(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Police were called to Pass Avenue and Hefron Street in the middle of the night Thursday evening after reports that a car came crashing into the apartment complex located on the corner.

The driver was out of the car when police arrived, and he reported he had recently dropped off a friend a couple of blocks away.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The driver appeared not to be injured while he was being administered a field sobriety test. He failed and was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center prior to being booked for drunk driving.

The car received substantial damage while the building only suffered minor damage.

A word to the wise- don’t drink and drive tonight or EVER! Be safe and enjoy your holiday weekend with proper reasoning and judgement.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Don’t Spend the Holiday Weekend in Jail Because of Drunk Driving appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Sidney Ortega of Burroughs and Burbank’s Ethan Moskowitz (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

To excel in sports is a great achievement. To shine in sports and in academics is even a greater honor.

After four years of hard work and studious attention to academics and countless hours of sacrifice and commitment to their respective athletic teams, Sidney Ortega of John Burroughs and Ethan Moskowitz of Burbank High School earned their greatest reward- college acceptances to UCLA and Cal Poly Pomona, respectively.

Simply the best (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Pursuing excellence in the classroom and in sports has gone hand-in-hand for the two recent graduates. They embodied the true essence of a ‘student-athlete’ playing multiple sports while maintaining tremendous grades.

Their success in both realms of life has earned them the distinction as the myBurbank “Scholar-Athletes of the Year.”

Ortega, 17, excelled on the basketball court and on the diamond in softball while Moskowitz thrived in cross country and in track. Their sports are vastly different yet each had one common goal in mind at the end of the day- be the best you can be at whatever you choose to do.

Ortega was a member of the 2014 Pacific League champion JBHS girls basketball team and earned all-league second-team honors. She led the Lady Indians with a 10.1 scoring average and knocked down a team-high 54 three-pointers as Burroughs completed an undefeated league season at 14-0.

In softball, the Indians had a strong season as well finishing in second with Ortega again receiving all-league second-team recognition. She batted .518 and led the team with 43 hits and 37 runs.

Sidney Ortega

Ortega carried an astounding 4.55 cumulative GPA during her four splendid years.

Burroughs recognized her outstanding accomplishments by naming Ortega the 2014 Mike Torrez Memorial Athlete of the Year this past spring.

Ortega fulfilled a dream come true when she was accepted into UCLA. From Luther Burbank to Burroughs and now to becoming a Bruin, Ortega has triumphed with flying colors.

“I didn’t plan on going to UCLA because I thought I wasn’t going to get in. But when I heard I did, I was doing backflips and cartwheels. I was so excited,” she said. “I get a good education and get to watch great sports there. It’s been a happy ending to a fairy tale.”

Moskowitz, 17, received the BHS cross country team’s ‘most inspirational runner’ award and was a second team all-league honoree as a senior. This past fall, the Bulldogs had a phenomenal season finishing second in league, placing ninth at the CIF Finals and sustaining a top-10 Division 1 ranking all season long.

In track, Burbank took second place in the Pacific League after another strong showing by the long distance squad in which Moskowitz played a pivotal role.

Moskowitz steadily progressed over four years into a reliable and consistent runner for Burbank. His best track times were 4:29 for the 1600 and 9:31 in the 3200. His top cross country marks were 15:37 at Mt. SAC and 15:09 at Arcadia Park.

Ethan Moskowitz

Moskowitz’s efforts in school (an exceptional 4.25 cumulative GPA) and in sports resulted in Cal Poly Pomona accepting and welcoming him on to the cross country and track teams.

From John Muir to Burbank and now to becoming a Bronco, Moskowitz has deserved everything that has come his way.

“It’s very exciting. When I actually took a tour of the campus, I knew when I walked around that this would be the school I would go to. It’s a beautiful campus,” he said. “I’m going to major in business and it’s a great business school. And I’m going to be running on their cross country and track teams. I’m going to fit right in.”

As the two scholar-athletes begin the next chapter in their lives, they reflected upon what their high school experience meant to each of them.

