Nearing the halfway point of competing in the 500-yard freestyle race, Justin Cloutier encountered an odd moment. It certainly wasn’t something the Burroughs High boys swimmer expected to see en route to breaking a school record. Cloutier clocked 4 minutes, 55.22 seconds to set the school mark in the event and helped Burroughs register a 92-49 home win against rival Burbank in a Pacific League meet.
Burbank earned an 87-74 in the girl’s portion of the meet. Cloutier, a senior, was racing in his lane when he discovered that the lap counter had broken and subsequently forgot what lap he was in. “It was strange because I had no idea where I was and trying to figure out my time,” said Cloutier, who surprised the previous mark of 4:55.36, set by teammate Ryan Lee on March 30. “I had to get my focus back and I was glad I was able to do it and get the record. I hope to keep the mark for a couple of years and I hope somebody breaks it.”
Burroughs boys (5-2 in league) won 10 of the 11 events to top Burbank. The Bears got two individual wins from Lee in the 50 freestyle (23.32) and 100 free (51.30). They also got individual first-place efforts from Atticus Mata in the 200 free (2:12.11), Aidan Means in the 100 butterfly (1:05.13), Ronan Sieverston in the 200 individual medleys (2:30.61), and Alec Lazarev in the 100 backstroke (1:05.97). Ethan McHorney teamed up with Luca Schaefer, Means and Lee to win the 200 medley relay in 2:02.48. Cloutier worked with Sieverston, Mata and Lazarev to capture the 200 free relay (1:41.73).
Lazarev, Mata, Kristian Solano, and Sieverston took first in the 400 free relay (4:02.51). Edward Mezhlumyan was Burbank’s lone individual winner as he captured the 100 breaststroke (1:10.2). In the girls’ portion of the meet, Burbank won four events, yet overcame Burroughs with more second and third-place finishes. The Bulldogs received first-place efforts from Alina Biryuchkova in the 200 individual medley (2:36.9), Tiffany Gonzalez in the 100 breaststroke (1:21.86) and Michelle Galadjeba in the 50 free (27.07). Burbank opened the meet by winning the 200 medley relay. Cynthia Goldbedaghians, Vana Matevosian, Galadjeba, and Valentina Angel won in 2:10.97.
“I think we are getting stronger every meet,” Burbank coach Joseph Klink said. “It’s all about reaching our expectations and seeing how we match up with everybody else. We’re building something special and we’ll be better next year.” Burroughs was led by Nancy Taylor, who won the 200 free (2:09.54) and the 100 free (59.62). Taylor teamed up with Abby Chetalyan, Camilia Guerrero, and Anastasia Zubkoff to take the 200 free relay (1:55.22) and the 400 medley relay (3:55.33). “We’re successful because we are detailed oriented,” Taylor said. The Bears (4-3 in league) got first-place finishes from Chetalyan in the 100 butterfly (1:04.13) and 500 free (5:33.47) and Guerrero in the 100 backstroke (1:07.75).
The league finals will be held on April 28 at Arcadia High.
A season for the ages by the Burroughs High boys’ volleyball team continued in high style after sweeping visiting Crescenta Valley in a Pacific League match on Wednesday evening.
The Bears, who are ranked No. 12 in the nation according to USA Today Volleyball Coaches Association, pushed aside the Falcons 25-18, 25-23, 25-12 and have now won a school record 25 consecutive matches.
This triumph comes less than a week after Burroughs captured the prestigious Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions where it knocked off San Marcos [Santa Barbara], Corona del Mar [Newport Beach] and Mira Costa [Manhattan Beach], all powerhouses.
The critical set was the second as it easily could have gone either way and was tied six times.
Down the stretch and late in this middle game, the Bears (28-3 and 10-0 in league) were steady and resilient as they took the final two points.
A kill from senior outside hitter Chris Johnson, who collected a match-best 13 kills, made it 24-23. The set was clinched on a spike by senior outside hitter Justin Burras, who had six kills.
It was a good night all-around for the Bears after downing the Falcons. (Photo by Austin Gebhardt)
“I liked that our offense involved the middles so much more than the first time we played them,” Burroughs coach Joel Brinton said. “I also liked that we got challenged in that second game and we had to pull ourselves together and figure out how to battle back and win that set.”
Burroughs led 2-0 in the second set on a push from senior setter Christian Solano (24 assists and eight digs) and it became 7-5 on a winner from Burras.
The Falcons (25-9 and 7-2 in league) proved a worthy opponent as they forged ahead 9-7 when a shot from senior outside hitter/opposite hitter Vinny Harris (nine digs and two aces) hit the net.
A push from senior middle hitter Noah Kim made it 15-13 in favor of Crescenta Valley, but the Bears came within 17-15 on a kill from senior middle blocker Khalib (Pucky) Lawrence.
An ace from Burras leveled it at 17-17 and when it became 19-17 on a kill from Lawrence, the Falcons asked for a stoppage in time.
Crescenta Valley was extremely stubborn after tying the score at 23-23 on a kill from Kim as the Bears asked for a stoppage in the action.
“Crescenta Valley did play better. Their defense was great throughout the match and made us have to find a way to terminate,” Brinton said.
Longtime Crescenta Valley coach John Nelson saw many plusses despite the setback.
“I thought we played pretty good in the first two sets. Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite pull out the win in the second set,” he said. “I think winning that set would have changed everything. The third set we made a few mistakes early and lost all the momentum.”
The match-clincher was tight early as it was deadlocked at 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 and 4-4 but the Bears eventually raced out to a 7-4 lead on a kill from Johnson.
An ace from Harris extended the cushion 12-5 as the Falcons requested time out.
Fast and furious would describe the action when Burroughs hosted Crescenta Valley in a Pacific League match. (Photo by Austin Gebhardt)
Johnson’s kill made it 14-6 and an ace from junior libero/outside hitter Carlos Tupua-Stiefel secured a 16-7 advantage.
The Bears moved in front 20-11 on Johnson’s push and 21-11 on Johnson’s lightning bolt.
A service winner from Burras gave the Bears a 24-11 lead and when Crescenta Valley senior libero Evan Boyle hit the ball out of bounds, the match was in the bag.
After it was even at 1-1 in the initial game on a Burras push, the Bears took command 8-4 on a service winner from Tupua-Stiefel.
Johnson’s tapper made it 10-4 as the Falcons requested time to huddle up. A Burras kill made it 13-6 and a co-block from Harris and Lawrence made it 16-9.
Burroughs took the next two points for an 18-9 lead as Johnson had a push that made it 17-9 and Solano added an ace for an 18-9 lead.
A tapper from Harris extended the margin to 21-14 and Johnson’s blast made it 22-15.
Junior middle blocker/opposite hitter Mark Hopkins tossed in a kill to make it 23-17 and Johnson’s kill made it 24-17.
The first set was earned when junior setter Drew Puttler’s serve was off the mark.
The Burbank Chamber of Commerce will be holding their “Excellence Awards” event to applaud the small businesses of Burbank, pay tribute to five special honorees, and say goodbye to Pickwick Gardens, the iconic Burbank event center of over 60 years.
On April 30, 2022, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce will host an outdoor, garden celebration at the Pickwick Gardens to celebrate the city’s creative and enduring small businesses and community heroes, and spotlight five exceptional recipients with awards:
Small Business of the Year – Handy Market
Emerging Business of the Year – Apartment D Films
Community Impact Award – Burbank YMCA Social Impact Center
Heroes of Burbank Award – Providence Saint Joseph Emergency Department
Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Vickie Beckett (Premier America)
The event will feature live music, multiple “tasting” stations from local eateries, a hosted bar, a dessert table, a wine pull opportunity drawing, and a silent auction. Guests will enjoy mingling with neighbors, networking with colleagues, and viewing several hot rods on display, courtesy of the “Road Kings” car club. The garden theme of the party encourages attendees to dress in casual “resort-ware”, like Hawaiian shirts, nice shorts, Spring dresses, and more!
The event will be held on the storied grounds of the Pickwick Gardens, in the Rancho (equestrian) neighborhood of Burbank. This recreation and event center has been in the community since the 1950s, and at various times has housed campgrounds, a drive-in theater, horseback riding, a bowling alley, an ice rink, and one of the largest swimming pools in the United States. The facility will be closing its doors shortly, and this event will provide local citizens one final farewell to a facility with deep nostalgia for area residents.
The Chamber looks forward to this exciting event. “After battling the many logistic and economic challenges of the past few years, the business community of Burbank now has plenty to celebrate.” – says Jamie Keyser-Thomas, CEO of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. “These Excellence Awards are the perfect opportunity to applaud the spirit of our resilient small businesses, honor some exemplary Burbank organizations, and cherish the many fond memories we have of the Pickwick Gardens.”
The Burbank Chamber of Commerce has been increasingly active in promoting its members and programs to promote the Burbank business community, including spotlighting local businesses through its successful “Chow Down Burbank” and “What’s Brewing in Burbank” campaigns and events.
Burbank Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards
Date: Saturday, April 30th, 2022 Time: 6:00 – 10:00pm
Location: Pickwick Gardens and Bowl, 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506
Parking: Plenty of free, on-site parking available
Attire: Casual, spring resort-ware
Tickets: $125 per person and are available for purchase here
By providing advocacy, resources, and connections, the mission of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce is to be the leading public policy advocate for business, promote economic growth, be a strategic partner in initiatives that enhance and preserve the quality of life in the Burbank community, and provide valued services to our members.
