President Barack Obama made probably his last visit to Burbank on Tuesday as he visited his favorite late night talk show, The Tonight Show.

The President moved quickly thru the streets of Burbank.( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Traffic on Hollywood Way was shut down completely as the President’s motorcade transported the Commander-In-Chief from and to Bob Hope Airport before departing to Van Nuys and ultimately to the Hilton in Woodland Hills for the night.

Officers from many jurisdictions lined the motorcade at every street and alley entrance to provide security. Many residents came to catch a glimpse of the President as he drove by.

The President moved quickly thru the streets of Burbank.( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The motorcade had two identical vehicles in front and the President switches at random which one he rides in.  There is also a full armed Secret Service unit following along with Swat, the pres corp, an ambulance, and many other support vehicles.

This will probably be the last time for the President in Burbank because NBC has declined to pick up late night’s rating leader Jay Leno’s contract.  Add to this the Tonight Show will move to New York and NBC no longer is in Burbank, with the Tonight Show now shooting at The Burbank Studios.

One myBurbank reader did Tweet though….maybe he will be back to be on the Ellen show sometime!

People were kept put for more than a half hour at the intersection of Chandler & Hollywood Way. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Every corner and every intersection had Police Officers, this officer from The City of San Fernando armed and ready. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

With streets closed the motorcade traveled quickly northbound Hollywood Way back to the Bob Hope Airport. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Three Marine Helicopters made there way from LAX to Bob Hope Airport with The President and Press Corp.( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post President Obama Visits Jay Leno Show Again appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The City of Burbank observed “National Night Out” Tuesday evening, as it has for the past several years.  The event is a one-night rally where citizens and law enforcement come together to strengthen neighborhood spirit and the police-community partnership.

Burbank’s New City Manager Mark Scott gets to meet citizens during this years National Night out as he was introduced by Chief Scott LaChasse.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A total of 15 National Night Out events were held throughout the city in addition to the large event held adjacent to the Chandler Bikeway  on Chandler Blvd. between Keystone St. and Lincoln St. next to Edison Elementary School.   Attendance figures were not immediately available, but the crowd this year seemed smaller than in previous years.  Last year 1,100 people attended the City sponsored event.

Co-sponsored by the Burbank Police Department and the City’s Park, Recreation, and Community Services Department, the big event  featured a number of booths.  There were free snow cones for the kids, as well as games and activities.  The Burbank Library, Animal Shelter,  and Burbank Water and Power were there, as well as Friends of the Chandler Bikeway.   A booth by Cal-Trans was dispensing information on changes coming in the next few years to the Golden State Freeway access around the Empire Center.

Burbank Police Officer John Embleton and partner Steevo. (Photo by Ross A.Benson)

The police Department had their armored vehicle on display.  Unlike last year, when the public was allowed to climb inside, the vehicle was not open.  Police dog Steevo was there, much to the delight of the kids.  Some were disappointed that police horse “Texas” was not in attendance.  Because of the motorcade taking the President from Bob Hope Airport to make an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, there was not time to get the horse ready and transported to the site.   The motorcade was headed back to the airport just minutes before National Night Out was set to begin at 5:30 p.m.

The police department exhibits seemed much less than what was presented last year.  Perhaps it was because of the demands placed on the police department by the Presidential visit.  The Burbank Fire Department had several of their personnel on hand, and a booth where kids  could get a free backpack, but there wasn’t a fire engine there this year.  Last year it was a big hit with the kids.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

At least the Burbank Police Commission was in attendance, with a goal of going to all of the other 15 events in town.  Several City Council members were there, as was the new City Manager.

New Yor Life Insurance offered free identification cards for kids.  In just minutes, they printed out a card with the child photo and finger prints, as well as physical description.  As they have been in the past, Target was there with their prizes.  Everyone lined up at 7 p.m. as the ticket numbers were called.

Perhaps it is a sign of how bad the economy really is, but the “free” hot dogs from previous years were now $1 each, as were a bag of chips, or a drink.  However there were plenty of free items being given away, from police bade replica fans, mounted unit coloring books to a “make your own” police car that punched out of paper.   And to carry all the goodies home, Burbank Water and Power was giving away reusable bags.

On the bright side, it was a beautiful evening weather-wise.  The cooler than normal temperature made for a most pleasant experience.  As always, it is was a fun and educational event for all who attended.  The Burbank Police Department did a great job again, despite the demands put on it by the Presidential visit.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

New City Manager Mark Scott with Chief Scott LaChasse and Police Commissioners Cohen and Rosenfield.. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Police Sgt. Adam Cornils enjoys the look on this young Burbank youth as he get interviewed by KFI’s Steve Gregory. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Police Sgt. John Pfrommer gives a group of kids a full tour of his office, or police cruiser at one of the block parties during National Night Out.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Police Sergent John Prommer and Crime Analyst Jessica Statland talk to a group of residents in the 1000 Blk of West Orange Grove (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Celebrates National Night Out 2013 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Julian Read receives the silver medal (Photo courtesy of Karen Read)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Clear the runway. And in this case, clear some air space. Burbank’s own Julian Read has served notice to the country that his career in boys’ high jump is officially underway and he did it in winning style.

Julian Read

Read, an eighth grader at Luther Burbank Middle School, jumped his way over his national competition en route to claiming the silver medal at the AAU Junior Olympics last week in Ypsilanti, Michigan, a suburb outside of Detroit. The meet was held on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.

“Winning silver meant so much to me. I had never done anything this big in my life. Being second in the nation is a big deal to me because of all the hard work and training that I’ve put in this season,” said Read, who competes for the L.A. Falcons Track Club in the Valley Youth Conference. “I felt like I needed to prove to myself that I could do well. I didn’t need to prove it to anyone else.”

Amongst a field of 55 talented boys in the 14-year-old division from across the country, Read took matters into his hands and leaped into the finals in exciting and climatic fashion. His opening height began at 5’2” which he cleared with relatively ease. He did the same at 5’4” and advanced to 5’6” (high jump increases by two inches after each made jump).

Read, 13, missed his first attempt at 5’6” by hitting the bar with his leg. His second attempt was unsuccessful as his foot knocked the bar off setting up a do-or-die third and last attempt (high jumpers get three attempts to make a height before advancing).

On his final attempt, Read approached without fear and cleared the height with room to spare. He leapt off the mat with his arms in the air.

“My heart was in my throat knowing how disappointed he would be if did not clear on this last attempt,” said his mom, Karen.

Read competes for the L.A. Falcons Track Club (Photo by Dick Dornan)

With 5’6” out of the way, Read moved on to 5’8” which had marked his personal best when he made the jump at a meet at Santa Barbara City College this past spring.

Knowing it would take a supreme effort to clear 5’8” Read relentlessly attacked the bar on his first attempt and made it with several inches to spare.

Many of the competitors fell by the wayside at this height. Only a few high jumpers remained as 5’10” stared Read right in the face.

First attempt was a miss. Second attempt another miss. Read came to his coach for some final advice who said to run faster and with more speed.

Karen threw in her own words of support. “I told him, ‘Relax, breathe. You can do this,’” she said. ‘You need to BELIEVE you can do this.’”

Read clears 5’10″ setting a personal best (Photo courtesy of Karen Read)

Unwavering, focused and full of confidence, Read nailed his last attempt at 5’10″ and set a new personal record.

“On my third attempt at 5’10” when I was standing on my mark, getting ready to run up and jump, I felt really confident that I was going to make it. The bar didn’t look that high to me,” said Read, who stands at five-feet-10 inches tall. “When I made it over I felt great and excited, but I knew I had to focus on my next jump.”

