Burbank police were called to a reported stabbing around 4:00 a.m. on Buena Vista near Clark Street on October 19.

According to Sgt. Derek Green of the Burbank Police Department, the victim, an adult man, was riding his bike to work when he spotted two suspects were following him they then forced him to stop after driving their vehicle in front of him.

According to Green in an email, “One of the suspects exited the vehicle and attempted to rob the victim. A second suspect also exited the car, grabbed the victim’s bike, and punched him in the face. The victim retrieved a small, personal pocket knife and stabbed the suspect in self-defense.”

Green said the second suspect immediately returned to the vehicle and retrieved a German Shepard and brought him over to the victim and after lunging and trying to bite the victim, he also stabbed the dog.

Both suspects returned to their vehicle with the dog and fled and officers quickly found the suspects and dog a couple of blocks away at St. Joseph’s Medical Center where the man was being treated in the Emergency Room. One of the suspects was taken into custody and officers called the Burbank Animal Shelter to take the dog to a Veterinarian and is expected to survive according to Green.

Arrested was Christopher Juarez, 21, of El Monte with the identity and disposition of the second man who had been stabbed was not released.

Burbank Paramedics were called to transport the stabbing victim with a stab wound to his upper left chest to a Trauma Center as  St. Joseph’s is not a Level 1 Trauma Center.

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

The post Man Stabs Suspect After Early Morning Robbery Attempt appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Board of Education approved the District’s Anti-Racism Statement and updated part of Board policy at their regular meeting held on Thursday, October 15. The Board also approved Resolution 14 – Standing in Solidarity with the People of Armenia and Artsakh to Condemn Azerbaijan and Turkey’s Aggression.

Approximately 30 members of the community, primarily parents and teachers, some of whom are members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, spoke during Public Comments time. Almost everyone spoke in support of the District’s Anti-Racism Statement, update of Board policy and/or the Adoption of Resolution 14, including representatives from Assemblymember Laura Friedman and State Senator Anthony Portantino’s offices.

Some speakers shared their personal stories of experiencing racism, blatant or subtle, throughout the years. Several speakers talked about their personal journeys to becoming actively against racism and recognizing systemic privilege and racism. Almost every speaker talked about the importance of BUSD making an official Anti-Racism Statement.

Burbank Unified School District office. (Photo By Ross Benson)

“Talking about race, acknowledging a difficult past and crating an openan honest dialogue – it’s not easy,” commented teacher and parent Lucia Bowers. “It’s often painful and uncomfortable. But, I’ve learned it’s also necessary.”

“I grew up here in Burbank during the 80s and 90s, an era where colorblindness was the way to address racism. Rather than acknowledge, embrace and accept the fact that we are all indeed different, we were taught not to see color. The colorblind philosophy of the past washed away the hard truths and all our individual uniqueness in favor of a more comfortable narrative. So, for me, talking about race is challenging because I spent so much of my formative years learning that my race, my culture and my background wasn’t something I should talk about.”

“Instead, as a first-generation American growing up in this district, I often felt the push to assimilate, to learn to only speak English, and to not just be an American but to be a Burbanker,” Bowers continued. “This doesn’t mean I suffered here as a child. What it did mean was that in order to be happy here as a student, I often felt like I really couldn’t always be me.”

“That came in the form of a million small things. It meant changing my name from the often mispronounced ‘Lucia’ to ‘Luci’ when I was in second grade. It meant letting bad experiences slide for the fear of getting in trouble. It meant hiding the language, the food, the music, the culture and the stories that made me, me… in favor of those that made me fit in.”

“It meant always knowing the friends and adults I could let down my guard around and be myself around, and it also meant knowing those I couldn’t be myself around,” she added. “This isn’t the deep-seated hatred or terrorism we associate with the word ‘racism.’ Although some families in this city have experienced that, too.”

“Instead, my experience was something else. And for all these years I haven’t been able to put my finger on what was wrong with how I grew up, except to know that as wonderful as my time as a BUSD student was, it didn’t always feel right.”

“But when I read our school district’s proposed Anti-Racism Statement, I had a learning moment,” Bowers continued, as she quoted from the revised Board Policy language: “Respecting, honoring, integrating and championing the diversity and life experiences of all children.”

“Those verbs are so powerful. Together they reinforce a child’s ability to be who they are, wherever they are, whoever they are with. Those are exactly the kind of verbs I needed as a kid. They are the perfect replacement for the verb I grew up with as a student here, which was ‘tolerate.’ These strong verbs allow us to see the world in all its color.”

Bowers thanked the efforts already being made at school sites and PTAs throughout the District and by the Burbank Teachers Association for equity, inclusion and diversity.

She also thanked “our students who continue championing the need for a newer, more relevant curriculum, who challenge our ideas of worthy mascots and namesakes, who keep pushing us to be the kind of school district they need us to be. This group of students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members is what Burbank is all about.”

“Thank you for your dedication, your time and your commitment to insuring that the sense of community that makes Burbank Unified School District so wonderful extends to every single student who is a part of it,” Bowers said.

“It is important for BUSD to have a strong DEI policy because the District works with learners of all backgrounds,” commented parent Charlene Walters. “Our students need to feel valued and affirmed and our educators, administrators and all others whose work impacts our precious children should continuously work to explore and honor differences. I need to know that every teacher my children come across can honor their gifts, their challenges and their uniqueness.”

“Many institutions across our nation are implementing and improving DEI policies and it is good that BUSD has such a relevant one,” she continued. “I’m so proud of the strong and committed stance that BUSD is taking against racism.”

“In terms of the Anti-Racism Statement, I would like to point out that firstly, it acknowledges what racism is as it pertains to the United States of America. Secondly, it acknowledges the impact of racism on its people. And most importantly, it states that Burbank Unified will not allow racism to be prevalent in its system.”

“Having these points embedded in the powerful statement makes it not only meaningful but also useful,” Walters added. “I feel that this statement is a much needed catalyst for healing to take place in our community.”

“I hear some of the oppositions to this statement. Some sounds similar to oppositions when people state Black lives matter, protect Armenia, or when the term systemic racism is being used,” Walters also said. “But what I hear in these objections is fear. Maybe it’s the fear that certain privileges are being put in the spotlight and are also being challenged.”

“But what I ask is that we focus on the positive thoughts. There is enough for everyone,” she said. “That if we lift up the humanity of people of color, that in no way takes away anything from anyone else.”

“Thank you, BUSD, for working on the foundation that we are all created equal,” Walters said.

Dana Morris spoke against the Anti-Racism Statement, reprising her public comments from two weeks ago and again charging that the statement itself was racist and told the Board to be prepared for forthcoming lawsuits because of the adoption of language that recognizes the long history of systemic racism in the country, state and the city.

“I absolutely respect your right to your opinions and I’m happy you feel comfortable bringing them forward to a public forum as this,” responded Board Vice President Steven Frintner. “You seem to be under the impression that this statement was drawn up with very little thought or input. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

“You implied because nothing was changed from the first meeting , we weren’t listening to anything that was said,” he continued. “Just because we don’t agree doesn’t mean we weren’t listening. I know how much time was put into the crafting of this statement. It was done very thoughtfully and carefully.”

“It was done very transparently,” Frintner added. “You seem to indicate we shouldn’t be moving forward while we’re still having to do meetings remotely. Business as a school district can’t come to a standstill because we haven’t been able to meet [in person.]”

“One of our speakers said something I think we need to turn it around,” commented Board Clerk Charlene Tabet. “Yasmin Dunn said ‘Thank the District for modeling the courage we want our children to have with our DEI work.'”

“But really, it’s you parents and community members who came out to speak tonight who are modeling the courage for our students and our parents to stand up for what is needed, long overdue, and necessary for your children to grow up to be strong community members,” Tabet also said. “I applaud you and your courage and strength for coming forward.”

‘This has been a most powerful evening,” commented Board member Dr. Roberta Reynolds. “I want to thank all of the speakers for the passion and the personal stories. And, for over the last two hours taking the time to listen to one another.”

“I think that is the most important part, the listening to one another and really hearing what is being said,” Reynolds added. “I look forward to the discussion… of the work that is just beginning.”

“Thank you to all of our parents for having the faith and confidence to come to this forum, to share your story and to talk about why this work is so critical,” said Board member Steve Ferguson. “This is a first step and it is important to get our values on paper.”

“Tonight we celebrate a big step but this work has only just begun,” he added. “My major thanks to all of the parents, teachers and staff who have participated in these meetings.”

“This has been work for almost a year now,” said Board President Dr. Armond Aghkhanian, who along with Ferguson have been Board representatives on the DEI Committee. “This didn’t just happen overnight. And for all these parents and some of our own teachers to be a part of this committee and spend so much time and put together a statement that really hits the nail right on the head…”

“People forget it’s something a lot of us have gone through,” he continued. “This is something I faced when I came here: Don’t speak the second language; Don’t tell them where you’re from; Don’t be proud of your past; Don’t get into conflicts; Don’t yell at people. They might deport you back.”

“I don’t think I can say it better than our speakers tonight around the Anti-Racist Statement and your personal stories,” commented Superintendent Matt Hill. “We have launched a website where we can start to share our personal stories. And there’s a video where I shared my personal story – my journey around becoming more aware and thoughtful about becoming anti-racist.”

“Tonight is just a beautiful example of everyone telling their stories,” he continued. “For us to be able to have that opportunity to listen and learn and create that dialogue, that is the start of this work. Some of this work has been happening in individual classrooms, some has been happening with individuals at the District level, the Board level.”

“For us as a Burbank Unified School District to come out with a statement and say we are unified… We acknowledge our past,” Hill also said. “We acknowledge we are not perfect. We acknowledge we need to move forward. That is powerful and creates the space so we can have these conversations. So we can open up our hearts and open up our minds and continue the work.”

“And the work is what’s next,” he added. “Really understanding what systems, structures and policies are holding us back from ensuring that all of our students thrive in our school district.”

Burbank Unified’s webpage with information on the efforts of the DEI Committee can be found online here.

With a unanimous vote, the Burbank Board of Education approved the Anti-Racist Statement:

The Burbank Unified School District officially denounces racism as the product of white default/ supremacy culture and recognizes the impact of systemic and generational racism as traumatic to our country, community, and school district. In light of continuing racial violence, including the killings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Andres Guardado, Dijon Kizzee, and many others, we also recognize that Black people in this country have had a unique and traumatic history in terms of racial relations, equality, and equity. We stand with the truthful and humane statement that all lives cannot matter until Black lives and the lives of indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) matter. We are taking steps to actively work towards being fully anti-racist, not only in word, but also in policy, practice, and accountability. Change is rarely easy, but with the support and cooperation of the entire Burbank school community we know that we will reflect a district that is truly unified.

With a unanimous vote, the Board of Education approved the following update/revision to official Board policy:

Racism: The Burbank Unified Board of Education (“Board”) and the Burbank Unified School District (“district”) reject all forms of racism as destructive to the District’s mission, vision, values, and goals. The Board is committed to the following principles:

1.Establishing and sustaining a school community that shares the collective responsibility to address, eliminate, and prevent actions, decisions, and outcomes that result in and perpetuate racism.

