It was a busy day for the Burbank Congressman as he combined with others to introduce two news bills to help young children and renters.

Representative Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), joined by Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), introduced the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act, comprehensive, forward-thinking legislation that would make tremendous investments in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Unfortunately, Head Start programs are dramatically under funded. Schiff’s legislation would invest billions of dollars in Head Start programs, infrastructure, and workforce in order to provide critical, high-quality education, health, and social services to young children and families from low-income households.

“As a parent, I know just how critical a quality education and affordable child care is for working families. There’s no question that families across the country are facing a child care crisis brought on by high costs of care and low pay for child care providers. My legislation takes bold steps to tackle workforce challenges and increase investments in Head Start and Early Start programs that are key to the success of children and families,” said Rep. Schiff.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve as pillars of our communities, but are largely under-resourced, outdated, and understaffed. Earlier this year, the National Head Start Association found that nearly twenty percent of all Head Start and Early Head Start staff positions were vacant. The top reason cited for these vacancies continues to be low compensation. Further, a report by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that over 70 percent of surveyed Head Start facilities are in need of renovations. Without intervention, the worsening workforce and infrastructure crises could jeopardize Head Start programs across the country.

Specifically, the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act would – 

• Expand eligibility to include families with children 5 years old and younger who are:
  • Eligible for assistance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
  • At or below 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Triple annual funding levels to $36 billion for Fiscal Years 2025-2030.
• Establish a grant program providing $1 billion in annual funding to renovate, expand, and acquire program facilities
• Provide student loan forgiveness for Head Start and Early Head Start child care workers.
• Establish a grant program to increase salaries for Head Start and Early Head Start workers.

You can find the full bill text here.

He also introduced the Affordable Housing Stability During Shutdowns Act, which would exempt several federal rental assistance programs from the impact of a government shutdown. 

The Affordable Housing Stability During Shutdowns Act would safeguard critical housing assistance for the most vulnerable such as low-income Americans, seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. 

“Californians should not bear the consequences of a Republican Congress that cannot govern,” said Rep. Schiff. “I’m introducing the Affordable Housing Stability During Shutdowns Act to protect workers and families by ensuring that funding for rental assistance programs is available during a government shutdown. The housing crisis is bad enough without a government shutdown making it so much worse.”

The Affordable Housing Stability During Shutdowns Act would ensure funding will be made available for several rental assistance programs in the event of a government shutdown. These programs include:

• Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), including the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 8, Project-Based Vouchers, and other rental assistance payments, impacting over 2 million people in low-income households. Two-thirds of PBRA heads of households are seniors and disabled adults, and the average household income is just over $13,000.
• HUD’s Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, which provides affordable housing to over 400,000 low-income older adults.
• HUD’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, which offers rental assistance and supportive services for 1.1 million households consisting of adults with long-term disabilities.
• Rental Assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) program, which currently helps nearly 300,000 eligible tenants nationwide living in RD-financed multifamily housing afford to pay their rent.

During the historic government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018, the vast majority of the HUD employees were furloughed, and departmental operations were reduced to minimal activity. In addition, nearly all of the USDA’s Rural Development staff administering housing programs were also furloughed, threatening the agency’s rural rental housing activities and having a significant impact on renters in rural housing programs.

You can find the full bill text here.

The post Rep. Adam Schiff Introduces Two New Bills appeared first on myBurbank.

myBurbank asked Burbank Police Sergeant Steven Turner about the following crimes of interest in Burbank.

The Burbank Police Department has released a summary of some of the incidents that occurred in the city on September 24, 25, and 26, 2023. The following is a chronological order of the events, according to the police:

• On September 24, at around 2:37 p.m., a suspect entered Sephora at the 1400 block of W Victory Boulevard and stole over $1,100.00 in perfumes. The case is being investigated as a grand theft.
• On September 26, at around 3:50 a.m., officers responded to a report of a physical altercation between two roommates at the 500 block of E Cypress Avenue. One of the roommates was arrested for misdemeanor battery.
• On September 26, at around 1:40 p.m., officers discovered that an unknown suspect(s) had forced entry into a residence at the 600 block of Bethany Road and committed a theft. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect description was available.
• On September 27, at around 12:15 a.m., a witness observed a suspect stealing mail from a mailbox at W Verdugo Avenue and N Florence Street. The suspect vehicle, described as a silver four-door Mercedes, fled south on N Hollywood Way. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle or the suspect.
• On September 27, at around 12:55 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop for California Vehicle Code violations at W Oak Street and N Screenland Drive. The driver was found to be in possession of brass knuckles, pepper spray and taser, which are prohibited for felons. The driver was arrested for possession of brass knuckles and felon in possession of pepper spray and a taser.

The Burbank Police Department reminds the public to report any suspicious activity or crime to (818) 238-3000 or online at www.burbankpd.org.

The post Latest Crimes in Burbank as Reported by the Burbank Police appeared first on myBurbank.

By Rick Assad

It’s loads of fun and extremely educational and beginning on Friday, September 29, the Providence High varsity softball team, headed by Manny Travieso, the coach, will oversee its inaugural Diamond Clinic at Olive Park.

The camps are free of charge, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., run on October 6, 13, and 20 and will teach youngsters softball fundamentals to girls in grades fifth through eighth. Walk-ins are also welcome to join in on the fun.

If interested, please contact james.jimenez@providencehigh.org.

Travieso will be assisted by Pioneers assistant and pitching coach Patti Workman, along with many current Providence players.

“The camp offers invaluable benefits to its attendees by providing a firsthand glimpse into the workings of a college-level softball practice. Despite being a high school program, we approach our coaching and training with the same standards as college-level teams,” Travieso said. “Our primary objective is to give aspiring female athletes an opportunity to comprehend the dedication and effort required to ascend to the next level of their athletic journey. Also, we emphasize that softball is not only fun but also a potential gateway to significant opportunities, including scholarships for higher education.”

Travieso continued: “We aim to instill in our campers the understanding that the sport itself can pave the way for greater achievements and prospects in their future,” he offered. “This not only benefits the campers but also reflects positively on Providence High as we nurture and guide our students toward success both on and off the field.”

Because of tough economic times, it’s important that there is no charge for the clinics, according to Travieso.

“These camps hold great importance as they embody Providence High School varsity softball coaches’ and players’ commitment to community service and paying it forward,” he said. “Even though the recent WGA-SAG/AFTRA strike appears to be over, we recognize that parents can still benefit from some financial relief amid ongoing never-ending expenses. By offering these camps for free, we aim to eliminate financial barriers that might otherwise prevent aspiring softball players from pursuing their dreams of high school and college level play.”

The clinic is the brainchild of Providence’s baseball coach, Mando Contreras.

