first place at 4-0-1

Burbank 3 Hoover 1

Burroughs 2 Pasadena 2

Goalkeeper Alberto Meir was pulled out of goal and put on offense with seconds remaining in extra time. Brandon Gerlach took a corner kick and fired a shot amongst the scrum of bodies in front of the goal where Meir found the ball and scored to give the Indians the 2-2 tie. Nolberto Alcantar scored the Indians first goal. Incredible finish!

Crescenta Valley 5 Burbank 0

Burroughs 2 Crescenta Valley 1

Andres Aguilar and Artur Veisyan scored for the Indians in the road win as they upset #1 ranked CV in Div. 3

Muir 3 Burbank 1

GIRLS SOCCER:

Burroughs vs Arcadia postponed due to poor air quality

Burbank 5 Hoover 1

Dakota Briseno scored 2 goals and had 1 assist
Lauren Brenn had 1 Goal and 1 assist
Clarissa Guerrero scored 1 Goal
Cynthia De L a Cruz scored 1 Goal
Kira Bochard had 1 assist
Hailey Heath had 1assist
Michelle Morales had 1 assist

Burroughs 2 Pasadena 2

JBHS opened the scoring in the first half on a cross from Jackie Luga put in by Gaby Galvez. Pasadena equalized at the end of the first half and took the lead midway through the second half. A late equalizer by the Indians’ Danielle Tilton made it a 2-2 tie. Player of the game Brianna Castillo

Burbank 0 Crescenta Valley 0

Burroughs 1 Crescenta Valley 0

Great defensive effort by the Indians for their third straight shut-out. Noelle Garcia set up the lone goal by Danielle Tilton midway through the second half to break the deadlock.

Burbank 15 Muir 1

BOYS BASKETBALL:

Burroughs 82 Arcadia 78

Amaad Wainwright scored 32 points and had 16 rebounds, five assists, five steals and two blocks. Rashid Ewing added 23 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Indians who escaped a great effort from Arcadia to remain in first place at 5-0.

Burbank 60 Hoover 49

Richard Elmoyan scored 18 points and Adam Pasco contributed with 13 as the Bulldogs bounced back from two losses earlier in the week

Burroughs 82 Pasadena 77

For the first time ever in Pacific League action (2005 to present), the Indians knocked off perennial power, Pasadena. Trailing 75-74, JBHS outscored Pasadena 8-2 to close out the thrilling win. Amaad Wainright scored 30 points and collected 14 rebounds. Rashid Ewing finished with 20 points and Steven Hubbell added 13 points on three 3′s.

Crescenta Valley 46 Burbank 32

Burroughs 82 Crescenta Valley 80 (see story)

The scoreboard at Burbank tells the story after the Bulldogs lost in 5 overtimes to Muir (Photo courtesy of Trent Welker)

Muir 80 Burbank 78 (5 OT)

Mustangs win at the buzzer in the fifth overtime. Mike Woods scored 19 points, Ellie Hanno added 14, Anthony Kardosh and Cody Boseman each had 10

GIRLS BASKETBALL:

Burroughs 63 Arcadia 54

Davina Del Castillo, Brooke Radcliff and Paula Galicia each scored 12 points and Sidney Ortega added 11 as the Indians took hold of first place over Arcadia at 5-0

Burbank 66 Hoover 26

Yazzy Sa’Dullah scored 35 points on seven three-pointers and had seven steals, six blocks and five assists as the Bulldogs pummeled Hoover

Burroughs 65 Pasadena 28

Brooke Radcliff scored 12 points and Sidney Ortega had 15 points.  Davina Del Castillo added 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 8 points.