2.Eliminating inequitable practices and cultivating the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child to end the predictive value of social or cultural factors, such as race, ethnicity, class, sexual identity, sexual orientation, or gender, on student success.

3.Respecting, honoring, integrating, and championing the diversity and life experiences of all children, parents/guardians, and community members to support the school district’s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives.

4.Acknowledging that racism is often compounded by other forms of discrimination, including, but not limited to, the protective classes identified by the state and federal government.

Purpose: Personal and institutional racism have historically existed in the United States of America and continue to exist, even in our community. Combating racism in our schools is a legal and moral imperative.

In this district, there are disparities between racial groups in student academic performance, achievement, and participation in academic and extra-curricular programs. These include disparities in graduation rates, gifted identification, course participation, special education identification, standardized test scores, and suspension rates. Disparities also exist between the racial demographics of the students in the district and the staff the district hires.

These equity gaps exist because of inequitable access to opportunities that have significant intergenerational effects and perpetuate economic, social, and educational inequity. However, racial inequities were created over time and can be eliminated. Similarly, personal prejudices and biases are learned and can be unlearned. Educators play a vital role in reducing racism and inequity by recognizing the manifestations of racism, creating culturally inclusive learning and working environments, and dismantling educational systems that directly or indirectly perpetuate racism and privilege through policy, teaching, and practice.

The Burbank Unified School District officially denounces racism, which is defined as: A highly organized system of “race” based group privilege that operates at every level of society and is held together by a sophisticated ideology of race/color supremacy. According to sociologists Noel Cazenave and Darlene Alvarez Madden, “Racism has a component of power and privilege”(https://www.cta.org/our-advocacy/socia l-justice/black-lives-matter).

The video and complete agenda of the Burbank Board of Education meeting for October 15 can be found online here.

The Burbank Board of Education is comprised of President Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Vice President Steve Frintner, Clerk Charlene Tabet, and members Dr. Roberta Reynolds and Steve Ferguson. More information on the Board can be found online here.

The post Burbank Board Of Education Approves Anti-Racism Statement And Update To Board Policy appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A 37-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning, October 21, after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a tow truck on Riverside Drive between Bob Hope Drive and Buena Vista.

Los Angeles County Coroner identified the man as Arnie Cervantes from Rancho Cucamonga.

Paramedics were dispatched to the scene at 5:43 am and pronounced Cervantes dead at the scene.

Burbank police are investigating and have said they may have more information on Thursday and are awaiting reports.

We will add to this story when more details are provided.

The post Man is Killed in Early Morning Motorcycle Accident appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Police Department is helping to celebrate Halloween safely this year by hosting a “Reverse Trick-or-Treat” pumpkin coloring contest.

Beginning today, children can download and print an official Burbank Police Department Halloween Pumpkin template by CLICKING HERE or visiting www.BurbankPD.org.

After printing the template, kids are encouraged to color their pumpkins in unique ways and tape them in a window that faces the street.

Beginning on Saturday, October 24, 2020, and running through Halloween on October 31, Burbank Police Officers will be looking for these pumpkins as they patrol our neighborhoods. If spotted, officers will leave behind a Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag filled with a few surprises!

Burbank Police Officers will try to reach as many homes as possible. Participants are encouraged to tag Burbank Police in social media posts, but please do not call the Burbank Police Communications Center, as phone lines must remain available for emergencies and requests for police services.

The Burbank Police “Reverse Trick-or-Treat” campaign is meant to support the effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while providing a fun activity for kids this Halloween.

The post Burbank Police on the Prowl for Pumpkins During ‘Reverse Trick-or-Treat’ appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission calls for submissions from local creatives and crafters for the upcoming Alone Together Showcase to be held November 20. Deadline for submissions is Friday, October 30, at 11:59 p.m.

“Creativity and the Arts reflect the human experience as a way for people to share their humanity and tell their truths,” commented Leah Harrison, who co-Chairs the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission with Eric Conner. “Yet, in these challenging times it is virtually impossible to commune with our neighbors. We cannot gather to share our stories, our projects, or works of beauty that we have been creating to keep us sane in these difficult times.”

“The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission is absolutely thrilled to have the support of the city in creating the ongoing series Virtually Burbank, which was created in an effort to fill the vacuum created by the lack of public events. As an outreach program it is a service to the community where creatives can gather, share, discuss, lament, train in our new reality of virtual gatherings.”

Image Courtesy Burbank Cultural Arts Commission

The 2020 season of Virtually Burbank is called Alone Together, and culminates with the Alone Together Showcase.

“This will be a celebration of human creativity and spirit by showing that although we are not able to gather together right now we are not alone,” Harrison explained. “Because the Showcase is for all levels of creative experience we previously hosted a series of workshops to help support and train people to create their submissions.”

“The first was ‘Creativity in the Digital Landscape,’ where artists of different genres discussed how they are sharing their art form in the virtual space. It featured two presenters who called in from Delaware moments after losing their power to a tornado. But as 2020 shows, we all just keep finding ways to move forward.”

“The second, ‘Celebrating Inspiration,’ was a beautiful gathering of artists sharing their inspirations, or lack of, how they were coping with creating alone, and the tools they used to stay inspired. It showed that creativity in any form no matter how big or small is vital at this time.”

“The third workshop, ‘Alone Together: How to Get the Perfect Shot (At Home),’ sponsored by the New York Film Academy, was a delightful presentation on the basics of at home filming. All of these sessions were recorded and can be viewed on our burbankarts.com page.”

“We have had an overwhelming response from the Virtually Burbank: Alone Together workshops,” Harrison added. “Numerous people have reached out and told us about finding new inspiration, feeling supported, and learning new techniques.”

“It is such a thrill to see so many people around the country be inspired by our local community. Including one attendee who logged in all the way from Thailand! The BCAC has been honored that local artists would join us for these workshops and donate their time, share their passions, and their bravery in sharing their struggles and accomplishments.”

“Now we would be delighted for our community to share their creativity in the upcoming Alone Together Showcase. Anyone and everyone can submit to the Alone Together Showcase, all ages are welcome.”

“We hear from our neighbors they are gardening, cooking, making outfits for their cats, singing, dancing, writing, knitting, creating vending machines of art, puppet shows, so many inspiring things,” Harrison said. “We would love for you to share your bright light with our wonderful community and let them know that we may be alone, but we are all in this together.”

Submissions are required to be in JPG, TIF, MOV or MP4 format. More information on what and how to submit may be found on the Virtually Burbank: Alone Together Showcase webpage.

The Alone Together Showcase will be held online on Friday, November 20, at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

The post Cultural Arts Commission Calls For “Alone Together Showcase” Submissions appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Board of Education heard reports on the possible re-opening of schools for in-person instruction, the process of renaming Jordan Middle School, Distance Learning, the Superintendent’s Fundraising Advisory Committee and from the Student Reps for Burbank and John Burroughs High Schools at their regular meeting held Thursday, October 15.

The Board also approved the District’s Anti-Racism Statement and update to Board policy and Resolution 14 – Standing in Solidarity with the People of Armenia and Artsakh to Condemn Azerbaijan and Turkey’s Aggression at the meeting in addition to naming a new Director of Information Technology.

Student Rep for Burbank High School Carmen Blanchard talked about work with the school’s Wellness Center and Family Services Agency to promote the upcoming Field of Hope event on Saturday, October 24. She also noted that the Associated Student Bodies at both Burbank and John Burroughs High Schools were collaborating for a Spirit Week during the last week of October, leading up to what would have been the Homecoming game on October 29.

Blanchard also mentioned coordinating a local Blood Drive with UCLA on Thursday, November 5.

Burbank Unified School District office. (Photo By Ross Benson)

Nadaly Jones, Student Representative from JBHS, noted their coordination with UCLA for a Blood Drive on Thursday, November 12. She also said ASB had a meeting with a Native American tribe to talk about the JBHS mascot, the “Indian.” ASB continues to collect student feedback about possibly changing the school mascot. JBHS also has been working to support the upcoming FSA fundraiser Field of Hope.

Jones celebrated that JBHS was named the Clerk’s Cup winner for most student voter registrations for 2020, narrowly beating BHS 57-55.

“I’m so impressed with how much you’re doing for the community,” commented Board Clerk Charlene Tabet to both Student Reps.

Superintendent Matt Hill gave an update on Distance Learning to the Board. He highlighted the fact the USDA has now made the free meals for any public school student available through the end of the ’20-’21 school year in May.

Hill mentioned the District has 3000 more Chromebooks on order so carts at school sites can be restocked in anticipation of being able to re-open for in-person instruction in the Spring semester.

Hill also went over requirements for schools to reopen in Los Angeles County. He did recommend school remain on 100% Distance Learning through the end of the Fall Semester in December. The District held a Q&A Session about possibly re-opening schools in 2021 on Wednesday evening, October 21.

In the meantime, the District is looking at how and when athletes can be brought back for conditioning and Special Education students can be brought back for assessments and small group work. Meanwhile the District continues to plan for both a hybrid re-opening and continued remote education.

Both Tabet and Board member Dr. Roberta Reynolds mentioned the ongoing fundraiser during the month of October for the newly merged Burbank Arts and Education Foundation, “Better Together.” As of October 22, the “Better Together” fundraiser has raised $76,000 of its $125,00o goal, with one week remaining in the month.

After the direction of the Board in Spring ’20, the Superintendent’s Fundraising Advisory Committee was formed over the summer. The SFAC was created to streamline District fundraising efforts. The committee meets monthly and reports to the Board monthly.

Newly appointed SFAC Chairperson Wendi Harvel addressed the Board on the committee’s recent efforts. The group will approve language for all PTA programs and clarifying process and approval for ASBs, Boosters, fundraising groups and student clubs in BUSD.

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services John Paramo gave a report on the progress of renaming David Starr Jordan Middle School. Although staff was ready to move forward with the process in Spring of ’20, the pandemic delayed efforts.

The Board-approved committee to rename Jordan, which consists of two Board members, the Principal of Jordan Middle School, a teacher, a student, three members of the community and the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, are collecting name suggestions from October 16 through November 13.

The District encourages the participation of all BUSD students, parents, staff, teachers and community members in the renaming process. Suggestions for a new name can be made via a Google form which was emailed to all families and staff and can be found on the District website.

Paper copies of the renaming suggestion form can be obtained at either the District Office or Jordan Middle School for those without internet access.

After November 13, the renaming committee will choose three to five names from the submitted suggestions and bring those names to the Board of Education in February 2021.

Rick Vonk, who has been serving as interim Director of Information Technology since May 2020 and has worked for the District since 1996, was named the official Director of Information Technology. His previous position, Technology Manager, remains unfilled and frozen due to BUSD’s current budget crisis.

The video and complete agenda of the Burbank Board of Education meeting for October 15 can be found online on their website.

The Burbank Board of Education is comprised of President Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Vice President Steve Frintner, Clerk Charlene Tabet, and members Dr. Roberta Reynolds and Steve Ferguson. More information on the Board can be found on their website.