“The inspiration for the camp emerged from Providence High School’s dedication to fostering athletic growth and community engagement. The foundation for this camp was laid by Coach Contreras, who initiated similar baseball camps in previous years,” Travieso said. “Building on this successful model and recognizing the enthusiasm among softball enthusiasts, we decided to extend this opportunity to the softball community by introducing these complimentary camps. It’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and providing valuable experiences for young athletes in both baseball and softball.”

Senior pitcher/first baseman Olyvia Rutter will help out and is excited to lend a hand.

“I participate in the camp because I want to help young girls become leaders on the field, improve their softball mechanics and skills and see them succeed both as a player and a teammate,” she said. “I have so much fun teaching all the young athletes new things because they truly look up to all of the Providence softball girls who are running the camp. They see us as role models, and I want to continue to be a role model to them, someone they can look up to and learn from.”

Rutter, who played a series of games in Cuba this summer, feels there is a need for these clinics.

“It is important to have this camp because young girls need to have access to resources like this camp, to come out and work on and improve their skills,” she said. “Some families do not have the financial ability to pay for private lessons for their children and by Providence offering these free camps/clinics it makes it more accessible to many families. We are offering a great resource to all families and athletes in the area. At the same time, these young girls are making friends and having fun.”

Rutter will be busy once the camps begin and she’s looking forward to them.

“In the camp, my role will be running different stations and drills. I will be assisting my coaches and teammates by helping explain the drills to the athletes,” she said. “When the group reaches me in the pitching group, I will help them with pitching drills that they can work on during the week.”

Grace Workman is a pitcher and first baseman for the Pioneers and will showing the campers the fundamentals of the game.

“We try to teach different softball skills each week. We work on throwing, hitting, fielding, baserunning, and pitching,” she said. “I help with teaching the pitchers and first baseman.”  

Workman said it’s important to share the game she loves with others.

“I enjoy teaching the younger generations of softball players the game of softball,” she explained. “I love the sport and want others to love it too”

The post Providence Softball Will Hold Camps For Youngsters appeared first on myBurbank.

Students and staff at John Muir Middle School welcomed visiting high school students from Japan’s Rebun Island for the school’s annual Japan Day festivities on Friday, September 22. This is the eleventh visit to JMMS by the Japanese students in collaborations with the Rebun Island International Exchange Program directed by Dr. Akiko Agishi of Creative Enterprise International (CEI.)

For the 2023 Japan Day program, visiting Japanese students sat in on some of Muir Middle School’s classes in the morning and then joined members of the Muir Associated Student Body for a tea ceremony in the school library.

After lunch, the Rebun students changed into their traditional dance outfits and performed the yosakoi fishing dance for two student assemblies in the afternoon.

The Japanese students were joined by young drumming prodigy Yoyoka who shared her impressive percussion skills with the Muir students.

“The afternoon assemblies afforded the whole school the opportunity to experience the yosokoi dance provided by Rebun students and to watch a performance by the brilliant Yoyoka,” commented Muir Vice Principal Corey Howard, who coordinated the Japan Day activities. “Students and staff alike were impressed with Yoyoka’s talent and stated that it was the best assembly that Muir has hosted in years.”

“Mr. Howard did an incredible job on Japan Day. I have heard from several teachers who said this was the best Japan Day assembly we’ve had,” commented Ted DeVirgilis, who recorded a message for the Japan Day closing ceremony, as he is currently in the middle of a sabbatical from teaching at Muir while he teaches in Japan for a year.

“The Rebun students gave a wonderful yosakoi dance performance,” he added. “And Yoyoka’s power and inspiration had Muir’s Burnside Auditorium absolutely rocking, perhaps with echoes of Muir’s famous alumni guitarist Randy Rhoads.”

“Yoyoka is already considered one of the top drummers in the world at the age of 13, drawing praise from Robert Plant, Dave Grohl and numerous online music reactors. I can’t wait to see how her career takes off now that she has moved to the Los Angeles area,” De Virgilis also said.

DeVirgilis shared his message to the visiting Rebun Island students along with a video he made of he and his family’s recent visit to the northernmost island of Japan: “Konnichiwa, John Muir Middle School! This is Mr. DeVirgilis, on sabbatical teaching English in the Japanese countryside. It’s actually Saturday at 6:45 a.m. here on the other side of the globe, so I am speaking to you from the future!”

“I am so happy that today is Japan Day, our eleventh Japan Day at Muir, when we welcome our friends from Rebun High School! (Minasan, kon’nichiwa. Myūa de, soshite hosutofamirī to issho ni tanoshī jikan o sugoshite itadakereba saiwai desu.) [translated: Hello, friends. I hope you have a great time at Muir and with your host families.]“

“Muir Family, I am excited that you got to see the amazing drummer Yoyoka. I am a big fan of hers. And some of you also got to take part in a tea ceremony today – or have Rebun students visit your classes. How cool!”

“My daughter Yuzu, my wife, and I got a chance to travel up to Rebun in July to see our Sister School. I made a six-minute film about the amazing people and school on Rebun.”

“We loved it on Rebun Island. I am so thankful to Rebun High School, Mr. Fujisawa at city hall, Mayor Ono, and the whole island for welcoming us.”

“Dr. Miller and I had a student trip to Rebun scheduled for June of 2020, but of course that had to be ‘corona canceled.’ As I hint in the video, I am organizing a 2025 trip to Rebun for students. More info about that when I’m back teaching at Muir after Spring Break.”

“We have had so many amazing experiences this year. I hope you get a chance to travel, whether it’s around the world or around our amazing USA. Or both. It’s always easier, more comfortable to stay home, but meeting people from different cultures is always worth the effort. You learn so much about different beliefs, music, and food. (I love living in the USA, but we are decades behind Japan in bullet train—and toilet—technology!) Maybe, most important, when you meet people from around the world, you learn that humans are similar no matter where you go: We all want peace for our loved ones and the freedom to pursue happiness.”

“You have your whole life to travel though. I didn’t leave the country until I was in college doing a semester abroad. In the meantime, keep studying.”

DeVirgilis answered a few student questions live via chat online before concluding his Japan Day presentation.

The day’s events were funded by parents of the John Muir Fundraising Committee.

“I am honored to work at a school that has such a vibrant history of going beyond the classroom to provide enriching cultural experiences for our students and staff,” Howard added. “I am thankful for the Japanese Business Association and Rebun Schools for the wonderful day and all the opportunities that have been afforded to our students due to the hard work of the partnership.”

Last year, DeVirgilis and Muir Principal Greg Miller joined the visiting Japanese delegation at the Grand Canyon to celebrated the Rebun Island International Exchange Program’s 10th anniversary.

During the 2022 Muir Japan Day program, Burbank students enjoyed a kimono show and live performance from a Japanese-American musician, drummer and performer, Ken Koshio.

Muir Middle School and Rebun High School have been Sister Schools since 2019 and have shared a rich cultural exchange for more than a decade.