With Burroughs star Lincoln Melcher not playing and a last-minute venue change, the sixth and final Pacific League boys’ golf match got some surprises. After expecting to play at Griffith Park, the match moved to Brookside in Pasadena, and the teams played at the No. 2 course behind the Rose Bowl. Burbank, which finished fourth last week, won by shooting 392. Burroughs took second at 399. Crescenta Valley shot 401 and Arcadia, which had finished second in the first five league matches, took fourth overall by shooting 403. Pasadena shot 491.
Burroughs sophomore Adriel Abaoag was the low medalist shooting a one-under-par 69. Burbank was led by Luke Carnegie, who shot 74. The results are listed below.
Ruslana Yakovenko is a graduating senior at Burbank High School and was recently awarded the 2022 Warner Bros. Animation/ Hanna-Barbera Honorship. In her four years attending the Burbank High School Animation Program she has engaged with visiting speakers, attended trips to studios and workshops, and participated in after school Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses through Burbank Unified School District.
Three honorship types are available yearly including a Burbank Honorship awarded to up to three graduating seniors attending high school in Burbank, a Los Angeles County Honorship awarded to up to three graduating seniors attending high school in Los Angeles County, and the Hanna-Barbera Honorship. Yakovenko was granted the Hanna-Barbera Honorship which is granted to just one graduating senior attending high school in the United States.
Photo of Ruslana Yakovenko courtesy of Jonelle Pickett
The honorship includes a paid summer internship at Warner Bros. Studios, a $5,000 cash scholarship, professional development seminars to grow skill sets, and the opportunity to be paired with an executive mentor during each of the four years of the program. “I’ve already talked to my potential mentors and directors and it is such an honor to work beside people who worked on the shows I watched as a kid, before I even moved to the United States,” said Yakovenko.
Ruslana was born in Okhtyrka, Ukraine and moved to Burbank at the age of 12. “I’ve been interested in art and animation since I remember myself. I would always try to answer how they made the characters move, before I even knew what animation actually was,” said Yakovenko. “I would take my camera, take pictures of my toys and then quickly flip through the photos and make them move.” As a self-taught artist she continued to learn and grow her interest as a hobby until she got to high school.
Photo of Ruslana Yakovenko courtesy of Jonelle Pickett
In her freshman year at Burbank High School she joined the Animation Program where she learned from Burbank High animation teacher, Jonelle Pickett. “She always supported me, provided many various opportunities and pushed me to my full potential,” said Yakovenko. “Thanks to her, I started learning Toon Boom Harmony from the very beginning, which made my projects stand out.” Toon Boom Harmony is an award-winning animation software used by popular animation studios.
In her sophomore year, Yakovenko completed the 2019-2020 Burbank High School Mentor Program with Nickelodeon where she gained knowledge on story development, character design, and animation techniques, helping her to create a short titled The Shining Dream. The short was nominated for Best Animation at the All American High School Festival 2020 where it was shown in the opening of the awards to support the theme of working together in the pandemic. The film also won Best Animation Film at DITYATKO International Children’s Media Festival and was selected for the European Youth Festival of Animated Film 2020.
“It is a story about a little lightbulb from fairy lights, that faces the dilemma between choosing their dream or staying with the family,” said Yakovenko who flew to New York City to watch her animation screened at the largest AMC theater in the city. “I always want to learn and keep on improving my skills. I want to master not only the art of 2D animation, but also become a concept artist and share my creativity with the world,” added Yakovenko.
Photo of Ruslana Yakovenko’s animation, The Shining Dream, courtesy of Jonelle Pickett
Not only does Yakovenko shine in the classroom, she participates in community service around the campus including helping to paint the Burbank High School arts mural, custom painting a public piano for the school, designing event logos, serving as the ambassador for the Animation Program, and serving as one of the school’s animation representatives on a board of California students working to create a Career and Technical Student Organization for the Arts Media and Entertainment sector of CTE education. “She embodies the well rounded artist, caring deeply, thinking through ideas to a very high level, and devoting many hours to practicing her craft,” said Pickett, Ruslana’s teacher and mentor. “I am incredibly proud of her determination and accomplishments, and excited she has this opportunity to actively learn the many aspects of production through the Warners Bros Animation Honorship.”
Ruslana will be attending UC San Diego for Visual Arts Media in the fall but in the meantime she is completing a year-long Senior Focus project where she is working on an animation visualizing the emotional and physical impact of the war in Ukraine. You can watch her animation short The Shining Dream here. Make sure to look for her name in the credits of future films as she continues to follow her dream in the animation world.
It’s Earth Day! April 22nd marks the date of Earth Day every year as it has since the modern environmental movement in 1970 and is celebrated in over 190 countries. This Earth Day, Burbank resident, Erin Orr, provides insight into the impacts of California native gardening and how you can incorporate it into the landscape of your Burbank home.
Erin Orr with daughter in their native garden. Photo by Ashley Erikson
Earth Day has always been a day to appreciate the environmental laws in place that have protected our waterways, air, land, and the biodiversity of our world. Many people use this day to make small changes to their habits from switching to reusable water bottles, ditching plastic bags for totes, or visiting a local beach to do a clean-up. Another way to learn how to be eco-friendly is by creating a native garden around your home.
Erin Orr is a native garden guru and has worked on garden campaigns for the Jane Goodall Institute, teaches garden classes at the Burbank adult school and native gardening to 3rd grade students at Bret Harte Elementary where she focuses on why native plants are important and how they are being threatened. “We fell so in love with native plants that it became a life-long passion for both me and my husband,” said Orr. “One of the things I love most about it is that it’s for everyone. We don’t have to be experts to grow a native garden. Anyone can take action for our local environment in their very own yard or patio by growing native flowers and plants.”
Erin Orr teaching at Bret Harte Elementary.
In honor of Earth Day, the Girl Scouts of Los Angeles Troop 76, led by Johanna Schofield, visited Orr’s garden. With 14 of their Junior and Brownie scouts they learned about the impacts of native gardening on our community. “Native plants want to live in our gardens. They have evolved to thrive here! This means native gardens attract and support significantly more wildlife, like birds, bees, and butterflies than a non-native garden, all while helping to conserve water and reduce run off without needing pesticides or fertilizers,” added Orr. “By planting natives instead of non-natives, we can maximize our positive impact on the local environment.”
The Girl Scouts used Orr’s garden as inspiration to complete two of their five steps for their Junior Outdoor Art Explorer Badge. The girls learned about the different plant species around the yard and then took time to sit in the garden and create an oil pastel art piece inspired by a flower of their choosing. They also learned about photography and took turns taking macro and micro photographs of the plants in Orrs yard that they were educated about. “We wanted to celebrate Earth Day by meeting and visiting a woman in our community who actively does her part in preserving biodiversity and how her entire career has been dedicated to promotions and educating the youth,” said Schofield.
Orr has two young kids and believes that young people are more eager and willing to learn, making it a passion of hers to educate children on making better choices for our planet. “The truth is that they’ll be the ones faced with the consequences after we are gone,” adds Orr. “Let’s give them every tool possible so that they may have the best possible impact.” While animals and insects are often taught to kids, the ecology of native plants is what enables those insects and animals to survive.
Oil pastel art done by Girl Scout Troop 76. Photo by Johanna Schofield.
So what’s the buzz about native gardening in Burbank? The Orrs have lived in their Burbank home for 13 years, and learned about environmental friendly gardens from Orr’s mother who is a native plant volunteer in the Bay area. They learned that native gardening stretches far beyond landscaping and that it becomes a home for an incredible amount of biodiversity. “It’s almost impossible for us to look in any direction without spotting an abundance of birds, lizards, butterflies and bees. The garden literally hums with activity,” said Orr, about her front yard.
Erin Orr in her native garden. Photo by Ashley Erikson.
The big question is how to get started. According to Orr the conceptualization was easy, it was the implementation that was the real work. They first designed their space on paper and looked at other California native landscapes for inspiration. “In the meantime, we killed the lawn where our future garden would go. We stopped watering it completely and let it dry out over one summer,” said Orr. They then dug up the top 3-5 inches of remaining roots. Next they mapped the space creating a pathway to their front door and a seating area comprised of decomposed granite. Finally they laid cardboard over every inch of soil to block out the sun and covered it with five inches of mulch. Once the groundwork was set and the mulch settled, the Orrs were ready to plant.
“Lucky for us, Burbank is surrounded by incredible native plant resources,” said Orr. The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflower & Native Plants is located in Sun Valley and works to inspire and educate about the benefits and beauty of native plant landscapes. They offer classes and have a shop to purchase your own California natives. One endemic plant to California, the Nevin’s Barberry, is even endangered, and the Orrs are really excited to host the shrub in their front yard. “By planting a native garden, you are maximizing your impact. A Native garden will support and attract significantly more wildlife, like critical pollinators: birds, bees, butterflies etc, than a non-native garden,” said Orr. “So it’s supporting animals, it’s increasing the biodiversity of our environment, and improving the lives of people who live around the natural space you are cultivating.”
Photo of the Orr’s native garden by Jon Orr.
There is such a wealth of information and support for growing native plants in our community online and in person, and Burbank is home to a few of them, including the a Facebook group called the Burbank Backyard Food Growers, which doesn’t stop at just food. “Members of the group understand the importance of growing native plants to support our local wildlife and pollinators to build a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem,” said Orr. “The Burbank Community Garden off the Chandler Bike Path on Pass is another in-person opportunity to get involved and find support. They will be planting and growing CA natives around the perimeter of the garden in the fall.”