The post Burbank Board Of Education Tackles A Full Slate At October 15 Regular Meeting appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Note: All suspects arrested are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court of law. The following are official public records being redistributed by myBurbank.com Inc. and is protected by constitutional, publishing, and other legal rights. These official records were collected in 2020. The person(s) named in these listings have only been arrested on suspicion of the crime indicated and are presumed innocent. Original Police Logs can be found on the Burbank Police Department’s website where this information was obtained from.

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With seemingly little rest, the Burbank police department was busy doing its job and along the way a few people were arrested on Monday, October 12.

They included Burbank resident and mechanic, Jonathan Cortez, who was taken into custody at McCambridge Park and the charge is battery. The time is 2:45 p.m.

Steven Frank Rivas, who lives in Los Angeles and works at a car wash, was nabbed at Providencia Ave. and San Fernando Blvd.

It happened at 7:45 p.m. and the charges are being in possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

San Diego resident and mover, Joseph Michael Jorge Jacoby, was taken into custody at 2200 Empire Ave. and the charge is possession of drug paraphernalia. It happened at 9:00 p.m.

Salesman David Hollis lives in North Hollywood and was apprehended at Valhalla Drive and Hollywood Way.

It occurred at 11:15 p.m. and the charges are being in possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Sunday, October 11, Burbank resident and dental assistant, Vanessa Zarate, was handcuffed at Vanowen Place and Vanowen St.

It happened at 1:30 a.m. and the charges are being in possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Construction worker and Burbank resident, Efrain Hernandez, was apprehended at Vanowen Place and Vanowen St. The time is 1:30 a.m. and the charge is identity theft.

Steven Alcantara of Burbank also works in construction and was nabbed at 5:35 a.m. The charge is 23152 (A) and the location is the same.

Studio City resident David Michael Traut was arrested at 501 South Buena Vista St. and the time is 6:20 a.m. The charges are trespassing, 69 and battery.

Steven Vanda lives in Burbank and is a model. Vanda was cuffed at 401 South San Fernando Blvd. and it occurred at 11:07 a.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.

Edna Yareth Sheffey resides in Burbank and is employed as a cook. Sheffey was apprehended at 3:00 p.m. and the charge is spousal abuse.

Burbank resident Richard Wayne Shumate was arrested at Burbank Blvd. and Naomi St. It happened at 6:20 p.m. and the charge is disorderly conduct.

Jonathan Cortez lives in Burbank and is a mechanic. Cortez was taken into custody at Scott Road and Orchard Drive.

The time is 7:30 p.m. and the charges are possession of drug paraphernalia, 23152 (A) and 23109 (C).

Santa Maria resident Jake Shaw Ruben Thompson is a construction worker and was nabbed at 1601 North Victory Place.

The charges are being in possession of heroin/cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and 3455 (B) 1.

Timmi Patricia Krupa lives in Burbank and is a waitress. Krupa was arrested at Nordstrom Rack and the charges are being in possession of heroin/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

On Saturday, October 10, Burbank resident Eliceo Rodriguez, who is employed as a cook, was taken into custody. It happened at 00:03 a.m. and the charge is domestic battery.

Charles Alexander Eckert lives in Los Angeles and was arrested at Rose St., south of Franklin Ave. The time is 2:33 a.m. and the charges are 4573 and 23152 (G).

Kyle Christopher Peren of Burbank is unemployed and was nabbed at 10:05 a.m. The location is 1235 North California St. and the charge is disorderly conduct.

Granada Hills resident Lincoln Douglas Jeanes was arrested at Sparks St. and Pacific Ave. The time is 12:00 p.m. and the charge is 487 (D) (1).

Jeffrey Charles Budrick lives in Burbank and is retired. Budrick was handcuffed at 1515 North Pass Ave. and it occurred at 5:50 p.m. The charge is assault with a deadly weapon [firearm].

Colby Aaron Suoy resides in Lexington, is an artist and was taken into custody at Olive Ave., east of San Fernando Blvd. The time is 7:53 p.m. and the charge is 21510 (B).

Siobhan Kathleen O’Connell resides in Burbank and was handcuffed at 1112 North Hollywood Way.

The time is 10:15 p.m. and the charges are being in possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Photographer Travis Clark Weathers lives in Burbank and was arrested at the same time and the same site.

The charges are being in possession of a controlled substance, possession of heroin/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and 484 E (D).

Burbank resident Joel Martin Saenz is a student. Saenz was nabbed at San Fernando Blvd. and Magnolia Blvd. and it happened at 11:46 p.m. The charges are 243 (A) and 148 (A) (1).

On Friday, October 9, Danielle Elizabeth Tilton, who lives in Burbank and is a student, was arrested at Alameda Ave. and Flower St. The time is 2:55 a.m. and the charges are 14601.1 (A) and 11357 (A) HS.

Oxnard resident and property manager, Lily Peaches Harpole was apprehended at 549 South San Fernando Blvd.

It occurred at 3:55 a.m. and the charges are possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of marijuana [less than one ounce].

Jesse David Graham of Hollywood is a bartender. Graham was cuffed at the same site, but the time is 3:50 a.m.

The charges are identity theft, 4573, 11375 (A) HS, being in possession of drug paraphernalia, 459.5 and 1203.2.

Burbank resident and warehouse worker, Michael Kevin Johnson was arrested at Olive Ave. and Lima St.
The time is 3:30 p.m. and the charges are 237 (A), disorderly conduct, 220 and 10852.

Handyman Christopher James Porter of Hollywood was taken into custody at Hollywood Way and Oak St. It occurred at 6:40 p.m. and the charge is possession of a controlled substance.

Locksmith Lincoln Douglas Jeanes of Granada Hills was arrested at Buena Vista St. and Victory Blvd. It happened at 11:00 p.m. and the charge is 466.

Pacoima driver Maria Del Carmen Morales was arrested at 11:45 p.m. and the charge is domestic battery.

On Thursday, October 8, Christopher Daniel Rumsey, a warehouse employee, was arrested at 479 West Alameda. It happened at 7:26 a.m. and the charge is 23152 (G).

Server Caitlyn Anne Martinez lives in North Hollywood. Martinez was arrested at the Burbank police department lobby at 2:46 p.m. The charge is grand theft.

Granada Hills resident Lincoln Douglas Jeanes is a paralegal. Jeanes was arrested at 1800 Empire Ave. after being in possession of burglary tools, and it occurred at 4:56 p.m.

Ramon Contreras is an artist who lives in Panorama City. Contreras was arrested at San Fernando Blvd. and Winona Ave. on an outstanding warrant and being in possession of an open container. The time is 7:25 p.m.

Omar DeJesus Franco of Van Nuys is a music artist. Franco was arrested at San Fernando Blvd. and Winona Ave. after being in possession of an open container and it happened at 7:45 p.m.

On Wednesday, October 7, Arsen Tonoyan, who lives in Azusa, was arrested after violating a court order at Cypress Ave. and Sixth St. It happened at 8:35 a.m. and the charge is 166 (C) (1).

Argin Gharapetian of Burbank works in air conditioning and was nabbed at 12:29 p.m. The charge is sexual battery.

Noor Kazol Chowdhury of Los Angeles is a driver and was apprehended at 20227 Saticoy St. The time is 6:20 p.m. The charge is grand theft.

Joshua Ernest Davis, a resident of Burbank and a massage therapist, was arrested for elder abuse. It happened at 7:30 p.m.

Alexander Skinner lives in Alameda, works in the assembly and was arrested at 9:15 p.m. The location is San Fernando Blvd. and Spazier Ave. The charge is vandalism.

The post Weekly Burbank Police Log: October 7 – October 12 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Unified officials presented plans and procedures that have been developed over the past six months for a possible return to in-person instruction in a virtual Q&A session held on Wednesday evening, October 21.

District staff outlined differences between hybrid and distance learning options, answered questions from parents, and went over a host of protocols developed with attention to Los Angeles County Public Health, State and CDC guidelines.

The District will email commitment forms to each student’s family or caregivers on Friday, October 23, asking each student to choose between hybrid or distance learning for the Spring semester.

It still is not clear when, if at all, BUSD will be able to return to in-person instruction at school sites. That determination depends on L.A. County Health metrics and guidelines, which so far, L.A. County does not yet meet.

In fact, Superintendent Matt Hill mentioned during the meeting that Riverside County was preparing to go back to in-person instruction when their COVID-19 numbers jumped back up and now those plans are on hold. Hill has said several times at Burbank Board of Education meetings over recent months that BUSD does not want to reopen schools only to have to close them again.

“We are remaining in Distance Learning for this current semester,” Hill also stated during Wednesday’s meeting. “What we are looking at is planning. Tonight we are going to provide information on ‘what-ifs.’ What if health conditions get better? What could hybrid look like? What would Distance Learning look like?”

“We’re going to plan on scenarios but wait to decide,” Hill said, stressing the importance of families returning their choice for future learning scenarios so that once District officials have data on the numbers of students for each learning model, they can make clearer plans and prepare better.

Burbank Unified School District office. (Photo By Ross Benson)

Hybrid learning would see secondary students rotate through half their schedule (three periods) for half a day (either mornings or afternoons) Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a full day of 100% Distance Learning. Students’ teachers might change.

Sports will return but with strict guidelines. After school clubs would be permitted but also required to follow protocols.

For elementary students, classes would be divided in half for morning or afternoon sessions. Their day would include a short movement break although playground equipment may remain closed.

Distance learning would be administered through the Independent Learning Academy (ILA) once hybrid is available. Students’ teachers would most likely change, as that model uses APEX curriculum and there is no live teaching. Students would engage with their APEX manager once per week. Students must make a semester commitment to the program.

The ILA program typically sees students focus on one subject at a time, which must be completed within 22 days. There are very limited AP or Honors classes with that model. Some students are able to use ILA for academic work and then may take up to two electives at their home school.

Although ILA is accredited for grades 7 – 12, its courses are not approved by the NCAA so it is not an option for student athletes. Sixth graders will have the option of following grade level APEX curriculum with a teacher from their home school assigned.

Distance learning for elementary students would remain the same as the current model but students may have a new teacher.

Once Dual Immersion students make their choice between hybrid and distance, and District officials look at the numbers for each model, then they anticipate discussing learning model options with those families.

BUSD officials will hold a specific online meeting for Special Education students on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

January would be the earliest possible chance for a return to in-person instruction, but District officials also emphasized that BUSD may not be able to return to in-person at all in the Spring semester. L.A. County Public Health will determine when and if schools will be allowed to reopen.

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Debbie Kukta outlined what school operations would look like with a return to hybrid, on campus instruction. She discussed Technology Support protocols for teachers and students, reminding those in need of technical support that the BUSD Help Desk will remain available.

Kukta went over Health and Safety protocols for the facilities, noting how often certain areas would be cleaned and sanitized and which cleaning products would be used. High touch areas would be cleaned frequently.

She also discussed that BUSD would continue with remote pickup of a week’s worth of meals for students on Fridays, noting that the USDA will provide free meals to all public school students for the remainder of the ’20-’21 school year.

BUSD has already bought personal folding shields for fourth- and fifth-graders and are planning to purchase the shields for all secondary students. The shields would be disinfected in between classes or cohorts with a spray, which students would then wipe off upon entering the classroom.

Each classroom will be stocked with a cleaning kit, so students will have access to wipes and other items to clean their desks.