“We went crazy. His family, his teammates, his coach were all cheering and screaming,” Karen said.

Only one other boy, David Hughes from Florida, managed to clear 5’10” – also on his third attempt and a new PR for him too.

Then it was on to six feet to determine the gold medal winner. Read and Hughes each attempted three times but to no avail.

In high jump, when there is a tie for height as in this case, the athlete with the fewest missed attempts wins. Unfortunately for Read, Hughes had fewer misses and thus took first place.

“There was no disappointment or let down. We were all as proud and excited as they placed the silver medal on his neck,” said his ecstatic mom.

“This is amazing!” shouted Read after receiving the silver medal.

Read will be an eighth grader at Luther Burbank this year (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Read’s love for high jump first began in seventh grade and success was quick to come. In this year’s All-City Middle School track meet held at Burbank High School in April, he captured first place in the high jump while breaking the seventh grade meet record (5’2 ¼”) in the process and also took first in the long jump (15’6”). He was a part of Luther Burbank’s victory with 111 points over Muir who had 62 and Jordan with 33.

“I love high jump because it really allows you to bring all of your energy to just go up and hang there for a little bit. And then I just love that feeling of falling down on the mat,” Read said. “It just makes me feel happy. I feel good that I can jump so high and do so well in something that is really fun.”

For every moment of pure exhilaration in high jump, there can be a quick dose of disappointment and frustration. High jump requires speed, a solid approach, excellent technique and sometimes simply good luck.

Read described his emotions when making a standard jump.

“I feel like I accomplished what I needed to do at that moment. Then I need to start thinking about the next jump,” he said.

As for the frustration?

“When you are jumping a height and you know you could make it because you have made it before and you keep knocking the bar off,” Read said. “And it can hurt. I’ve spiked myself plenty of times in the leg and I’ve landed on the bar with my back.”

Julian Read with his family and mom, Karen, to his left (Photo courtesy of Karen Read)

Read credits his passion and hobby for Parkour as a major reason for his success. Parkour fanatics move quickly past obstacles using only their bodies and their surroundings to propel themselves. This includes running, climbing, swinging, vaulting and jumping.

By performing Parkour frequently, the muscles in his body became stronger, his flexibility, balance coordination and athleticism improved and his vertical leap increased.

His ascent to the AAU Junior Olympics began when Read qualified at the Area 24-B National Qualifier at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego. He won with a jump of 5’6” to earn the automatic qualification and trip to Detroit.

Now after doing so well in the Junior Olympics, Read will focus on another successful season for the L.A. Falcons as well setting goals such as jumping six feet and becoming the eighth grade Burbank city champion. Then it will be off to Burroughs High School for track stardom.

“It’s a track event that not a lot of people do. A lot of people do just running,” Read said. “It’s great when you are good at it.”

Just ask the other 54 competitors below how they felt.

AAU Junior Olympics Results

Boys High Jump- 14 years old

==========================================================================

National: N  6-04  1980        Mark Trujillo, Reno, NV (meet record)

Name                    Year Team                    Finals

==========================================================================

1  5642 David Hughes        99 Hallandale Beach, F    5-10.00      1.77m

2  4266 Julian Read         99 Burbank, CA           J5-10.00      1.77m

3   641 Jeremiah Hayes      99 Webster, TX            5-08.00      1.72m

3  2634 D’Marcus Hamption   99 Ormond Beach, FL       5-08.00      1.72m

5  9009 Ethan Cadenhead     99 St Louis, MO          J5-08.00      1.72m

6  5534 Shyheem Jacques-Lo  99 Fort Myers, FL         5-06.00      1.67m

7  9340 Zavier Allen        99 Hattiesburg, MS       J5-06.00      1.67m

8  8397 Daniel Apuzzio      99 Heathrow, FL          J5-06.00      1.67m

9  6775 Marion Humphrey     99 Birmingham, AL         5-04.00      1.62m

9  8457 Joshau Crayton-Pri  99 Garfield Heights, O    5-04.00      1.62m

9  6054 Maurice Garrison    99 Salem, VA              5-04.00      1.62m

9  8812 Branden Ellis       99 Gurnee, IL             5-04.00      1.62m

9  9266 Sage Brown          99 Sicklerville, NJ       5-04.00      1.62m

9  6928 Dyllan Conway       99 St Louis, MO           5-04.00      1.62m

9  4349 Skyler Lester       99 Kennesaw, GA           5-04.00      1.62m

9  7378 Kentwan Blackstock  99 Grandview, MO          5-04.00      1.62m

17  5638 Terrence Scott      99 Rosharon, TX           5-02.00      1.57m

17  8614 Richard Nava        99 Robstown, TX           5-02.00      1.57m

17  7642 Abay Holmes         99 Marietta, GA           5-02.00      1.57m

17  2035 Amarr Teague        99 Desoto, TX             5-02.00      1.57m

17  3972 Jacob Sobota        99 Knoxville, TN          5-02.00      1.57m

17  9087 Taliferro Rhodes    99 Pembroke Pines, FL     5-02.00      1.57m

23  8398 Phillip Apuzzio     99 Heathrow, FL           5-00.00      1.52m

23   637 Rotnei Anderson     99 Webster, TX            5-00.00      1.52m

23  4908 Myles Carter        99 Philadelphia, PA       5-00.00      1.52m

23  6015 Jeremy Davis        99 Houston, TX            5-00.00      1.52m

23  3593 Christian Goines    99 Indianapolis, IN       5-00.00      1.52m

23  8603 Mckenzie Mitchell   99 Naperville, IL         5-00.00      1.52m

29  6856 Will Runion         99 St Charles, MO         4-10.00      1.47m

29   409 Akil Stokes         99 Canton, OH             4-10.00      1.47m

29  7680 Matt Lewis          99 Yardley, PA            4-10.00      1.47m

29  3551 Jake Loebbaka       99 Minooka, IL            4-10.00      1.47m

29  2061 Grant Downes        99 Kansas City, MO        4-10.00      1.47m

29   397 James Copeland      99 Canton, OH             4-10.00      1.47m

29  1600 Kristopher Gambrel  99 Columbia, SC           4-10.00      1.47m

29  8968 Myles Howard        99 Nokesville, VA         4-10.00      1.47m

37  9352 Jahmani Wright      99 Miami Gardens, FL      4-08.00      1.42m

37  7187 Kraig Ruff          99 Piscataway, NJ         4-08.00      1.42m

37  1321 Ryan Williams       99 Clive, IA              4-08.00      1.42m

37  6745 Marcus Twitty       99 Spartanburg, SC        4-08.00      1.42m

37  1104 Jordan Counter      99 Valparaiso, IN         4-08.00      1.42m

37  3753 Calvin Matthew Ii   99 Milwaukee, WI          4-08.00      1.42m

37   346 Randy Ludwig        99 Arcadia, CA            4-08.00      1.42m

37  5518 Xavier Fountain     99 Philadelphia, PA       4-08.00      1.42m

45  6143 Antwon Hallman      99 Miami Gardens, FL      4-06.00      1.37m

45  8690 Connor Sheridan     99 East Greenwich, RI     4-06.00      1.37m

47  3616 Troy Hargraves      99 Menifee, CA            4-04.00      1.32m

–  5053 Dewan Hawthorne     99 Detroit, MI                DNS

–  8749 Christopher Willia  99 Dayton, OH                 DNS

–  9357 Charles Smith       99 Chattanooga, TN            DNS

–  6483 Landon Krebs        99 Louisville, KY             DNS

–  3787 Malik Bailey        99 Metairie, LA               DNS

–  8410 Dennis Barnes       99 Jefferson City, MO         DNS

–  4413 Flakewood Tucker    99 Erynwood, NJ               DNS

–   133 Ryan Thompson       99 Wilmington, DE             DNS

The post Local Youth Soars to Silver Medal at AAU Junior Olympics appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Review
By Stan Lynch

Knowing that previous visits by the President really messed up traffic in Burbank, I stayed home Tuesday afternoon when his motorcade  — well, messed up traffic in Burbank.   However I did look at the cell phone video a reader had sent us, and it really disturbed me.

