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Burroughs & Burbank Baseball Competing in Summer VIBL

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Burroughs pitcher Danny Bustos has been strong in the early part of the summer (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Burroughs pitcher Danny Bustos has been strong in the early part of the summer (Photo by Dick Dornan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Fresh off their 2014 spring seasons, both the Burroughs and Burbank baseball programs have jumped right into the annual summer VIBL (Valley Invitational Baseball League).

Games have already begun and will go until July 12. VIBL playoffs are scheduled for July 15, 17, 19 and 22 – with the championship on July 24 (single elimination).

Below are the websites for each program. Please note that the game schedules are subject to change at any time. Burroughs will traditionally play at 7 p.m. at home and 5 p.m. on the road and Burbank will go at 6 p.m. at home and 5 p.m. on the road during weeknights. Weekend game times vary for each school.

Not all games are a part of the VIBL. Here is the VIBL website with scores and records-

http://myburbank.com/vibl/

Come by and catch a sneak preview to next year’s ballclubs!

Burroughs Indians baseball-

http://burroughsbaseball.org/teams/default.asp?u=BURROUGHSBASEBALL&s=baseball&p=home

IMG_6962 IMG_6946 IMG_6957

Burbank Bulldogs baseball-

http://www.burbankhighbaseball.org/teams/?u=BHSBULLDOGS&s=baseball&t=c

IMG_7024 IMG_7020 IMG_7026

Note- Burroughs schedule below. Burbank’s schedule was not available.

JBHS VIBL

 

The post Burroughs & Burbank Baseball Competing in Summer VIBL appeared first on myBurbank.com.


Alert Citizen Reports Suspicious Pair Burglarizing Cars in Downtown

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Burbank Police dispatch received a call from a citizen who reported she was witnessing two males burglarizing a couple of cars in the parking structure in the 100 block of East Orange Grove late Friday evening. She supplied the dispatchers a description of the suspects and the SUV they were about to leave in as well as the license plate on the vehicle.

Auto Burg Suspects-4Several Burbank Police units converged on the area within seconds, and one of the patrol officers saw the car matching her description leaving the structure westbound on Orange Grove Avenue heading toward the Northbound I-5 Freeway. While the officers waited until they had enough backup and a helicopter overhead, they initiated a felony traffic stop of the SUV on the Buena Vista off-ramp.

Once the suspects were taken into custody, a visual inspection of the Ford Explorer saw plenty of what appeared to be stolen property inside.Auto Burg Suspects-3

Glendale residents Arman Shakbazyan, 37, and Omanov Djasur, 29, were positively identified by the witness and booked for auto burglary. They are being held at Los Angeles County Jail with a $20,000 bail and will appear in Burbank Court on Tuesday, June 24, 2014.

Evidence from the rented Ford Explorer was booked and the vehicle was impounded as well.  Auto Burg Suspects-5Auto Burg Suspects-6

 

The post Alert Citizen Reports Suspicious Pair Burglarizing Cars in Downtown appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club Donates $5,000 to YMCA

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The Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club and the Burbank Community YMCA share the goal of building a stronger community.

Celebrating Kiwanis Club's $5,000 donation to the Burbank Community YMCA are, from left, Kiwanis President Bruce Lilly, YMCA President/Chief Executive Officer JC Holt, Gala Chairwoman Marsha Jackson and Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors David Escobar. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Celebrating Kiwanis Club’s $5,000 donation to the Burbank Community YMCA are, from left, Kiwanis President Bruce Lilly, YMCA President/Chief Executive Officer JC Holt, Gala Chairwoman Marsha Jackson and Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors David Escobar. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

While the Kiwanis club supports local charities and programs that help people, the YMCA concentrates on keeping them healthy and providing the tools for shaping good character.

But what really ties the organizations together is their commitment to youth, believes Marsha Jackson, chairwoman of the Kiwanis Gala held last Saturday at Lakeside Golf Club.

“I think that Kiwanis and the YMCA have a lot in common because we both serve the children of the world,” she said.

The Kiwanis presented a $5,000 donation to the YMCA in honor of its 90 years in Burbank. Founded in 1924, the Y serves more than 9,000 members or program participants a year. More than 4,000 swimming lessons are taught every year and 200 seniors a day use the Aquatics Center.

JC Holt, left, Burbank Community YMCA chief executive officer, receives a proclamation from Burbank Mayor David Gordon during the Burbank Noon Kiwanis Gala on Saturday night at Lakeside Golf Club. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

JC Holt, left, Burbank Community YMCA chief executive officer, receives a proclamation from Burbank Mayor David Gordon during the Burbank Noon Kiwanis Gala on Saturday night at Lakeside Golf Club. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

The Y also sends teens to Sacramento to learn about legislation through the Youth & Government program each year. More than 150 families rely on its preschool and after-school activities. Some 300 boys and girls are enrolled in the youth basketball program. More than 350 children attend camp during the summer.

And no one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Last year the Y provided more than $300,000 to help kids and families learn, grow and thrive, said JC Holt, president/chief executive officer.

“The Y was honored for 90 years as a recognized leader in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” he said. “That recognition from the Kiwanis was made even more special by their $5,000 contribution. One hundred percent of the gift will go toward our assistance program to help kids and families who otherwise might not be able to afford some Y programs.”

Resolutions were presented to Holt from the offices of Rep. Adam Schiff and Assemblyman Mike Gatto. Burbank Mayor David Gordon read a proclamation highlighting such qualities as the Y’s ability to instill family values and produce community leaders and Olympians.

Patriotic centerpieces at the Kiwanis Gala saluted Flag Day last Saturday and featured a bear dressed in USA military combat uniform waving the American flag. The bear plays Lee Greenwood's song "I'm Proud to be an American". ( photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Patriotic centerpieces at the Kiwanis Gala saluted Flag Day last Saturday and featured a bear dressed in USA military combat uniform waving the American flag. The bear plays Lee Greenwood’s song “I’m Proud to be an American”. ( photo by Joyce Rudolph)

The gala fundraiser has been Jackson’s baby for 17 years. It started while she was president of Kiwanis in 1987-’88. She got the idea from her sister and brother-in-law Kay and David Hughes, who were involved in raising $10 million a year for 13 Boys & Girls Clubs in another state.

“Everything we raise goes back to Burbank, mostly to children but some funds go to adults and senior citizens,” she said.

The highlight of the night is a reverse opportunity drawing. People’s numbers are drawn until only five people remain. They then vote to keep going so winner takes all or share the $5,000 grand prize.

“I saw it done in San Diego and thought we should try it,” Jackson said. “I always bought tickets for it.”

 Guests sitting with Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy admire the bear dressed in USA combat uniform. Table guests were asked to hit the play button only once, all at the same time, to hear Lee Greenwood's song "I'm Proud to be an American". ( photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Guests sitting with Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy admire the bear dressed in USA combat uniform. Table guests were asked to hit the play button only once, all at the same time, to hear Lee Greenwood’s song “I’m Proud to be an American”. ( photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Winners this year, who opted to take home $1,000 each, were Dennis Dunn, Kenneth Nielsen, Sam and Millie Engel, Gary Kessler and the city of Burbank.