Kukta also talked about the importance of improving ventilation which can be done, weather permitting, by opening windows and doors. She noted the HVAC system will help with ventilation as well and although the units currently use a standard filter, there is discussion that a needlepoint bi-polar ionization attachment may be fitted to each unit which would ionize and disinfect the air as it comes out and enters the room.

Principals have already walked their school sites and determined flow routes and the BUSD Print Shop has printed stickers to help with visual reminders and cues.

Stacy Cashman, Director of Student Services, also detailed the efforts officials have been working on since March, when schools were closed due to the pandemic. Each school has a COVID compliance team comprised of the site principal, custodian, nurse, staff and teachers. Every school has a plan for social distancing and health protocols that fit each site’s unique layout.

Plans for returning to school include temperature checks on students as they enter, required face coverings and physical distancing.

Cashman is working with BUSD Health Services and Facilities to make sure safety plans are implemented at each school. L.A. County Public Health official have started visiting BUSD school sites to check on each plan and provide feedback on improving procedures.

Restrooms will be limited as to capacity and use staggered, but students will have access to restrooms if needed.

Schools plan to have multiple entrance and exit points, with monitors, so as to help students socially distance.

Lenora Aguilera, the head nurse at John Burroughs High School, went over health protocols during the online meeting.

“Any student or staff member with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may not come to school or work sites,” she emphasized.

Each school site has created two separate areas for health care – one where students or staff with COVID symptoms can be isolated from others, and one where typical health care needs can be addressed.

Aguilera went over steps the health office would follow should someone present with COVID symptoms. Students would be asked to contact a health care provider to assess or get tested and work with the school nurse to discuss a required isolation or quarantine period. The school may require a 10-14 day period away from school, depending on the results of a COVID test.

If someone at the school site tests positive for COVID-19, those in close contact would be notified and required to quarantine for 14 days and contact their health provider.

“Please don’t send your children to school if they are symptomatic,” said Aguilera, noting symptoms include cough and runny nose, which can be related to other respiratory illnesses.

Aguilera emphasized that frequent handwashing, use of face coverings and physical distancing will remain very important for all students and staff to maintain.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services John Paramo also talked about the partnership of the District with Family Service Agency in Burbank to support mental health and wellness needs for students, families and staff.

BUSD is in the process of updating their website with more answers to the nearly 500 questions staff received during the Q&A Session. The efforts to plan for re-opening schools will continue and District officials plan to give an update in December.

The video recording of the Q&A Session is available to view online. The PowerPoint presentation on re-opening can be watched online as well. District staff have also made a short video on specifics of the Hybrid model learning protocols and a return to in-person instruction.

More information on BUSD’s COVID-19 response and plans to re-open schools can be found on their website.

The post Burbank Unified Outlines Plans For Possible Return To In-Person Instruction appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association is continuing their work on the city float for the next Rose Parade, which has been pushed back to 2022.

Staff was forced to completely shut down the float site in March due to COVID-19 concerns. During the months of May and June work on the float was resumed while the 2021 parade status remained up-in-the-air.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association officially announced the 2021 Rose Parade was canceled on July 15, 2020, with the parade now being scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 1, 2022. In August it was decided that the parade theme, “Dream. Believe. Achieve.,” which is in honor of celebrating education, would remain the same. 

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Tournament of Roses)

In the meantime, the BTORA crew has been working steadily while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

“Our construction crew has been taking advantage of this time to perform a lot of needed maintenance and cleaning,” said Steven Edward, Vice President – Float, of BTORA. “We were able to overhaul the animation engine’s cooling system which has been showing signs of running hotter than normal during the last parade. We have been organizing our workspaces to make them more efficient and we have been cleaning equipment that has been put off for a long time.”

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Tournament of Roses)

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the crew was given official approval from Rose Parade personnel to proceed with the process of building the float. The design selected for the BTORA’s newest float is “An Unlikely Tale,” a concept that was submitted by Burbank resident Jonathan Friday, and it depicts a large, green dragon reading a book with a young knight.

“Our design committee has been making tweaks to our float design and we are hopeful that an approved final color rendering will be available in early November,” Edward said. “Our decorations committee has been processing dry materials and getting them ready for the float along with planning the decorating details.”

Under normal circumstances, the Burbank Tournament of Roses would be selling traditional, annual fundraising merchandise to the public at this time of the year. However, now being offered through orders as well as in person, this year they’ve released some classic products as well as unique items that reflect the current environment.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Tournament of Roses)

Some available items are BTORA face coverings, BTORA logo tank tops and grey t-shirts, and  a collector’s patch and t-shirts that read, “2021-The Parade That Wasn’t.” 

“[The patch] will be a collector’s item,” BTORA President Linda Cozakos said. “We [didn’t] want COVID-19 on it. We didn’t want a mask on it. We wanted something that..50 years down the road, if somebody sees this patch, [they’ll ask], ‘What do you mean the parade that wasn’t?’ It’s a very good conversation piece.”

Although BTORA work has resumed, the annual routine of decorating the float the week after Christmas is still canceled, which will likely leave many loyal BTORA volunteers and staff missing the camaraderie that comes along with participating in the float preparation process. 

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Tournament of Roses)

“I don’t think it’s affecting people now, but I do believe the week between Christmas and New Year’s… is going to affect a lot of people because we don’t know what else to do with ourselves that week,” Cozakos said. “Most people take a vacation that week or the time off to come down and work and decorate on the float…We’re going to miss our family and friends that we have down there.”

Volunteers are presently working on the float twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. BTORA workers remain optimistic and motivated by focusing on how the finished product will be a meaningful contribution to the community.

“We built this float, obviously, for the Rose Parade, but we also built it for the community,” Edward said. “And…I always love to see the reactions…You know, it’s going to be a nice bit of light at the end of the tunnel when it’s all finished.”

For more information on the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association, visit their site here: 

https://www.burbankrosefloat.com/index.html

For placing orders/arranging for delivery for BTORA face coverings, patches, or t-shirts and tank tops, contact the BTORA at info@burbankrosefloat.com

This Saturday, 10/24, the Souvenir Shoppe will be open at the BTORA float site, located at the Burbank Water and Power Yard at 123 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank.

The post Burbank Tournament of Roses Association Continues Work on 2022 Float appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley will soon be able to call a new address home, thanks in large part to a generous donation from Burbank locals, the Cusumano Family.

In a recent press release, the club announced the Cusumanos donated a hefty $1 million dollar donation as a contribution to the acquisition of a new main clubhouse location for the organization, located at 300 East Angeleno Ave.

The project has been in the works for over a decade as growth in the number of club participants has increased the need for a vaster gathering space. The new building is much larger than the current clubhouse ( a former fire station) and will include features to accommodate a variety of club activities.

“Space is almost twice the size of the current main clubhouse,” CEO of BGC Burbank and GEV, Shanna Warren, said in the press release. “To say we’re excited to finally have an indoor gymnasium, dance and art studios, a STEAM lab, an industrial kitchen, a dedicated teen space, a beautiful outdoor courtyard, an auditorium, separate executive office space, and parking, is an understatement.”

In addition, the organization expressed gratitude for the Cusumano’s ongoing loyalty to the BGC of Burbank and GEV.

L/R Charles Felice Cusumano, Roger Cusumano, Tanner Cusumano, Taylor Cusumano, Caroline Cusumano, Michael Cusumano, Charlie Cusumano, Chuck Cusumano, Tracy Cusumano & Danny Cusumano (Photo by © Ross A Benson)

“The family has been staunch supporters of the club since our inception 25 years ago and has always recognized the service we provide in our community,” Warren said.  “I am both thrilled and humbled by their continued support.”

Longtime Burbank resident Chuck Cusumano has been a loyal supporter of youth-oriented causes in the city for decades. In the release, he voiced the family’s joy in being able to help obtain the new building and further the organization’s mission of providing beneficial programs to youth in Burbank.

“On behalf of our family, we are pleased to be able to continue our support for The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley,” Cusumano said. “[We] are especially excited about being a part of the effort to secure this new main clubhouse in downtown Burbank which will allow the club to extend its mission of providing critical resources to the youth of our community.”

Mike Cusumano says the family felt motivated to donate the funds due to the quality of the facility and how it will improve conditions for members of the BCG of Burbank and GEV.

“We’re just captivated by the potential of this new facility,” Mike Cusumano said. “It’ll be just a truly phenomenal facility to really serve the needs of this community for a long time to come…We always saw the enormous potential that this new facility had that we really felt compelled to try and step up and do something that was really meaningful.”

In addition, Mike Cusumano recognized how critical the work is of BGC of Burbank and GEV, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic when the community is in need of their program offerings more than ever.

“We’re in really, really tough times now,” Mike Cusumano said. “Everybody is trying to do more with less and the need for the Boys & Girls Club to be there to execute their mission…to be a safe, strong, great place for our kids to be able to go is just more important than ever.”

The BGC of Burbank and GEV is currently in the process of acquiring the property and hopes to open the facility by the early spring of 2021. Warren is optimistic the main clubhouse will provide a space with meaningful services for Burbank youth now and in the future.

“It is so gratifying to know we will finally have the main clubhouse that can grow and change to meet the needs of generations of club members for years to come,” Warren said. “The youth of our community deserve nothing less.”

The post Cusumano Family Offers Large Donation to Burbank Boys & Girls Club appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Public Library hosts Color Changes Everything: Racial Diversity In Animation, an online discussion featuring animators, artists and writers on Thursday evening, October 29.

The discussion will be moderated by director, animator, writer and producer Musa Brooker and feature motion graphics artist and educator David Dodds, Disney Channel Worldwide Associate Writer/Producer Chi Ogbue and animator/designer Caress Reeves.

“It’s such an interesting time right now in the animation industry that can influence and reflect what’s going on in the wider world. The industry, much like the larger society, now seems to be more aware of a lack of equal opportunity for underrepresented communities within the world of animation,” commented Brooker. “I am hopeful that this newfound awareness can help push the medium and the community forward with fairness and opportunity for all who seek it.”

Animator, writer, director and producer Musa Brooker on set. (Photo Courtesy Musa Brooker)

“I’ve been very fortunate in my career and right now, I am creative director for a company – Six Point Harness – that really values representation, diversity and inclusion. That is reflected in the projects we create, the people we hire and the general culture and community of the organization. But throughout my career, that has not always been the case.”

“Animation is all I’ve ever wanted to do professionally, and again I’ve been fortunate that my entire working life has been in the animation world – but that doesn’t mean its always been easy. To be clear I don’t believe I’ve necessarily ever been overtly discriminated against.”

“Most of the people I’ve worked with throughout my career are wonderful, thoughtful craftspeople and artists who encourage inclusion,” Brooker continued. “But most of the time I am also the only person on a project that looks like me, or the only person of color on a production in a leadership position.”

Musa Brooker sets up the shot. (Photo Courtesy Musa Brooker)

“I’ve been on projects where it was clear that certain crew members did not trust that I had the skills, abilities, or experience to do the job at hand. Sometimes it’s been subtle, other times not so much. And I have seen multiple examples of colleagues with comparable talent, but far less experience promoted ahead of me.”