Crescenta Valley 56 Burbank 51

Yazzy Sa’Dullah scored 15 points, Ratiana Karapet added 14 and Sharis Ghazeri had 12

Burroughs 51 Crescenta Valley 49 (see story)

Burbank 60 Muir 39

GIRLS WATER POLO:

Burroughs 11 Burbank 5 (Indians gain a point in the myBurbank CUP; see story)

Arcadia 5 Burroughs 2

The post High School Sports Weekly Recap appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Police gather at the apartment of a woman who was allegedly killed by her son Monday night (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

Moises Diaz, age 40, was arrested on Monday, January 20, for the alleged murder of his mother, Maria Diaz, age 77, after her body was found in the south alley of 4000 W. Victory Blvd., between N. Evergreen St. and Pass Avenue. Burbank Police responded to a call placed at 10:41 a.m. about a person possibly sleeping in the alley. Upon arrival, officers found the body of the mother, already deceased, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

News media at the scene on Victory (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

The cause of death is pending an autopsy by the L.A. County Coroner’s office. After an investigation by the Burbank Police Monday, Diaz was arrested for the murder of his mother, just a few hours after the discovery of her body. Mother and son had been living together in a Burbank apartment, according to the statement released by Ryburn Monday evening.

Sgt. Darrin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Dept. briefs reporters at the main Police Station Monday night to announce the arrest. (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

Diaz was booked for murder and continues to be held in the Burbank Jail on $1,000,000 bail. Burbank Police ask for anyone who may have been in the south alley of 4000 W. Victory Blvd. between 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 19, and 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 20, to call the BPD at 818-238-3210.

This is the first murder in Burbank in over a year with the still unsolved shooting of Antwan Haroun, who was shot in his doorway the evening of October 11, 2012 on East Providencia Ave. and when police charged the parents of a baby girl with murder after the baby’s death on November 9, 2012.

Photographer Ross A. Benson contributed to this report.

Police tow a car from the residence (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

Police spent a majority of the day at the apartment where the suspect lived with his mother on Victory Blvd. (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Man Arrested For Murder of Mother appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Providence Southern California earned top state honors today as the first health system in California to win Healthgrades’ Distinguished Hospital Award for all four of its hospitals eligible to be evaluated for this honor..

Healthgrades, a top consumer ratings company, awarded this distinction to hospitals that rank among the top 5 percent in the nation for performance on 27 of the most common diagnoses and procedures. The results mean better outcomes for seriously ill patients.

Providence Holy Cross, Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Tarzana medical centers in the San Fernando Valley and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance were among the 262 medical centers in the U.S. recognized with the Distinguished Hospitals Award for Clinical Excellence.

“Every Providence caregiver stands on the shoulders of our founding sisters, whose 157-year tradition of excellence and compassion lives today in all our ministries,” said Michael Hunn, senior vice president and chief executive, Providence Health & Services, Southern California. “We are proud to be recognized by Healthgrades for our successes in providing the best care for our patients.

Distinguished Hospitals, as a group, have a 30.9 percent lower risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rate across 18 conditions and procedures as compared to all other U.S. hospitals evaluated. Healthgrades estimates that, if all other U.S. hospitals performed at this high level from 2009 through 2011, 164,414 deaths nationwide potentially could have been prevented.

“Healthgrades is committed to providing consumers with information to help them make more informed decisions across the continuum of care – including selecting a physician and an affiliated hospital,” said Roger Holstein, CEO, Healthgrades. “This report gives consumers the power to differentiate the likelihood of a better health outcome on the basis of the hospital’s objective quality measures.”

For hospitals to be eligible for this award, they were evaluated in at least 19 of 27 conditions and procedures studied by Healthgrades. Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, the fifth Providence medical center in the Southern California Region, was not eligible to compete for this award.

According to American Hospital Quality Outcomes 2013: Healthgrades Report to the Nation, released in October, there are significant variations in hospital quality across conditions and procedures, demonstrating that certain hospitals perform better in specific specialties than others. Distinguished Hospital Award recipients are unique, however, because they exhibit high-quality care across a broad range of clinical specialties.

“Consumers should know before they go,” said Archelle Georgiou, M.D., a strategic advisor to Healthgrades. “We have shown that all hospitals are NOT created equal, and selecting the right physician or hospital can mean the difference between having a complication-free surgery or hospitalization. It can even be a matter of life or death.”

The post Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Earns Top Honors from Healthgrades appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Four recent armed robberies of Burbank businesses may be perpetrated by the same suspect wearing a thick fake beard, said Burbank Police today. BPD will send out a Crime Alert today, warning local businesses to be on the lookout for the ‘Fake Beard Bandit.’