Funds raised came from the cost of the reverse drawing tickets, the silent and live auction, and the program book ads, said past president Harvey Branman.

“This year we added another drawing,” he said. “We sold just 100 tickets at $50 each for a 1-plus carat diamond.”

Kiwanian Gary Peterson reminded members and guests that the club lost two exemplary members this year — Herb Vincent and Ham Lloyd who together served Kiwanis a total of 94 years.

Patrick Beck, Burbank YMCA manager on duty, introduces "Built on Love" the song he wrote for the national Sing Out for the Y: The YMCA Song Contest hosted by YMCA of the USA. His song and two others were voted finalists by the public and the Y–USA's team of judges and were performed at the YMCA General Assembly held last July in Philadelphia, Penn. (photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Patrick Beck, Burbank YMCA manager on duty, introduces “Built on Love” the song he wrote for the national Sing Out for the Y: The YMCA Song Contest hosted by YMCA of the USA. His song and two others were voted finalists by the public and the Y–USA’s team of judges and were performed at the YMCA General Assembly held last July in Philadelphia, Penn. (photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Following the cadet color squad presentation of the colors Alana Hyland sang the national anthem. Johnny Holiday entertained with his special brand of humor.

Burbank Y employee Patrick Beck performed “Built on Love”, which he wrote about the YMCA for a contest. He and three other contestants were chosen from 5,000 to perform their songs for the YMCA General Assembly in Philadelphia last year.

The song was apropos because both the Kiwanis Club and YMCA were built on love, chairwoman Jackson said.

Kiwanis Gala Chairwoman Marsha Jackson holds the microphone while Patrick Beck, Burbank YMCA manager on duty, performs "Built on Love" the song he wrote for the national Sing Out for the Y: The YMCA Song Contest hosted by YMCA of the USA. His song and two others were voted finalists by the public and the Y–USA's team of judges and were performed at the YMCA General Assembly held last July in Philadelphia, Penn. (photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Kiwanis Gala Chairwoman Marsha Jackson holds the microphone while Patrick Beck, Burbank YMCA manager on duty, performs “Built on Love” the song he wrote for the national Sing Out for the Y: The YMCA Song Contest hosted by YMCA of the USA. His song and two others were voted finalists by the public and the Y–USA’s team of judges and were performed at the YMCA General Assembly held last July in Philadelphia, Penn. (photo by Joyce Rudolph)

The post Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club Donates $5,000 to YMCA appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Second Alarm Fire Damages Burbank High-Rise Building

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Burbank Fire responded to a reported smoke alarm inside the structure at 3300 Riverside Drive late Saturday night. Once the single engine on scene entered the building they found smoke banking down low on the second floor of the New York Film Academy located at 3300 West Warner Blvd.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A full alarm assignment was requested and with sprinklers flowing and strobes going off, the firefighters proceeded to the floor where the alarm was coming from.

The fire was located on the floor above the first level parking garage. The fire was contained to one area and was kept in check by a fire sprinkler overhead. Water from the flowing sprinkler filled the floor quickly, and once the fire was extinguished, firefighters had the job of removing thousands of gallons of water from the building.

The amount of water and smoke removal that required a second alarm to be called brought several more pieces of equipment and personnel. Mutual aid from Glendale automatically filled the empty Burbank Fire Stations and an Air Utility and Battalion Chief from Glendale also responded to the scene.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Firefighters using mops, squeegees, and special water vacuums took hours removing the standing water on the floor where the fire was located. In addition to the water removal, the firefighters used fans to clear the smoke in and around the floors.

The cause of the blaze appeared to be accidental and is under routine investigation by a Burbank Fire Investigator. Damage was not available at this time. There were no injuries to fire personnel during this incident. The firefighters were under the direction of Battalion Jeff Howe as Incident Commander.

Burbank Police Department had officers close Warner Blvd. during the incident for the safety of firefighting personnel. They also handled crowd control in the area.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

The post Second Alarm Fire Damages Burbank High-Rise Building appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burroughs Girls Basketball Enjoying Summer Competition

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The Burroughs girls basketball team is determined to defend its league title from this past season. The Indians are playing a slew of games against some stiff competition. Here are their results thus far-

SAN LUIS OBISPO Tournament:

Burroughs' Davina Del Castillo

Burroughs’ Davina Del Castillo

Davina Del Castillo was named All-Tournament.

Friday Games-

Burroughs 43 Arroyo Grande 31

Davina Del Castillo had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals.  Jordan Meltzer had 14 points, and Abbey Ibarra had 8 points and 4 rebounds.

Central Cal Heat 43 Burroughs 39

Davina Del Castillo had 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 17 points, and Jordan Meltzer had 11 points.

Saturday Games-

Burroughs 48 San Luis Obispo 22

Chloe Takeuchi had 15 points and Jordan Meltzer had 8 points.  Sienna Brown had 4 points and 6 rebounds. Davina Del Castillo had 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals.

Mission Prep 49 Burroughs 44

Brooke Radcliff had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.  Delaney Nicol had 9 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 6 points.

Sunday Games-

Burroughs 37 Santa Maria 20

Abbey Ibarra had 12 points, Kamryn Cardenaz had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals.

Burroughs 60 Righetti 13

Kamryn Cardenaz had 17 points, 6 rebounds.  Haley Wilson had 8 points, 8 rebounds.  Chloe Takeuchi had 10 points.  Abbey Ibarra had 7 rebounds and 5 steals.

Other scores:

Burroughs 36 Harvard Westlake 25 (Burroughs Summer League)

Brooke Radcliff had 8 points and 5 rebounds.  Davina Del Castillo had 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Alemany 52 Burroughs 29  (Valencia Summer League)

Davina Del Castillo had 6 points and 5 rebounds.  Abbey Ibarra had 6 opints.  Brooke Radcliff had 4 points and 5 rebounds.

Burroughs 46 Muir 15 (Burbank Summer league)

Haley Wilson had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Jocelyn Rieken had 6 points and 4 rebounds.

BURROUGHS / BURBANK SUMMER BASH Tournament:

Burroughs 54 Downey 27

Davina Del Castillo had 8 points, Kamryn Cardenaz had 9 points, Abbey Ibarra had 9 points, and Destiny Contreras had 8 points.

Burroughs 43 Fairmont Prep 33

Jordan Meltzer had 11 points, Kamryn Cardenaz had 13 points and 8 assists, 6 rebounds.  Davina Del Castillo had 8 points and 12 rebounds, 4 steals.

LB Millikan 40 Burroughs 36 (semifinal)

Davina Del Castillo had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and Brooke Radcliff had 8 points and 5 steals.