“I’ve done my best to keep making good work and rising to the occasion whenever opportunities present themselves. And as an adjunct animation professor, animation supervisor, director, and creative director on multiple projects, I’ve worked hard to encourage opportunities for women, people of color and other underrepresented groups within the industry,” added Brooker, who has taught for the USC School of Cinematic Arts since 2010.

“I’ve certainly had to raise questions and make people aware of the importance of representation and inclusion, for both ideas and characters on the screen as well as for staff and crew hires behind the camera. I think this panel and the discussions I hope it will generate are a natural extension of that work.”

Still from animated music video Musa Brooker directed, created for the show “Black-ish,” of an original song by artist Jhene Aiko, highlighting some of difficulties involved in voting. (Image Courtesy Musa Brooker)

“We all want to be respected and appreciated by our colleagues and community, and given a fair shot to move ahead on our career paths. And that’s the goal – fairness, equity and inclusion. We’ve come a long way, but we still have further to go.”

“The content that gets made and the representation that occurs in media has a lot to do with the people behind the scenes making creative decisions. As we see more diverse faces behind the camera, we will continue to see more diverse and inclusive stories being made and shown,” Brooker also said. “Hopefully, the artists, creators designers and executives in animation will continue to look more and more like the larger society in which we live and therefore the projects being made will too.”

More information on Brooker’s work can be found on his website.

Animator and educator David Dodds will launch an animation festival partnering with Adobe in 2021. (Photo Courtesy David Dodds)

“The first challenge I faced was being told it would be hard for me to make it as an animator, that there was hardly any African American animators in the industry. Turns out they were right,” commented Dodds. “However I become more determined to make my mark in the industry in spite of the low representation of African Americans.”

“I think the issue of representation in the industry will continue to be an issue until we see a more diverse representation in key decision making positions in this industry.”

“I have always believed deep inside of myself I was destined for greatness. When I was selected to be an Adobe Education Leader I was thrilled that this organization was going to help me to make an impact in my community!” Dodds added.

“I’ve been able to travel the world and use my voice to empower others, and to lead creative workshops in low income Black communities.”

Animator and artist David Dodds has worked with brands such as Disney, NFL, Netflix, Hulu and Marvel. (Image Courtesy David Dodds)

“As an educator, artist and public speaker, I’m in the position to have a positive impact on others. I know what my breath is for,” he also said.

“My purpose for being on this planet is to help others reach their full creative potential. I am here to help others that come after me, especially Black animators.

Dodds, who teaches at UCLA and through online learning platforms, went on to say, “I’m excited to announce in 2021 I will launch an animation film festival with Adobe. This film festival will represent all voices but it will definitely include the underrepresented Black voice.”

More information on Dodds’ work can be found on his website.

“For me, the biggest challenge was getting my initial foot in the door. With kids who go to UCLA, USC, NYU or Emerson College, some  simply have to apply to an internship, contact a legacy that’s at one of these big time companies and presto! They have an internship, which can lead to a full time offer,” commented Ogbue.

“Whereas for me, I never went to a school that had a big film or TV program. So I had to do so much more than my counterparts at these big schools, just to get noticed and that can mess with someone’s belief in their self.”

Still from “Jerry’s World” show that gave writer and producer Chi Ogbue his first real taste of show running including writing, directing, acting, set-building and editing. (Photos Courtesy Jared Greenberg)

“I think the biggest challenge I continue to face is my age gap compared to my Disney counterparts,” he added. “There’s a lot that I want to do in my current position and know that I can do but I haven’t been around as long as others, so there’s a level of respect and trust that I understand will come with time and experience, thus presenting better opportunities, especially within my role.”

“I think with everything going on in the world and more specifically, America, today, companies are making sure to make a more concerted effort to represent their diverse audience on screen. So on the Disney front, with the new Moon Girl and Proud Family reboots, which are awesome by the way, we are making a concerted effort to tell more diverse stories, and with that more opportunities for animators of color and that are underrepresented as a whole to get their foot in the door.”

“When I was a junior in college, I had an internship in Massachusetts where my project was to create a show, since that’s what my ultimate dream was and continues to be. I’ve always had this infatuation for Muppets, since they’re manifestations, I believe, of cartoons,  but I felt like currently they weren’t hitting the mark,” Ogbue continued.

Still from “Jerry’s World” show that gave writer and producer Chi Ogbue his first real taste of show running including writing, directing, acting, set-building and editing. (Photos Courtesy Jared Greenberg)

“I wanted to make a show that was funny but not as PC as a Sesame Street or as inappropriate as Happy Time Murders, something that kids can watch and laugh but maybe learn a lesson or two if they pay attention.”

“So after working with a mentor of mine that was at Sesame/Henson, Marc Borders, we created this character by the name of Jerry Fleece, who was a self-centered celebrity who has to learn that sometimes he is not always going to be the center of attention. The name of the show is Jerry’s World. This show helped shape my career because since I didn’t go to a major film school, it was my first hands on experience being a producer and make so all aspects of the show were running.”

“I wrote the scripts, acted, wrote songs, directed, built sets, edited, etc. It was a really hands on experience, so much so that I feel like I have a knowledge base that my major school counterparts don’t have.,” Ogbue explained. “I was also able to create a spinoff called Max’s World, where I traveled to different places around the country with Jerry’s friend, Max Kent (Jeffry Barthold), and we interviewed unsuspecting people.”

More information on Ogbue’s work can be found on his website.

Caress Reeves is an animator, designer, VFX artist and director. (Photo Courtesy Caress Reeves)

“In the past five years I’ve seen an increase in both Black and brown people rising to the role of show runner or director, which has allowed them to create an increasingly diverse array of non-white representations for the next generation to enjoy,” commented Reeves.

“But perhaps more importantly I’ve witnessed an increase in community between people of color in animation when it comes to job recommendations and mentorship – this is the foundation animators of color need to succeed in this industry,” she added.

More information on Reeves’ work can be found on her website.

“Burbank is one of the major animation production centers in the world. Animation produced here gives millions of children some of their earliest and most formative stories about their world and about their personal identity,” commented Burbank Librarian Hubert Kozak, who brought together the panelists for this discussion.

A still from animator and designer Caress Reeves 2012 film “Piccolina.”

“Animation has not been traditionally an inclusive or representative medium for people of color, and its creative work force has not been diverse.”

“When people of color have appeared in animation, they have often been portrayed with demeaning characterizations and with negative stereotypes. This is changing, and you will meet at this event some of the people helping to lead this change, creating animation content that is more representative of all of us, and working to build a diverse workforce in animation.”

“This event will be of interest to parents, who are interested in what their children watch and want their children to grow up in an inclusive and anti-racist society, to those working in the industry who are looking for ways to make animation more reflective of our culture and society and to reach new audiences, and to so many young people of color whose creative talents were nurtured by their experience of animation and who are looking for a way to pursue careers in this remarkably creative and vibrant medium,” Kozak added.

Image Courtesy Burbank Public Library

“In the course of putting together a panel that might address some of the issues regarding diversity in animation, and talking to some of the participants about their own experiences in the industry, I’ve come to the realization that the most important thing that needs to happen if we are to see animation that is more inclusive and representative of people of color is that there has to be diversity in the animation workforce,” Kozak also said. “People who have been too long excluded need to be involved in not only making creative decisions, they need to be involved in decisions about what content will be produced.”

Color Changes Everything: Racial Diversity In Animation is part of the month-long Burbank Reads program by the Burbank Public Library. The Library’s selection for 2020, The Hate U Give, “was chosen to encourage Burbank to engage in conversation about racial equity and the Black experience in America.” More information on Burbank Reads can be found on the Library’s website.

To RSVP for Color Changes Everything: Racial Diversity In Animation and receive Zoom meeting logon information, visit the Library’s webpage on the panel. The event will be held online on Thursday, October 29, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

The post Burbank Library Hosts Racial Diversity In Animation Discussion appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Rick Assad

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891, a Canadian in Springfield, Massachusetts, as something to do for a rowdy YMCA class during the unforgiving and harsh wintertime.

And while the game has gone through some changes, it’s wildly popular worldwide, including at the high school level.

But is the experience playing at the prep level different in the 1970s compared to the 1990s and the present?

This question and a few others were asked of Alexander Wolff, Vicky Oganyan and Nicholas Garcia.

Wolff, a longtime senior writer at Sports Illustrated who retired in 2017 and is the author or co-author of nine books including “Endpapers: A Family Story Of Books, War, Escape And Home,” which will be released in March 2021, played shooting guard at Brighton High, a suburb in Rochester, New York.

Vicky Oganyan, the Burroughs High girls’ basketball coach, was a point guard for Glendale High and most recently Glendale Community College. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“It was really satisfying to play at what was the highest level available to me at the time,” he said. “We had great school support and a pretty good team vibe, with home games regularly sold out, even on Tuesday nights.”

Wolff added: “I enjoyed my teammates very much, they had a variety of personalities and backgrounds – definitely not all the same kids I’d see in my classes during each school day,” he said.

Wolff, who edited “Basketball: Great Writing About America’s Game,” absorbed important lessons.

“And we won more than we lost – comfortably over .500 both my years on the varsity,” he said. “Probably the biggest lesson I took away from playing ball was the relationship between input and output – the more I’d work on my game, or we’d work on a defensive or offensive scheme, the more effective it would be. That’s enormously satisfying, and a great thing to realize that as a teenager.”

Wolff liked the varied backgrounds that comprised the team. “The best aspect of being on the team was probably the blending of different personalities and skill sets and figuring out how to work together to get the ball through the hoop,” said Wolff, a 1975 graduate who played one season for a third-division club team in Switzerland after his second year at Princeton University where he graduated with a History degree with honors in 1980. “Knowing that the school followed us and cared how we did was a big secondary bonus. Looking back I realize how many other sports, even football, didn’t have that kind of following at BHS [Brighton High School] during the early seventies.”

Wolff, a two-year starter and co-captain for Brighton, who poured in a career-best 16 points, reflected on his time playing in Europe.

“The biggest thing about that year was getting to see the first stirrings of how hoops would be embraced worldwide,” he said. “That would wind up being, not even seven or eight years later, a beat I’d make my own at Sports Illustrated. My feel for the game began years before that, mostly by playing pickup and then in high school, and watching (and listening, in the radio days) to a lot of broadcast basketball.”

Before becoming a senior writer at Sports Illustrated and authoring numerous books, Alexander Wolff played basketball for Brighton High in upstate New York and one year for a club team in Switzerland. (Photo courtesy Alexander Wolff)

Looking back, Wolff, who also penned “Big Game, Small World: A Basketball Adventure,” “The Audacity Of Hoop: Basketball And The Age Of Obama” and co-writer of “Raw Recruits: The High Stakes Games Colleges Play To Get Their Basketball Stars – And What It Costs To Win,” was glad to be a part of something important.

“I was a studious kid who was well-rounded at my own insistence, not my parents’ – they wanted me to play an instrument and of course get good grades, both of which I did; but I also wanted to see how far I could go with basketball. (High school varsity plus a bonus … a “stop-out” from college … year in Europe was as far as I was going to go, at least as an actual player on a real court). But in high school I felt affirmation from every part of the community for being a contributor on the team – from teachers, townspeople, staff, fellow students. As you can imagine, adolescents can be insecure, so anything positive of that nature was welcome.”