CHP Motorcycles are seen escorting the motorcade which traveled quickly northbound Hollywood Way back to the Bob Hope Airport. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Why is it necessary for the California Highway Patrol to have their motorcycle officers race at high speeds through our streets during a Presidential motorcade?

If you haven’t seen the video, check it out at the end of this story.  It was taken at the intersection of Hollywood Way and Victory Blvd.  The President is on his way from Bob Hope Airport to appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.   His limo appears to be moving at about 40 mph.  The CHP motorcycles look like they are going at least 90 mph.

Over the years I’ve seen motorcycle officers speed ahead of one kind of procession or another to block an intersection.  When the Burbank Rose Parade float is towed over to Pasadena, the Burbank Police motor officers race ahead of the float that is being towed at less than 20 mph.   And we’ve all probably seen the private motor officers escort slow moving funeral processions.

But this Presidential motorcade was different.  The motorcycles were flying down Hollywood Way.  And for what purpose?  All of the cross streets were blocked by police cars.  Several other police departments besides Burbank were utilized to perform this huge task.   So those CHP motorcycles weren’t going to block any streets.

Maybe they were looking for cars that somehow got onto Hollywood Way or Alameda Ave.  What were they going to do, ram them with their motorcycles?   Maybe they were there to tell folks to stay on the sidewalk — a job that could more effectively be done by a police car with a loud speaker.

Possibly they were there to stop any would be assassins.  At 90 mph they could spot a guy with a gun in the crowd along the street, right?  And what if someone did try and attack the Presidential limo.  It’s built like a tank.  And the Secret Service, whose job it is to protect the President, would be all over the place, whisking the President to safety and taking out the threat.

So what are the CHP motorcycle officers really there for?  I don’t want to cast dispersions on them.  I’m sure they are among the CHP’s finest, and law enforcement professionals.  But from what I saw on the video, it sure looks like they were trying to impress the Prez.

I’ve talked to some of our police officers about this, and they too have concerns about the high-speed maneuvers they have seen.  One told me he just stays way out of the way when the CHP motorcade detail comes to town. That’s probably good advice for all of us.

But here is something to think about.  What if a child or a cat or dog were to run out into the street, or someone accidentally pulled their car onto the street as these motorcycles were zooming by.  A child or an officer could be killed (as has happened in other parts of the country during Presidential motorcades).   Is it really that important for anybody, even the President of the United States, to have motorcycles racing at high speed to get to an appearance on a TV show?

By the way, in the past, Presidents have been able to land in their helicopters at NBC, thus sparing the public from the inconvenience — and in this case the danger — of a motorcade across town.

This video ‘tweeted’ in by @edithc32 shows the motorcade traveling down Hollywood Way at Victory.  The motorcade is going about 40 mph and the CHP motorcycles are speeding by.

The post Was It Really Necessary To Go That Fast To See Jay Leno? appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On August 5^th myBurbank had an opportunity to meet with Rep. Adam Schiff from California’s 28^th District in his Burbank office.  Rep. Schiff is very active in Washington, serving on committees including the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence – in addition to being the champion of numerous house initiatives related to the environment and transportation.

In this first part of a two part interview, Rep. Schiff discusses energy independence and climate change, and how both impact the future of Burbank residents.  Part two will review his activities and opinions on transportation, security, and recent discussions related to privacy and the NSA/FISA.

myBurbank:  What initiatives are you engaged with related to energy, renewable energy, and approach to fossil fuels?

Rep. Schiff:  I’ve always been a big proponent of an “Apollo-like” project to wean ourselves off of foreign oil, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels generally.  I think the biggest missed opportunity after 9/11 was to not have, then President Bush, make this a national priority.  Asking all Americans to make the investment in other technologies, and renewable sources of energy.

It’s still an urgent priority, it’s a national security imperative, an economic imperative, an environmental imperative, a health imperative.  Whatever national leads the energy revolution is going to have an enormous economic dividend for the next generation..

And I’d like that to be the United States.

Congressman Adam Schiff

ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy)is a very cutting edge agency that brings in some of the brightest scientific talent that are working in the area of energy.  ARPA brings them in for a few years, allows them to see new ideas, and develop new energy technologies.  These are things that are not yet marketable.  They are too far down the line.  They are not the next generation car battery, but perhaps the generation after that.

It’s a very efficient agency (ARPA-E), and is exactly the type R&D investment we need to make.

For whatever reason the majority over the past couple years has tried to destroy ARPA-E.  This year they proposed to cut the fund for ARPA by over 80%, similarly last year they had a mammoth proposed cut to ARPA-E.

I offered an amendment last year on the house floor to overturn those cuts last year.  The amendment was successful and restored, on a bipartisan basis, funds for ARPA-E.  This year we were not successful.  And they are still planning to go forward in the house with massive cuts to ARPA-E.

I think it’s (cuts) driven by a couple things, one is driven by people who are perfectly content to rely on fossil fuels and scoff at new energy or new technologies.  And in part it’s (rejection of proposals) driven by anything the president is for.

He’s for it – ARPA (E) is largely his creation, so then it must be a bad idea.

But I think it is just the kind of investment we ought to make.

myBurbank:  How should we approach energy management in Burbank, both at the utility and personal level?

Rep. Schiff:  Municipalities are subject to the requirements that they diversify their portfolios (where they purchase or obtain energy).  That they have a certain percentage of renewable energies as part of what they are providing to the cities, and I think that is appropriate.  We need to make sure that it is workable, and that we are not bankrupting the municipal utilities.

Most of the municipalities in our region are embracing the requirement that they have a certain percentage of renewable energy.

Part of the reason we’ve taken the approach requiring a certain renewable portfolio is that it allows them (municipal utilities) to find the most cost-effective way to implement that to the same renewable energy component.

I’d certainly be open to any proposals that would encourage or incentivize municipalities to develop their own renewable energy sources.  In some places that would be more possible than others.  In some places it may be very possible to tap solar power or waste energy.  In others it might be a lot less efficient.

As I said, I think this should be an Apollo-like effort, and that means the government has a role to play, the state government, the federal government, as well as private individuals.

myBurbank:  That leads into your efforts regarding climate change.  A lot of people have a lot of different opinions on climate change.  What do Burbank residents need to know about the realities of climate change, and what should we be doing about it?

Rep. Schiff:  it is amazing to me we can still have a robust debate about this, because the view of the scientific community is fairly unanimous.  Global warming is real.  It is quite dramatic.  There is a human component to climate change, and that if we reach the tipping point, and go over it, we could have quite disastrous consequences.

There is always a “head in the sand” component within our society.  There are others who would dispute that, but they are very much on the margins of the scientific community.  Because the facts are indisputable.  .

What we don’t know is how much time we have.

Where a lot of the opposition we have in the congress is that some are doubters and say it is not taking place, some who acknowledge it is taking place but are not sure what to do, and others who acknowledge there is a human component and it is happening – but don’t feel the United State should take unilateral action when we can’t persuade China and Russia.

If we can’t persuade China, Russia, India, and other countries then we should bother to take steps ourselves.