Burroughs 37 Harvard Westlake 32  Overtime (3rd place game)

Davina Del Castillo had 11 points, 7 rebounds.  Brooke Radcliff had 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 9 points.

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Burbank International Film Festival Is The Movie Maker’s Friend

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A writer/producer friend of mine compared LA to a gold rush mining camp. Hopefuls come here from every corner of the country in search of Hollywood gold: that million-dollar screenplay, or that starring role, or that Oscar for Best Director. In the original California gold rush back in 1849, a few—a very few—struck it rich. Many went home broke. Some stayed and went crazy. (San Francisco’s tolerance for wacky behavior originates from those days, when folks had a “there but for the grace of God go I” reaction when they encountered yet another poor soul shattered by disappointed hopes.)

But others made money selling the shovels and the picks (and the whiskey), along with all kinds of advice on how to find the mother lode. And so it is today in 2014 LA, except that the picks became pixels, shovels became head shots and the occasional whispered advice became workshops, classes and coaching sessions shouting from every iPad.

All of this adds up to a lot of money, particularly for someone doing role research by parking cars and waiting tables.

That’s why the Burbank International Film Festival deserves a big thank you for giving the local community a free one-day seminar on “the biz” at Woodbury University.  Every spring, panels of seasoned, award-winning pros cover several key facets of the entertainment business: dealing with talent agents and managers, auditioning or casting for film or television, making independent films, writing screenplays that sell, telling stories in new media. Most of them aren’t doing it for the publicity, or for the hundreds of headshots and bios they’ll be receiving from the attendees. They covered those bases long ago. I think they do it because BIFF gives them a platform to give their audience the unvarnished truth:

You really want to succeed in the entertainment business? Then you have to be really talented, really hardworking and really professional. And you’ll probably fail to be any of these things unless you love your craft enough to endure all of the pain that comes with mastering it.

One of the presenters of this year’s spring seminar, Director/Producer Chris Olen Ray, said that he “sat in a room watching a movie with 300 sailors and marines laughing and having a good time.” That’s when he witnessed the power of entertainment to provide a happy moment even in the horrific circumstance of war. And that’s when his love of moviemaking caught fire, the kind of fire that rainy days can’t put out.

The accolades of those early successes at the high school or college level may not return for a long while as you go to audition after audition, direct short film after short film, write script after script.  And if independent filmmaking is your passion, listen to Producer Sim Sarna: “Don’t expect to make a lot of money. Don’t expect anything, really.” The love of fame and fortune is understandable, but don’t confuse it with the love of doing the work.

Sim Sarna also said “if you have a great script, it will be produced.” The catch is, doing a “great” job means something a bit different in the major leagues than it does in a friendly game at the neighborhood park. That’s why writer Tim Dowling (This Means War) advised writers to “keep writing. If one script doesn’t catch fire, write another.” And writer Kristen Smith (Legally Blonde) adds, “Be friends with your agent’s assistant.” (And for more pithy advice, please check out the companion article featuring Producer and Casting Director Gerald Webb.)

There are fresh reasons for hope, however, in this age of international sales and social media. Distributor Linda Nelson pointed out “we are now seeing about double the revenue from foreign territories, although domestic sales will grow stronger in the coming years thanks to digital platforms.” In India, one can make more in U-tube rentals than selling the film rights. (She also advised her audience to ask two questions of any would-be distributor: Will I be getting paid regularly? Will I be getting regular quarterly statements? That you have to ask such questions in the first place is some indication that film distribution can be a minefield for the unwary.) On the social media side, there’s now equity crowd funding, including HEF (horror movie equity fund.)

BIFF deserves tremendous credit for putting on a free seminar that offers straight talk without the spin. For many in the audience, coaching and classes will still prove helpful, perhaps more so than ever because they have become more discerning clients.

And let me share a few words with the local studios about BIFF.  Look, I get it. The industry flocks to the film festivals at Sundance and Cannes because you want to get out of LA for a while. You need the break. You need as many reasons as possible to look in the mirror and say that putting up with all the insanity is worth it. Watching films of varying quality in Burbank probably doesn’t qualify as one of those reasons.

But, BIFF does wonderful work supporting film making by high school kids throughout LA County. Maybe that’s a good reason.

Here’s another good reason. Think of the kind of people who have done good enough work to at least make it into a serious film festival like BIFF. They are serious about the business, putting their sweat and treasure on the line. Why not help them preserve their sanity? Give them the pleasure of meeting movie movers and shakers on their home turf, and maybe even hearing an encouraging word or two. On such morsels do starving moviemakers dine while putting in their years to become overnight successes.

For questions or more information email BIFF at info@burbankfilmfest.com or visit the website www.burbankfilmfest.org

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Webb Casting Pearls

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Award-winning Actor, Producer and Casting Director GERALD WEBB brought a lot of hot food to the table at the Burbank International Film Festival’s day of free industry seminars. He’s been one of the country’s most innovative DJ’s, having created the first method for DJ’s to scratch a CD like a record. By the late 90’s he “fully embraced his love of performance and began seriously acting.” In other words, he did a zillion auditions. Fast forward eight years, and Webb had garnered 80+ TV and film credits. In ’09, he cast his first movie, so impressing the studio that they hired him as their in-house casting director. In 2011, he became a successful producer. Webb’s walked the talk about taking charge and working hard. And his stones of difficulty now have pearly coats of hard-won insights.

 

Webb’s Word on Writing

  • 1.     Be true to the genre. If it’s a superhero film, audiences expect the superhero to get beat up but then triumph in the end. Don’t disappoint them.
    2.     Be true to your story’s setting.  Does your story take place in a city where the women outnumber the men, or where there are different races and ethnicities? Then your story should be authentic and reflect these diversities.
    3.     Read aloud the dialog you’ve written. If you’re like many writers, you have a strong story but much of your dialog may be suspect. Reading aloud the dialog will red flag the lines ringing false to the ear.
    4.     Be budget aware. Don’t write for budget on the first draft.  But budget awareness should inform your rewrites. Can several different locations be combined into one? Can several minor characters be combined? Trusted friends can help you find these and other ways to tell a story that’s economical with money as well as words.
    Webb’s Word on Auditioning
    1.     Be professional. Show up on time. Have your head shot. Bring the sides. Fix your hair. Don’t look at the floor. Listen. A lot of would-be actors neglect these basics, and they don’t have the excuse of being rank beginners. Don’t be in that crowd.
    2.     Learn the lost art of script analysis. Strong choices aren’t just making up stuff. They are justified by the text. So read the script. (And don’t answer yes to the director if you haven’t. You’ll be found out.)  Then analyze the whole script, not just your character’s lines.
    3.     Know thyself. You have to be really honest with yourself and where you are as an actor and as a person. Acting is not faking. It’s embodying the truth of your character and their situation. You can’t embody the truth if you don’t acknowledge where you are in your journey.
    4.     Know the tone of the show. Hopefully Webb won’t mind me sneaking in Casting Director Michael Testa’s admonition to figure out the overall tone of the show you may be auditioning for. If you’re supposed to be in a small town, for example, are you talking too fast, too contemporary?
    5.     Don’t play it safe. If you’re an actor and you haven’t blown an audition, you’re doing something wrong. Maybe you aren’t taking the kind of chances that would bring out the full range of your talent. Take them! Be willing to lose the audition battle to win the career war.
    6.     Not all feedback is verbal. Not getting callbacks is part of your feedback. Notice that “feedback” is not spelled “f-l-a-t-t-e-r-y.”