Here are some more resources for learning more about and getting involved in California Native Gardening.
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Putting on a police uniform and badge means keeping the city safe from harm and on Sunday, April 10, Juan Samuel Vazquez, a Pacoima resident who works in catering was arrested at 334 East Gage Ave.
The charges are grand theft and 2800.2 (A) of the state vehicle code. It happened at 3:15 a.m.
Miguel Esteban Luevanos lives in Canyon Country and is employed in security. Luevanos was picked up at 265 West Olive Ave. and the charge is driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug. The time is 1:00 a.m.
Jose Everardo Carrasco is an El Monte construction worker and was taken into custody at Amherst Drive and Broadway and the time is 10:40 a.m. The charges are resisting arrest – 3056 of the state penal code and a warrant.
Joshua Escobar lives in Burbank and was arrested at Glenoaks Blvd., and Cedar Ave. and the charge is vandalism and warrants. It happened at 12:00 p.m.
Burbank resident Ninoska Bonnie Franzle is a county social worker and was cuffed after being charged with spousal abuse. The time is 8:30 a.m.
Miguel Angel Garay works in sanitation and resides in Burbank. Garay was handcuffed at 200 North Third St. and the time is 10:10 p.m. The charges are brandishing a deadly weapon [a firearm] – vandalism and warrants.
On Saturday, April 9, Patrick John Luna Hermosillo, an Inglewood warehouse worker was arrested at 3:55 a.m.
It took place at Buena Vista St. and Thornton Ave. The charges are 23152 (G) VC – possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ventura construction worker Nathan Thomas Cline was nabbed at 1800 West Empire Ave.
The charges are possession of heroin/cocaine – possession of drug paraphernalia – being under the influence of a controlled substance and warrants. The time is 9:20 a.m.
Joseph Lester Fleming lives in Novato and is employed as a makeup artist. Fleming was picked up at Hollywood Way and Thornton Ave. and the time is 9:52 a.m.
The charges Fleming faces are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
Victor Anthony Allen lives in North Hollywood and was taken into custody after being charged with trespassing. The site is 1809 West Alameda Ave. The time is 10:40 a.m.
Matthew Madsen resides in Newhall and was handcuffed at 2839 North Lincoln St. and the charge is violating a court-issued protective order. It took place at 11:45 a.m.
Rebecca J. Swain works in customer service and lives in Glendale. Swain was picked up at Olive Ave. and Riverside Drive.
The time is 3:20 p.m. The charges Swain faces are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
Armen Baregamian works in jewelry and lives in Burbank. Baregamian was handcuffed at Alameda Ave. and Gateway and the time is 3:57 p.m. The charge is possession of a controlled substance.
Sunland cashier Kyle Sunflower Hardeman was arrested at 1850 Empire Ave. and the charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of heroin/cocaine. The time is 3:20 p.m.
Hovhanes Houk Ashteokenyan is a Hollywood porter and was nabbed at Alameda Ave. and Gateway.
The time is 3:57 p.m. and the charges are possession of a controlled substance – possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Victor Anthony Allen lives in North Hollywood and was taken into custody at Orange Grove Ave. and Glenoaks Blvd. The time is 4:35 p.m. and the charge is 23110 (A) VC.
La Crescenta roofer Thaddeus Timothy Kornish was arrested at 1800 Empire Ave. and the time is 3:20 p.m.
The charges are petty theft – possession of heroin/cocaine – possession of drug paraphernalia and 22810 (A) PC.
Bahador Mikhah is a Beverly Hills developer and was nabbed after being charged with domestic battery and the time is 7:50 p.m.
Arnella Barbara Connell is a Beverly Hills resident and is employed in production design. Connell was apprehended at Lakeside Drive and Olive Ave. and the charge is 23153 (G) VC. It took place at 10:43 p.m.
On Friday, April 8, Christopher Agosto, a resident of Sun Valley and a machine operator was arrested at Glenoaks Blvd. and Lamer St.
The time is 2:48 a.m. and the charges are vandalism – possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of heroin/cocaine – possession of a controlled substance and warrants.
San Bernardino construction worker Anthony Ray Torres was handcuffed at Victory Blvd. and Olive Ave. and the charge is being under the influence of a controlled substance. It took place at 4:15 a.m.
Troy John Aldrich lives in North Hollywood and was taken into custody at Vanowen St., east of Valley Blvd. and the time is 12:20 p.m.
The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
Abel Rodriguez is a Venice handyman and was cuffed at Verdugo Ave. and Orchard Drive and the time is 3:30 p.m. The charges are arson – petty theft and a warrant.
Tahyra Alice Livingston resides in Reseda and was apprehended at 840 North San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 4:28 p.m. The charges are forgery – vandalism with $400 or more and a warrant.
Dwight Adrian Mirabal is employed as a mechanic and lives in Burbank. Mirabal was taken into custody at Beachwood Drive and Olive Ave.
The time is 6:00 p.m. The charge is possession of a controlled substance.
Paul Benjamin Spitzer is a Los Angeles musician and was picked up at 1851 West Victory Place and the time is 8:30 p.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.
Eduardo Puebla is an anodizer and a Burbank resident. Puebla was apprehended at Olive Park. It happened at 9:07 p.m. The charges are 186.22 (B) (1) PC and making criminal threats.
On Thursday, April 7, Alberto Norianueva, a Los Angeles cashier was cuffed at Victory Blvd. and Orange Grove Ave. The time is 00:40 a.m. and the charge is possession of a controlled substance.
Anthony Barron is a Los Angeles resident and a caregiver. Barron was nabbed at the west alley of Hollywood Way and south Victory Blvd.
The time is 2:40 a.m. and the charges are 3000.08 PC – 22010 PC – 11370.1 (A) of the state health and safety code and warrants.
Koreatown carpenter Sabas Oscar Martinez was taken into custody at Alta Paseo and Verdugo Springs. The time is 8:30 a.m. and the charge is possession of a controlled substance.
Justus Jevonie Leverett is a North Hills entertainer and was nabbed at 10:31 a.m. The site is 2100 Empire Ave., and the charges are conspiracy to commit an injurious act.
Demia Sherre Ellis Burns Griffin lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and works as a concierge. Griffin was apprehended at the same site and the time is 10:20 a.m. The charges are the same.
Audio engineer Royvone Deontez Eskridge resides in the same city and was nabbed at the same site and the charges are the same. The time is 10:30 a.m.
Alana Marie Ingram Diego is a cashier and also lives in the same city and the charges are the same. The time is 10:16 a.m.
On Wednesday, April 6, Marco Alberto Garcia, who is a Lancaster truck driver was arrested at 00:30 a.m. The site is Burbank Blvd. overpass, and the charge is 11378 HS and 1203.2 (A) PC.
Anahy America Giselle Flores is a student and lives in San Fernando. Flores was nabbed at the same site and at the same time. The charge is 11378 HS.
Miguel Alejandro Contreras is a Pacoima day laborer and was picked up at Hollywood Way and Verdugo Ave. It took place at 00:30 a.m. and the charges are identity theft and possession of heroin/cocaine.
Jeremy Heath Simonds is a Sherman Oaks chef and was handcuffed at the same location and the time is 1:50 a.m. The charge is possession of heroin/cocaine and a warrant.
Jasmine Anderson is a Santa Monica manager and was picked up at Hollywood Way and Verdugo Ave.
The time is 1:50 a.m. and the charges are possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of a controlled substance.
Jose Juan Tafoya lives in South Central and was arrested at 2:55 a.m. The location is Verdugo Ave. and Buena Vista St., and the charge is driving with a suspended or revoked license and warrants.
Rebekah Ariel Asen is a Los Angeles caretaker and was apprehended at Ontario St. and Victory Blvd. The time is 9:50 a.m. and the charge is vandalism and a warrant.
Palmdale tattoo artist Brian Olvera Moreno was taken into custody at the Glendale police department jail and the time is 10:50 a.m. The charge is giving false representation to a police officer and a warrant.
Rudy Winander is employed as a fitness instructor and was nabbed at 1051 West Burbank Blvd. The time is 1:40 p.m. and the site is 1051 West Burbank Blvd. The charge is petty theft.
Santos Dominguez lives in Canoga Park and works as a gardener. Dominguez was handcuffed at 201 Front St. and the time is 1:45 p.m.
The charges are possession of a controlled substance – possession of drug paraphernalia – disorderly conduct – battery and a warrant.
Sherman Oaks chef Jeremy Heath Simonds was arrested at Hollywood Way and Verdugo Ave. and the time is 3;20 p.m. The charges are 21510 (A) PC – possession of heroin/cocaine – 18740 PC and a warrant.
Nelli Sargsyan is a North Hollywood babysitter and was picked up at 1051 Burbank Blvd. and the time is 3:30 p.m. The charge is petty theft.
Robert Sargsyan lives in North Hollywood and was arrested at the same site and the same time. The charge is the same.
Rosemead resident Linda Johnston was taken into custody after being charged with disorderly conduct. The time is 6:25 p.m. and the site is Verdugo Ave. and Olive Ave.
Layna Danielle Teichert is a Lancaster clerk and was arrested at 2255 North Buena Vista St. and the time is 9:00 p.m.
The charges are possession of a controlled substance – possession of drug paraphernalia – 11378 HS and a warrant.
Jacob Kyle Correa is a North Hollywood server and was handcuffed at Victory Blvd. and Olive Ave. and the time is 9:02 p.m.