I think we need to take a stronger leadership role in that.  Yes we need the rest of the industrialized world and developing world to participate as well, but we are some of the largest energy consumers in the world.  We have an obligation to help lead the change on climate, and if we don’t we can be confident no one will.

I think there are a couple of things people can do (in Burbank).  People can change their own lifestyle habits to reduce their carbon footprint. They can be conscience of what they can do as an individual, and as a community to contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

And then we can let our elected officials know how important this is, help agitate for change, and raise the profile of this issue.  We particularly need that in districts where there are representatives who have not been willing to act, or that are dallying.  It has to be a grassroots national effort to get results.

The post Rep. Schiff Discusses Energy and Climate Change appeared first on myBurbank.com.

He has been nominated seven times since 2001, but it was a solo effort on a 32-minute, in-depth documentary in Africa, that finally garnered veteran broadcast journalist Peter Musurlian a Los Angeles Area Emmy.

At the August 3, 2013 awards ceremony in North Hollywood, one Emmy official commented, unofficially, that Musurlian’s Emmy might very well be the first time in 65 years that someone has won the award for an entirely “unassisted” effort.

Peter Musurlian (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

Musurlian solo-produced, shot, reported, wrote, and edited the documentary. In fact, he even shot his own reporter stand-ups while in Botswana, Africa. Musurlian did not even have a so-called in-country “fixer” to help navigate the country, as is often the case during such foreign reporting trips.

A USC journalism-school alumnus, Musurlian also has three master’s degrees, extensive U.S. Army overseas reporting experience, 14 RTNA Golden Mike Awards, and seven Los Angeles Area Emmy nominations.

Before signing-on to his current post at The Burbank Channel in 1998, Musurlian reported for television stations in Montana, Texas, and Washington, D.C. He has shot video-in and reported-from more than 20 states, as well as the countries of: Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Croatia, Georgia, Hungary, Mexico, Nagorno-Karabakh, Nicaragua, Panama, Poland, Romania, and Turkey

His Emmy-Award winning documentary, “Burbank’s African Sister City,” which will take you on a journey through cities, villages, shanty towns, palatial estates, and country clubs, also delves into the continent’s HIV/AIDS crisis and how how the government of Botswana dealt with the issue early, fast, and effectively.

Since its debut on The Burbank Channel, the film has been easily accessible on YouTube.

The post The Burbank Channel’s Musurlian Wins Emmy appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On Thursday, August 8, 2013, Burbank Police Department Traffic Bureau personnel along with officers from the Union Pacific Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a joint education and enforcement operation within the City of Burbank.

The enforcement was carried out by eight Burbank motors along with one Sergeant, two Union Pacific Officers and 1 LASD deputy.

Police issued 52 hazardous citations issued in and around the RR crossings while there were 12 advisals given.  There were also three who were given misdemeanor citations.

Of the incidents, seven were railroad related (such as 22526(d)22451(a)) while others were (throwing a lit object-cigarrette) from a vehicle, seatbelt, and cell phone usage.

The rail lines within the city are active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The heavy daily load of vehicular traffic traversing these grade crossings is potentially hazardous and a cause of concern for safe railroad operations. With literally thousands of passenger cars and commercial trucks crossing these rail lines each day, grade crossing violations are commonplace and collisions have occurred.

Motorists who stop on the tracks or evade gate-crossing warnings may be the cause of a train-vehicle collision that will almost always result in serious injury or death and delay train and vehicle traffic.

The enforcement operation concentrated their efforts at the rail crossings and right-of-ways in the city, due to prior incidents at these crossings. The locations of primary focus were the vehicle crossings at Buena Vista and Vanowen, Buena Vista and San Fernando, and the pedestrian crossing at the downtown transit depot.

The post Police Educate Drivers and Pedestrians About Railroad Crossings appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The auditorium at Joslyn Adult Center was renamed for a dynamic duo — Frank and Libby Nardo on Tuesday.

Christopher Nardo (center) and Sister Angala unveil new plaque with additional family members. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The husband and wife super couple were remembered by their children, civic leaders and some 60 friends and neighbors for providing a lifetime of kindness to others, especially at the senior center and at St. Finbar Church.

Taking part in the dedication ceremony were Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy and Terre Hirsch, chairman of the Park, Recreation and Community Services Board. Several Nardo family members were in attendance, including their son, Christopher, who gave the keynote speech, and their daughter Angela.

Libby’s accomplishments included giving time to Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Nutrition Program, Keystone Club and in the Burbank schools where for 30 years she was a teacher’s aid and read to the students. She received the Burbank Older American Volunteer Service Award in 1992.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

She and Frank were honored together as the Outstanding Older Americans of Los Angeles County, representing the city of Burbank in 1993. In 2009, Libby was named a Woman of the Year by Rep. Adam Schiff.

Libby passed away in August 2012. The auditorium was originally dedicated to Frank in 1999 after he passed away that same year.

“But because Frank and Libby were a team and gave so much to our community, it’s very fitting that we include her name with her husband’s to honor their collective contributions to Burbank,” Mayor Gabel-Luddy said.

Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy speaks to the gathered crowd. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Having both their names on the plaque is appropriate, son Christopher said, because Frank always attributed his success to having Libby by his side. In their retirement they couldn’t stay still and volunteered with organizations and projects too many to list, he said. Frank did it not for the glory, but to see that things got done.

Frank took his commitment to BTAC so seriously, that the day before his sextuple coronary bypass surgery he made his sauce for the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser. And Libby spent an entire school year helping a middle school student maintain reading at her grade level.

New Room Plaque Honoring Libby & Frank Nardo. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The plaque reads “Frank and Libby Nardo –In honor of a couple who enhanced the lives of so many in the Burbank community.” Several people agreed with the sentiment.

Neighbors Jan Brandt and Fran Peebles used to go to lunch once a month with Libby.

“It was really great because we could catch up with each other because she was so busy, you would hardly see her,” Brandt said.

The couple were committed to getting things accomplished, said Shirley Lesher, who is a member of the Joslyn Bridge Club.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“The Thanksgiving dinners at St. Finbar were incredible,” she said. “They were not only for people that maybe couldn’t afford it but for people who had no other family. Wherever they saw a need, they had the energy and the fortitude to go at it and make it happen!”

Pat Hunciker had moved into the neighborhood in 1960. She didn’t drive and had not met anyone on the street because she was busy with two young children. One Sunday she decided to walk to church and Libby pulled up in her yellow station wagon.

“She said ‘Hi! I’m Libby Nardo. Are you going to church?’ and I said yes, and she said ‘I’ll give you a ride.’ She was the first neighbor I met. That’s how she was. Always asking ‘Can I help you?’ ”

Terre Hirsch Chairman of the Park, Recreation and Community Services Board making welcome greetings and introductions. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Joslyn Auditorium Renamed for Burbank Couple appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Police Department has recently been made aware of individuals who are
impersonating Burbank Water and Power employees and trying to gain access to residential homes.

These individuals are informing residents that they work for Burbank Water and Power.  Some have
asked to enter a residence and check the water.  Others have asked the resident to exit their
residence and check the water main.  Another offered to give the resident money to check
something, but needed change for a $100.00 bill (likely fraudulent).  These incidents were reported
to the Burbank Water and Power department, who advised the residents that no BWP employees  had been scheduled to be at their residence.

How to Identify a BWP Representative

•  BWP employees are required to show you their BWP identification, which includes their  photograph.
•  Never hesitate to ask any City employee or contractor for identification before allowing them on your property.
•  If you have any uncertainty, simply ask the individual to wait outside while you call for verification.  If you feel threatened call 911.
• In most cases, BWP provides advance notice of the need to enter private property and typically arrive between 8:00a.m. and 6:00p.m.
•  If you have any questions regarding a BWP employee call (818) 238-3700.