The post Muir Middle School Welcomes Japanese Students For Annual Japan Day Festivities appeared first on myBurbank.

The Burbank Armenian Association is excited to unveil its collaboration in promoting the upcoming art gallery titled “FLARE.” This distinctive event will spotlight “Underground Artists of the Soviet Era from the 1970s-1980s and their Protégés.”

Set to take place on October 20th, 8 PM at IMX Auto Group, 811 N Victory Blvd, the gallery offers a poignant journey into a tumultuous historical period. Attendees will delve into evocative stories from those who faced the challenges of the Soviet era.

The Burbank Armenian Association is particularly grateful to Narineh Aghajanian, the esteemed wife of the owner of IMX Auto Group, for her pivotal role in presenting this event to the community.

Event Details: Name: FLARE Theme: Underground Artists of the Soviet Era (1970s-1980s) and their Protégés Date & Time: Friday, October 20th, 8 PM Location: IMX Auto Group, 811 N Victory Blvd. RSVP: Interested parties can secure their spot by visiting www.burbankarm.org/events

Members of the public are encouraged to attend this enlightening event.

The post Burbank Armenian Association, IMX Auto Group Combine to Showcase Art Gallery, “FLARE.” appeared first on myBurbank.

Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) released the following statement on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

“Today, the nation has truly lost a giant of the U.S. Senate, California has lost its trail-blazing leader, and I lost a real friend and mentor. Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the finest legislators we have ever seen, and her accomplishments made our country and world a better place.

“The Senator’s legacy is unmatched.

“Senator Feinstein single-handedly pushed an assault weapons ban over the finish line, and never gave up her fight to end gun violence. She fought powerful agencies to investigate and uncover torture – and made sure it would never happen again. She helped protect California’s natural beauty and preserve its lands for generations. And she always fought for LGBTQ rights and women’s equality throughout her career.

“My thoughts are with Senator Feinstein’s friends, family, and staff at this time, and my heart goes out to them. California and all its citizens are truly indebted to the Senator and her family for her decades of service. We are all better off for her dogged pursuit of policies that made our country a better union.”

The post Rep. Adam Schiff’s Statement on the Passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein appeared first on myBurbank.

The CIF Southern Section has released the breakdown for each team that participates in the 2024 winter season playoffs.
The criteria was developed through a mathematical formula that takes into account past success over the last two years as well as strength of schedule and other factors.

For boys’ basketball, Burroughs High has been placed in Division 4AA. Burbank High will compete in the Division 4-A playoffs should they qualify. Providence High will compete in the Division 2AA playoffs should they qualify.

For girls’ basketball, Burroughs High has been placed in Division 2A as coach Vicky Oganyan’s side generally plays a tough nonleague schedule. Burbank and Providene highs have both been placed in Division 3AA.
In boys’ soccer, Burbank High has been placed in Division 5. Burroughs High will compete in the Division 6 playoffs if the Bears qualify for postseason play. Providence boys’ soccer is slated to compete in the Division 7 playoffs.
In girls’ soccer, Burroughs High was drawn into Division 5. Burbank and Providence were both drawn into Division 7.

Burroughs was drawn into Division 3 for girls’ water polo. Burbank High’s girls’ water polo team was drawn into Division 5.
Divisions are determined by leagues for wrestling. Burbank High competes in the Rio Hondo League, which was drawn into Division 3 on the boys’ side. For those moving on to the postseason as individuals, Burbank was drawn into the Coastal Division, which will include competitors from the Channel, Golden, Golden West, Marmonte, Mt. Baldy, Trinity and Valle Vista leagues.
For girls’ wrestling, Rio Hondo league individual competitors will compete in the Central Division and could face an opponent from the Arrowhead/South Valley, Channel, Citrus Belt, Desert Sky, Ivy, Marmonte, Mojave River, Orange Coast, Pioneer leagues as well as a freelance competitor.

The post CIF Releases Winter Sports Playoff Divisions appeared first on myBurbank.

The Burbank High football wasn’t at full strength going into its Pacific League opener at Arcadia High.
As Friday’s game progressed, things didn’t get any better as Bulldogs trainer Nick Cascelli had to work on ‘at least seven or eight players’ who were banged up for one reason or another.
After a relatively close first half things got ugly in the end of Arcadia’s 59-14 victory
“We had the bye week and we were hoping to get everyone healthy, but a couple of weird things happened to a couple of kids that weren’t even football related,” Burbank coach Adam Colman said. “We have some young guys who got to see what varsity football is all about. Hopefully that can help them grow quickly.”

The Apaches (4-2, 1-0) were clearly the better team.

But they also kept their starters in leading by more than 35 points late in the fourth quarter and even scored a touchdown with less than a minute to play.
Burbank (2-4, 0-1) played tough in the early going as Arcadia did not get on the board until 2:25 remained in the first quarter when receiver Mikal Reed to a short pass 73 yards to the end zone.
Arcadia led 18-0 before Burbank’s Joseph Caballero scored on a 2-yard run with 3:11 left in the first half to cut the deficit to 18-7.
After Arcadia scored a touchdown early in the third quarter, Caballero scored his second of the night with 8:37 left in the third quarter as he pushed through on a 1-yard run.}
But from then it was all Arcadia. The Apaches scored 35 points unanswered, taking advantage of an interception that was returned the entire way on a fumble that came on a kickoff.
Burbank will return to Pacific League play next Friday against Crescenta Valley at Glendale High’s Moyse Field.

The post Burbank Football Gets Run Up by Arcadia appeared first on myBurbank.

By Rick Assad

Facing a winless Pasadena High football team at Memorial Field on a chilly Friday night saw Burroughs score in every quarter and waltz to a lopsided win.

After tallying 21 points in the opening frame, then adding three touchdowns in the next stanza, the Bears romped to a 62-0 thrashing of the Bulldogs in a Pacific League opener.

“I liked how we came out and executed on all three sides of the ball,” Burroughs coach Jesse Craven said. “We took advantage of opportunities on offense, defense and special teams and turned those opportunities into points.”

Senior quarterback Chris Kulikov accounted for four touchdowns, two rushing and two passing in the first half as the Bears (5-1 and 1-0 in league) bolted to a 41-0 lead.

On Burroughs’ first possession of the game, Kulikov led a four-play, 49-yard march which was capped off when senior running back/defensive back Noah Frenkel, who had a 14-yard carry on the drive, scored on an eight-yard run as 7:44 remained in the period.

The Bears moved ahead 14-0 when Kulikov, who only played in the first half, called his own number on a four-yard trot into the end zone as 2:40 was left in the quarter.

“I liked how we executed, and I liked the calmness and poise everyone played with,” said Kulikov, who completed 12 of 13 pass attempts for 204 yards.

The drive was made possible when senior wide receiver/cornerback Jake Scozzola intercepted Pasadena’s quarterback, sophomore Jason Fleagance III, as the Bears took possession at the Bulldog 47. Five plays later, Burroughs scored its second touchdown.