Oganyan played point guard at Glendale High for two and a half years and averaged 17.7 points with 4.5 assists as a senior in 1997 and is the current girls’ head coach at Burroughs.

“Playing basketball in high school was an amazing experience. Being part of a team, working together with teammates, creating lifelong memories, and playing a sport I loved was really the major highlight of my high school experience,” she said. “There was always that responsibility and commitment to your teammates and coaches and representing the school. So if there was pressure, I think it was in that you didn’t want to let your teammates and coaches, and your school down.”

Oganyan, who fulfilled a dream by playing college hoops at Glendale Community College this past season, said being on the team was something to cherish.

“I don’t think I thought of myself as special, but basketball was and is a huge part of my identity,” she said. “Basketball was a huge passion and still is, and that really shaped a huge part of my identity.”

Nicholas Garcia was a two-sport athlete for the Indians, playing football and basketball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Oganyan, who teaches biology, said that playing hoops taught her how to mesh talents.

“I learned how to work with other people, how to work hard, how to be disciplined and responsible, how to think outside of myself, how failing and losing could be humbling, but also the biggest key to getting better and growing, how to sacrifice for others and for something bigger than yourself, how things can be so unpredictable and how highs and lows are just part of the whole journey,” she pointed out. “How commitment and sacrifice and hard work put into something can make you mentally strong and fight harder for stuff you want.”

A 2020 graduate, Garcia was a two-sport athlete at Burroughs playing quarterback and point guard.

“It was amazing being able to play high school basketball at Burroughs,” said Garcia, who is attending GCC and is on the football team. “The coaches push you to be great every second you are in the gym. The coaches held us to a very high standard and there was pressure to win every game. The coaches treat you like a grown man and will not put up with anything.”

Garcia, who hopes to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona or UC Davis and play football, continued: “The coaches taught if you want to be in that gym you have to be working hard and giving 1,000 percent every second,” he explained. “I had an extremely fun time going to tournaments with teammates and coaches and competing every time we are on the court.”

Being the field general helped Garcia, who averaged seven points and five assists as a senior, on the hardwood.

“The best aspect of the team was being able to score the ball in transition,” he said. “I would usually push the ball and find the open shooters for a quick transition three-pointer. I think what helped me become a pass-first point guard is also being a quarterback. I know how to find teammates and when to pass to them. Being an athlete helps tremendously. It helps you get easy points in transition or you can make a tough move around your defender.”

The take-away for Garcia is something that he will hold on to forever. “What I learned from being a high school basketball player was how to learn from wins and losses,” he said. “Basketball teaches you that you can take losses here and there, but you can’t dwell on them. There are a lot of basketball games in the year, but if you dwell on one loss, it can trickle down to you losing more and more.”

The post Rick’s Sports Corner: High School Basketball Through The Decades appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The largest Santa Ana Wind event since October of 2019 has impacting the Southland. Gusts of up to 30 mph were recorded at the Hollywood Burbank Airport.  Wind gusts of 60-90 mph were recorded around the Southland. The wind has left Burbank with multiple downed trees and branches, multiple downed power lines and power outages, and leaves and debris all across the city. A red flag warning was is in effect through Tuesday, October 27, due to strong gusty winds, and very low humidity.

A large sycamore tree fell onto a house on the corner of Chandler and Reese on Monday, October 26.  Homeowner Josh Minney told myBurbank that his daughter and father-in-law were playing in the backyard of their home when a large 60 foot sycamore tree came crashing down on the house, knocking out the chimney and sending thousands of pounds of debris in their direction.

Minney said, “One of the best parts about Burbank are these beautiful trees, and we love the tree in front of our house, and the last couple years we noticed that it wasn’t growing as well and there was a fungus growing around the root of it.”

Minney said that he contacted a local arborist who advised him that he was familiar with that tree and that Minney should contact the city to have it removed. Minney said he contacted the city 12-18 months ago about the matter. He says the city inspected the tree and declared it to be safe at the time, and that a follow-up inspection would be conducted in a year.

“Luckily nobody was hurt, I’m thankful for that” said Minney.

The wind also caused numerous downed power lines, power outages, and debris tangled in lines.

A vehicle driving East in the alleyway between Tujunga and Angeleno drove over a downed power line which then became entangled in the rear driver side wheel well. Burbank firefighters evaluated the situation and determined it safest for the driver to remain in the vehicle. Burbank Water and Power shut down electricity to the line and cut the line free. No customers were affected, as the downed line was only supplying electricity to a streetlight.

Burbank Water and Power crews were also called to the 3500 block of West Magnolia for a large canopy that had been draped over powerlines due to the wind. Crews attached a rope from above and slowly pulled the canopy up and over the power lines. No power lines were downed as a result however power in the area was shut down for a short period of time.

The post Windy Weather Rips Through Burbank appeared first on myBurbank.com.

UPDATE: On October 28, 2020, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Burbank Unified Teacher of the Year Ericca Dent as a 2021 California Teacher of the Year Finalist. Dent was honored as a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year earlier in October.

Dent, along with six other teachers from California, were recognized as Finalists. Five additional teachers were honored as State Teachers of the Year, with one representing California as a National Teacher of the Year nominee.

[Story first posted on October 8, 2020]

Joaquin Miller Elementary School second-grade teacher Ericca Dent has recently been named as one of 10 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year for 2020-21 by the L.A. County Office of Education. She was named Burbank Teacher of the Year earlier in the year.

The Teacher of the Year program aims to honor outstanding teachers throughout Los Angeles County and Burbank regularly has a teacher recognized nearly every year. The ten honorees for the 39th annual LACOE Teachers of the Year were announced on October 1.

“Being named as Burbank’s Teacher of the Year and one of LACOE’s Teachers of the Year has been a wonderful experience,” commented Dent. “I feel very grateful to be recognized for such an incredible honor. The day after the announcement, I started my class Google Meet by thanking my students for allowing me to be their teacher.”

Miller Elementary second grade teacher Ericca Dent is the 2020-21 Burbank Teacher of the Year and one of ten honored Teachers of the Year for Los Angeles County. (Photo Courtesy Ericca Dent)

“I’m just thankful that I get to do something that I truly love,” she added. “All of my students over the years have taught me so many lessons and have helped me become the educator I am today.”

Dent has been teaching for nine years and for the past six years at Miller Elementary. Her first three years in teaching was at Baker-Butler Elementary in Charlottesville, VA, before she moved to Los Angeles.

Pre-pandemic photo of Burbank and Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year Ericca Dent in class. (Photo Courtesy Ericca Dent)

Dent taught third grade for her first year at Miller; she has taught second grade since then.

“I’m committed to establishing a safe and welcoming community for all students where they are free to make mistakes and be themselves,” she said.

The Chester, VA, native moved to Harrisburg, PA, with her family at age 15, where she attended Susquehanna Township High School. She then attended The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2011 and her Master’s in elementary education in 2012.

“Distance learning has been challenging. I miss being with my class physically. I miss greeting them at the door with a hug or fist bump, sitting at the carpet for read alouds and doing fun group projects where students are interacting with one another,” Dent commented. “Of course, some of these things are still possible, but it’s different.”

“All the ways I know how to help, challenge, and engage kids, I’ve had to rethink. I’m unable to quickly hand out manipulatives or throw up a quick anchor chart. Everything takes so much more time and so much more thought, and then it still may not work.”

Ericca Dent is the Burbank Teacher of the Year and a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year for 2020-21. (Photo Courtesy Ericca Dent)

“Thankfully, my students (and their families!) have been very patient and understanding. I make sure I have brain breaks at least every 10 minutes, so the kids are up and moving. Sometimes we’ll play Simon Says, watch a GoNoodle video or simply stretch.”

“I also make sure I check in with them at the beginning of the day,” Dent continued. “We’ll show each other how we’re feeling by giving a thumbs up or thumbs down. I’ll then ask for students to share why they’re feeling good or bad. It’s a great way for us to encourage each other.”

“Although it’s been challenging, my students still show up ready to learn. We’re in it together and we’ll get through it together.”

“I am so thankful to have Ericca Dent as a teacher at Miller,” commented Miller Elementary Principal Judy Hession. “Her positive energy and attitude is inspiring! I appreciate that Ericca takes the time to get to know her students and build a classroom community that encourages them to work together, be respectful to each other, and to care about one another.”

Teacher Ericca Dent engages with her students during distance learning. (Photo Courtesy Ericca Dent)

“It is important to Ericca that her students are taught that they can make a positive contribution not only in her classroom but in our school, city, state, country and the world,” Hession also said. “We are so proud that Ericca was named one of the ten L.A. County’s Teachers of the Year! This is a well deserved recognition!”

“Ms. Dent is an amazing teacher who is always finding new ways to connect with her students,” said BUSD Superintendent Matt Hill. “We are so grateful to Ms. Dent for her dedication to our students.”

The 10 Los Angeles County winners automatically advance with other county titlists from around the state to the California Teachers of the Year competition this fall.

The state is scheduled to announce its five co-winners in October. One of the state co-winners will be chosen to represent California in the National Teacher of the Year contest in Spring 2021.

The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Program is the largest local competition in the state and nation, and is part of the oldest and most prestigious honors contest in the U.S. for public-school teachers.

The post UPDATE: Miller Elementary Teacher Ericca Dent Named California Teacher Of The Year Finalist appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Note: All suspects arrested are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court of law. The following are official public records being redistributed by myBurbank.com Inc. and is protected by constitutional, publishing, and other legal rights. These official records were collected in 2020. The person(s) named in these listings have only been arrested on suspicion of the crime indicated and are presumed innocent. Original Police Logs can be found on the Burbank Police Department’s website where this information was obtained from.

myBurbank.com will be glad to redact your name upon request. Please click HERE. You MUST include your name as it appears and the exact date that it appeared. Give us 1 to 5 days to redact.

Busy as a bee could easily describe the Burbank police department on Sunday, October 18, as several people were taken into custody.

They included Michael Joseph Otello, a Burbank resident and salesman, who was apprehended at 1117 North Orchard Drive. The time is 00:05 a.m. and the charges are burglary and 23152 (A).

Javier Alejandro Lopez lives in Burbank and is a software engineer. Lopez was nabbed at Verdugo Blvd. and Victory Blvd. after being under the influence of alcohol.

Tyrone Marcel McClendon is also a Burbank resident and works as a salesman. McClendon was arrested at 3:50 a.m. It occurred at Glenoaks Blvd. and Cypress Ave. and the charge is disorderly conduct.

Ontario resident Eric Giovani Castro Jr. is unemployed and was nabbed at 1:36 p.m. It happened at 918 North Lake St. and the charges are having an outstanding warrant, 584 (B) (1), 10851 (A) and possession of a controlled substance.

Dina Busuioc of Riverside is unemployed and was handcuffed at 121 North San Fernando Blvd. The time is 5:00 p.m. and the charges are 484 E (D) and being in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gabrielle Becerra works as a dispatcher and lives in Burbank. Becerra was arrested at 2304 North Frederic St. and the time is 6:15 p.m. The charge is 3455 (B) 1.