The post Burbank Police Warn Public About Fake Water and Power Employees appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A new school year is about to start and with several school shooting across the nation this past year, Burbank’s Police Department wanted Burbank schools to be prepared for any type of situation that could arise.

Dr. Jennifer Hunt & Burbank Police Officer Kristina Sanchez discuss the Mental Health Evaluation Team that’s available. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Command Staff of the Burbank Police Department gathered all the Principals and Burbank Unified School District administrators this past week at the Burbank Fire Training Center to address several topics involving safety, precautions and offered resources that any school employee can use.

The BPD also had their Mental Health Team make a presentation. The patrol Captain showed a power point presentation and told teachers how the Police Department reacts in several different types of situations that could unfold.

Dr. Tony Beliz discusses what Los Angeles County Health can provide to BUSD at a time of crised or before. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Those present asked questions and were reassured that the Burbank Police is prepared for any type of incident on every school campus or neighborhood around the Burbank Schools.

Burbank Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Howe, who has been Burbank’s Emergency Coordinator, explained some other precautions the city is ready for such as earthquakes, gas leaks, hazardous chemicals, etc. He also introduced his replacement, Eric Baumgartner, who will be working with each school on additional training and guidance.

Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse answers questions talks with Hani Youssef Student Services Director. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Traffic Lt. Jay Hawver spoke to the group on what to expect from Burbank Traffic Officers the first week of schools with plenty of additional enforcement at every site.

The 3 hour presentation ended with questions for Police Officials and a closing from Chief Scott LaChasse, who wanted the principals and Administrators to know they are ready for any type of situation and asked them to call if any questions arise.

Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse addresses the BUSD Personnel who attended. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Police Patrol Captain Mike Albanese gives teachers and principals what to expect at the scene during and following any type incident. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

BUSD Principals listen to recommendations from Burbank Police Officers. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Police Make School Safety Presentation to School Officials appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The U14 Burbank Blackhawks won their own tournament (Photos courtesy of Frank Dalessandro)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

(Photo gallery at the end of this article)

Because of the demand from the local community that continues to grow every season in the Burbank RollerKings program, a youth travel program called the Burbank Blackhawks was recently created and will play against other rinks from the surrounding area.

Burbank Blackhawks

Two weekends ago the Burbank Blackhawks hosted a tournament for the 10U division and a 14U division. Teams came from all over to Burbank such as the Lancaster Sidewinders, Calabasas Blades and Santa Barbara Thunderbirds. This is only the second tournament the kids had played in.

The Burbank Blackhawks played in their first tournament last month and the 10U team won the title. This time, at Burbank’s home rink, the 14U kids won the championship.

Burbank Blackhawks founder Frank Dalessandro shared his thoughts on the weekend.

“The day went great. We started up at 8 a.m. and the kids were ready to go. All the teams were very even in skill and they were all skating as hard as they could. By the end of the day both of our teams were facing elimination. They both had to win to get into the playoffs.

Burbank Blackhawks 10U

“The 10U team was tied with less than two minutes left. They needed a win to have any chance to get into the playoffs. If they tied or lost they were out. Coach Joe Ballesteros used some strategy and pulled his goalie. The kids responded with a huge goal to win the game, 3-2. This resulted in a three-way-tie. It went down to the fifth tie breaker and the 10U team was eliminated. It was very exciting. We were very proud of how hard the kids worked.

“In the 10U championship game, the Lancaster Sidewinders beat Calabasas 3-2 in overtime.

Burbank Blackhawks 14U

“The 14U team was in the same boat. They came out and scored the first goal. Santa Barbara scored the next two. Burbank coach Chris Whiteman kept telling the kids not to panic and to play hard. It paid off big. The kids scored the next four goals and shut out Santa Barbara the rest of the way to get into the playoffs.

“They made it to the championship game against Calabasas where they continued to roll. It was 0-0 after the first period. The team had to kill off a two man penalty for two minutes. In the final period the defense stayed tight and the offense took over scoring three unanswered goals to win 3-0. The goalie earned a shut-out in the championship game. The kids were pumped!”

HockeyGiant came out to the rink to give away prizes to the top scorers and goalies during the games. A fun skills contest was held after the championship games and more prizes were given away to the fastest skater and best trick shot.

The City of Burbank allowed this program to start up just three short years ago. After taking over a rink that was dead and being considered for other uses or being torn out, the rink is now open daily with games being played night and day seven days a week, all year around. The interest has been huge.

Kids begin as young as four years old in the “Learn to Play” program and go up to 17-years-old in several different divisions. The in-house youth program continues to grow every season and there are hopes to add another division again this upcoming fall season beginning in September. The support of the City Council, the local schools, and Burbank community has had a major positive affect upon the success of the roller hockey program.

For more information, please visit www.BurbankRollerHockey.com and to view photos go under the photos link.

The post Burbank Blackhawks Make Debut in Local Roller Hockey appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Police will not be at the Krispy Kreme in th the Empire Center Tuesday to buy a doughnut, they will be there after a Facebook page announced that the next Krispy Kreme Tuesday would take place in Burbank.

Thousands of kids and their cars showed up at The Empire Center for a social gathering in November following several social media posts that put out this was the place to be. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The last time this unannounced event took place in Burbank, unsuspecting customers were stuck in the massive parking lot when gridlock set in.  This time Burbank Police have a plan to help the evening run smooth for all involved, unless you are breaking the law.

A release put out by the department stated that “The Burbank Police Department has become aware of a “flash-mob” meeting planned for August 13, 2013 at the Krispy Kreme located in the Empire Center in the City of Burbank.

Thousands of car enthusiasts are set to invade The Empire Center again Tuesday night. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Burbank Police Department will always respect and recognize the rights of individuals to peacefully and lawfully assemble. We also respect and recognize the need for area residents and businesses to safely utilize city streets and services. Mass gatherings can create a public nuisance, disturb the general peace, and create situations which impact the safe and efficient flow of traffic. To that end, the Burbank Police Department will be fully deployed in the area to enforce all applicable laws, including those involving illegal engine/vehicle modifications.

Let’s hope they don’t run out of maple bars.

The post Burbank Police to Hang Out at Krispy Kreme Donut Shop appeared first on myBurbank.com.

This is the second part of a two part interview with Representative Adam Schiff  from California’s 28th District.  In this part Rep. Schiff discuses two topics important to Burbank residents – aircraft noise and the continuing impact of “sequestration” of federal funds on local social programs.

myBurbank:  The area between Interstate 5 and the Verdugo Mountain foothills is frequently overflown by aircraft from the media, law enforcement, military, and private aircraft. What news can you bring us on efforts to control or limit low-level flights and noise from aircraft, such as helicopters, in residential areas?

Rep. Schiff:  Quite a lot has been happening over the last year.  It began with several of us urging the FAA to reach out to stakeholders in Los Angeles and provide suggestions about mitigating helicopter noise.  It took about a year, and they issued their report just about a month or two ago.

We had a hearing at the Autry Center where they presented their findings.  They recommended a number of steps that could be taken to mitigate helicopter noise by changing minimum altitudes, or changing flight paths, best-practices, or pooling of press helicopters.

All of what they recommended were voluntary steps.  Voluntary steps in the past have not been sufficient, so I’ve introduced legislation to require FAA regulation in this area.

We’re going to let them see what they can accomplish on a voluntary basis.  I’m skeptical, but I think they are going to try.  The next steps are meeting with stakeholders again to prioritize.  Where are the hot spots?  Where can they provide individualized remedies?