“It was great playing two sports. The sports made a difference and getting good grades was important,” Ortega said. “I’m also glad I did it because it changed who I met. Some of those people are my closest friends. They made a big impact on me.”

“Burbank gave me so many great life lessons and experiences. I also made so many lifelong friends,” said Moskowitz. “I learned how to balance academics with athletics by just going home after practice and getting straight to work. I learned how to discipline myself how to get the work done. I wanted to make sure I took care of grades and do well in athletics.”

Both were also very appreciative of their coaches’ support and guidance through the years.

“My coaches (Vicky Oganyan and Doug Nicol) helped me get through adversity. If I was at a low point in sports, they would always help me keep pushing. I will take that through college,” Ortega said. “They were always helpful, encouraging and wanted me to do well. They pushed me to strive to do my best. Slacking wasn’t an option. Without them, I don’t think I would have been as successful as I am now.”

“They (Trevor Marca and Darin Wolf) pushed me and motivated me to be successful. They created an environment where the whole program helped each other with academics. The upperclassmen tutored me when I was a freshman and I tutored when I was a senior. We all helped each other. Being a runner for four years played a large part in that.”

The post myBurbank Honors Its Scholar-Athletes of the Year for 2013-14 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The construction activities and closures listed below will occur during the week of July 7-11, 2014, as part of the I-5 Empire Project in Burbank, a series of freeway improvements between Magnolia Boulevard and Buena Vista Street. More information about the project is here. Construction activities and closures are subject to change. 

Major Construction Activities for the Week of July 7-11, 2014

• Night Work: K-rail (concrete barriers) and striping installation will continue on southbound I-5 between Buena Vista Street and Cohasset Street. Also, the Gas Company will be removing gas lines near the intersection of Empire Avenue and Victory Place.

• Day Work: Crews will break up and remove concrete pavement between Burbank Boulevard and Buena Vista Street. Also, on Victory Place just south of Empire Avenue, excavation will be underway.

• What to Expect: Residents may notice some construction noise, but it will not exceed levels permitted by state, federal and local regulations. There may also be some minor vibration.

Closures for the Week of July 7-11, 2014

To avoid inconveniencing motorists heading to holiday activities, construction closures will be suspended on July 4.

Northbound I-5 Closures

Lanes

• Up to three lanes between Olive Ave. and Hollywood Way: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Note: The most restrictive closures (i.e., the most lanes closed) will occur between midnight and 4 a.m.

Ramps

• Buena Vista Street on-ramp and off-ramp: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Burbank Boulevard (westbound/eastbound) off-ramp: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Scott Road on-ramp: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Walnut Avenue on-ramp: long-term closure through 2016.

• Burbank Boulevard on-ramp: A long-term closure will be implemented July 16, 2014, through fall 2016.

Southbound I-5 Closures

Lanes

• Up to three lanes between Hollywood Way and Olive Ave.: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Note: The most restrictive closures (i.e., the most lanes closed) will occur between midnight and 4 a.m.

Ramps

• Buena Vista Street on-ramp and off-ramp: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Burbank Boulevard (westbound/eastbound) on-ramp and off-ramp: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Scott Road off-ramp: long-term closure through 2015

• Victory Boulevard/Lincoln Street on-ramp: long-term closure through 2015

Resources for Motorists

Project Information: Information about the project is here.

The post Upcoming Construction for Caltrans Empire Project appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The mood was electric as stars and crew packed the lobby of the Burbank AMC 8 Wednesday night for the premiere of “School Dance”, directed by actor/producer Nick Cannon.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Erik C. Andersen, of Burbank, was film editor on the project and coordinated a screening for friends and family, but when the actors found out about it, they were down for the party too.

Stars of the film “School Dance”, from left, Kristinia DeBarge who plays “Anastacia”, Bobb’e J. Thompson is “Jason”, and Luenell is “Mamma Tawanna” at the premiere party on Wednesday night at the Burbank AMC 8. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

A teenage comedy written by Cannon and Nile Evans, the story is about Jason, a high school youth with a major crush on classmate Anastacia who doesn’t know he’s alive. He thinks she might notice him if he can land a spot on the school’s hottest dance crew. All that’s standing in his way are his dominating mother, Anastacia’s gangsta brother and the crew’s initiation.