Pasadena fumbled the kickoff as the Bears began the drive at the Bulldog 35.

On the second play of the march, Frenkel pulled off a 21-yard burst and three plays later, Kulikov dotted the end zone after a two-yard run as 1:14 was left in the first quarter and the Bears were in front 21-0.

When Pasadena was forced to punt, Burroughs took over at the Bears 35-yard line and needed just five plays to make it 28-0 as Kulikov unloaded a 23-yard scoring toss to Scozzola, who finished with two interceptions, and 9:03 left in the opening half.

“That game was over pretty quick. I think it was a great way to start the league and send a message for the rest of the season,” said Scozola, who had five receptions for 67 yards. “I loved that we got some other kids some touchdowns like [sophomore] Jayden Valle, [sophomore] Elijah Ware and [sophomore] Matteo Tarca. They played well. But overall, it was a great game and now we prepare for Muir next week.”

Pasadena went for it on fourth and 10 from the Burroughs 32 but Fleagance’s pass fell incomplete.

Once again, only five plays were needed to locate the end zone as Kulikov delivered an 11-yard pass on first down to senior wide receiver/defensive back Ethan Hubbell (34 yards on three catches).

Kulikov added a 35-yard rocket to senior wide receiver/defensive back Aeneas Pichardo before Tarca scored on a five-yard run as 2:24 remained before halftime as the Bears pushed ahead 34-0.

After yet another punt by the Bulldogs (0-6 and 0-1 in league), Kulikov capped the half with a one-play, 35-yard scoring toss to junior tight end/linebacker Alex Valenzuela as 15 seconds was left, and Burroughs was in front 41-0.

Frenkel took the second half kickoff 81 yards as the hosts seized control 48-0 with 11:46 left in the third period.

With a running clock in the second half, the Bears scored two touchdowns and they included junior backup quarterback Rocco Mellilo’s seven-yard pass to Valle, a wide receiver/defensive back with 9:45 left in the fourth period for a 55-0 edge and a one-yard run by Ware, a running back/defensive back and 1:31 remaining for the final points of the contest.

The Bears will next face the Mustangs on the road in Pacific League action on Friday evening and the game will begin at 7 p.m.

The post Burroughs Football Blanks Visiting Pasadena 62-0 appeared first on myBurbank.

A variety of talented filmmakers and actors attended the 15th annual Burbank International Film Festival from Thursday, Sept. 21, to Sunday, Sept. 24. 

In addition to movie screenings at the AMC Burbank 16 theater, the festival featured Q&As, red carpets, parties, and more. Upwards of 130 full-length and short films were chosen for the 2023 BIFF, and actors like Melora Hardin, Jane Seymour, Mickey Rourke, and Dean Cain are some of the stars of these projects.

The world premiere of “Golden Vanity” took place on the event’s opening night. For the one-woman film, Hardin gave a riveting performance as movie star Mabel Montgomery-Mayflower, who tape-records herself while reflecting on her life during a 1967 evening. On Sunday, Hardin was given the BIFF Best Actor award for the portrayal, and the movie scored the Audience Award for a Feature Film.

“Golden Vanity” was directed by Max Abram and co-written by Abram and Taylor Minas. The two approached Hardin to take on the lead role with a letter describing their desire to work with the Emmy nominee. Hardin then came on board after reading the script and meeting with Abram and Minas. At a BIFF red carpet on Thursday, Hardin touched upon her delight in getting to collaborate with the filmmakers and play Montgomery-Mayflower. 

“It was incredible,” Hardin said of making “Golden Vanity.” “I like to run a marathon and feel like I’ve done everything I can do and I’ve left it all on the table, so I really did leave it all on the table. And that was super fun for me — to have something that juicy and delicious to chew on that really required everything from me. It required all of my experience, it required all of my maturity, it required all of my craft and all of my talent. So it was kind of a perfect storm for me.”

The multitalented performer went on to detail how she is “so honored” that the BIFF team selected the powerful comedy-drama as the feature to kick off the festival. 

“It’s unlike anything that’s out there. It’s the first one-woman movie,” Hardin said. “People need to take a risk on it, and an audience even needs to be able to sit there and kind of let this wash over them. And so I’m just thrilled that it resonated with the Burbank International Film Festival programmers the way that it did — that they’re using it as their opening film is really exciting.”

Others like director Carolina Espiro, actor and 2023 BIFF presenter Queen Ajima, actor and writer Jaime Zevallos, and screenwriter David Bass also walked the Sept. 21 red carpet.

More noteworthy films that were shown in the four-day event were “Replica,” “Priority Boarding,” “Living with a Cereal Killer,” “Ruby’s Choice,” “No Witnesses,” “Hangman,” “Miracle at Manchester,” “The Avon Lady,” and “Solomon’s Mood,” among others. 

“Hangman” writer and star Sarah Rodenbaugh, who participated in Saturday’s red carpet, opened up about her depiction of grief in the short film following her real-life brother’s suicide.  

“I put this idea out there, and it was like, okay, this is a story I want to tell so that people who lost someone to suicide can feel seen and heard because we see a lot of movies about those we’ve lost, but not about those left behind,” Rodenbaugh said. 

The BIFF began in 2009, and the mission of the festival “is to promote and support inclusive and culturally-diverse perspectives and content,” per its website. A range of BIFF awards are offered each year to celebrate select independent films that have been accepted into the festival. In 2023, over 20 awards were distributed to creatives at a closing gala and awards show on Sunday, during which Burbank native and iconic filmmaker Tim Burton appeared and collected a proclamation for “Tim Burton Day” from Mayor Konstantine Anthony.

BIFF President and Festival Director Kurt Patino grew up in Burbank, where he graduated from Bellarmine-Jefferson High School. On opening night, the local spoke about how he and his BIFF colleagues aim to highlight filmmakers who come from diverse backgrounds. 

“We’re so glad to show diverse programming here, and we cover every genre,” Patino said. He added, “There are a lot of films by diverse filmmakers that are nominated. They’re participating more, they’re being recognized more, and there’s room for everyone. And we just love it.”

Visit Burbank, Downtown Burbank, the City of Burbank, and the Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown are some past and present local partners of the festival. Additionally, Patino has recently been meeting with Burbank groups like the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club to further initiate partnerships within the community. 

“This is our 15th anniversary, but not a lot of people in Burbank know of us,” Patino said. “So we’re slowly starting to have more events or visit clubs and organizations that have members in Burbank and speak to them so that they’re more aware… We want to include the community.”

BIFF Director of Submissions and Programming Brad Bucklin has been involved in the event since its early years. Furthermore, the editor and director has worked in Burbank for over a decade. Bucklin said he “love[s]” the city while mentioning how being in the “Media Capital of the World” attracts a wealth of talented artists.