Jeffrey Scott Kessler lives in Los Angeles and works in sales. Kessler was arrested at Cordova St. and Hollywood Way. The time is 8:55 p.m. and the charges are disorderly conduct and 65000 ZZ.

On Saturday, October 17, Cierra Nicole Smith Ohlemacher, who lives in Simi Valley and is a nurse, was arrested at 00:05.

It occurred at Lake St. and Olive Ave. and the charges are possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of heroin/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft and 484 E (D).

Gerson Antonio Jimenez is a Reseda resident who works in construction. Jimenez was nabbed at Olive Ave. and Keystone St. and the time is 2:20 a.m. The charge is 25400 (A) 1.

Reseda resident and construction worker Miguel Aceiunto was arrested at the same site. The time is 2:45 a.m. and the charge is 12500 (A).

Nicholas William Stevens lives in Chatsworth and is employed in home cleaning. Stevens was taken into custody at Hollywood Way and Victory Blvd. The time is 2:59 a.m. and the charges are 484 E (D) and 23152 (G).

Sasheh Zadooriansangbarani resides in Glendale, works as a mechanic and was nabbed at 1301 North Victory Place [Walmart].

The time is 8:25 a.m. and the charges are being in possession of drug paraphernalia, 40001 and having an outstanding warrant.

Joel Lee Campbell lives in Los Angeles and is a day trader. Campbell was arrested at 200 North Third St. at 10:45 a.m. The charge is battery.

Colton resident and construction worker Miguel Enriquez was handcuffed at Home Depot at 11:10 a.m.

The charges are possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and 459.5.

Karen Karandzhyan lives in Burbank, works as a plumber and was arrested at 3:03 p.m. The charges are elderly or dependent adult abuse/endangerment, battery, 166 (A) (4) and 1203.2.

Stephanie Mercedes Urteaga is a waitress who lives in Los Angeles. Urteaga was nabbed at Avon St. and Hollywood Way and the time is 6:45 p.m.

The charges are 21510 (A), disorderly conduct, being in possession of heroin/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and outstanding warrants.

Burbank resident Paula Ann Howard is in the Air Force. Howard was cuffed at 1515 North Glenoaks Blvd. after being drunk in public and 23152 (G).

Mariah Michelle Nowak lives in Burbank and is a receptionist. Nowak was apprehended at Third St. and Burbank Blvd. and the charges are 23152 (A), 23152 (B) and 23152 (G).

On Friday, October 16, Ray Mondele Ross, who lives in Los Angeles and is an officer, was nabbed at Buena Vista St. and San Fernando Blvd. at 1:49 a.m. The charges are driving under the influence and possession of heroin/cocaine.

Chef Lauro De Guzman lives in Sparks, Nevada, and was arrested at 849 East Bethany Road. The time is 12:15 p.m. and the charge is 245 (A) (4).

Unemployed Bellflower resident Victor Lizarraga was arrested at Empire Ave. at the 15. It happened at 6:30 p.m. The charges are 3455 (B) 1 and being in possession of heroin/cocaine.

Joseph Oh Choi lives in Los Angeles and is employed as a teller. Choi was nabbed at 1301 North Victory Place and the time is 6:40 p.m.

The charges are being in possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of marijuana [less than an ounce].

Armen Archie Galstian is a North Hollywood resident, works as a mechanic and was arrested at 9:25 p.m. The charges are 4573 and domestic battery.

Los Angeles resident and artist Anthony James Wheaton was nabbed at 1051 West Burbank Blvd.

The charges are being in possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, 1551.1 and identity theft. The time is 9:44 p.m.

Jennifer Elizabeth Featherston is a Santa Clarita resident and is employed as an officer manager.

Featherston was handcuffed at the same site and the same time. The charges are identity theft, 466, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel Dizon Gutierrez lives in Burbank and is a gym owner. Gutierrez was taken into custody at Victory Blvd., north of Lake St.

The charges are 23152 (A), 14601.1., driving under the influence and two outstanding warrants.

Nicholas Ray Hamilton resides in Simi Valley and is a construction worker. Hamilton was arrested at Lake St. and Olive Ave.

The charges are identity theft, 4573, 484 E (D), being in possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of heroin/cocaine. The time is 11:15 p.m.

On Thursday, October 15, Burbank resident and contractor Alise Elizabeth Christensen was arrested at 00:20 a.m. The charge is spousal abuse.

Charles Albert Fuchs lives in Sylmar and works as a mover. Fuchs was arrested on the charge of spousal abuse. The time is 00:20 a.m.

Caleb Patrick Duggan is a server and was arrested at 3:00 a.m. The charge is spousal abuse. The time is 3:00 a.m.

Sherman Oaks resident Matthew John Tricarico is unemployed and was nabbed at 832 West Martin Luther King Blvd. The charges are burglary and 484 and the time is 11:50 a.m.

Kendrick Massie lives in Los Angeles and is unemployed. Massie was handcuffed at Buena Vista St. and Victory Blvd. The time is 1:30 p.m. and the charges are trespassing, vandalism and 53904 (A).

Mechanic Darrin Scott Peterson lives in Burbank and was arrested at 2611 San Fernando Blvd. The time is 2:10 p.m. and the charge is grand theft.

Avinoam Shalem works in towing, resides in Los Angeles and was nabbed at the same site and the time is 4:00 p.m. The charges are identity theft, 484 E (D) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jamie Leigh Hainlen lives in Valley Village and is a property manager. Hainlen was apprehended at 699 North Victory Blvd.

It occurred at 9:21 p.m. and the charges are 29800 (A) 1, 484 (D), 11351 HS, 11370.1 (A) HS, possession of drug paraphernalia and 3056.

La Crescenta resident and investor William Volkmor was cuffed at the same site. The time is 9:10 p.m. and the charges are 29800 (A) 1, identity theft, 484 E (D), 11351 HS, 11370.1 (A) HS, possession of drug paraphernalia, 11351 HS and 14601.2 (A).

On Wednesday, October 14, Sun Valley resident Eric Antonio Rodriguez was nabbed at Burbank Blvd. and Screenland Drive. It happened at 2:50 a.m. and the charge is 23152 (F).

Bryan Alonso Saldivar of North Hills is employed as a mover. Saldivar was handcuffed at Wheatland Ave. and Pawnee St. It happened at 6:59 a.m. and at the Ramada Inn. The charge is 23152 (A).

Genaro Salcedo lives in Sun Valley and was taken into custody at Wheatland Ave. and Pawnee St.

The time is 5:00 p.m. The charges are 11370.1 (A) HS, 12022 (C), possession of a controlled substance for sale and 186.22 (B) (1).

North Hollywood resident Terrell Lewis Osley of North Hollywood is a music artist. Osley was nabbed at the Empire Center. The time is 8:20 p.m. and the charge is 484 (A).

Manasseh Jeremiah White lives in Clinton Towns and is a music artist. White was nabbed 1301 North Victory Place and the time is 8:12 p.m. The charge is 484 (A).

Jamie Ann Menter resides in Simi Valley and was nabbed at 843 North Naomi St. It happened at 7:45 p.m. and the charges are resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, trespassing and 484 (A).

Stephen Lee Pyle resides in Burbank, works as an aerospace producer and was handcuffed at the same site and the same time. The charges are disorderly conduct and forgery.

Sylmar resident and temporary worker Amanda Nicole Tobias was nabbed at 2021 North Grismer Ave. The charge is disorderly conduct and the time is 10:05 p.m.

On Tuesday, October 13, Santa Cruz resident Joanna Lee Jordan was nabbed at 2000 Hollywood Way. It occurred at 9:40 a.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hracha Tadevosyan resides in Los Angeles, is employed as a driver and was handcuffed at 2255 Buena Vista St. The time is 5:10 p.m. and the charge is being in possession of heroin/cocaine.

Reseda resident and chef nurse Vanessa Lisseth Burgos was apprehended at Krispy Kream. It happened at 8:20 p.m. and the charge is 381 (B).

The post Weekly Burbank Police Log: October 13 – October 18 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Voting has changed over the years.

In the old days, you would have your local precinct where members of your neighborhood would gather for a day so you could cast your vote in person. Back then, few actually voted by absentee ballot. Polling places would be sometimes held in people’s garages or in their residences besides all the local schools and community halls.

Fast forward to 2020 and now the precincts are gone and vote centers are now in place. The bad news is they are not as many as before and are located in central places while the good news is that they are no longer just open on election day.

While many have decided to use the mail-in ballot they received because of the pandemic, others are taking those ballots to a dropoff box or using the vote centers. Vote centers opened on Friday, October 30, and will be in place until 8 pm election night, November 3.

Besides voting for president, you are well aware of the barrage of propositions thanks to television and direct mail advertising. Sometimes if you are on the uncertain side of the bubble, it is suggested you look at who pays for the ads (which major funding must be listed by law) and that may help you decide which side of the fence to jump to.

Here are the locations for vote centers in Burbank, they are open from 10 am to 7 pm every day from October 30 through November 2 (including weekend days) and on election day from 7 am to 8 pm. You may also use the drop boxes until 8 pm on November 3 also.

Here is a map of the locations along with wait times at each location.

Voting Locations:

NOTE: Instead of a drop box, you may bring your ballot in to any of the vote centers in person and drop it off.

Drop Box locations (24 hours):

The post Vote Centers in Burbank Now Open appeared first on myBurbank.com.

UPDATE: The deadline for submissions has been extended to Saturday, November 7.

[Article first published on October 22.]

The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission calls for submissions from local creatives and crafters for the upcoming Alone Together Showcase to be held November 20. Deadline for submissions is Friday, October 30, at 11:59 p.m.

“Creativity and the Arts reflect the human experience as a way for people to share their humanity and tell their truths,” commented Leah Harrison, Chair of the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission. “Yet, in these challenging times it is virtually impossible to commune with our neighbors. We cannot gather to share our stories, our projects, or works of beauty that we have been creating to keep us sane in these difficult times.”

“The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission is absolutely thrilled to have the support of the city in creating the ongoing series Virtually Burbank, which was created in an effort to fill the vacuum created by the lack of public events. As an outreach program it is a service to the community where creatives can gather, share, discuss, lament, train in our new reality of virtual gatherings.”

Image Courtesy Burbank Cultural Arts Commission

The 2020 season of Virtually Burbank is called Alone Together, and culminates with the Alone Together Showcase.

“This will be a celebration of human creativity and spirit by showing that although we are not able to gather together right now we are not alone,” Harrison explained. “Because the Showcase is for all levels of creative experience we previously hosted a series of workshops to help support and train people to create their submissions.”

“The first was ‘Creativity in the Digital Landscape,’ where artists of different genres discussed how they are sharing their art form in the virtual space. It featured two presenters who called in from Delaware moments after losing their power to a tornado. But as 2020 shows, we all just keep finding ways to move forward.”

“The second, ‘Celebrating Inspiration,’ was a beautiful gathering of artists sharing their inspirations, or lack of, how they were coping with creating alone, and the tools they used to stay inspired. It showed that creativity in any form no matter how big or small is vital at this time.”