The film is based on Cannon’s personal experiences, Andersen said. He pulled together some of the best comedians — like George Lopez — for the film, but he also discovered a lot of young, up-and-coming talent –like the Rangers, an L.A.-based hip hop group. They play themselves in the film.

“To be able to play in that world with [Cannon] in the cutting room and help him shape the film is such an honor and it was really great working with him,” Andersen said.

A 1985 Burroughs grad, Andersen has been editing films since 1987 and credits include “Bring It On”, “Killer Pad” and “House Broken” with Danny DeVito.

Andersen has always known since college that film editing is just as important as directing, he said.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“Editing is called the third step or the final writing of the film, so it’s been something that I have always enjoyed for all these years,” he said.

When choosing a script to work on, it has to speak to him, he added. When he read Cannon’s script, it was one of the best he read that year, and he was motivated to do the cutting.

Film editor Erik C. Andersen, third from left, with The Rangers, from left, Langston Higgins, Julian Alexander and Dashawn “Day Day” Omarr. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

“I was just lucky Nick picked me to be his editor and funny is funny, you watch the film and if you laugh at the dailies, you put it in the movie. And there were times that I relied on him to tell me because there was some slang and younger generation stuff being talked about and I would ask Nick ‘what does this mean?’”

He works with a lot of people during the editing process — producers, the studio– a lot of people influencing the final cut, but at least Andersen gets the first crack at it, he said.

“There are sequences in this movie that haven’t changed, so I’m very proud of that, that Nick liked the movie the way it was and he never changed it.”

Bobb’e J. Thompson, who stars in the film, came out to the Burbank premiere.

“I’m excited!” he said. “It was a great project and I’m glad everybody else will get a chance to see it. We all put a lot into it.”

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Actress and writer Luenell play Jason’s mother in the film. She was layering her popcorn with butter and garlic salt from a shaker she brought from home.

“Working with all the comedic talent,” made it fun for her, said the stand-up comedian, who added that working with Andersen was “loose, fun, loving, great and happy.”

It was nothing but good vibes and positive energy on set during filming, said Langston Higgins of The Rangers.

Julian Alexander, another member of The Rangers, has wanted to be in the movies since he was a child, he said.

“It was like a dream come true to be on set with everybody — crazy — all these people I have watched on TV and movies, it was great!” he said.

“It was a good learning experience, a good opportunity and I enjoyed it,” said Dashawn “Day Day” Omarr, also of The Rangers.

Nile Evans, who co-wrote the project with Cannon, called the film a fun ride.

“It’s a coming-of-age story and I just hope that everybody has a good time with it,” he said. “We have a lot of cameo appearances — Nick called in every favor he could. It’s a fun movie. I think people will enjoy the fun of it all.”

The post Burbank’s Erik Andersen Screen Latest Project at Burbank AMC appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Irene Metzger, left, and Sue Ann Gordon are commentators for the La Providencia Guild parade of thrift shop fashions. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

The luncheon was themed “Lazy ‘Daze’ by the Lake Side”, but by no means are the ladies of La Providencia Guild resting on their laurels over the next few months. The Summer Meeting last Saturday at Lakeside Golf Club was a rollicking prelude to the yearly thrift shop Christmas in July sale and the annual fashion show in November.

New La Providencia Guild member Tycene Davis is ready for a weekend holiday in separates found at the thrift shop. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

But getting back to Saturday’s luncheon, members and guests mulled over exciting silent auction items before sitting down to a lovely entree of salmon, marinated tomatoes and hummus and pita chips. A scoop each of mango and citrus sorbet and fresh berries cooled the palate.

Presiding over the fun day was President Veronica Chavoor. The highlight was a sample show of items available at the guild’s thrift shop at 3301 W. Burbank Blvd. All proceeds from the shop and fashion show benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Comical commentary was provided by mistress of ceremonies Irene Metzger and fashion coordinator Sue Ann Gordon, the guild’s equivalent to Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor.