The most recent armed robbery occurred on Saturday, January 18, at 6:01 p.m. at the Chevron gas station at 439 W. Alameda Avenue. In that incident, the clerk working behind the counter was approached by the suspect, who asked about using the bathroom. The suspect then placed a bag on the counter and told the clerk he had a knife and to put the money from the cash register in the bag, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

The suspect got away with almost $200 in cash. The victim did not see which direction the suspect headed, only noted the suspect’s thick, fake beard. The suspect was described as being about 6′ tall, of medium build and wearing gray pants. The clerk did not see the weapon and was not injured.

On Friday, January 17, at 8:40 p.m., Burbank Police responded to an armed robbery call at the Chevron at 2501 W. Olive Ave., at the corner of Buena Vista. The suspect entered the gas station and showed the clerk a handgun in his waistband and demanded money be placed in a bag. The suspect fled on foot with a small amount of money, headed westbound on Olive Ave. and then northbound on N. Frederic Street.

The suspect was described as being about 5’8″ tall, about 150-170 lbs., wearing gray pants and a full, fake beard. There were no injuries to the gas station attendant.

Ryburn described the suspect’s beard as obviously fake, dark, with sideburns and several inches in length. He noted that the suspect in the two Froyo Bliss armed robberies on January 5 and 16 was described similarly physically and as having a thick, dark beard as the suspect in the two recent Chevron robberies.

Anyone in the areas of these four armed robberies around the noted times and may have noticed an individual wearing a fake beard or anything out of the ordinary are asked to contact the Burbank Police at 818-238-3210.

The post Fake Beard Bandit Strikes Again appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Two suspects allegedly stole a pair of Nike Jordan basketball shoes after connecting with the victim through an advertisement placed on Craigslist. The victim agreed to meet the prospective buyers who responded to the ad behind Chuck E. Cheese at 930 N. San Fernando Blvd. on Sunday afternoon, January 19, at 1:48 p.m.

Once in the parking lot behind the popular children’s restaurant and games arcade, the victim opened the trunk of his vehicle and showed the two suspects the shoes. At this point, suspect #1 sprayed the victim with pepper spray and suspect #2 reached in the trunk and grabbed for the shoe box, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department. The victim and suspect #2 struggled over the box but the suspect was able to wrest the box from the victim’s hands and both suspects fled northbound on Third Street.

Suspect #1 is a male Black, 5’5″-5’7″ tall and about 150 pounds. Suspect #2 is a male Black, 5’11″-6′ in height and about 175 pounds. Burbank Police ask for anyone at Kmart or Chuck E. Cheese at that time and who may have witnessed the incident or the suspects running from the area to contact the BPD at 818-238-3210.

The post Craigslist Robbery Reported Behind Chuck E. Cheese appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Almost three weeks into the start of a new lease with S.S. Golf as the operator of the city-owned DeBell Golf Club, those involved are optimistic about the venture.

“I’m happy about it,” Scott Scozzola of S.S. Golf said by phone last week. “…It’s really early to tell, obviously, we’re 14 days into the start of the contract…[But] the way the structure is set up, it’s giving us more of a means to create a synergistic relationship.”

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

On Jan. 1, Scozzola took over management of the course. On Jan. 13, the club’s restaurant debuted as The Canyon Grill at DeBell Golf Club, with Tom Shayman of the Burbank Bar and Grill working with Scozzola for the club’s restaurant operations. It replaces the Clubhouse Grill, which was run by Ray and Shelly Lucero. Their contract ended in December and they chose not to renew, according to a city staff report.

In addition to a separate food operator and having Scozzola oversee the golf operation, Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance is handling the grounds upkeep.

Three separate operators meant three separate contracts with the city, who oversaw the daily operations of the course through the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“Now the contract is aligned so I’m responsible for the restaurant vendor and the maintenance vendor,” Scozzola said of the council’s October decision. Valley Crest continues to work with Scozzola.

“Before…we had different agendas on how to operate the facility,” Scozzola said. “Now everything is streamlined to one common theme.”

The changes come after a Florida-based nonprofit organization called the three-operator set up inefficient in a 2012 report to the City Council. A single operator could reduce administrative oversight by city staff and save money, the National Golf Foundation said.