The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug – 23152 (F) VC – violating a court-issued protective order – 22810 (A) PC and warrants.
On Tuesday, April 5, Jamie Marquez, a Montrose resident who works in sales was nabbed at the LAPD Van Nuys station and the time is 1:45 a.m. The charges are 4573.5 PC – possession of heroin/cocaine and warrants.
Edwin Raymond Romero lives in Los Angeles and works in a production line. Romero was taken into custody at 12:03 p.m.
The location is Burbank Blvd. and Victory Blvd., and the charges are making criminal threats and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.
Lisa Monique Chavez is a Bellflower health care provider and was arrested at 200 North Third St.
It occurred at 3:15 p.m. and the charges are misappropriation of lost property – 111378 (A) HS – 11379 (A) HS and warrants.
North Hollywood construction worker Allen John Markow was apprehended after being charged with contempt of court and spousal abuse. The time is 3:30 p.m.
Leroy Kendel Hicks is unemployed and a Long Beach resident. Hicks was nabbed at the Orange County jail in Santa Ana and the time is 2:40 p.m. The charges are petty theft – organized retail theft – being an unlicensed driver and warrants.
Brandon Oliver Benton, a Long Beach barber was arrested at Orchard Drive and Pacific Ave. and the time is 6:55 p.m. The charge is burglary.
Alejandro Jose Navarette is a Burbank technician and was taken into custody at 9:30 p.m. The site is 271 East Santa Anita Ave., and the charge is assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.
Paul Benjamin Spitzer is a music artist and a resident of Los Angeles. Spitzer was arrested at Empire Ave. and Buena Vista St.
The time is 11:45 p.m. and the charges are petty theft – possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant.
On Monday, April 4, Joan Renee Daplas Pascasio, a North Hollywood resident and the owner of a skin care salon was taken into custody.
The site is Burbank Blvd. and north Third St. The time is 6:30 a.m. and the charge is driving while under the influence with .08 or above.
Jovani Geragosian is a Glendale chef and was picked up at 12:25 p.m. The location is San Fernando Blvd. and Angeleno Ave. and the charge is vandalism.
Cheyenne Marissa Lynn Garcia is a house cleaner and a North Hollywood resident. Garcia was nabbed at west Chandler Blvd. and north Lamer St.
The time is 2:30 p.m. and the charges are burglary – petty theft – possession of stolen property – possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
North Hollywood cook Allen Ivar Gilbert was apprehended at the same location and the same time.
The charges are burglary – petty theft – possession of stolen property – possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and warrants.
Erik Minassi lives in Glendale and is employed as a car salesman. Minassi was arrested at San Fernando Blvd. and north Olive Ave.
The charges are possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of a controlled substance.
Van Nuys clerk Alexa Milagros Guerrero was nabbed at 1301 North Victory Place. The time is 7:00 p.m. and the charge is petty theft.
Burbank nail technician Leandra Craig was brought into custody at 306 North Maple St. and the charges are possession of heroin/cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. It took place at 9:50 p.m.
Armando Patino is a handyman and a North Hollywood resident. Patino was nabbed at Burbank Blvd. and Hollywood Way.
The charges are violating a written promise to appear in court – possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and warrants. The time is 10:20 p.m.
Daniel Estuardo Chinchilla is a Sun Valley plumber and was arrested at 11:45 p.m. The location is Victory Blvd. and Buena Vista St., and the charge is 23103 (A) VC and a warrant.
During a special meeting held on Monday, April 18, the Burbank City Council voted to deny the housing project planned at the Pickwick Bowl and Gardens property.
After hearing from the developer of the proposal, listening to public opinion, and analyzing the subject over a discussion lasting nearly five hours, this decision was confirmed with a 5-0 vote. The Councilmembers’ votes adopted a resolution of disapproval that was outlined under the guidance of City Attorney Joe McDougall.
Matt Waken of MW Investment Group, the corporation behind the development, spoke to the council at the start of the meeting. He explained that, when this project began just over a year ago, MW Investment Group analyzed the development plans that were attempted at the Pickwick property in 2017. Following this process, their team designed a 96-unit multifamily housing proposal they believe to be fitting for the Rancho District. In November 2021, the city determined the plan was eligible for Senate Bill 35, a measure intended to streamline California housing construction in areas where local housing goals have not been met.
“Ultimately, the project that was presented before you and that we submitted under SB 35 is what we feel is very appropriate for the site,” Waken said before the council.
Scott Birkey, an attorney of Cox, Castle & Nicholson who represents the Pickwick project, also addressed the council at the beginning of the meeting. Birkey stated that Commercial Recreation zoning, the classification of the Pickwick location, allows for the project to proceed without discretionary approval under the terms of SB 35. Next citing the California Housing Accountability Act, Birkey expressed that legal action could result if the project was to be denied by the council.
The Pickwick Gardens is slated to hold its last event on April 30 (Photo by Ross A Benson)
“A housing development project that’s consistent with objective standards can only be denied pursuant to certain findings,” Birkey said. “An improper denial of the project … based on, for example, an erroneous interpretation that the general plan or zoning do not allow for residential uses, puts the city at significant risk of litigation, potentially resulting in a court order mandating that the city approve the project and that the city pays for the costs of that litigation.”
A public hearing followed this intro, which included input from former Burbank Mayor and City Councilmember Emily Gabel-Luddy. Gabel-Luddy submitted a letter to the council detailing the argument of how the proposal conflicts with Burbank land-use guidelines.
“The letter laid out the reasons why the project is not qualified for ministerial processing under SB 35 because it is inconsistent with the city’s adopted plans and policies, some of which city staff already raised on other projects in the immediate vicinity,” Gabel-Luddy said. “We also described the health and safety impacts of the project … We were particularly concerned with equestrian safety, given the horse-keeping zoning and facilities surrounding the property.”
After receiving input from the public, Councilmember Sharon Springer stated that several factors make the project ineligible for approval in its current form. These include improper land use designation practices, density and street widening plans that violate the Burbank General Plan, and contradictions to the city’s Complete Streets Plan. She says that, in order for the development to move forward in accordance with the city’s guidelines, the developer would have to go through traditional land use procedures.
“Because the Pickwick site has a non-residential land use designation and residential use is prohibited, the option available to this developer and any other developer is the Burbank ordinary practice of a General Plan Amendment, Planned Development and Development Agreement process,” Springer said. “Appropriate density and other mitigations for health, safety and public welfare are decided within the process.”
Excerpts from a February 2022 letter sent to State Senator Anthony Portantino from The California Department of Housing and Community Development were also included in Springer’s presentation. The letter, which determined the development is eligible for SB 35, described Pickwick’s C-R zoning classification by saying “the primary use described for that designation allows for residential with some incidental commercial.” Springer says the department misinterpreted C-R zoning, as Burbank zoning regulations state this categorization is “intended for recreational uses which are privately owned and operated for commercial purposes.”
The sun is setting on the Pickwick Bowl (Photo by Ross A Benson)
“The HCD apparently based their determination that Pickwick is SB 35 eligible on an incorrect backward understanding of the Pickwick site land use designation,” Springer said.
Portantino had “significant concerns” when SB 35 was introduced, and as a result, he voted against the measure in 2017. He concurs with the council’s choice and believes the HCD’s analysis poses a disservice to the public.
“I believe the city council made the right decision on Monday. The vote was based on findings and a proper interpretation of the city’s planning documents,” Portantino said. “Unfortunately, I can’t compliment HCD. From a misinterpretation of SB 35’s applicability to the Pickwick location to the manner it conducted itself through this process, it has not engendered confidence or served the public interest with the type of effort I expect from a state agency.”
While the council has voiced their disagreement with the method the developer is using for the project, this won’t preclude housing units from being constructed at this location in the future. Councilmember Konstantine Anthony explained his vote was a rejection of the interpretation that the Pickwick location allows for residential units under SB 35. The goal of this decision is to ensure proper zoning regulations are followed and the Burbank community has a say in plans for the site moving forward.
“What I would like to see is a proposal from the developer to rezone this property for housing or mixed-use development so that the city and the community can weigh in on what kind of development would best serve this neighborhood,” Anthony said.
Burbank Community Development Department Director Patrick Prescott said at this point the project is in limbo, “The City Council voted to deny the project. The project may not move forward without an approval. (The) next steps are to be seen. As the final outcome of this case is still pending, Portantino praised the residents of the city for examining the matter and taking an interest in preserving the Rancho area.
“The Burbank residents who engaged in the public discussion are to be commended,” Portantino said. “They initiated independent research, grassroots advocacy and helped galvanize a discourse that articulated the unique nature of the Rancho equestrian neighborhood.”
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include comments from Patrick Prescott
Police seem to be rocking out across the country to music while performing their duties. No, it is not that they need the entertainment but the newest way to thwart citizens from recording their actions and then posting what they see on YouTube.
When you post a video to YouTube, it is immediately checked for copyrighted music infringements. If it is detected, the audio is sometimes removed from the video. While of course the music is removed, so also is any dialog that is also recorded.
In a recent incident reported by The Guardian, police in Santa Ana earlier this month woke up nearby residents as they played Disney songs such as Toy Story’s You Got a Friend in Me, Encanto’s We Don’t Talk About Bruno, Mulan’s Reflection and Coco’s Un Poco Loco over one of the police vehicle’s loudspeaker as they investigated a stolen vehicle.
A video they referenced, showed a Santa Ana Councilmember questioning police as to why they were playing the music and the officer said it was basically because of people recording them.