“We’re here to tease you, to taunt you and tantalize you!” Gordon said.

Modeling were members Cindy Birch, Tycene Davis, Mary Fraser, Roxanne Gunther, Kathy Snider, Sandra Kelley, Debbie Lowman, Janet Sedhom, Nancy Wiggins, Janet Puchlik, Donna Sagona Salant, Sharon Terranova, Lynn White-Shelby, Rosemarie Witten and guest Chelsea Mitchell.

Sandra Kelley models a dress and cape from the La Providencia Guild of Children’s Hospital Thrift Shop during the Summer Meeting. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

The identity of the mystery model — member Doris Palmer — was kept a secret — under a large hat — like something out of “My Fair Lady.” Palmer moved gracefully between tables in a billowing wedding gown. Commentators pointed out Palmer will be turning 90 years old soon, which inspired the audience to sing “Happy Birthday to You”!

Others helping throughout the day were thrift shop manager Deborah Spang, Nancy Johnson, Lorelei Kelley, Glenda Jones, Sue Meckley, Pat Maskell, Dorothy Austin, Joan Chandler, Fanny Belle Mound, Kathy Levine and Lurdes Munoz. Members’ significant others lending their hands were Charles Chavoor, Chris Gargaro, Robert Gordon, Chuck Herron and Richard Witten.

Next up, the guild members will be preparing the holiday items for display during the Christmas in July sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 13 at the thrift shop. Shoppers can choose from decorations, themed clothing and collectibles while tasting homemade goodies.

Then the ladies turn all attention to the main event — the Razzle Dazzle Fashion Show on Nov. 2 with the snappy theme of “Picture This”. To donate gift items or advertise in the program, contact Sue Meckley at grmatsue@yahoo.com.

Lynn White-Shelby found a beautiful turquoise jacket to wear over a floral skirt along with coordinating straw bag and shoes. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

New La Providencia Guild member Tycene Davis is ready for a weekend holiday in separates found at the thrift shop. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Sharon Terranova models a denim jacket. (Photo by Joyce Rudolph)

Sharon Terranova shows the audience the back of her denim jacket. (Photos by Joyce Rudolph)

The post It’s Christmas in July for La Providencia Guild appeared first on myBurbank.com.

BURBANK, Calif. – Bexel, a unit of the Vitec Group’s Services Division and a leading worldwide provider of broadcast services and solutions, is furnishing a complete production environment for Univision’s broadcast of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Faced with the largest remote production the network has ever undertaken, Univision turned to Bexel to design the system they will use in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To ensure that everything will work seamlessly for the month-long summer event, a senior team of engineers, IT experts, and senior executives travelled from Univision’s Miami, Fla., headquarters to Burbank, Calif., to collaborate closely on the process with the team from Bexel.

Bexel began having weekly meetings in November of last year with Univision to review floor plans and technical requirements. Intensive workflow meetings were also held with Univision’s production, media management and editing teams, so that Bexel could glean from the different stakeholders what their specific needs were.

“Univision had an initial concept of what would be needed for this project,” noted Johnny Pastor, director of Technical Services for Bexel. “We then provided our expertise and worked with their teams to help the system evolve and get even stronger. We were with them step by step, ready and willing to accommodate any last minute changes along the way.”

From the beginning of the project, it was determined that Bexel would build out the studio at their headquarters in Burbank, break it down, crate it using their proprietary inventory and shipping system, transport it to Brazil via boat, and finally rebuild it on-site in Rio de Janeiro. The window of timing for the project was incredibly tight. Once the cases were removed from the ship, they had to clear Brazilian customs. Then there was just two weeks to reassemble the system, followed by two weeks of rehearsal time before live programming begins.

Collaboratively, a plan was developed for Univision to deploy 18 people from Miami to Burbank in the weeks leading up to the ship date.