    Webb’s  Word on Producing
     
    1.     Embrace the Low-Budget University. You can learn a lot on low-budget films if you’re willing to do the work, wearing multiple hats.
    2.     Get the money up front from distributors. Get as much of it as you can, and then be prepared to be content with it. Because chances are, you’ll never see any of the other money.

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Gatto’s Bill Gaining National Momentum

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When Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Burbank) introduced AJR 1 in December 2012, he was the first legislator in the United States to employ a unique procedure in the U.S. Constitution that allows state legislatures to command Congressional action.  Specifically, AJR 1 would require Congress to call a convention to amend the Constitution, to address the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.  Today, good-government advocates are celebrating after AJR 1 passed the California State Senate by a vote of 23-11.  AJR 1 has already prompted Vermont to pass a resolution modeled after it, and in Illinois a similar resolution is currently making its way through its legislature.

“Most Americans are fed up with the notion that money is speech and that moneyed interests can drown out the speech of average citizens,” said Gatto.

This burgeoning movement to limit the effect of financial influence in the political system continues to grow.  Earlier Monday morning, the California Highway Patrol arrested fourteen protestors outside the State Capitol who marched more than 450 miles from Los Angeles to rally to get money out of politics and in support of AJR 1.  Two days earlier, The San Francisco Chronicle editorialized in favor of a convention, calling the Resolution “the most significant step in a fledging revolution” to obtain campaign-finance reform.

The Founding Fathers’ records indicate that the ability of states to propose amendments was intentionally provided to empower the people, through their state legislatures, to address constitutional issues that Congress is unwilling, unable, or too oppressive to address.  According to a 2007 article in the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, at least four different amendments to the U.S. Constitution eventually were adopted because of state-initiated Article V actions.  For example, the amendments that repealed Prohibition and allowed for the direct election of Senators were first demanded by state legislatures under Article V, prompting Congress to act just before the threshold for a convention was reached.

“I doubt our Founding Fathers had the free-speech rights of multi-national and foreign corporations in mind when they drafted the First Amendment,” said Gatto.  “But the Founding Fathers did anticipate that every once in a while, the states would need to prod Congress to act to amend the Constitution. That’s what we are doing.”

The post Gatto’s Bill Gaining National Momentum appeared first on myBurbank.com.


Children Access to Ailing Parents Passes Senate Committee

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Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) legislation to provide reasonable accommodations for adult children who want to visit their parents cleared its biggest legislative hurdle yet, passing the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6-0.  The legislation, AB 2034, seeks to protect children from being denied access to a parent by a parent’s future spouse or child.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto talks about his recent accomplishments

Assemblyman Mike Gatto talks about his recent accomplishments

Currently, adult children are not afforded the legal right to visit an ailing parent.  With divorce and remarriage becoming more prevalent, there is a greater possibility of conflict between a subsequent spouse and an ailing parent’s children from a previous marriage.  Gatto’s legislation would help resolve these situations by creating a legal process for adult children to petition a court for visitation with their parent if a caretaker stands in the way.

“Conflict among family members is the last thing our loved ones want to see as they approach their final hours,” said Gatto.  “I hope this bill will help decrease the heartache and stress of families already facing difficult circumstances.”

Since introducing the legislation in January, Assemblyman Gatto has been contacted by hundreds of people who have been denied access to their ailing parents, and has been working closely with several of them, including radio and television personality Kerri Kasem.  Kerri is an outspoken advocate of visitation rights for adult children as a result of her struggle to see her beloved father, broadcasting legend Casey Kasem, who died last week.

Speaking publicly for the first time since her father’s passing, Kerri shared her struggle to obtain even basic visitation rights during Casey’s final hours.  She also emphasized that her story is not unique to celebrities, a point underscored when she presented a stack of letters representing a small sample of the thousands of letters she has received from folks across the country with similar stories of heartache.

“I saw my father every single week, talked to him, until he lost his voice, every day on the phone, and we were cut off for no reason last July,” said Kasem, fighting back tears.  “If this bill had been in place, my dad would still be alive today.”

Joining Kerri Kasem and Assemblyman Gatto in the hearing was Kelly Rooney, the daughter of Mickey Rooney.  Ms. Rooney testified to a similar experience of being cut off from her father by his eighth wife.

“The law must do more to keep up with the changing norms of modern families,” said Gatto.  “AB 2034 brings the law into the 21st century and allows family members to focus on caring for their loved ones.”

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Michael Ospina, Burroughs Football

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Burroughs' Michael Ospina will look to lead the Indians into a successful football season (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs’ Michael Ospina will look to lead the Indians into a successful football season (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Anchors Aweigh!

Stand Navy out to sea, fight our battle cry!
We’ll never change our course so vicious foes steer shy-y-y-y!
Roll out the TNT, anchors aweigh!
Sail on to victory, and sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!

Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh!
Farewell to Foreign Shores, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay;
Through our last night on shore, drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more, here’s wishing you a happy voyage home!

When music accompanies these verses, the words come to life for any Midshipmen. Those are the first couple of verses of the U.S. Naval Academies’ fight song. Just hearing and visualizing the song gives me the chills in my head as our proud naval servicemen defend our country.

For senior Michael Ospina of Burroughs High School, these are the words that he hopes one day will apply to him as a future student at Navy.

Michael Ospina

Michael Ospina

Recently, Ospina returned home after visiting the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, for six days (May 31 – June 6). He was invited by the United States Naval Academy as part of a select group of 2,550 men and women from across the nation and abroad to attend the Naval Academy Summer Seminar program.

“It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot and met a lot of new people,” Ospina said. “Everyone was so nice. All the leaders led by example. I did some physical activity. It wasn’t too bad but it was a taste of what I will experience if I do go there.”

Ospina, 16, was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy’s accelerated leadership program for rising seniors. This is a USNA sponsored summer seminar that teaches prospective applicants about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics and professional training are key elements in developing our nation’s future leaders.

During his time there, Ospina took academic and leadership sessions (eight 90-minute workshops such as information technology, naval architecture, mechanical engineering, oceanography, meteorology, etc.) and was also a part of seamanship and navigation classes aboard a Navy Yard Patrol Craft.

Ospina participated in physical training classes involving group runs and conditioning exercises. Physical training went from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I really pushed myself to my limits,” he said. “I didn’t know how far I could push myself. It did show us that your mind will give up before your body actually does.”