The FAA has made the point that LA is one of the most complicated airspaces in the nation.  That is true, but that’s not a justification for doing nothing.  It simply means we have to tailor-make the solution for different areas.

It’s not that we can have a minimum altitude for all of Los Angeles.  That might be a problem over the Burbank Airport, and not a problem over the “Hollywood” sign.  There may be ways we can ensure helicopters observe flight paths over freeways rather than over residential areas.

I had a roundtable with law enforcement a couple months ago as well, and there are steps law enforcement can take to minimize their impact on the ground.  Not every flight by a law enforcement helicopter is an emergency situation.  Sometimes they are going for routine maintenance, sometimes they’ve finished patrol and they are heading back to station.

Rather than taking established flight paths that mitigate the noise they take the shortest route because (for example), it saves them fuel. So there are steps that even emergency providers can do to mitigate their impacts.

myBurbank:  Sequestration is still in effect.  Where should we expect to have the most impact?  How will this continue to impact Burbank’s quality of life?

Rep. Schiff:   I think we can expect that cuts to the Safety Net programs will be the most devastating, and cause the most pain.  The most visible cuts, air traffic controllers for example, those problems will get fixed.  Because those are very public, very prominent, but it will be the people who are on “Meals on Wheels,” or folks trying to get a Section 8 Housing Voucher because they can’t the rent otherwise.

Those who are living at the edge of poverty are going to be most impacted.

So the needs of a place like the Burbank Temporary Aid are going to be more significant because there is going to be less government assistance available.

——————-

Contact Rep. Schiff with your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or opinions at schiff.house.gov

The post Rep. Schiff Updates Burbank on Aircraft Noise and Impacts of Sequestration appeared first on myBurbank.com.

While on routine patrol Tuesday morning, alert Burbank police officers spotted a fire that had just started in a strip mall at 1515 N. San Fernando Blvd.

Firefighters work to knockdown the flames in a business on Tuesday morning (Photo By Craig Sherwood)

Burbank firefighters were dispatched at 4:16 am and saw smoke visible from a distance.  Upon arriving on scene a second alarm was called and shortly after that a knockdown was declared at 4:40 am.

The fire started at Tina’s Nail & Spa and then spread to a couple of the nearby businesses including Lil Jewel’s, One Price Cleaners and Guidos Pizza.  Most of the damage occurred due to a shared, common attic. Fast work by firefighters limited the damage and saved several other businesses nearby.

A firefighter cuts through a security gate so firemen can enter the business to change for fire extension (Photo By Craig Sherwood)

A fire investigator was dispatched to the scene and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. No injuries were reported to firefighters and no damage estimates have been given yet.

Firefighters work to stop a fire that was in a common attic (Photo By Craig Sherwood)

A firefighter cuts a hole in the roof for ventilation (Photo By Craig Sherwood)

Firefighters remove outside tiles so they can get to the attic during early morning fire (Photo By Craig Sherwood)

The post Early Morning Fire Destroys Strip Mall Businesses appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Burbank) bill to help local governments create dog parks was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.  The idea for the bill came from Glendale City Councilmember Laura Friedman, who told Gatto that liability concerns were preventing small- and medium-sized cities from siting dog parks.

Gatto’s AB 265 limits the liability that cities and counties face when operating dog parks and protects them from litigants who claim, for example, that they were unaware of potential dangers.  The current legal situation is muddled, causing many local governments to feel uncertain about potential liability.

Burbank City Councilman Jess Talamantes echoed the importance of AB 265.  “As a Councilman, I must be responsible with the city’s public finances and ensure that Burbank is protected from liability.  Assemblyman Gatto’s bill provides greater certainty that Burbank’s potential future investment in a dog park will not come back to bite us.”

AB 265’s Republican supporter, Assemblyman Brian Maienschein (R-San Diego), who served eight years on the San Diego City Council, expressed similar sentiments, saying “this bill would have made my life significantly easier when I was on the San Diego City Council and trying to site a dog park.”

“Dog parks help build safer and stronger communities by providing a public space for neighbors to interact while training and socializing their dogs,” said Assemblyman Gatto.  “We should not allow liability concerns to be a barrier to creating these open spaces, especially in small- and medium-sized cities that cannot afford to self-insure.”

Jennifer Fearing of the Humane Society of the United States emphasized the social importance of dog parks, especially for animal lovers with physical ailments.  “Dog parks enable senior citizens and people with disabilities, who cannot always walk their dogs, a safe alternative,” said Fearing.  “The Humane Society is glad for an opportunity to support a bill with the noble goal of nurturing the human-animal bond.”

Precedent exists for the state limiting liability to encourage specialized open spaces.  In 1997, the state imposed limited liability under certain circumstances for cities that open skate parks.  State lawmakers reasoned that more recreation opportunities were needed, but that skateboarding is inherently dangerous, and should be done at the users’ risk, and without massive liability for cities and their taxpayers.

The post Gatto Bill Signed into Law is Dog-Gone Good appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Last November, Burbank police were caught unprepared as hundreds of car enthusiasts invaded the Empire Center, bringing traffic and life in the area to a virtual halt.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

This time, Burbank police monitored social media sites and when it was announced that Burbank was once again to host the car night, they sprang into action, mobilizing officers from a dozen agencies such as Glendale, LA County Sheriff, CHP, San Marino, Alhambra and other officers to assist through mutual aid.

Cars started showing up a little after 3:00 and police were waiting.  They started examining cars as they entered and looked for any kind of safety violations.  Upon seeing one, they then continued the search of the vehicle to find any other violations and ticketed the driver.  Motor officers roamed the streets while other units stayed inside the Empire Center to watch and monitor vehicles.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By 7:00 pm, police decided that the Empire Center was full and closed it to all incoming outside traffic for the event that was not scheduled to start until 9:00 pm.  Police did allow patrons of stores along with guests of the hotels to continue to enter.

Around 8:00 pm, both off ramps of the I-5 Freeway were also shut down so cars could not enter the area from surrounding communities.  Some motorists found other ramps, making streets like Front Street unassailable as far down as the Metrolink Station.

Around 9:00 pm, many cars began to leave and along with cars who were not able to get in, started to gather at places such as Costco and both Ralph’s Stores in the area.  Police were able to disband the cars without incident.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Many residents described the noise as irritating, along with the traffic tie ups and the duration of both media and police helicopters flying overhead for several hours.

Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department put the number of cars allowed in around 1,100 and they carried close to 3,500 people.  He has yet to report on the number of citations that were issued on the night.  There were no arrests made.

Note: Chief Photographer Ross A. Benson was in the area most of the night and contributed to this story

The post Krispy Kreme Tuesday Brings Tuesday Late Night Traffic appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Updated:  8/15/13

Elvis Is In The Building — Hiding In The Restroom

A man being searched by Burbank Police Officer after he was stopped for smoking in a “No Smoking” area on San Fernando Blvd. and Palm Ave., Saturday evening, made a break for it and tried to hide from police.   It didn’t work.  You can run, but you can’t hide from the Burbank Police Department.

An officer contacted the suspect, Elvis Kazaryan, 28, of Burbank, at 6:30 p.m., after he observed him illegally smoking.  After he consented to being searched, the officer felt something in the pocket of his cargo pants consistent with drug paraphernalia.  Kazaryan began moving his body so the officer couldn’t retrieve the item.  When the officer attempted to put handcuffs on the suspect, he broke free and ran toward the Burbank Town Center.