“The plan of testing the system in Burbank together, before it was shipped, allowed for a lot of preconfiguring,” explained Pastor. “It let Univision actually simulate a live-production scenario, using one control room, the editing systems, and the EVS. This was not only cost effective, but it will save Univision a great deal of time in Rio.” 

About Bexel:
Bexel is the pre-eminent worldwide provider of broadcast services including video and audio equipment rentals, fiber services, new audio sales, used equipment sales, and repairs/maintenance. Bexel provides brilliantly designed and flawlessly executed systems and solutions to all customers – including producers of the biggest and most important televised events in the world. For more information, visit www.bexel.com, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Bexel Takes Univision from Burbank to Brazil for 2014 FIFA World Cup appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A Glendale resident, Douglas Anderson, was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography on a removable hard drive after Burbank police officers were called to the Central Library on Saturday, July 5, at 4:55 p.m.

“BPD officers responded to the Central Library regarding a suspicious subject investigation looking at inappropriate photographs,” said Lt. Eduardo Ruiz of the Burbank Police Department.

Officers spoke with Anderson about the suspected inappropriate photos he was allegedly viewing on a Burbank Central Library public use computer.

Anderson “gave the officers permission to inspect his personal removable hard drive which he had attached to the computer,” continued Ruiz.

“A review of the hard drive resulted in the discovery of suspected child pornography,” Ruiz added.

Anderson, age 45, was arrested for violation of penal code 311.1 (possession of child pornography) and an outstanding warrant from Glendale police. His bail was set at $52,500 and he is due at the Burbank Superior Court tomorrow.

No victims have been identified at this point and the investigation is ongoing, according to police.

The post Man Arrested For Child Pornography At Central Library appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Magnolia Park Movie Nights kick off with Friday’s screening of 80s classic, The Goonies. People are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and picnics for the outdoor community event.

Food trucks, including Rockin Ice (shaved ice food truck) and Baby’s Badass burgers, will be parked nearby. Rocket Fizz will sell soda and candy and a kettle corn vendor will be on site as well.

“We wanted to do summer outdoor movies to encourage more people to come out and spend their evenings and weekends in Magnolia Park,” commented Magnolia Park Merchants Association President Ashley Erikson. “We are about bringing the community together by putting on events like this.”

“The association is all about growing Magnolia Park as a place to eat, live, shop, ride and walk,” Erikson added. “We encourage people to ride a bike to the movie if they live in the area, as we are expanding as a ‘green district.’”

“We love the neighborhood,” said UMe Vice President of Marketing Anita Hutchinson. “Of course we want to be involved in our community.”

UMe Credit Union consistently participates in the regular Ladies and Gents Night Out on the final Friday of every month, in addition to supporting other special events in the Magnolia Park district.

“The more we help our neighbors and area businesses, the more we help our community, so we do whatever we can to enrich the community,” Hutchinson added, explaining that UMe Credit Union was founded in 1940 by a group of Burbank teachers and has grown over the years through a grass roots effort to settle in to its current home on Magnolia Boulevard.

The movie will be projected on a large screen against the wall of UMe Credit Union and people are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs and sit in the adjacent parking lot. Previews, ads of stores in the area, run from 8:00 to 8:15 p.m. After the previews, The Goonies screens.

The Goonies‘ run time is just under two hours. UMe Credit Union is located at 3000 W. Magnolia Boulevard.

The post Magnolia Park Movie Nights Debut appeared first on myBurbank.com.

There is never a shortage of colorful tales when it comes to covering American sports events and local broadcaster Randy Kerdoon has seen it all during the 35-plus years he’s been in the business.

He is now heard on KNX 1070 News Radio giving sports updates twice an hour each weekday morning through early afternoon.

Kerdoon will share memories from his career when he serves as master of ceremonies for the Burbank Historical Society’s third annual fundraiser beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Story Tavern.

A Valley Boy, Kerdoon graduated from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills before venturing up north to earn his bachelor’s degree in journalism at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He worked at smaller radio markets in Pismo Beach, Bishop, Reno, Nev., and Salt Lake City, Utah, before returning to Los Angeles in 1989.