It was the experience of a lifetime for Ospina as he had the unique and special opportunity to examine the life of Midshipmen up close and personal.

It his dream and goal to be accepted into Navy and to attend school there in the fall of 2015. In addition, Ospina has the desire and fortitude to serve his country upon graduating from the Naval Academy.

As he approaches the fall at JBHS, Ospina has his sights set on a tremendous academic and athletic school year. Two of his top priorities are maintaining his cumulative 4.0 grade point average as well as excelling as a leader for the Indians’ football team.

“I feel like I have the leadership qualities being out here on the football team leading by example,” he said. “I hope to have a great season, keep my grades up and do my best.”

His success in the Burroughs’ football program began as a freshman when he was starting quarterback and earned team MVP honors. As a member of the JV squad the following year, Ospina was named the MVP Offensive Back.

Michael Ospina gains yardage in a game last season (Photo by Craig Sherwood)

Michael Ospina gains yardage in a game last season (Photo by Craig Sherwood)

Last year as a junior in his first season at the varsity level, Ospina rushed for 386 yards on 65 carries (5.94 yards per carry). This season he is competing to be the starting running back for an Indians’ program that has a rich tradition in its rushing attack.

Sound familiar Navy fans?

The Midshipmen ranked No. 2 in the country this past college football season averaging 325.4 yards per game, second only to Auburn’s 328.3.

Ospina would fit in well at Navy as a student-athlete if he chose to play football.

Balancing the demands of a hectic athletic lifestyle and a commitment to high academic standards has put Ospina in the position of pursuing his lifelong dream of attending the Naval Academy.

“He’s one of those kids you want in your program,” Burroughs coach Keith Knoop said. “Michael is a good leader. He’s not afraid of talking to kids on the team about doing the right thing. Anytime you can get to the Academies in any way, shape or form, you’ve done something right. When you can get in, it’s pretty special.”

In 2013, he was selected to attend the National Student Leadership Conference focusing in Medicine and Healthcare, at American University, Washington D.C.

MOHis experience at the Naval Academy Summer Seminar opened his eyes and reaffirmed his commitment to apply to Navy for admission. It also taught him a valuable life lesson that he has brought back to share with his Burroughs’ teammates.

“One thing I really took from it was, ‘If not me, then who?’” Ospina said. “I learned that if I’m not going to be the one that will do my hardest, then who will? I have to lead by example to have others follow me. It’s a really good way to live my life and especially out here on the football field.”

Let’s hope Michael is granted his wish and desire to attend the Naval Academy. Then he can sing the fight song regularly walking across the beautiful campus with his head high at one of America’s greatest college institutions.

“Hopefully everything goes well and I get accepted. It would mean a great deal to me and especially for my parents (Fabian and Darlene),” Ospina said. “One thing they always talk to me about is service for my community. I would be happy to be able to do that because I would be making my family and community proud.”

 

 

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Burbank Summer Theater Camp Puts On A Hip Shakespeare

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The Burbank Youth Summer Theater Institute (BYSTI) debuts a fun and contemporary take on Shakespeare with A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Starlight Bowl Thursday evening, June 26.

Approximately 20 kids and teenagers participated in the 2014 Burbank summer theater camp, learning lines, working on acting chops, painting scenery and immersing themselves in the world of the stage.

“I really like acting and BYSTI is such a family – all the lords and ladies are really helpful and supportive,” commented twelve-year-old Addie Miller. The adult directors of the camp are referred to as “Lord” or “Lady” rather than “Mr.” or Mrs.,” she explained.

Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute 2014. Back row, left to right: Drew Anderson, Susie Miller, Emma Shannon, David Prather, Dvean Shahnazarian, Louie Zekowski, William Rodriguez, Crystal Robbins; Middle Row, left to right: Lisa Dyson, Matthew Molaro, Addie Miller, Shayna Gerard, Julia Skillsky, Alexa Klohn, Desiree Cooper, Jaden Gerard, Michael Cutone; Front Row left to right: Taaryn Cooper, Clare Collins, Phoebe Kellogg, Cassius Clay-Harris, Harry Zekowski, Holden Schade, Michael Goltry.(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute 2014. Back row, left to right: Drew Anderson, Susie Miller, Emma Shannon, David Prather, Dvean Shahnazarian, Louie Zekowski, William Rodriguez, Crystal Robbins; Middle Row, left to right: Lisa Dyson, Matthew Molaro, Addie Miller, Shayna Gerard, Julia Skillsky, Alexa Klohn, Desiree Cooper, Jaden Gerard, Michael Cutone; Front Row left to right: Taaryn Cooper, Clare Collins, Phoebe Kellogg, Cassius Clay-Harris, Harry Zekowski, Holden Schade, Michael Goltry.(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Miller, who will begin seventh grade at Muir Middle School in August and performs the role of Helena in the production, also said, “I learned a lot. I’ve been attending this camp for five years and this was my first big role.”

Starting out at Woodbury University, BYSTI has drawn kids ages 8-18 from Burbank and surrounding communities for the past five years. The brainchild of Dr. David Rosen, BYSTI was founded by Lisa Dyson, Beth Morrison, David Prather and Crystal Robbins, after Dyson was introduced to Rosen by Peggy Flynn, BUSD Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator.

The acting and theater camp focuses each summer on one play by William Shakespeare to study and prepare for the culmination of the three-week experience.

Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Queen Titania and the fairies pamper Bottom in BYSTI’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

BYSTI moved to the Starlight Bowl this year, after an invitation by Victoria Cusumano, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Burbank. The directors of the camp and the kids all agree the Starlight Bowl venue is pretty great.

“I like it up here a lot,” added Miller. “The stage is so much bigger and the acoustics are great.”

“We are having a blast up here at the Starlight Bowl,” Dyson, the theater camp’s Artistic Director, said. “It’s great to have a real stage to work with and the setting is awesome.”

Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Demetrius, Helena, Lysander and Hermia tussle in BYSTI’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

While many of the camp’s attendees are returning from previous years, some youngsters are new to the experience and are enjoying it.

“This is my first year doing BYSTI and it’s really exciting,” commented Louie Zekowski, age 12. “It’s something I really enjoy, from the drama and the acting, to the attention.”

“Weirdly, I even enjoy learning my lines,” Zekowski added. The Luther Middle School eighth-grader performs the role of Lysander in the production. “I’ve found there’s a spark in acting for me.”

Sixteen-year-old Susie Miller was helping out behind the scenes, painting fairy tree branches, at a recent rehearsal. She volunteers at the camp, along with other older teens, providing needed off-stage help.

Puck and Fairy King Oberon plot in BYSTI's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."  (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Puck and Fairy King Oberon plot in BYSTI’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Eight-year-old Taaryn Cooper likes his first year at BYSTI and especially his role of Philostrate, “Philostrate is more formal and royal and I like to get into the character.”