“The third workshop, ‘Alone Together: How to Get the Perfect Shot (At Home),’ sponsored by the New York Film Academy, was a delightful presentation on the basics of at home filming. All of these sessions were recorded and can be viewed on our burbankarts.com page.”

“We have had an overwhelming response from the Virtually Burbank: Alone Together workshops,” Harrison added. “Numerous people have reached out and told us about finding new inspiration, feeling supported, and learning new techniques.”

“It is such a thrill to see so many people around the country be inspired by our local community. Including one attendee who logged in all the way from Thailand! The BCAC has been honored that local artists would join us for these workshops and donate their time, share their passions, and their bravery in sharing their struggles and accomplishments.”

“Now we would be delighted for our community to share their creativity in the upcoming Alone Together Showcase. Anyone and everyone can submit to the Alone Together Showcase, all ages are welcome.”

“We hear from our neighbors they are gardening, cooking, making outfits for their cats, singing, dancing, writing, knitting, creating vending machines of art, puppet shows, so many inspiring things,” Harrison said. “We would love for you to share your bright light with our wonderful community and let them know that we may be alone, but we are all in this together.”

Submissions are required to be in JPG, TIF, MOV or MP4 format. More information on what and how to submit may be found on the Virtually Burbank: Alone Together Showcase webpage.

The Alone Together Showcase will be held online on Friday, November 20, at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

The post UPDATE: Deadline Extended For Cultural Arts Commission “Alone Together Showcase” Submissions appeared first on myBurbank.com.

If you’re thinking about moving, selling your house this fall or winter might be the way to go. Here are four highlights in the housing market that may make your decision to sell this an easy one.

1. Buyers Are Actively in the Market

ShowingTime, a leading real estate showing software and market stat service provider, just reported that buyer traffic jumped 60.7% compared to this time last year. That’s a huge increase.

It’s clear that buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase – and they’re in the market right now. In many regions of the country, multiple buyers are entering bidding wars to compete for the home they want. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market so you can sell your house in the most favorable terms.

2. There Are Not Enough Homes for Sale

In the latest Existing Home Sales Report, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that there were only 1.49 million units available for sale. That number was down 18.6% from one year ago. This means in the majority of the country, there aren’t enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers.

Due to the health crisis, many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes earlier this year. That will change as the economy continues to recover. The choices buyers have will increase going into the new year. Don’t wait until additional sellers come to market before you decide to make a move.

3. The Process Is Going Quickly

Today’s ultra-competitive environment has forced buyers to do all they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and simpler, as buyers know exactly what they can afford before shopping for a home. According to the latest Origination Insights Report from Ellie Mae, the time needed to close a loan is just 49 days.

4. There May Never Be a More Important Time to Move

You’ve likely spent much of the last six months in your current home. Perhaps you now realize how small it is, and you need more space. If you’re working from home, your children are doing virtual school, or you just need more space, your current floor plan may not work for your family’s changing needs.

Homebuilders are beginning to build houses again, so you can choose the exact floor plan to match what your family needs, and you can make sure the outdoor space is what you want too.

Bottom Line

The housing market is prime for sellers right now, so let’s connect to get the process started this fall. If the timing is right for you and your family, the market is calling your name.

The post Column: Karen & Barry Real Estate News and Views – Why Selling this Fall/Winter May Be Your Best Move appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association presents Burroughs on Broadway, showcasing the school’s four award-winning choirs in online performances, this Saturday, November 7.

In a typical year, Burroughs on Broadway has been one of the choir program’s biggest fundraisers of the year and an extremely popular show for Burbankers to attend with multiple performances over an autumn weekend.

Although the students have not been able to meet in person due to the ongoing pandemic, the VMA’s choirs have been working on dance moves and recording vocal parts remotely, which have been packaged into some exciting performances.

Mia Damiani leads the Decibelles singing “Supid Cupid” from “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” (Image Courtesy John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association)

“This production was a huge labor of love,” commented choir teacher and program director Brendan Jennings. “It took a ton of work with extra help from students, parents and alumni to bring it all together. I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish during this time.”

JBHS students have been signing into their online classes several times per week to prepare for the show. While that presents its own unique set of challenges, such as coordinating dance moves and vocal harmonies, the students and VMA staff feel positive about the show.

Genesis Ochoa (senior) sings the title song of the Kander and Ebb musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” (Image Courtesy John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association)

“The JBHS VMA has always has always believed that ‘The Show Must Go On’ and was not about to let our current restrictions stop our voices, our feet or our love of learning music,” commented event Chair  Jessica Good and VMA Media Relations rep Connie Trimble. “You will be entertained by a full scale production representing countless hours put in by students, teachers, parents, sound and video editors, and instrumentalists… all done completely from home.”

“They are very proud to be able to present this show utilizing elements from film and television in a theatrical context. There were many obstacles faced to present a show in a new virtual format but they are excited to invite you to see and enjoy their hard work! We want everyone to enjoy this great show and appreciate how hard the students have worked to make Burroughs On Broadway 2020 a reality!”

Four of the Burroughs choirs – Powerhouse (advanced mixed), Sound Sensations (advanced women), Sound Waves (intermediate mixed) and Decibelles (intermediate women) – will perform mini-musical medleys from popular Broadway hits.

Kaylor Toronto (sophomore) and Emily Rohan (senior) sing about their dreams in “I’m Gone”. (Image Courtesy John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association)

Powerhouse will perform selections from Side Show, Sound Sensations will perform toe tappers from Bring It On, Sound Waves will perform hits by Lin-Manuel Miranda from Aladdin and Decibelles will perform highlights from The Marvelous Wonderettes.

The young mens’ choir, Men At Work, will also perform “Brotherhood of Man” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Additionally, individual students and small ensembles will perform other popular Broadway songs, including “At Long Last” from Bright Star, “You Don’t Know/I Am The One” from Next to Normal, “Being Alive” from Company and “She Loves Me” from She Loves Me.

Alexis Morales (freshman) sings a solo in the Decibelles performance of “Thank You And Goodnight”. (Image Courtesy John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association)

More than 200 JBHS students participate in the Burroughs vocal music program, helmed by Jennings since 2006. Jen Oundjian is Artistic Director and Dan Scoville is Music Director. A team of choreographers keep the dance moves fresh.

The live stream of Burroughs on Broadway 2020 begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, on the VMA’s Showchoir Twitch channel, www.twitch.tv/showchoir. Most recently, Burroughs VMA streamed a short Halloween show on Friday, October 30.

The JBHS VMA requests donations via their website at www.jbhsvma.com or by purchasing a $25 ticket which includes a souvenir PlayBOB program.

Decibelles perform the 60’s classic “Heatwave” from “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” (Image Courtesy John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association)

“Your support and donations this year are needed more than ever to help our students, who are so eager to entertain you and show you that our current times will not stop the music!” added Trimble and Good. “If you cannot watch the show on November 7, your donation to our program, in any amount, will be highly appreciated.”

Burroughs on Broadway will also be available for viewing on the Showchoir Twitch channel after the Saturday live stream.

The Burroughs VMA’s will hold their annual Holiday Spectacular show on Saturday, December 12, streaming live on the Twitch Showchoir channel.

The post Burroughs Vocal Music Association Presents “Burroughs On Broadway” Online appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Our journey has been long and evolving. Our latest new and improved step is our updated website!

While 2020 has had ups and MANY downs, myBurbank was lucky enough to receive a grant from the Google News Initiative’s Journalism Emergency Relief Fund to assist us with getting the news to all of you in Burbank. The grant was for us to support original journalism for the provision of news. myBurbank was lucky enough to be selected from 12,000 applications from more than 100 eligible countries.

We decided that our largest problem was how outdated our website was and how hard it was for people to find the information they wanted. Our previous website was our second generation and designed back in 2013 right after our name change from BurbanknBeyond to myBurbank.

While the old site was an improvement from our original one, it had become outdated.  We contacted our friends at Counterintuity who designed the first site and asked if they possibly had any new ideas. Did they ever!

Owners Lee Wochner and Amy Kramer helped us brainstorm and come up with new ideas and looks that would fit into our style and what Burbank is looking for in a news outlet. Both owners and the staff at Counterintuity are dedicated to what they do and have an abundance of pride in what they put out. What was just as important for us is that we were keeping our spending IN Burbank.

So the process started in June and soon, we were having Zoom meetings as we kicked the wheels on the tires. Right near the end of the process, we thought the site really needed just one more thing… a new logo!

Once again the creative folks at Counterintuity got to work and came up with the new logo. It is clean and signifies the most important thing – we get news to our readers FAST. Through our website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook platforms, we get the news out to Burbank residents quickly.

We at myBurbank are very proud of the new site we are bringing to our readers and thank you for the support you have given us over the years. During the initial days of the pandemic, many of you donated to us so we could continue to operate and pay our writers after some of our advertisers were forced to suspend their advertising due to their businesses closing. Not only were we able to pay our writers, but we also gave them a little extra to help them get by since many of them were also feeling the economic pinch and were unable to file for unemployment since they were considered independent contractors.

We can’t thank our readers enough for their support!

When we started our website back in 2010, Ross Benson and I had been working in print media for most of our adult lives. We worked for every news outlet in both Burbank and the general Los Angeles area since the 1970s. I first started with a paper called the Burbank Scene back in the ’70s where we had an office on the Golden Mall. Ross and I became good friends over the years and when things were starting into a downturn for newspapers with subscriptions and advertising, we asked ourselves what the future held.

Our world had started to go 100 percent digital, with the phones in our hands being a portal to the world. Since there was not much of an online news presence in Burbank, we thought we would give it a go.

Great idea, just one large problem – who would look at it and how do they even know it is there?

So here we are, with very little budget, trying to figure out how the average person in Burbank would find us. Those first couple of years were frustrating when we broke great stories, yet all we heard was about the Leader. But we perservered.

We came to the conclusion that the news meant different things to different residents. Let’s face it, most people just care that their streets are swept and their trash picked up weekly. Besides that, most really don’t care about local government. We get that and we also know they will look for a government story when there is an important issue that affects them directly.

Besides that, many residents have kids and they attend schools. We recognized that and brought on an amazingly talented writer/editor in Lisa Paredes, who is our Associate Editor and covers the schools for us. Not only is she a Burbank resident, but also a parent with two incredibly talented daughters in the arts.

We also knew that many people just bought a newspaper and took out the sports section and tossed the rest so we started a sports section of our own. We had a few editors over the years including a young Tom Crowther who was working his way through school and is now DR. Tom Crowther and the Principal at Burbank High School. We were lucky enough to nail down Jim Riggio a few years ago who has worked the Burbank sports scene for over 30 years and has not only vast knowledge but also an amazing memory of Burbank athletes. We also picked up Rick Assad who also has been covering the Burbank sports scene forever it seems!

So now we had news, schools, and sports, and readers started to find us. In 2020, we now have months with 50,000 readers coming to our site a month. With our Twitter feed @myBurbankNEWS and @myBurbankSports, we also can share immediate news before anyone else.

So it has been a journey, Burbank, and we invite you to jump on and enjoy the ride.

The post Welcome To The New Look For myBurbank Website! appeared first on myBurbank.com.