During a hockey game in Flint, Mich., the Eagles were trailing and then-coach Wayne Thomas was growing more and more frustrated with officials’ calls on the ice, he said.

“It finally got to the point where he picked up a stick, held it by the blade edge, put on some sunglasses and walked onto the ice as if he were a blind man with a cane making his way down the street. Officials pointed him in the direction of the locker room — right before they tossed him from the game.”

Kerdoon worked at KFWB and KTTV Fox 11 before coming to KNX in 2003. He also anchored for Fox Sports Net’s “Final Score” show, Time Warner Cable’s High School Rewind and filled in at KCBS, KCAL in 2006.

“What’s the most fun for me is not just the ups and downs of local teams, it’s the strange — the quirky stuff — that just happens,” he said.

One recent week alone, the odd stories he’s covered included a soccer player biting another on the field, Dodger announcer Vin Scully telling the touching story of Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny, and how bird poop helped him (Matheny) find his true love and the sad Sterling-Clippers saga “which gets stranger as it moves along,” he added.

Kerdoon has received 10 Golden Mike Awards for his radio reporting and an Emmy while he was at Fox 11.

He’ll have more tales to tell when he attends the Burbank Historical Society’s fundraiser at Story Tavern, which now occupies the historic building at 150 S. San Fernando Blvd., that once housed Story Hardware, owned by Burbank’s first mayor Thomas Story, at the time of the city’s incorporation in 1911.

The society holds the annual fundraiser on July 11 because that is the date the city was incorporated.

At last year’s event, the society raised about $4,000, said President Sue Baldaseroni. The funds went to pay for the buses to bring Burbank schoolchildren to the museum for tours during the school year as well as maintaining and restoring some of the very old articles of clothing on display.

This year the funds will go to creating a new interactive display for children. Baldaseroni said the society members are at the beginning stage of choosing from several ideas. One project the society is working on is a wall mural depicting Burbank’s history from the beginning to now. It is due to open next year, she said.

Those volunteering on the third annual fundraiser with Baldaseroni are her husband, Don Baldaseroni, Penny Rivera, Betty Penrod and Mike Dennis.

Some of the recent additions the society has made to the museum are the Debbie Reynolds memorabilia exhibit, the U.S. Veterans display has been redone and a new exhibit showing the old technology — telephones and typewriters.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 and include dinner and two drink tickets. The restaurant is known for its long list of beer, wine, ciders, craft cocktails and liquors. Guests will be seated in the Tavern’s Game Room so they can play games while they have dinner and bid on silent auction items. For reservations, call (818) 841-6333.

The post Upcoming Burbank Historical Society Fundraiser Features Sportscaster Randy Kerdoon appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The 14th Annual MVP Summer Basketball Camp begins Friday.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We will help get you to the next level and improve your total game: defense, shooting, offense, team play, footwork, rebounding, and knowledge of the game, while having a great time doing it,” Camp Director Mike Graceffo said.

This camp has always been successful with Graceffo and his staff providing personal attention to each camper as they coach and teach the fundamentals of the game. Drills, contests and games highlight the camp.

Dates are July 11-13 and 25-27 for boys & girls grades two through nine. For more information, please see below.

The post 14th Annual MVP Summer Basketball Camps Begin appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Nearly 200 high school students from Burbank and nearby areas are finishing up classes next week through Woodbury University’s Initial Credit summer program.

Students from Burroughs and Burbank High, Bellarmine-Jefferson, Immaculate Heart, Village Christian and other area schools are waking up early in the morning to get to class on time, completing a year’s worth of work in six, four-day weeks of study at Woodbury.

Burroughs teacher Carolina Almanzar and her class learn Spanish 3. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

The program was developed in 2009 and has grown in number of students each year. Woodbury University’s then Vice President  Dr. David Rosen worked with Woodbury’s Mauro Diaz and BUSD’s Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Peggy Flynn to develop multiple programs with Burbank Unified, including the Woodbury Initial Credit Summer Program.