Similar incidents have also happened in Beverly Hills and Oakland recently. Members of the public often try to egg on officers to get a reaction while recording them, citing their first amendment rights. While most times this is just unwarranted to try for reactions, sometimes the recording of officers while performing their duties has resulted in bringing some disturbing actions to light as seen throughout the country in recent years.
Although there have been no incidents in Burbank of officers blaring music, Sgt. Brent Fekety of the Burbank Police Department said when asked if the department had knowledge of this new trend, “The Burbank Police Department is aware of incidents in other areas where officers have reportedly played loud music during interactions with the public while being recorded. To my knowledge, and in speaking with the Commanding Officer of the Patrol Division, we have not had any incidents involving that type of activity.
Further, the command group of each patrol shift has spoken with their assigned officers regarding this type of activity and the officers have been instructed not to engage in this type of conduct.”
Fekety went on to point out that the department has been and continues to be transparent when it comes to the use of officers’ Body Worn or In-Car Cameras.
“The Burbank Police Department has a policy in place, Policy 453 – Use of Body Worn and In-Car Cameras, wherein all uniformed and investigative members of the Department are issued a body worn camera (BWC) and shall record all incidents, including enforcement and investigative contacts. Further, the recording shall continue until the investigative or enforcement contact has ended. These recordings are then downloaded to our designated Department digital audio/video management systems. If the public so chooses, they may request specific recordings in accordance with the Public Records Act request, which is handled by our Records Bureau. These BWC recordings help with transparency and accountability, as well as providing evidentiary value, assisting with personnel complaints, protecting officers from false complaints, and ensuring officers are respecting the people they come in contact with.
We reached out to the Recording Industry Association of America for comment and also asked if police officers that were playing the music as part of a tool instead of for personal enjoyment were also a possible copyright violation but they did not respond.
One hundred and seven years ago today the systematic slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians began at the hands of the ruling Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) in the Ottoman Empire.
In front of City Hall on a bright, clear Saturday afternoon and before more than a hundred people and several guest speakers that numbered Mayor Jess Talamantes, State Senator Anthony Portantino, State Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, Armenian National Committee of America, Burbank chapter chairman Sarkis Simonian, Board of Education member Steve Ferguson, proclaimed this a Day of Remembrance and concluded with Laying of Flowers to commemorate this horrific atrocity.
Every speaker was eloquent and powerful, and each reminded the crowd to never forget the past and to honor those who lost their lives.
They also noted that days like this are for the younger members in the throng who need to continue to remember what their parents and grandparents have done to keep their ancestors’ memory alive.
As of this year, 31 countries have recognized those tragic events that took place from 1915 through 1917 as genocide, including this country under President Joe Biden.
“Burbank does have a large Armenian community. We live so close to Glendale. So today means that we are in solidarity with the Armenian community, and we show them support,” Talamantes said. “As far as the genocide, we completely agree with the Armenian community and the nation that there were some atrocities done that shouldn’t have happened. Some people have ignored them or just said it never happened, but we acknowledge that it did happen, and we are in full support of the Armenian community.”
Portantino also stands wholeheartedly behind the Armenian community.
“The Armenian community has been under a threat for more than a century,” he said. “Obviously the genocide was 107 years ago, but even in the late 1880s there were attempts to kill and harm the intelligentsia of the Armenian community in Turkey, so there’s been an assault on the community for over a century.”
Portantino went on: “With the recent activity in Artsakh and the aggression on the border by Azerbaijan and the Turks, it just continues,” he said. “It’s important for us as non-Armenians in California to stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbors from the Armenian-American community and to say we condemn the atrocities that are going on in Armenia and Artsakh and we stand in solidarity and most importantly, with respect for this proud, resilient community.”
Friedman, who represents the 43rd District, spoke about an individual in her speech who denied the Armenian Genocide.
“I found out last Thursday when someone from the Turkish counsel came to oppose the Genocide Resolution that we do every year in the Capitol,” she said. “That there are genocide deniers that are still out there. And when you erase history, you leave the door open for it to repeat.”
Freidman added: “We have to acknowledge that these are atrocities so that the next time they happen, and they do continue to happen, the world can say this is exactly what we don’t want to allow,” she noted. “This is what we have to stop and here’s why: We didn’t stop it over a hundred years ago and millions of people were killed. We didn’t stop it in the 1930s in Germany and nine million were killed. So, we can’t erase and forget history. It teaches and it reminds us.”
Simonian gave his thoughts on the ceremony. “Being an Armenian and my grandparents being survivors of the genocide and everybody here are survivors of the genocide, so it’s really meaningful to us because it reminds us that the thing continues, especially with what happened in Artsakh two years ago,” he pointed out. “How can you forget anything when it’s happening every couple of years?”
Simonian continued: “When Armenians are being killed and ethnically cleansed, so this is a reminder. I would say to people: Imagine what would happen if we were not doing this? If we’re not reminding people about it? How bold they would actually be when nobody is watching them, just calling their shots. It’s not just honoring their memory, but also preventing others in the future,” he said. “We don’t want other people to go through what we went through. The Holocaust happened because nobody said anything about the Armenians. Even [Adolf] Hitler mentioned that. Who remembers the Armenians? Now imagine what’s happening in Ukraine. It’s happening also in Armenia. So, it’s going to happen to every small country when nobody cares about them. So, we don’t want that.”
On April 16th, The Mystic Museum had their grand opening for their new immersive art experience, 90s Slashers, featuring memorabilia and collectibles from the best horror movies of the 1990s. Part art show and part photo op, the exhibit pays homage to 90s slasher films and recreates iconic scenes from the film for guests to interact and take pictures and videos with.
Camp Horror. Photo by Ashley Erikson
The Mystic Museum is your one-stop shop for all things occult, paranormal, mysticism and horror. The location in Magnolia Park, Burbank stretches three buildings and includes the Mystic Museum, Camp Horror, and Bearded Lady Vintage and Oddities. Their newly opened exhibit, 90s Slashers, begins in the Camp Horror store and stretches nearly 2000 sq feet behind the three store fronts.
Tickets to the exhibit are $16 per person and for an extra layer of engagement you can purchase a $15 souvenir plastic knife that allows you to interact with the sets. The knife activates sounds, music, motion and lights at 6 secret spots around the exhibit for you to find so it worth getting it before you enter the museum. Almost every inch of the space can be used for a photo op and a guide is available inside to help take your picture and make sure you don’t miss any of the interactive spots. If you purchase the knife you can take it home and bring it back with you each time you visit the museum.
Inside the 90s Slashback exhibit. Photo by Ashley Erikson.
The experience begins with your photo in front of a green screen, placing you into the 90s Slashers poster that gets immediately texted to you. Guests are then free to roam the room to take pictures and video, use props, and appreciate the incredible details of the sets and memorabilia. The scenes are compiled with items from the owners, Erick Yaro and Kiko Bailey’s private collection, and the sets are handmade by Yaro, Bailey, and another exhibit designer, John Lebednik.
The 90s Slashers museum exhibit is sponsored by Fangoria, Midsummer Scream, Fright Rags, and Slasher Energy and set to run to the end of the year. The walls of the museum are hung with horror movie themed art from local artists and friends of Yaro and Bailey. All of the art is available for purchase and will remain in the exhibit until its closure. Inside the store you can grab some retro souvenirs from the 90s Slashers exhibit including coffee mugs and shirts.
Inside the 90s Slashers exhibit. Photo by Ashley Erikson.
On top of the 90s Slashers exhibit, Bearded Lady Vintage and Oddities LLC also has another museum open down the street called Flashback Video. The museum features photo ops from The Mystic Museum’s past exhibits including a Victorian seance parlor. The museum is reminiscent of a retro video rental store, except that all of the VHS tapes are horror movies.
Slashback Video as well as The Mystic Museum are available for party rentals and classes, and have been used in the past for wrap parties, signings, and even a taxidermy class.
Slashback Video museum. Photo courtesy of The Mystic Museum.
Tickets to Slashback Video are $12, so visiting both museums for under $30 is a great attraction for tourists and Burbank residents alike. You can visit the museums during their regular business hours and advanced tickets are not required. The Mystic Museum, located at 3204 W Magnolia Blvd, is open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and until 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Slashback Video, located at 2815 W Magnolia Blvd, is open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 6:00 pm.
Being a volunteer takes a special person and when they are recognized, it just reaffirms that what they are doing is truly appreciated.
This past Saturday, the 72nd Annual Burbank Council PTA Honorary Service Awards were handed out in front of Muir Middle School as each recipient drove past and received their award.
This is an annual event in which there is a dinner, but in this case, there is three years’ worth of recipients because of COVID-19.
Cathy Biermann, PTSA President at Burbank High, was present and performed double duty.
“It’s a great day. I’m actually a recipient for Emerson Elementary today because I’m at both schools,” she said. “I have a child at both. I’m a volunteer working it and I’m accepting it.”
Biermann added: “It’s just a nice moment for everybody to realize how much all of us do for our community, for the kids of Burbank, and we love it. None of us want accolades or kudos, but it’s really a nice feeling when we can say you did this.”
Lori Little, the Burbank Council PTA President, was also in attendance.
“Our volunteers are so important to us because we are a volunteer organization and what this is, every school is honoring volunteers,” she said. “This is just our way of making sure that the whole community knows about it and not just their school. I hope that they do feel the love because most people that volunteer doesn’t do it for this recognition, which makes it more special to give them this recognition.”