Kazaryan ran to the entrance of the mall at Magnolia Blvd., and went inside. Trying to lose the pursuing officers, he ran through the food court and into the restroom.  Several citizens told the officers where the suspect was hiding.  Kazaryan was taken into custody when he came out of the restroom.  Another citizen who was in the restroom indicated which stall the suspect had been in.  Inside the stall officers found a baggy containing suspected heroin and narcotics paraphernalia.

Kazaryan was booked into the Burbank Jail for drug possession, resisting arrest possession of drug paraphernalia, and probation violation.   It is unknown if he received a ticket for the smoking violation.

Drunk Man Attacks Officers

A man believed to be under the influence of alcohol attacked Burbank Police officers after they attempted to take him into custody Friday night in the 100 block of E. Palm Ave.

Police had been called at 10 p.m. to Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 127 E. Palm Ave., regarding a disturbance.  They contacted Shahed Kalaleh, 26, of Glendale, outside the business.  According to police, Kalaleh was belligerent and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.  He was placed under arrest for public intoxication.  While attempting to search the suspect, he refused to cooperate with the officers, and swung his elbows and kicked at them.  He struck one officer in the chest with his elbow, and spat on another officer.

Once the suspect was controlled, officers found suspected Xanax and Hydrocodone.  He did not have a prescription of the drugs.  Kalaleh was arrested for drug possession, assaulting a police officers, felony resisting arrest, and disturbing the peace.  He was booked into the Burbank Jail.

Man Arrested For Molesting Daughter

A Burbank man was behind bars, accused of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14,
after his teenaged daughter told police that he had molested her over a three-year period.

Due to concerns for the privacy of the victim, Burbank Police could not release much information about the case.  However, they did confirm that the unidentified girl, who is now older than 14, but still a minor, had come to the front counter of the police station on Sunday, August 4, to report the crime.  Detectives then began investigating her allegations, and ended up arresting the girl’s biological father.

Daniel Lee Gibson, 52, was arrested early Monday afternoon in Valencia.   He was booked into the Burbank Jail for violating section 288.5(a) of the California Penal Code.  The section covers continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, over a period of three months or more. Gibson’s bail was set at $250,000.

Stolen Loot Is Fools Gold

A suspected thief got the unwanted attention of police, after he tried to test jewelry taken from relatives was really gold.

The incident began around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, when Burbank Police Officers working crime suppression in the Island’s parking structure located at 133 E. Orange Grove Ave. noticed three men in a 2004 Pontiac hunched over the center console.  When the officers approached the car, they found the men looking at several pieces of gold jewelry.  It was eventually determined that the jewelry had been stolen from a family member.  The suspect had asked the two other men to help him test to see if the jewelry was really gold.

During a search of the men turned up suspected heroin, drug paraphernalis, and several prescription pills.  Angel P. Lesigues, 19, of Glendale was placed under arrest for possession of stolen property as well as a drug related charges, and booked into the Burbank Jail.  His bail was set at $10,000.  The other two men was not held.

Police Make Bust Outside Library

An officer conducting a routine check of the Central Library at 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd., around 5 p.m. August 2, found a group of men in the patio area next the library when people hang out smoking and drinking.  Recognizing one of the men from previous contacts who was on probation, the officer stopped and got permission to search the man.

As a result, the officer recovered credit cards belonging to other people, and written identification information in the man’s possession.  The suspect, Vartan Samani, 37,of Burbank, was placed under arrest for identity theft, and transported to the Burbank Jail.  His bail was set at $50,000.

Apparently he wasn’t at the library to read a book.

The post Crime Report for August 2013 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Colony Theatre is thrilled to present the West Coast Premiere of BREATH AND IMAGINATION: The Story of Roland Hayes, a true story by Daniel Beaty, directed by Saundra McClain, with Musical Direction by Rahn Coleman. BREATH AND IMAGINATION will preview on Wednesday, September 11; Thursday, September 12; and Friday, September 13 at 8:00pm and will open on Saturday, September 14 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, October 13.

Long before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, before Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar for the role of Mammy in Gone with the Wind or the Tuskegee Airmen won honors as black pilots in World War II, Roland Hayes made history as the first world-renowned African-American classical singer. The son of slaves, he grew up in poverty on a Georgia plantation. As a man, he became the toast of two continents, headlining at Carnegie Hall and singing for kings and queens of Europe, blazing a path for Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and countless others who came after. A major celebrity in his time, today he has been largely (and inexplicably) forgotten. Until now. In this extraordinary, inspiring play filled with music, audiences will discover how the gift of his father’s pocket watch set him on his remarkable journey to greatness.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

DANIEL BEATY (Playwright) is an award-winning actor, singer, writer and motivational speaker. His critically acclaimed plays Through the Night, Emergency, and Mr. Joy have been performed at venues ranging from Lincoln Center to the White House, and garnered numerous awards including an Obie Award for writing and performance and two NAACP Theater Awards. Through the Night and Emergency both played extended, sold-out runs at LA’s Geffen Playhouse. His new solo play on the life of Paul Robeson, The Tallest Tree in the Forest, will have its World Premiere this fall at the La Jolla Playhouse, directed by Moisés Kaufman, and be performed at the Mark Taper Forum in spring of 2014. He is a highly requested keynote speaker and thought leader, an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a diversity trainer and a youth development specialist. In the fall of 2013, Beaty will launch a nationwide initiative (funded by W.K. Kellogg and Ford Foundation, among others) using the tools of storytelling to help individuals and communities heal trauma. He holds a B.A. with Honors in English and Music from Yale University and an MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theatre. His poem Knock Knock has been transformed into a children’s book of the same title, published by Little Brown Books. Penguin-Random House will publish his empowerment book Transforming Pain to Power in February 2014. www.DanielBeaty.com

SAUNDRA McCLAIN (Director) received rave reviews this season for her direction of Ain’t Misbehavin’ at International City Theatre as well as her productions of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune, The Fantasticks and In the Continuum at Ensemble Theatre in Santa Barbara. Recent productions include Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Spunk at Two River Theatre. Her production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Playhouse on the Green won the Drama Critics’ Award for Best Ensemble in Connecticut. As adjunct professor at Queens College, she directed Sophocles’ Electra and also created and taught the Black Theater Workshop. She directed Death of a Salesman, Antigone, To Be Young, Gifted and Black. and The Women of Plums for Kennedy Center’s Youth and Family Programs, and at Henry Street Settlement, Dark of the Moon, Hello Out There, Don’t See My Bones, and Think I Am Dead. At UBU Rep, A Modest Proposal, and at Cherry Lane Theatre, Harriet’s Return, a one-woman show which toured nationally for five years, along with Of Ebony Embers-Vignettes of the Harlem Renaissance, a one-man show with chamber orchestra. She was Artistic Director of Troupe NY, which adapted classic works for the schools and developed new works with emerging playwrights and directors. She is a

lifetime member of the Actors Studio, an ensemble member of Antaeus Theatre Company, and is Artist in Residence at Ensemble Theatre Company in Santa Barbara. As an author, Ms. McClain is recipient of an NEA grant for her musical Storm Warning; Caribe, currently in development with composer Kathryn Bostic, and was workshopped at Kennedy Center and the ASCAP/Disney Workshop in Los Angeles. She is also collaborating with Emmy Award-winning composers Bobby Daye and Tom Kochan on Ties That Bind. She has just returned from National Black Theatre Festival 2013 where she performed her one-woman show, Barbara Jordan: A Rendezvous with Destiny.