“The state budget crisis impacted districts throughout California, including the elimination of many summer programs,” explained Flynn. “Burbank Unified was still able to offer summer school to students who failed a course and had to recover credit but students who had a D or wanted to earn initial credit had extremely few and very expensive options locally.”

“BUSD administration approached Woodbury in 2009 to see if they might be interested in creating a program that offered options to students who wanted to bring up a low grade to improve their GPA and/or take a course for the first time,” added Flynn.

Burbank High School teacher Robert Hammell helps a student in Algebra 2. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“Completing an initial credit course in the summer allows students to make room in their regular school year for electives, athletics, and the arts,” she also said. “It also allows students to complete course prerequisites with greater ease – for example, by taking Pre-Calculus in the summer, the student can enroll in Calculus or AP Calculus during the next school year.”

“A wonderful bonus is that our high school students are able to experience taking courses on a real college campus – an experience we hope will inspire them to dream big and work hard,” Flynn concluded.

“We wanted to engage with not only BUSD but with the community as well,” said Diaz, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management at Woodbury. “We provide not only a camp environment but a learning experience through programs like Initial Credit, Burbank Youth Summer Theatre institute, and architecture and fashion camps. Our programs are affordable and engage elementary, middle and high school students in the community.”

Burroughs High School Health teacher Oakley Gillett discusses student projects in Health class. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Eight summer classes for initial credit are being taught by BUSD teachers on the Woodbury campus this summer: Spanish 2 and 3, Health, U.S. and World History, Algebra 2, Geometry and PreCalculus. Woodbury also offers a Fashion Camp (for grades 4-8), Art of Architecture (for grades 5-9) and other programs aimed at high school students during the summer.

“I wanted to take Pre-Calc in the summer so I can take AP Calculus in my junior year and BC Calculus in my senior year,” said Michael Huynh,  a junior at Burbank High School.

Since Woodbury uses BUSD curriculum and teachers and rents the same textbooks used in BUSD-approved courses, students easily transfer credit for the class to their transcripts. Students from other schools work with their district or administration and registrar to verify acceptance of course credit before enrolling in the courses.

Burroughs math teacher Jessica Barcellano goes over concepts in PreCalculus. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“We are especially grateful to Cartoon Network for providing 20 student scholarships this year!” commented Flynn. “Because of CN, we have students completing courses in Algebra 2, Spanish, Health, Pre-Calculus, US History and World History.”

“Peggy told me about the summer scholarship program, and it fit perfectly into the gifting program that Cartoon Network has established in Burbank,” said  Zita Lefebvre, Director of Operations and Community Relations for the studio. “We have supported it for several years.”

“We are pleased to be able to send 20 students to summer programs to enhance their education in the arts. Perhaps one day we will have one of these kids working at Cartoon Network,” Lefebvre added. “As a business in Burbank we are happy to be included in these programs that support the youth of the community.”

Students at work in Jordan teacher Wayne Tipton’s World History class. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“BUSD admin continues to work closely with Mauro Diaz, Kelly Nittoli, Don St. Clair from Woodbury to ensure the courses are aligned, the teachers are top notch and that the cost was the lowest in the region,” added Flynn.

“I think that many of the more motivated students realize that it is a really good thing to be able to get a class out of the way,” commented World History teacher Wayne Tipton, who also teaches Social Studies at Jordan Middle School during the regular school year.

“Many of the kids are in the vocal or instrumental departments in high school. Some are athletes or dancers, so we have a fairly eclectic group. When they take a class in the summer, they are able to take an extra elective class during the year,” he added.

“I think that my former students who take my class in the summer remember that I tried to make it fun for them. They may have a more nostalgic take on it, but I try to keep it similar to what they remember,” Tipton also said.

Woodbury’s grounds are a well-maintained oasis in the busy city. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“History is not exactly the favorite subject for many, so I try to make it as interesting and painless as possible. Since I get to teach them at kind of an awkward age in middle school, it is nice to see them at an older age.”