Little spoke about why this day is important. “This basis of PTA is to advocate for all of our children with one voice. So, to honor people that are showing up just to do good things for kids because they care about them,” she said. “It’s emotional and we haven’t been able to do this because of COVID.”
Debbie Kutka, the Burbank Unified School District’s Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Services, weighed in on why this day is important.
“Burbank is blessed with so many great volunteers and this is just a special event that the PTA gives, the honorary service awards for different parents, teachers, and administrators that really contribute a lot to the district,” she said. “There are so many great volunteers to be honored and to be selected to have this tribute, this is huge.”
Here is the list of award winners for 2022:
Bret Harte Elementary: Keri Cook Honorary Service Award, Michelle Kozin HSA, Dawn Poomee HSA, and Johanna Schofield HSA.
Disney Elementary: Gabriella Magana HSA.
Edison Elementary: Ellen Chan HSA, Shannon Harold HSA, Breanna Kelly HSA, and Oscar Macias HSA.
Emerson Elementary: Cathy Biermann HSA and My Lor Outstanding Teacher Award.
Jefferson Elementary: Kim Anderson OTA, Julie Barnhart Continuing Service Award, Samantha Marquis HSA, Dorothy Nguyen-Graff HSA, Kim Panosian HSA, Dawn Parker HSA, Michelle Ries CSA, Jennifer Rogerson HSA, Stephanie Stockton HSA, and Catie Young HSA.
McKinley Elementary: Shigeko Hanada OTA, Paige Oliver HSA, Jennie Palmer HSA, and Amy Storkel HSA.
Miller Elementary: Stewart Miller HSA, Erin Moran, HSA, Jennifer Sellers HSA, and John Eric Tucker Very Special Person Award.
Providencia Elementary: Erika Godwin HSA, Vargus Mason HSA, and Stephanie Yosh HSA.
Roosevelt Elementary: Jennifer Greene HSA, Sheryl Hambro OTA, Marla Hancock VSPA, Shannon Loffredo HSA, Manisha Parikh HSA, and Elizabeth Shipp HSA.
Stevenson Elementary: Katie Apice HSA, Jennifer Asbury HSA, Anne Askerneese HSA, Shelby Bowne HSA, and Carol Rowsey HSA.
Washington Elementary: Rush Hamden CSA, Amanda “Mandy” Karns CSA, Julie Lambert OTA, Maricar Oliveros HSA, and Brandi Young Outstanding Administrator Award.
Huerta Middle School: Juan Avila OAA, Tanisha Leath HSA, and Angela Osborne HSA.
Luther Middle School: Rob Arroyo HSA, Emigdio Barraza HSA, Jeanne Carino OTA, Dina Harney OTA and Carlos Solorzano OTA.
Muir Middle School: Kelly Duenckel CSA, Karl Maschek HSA, Mark Norberg OTA and Shakeh Shahbazian HSA.
Washington Elementary: Kristina Albarian OTA, Tim Behm HSA, Adriana Chavez OAA, and Aylin Ghookhassian CSA.
Huerta Middle School: Lisa Dyson HSA, Kristie Smith CSA, and Sonlay Vorachak HSA.
Luther Middle School: Susan Conway OTA, Traci Fellman HSA, Michelle Hacking HSA, and Laurie Harmon HSA.
Muir Middle School: Elbert Gu HSA, Gina Binda HSA, Naira Mnatsakanyan CSA, and Corey Howard OTA.
Burbank High: Kevin Adamson Very Special Person Award, Chris Bickelmann OTA, Linda Bitto HSA, Alicia Boote HSA, Jennifer Anne Le’Au HSA, Kathryn Ann Slater Nash HSA.
Burroughs High: Matt Chambers OAA, Keith Knoop OAA, Kathy Nealis HSA, John Peebles CSA, Shari Wendt HSA, and Alexis Weiner OTA.
Burbank Council Honorees: Wendi Harvel CSA and Dr. Greg Miller CSA.
Here are the award winners for 2020:
Bret Harte Elementary: Ashley Erickson HSA, Martin Moran HSA, Emily Nalbantian HSA, Barbara Steele HSA, and The Ugly Mug HSA.
Disney Elementary: Steve Hanneman HSA, Heidi Miller HSA, Rosemary Morrison HSA, and Geovanna Waters HSA.
Edison Elementary: Taylor Campbell Austin HSA, Laura Flosi OAA, Michele Hoog OTA, Christina Norton HSA, and Seana Zilbert HSA.
Emerson Elementary: Stella Chalian HSA, Ellen Dobbin OTA, Zhoulet Honarchian CSA, Heather LeRoy HSA, Robert LeRoy HSA, and Kirsten Morris HSA.
Jefferson Elementary: Rebecca Duffield HSA, Traci Lalicata HSA, Tish Reed HSA, and Gretchen Roberts HSA.
Tucked off San Fernando Boulevard near McCambridge Park, Miracle Bakery has grown into its own since opening nearly five years ago in a little strip mall on the south side of the street. The restaurant and bakery offers daily a robust selection of American and Latine breakfast and lunch items, whole cakes and fresh baked pastries.
The light and bright restaurant serves coffee and flavored lattes, fresh squeezed orange juice and lemonade, and some bottled drinks. In addition to a few cafe tables inside, Miracle Bakery also provides a large outdoor seating area.
Most recently, we’ve enjoyed the breakfast burrito, chilaquiles, breakfast quesadilla and the a la Mexicana scramble. We also found the carne asada torta, the tacos and the fried chicken sandwich extremely well made.
We ordered the breakfast burrito con papas, substituting the potatoes for rice, and found the combination with eggs, refried beans, onions, bell pepper, cheddar cheese and bacon to be perfectly made.
Chilaquiles with green salsa, sour cream, cotija, a fried egg and avocado from Miracle Bakery. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)
The chilaquiles were very good as presented for a lighter meal. We like to add another egg and extra salsa or order them loaded (adding pinto beans, avocado and meat) for a heartier plate.
The a la Mexicana scramble, made with three eggs, tomatoes, onions and green bell pepper and served with rice, refried beans and corn tortillas, tasted very fresh and was satisfying. The breakfast quesadilla of eggs, bacon, mozzarella, onion and cilantro, with added avocado, was also extremely fresh and tasty.
Miracle Bakery lists a number of Latine and American breakfast items, including waffles, french toast, breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, chile rellenos, chicken enchiladas and huevos rancheros. The lunch menu offers a fried chicken sandwich, chicken basket, shrimp plate, taco salad, burritos, tacos, tortas and more. Both menus are available throughout the day.
The carne asada torta was very enjoyable, combining the meat with lettuce, tomato, refried beans, mozzarella cheese, mayo, avocado, onions, cilantro and jalapenos. Tortas are all served with a side of Takis.
The tacos we tried – asada, chicken tinga and grilled shrimp – were excellent. Miracle Bakery’s asada is prepared in the traditional Mexican style. The accompanying red salsa provided a nice fire with just a few drops added per bite. They also offer barbacoa (shredded beef) and al pastor tacos.
Excellent fried chicken sandwich from Miracle Bakery. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)
Miracle Bakery’s fried chicken sandwich is one of the best we’ve ever had. We enjoyed their take, nestling beautifully fried chicken breast, chipotle mayo, pickles and coleslaw inside toasted challah bread and garnished with pickled banana peppers. The accompanying shoestring french fries were perfectly seasoned.
The pastries we’ve tried have also been terrific. The current seasonal scone, strawberry hibiscus, is delicious, as is the freshly made chocolate chip cookies and blueberry muffins. We’ve also tried the vegan, gluten-free lavender donut and it’s very good.
In fact, Miracle Bakery offers a number of gluten-free and/or vegan pastries and plates, providing a wide range of options for diners. Pastries are made fresh daily.
Although Miracle Bakery is a recent discovery for us, we plan to return again and again to work our way through their breakfast and lunch menus, along with sampling more of their creative pastries.
Miracle Bakery cake case. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)
Clean and tidy, with friendly staff and absolutely delicious coffees and food, Miracle Bakery earns a Tops In Town. This hidden gem of a restaurant is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee, pastry and beautifully made cakes.
Restaurant Info: Miracle Bakery is located at 1529 N. San Fernando Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91504. 818-561-4883. Miracle Bakery is open Sunday and Monday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Miracle Bakery receives: Tops In Town
myBurbank Ratings:
Tops In Town (Outstanding)
On The Marquee (Really Good)
Could Use A Rewrite (Average or Slightly Below)
Don’t Quit Your Day Job (Poor)
Burbank High School Principal, Dr. Thomas Crowther, has announced that he is leaving Burbank High School as Principal on May 13, just short of three years after being appointed to the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment K -12 with one of the original charter organizations in Los Angeles.
Crowther is the second High School Principal to leave the District this year after Monterey Principal David Guyer announced he was leaving to take a position out of the State of California. Burroughs has a new Principal this year with Dr. Matt Chambers, who took over for Deborah Madrigal who resigned last year.
District officials have yet to comment on Crowther’s departure when asked for comment. If they respond we will update this story to include any comments.
myBurbank obtained the following is the announcement made by Crowther.
Dear Burbank High School Families,
When I came back to BHS in July of 2019 it was a very special homecoming for me. It is with mixed emotions that I share I have resigned as principal of Burbank HS effective May 13, 2022 to take a new opportunity as a Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment K -12 with one of the original charter organizations in Los Angeles. I feel that this is the right move at the right time for both me and my family.