Robbins, Dyson and Prather use all original lines and scenes from the Shakespeare play they choose to work on each year for the theater camp. By focusing on preparing core scenes, they are able to stage the play in three weeks.

“We always add in some elements that the kids would appreciate, perhaps a bit of a current popular song or dance,” explained Robbins. “It helps our audience, who are mostly young, too, to see these old stories have a lot in common with events and actions that go on today, even on the playground at school.”

BYSTI’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream lasts about an hour and begins at 6:00 pm. Thursday, June 26. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and picnics are welcome. Admission and parking are free. The Starlight Bowl is located at 1249 Lockheed View Drive in Burbank.

Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute 2014. Back row, left to right: Drew Anderson, Susie Miller, Emma Shannon, David Prather, Dvean Shahnazarian, Louie Zekowski, William Rodriguez, Crystal Robbins; Middle Row, left to right: Lisa Dyson, Matthew Molaro, Addie Miller, Shayna Gerard, Julia Skillsky, Alexa Klohn, Desiree Cooper, Jaden Gerard, Michael Cutone; Front Row left to right: Taaryn Cooper, Clare Collins, Phoebe Kellogg, Cassius Clay-Harris, Harry Zekowski, Holden Schade, Michael Goltry.(Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute rehearse "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) The Mechanicals rehearse at Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Matthew Molaro rehearses his King Oberon at Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Demetrius, Helena, Lysander and Hermia tussle in BYSTI's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Puck and Fairy King Oberon plot in BYSTI's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Queen Titania and the fairies pamper Bottom in BYSTI's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Burbank Youth Summer Theatre Institute presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

 

 

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Bellarmine-Jefferson High School Names New Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

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Bellarmine-Jefferson High School announced the appointment of a new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Fred Martinez.

bell-jeffMartinez is a graduate of Bellarmine-Jefferson, Class of 1981. As a graduating senior he played football, basketball, baseball, ran track, and was the 1981 Tom Brown Award winner—the highest honor given to an athlete who played three or more sports at Bell-Jeff. As the schools new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Martinez is passionate about building a foundation for athletic success.

“I’m home to stay at Bell-Jeff,” Martinez said. “I am excited about restarting the foundation to sustain the athletic program here, pointing it in a new direction and setting the stage for longevity. It’s all about fundamentals; taking care of our athletes and helping them to develop their skills so that they will have lifelong success.”

Martinez’s most recent position was as the Athletic Director at St. James the Less School/ Holy Redeemer Middle School in La Crescenta. He has previously coached at the high school level at Temple City High School, Hoover High School in Glendale, South Pasadena High School and Burbank High School.

“Coach Martinez has come home to his alma mater,” said Principal Mr. Michael Stumpf. “He has great enthusiasm for the position as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. Fred has started making connections with our coaches, faculty and staff; he already had a football parent meeting and scheduled our football summer workouts.  We are very excited to have him here at Bell-Jeff.”

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Special Board Meeting On Charter School Application Announced

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Since the Burbank Unified Board of Education approved the application for Gilgia Charter Academy on June 5, several concerned citizens in the the Burbank community have spoken out against the decision. Many people turned out in support of the petition at the June 5 meeting.

BUSD will hold a special board meeting to address community concerns on Monday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the Burbank Adult School Auditorium located at 3811 W. Allan Avenue.

BUSD logoIn an announcement posted on the district website, BUSD acknowledges “concerns in the community and we plan to work with stakeholders to address those concerns… in order to provide accurate information on charter schools and to address concerns regarding the charter school petition recently approved.”

At the school board meeting on June 5, the head of Gilgia Charter Academy, Julia Yeranossian-Aghisian addressed the board on the need for a charter school aimed towards recent Armenian immigrants. (See video of the meeting here.)

Because so many new Armenian immigrants come to the area, she said, there is a need for this charter school to support the Armenian community. Parents are struggling to pay private school tuition and have their children in a protected environment, Yeranossian-Aghisian added.

A charter school functions like a public school in that tuition is not charged, but the school is funded by Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funds from the state. If students leave BUSD to attend the charter school, BUSD loses the ADA funds from the state.

One BUSD teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration with the decision, saying, “We get kids at all levels who are new to the country from many countries and support them to become part of their new home. Diversity, not segregation, makes for a stronger community and country.”

Many families with students from surrounding communities and not just Burbank, including Glendale, La Cresecenta, Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood have expressed interest in attending the Academy.

The Board of Education will consider the application for final approval on July 17. If approved, Gilgia Charter Academy will open in September on the 3900 block of W. Burbank Boulevard, near Hollywood Way.

 

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Second Former BPOA President in Trouble with Burbank Police Dept.

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A past president of the Burbank police union has been placed on administrative leave, and could face termination pending the completion of an investigation.

Sgt. Mike Parrinello, who once served as the president of the Burbank Police Officers’ Assn., was placed on leave last week pending the completion of an investigation, Police Chief Scott LaChasse said Friday.

It is unclear at this point what Parrinello is being investigated for, and LaChasse declined to discuss the matter.

City Spokesman Drew Sugars said the city could not comment on personnel issues.

Parrinello is the second president of the union to be placed on administrative leave. The other, former Officer Mark Armendariz, the most recent union president, was fired in July 2013 after being placed on leave.

In May, Armendariz filed a lawsuit against the city. Armendariz alleges he was retaliated against for not supporting the current department leadership, among other reasons.

Parrinello’s leave comes as a police officer who was fired amid allegations of misconduct during the 2007 Porto’s Bakery robbery and subsequent investigation has rejoined the force. Sgt. Chris Canales was among 10 officers fired in 2010 and after going through the city appeal process to get his job back, returned to work on June 9.

The police department was in the news again in May when former Deputy Police Chief William Taylor won a years-long court battle with thecity of Burbank. The Court of Appeal of the State of California denied the city’s attempt to overturn a jury verdict that awarded Taylor nearly $1.3 million. The city could be paying out more than $2.6 million in the case, including costs and attorney fees.

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Bob Hope Airport Introduces R.I.T.C. to Southland

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(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

After spending over $112 million over the past five years, Bob Hope Airport and the Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena Airport Authority had the official grand open of their Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC).

The large parking structure that Burbank has watched being constructed the last several years is one of the first facilities of its kind in the Southland and looks to the future before it can fully be utilized.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Once fully completed, the structure will have access (through a yet to be constructed bridge) to the Amtrak / Metrolink Station located on Empire.  11 rental car companies are also scheduled top move their airport operations into the structure.

RITC’s entrance is about 100 yards from the terminal and feature moving sidewalks that will take customers to their rental cars in the 515,000 foot structure covering three levels.  Buses from all agencies will also have stops at the structure and with the $7 million just approved, a bridge will link the train service going to and from Los Angeles and Venture Counties.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Officials did not comment on how passengers will be transported back and forth to the new metrolink station scheduled for completion in January on San Fernando which will also link the airport the Lancaster/Palmdale area.  There are also no current plans if a replacement terminal is built on the other side of the airport for how passengers will transverse the new distance.