“I think the festival has grown so much and has gotten so much better over the years,” Bucklin said. “We’re really getting the community, which a lot of film festivals don’t have.” He added, “I just think Burbank has a really special community because it is the media city.”

BIFF Treasurer Dr. Larry Thornton noted that he’s consistently seen the festival advance Burbank’s status in the global film industry throughout his five years of filling this position. 

“I’m in awe each year. I’m just totally blown away and happy and excited about it,” Thornton said. “[The festival is] putting Burbank on the world map — not just the local map, but the world map.”  

Actor Kelly Stables was a guest at the BIFF and served as the 2023 awards show host. After viewing the films in this year’s lineup, Stables praised the artistic execution of these productions. 

“I must say, I feel like this is the best year yet,” Stables said. “And the level of the quality of the films that are in this festival this year; I’m just blown away. They’re heartfelt, they’re funny. Technically, everyone’s done a great job directing, and it looks beautiful. So it’s exciting. It’s the beginning of a brand new festival this year.”

As visitors flocked to the AMC Burbank 16 in honor of the occasion, Patino voiced the significance of film and other art forms in both providing a means of expression and informing viewers. 

“I think art is necessary in society, and I think it’s important for people to fulfill some sort of creative outlet, whether it’s music, or art, or filmmaking, or acting, or anything. I think it’s a part of us, and it helps us express our emotions,” Patino said. 

He concluded, “People can watch something and be impressed by it in an emotional but also an intellectual way where they can do more research. It helps educate us as well.”

Learn more about the Burbank International Film Festival here.

The post Filmmakers, Performers Gather For 2023 Burbank International Film Festival appeared first on myBurbank.

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 2023. 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. (Please note that myBurbank is only legally obligated for the information on the myBurbank.com website and is not responsible for any information used by search engines, ie. Google, Yahoo, etc. You need to contact these companies separately for any removal of personal information).

Efficient and hard-working, the Burbank police department made its rounds and on Sunday, September 17, Jean Carlo Rene Gonzalez, who lives in Burbank and is a construction worker was pinched after being charged with spousal abuse – resisting arrest – contempt of court – driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and warrants. The time is 1:16 a.m.

Sarp Nalbandyan lives in Burbank and is a cook and was arrested at Olive Ave. and Fifth St. The time is 4:35 a.m. The charges are possession of ninja stars and possession of brass knuckles.

Larry Linda works in lighting and resides in Burbank and was nabbed at 2305 North Naomi St. The time is 10:30 a.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alberto Garcia is a Burbank construction worker and was taken into custody at 277 East Santa Anita Ave. The charge is assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. It took place at 9:48 a.m.

Evaristo Sourdis is employed in technical support and lives in Burbank and was apprehended at 900 East San Jose Ave. The charges are contempt of court twice – resisting an executive officer and a warrant. The time is 3:30 p.m.

Shant Sarkis Shengidian is a Los Angeles repairman and was taken into custody at 1301 North Victory Place and the time is 9:30 p.m.

The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of heroin/cocaine – possession of methamphetamines for sale and identity theft.

Beverly Hills investor Matthew Thomas Castellucci was handcuffed at San Fernando Blvd. and Scott Road and the time is 10:25 p.m. The charges are possession of Xanax and possession of heroin/cocaine.

Robert Sturgeon lives in Los Angeles and was apprehended at San Fernando Blvd. and Elmwood Ave. and the time is 11:00 p.m.

The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Mark Alvin Morey is unemployed and a Los Angeles resident and was picked up at Olive Ave. and Victory Blvd. It took place at 11:46 p.m. The charges are disorderly conduct – petty theft and warrants.

On Saturday, September 16, Raul Jaime, who lives in North Hollywood and is employed in sales was arrested at Olive Ave. and First St.

The time is 1:04 a.m. The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and driving while under the influence with .08 or above.

Abraham S. Martin Ramirez lives in Pasadena and is a construction worker and was nabbed at Buena Vista St. and Victory Blvd. and the time is 2:32 a.m. The charge is driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug.

John Phillip Osorio Hernandez is a Burbank cook and was cuffed at Verdugo Ave. and Rosemary Lane and the time is 4:25 a.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of heroin/cocaine.

Los Angeles construction worker Justin Horwat was apprehended at 1800 Victory Place [Walmart] and the time is 9:46 a.m. The charge is possession of heroin/cocaine.

Ricardo Velasquez is an electrician and lives in Northridge and was taken into custody at Alameda Ave. and Victory Blvd. and the time is 12:37 p.m. The charge is possession of a controlled substance.

Rose Lisbette Rodriguez is a Los Angeles cashier and was arrested at 1800 Empire Ave. and the time is 1:20 p.m. The charges are petty theft and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

San Jose construction worker Robert Takieh Amir was pinched at 4:23 p.m. and the charge is burglary and a warrant. The site is Ralphs.

Los Angeles resident Adrian Aguiniga is a construction worker and was nabbed at 125 North Keystone St. and the time is 6:00 p.m.

The charges are identity theft – possession of a controlled substance – false impersonation – violating probation – trespassing and warrants.

Monique Apodaca lives in Rowland Heights and was apprehended at the same site and the same time. The charges are identity theft – violating probation and a warrant.

Burbank resident Vage Keshishyan is employed as a nurse and was handcuffed at 1814 Grismer Ave. and the time is 9:45 p.m. The charges are evading the police – possession of a controlled substance and warrants.

Shawn Ellis lives in Redondo Beach and is an electrician and was picked up at Riverside Drive and Warner Blvd. and the time is 11:35 p.m. The charge is misdemeanor hit and run.

On Friday, September 15, Armen Baregamian, who lives in Burbank was picked up at 3:20 a.m. The charges are speeding – possession of a controlled substance and possession of heroin/cocaine. The location is Glenwood Place and Alameda Ave.

Sevak Mesrobian lives in Bakersfield and is a construction worker and was handcuffed at Alameda Ave. and Glenwood Place and the time is 3:15 a.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Leonard John Leum is a youth counselor and is a Los Angeles resident and was nabbed at 501 South Buena Vista St. and the time is 10:35 a.m. The charge is trespassing.

Burbank resident Christian Kyle Siniard works in Kraft Services and was arrested after being charged with elder abuse – making criminal threats – driving while under the influence with .08 or above and a warrant. The time is 12:45 p.m.

Angela Maria Martinez lives in Sylmar and is unemployed and was handcuffed at 1321 North Edison Blvd. and the time is 4:20 p.m.

The charges are trespassing – battery – vandalism with $400 or more and misappropriation of lost property.

Burbank salesman David Michael Wilkins was apprehended at 510 South Victory Blvd. It took place at 6:53 p.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.  

On Thursday, September 14, Jamie Eugene Miles, an actor who resides in Burbank was apprehended at 235 North Valley St. The time is 8:15 a.m. The charges are identity theft and forgery.