I will miss our amazing students. It has been an honor to be a small part of such a special time in their lives and to have been trusted with guiding them during a once in a lifetime pandemic. Thank you for trusting us with your Bulldog! Given that I am a byproduct of BUSD, a long-time resident of the City of Burbank and that this is the district where my children attend school I will remain an advocate for the students of this district and I am committed to seeing it make the changes I believe necessary in the challenges ahead.
The NOH8 campaign is coming to Burbank on Friday, April 29th and hosting an open photoshoot from 6:00-9:00 pm. NOH8 is a worldwide movement and photographic silent protest founded by photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in response to the Constitution ban on same-sex marriage in 2008.
Bouska is a celebrity photographer and worked with Parshley to produce the campaign that features people with white shirts, duct tape over their mouth and “NOH8” painted on one cheek. The images symbolize the voices that were silenced by Prop 8 and other legislations around the world. The campaign has now reached over 100,000 supporters in their photos with 37,000 solo photos and 23,000 group photos stretching across 46 states and 21 countries.
Photo by Adam Bouska
“We believe the NOH8 photos act as a tool to create dialogue and to show support for equality. It’s important we keep telling our stories and being visible and if these photos can spark that conversation, we encourage everyone to have one,” said Parshley. “Even if there is no vocal dialogue, the photos speak volumes these days as they have taken on the iconic meaning of support for equal rights for all.”
The open photo shoot in Burbank will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel located at 2100 Empire Ave, and no advanced tickets are required. Single person photos are $40 and groups or couples photos are $25 per person. Funds raised by the photo shoots goes toward social media awareness campaigns for marriage and human equality, anti-discrimination and anti-bullying. A plain white shirt is required for the photos but the duct tape and “NOH8” temporary tattoo will be supplied on site.
Photo by Adam Bouska
The NOH8 headquarters was located in Burbank for the beginning years of the project so Parshley and Bouska are excited to be back where it all started. During the pandemic, all photo shoots were cancelled, and Friday’s event in Burbank will be their first mainstream shoot since the beginning of COVID.
Bouska will taking about ten frames per person and one image will be chosen and edited by their team, which will be available within eight weeks. Bouska’s photography studio is currently located in Studio City and has shot magazine and book covers with Jane Lynch, Barry Manilow, Meghan McCain, Deepak Chopra, and more.
They have hosted over 350 official NOH8 photoshoots processing up to 800 groups in one day. They have learned to get through the photos quickly and efficiently and don’t anticipate a wait at Friday’s shoot. Photos are on a first come basis and they will be taking people up until their cut off time of 9:00 pm.
Photo by Adam Bouska
“As the founders of the campaign, and for something that started in our living room, the NOH8 campaign has come to mean more than we could have ever imagined,” added Parshley. “We started the campaign because our right to marry was taken away but over the years, the supporters have shown us that the meaning of NOH8 is so much more than that. They tell us why it relates to them and how they interpret the message and that’s taught us that we all relate to hate differently. It keeps reminding us that this campaign is needed. Especially these days.”
For more information on the #NOH8Worldwide movement coming to Burbank this Friday, visit here!
Looking to shake off her earlier struggles, Stevie Dabbadie found an ideal opportunity.
The Burroughs High softball pitcher encountered a rough beginning in the circle before redeeming herself with the bat in a pressure-packed situation.
Dabbadie registered a go-ahead bases-loaded double in the fifth inning to help Burroughs overcome a huge deficit en route to a 9-4 Pacific League victory against Crescenta Valley on Tuesday at Olive Park.
Burroughs (19-9, 8-5 in league) scored six runs in the inning to build an 8-4 lead and record its first win this season against Crescenta Valley (18-9, 10-2).
Dabbadie doubled down the left-field line with one out off Crescenta Valley pitcher Perri Deriah to help the Bears, who are ranked sixth in CIF Southern Section Division IV, rally from a 4-0 deficit.
“We didn’t let being down 4-0 keep us down,” said Dabbadie, who yielded eight hits and struck out four in 6 2/3 innings. “There’s a lot of pressure coming into the game and we had a real good chance to make a comeback.
“I had to relax and trust myself with that at-bat. I got the hit and we could feel things turn around for us.”
Crescenta Valley, which is tied for first with Arcadia with one game remaining in the regular season, took a 2-0 lead in the third on a two-run double by Isabella Jamgotchian. The Falcons made it 3-0 in the fourth on a bases-loaded walk by Dabbadie to Hayley Neale, followed by a sacrifice fly by Lily Hinkle to extend the lead to 4-0.
Burroughs scored two runs in the fourth to trim the lead to 4-2. Isabella Scozzola and Gizelle Rangsiyawong had back-to-back run-scoring singles.
The Bears sent 10 batters to the plate in the fifth. Kelsey Acosta, Mia Ramirez and Rachel Little singled with one out before Dabbadie’s double made it 5-4. Later in the inning, Gigi Garcia had a run-scoring single to extend the lead to 6-4 before Pangsiyawong had a two-run double to give the Bears, who will finish in third in league, an 8-4 advantage.
“We’ve been working on situational hitting at practice the last few days,” said Rangsiyawong, who finished with two hits. “We were able to come through in some of those situations today. We just want to finish up strong and be ready for the playoffs.”
Ramirez closed out the scoring in the sixth with a sacrifice fly.
Veteran Burroughs coach Doug Nicol said the Bears wanted to regroup following a 4-2 loss Thursday against cross-town rival Burbank.
“We just wanted to get back on track,” said Nicol, whose team collected 11 hits Tuesday. “Adversity is only temporary. We had some early and we battled back.”We were able to get some big hits when we needed them and we like where we are at.”
Little, Acosta and Scozzola had two hits apiece for Burroughs, which lost its first two meetings against Crescenta Valley by scores of 4-0 and 8-5.
Burroughs will wrap up the regular season against Burbank at 6 p.m. Thursday at McCambridge Park.
If you saw the game, it certainly had to rank up there with one of the best Burbank vs. Burroughs baseball games in recent memory.
If you didn’t see it, the best thing is you can see it again in less than 72 hours when the teams hook up at Burroughs.
In an outstanding pitching duel that saw both starting pitchers leave only because they had exceeded the pitch count limit, Burbank defeated visiting Burroughs 2-1 in nine innings Tuesday night. With the bases loaded, Jimmy Cafferty hit the first pitch he saw from Burroughs reliever Sebastian Zamora to right field to end the game for the Bulldogs.
(Photo by Austin Gephardt)
“I knew he’d go fastball to get ahead in the count and I had to make him pay,” Cafferty said. “I had to do it for my teammates. We needed this win.”
Burbank (15-7, 10-3 in league) is now tied with Burroughs (16-10, 10-3) for second place in the league. Arcadia holds a one-game lead for the league title, after its 4-1 win over Crescenta Valley, which has secured the fourth-place position in the league. Burroughs pitcher Gunnar Nichols was superb in allowing just three hits over eight innings, none of which came past the second inning. “I thought it was a battle. The pitching was really great. It took me an inning or two to settle in. Once I did, I kept it going,” said Nichols, who had 12 strikeouts.
Burbank scored in the first inning as Wyatt Lamarsna singled and scored on a ground ball double by Jared Cantu just inside the right-field baseline. Burroughs tied things in the sixth inning when pinch-runner Dylan Conahan scored from second base following an infield error by Burbank. Burbank pitcher Josh DiPietro went seven innings, surrendered just four hits, and struck out eight Burroughs hitters. He was relieved in extra innings by Jose Avellaneda, who threw two scoreless innings. “It is definitely one for the books in the Burbank-Burroughs series. I tip my cap to them. They played well. We didn’t execute. That’s baseball,” Burroughs coach Matt Magallon said. “We get another crack at them and we’ll see how it goes. If we played the way we did today, it is probably going to turn out the same exact way. If we play to our capability, then it is probably going to go the other way.”
Burbank coach Bob Hart applauded the effort.
“It was just a great all-around baseball game. Both teams played really well. The pitching was outstanding. It’s a play here or a play there. That’s baseball,” he said.
(Photo by Austin Gephardt)(Photo by Austin Gephardt)(Photo by Austin Gephardt)(Photo by Austin Gephardt)(Photo by Austin Gephardt)(Photo by Austin Gephardt)(Photo by Austin Gephardt)
As human beings, we’re all better off taking care of our bodies and minds, but in truth, it’s not always easy, and especially with a global pandemic still wreaking havoc.
And because it’s difficult, even for adults to keep both in tip-top shape, and particularly our minds, John Muir Middle School recently put on an all-day mental health event called “Muir Empowered.”
Instead of attending classes, the students visited more than a dozen workshops and assemblies on important matters such as being mindful, dealing with stress, anxiety, empowerment, yoga, vaping awareness, and suicide prevention.
“Mental health is important all the time for our kids, even during good times our kids struggle with anxiety,” said Dr. Greg Miller, Muir’s principal. “There’s a lot of stress growing up as a teenager, but particularly the coming out of the pandemic with the loneliness and isolation that a lot of our kids felt, we just found this year their mental health is more fragile than ever.”
Miller, who has been at Muir for 10 years, said this type of event comes around every three years because, after that period of time, the student has moved on to high school.
Each student who attends Muir will have an opportunity to experience and learn from the event.
“The point of Muir Empowered is to give them tools. To help them know that it’s okay to not be okay,” he said. “That they need to speak up when they need help and to give them tools to address issues when they feel depressed, or they feel down, or they feel anxious about things. To let them know that things can get better. they just need to be actively working towards that.”