Another side benefit of the new structure is that it is built with new technology so that it will withstand an earthquake as large as 8.5. With this strength, emergency agencies will be able to use RITC as their command post. The Los Angeles Sheriff Department’s mobile command post will be set up as well as different fire agencies.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

While different speakers touted the new structure as the first in the area, it is ahead of its time when it comes to current transportation.

Many speakers spoke of different buses and rail lines that will hope to connect one day to make commuting easier, but few are still in place to serve the public yet.

Michael Kodama of Eco-Rapid Transit said that while most mass transit systems are not set up yet to accommodate RITC, the future is just around the corner.

“First you have to have the center and now that it is here, we can start planning on how best to make it work. We had to start somewhere and this is a great beginning.  You will start to see regional planning in the next several years that will utilize RITC to its fullest”.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

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7-on-7 Passing Highlights Summer Football Action for Burbank and Burroughs

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Max Haddad catches a touchdown vs. Village Christian in 7-on-7 action (Photos by Dick Dornan)

Max Haddad catches a touchdown vs. Village Christian in 7-on-7 action (Photos by Dick Dornan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Two months remain before Burbank kicks off the 2014 football season at Ayala while Burroughs hosts Warren at Memorial Field. In the blink of an eye, Friday night football will be upon us.

James Williams prepares to snag a touchdown vs. Westlake (Photos by Dick Dornan)

James Williams prepares to snag a touchdown vs. Westlake (Photos by Dick Dornan)

Both teams have undertaken a busy summer with 7-on-7 passing competition being held every Wednesday at their respective schools as well as other tournaments on the weekends.

In addition, the Bulldogs and Indians are weightlifting throughout the week to bulk up for Pacific League play that starts during week 4 of the season.

Last Wednesday, Burbank hosted Westlake, San Fernando and Arleta while across town Burroughs welcomed Alemany, Village Christian and Vasquez in separate 4-way round robins of 7-on-7 passing. A photo gallery is below highlighting each team.

For more summer information on both football programs and youth camps, be sure to visit their respective websites:

Burbank Football on defense

Burbank Football on defense

Burbank Bulldogs-

http://burbankfootball.org/

Burbank Vikings 4th Annual Skills and Drills Youth Football Camp (with Coach Richard Broussard at BHS, July 7 – 10th, 8 am – 12 pm)-

http://burbankfootball.org/uploads/Skills_and_Drills_Camp_2014.pdf

Burroughs Indians on defense

Burroughs Football on defense

Burroughs Indians-

http://burroughsfootball.org/

Burbank Vikings 12th Annual Keith Knoop Youth Football Camp (at JBHS, July 14 – 17th, 8 am – 12 pm)-

http://burbankvikings.com/images/2014_Keith_Knoop_Youth_Football_Camp.pdf

Burbank Football-

Burbank QB Ryan Meredith with Coach Richard Broussard IMG_7093 IMG_7107 James Williams prepares to snag a touchdown vs. Westlake (Photos by Dick Dornan) Touchdown James Williams! Burbank Football on defense Dorian Housholder of Burbank IMG_7112 IMG_7125

Burroughs Football-

Coach Keith Knoop IMG_7190 Assistant Coach Kenny Knoop provides instruction Hunter Guerin of Burroughs Burroughs Football on defense IMG_7142 Max Haddad catches a touchdown vs. Village Christian in 7-on-7 action (Photos by Dick Dornan) IMG_7157 IMG_7169

 

 

 

 

 

 

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School Board Adds Multiple Positions And Programs With LCAP Approval

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The Burbank Unified School District Board of Education approved the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) on Thursday, June 26. The LCAP provides a three-year spending plan for the district to address mandates in educational code and put additional funds from the State to use.

The LCAP provides for a full-time curriculum specialist at each of the district’s 11 elementary schools and the addition of two elementary music teachers this coming year plus one more in the third year of the plan.

BUSD LogoOne school nurse will be added to the district rotation every year for the next three years plus one behavior specialist. Year-round programs including summer intervention for English Language Learner students.

After the development of a guidance plan over the coming year, an additional counselor will be added to Burroughs and Burbank High Schools and Muir, Luther and Jordan Middle Schools next year.

Custodial staff will add one position right away, along with two more in the second year of the LCAP plan.

Additional items included in the LCAP are provisions for online learning for high school, including funding for the Independent Learning Academy.

The current ratio of library assistants at all elementary schools will be maintained for the coming years and pull-out programs for GATE students in elementary and middle school will also be funded.

The plan aligns with Common Core standards and provides all students with access to technology at BUSD schools. Part-time media and technology specialists have been funded for the elementary and middle schools.

The LCAP also insures one teacher per middle school for World Language program, starting with Spanish 1, in August.

The sixty-person committee, made up of district administrators, principals, teachers, parents and community members worked on developing the comprehensive plan over the past several months. A survey was conducted to gather additional community stakeholder input as well.

Coordinated by Hani Youssef, BUSD Director of Safety and Student Services, the LCAP committee met weekly to hammer out the three-year plan.

“We believe that the Board approved a plan that really meets the need of students at all levels,” commented Dr. Tom Kissinger, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services for BUSD. “The work done on this plan represents a truly collaborative effort of parents, community members, school site staff and administrators.”

A first draft of the LCAP can be viewed on the BUSD website here. Some minor changes to the language were made after the first hearing of the draft, which was then approved by the school board on June 26. The plan is required to be filed with the Los Angeles County Office of Education by July 1.

 

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Burbank Resident to Honor Life of Christopher Wilke in July 4 Run

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wilke run

Run in Honor of Christopher Wilke Will Take Place July 4
from Anaheim to Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita, CA – In honor of Christopher Wilke, a 12-year-old boy who died of cancer of the bile ducts on March 20, 2014, Burbank resident and ultra marathon runner Roy Wiegand is planning to run from Angels Stadium in Anaheim to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation in Santa Clarita, on Friday, July 4. All proceeds from this run will go to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer.

Christopher Wilke will always be in the hearts of others

Christopher Wilke will always be in the hearts of others

Wiegand’s son and Wilke were in the same Boy Scout Troop, and Wiegand was “blown away” by the amazing effect Wilke had upon so many people in his community. At the rosary for Wilke, Wiegand heard so many stories about the boy, who was an avid baseball player and loved the Angels.

“It really spoke to me,” said Wiegand, who for the past five years has done challenge runs to raise money for Lifewater International, an organization that builds water wells in developing countries. Last year he ran from San Luis Obispo to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and raised $12,000 for this cause.

During the Run for Christopher on July 4, Wiegand will have a racing stroller with him, which can hold up to 100 pounds. He would love to give rides to kids along the way.