The new lease with Scozzola calls for a $300,000 annual payment for the next five and a half years, according to a city staff report. Should DeBell bring in more than $2,499,999 annually in revenue, which Scozzola anticipates it will, additional rent payments will be due.

“If we hit certain thresholds, as we grow revenue, the city wants to participate in that,” Scozzola said. He noted there is a six month transition period and the threshold doesn’t kick in until July 1.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

DeBell brought in $1.93 million in revenue in the fiscal year ending in June 2013, but that did not include money made from the pro shop or the driving range, Scozzola said.

Shayman, whose downtown Burbank restaurant has been in business more than 15 years, called the partnership with Scozzola a “great opportunity.”

“Within a three- to four-block radius, there are about 40 restaurants, and thousands of seats to compete with,” Shayman said of his downtown location. “Here it’s a unique environment.”

As far as taking over the restaurant operation, Shayman said “there was a disconnect between the previous food and beverage operator and golf.

“[Now] all food and beverage staff is cross-trained in golf operations – that had not happened before. The pros in the golf shop are trained in the nuance of food and beverage and how we operate here. We want to heighten the overall guest experience.”

A few years ago, the discussions about DeBell were not so optimistic.

In 2011, the council appointed a committee to review the club’s financials and determine a course of action when they learned the course had been losing about $300,000 annually in recent years. The city was also moving towards putting each operator’s contract on a monthly term.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Judie Wilke, parks and recreation director since 2012, acknowledged in an email last week that while the course has improved its financial outlook, there is no way to pay for needed capital improvement projects, including a seismic retrofit for aging buildings.

“That is true, the Enterprise Fund is not collecting enough money annually to fund a capital improvement program,” Wilke said.

The seismic retrofit project is a priority but there are other improvements that could be made that would actually assist in saving money or generating money, Wilke said.

Irrigation improvements, for example, would save on the cost of water and help increase revenues if the greens are more playable, she said.

All of those issues will have to be considered when prioritizing the capital projects during budget discussions, which begin in February, Wilke said.

In the meantime, DeBell is preparing for the April grand opening of the restaurant, Shayman said, which happens to takes place on the weekend of the Masters Golf Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf.

“We’d like to take first 90 days to organize the venue, get teamwork in play, and become a well-oiled machine,” he said.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

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By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

This wasn’t exactly what Ashley Linda had in mind.

With Pacific League play fully underway, Linda was expecting to be a key player in Burbank’s challenge for a league title. But in one quick instant her season was put on hold and the Bulldogs’ season altered.

The senior broke the fifth metatarsal in her left foot in a game against Alemany on December 27. Linda heard “a pop” and the worst of news came a few days later when x-rays confirmed the “Jones Fracture.”

Ashley Linda

Now in a walking boot and using crutches to assist her, Linda has been deemed out of action for four to six weeks. There is hope that she can return for the CIF playoffs.

“Her leadership is going to be missed. But it’s great having her on the bench. She’s being a good leader,” Burbank coach Bruce Breeden said. “I told her that when you are ready to come back, we are going to make our move. If we can stay competitive and get a decent draw (in the postseason) and have her back, I think we will surprise a lot of people. We are very optimistic and so is she. She has a great attitude.”

Linda’s biggest challenge at the present won’t be driving past defenders or coming off screens to square up for her deadly shot. Her patience, mental strength and inner fortitude have now become her toughest opponents.

But in this case, they became her advocates.

Judging by her four-year career and how Linda has persevered, there is no question this young lady will overcome this newest obstacle.

Linda, 17, was promoted as a freshman versus Royal and instantly impressed Breeden with her tenacity, aggressiveness and energy. After playing on the junior varsity as a sophomore, Linda made the varsity as a junior and ultimately worked her way into the starting lineup during league in 2013.

Ashley Linda dribbles up court against Muir last season (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“She brings energy to our team,” said Breeden. “She is pretty good at defense but offensively she knows where the basket is at. She has never seen a shot she didn’t like.”

The 5-foot-6 guard averaged 6.1 points per game last season but made strides in her offensive attack as she scored 11 or more points in six league games.

“I felt relief and accomplishment being a starter at the end of my junior season,” Linda said. “Every minute I had on that court meant everything. I know whatever I put out on the court was important to my team. I gave everything I had.”