Cordarius Cantrell Miles is a Burbank singer and was nabbed at the same time and the same location and the charges are the same.

Burbank resident Robert Lee Miles Jr. was taken into custody at the same site and at the same time. The charges are identity theft – forgery and burglary.

Hugo Garcia is employed in security and resides in Burbank and was pinched at Hollywood Way and Pacific Ave. The time is 8:20 a.m. The charge is driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug.

Dellita Johnson is a Burbank resident and works in senior care and was cuffed at 11:00 a.m. The charge is elder abuse.

Juan Jose Canchola is a packer and a resident of Glendale and was arrested at San Fernando Blvd. and Providencia Ave. It took place 4:40 p.m. The charge is contempt of court.

Sun Valley resident Cesar Dominguez was picked up at Glenoaks Blvd. and Cohasset St. and the time is 8:26 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

On Wednesday, September 13, Dali Eluard Acosta, who is unemployed, and a North Hills resident was picked up at 14325 Delano St. The time is 1:20 a.m. The charges are grand theft – organized retail theft and a warrant.

Jose Zhune is a Los Angeles salesman and was taken into custody at Thornton Ave. and Ontario Ave. It took place at 3:05 a.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Samuel Arid Dominguez Sanchez is a cook and was nabbed at 200 East Cypress Ave. It happened at 3:45 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance – possession of heroin/cocaine and petty theft.

Los Angeles resident Chawn Laurence Robinson is in the military and was handcuffed at 501 South Buena Vista St. and the time is 8:21 p.m. The charge is trespassing.

Eric Armando Flores is a student and a North Hollywood resident and was pinched at Burbank Blvd. and Victory Blvd. and the time is 9:55 p.m. The charge is petty theft.

Huntington Park resident Sara Esmeralda Bravo Tejeda was apprehended at San Fernando Blvd. and Buena Vista St. and the time is 11:44 p.m. The charges are identity theft – possession of a controlled substance and possession of heroin/cocaine.

Vahe Shahbazian lives in Sun Valley and is an air conditioning technician and was handcuffed at 525 North Buena Vista St. The time is 11:35 p.m. The charges are driving while under the influence of drugs and possession of heroin/cocaine.

On Tuesday, September 12, Paul Gonzalez, who lives in Baldwin Park and is an electrician was taken into custody at 3:05 a.m.

The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Edvard Bagumyan is a Sunland machinist and was nabbed at San Fernando Blvd. and Grismer Ave. and the time is 5:02 a.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Richard Bribo is a Burbank physical therapist and was arrested at 358 West Alameda Ave. It happened at 5:55 a.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Luring Tygre Paialii is a Lancaster truck driver and was taken into custody at 1:34 p.m. The charge is resisting an executive officer. The location is 211 West Orange Grove Ave.

Omar Alvarenga is a foreman and a Burbank resident and was nabbed at 7:57 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – trespassing twice and a warrant. The site is 1112 Catalina St.

Vicknesh Alitatanesha Salmon lives in Palmdale and is employed as a cashier and was taken into custody at 1301 North Victory Place. The time is 9:32 p.m. The charge is grand theft.

Yeayo Altanae Russell is unemployed and a Palmdale resident and was pinched at the same site and the same time. The charges are grand theft – resisting arrest and probation violation.

Janet Marie McCree lives in Canyon Country and was arrested at Alameda Ave. and Maple St. and the time is 10:18 p.m. The charges are resisting arrest and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.

Laura Kittiko lives in Burbank and was apprehended at 1422 West Riverside Drive and the time is 11:00 p.m. The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and driving under the influence with .08 or above.

On Monday, September 11, Lilit Vardumyan, a Burbank hair stylist was handcuffed at Hollywood Way and Burbank Blvd. The time is 2:20 a.m.

The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and destroying or concealing evidence. 

Gevork Akopyan lives in Van Nuys and was arrested at 3106 North Naomi St. and the time is 2:29 a.m. The charges are possession of burglary tools – possession of heroin/cocaine – receiving stolen property and speeding.

Burbank resident Joshua Nguyen is a shoe salesman and was nabbed at 5:30 a.m. The charges are spousal abuse – possession of a controlled substance for sale and identity theft.

Karen Kate Wong lives in Chatsworth and is employed as a barista and was cuffed at Thornton Ave. and Brighton St. It took place at 11:00 a.m.

The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and petty theft.

Jesse Junior Mendoza is an Arcadia painter and was apprehended at Rolling Ridge and Bryce Canyon. It happened at 3:15 p.m.

The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug – burglary – driving without a license and warrants.

Vahe Minasyan is a Tujunga air conditioning technician and was picked up at 7:55 p.m. The location is Target and the charge is grand theft.

Janae Nicole Porfilio lives in Reseda and is a personal trainer and was pinched after being charged with domestic battery. The time is 10:00 p.m.

The post Burbank Police Log: September 11 – September 17 appeared first on myBurbank.

On September 26, 2023, Burbank City Council adopted a resolution that authorizes the Community Development Director to waive BurbankBus fares on environmental, active transportation, and public transit promotional days, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable transportation options.

The City Council’s unanimous approval of this resolution comes in due time for California Clean Air Day on October 4, 2023. Burbank’s participation in California Clean Air Day will be marked by the waiver of BurbankBus fares for the entire day, which includes fixed-route and senior & disabled transit services. This statewide event, sponsored by the Coalition for Clean Air and supported by various partners, including Metrolink and MoveLA, aims to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by encouraging cleaner modes of transportation. Residents, visitors, and those working in Burbank are invited to take advantage of the free fare day and encouraged to make choices that contribute to cleaner air, such as opting for public transit. There will be a booth at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station that day from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for riders to obtain more information and resources about public transit.

“Council’s approval of this resolution and our participation in Clean Air Day on October 4th is a great way for our residents to try out sustainable transportation options,” said David Kriske, Assistant Community Development Director.

The post Burbank to Suspend Fares on BurbankBus on California Clean Air Day October 4 appeared first on myBurbank.

According to Crimemapping, the following crimes were reported in Burbank, in chronological order:

1. Motor Vehicle Theft: 100 block S Kenneth Rd | 9/28/2023 @ 1:30 AM
2. Vandalism: 200 block N Third St | 9/28/2023 @ 6:00 AM
3. Assault: 800 block N Keystone St | 9/28/2023 @ 10:00 AM
4. Theft/Larceny: 200 block E Cypress Av | 9/28/2023 @ 1:20 PM
5. Theft/Larceny: 300 block S Virginia Av | 9/28/2023 @ 2:53 PM
6. Robbery: 1100 block W Magnolia Bl | 9/28/2023 @ 3:02 PM
7. Assault: 2200 block N Niagara St | 9/28/2023 @ 5:05 PM
8. Theft/Larceny: 1600 block N Victory Pl | 9/28/2023 @ 7:54 PM
9. Drugs/Alcohol Violations: W Alameda Av/S Flower St | 9/28/2023 @ 8:48 PM

Please note that this information is based on the data provided by Crimemapping.com.