Roy's Run for Christopher FlyerDonations for this run can be made directly to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation (www.mhf.org). People can join Wiegand along the way for any distance they would like.

Wilke’s baseball number was 48, so in an ideal world, Wiegand would love to raise $48,000 for the Foundation from this run. “I will raise as much as I can,” Wiegand said. “I feel like I am the lucky one. This is an amazing opportunity.”

For more information, please visit www.mhf.org.

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Emily Tubert Competes in Professional Golf Debut

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2010 Burroughs graduate Emily Tubert made her professional debut last weekend (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

2010 Burroughs graduate Emily Tubert made her professional debut last weekend (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

U.S. PUBLIC LINKS CHAMPION AND THREE-TIME ALL AMERICAN EMILY TUBERT COMPETES AS PROFESSIONAL FOR FIRST TIME

Emily Tubert, 2010 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links champion and three-time All-American at the University of Arkansas, turned professional recently to compete on the LPGA Tour. Her first professional tournament was held last week on a familiar course.

Emily Tubert

Emily Tubert (Courtesy of Arkansas Athletics)

Tubert received a sponsor’s exemption into the 2014 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Ark.

Nineteen of the top 20 players on the LPGA Tour money list entered the three-day event.

Unfortunately, Tubert did not make the final cut after posting rounds of 74 and 78 (10-over 152) after the first two days. The top 70 players advanced into Sunday’s final round.

Arkansas alum and LPGA star Stacy Lewis won the tournament with a score of 12-under 201 (70, 66, 65). Lewis, the world’s No. 1 ranked female player, finished second to Michelle Wie in the 69th U.S. Open the week before.

Tubert, a four-time All-Southeastern Conference first-team recipient, recorded six wins during her collegiate career and was just awarded the 2014 Dinah Shore Trophy. The 2010 John Burroughs High graduate possesses a decorated collegiate and amateur golf career.

Tubert was a three-time collegiate All-American and four-time first-team All-SEC honoree during her four years at Arkansas (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Tubert was a three-time collegiate All-American and four-time first-team All-SEC honoree during her four years at Arkansas (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

In 2012, she represented the United States as a member of the prestigious Curtis Cup team, and finished with a winning record against the Great Britain and Ireland team. In 2010, she won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links in South Bend, Indiana. Tubert also joins Lewis as the only Razorbacks to be named a first-team All-SEC selection during each of their four years at Arkansas.

Tubert will play a variety of professional events over the summer before entering LPGA Tour qualifying school in August. She has selected Los Angeles, California-based Yee & Dubin Sports, LLC for representation, which also represents New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton.

Here is a link to an interview by Tubert with “Whole Hog Sports” following her performance in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship-

http://www.wholehogsports.com/videos/2014/jun/28/10356/

 

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Healthy Bites Burbank Provides Fresh Flavors For Lunch And Dinner

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Healthy Bites Burbank has been open for several years in Magnolia Park and consistently serves up delicious, filling meals that are healthy to boot. From the front entrance to the back patio, to the to-go bags and the artistic walls, the space is alive with color, and even more so than with its gorgeous snacks, meals and smoothies.

The Garlic Chicken Wrap at Healthy Bites gets pumped up a notch with a tasty sauce. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

The Garlic Chicken Wrap at Healthy Bites gets pumped up a notch with a tasty sauce. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Made-to-order salads are crisp and alive with color, texture and flavor. With about fifteen different concoctions to choose from on the menu, including Strawberry-Spinach and Cabbage-Kale, they range from traditional Mediterranean tastes to popular favorites.

Wraps and plates, for the meat-eater, vegetarian and vegan, make up the heart of the restaurants menu. Falafel, lamb, beef and chicken are all prepared with flavor and style at Healthy Bites. Accompanying sauces – cool cucumber-yogurt, powerful garlic butter and more – add dimension to standard Mediterranean fare.

Colorful and tasty, the Healthy Bites Gyro Wrap has it all going on. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Colorful and tasty, the Healthy Bites Gyro Wrap has it all going on. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

The Falafel Wrap was a serious family favorite – tender and only lightly fried. Fresh parsley, cucumber, lettuce and tomato were heightened with some excellent cucumber sauce.

The Shish Beef was fantastic and complemented by some of the best rice we have ever tasted. Roasted tomato and pepper were perfect to add, along with top-notch garlic butter spread.

While the Garlic Chicken Wrap’s chicken may have been a bit dry without the creamy sauce, with it, the wrap came together in a symphony of flavors.

By far my personal favorite, the Gyro was fresh and absolutely fantastic. I have had Gyros from the East Coast to the West and this one, my most recent, is a bona-fide hit, up there in the Gyro hall-of-fame.

Shish Beef plate with tasty rice, grilled pepper, tomato and lemon, along with fresh pita. A side salad of cucumber and tomato and garlic butter spread are packaged separately for take out. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Shish Beef plate with tasty rice, grilled pepper, tomato and lemon, along with fresh pita. A side salad of cucumber and tomato and garlic butter spread are packaged separately for take out. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Healthy Bites gets our vote for Tops In Town Mediterranean food, beating out other nearby Mediterranean restaurants with their emphasis on flavor and freshness. While the restaurant is long and narrow, with a few two-person tables inside, the back patio can accommodate about 30 people.

Most people get food to go and I see this as a perfect take-away meal for busy families and people. Healthy Bites also caters events. Weekly specials highlight a regular menu item and knock a dollar or two off the usual price. Check them out on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram @healthybitesburbank.

The classic Falafel Wrap at Healthy Bites may be the best in the City of Burbank. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

The classic Falafel Wrap at Healthy Bites may be the best in the City of Burbank. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Restaurant Info: Healthy Bites Burbank is located at 3511 W. Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA  91505. 818-508-0008. Open Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Healthy Bites receives: Tops In Town

myBurbank Ratings:
Tops In Town (Outstanding)
On The Marquee (Really Good)
Could Use A Rewrite (Average or Slightly Below)
Don’t Quit Your Day Job (Roadkill)

Magnolia Park's Healthy Bites is vibrant inside and out. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Healthy Bites' menu lists a full complement of Mediterranean dishes and at least eight vegetarian options. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) The Smoothie List at Healthy Bites. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Colorful and decorative chalkboards line the interior of Healthy Bites in Burbank. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Healthy Bites' back patio provides extra seating for busy meal times. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) The classic Falafel Wrap at Healthy Bites may be the best in the City of Burbank. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) The Garlic Chicken Wrap at Healthy Bites gets pumped up a notch with a tasty sauce. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Colorful and tasty, the Healthy Bites Gyro Wrap has it all going on. (Photo By Lisa Paredes) Shish Beef plate with tasty rice, grilled pepper, tomato and lemon, along with fresh pita. A side salad of cucumber and tomato and garlic butter spread are packaged separately for take out. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

 

 

The post Healthy Bites Burbank Provides Fresh Flavors For Lunch And Dinner appeared first on myBurbank.com.

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