Linda began this year where she left off when she was named to the San Marino All-Tournament team after scoring 24, 24, 10 and nine, respectively, in the first four games of the season.

At the time of her unfortunate injury, Linda was averaging 13.5 ppg including outputs of 20 vs. Agoura, 18 vs. Harvard-Westlake and 17 vs. West Ranch, all of whom are strong programs.

While her absence is a significant loss on the court for the Bulldogs, Linda has remained positive and relies on the fact that she has already overcome obstacles in her high school career.

“It’s been a journey and it has meant so much. I’ve come a long way since my freshman year,” she said. “I think I’ve improved so much with the help of all my coaches. It took a lot of hard work and dedication. Nothing came easy.”

Ashley Linda, second from left, cheers from the bench at a recent game (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Linda’s presence on the bench will be as important as being on the court. The Bulldogs need her advice, leadership and spirit to help guide them through the remaining portion of the league schedule.

“I want to work with them on the sideline,” Linda said. “I will continue to cheer on the bench and support them in any way I can.”

Any injury during your senior season can be very devastating to one’s psyche and team morale. Yet, Linda has taken a negative and turned it into a positive because of her character and will power.

“Don’t take anything for granted,” she said with tears in her eyes. “You never know when you will get your last chance to play your last sport.”

For Linda’s sake and the BHS girls’ program, we hope she makes a speedy recovery and rejoins the team in time to make another appearance in a Bulldogs’ uniform.

The post Ashley Linda, Burbank Girls Basketball appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Disney, NBC and Warner Bros., along with other industry leaders, hosted students from MIT’s Sloan School of Management as they made their “Entertainment and Media Trek” through Las Vegas and LA last week.

Yes, that MIT. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, perhaps best known as the home of the sort of scientific and engineering geniuses that inhabit the world of Big Bang Theory.  But MIT also boasts the Sloan School of Management, consistently rated among the nation’s top ten business schools.

From one point of view, business is a rational exercise that’s guided by sophisticated economic models and the fruits of massive data crunching.

From another point of view, business is a roll-of-the-dice, wildcatting, Wild West seat-of-your pants affair where you make up the rules as you go along.

And Burbank knows the Wild West can be very wild indeed when it comes to show biz. And yet, “the business” has its gimlet-eyed accountants as well as its starry-eyed actors, and the media announces the top grossing films as breathlessly as the top celebrity gossip.

So what’s a business major to do when trying to make sense of the entertainment and media world, where both points of view must be taken into account? Go west, young man and woman.

MIT B-school students pool their resources and sponsor an expedition to the left coast, leveraging MIT’s reputation and impressive alumni network. They pay their respects to the hydra-headed beast and pick the brains of those who have successfully kept their sanities and balance sheets intact.

Appropriately enough, the trek started in the world’s gambling mecca, Las Vegas, where the MIT students met with mavens from MGM Resorts International and Cosmopolitan. Then on to la la land starting with Disneyland (behind the scenes), then continuing with Chernin Entertainment, Digital Domain, NBC Universal, Dream Works Animation, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Studios and Lionsgate.

myBurbank.com caught up with the MIT students at Hollywood’s Cat and Fiddle Pub and learned their trip west was worth enduring the 70-degree cold. Ivan Li Huang (Class of ’14) observed, “Without new marketing channels, people can’t access the emerging technologies and opportunities.” (For local experts on these “new channels,” consult your grandkids.) Others were impressed by some companies’ willingness to “look far into the future,” well past the quarterly goal posts.

Keeping the rational and not-so-rational aspects of business equally in focus is a challenge that that MIT Sloan students appreciate. After all, MIT’s scientific and engineering breakthroughs have often been a mix of serendipity and intuition along with rigorous thinking and careful experimentation. Why wouldn’t business breakthroughs spring from the same fountains?

MBA Candidate Michael Di Benigno (Class of ’15) put it best when he said, “This is an exciting time for people trying to enter the entertainment and media industry. Technology has enabled new channels of distribution, a potential new golden age of television, new forms of intellectual property and lower production costs. With the changing industry landscape, there are many opportunities for principled, thoughtful leaders that MIT Sloan has a reputation for fostering.”

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