The post Latest Crimes Reported in Burbank appeared first on myBurbank.

As celebrations rate, this was pretty good as the State of the Schools was roundly celebrated recently at The Federal in North Hollywood.

The two-hour event featured sparkling conversations, a Burbank High jazz combo, esteemed guest speakers, and spotlight award honorees.

The affair was hosted by Brenda Etterbeek, the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation chairwoman, and was ably assisted by Jennifer Lorigo, the vice chairwoman of the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation.

This is their mission statement: The mission of the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is to engage and inspire the community to invest in meeting the diverse educational needs of every student. The organization was created on October 1, 2020, after the Burbank Educational Foundation and the Burbank Arts For All Foundation merged to create a singular unified voice for Burbank students.

Steve Ferguson, the Burbank Unified School District president, was the first to speak and said one key he believes is having core values.

“It’s hard when values clash,” he said of the rapport he has with his four board member colleagues, Charlene Tabet, Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Dr. Emily Weisberg, and Abby Pontzer Kamkar. “I am so glad that we came together.”

Ferguson said there are roughly 15,000 students in the BUSD and that, first and foremost, the students are the top priority.

“It’s always about the kids,” he said. “We are here to celebrate the State of Our Schools,” which drew large applause.

Ferguson also noted that when he attended school in the city, it was much different than it is today, especially school safety.

“Education isn’t recognizable,” he said. “We value the trust you have in us. We are here to build a consensus.”

Newly elected BUSD Superintendent Dr. John Paramo also spoke.

“All kids can learn. They just need the resources,” he said. “What I’ve noticed is the level of parent support and involvement.”

Dr. Paramo raved about the Burbank Adult School and noted there are many amazing programs, including the LVN program and read a letter by a former student who is working as a nurse in New York.

Dr. Rebecca Harris, the principal at Walt Disney Elementary, took the floor and said that her school is one in which arts are stressed and as a result, they flourish.

Muir Middle School principal Dr. Greg Miller said engaging students is critical and that he sees diversity in our libraries.

Burbank High senior Kelsey Finnigan spoke eloquently about wanting to become an engineer and how the BAEF has helped her.

Annie Cavanaugh is the Burbank High teacher and band director, and she spoke about the importance having students excited about music and being in the band. “Grants are priceless,” she said, and of course they are.

Sally Chan, who spent 11 years at Disney and 12 years at Warner Bros, is leaving her current position as Vice President, Community Engagement, Warner Bros. Discovery and was a Spotlight Award Honoree.

“Though I don’t live in Burbank, there’s no city like Burbank,” she said.

Likewise, Joan McCarthy who is retiring after 39 years as Director, Enterprise Community Engagement for the Walt Disney Company, was recognized as a Spotlight Award Honoree.

“I have had the great pleasure of working for the Walt Disney Company for over 39 years and Burbank is like a second home for me,” she said. “Burbank is a very special place. It’s a community where the people care for each other and that is especially evident by the support provided to the schools and nonprofits in town.”

McCarthy continued: “My role at Disney allowed me to work alongside so many dedicated leaders on community and charitable boards. But it was more than a job for me. It was a way to help make a positive difference in the lives of others,” she said. “So, when I am recognized for this work, I am humbled and filled with gratitude. The Burbank Arts and Education Foundation was so kind to shine the spotlight on me, but it was always a community effort I only shared with some incredible people.”

McCarthy concluded her thoughts.

“I am filled with gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the city of Burbank,” she said. “It’s a great place to work, and I’ve been blessed to work here.”

Craig Murray was also in attendance and was at the forefront of the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation.

“All of this came together because of big business [Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros.], schools and individuals working together and wanted to do something for the schools,” said Murray, the founder of Craig Murray Productions and is the Executive Chairman at MOCEAN.

Murray went on: “I think they went above and beyond. They wanted to connect with the students,” he said. “This is a personal passion. It’s in the DNA of Burbank schools.”

The post State Of The Schools Celebrated In Grand Fashion appeared first on myBurbank.

On the morning of September 20, 2023, AT&T contributed $20,000 to Home Again LA’s Lifting People Up Program, which aims to help close the digital divide by providing job training programs through digital learning resources. This includes desktop computers for people who have limited to no access to technology at home, including internet and devices, for use with job search and interviews, conference and video meetings/calls, and research.

“Many of the underserved individuals and families who seek our services share that they have little to no technology at home. Over three years into the pandemic, we continue to see households struggle to make ends meet in our region,” said Albert Hernandez, CEO of Home Again LA. “From families with children to older adults, we receive an abundance of inquiries from the community who need access to a computer, printer, or fax machine so they can search and apply for jobs or participate in an online job interview. We open our doors to allow others to utilize the technology devices and Wi-Fi. The AT&T funds will enable us to purchase technology equipment that will be a great help as we bridge these households to the necessary technology to secure employment and eventually achieve housing stability due to an increase in income.”

“This contribution directly reflects our commitment to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives,” said Ursula Moran, Area Manager, External Affairs, AT&T. “AT&T is committed to connecting students, seniors, veterans and residents from underserved communities to broadband internet so they can thrive in our increasingly digital society.”

These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, AT&T has committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

The post AT&T Supports Home Again LA with Grant For Local Residences appeared first on myBurbank.

Say hello to sweet and stunning Dodger. This long-haired shepherd is one of the most gentle German Shepherds you’ll ever meet. He sincerely thinks he’s a lap dog, and the staff and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter are not inclined to argue the point.  His luscious locks will need regular and specific grooming, which will need to be a commitment made by his forever family.

Other commitments needed are: giving him comfy beds to lay on (preferably a few throughout the house), patience while he learns to trust new humans, good snacks provided during training practice, and lots of adventures for years to come. In return he will be gorgeous and loving and cuddly and affectionate every moment of every day. Seems a fair trade to us! 

Dodger is gentle and sweet, but has a little spunk and play too. He likes to chase toys, and bring them back…eventually, and he’s majestic when running with that long fur. He likes having his ears rubbed and hips scratched too. Dodger just wants to be your friend and be loved. He doesn’t love sharp noises and anyone coming at his face too fast (literally no one likes that Dodger, we’re with you).

He’s a FABULOUS pup and someone smart will snap him up fast before anyone else figures out just how great he is. If you want that to be you, visit or call the Burbank Animal Shelter at 818-238-3340 to make an appointment to adopt this polite, gentle, sweet, easy soul.

The post Adoptable Pet of the Week: Dodger appeared first on myBurbank.