RAHN COLEMAN (Musical Director) has served as musical director, conductor, and pianist for Play On, Purlie, Blues in the Night, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin, Ray (Charles), Play On, Sammy (Davis), Baby it’s You, and Williams and Walker to name a few. A product of extensive classical training having studied under the renowned teacher Nadia Boulangier, Rahn has over 25 years of professional experience, and has performed, conducted coached, and arranged for such notables as Aretha Franklin, Freda Payne, Nichelle Nichols, Michael Feinstein, Gladys Knight, Barry White, The Ojays, The Temptations, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughn, the Philadelphia Philharmonic, and the Clinton Presidential Inaugural Orchestra. He is the recipient of national and international critical acclaim and always in the running for top honors. Hailed as one of the most effective performance coaches in the world, he has also shared his artistic gifts through service as Minister of Music at Christ the King and Faith Lutheran churches in Southern California. He is producing director of “The Mystic Knight Recorder,” L.A’s leading underground studio, where new vistas for world class music and its performance are in constant creation.

ABOUT THE CAST AND DESIGN TEAM

ELIJAH ROCK (Roland Hayes) was born in Cleveland, where he grew up singing in church and was discovered by the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus and the Cleveland Opera Children’s Chorus. While in high school, he studied classical voice at the world-renowned Interlochen Arts Camp for two summers. In his senior year, he had the honor of being one of the first vocalists to be accepted into the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music Young Artist Program. Also in Cleveland, he studied comedy and drama at the Karamu House Theatre, the oldest African-American theatre in the country. LA beckoned him as a soloist for the Los Angeles Jubilee Singers, singing Negro Spiritual music in concert halls around the world. After moving to Harlem, his diverse skill set landed him leading roles in productions off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country. His stage credits include Fences, Jitney, Vaudeville, To Be Young Gifted and Black, Hoodoo Love, Baby Its You, Sophisticated Ladies, Paradise (a World Premiere bluegrass musical), Adrian in Smokey Joe’s Café, the iconic role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime and, most recently, Anatoly in Chess at the East West Players in LA. His film credits include the comedy 3 Blind Saints and the upcoming independent drama Salvation Street, set to release in December, 2013. His debut jazz vocal single, That First Time, and his debut jazz vocal album, Elijah Rock LIVE in Hollywood, are available on iTunes and Amazon. He is also a professional tap dancer, and continues to study classical voice privately with Vladimir Chernov.

KARAN KENDRICK (Angel Mo’, the mother of Roland Hayes) marks her Los Angeles theatre debut with Breath and Imagination. Other work includes NY Theatre: Goddess (Workshop), Eugene O’Neill Musical Theatre Conference; Macbeth, Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death…Classical Theatre of Harlem; Regional Theatre: Hartford Stage, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, Alliance Theatre, True Colors Theatre, Portland Center Stage. TV/Film: Law and Order: CI, Army Wives, Drop Dead Diva, The Wronged Man, The Hunger Games, Parental Guidance, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Madea Goes to Jail, and the upcoming A Friggin’ Christmas Miracle.

KEVIN ASHWORTH (The Accompanist) is thrilled to be working at The Colony Theatre for the first time. Favorite stage credits include Chapter Two (Laguna Playhouse), The Dinosaur Within (Theatre @ Boston Court), All My Sons (Raven Playhouse), A Streetcar Named Desire and Musical of Musicals: The Musical! (Foothills Theatre), and 1776 (Lyric Stage). TV: Scandal, 90210, CSI: Miami, Desperate Housewives, 24 among others. www.kevinashworth.com

The Scenic Design for BREATH AND IMAGINATION is by Shaun Motley (Conversation With My Father). The Costume Design is by Dianne K. Graebner (Ovation nominations – The Brothers Karamazov and Battle Hymn). The Lighting Design is by Jared A. Sayeg (Ovation nominations – Trying and Kiss Me, Kate). The Sound Design is by Dave Mickey (American Fiesta). Props Design and Set Dressing is by Colony Theatre resident designers MacAndMe.

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

BREATH AND IMAGINATION will open on Saturday, September 14, at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, October 13. Performances for BREATH AND IMAGINATION are Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 3:00pm & 8:00pm; and Sundays at 2:00pm. Ticket prices range from $25.00 – $45.00 (student, senior, and group discounts are available). BREATH AND IMAGINATION will preview on Wednesday, September 11; Thursday, September 12

; and Friday, September 13 at 8:00pm at The Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street (at Cypress) adjacent to the Burbank Town Center Mall.

Opening night performance with reception – all tickets $50.00. There are question-and-answer talkbacks after the performances on Friday, September 20 and Thursday, October 2. For tickets, call the Colony Theatre Box Office at 818/558-7000 ext. 15 or online at www.ColonyTheatre.Org.

The post Colony’s First Production of Season Coming in September appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Arts For All Foundation announced today that Carrie Brown was elected as Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors for a two-year term effective immediately. Brown has served as a member of the Foundation’s Board and Executive Committee since 2010. She has also served as the Foundation’s Treasurer and Chair of the Community Outreach Working Group.

Carrie Brown, her husband Earl Brown and their daughter Anna at BAFA’s Party on the Plaza fundraiser

Brown is an independent communications specialist and consultant and a highly involved Burbank community member. Her philanthropic work includes “Families for Stevenson Booster Association” serving on its Board and as president from 2008-2009; she also served on the Board of Session for Westminster Presbyterian Church and Preschool. Over the past ten years she has been an active member of the PTA where she continues to volunteer for various committees and events.

“As we look to the future of the Burbank Arts for All Foundation, we couldn’t ask for a more devoted leader than Carrie Brown as well as a Board who is extremely hard working and passionate about quality arts education in our public schools,“ stated Trena Pitchford, Director of Development, Burbank Arts for All Foundation. “Our former Co-Chairs, Craig Murray and Alexandra Helfrich, have done a spectacular job in strengthening and growing the Foundation. There is truly never enough appreciation we can express for their dedication and leadership over the past three years.”

“I’m honored and humbled to take on the role of Chair of this wonderful Foundation,” Brown said. “I’m so proud of what Burbank Arts For All Foundation has accomplished under Craig and Alexandra’s inspiring and tireless leadership. We have built a solid platform and a launching pad that will take us to new heights. With that said, there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us in order to ensure that all Burbank public school students are guaranteed a quality arts education today and for generations to come.”

Additional officers include Bob Mohler as Vice Chair, Mauro Diaz as Treasurer, Heidi Trotta as Secretary. Alexandra Helfrich and Craig Murray will remain as Executive Committee members.

The Burbank Arts For All Foundation’s Board of Directors also include: Barbara Beckley, Karen Broderick, Ruth Davidson-Guerra, Kevin McCarney, Joan McCarthy, Monica Newhouse-Rodriguez, Lili Rossi, Caroline Solberg and Suzanne Weerts.

Burbank Arts For All Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation, and is governed by an unpaid Board of Directors representing a cross-section of business and community leaders.

The post Burbank Arts For All Foundation Elects Carrie Brown as Chair appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) celebrated the completion of the Sycamore at Catalina, its latest affordable housing effort. BHC, in partnership with the City of Burbank, completed 20 new, energy efficient, eco-friendly rental units that will be home to lower-income Burbank families. The project is located at 2223 Catalina Avenue.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The development has been underway since late 2011, when BHC began the demolition of the seven severely blighted buildings that made up the site. With innovative architecture and a commitment to long-term sustainability, the new Catalina community is already a landmark in the neighborhood!

Before the renovations started, the Burbank Fire Department were able to use the abandoned apartments for invaluable fire training.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

This Unidentified neighbor of the project stopped by to Thank City Officials for putting such a nice addition to the neighborhood. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Housing Corporation Ready to Welcome Newest Residence appeared first on myBurbank.com.