Because no one is perfect and we all make mistakes, the day’s calendar will help navigate the pitfalls of being a young person in today’s ever-changing world and with social media omnipresent.
“I think today will help equip our kids for a lot of different things. Even now coming out of the isolation of the pandemic, that may pass but there might be other times when they’re lonely,” Miller said. “There are definitely times when our kids face stress. Today is about all the different things you can do, whether it’s talking to someone, whether it’s doing art or drums or drama or yoga which are all things that the kids are experiencing today as ways of therapy. All of that is a way that you can deal with those feelings you are having and better yourself emotionally.”
Knowing what to do or where to go is essential if someone is feeling alone or anxious.
“There are simple things you can do by yourself. Journaling can be very powerful with different feelings you are having. Taking deep breaths, breathing exercises, things like yoga, all these things are free and available online. Talking to a therapist is a great tool,” Miller said. “There are people out there if you need help. We have counselors. We have a school psychologist. It’s okay to reach out. You just have to voice it.”
This is a significant undertaking, but it’s important and necessary according to Miller.
“There’s a team of us that have come together to do this. It’s the counselors and administrators together and we do all the coordinating,” he pointed out. “We have 30 different presenters, so we’re the ones contacting them, asking all these agencies and nonprofits and therapy groups if they’ll come in and donate their time to work with our kids. It’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it.”
Shana Duran works as a counselor at Muir and believes this day is critical because of what can be learned.
“Since we as counselors see a lot of anxiety, suicidal ideations, there’s been some vaping. This day is for empowerment. This day is for mental health. This day is to help kids even if they may not vape right now, they could be vaping in the future,” she said. “The stuff that we’re showing right now could help them through those times. We had an empowerment speaker talk about being you and being happy about being you which is important for kids at this age. Middle school is a tough age. We’re doing what we can to help them with their mental health and their academics. This day is all about mental health and getting them through the hard times.”
The day’s events included several speakers, and they were Jessie Funk, renowned teen resilience speaker, Robb Holladay, national anti-vaping speaker, Ernie G., national empowerment speaker, and Didi Hirsch.
A movie titled: Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety was shown to parents and afterward a panel discussion with the producer of the film that included the school psychologist and a parent.
Also on the sprawling Muir campus was UCLA’s Center for Child Anxiety, Love on Paws, Institute for Girls Development, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Burbank Family Services Agency, Hope Therapy Center, Remo Drum Center Rhythm Wellness, Counseling 4 Kids, Destinations for Teens and numerous yoga instructors.
Maybe it was the fact it would host rival Burroughs High in a few days, but the Burbank softball team seemed unusually flat when it played Arcadia on Tuesday afternoon at McCambridge Park.
Garnering just two singles to a dozen hits for the Apaches that included four extra-base hits, the visitors claimed a 10-0 decision in a Pacific League clash.
Senior Hannah Zacariaz lashed a one-out hit to right field in the fifth inning and reached second base on a sacrifice by sophomore Eliza Bowren, but advanced no further when junior Shelby Cribbs fouled out to first base..
Bowren added a two-out base hit to center field in the seventh but was anchored there when Cribbs grounded to third base.
Sophomore Grace Workman was in the pitching circle for the Bulldogs (12-15 and 5-7 in league) and allowed four walks with a hit batter and struck out three across seven innings.
Shortstop Samantha Buckley has the ball race past her on this play versus Arcadia. (Photo by Austin Gebhardt)
Sophomore Sophia Herrera collected the victory after working six innings, fanning eight, walking two and nicking one batter.
It was even until Arcadia tallied six runs in the fourth inning that saw a dozen batters come to the plate.
Junior Tiara Westbrook (four runs batted in) singled in a run with a single to left field.
Senior Jasmine Ahdoot’s bloop double to left field drove in a run and junior Giselle Lai’s base hit to center field added two more runs.
Westbrook, who pitched the seventh inning and allowed one hit, tacked on another RBI when she walked with the bases filled.
Two frames later, the Apaches (17-3 and 10-2 in league) struck for two runs on two hits as Westbrook walloped a two-out, two-run single to center field.
Arcadia wasn’t done scoring as it saw Herrera collect two RBIs on a two-run triple to left.
Workman’s day began in fine fashion as she faced three batters in the initial inning after giving up a walk to Lai who moved to second base on a passed ball.
Senior Morgan Howey was erased when he hit into a double play and the frame concluded when Westbrook lined to right field.
The second stanza was solid for Workman as she saw junior Amya Ennist ground out to shortstop, but sophomore Virginia Garcia-Torres singled to left.
Workman then buckled down and induced Ahdoot to pop up to first base and junior Lawryn Chen to bounce into an inning-ending force out.
A 1-2-3 third inning followed for Workman as sophomore Isabella Aspeitia popped to first base and Herrera lined to center field. Lai fanned swinging to end the frame.
Workman’s fifth inning began when Garcia-Torres led off with a hit to right center and after sophomore Veronica Meyers fanned swinging, Chen bounced into a double play.
Herrera worked three perfect frames, and they were the second, third and fourth.
Sophomore Kara Valencia opened the second inning with a swinging strikeout and Zacariaz lined to right field. The frame ended when Bowren grounded to first base.
Cribbs began the third inning by popping up to second base and junior Delilah Alvarado and sophomore Belinda Lujano both struck out swinging.
Senior Elizabeth Zamora commenced the fourth inning with a swinging strikeout and junior Samantha Buckley did the same. Junior Sasha Quintanar bounced to shortstop to cap the frame.
Johnny Agazaryan is a confident person and it’s helped him become one of the best water polo players in Burbank High history.
This past season, under his senior leadership and overwhelming skill, the long-suffering Bulldogs reached the CIF Southern Section Division V championship game against Carpinteria.
On that night in November in Orange County, Burbank, which finished the campaign 23-3 and 8-0 in the Pacific League, came up three goals short and lost 12-9, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
“Our change in coach is what definitely helped us get so far my senior year. It caused the team’s mindset to change,” Agazaryan said. “Our coach pushed them to work harder and harder every day. He created a group of kids who all thought the same and had the same goal, getting to the championship.”
That man is David Arakelyan, a former standout water polo player at Burroughs who instilled something special in this team.
Arakelyan was thrilled to have Agazaryan on the team.
“Johnny is a very talented player who was a great leader for our team this year,” he said. “He led our team in almost every category this year and was our go-to guy. He’s a fantastic player who can go very far in this sport.”
Arakelyan addressed him as a person out of the pool.
Burbank High’s Johnny Agazaryan was a scoring machine and helped lead the Bulldogs to the CIF Southern Section Division V title game. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
“He’s a fantastic person. He not only cares about his success but also the success of those that are around him, and that’s what makes a great leader like him shine,” he pointed out.
That run was impressive as the Bulldogs beat Cathedral 18-6, Valley View 14-7 and Buena 9-8 before falling to Carpinteria.
Agazaryan, named the CIF Division V Most Valuable Player and the league MVP, was a veritable scoring machine who accounted for 370 goals in his four-year career, including 150 tallies this season, pointed out a few matches that were memorable.
“There are three games that stand out to me most. The first being Burbank versus Crescenta Valley my freshman year,” he said.” An hour delay on the game and the whole crowd was still there. Head-to-head until the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, we lost by one point. The game will go down as one of the best games I’ve played, scoring seven of the 11 goals”
Agazaryan, who also totaled 200 steals and countless assists, added: “Following that is the buzzer-beater by Robert Kharazyan in the game against Buena in the semifinals and lastly my CIF Finals game, although we lost,” he noted. “It was our goal to take my team to the finals one day. I did that.”
Any time Burbank took on city rival Burroughs, Agazaryan was pumped.
“Playing against Burroughs was definitely one of the highlights of the season,” he said of that 13-7 triumph. “The crowd was amazing; the energy was great, and it felt great to finally beat Burroughs after seven straight years of losing.”
Though Agazaryan could put the ball in the net almost at will, his primary goal was to win the match.
“To me, scoring is not a big deal. The end result is what matters to me most at the end of the day,” he said. “I can score 11 goals in a game and if we win, I’m content.”
There were a few bumps in the road, but not many this season, which included a 19-match winning streak, as Agazaryan fought through them.
“When I see things start going down, I take a step back, access and rely on my family and God,” he said. “I keep my faith and just keep working harder and harder.”
More than anything, Agazaryan wants to play for UC San Diego, and has had discussions with them.
“Yes, I am confident, but I don’t let my confidence alter my judgment,” he said. “I go in every day to practice with an open mind ready to have new things every day. That is why I think I would prevail in college water polo.”
Regardless of whether Agazaryan gets into UCSD and plays water polo, he gives everything he has.
“My drive and my mentality is why I think I will succeed,” he said. “In my mind, I always think I’m not good enough, pushing myself to act better every day and my willingness to put in the work.”
In a way, Agazaryan, who was the Offensive MVP all four seasons, is most at peace when he’s in the water playing water polo.
“To me, water polo is not just a sport, it’s something where I can just shut my mind off and play,” he offered. “The dynamic, intensity, teamwork and all-around challenge of the sport is what keeps me in love and going.”
There are no more high school water polo matches for Agazaryan, but that’s okay.
“The thing I will definitely miss most about high school water polo is the energy of the crowds and the bond you make with your teammates in just one season,” he said.
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Agazaryan said he left no stone unturned, except maybe one.
“Looking back, the only thing I would do differently is not take time for granted,” he said.” I would work even harder than I did.”
This is saying something because no player worked harder than Agazaryan in or out of the pool.