It’s not too late to join in on a community garage sale happening Saturday, October 14th in Burbank and Toluca Lake. Realtor, Cari Pelayo of Cari4Homes, has been selling houses for over 20 years, and is excited to be sponsoring the upcoming community garage sale.

Saturday, October 14th is free garage sale day in the City of Burbank, which means permits are not required for that day. Pelayo is helping residents take the stress out of hosting their own individual yard sale and getting them connected on an interactive map that allows shoppers to see which houses are participating in the community sale.

Registering is free and comes with free advertising too.  Pelayo has yard signs, Craigslist listings, postings on garage sale sites, and flyers with QR codes that lead shoppers to the interactive map of houses.  See the map here!

Houses will also receive free pricing supplies such as stickers for pricing sale items and free end of day pick up.  Large plastic bags will be provided for any leftover items at the end of the day and will then be picked up by the Kiwanis Club of Burbank from 3-5pm. Collected items will be donated to La Providencia Thrift Store in Burbank which benefits the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and donation receipts can be provided upon request. Any extra items that La Providencia can’t fit in their store will be passed over to the Hope of the Mission stores.

All participants who sign up to host a garage sale through Cari Pelayo’s community sale will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.  To get more info on participating or to register visit her website here.  

If you can’t host a sale, make sure to drive around and shop from all of the great items around Burbank and Toluca lake. Check the map regularly as homes are being added daily.

The post Join the Burbank/Toluca Lake Community Garage Sale on October 14 appeared first on myBurbank.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) released the following statement today on Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 799, a measure that would have provided unemployment insurance benefits for striking workers.

“I am disappointed in the Governor’s veto of SB 799. The labor unrest and concern we all witnessed this summer earned the Legislature’s action to pass unemployment benefits for striking workers. The need continues and so will efforts to make this the law in California. The hardworking women and men in California need to put food on their table and pay their rent. SB 799 would have injected a small piece of security to working families that is needed and deserved. 

Here is what the Governor said when he vetoed the bill in an announcement on Saturday:

“California employers fund UI benefits through contributions to the state’s UI Trust Fund on behalf of each employee. The UI financing structure has not been updated since 1984, which has made the UI Trust Fund vulnerable to insolvency. Any expansion of eligibility for UI benefits could increase California’s outstanding federal UI debt projected to be nearly $20 billion by the end of the year, and could jeopardize California’s Benefit Cost Ratio add-on waiver application, significantly increasing taxes on employers. Furthermore, the state is responsible for the interest payments on the federal UI loan and to date has paid $362.7 million in interest with another $302 million due this month. Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizable debt.”

The post Portantino’s Bill For Unemployment for Striking Workers Vetoed appeared first on myBurbank.

While the pandemic is over and life is returning to normal, there are still reminders from that time that have yet to be settled.

A brief history:

When the pandemic started, the Los Angeles County Health Department issued orders regarding how restaurants could remain in business. One of these directives was for no indoor seating. After refusing to follow the County directives, County Health pulled their permit to operate.

Once that happened and they continued to stay open to business, the Burbank City Council held a Public Hearing on February 22, 2021 at which time they revoked the Conditional Use Permit for Tinhorn Flats since they were now operating without a County Health Permit.

With the owners still refusing to close and outside parties coming into the City to protest, the City went back to court and got orders from the judge to cut the restaurant’s utilities and even went as far as erecting a fence around the property to stop the owners from staying open.

Despite these measures, Lucas Lepejian of North Hollywood, the son of owner Baret Lepejian, was arrested on three different occasions for not obeying the court orders.

Update:

When asked the current status of the lawsuit filed by the City against Tinhorn Flats (Barfly, Inc.) and the results from the arrest of the owner’s son, the Burbank City Attorney’s office told myBurbank that as of January of 2023, he had completed his sentence.

“All three arrests were consolidated into one criminal filing under Los Angeles County case number 1BK00781. Defendant was granted Judicial Diversion, over our objection. The diversion was for a 1 year period, starting 1/7/2022. He was to obey all laws, complete 40 hours of community service, and he was not to operate a business in the city of Burbank without a valid license.

The defendant appeared on 1/9/2023 and provided proof of completion of the 40 hours of community service and did not sustain any new arrests or convictions in the 1-year period. His case was therefore dismissed by the Court for successful completion of Judicial Diversion per Penal Code 1001.95. All of his cases are currently closed.” in the written response from the City Attorney’s Office.

Burbank has sued the ownership to recoup the costs involved in all the actions the City has had to take. As of September of 2021, those expenses had reached over $287,000. The City Attorney’s Office confirmed that the legal action is continuing to move forward, “The next hearing date is November 6, 2023. Trial is currently set for December 6, 2023.”

Barfly, Inc. has also countersued the City on October 12, 2021, stating in court papers for “violation of 5^th and 14^th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.” The suit also cites cruel and unusual punishment by the city, calling it “unconscionable” that they may have to face “ruinous fines and months of incarceration for attempting to earn a living when there are zero factual or scientific bases that exist so as to support the notion that Cross-Complaintaints’ business is responsible for the spread of COVID-19.

In November of 2021, it was reported that the owner of the property, Isabelle Lepejian, sold the property that Tinhorn Flats sits on at 2623 W Magnolia Blvd., after evicting her former husband from the business in June of that year. Immediately after the property sold, the City removed the fencing from around the building.

The new owner of the property is Old Fashioned Investment, LLC and have filed paperwork with the City to open a new restaurant called Magnolia House.

Below is the timeline of events from the City of Burbank’s website:

The post Burbank vs. Tinhorn Flats Trial to Begin on December 6 appeared first on myBurbank.

Burbank and Glendale police worked together on Thursday to take a woman into custody after police claimed she was driving an aledged stolen vehicle.

Police say they observed a Mercedes CLA 250 exiting the parking lot of Home Depot on Thursday night, September 28. just after 8:00 p.m. Police did not reveal the reason that officers were suspicious of the vehicle, but ran a recorded check of the license plate and it came back as a stolen vehicle out of Los Angeles.

According to Sgt. Steven Turner of the Burbank Police Department, officers requested other officers to meet them so that they could perform a felony stop of the Mercedes.

“Officers followed the vehicle into the City of Glendale until sufficient units arrived. Officers then conducted a high-risk stop of the vehicle in the area of Central Avenue and Arden Avenue. The vehicle immediately yielded, and the occupant was taken into custody without incident.”

Police have identified the suspect as Jahari Chatman, a 32-year-old female resident of Los Angeles.

Turner also said that Glendale Police sent several units to assist with traffic control.

The suspect was brought back to Burbank and was later booked for vehicle theft, fraud, possession of a fake ID, felon in possession of a stun gun, and possession of suspected cocaine. Turner also said there was no pursuit involving this vehicle.

Police will now send the case to the L. A. County District Attorney’s office for formal charges.

The post Police Take Woman into Custody After for Allegedly Driving Stolen Mercedes appeared first on myBurbank.