“I try to make the class as interesting as possible. We all realize that we are in the same boat, five and one-half hours a day, so we try to make the best of it,” Tipton continued.

“The students are bright and interested and know quite a bit about a lot of topics. I learn things every day from them. The summer classes here at Woodbury are so much less stressful. I have always liked teaching in the summer and the classes I have taught at Woodbury are really a great gig.”

Students pay attention in PreCalculus. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“I wanted to get ahead so that I can take the more of the classes I love during the regular school year.” said Maddie Seiffert, a junior at Burroughs High School who is taking World History. “Now I will be able to fit Musical Theatre and Play Production into my schedule in addition to my English, science and math classes next school year. Plus I get to spend the summer at Woodbury – I love this place!”

“I wanted to take Health this summer because I want to play golf and be in the Burbank High School marching band next year. This is a great option for me to be able to fit both into my schedule as a freshman,”said Adam Barnfather. “I’m glad I did it. The homework isn’t that bad – I can finish it in class most days or bring it home. It’s only four days a week and we get out at 1:00 p.m. so it still feels like summer.”

The post Woodbury Summer Classes Draw Motivated High School Students appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

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 updated results thus far through July 10-

Burroughs League

La Salle 43 Burroughs 35

Jordan Meltzer had 13 points, Jocelyn Rieken had 5 points, Kamryn Cardenaz had 7 points and 5 rebounds.  Sienna Brown had 7 points.

Valencia League

Valencia 51 Burroughs 44

Davina Del Castillo had 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 11 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Brooke Radcliff had 8 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 7 points.

Burbank League

Burroughs 47 Flintridge Sacred Heart 45

Sienna Brown had 7 points and 6 rebounds as well as the winning basket on a rebound put back with 5 seconds to go.  Jordan Meltzer had 13 points and 4 rebounds.  Abbey Ibarra had 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals.

Storm Tourney

805 17&under 40 Burroughs 37

Davina Del Castillo had 8 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 6 points.  Brooke Radcliff had 6 points and 3 assists.

Burroughs 48 Tucson Heat 36

Maile Tanigawa had 11 points and Jordan Meltzer had 8 points.  Davina Del Castillo had 5 points and 6 rebounds.  Brooke Radcliff had 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Haywood Swoosh 25 Burroughs 20

Abbey Ibarra had 7 points, 4 rebounds.  Brooke Radcliff had 7 rebounds and Davina Del Castillo had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 steals.

LA Storm 37 Burroughs 36

Davina Del Castillo had 8 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals, and 3 assists.  Abbey Ibarra had 11 points and Brooke Radcliff had 6 points.

Burroughs 37 Lahaina 30

Davina Del Castillo had 6 points, 6 rebounds, 7 steals, and 3 assists.  Sienna Brown had 8 points and 5 rebounds.  Brooke Radcliff had 6 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 9 points and 8 rebounds.

Burroughs League

Burroughs 41 El Camino 26

Kamryn Cardenaz had 13 points and Davina Del Castillo had 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Brooke Radcliff had 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 6 points and 4 steals.

Burroughs 47 Granada Hills 30

Davina Del Castillo had 10 points and 7 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 10 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 7 points.  Brooke Radcliff had 9 points and 6 rebounds.

Valencia League

Burroughs 46 Alemany 37

Brooke Radcliff had a career high 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  Abbey Ibarra had 6 points and 4 steals.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 4 points and 8 rebounds.

Burroughs 43 Saugus 38

Abbey Ibarra had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals.  Destiny Contreras had 8 points and 5 rebounds.  Chloe Takeuchi had 8 points and 3 assists.

Burroughs League

Burroughs 44 Hart 24

Davina Del Castillo had 11 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 6 points and Abbey Ibarra had 5 points and 4 rebounds, and 4 steals.

Valencia League

Burroughs 55 Golden Valley 25

Davina Del Castillo had 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 10 points and 4 rebounds.  Jordan Meltzer had 8 points.

Burbank League

Burroughs 56 Marshall 19

Jordan Meltzer had 13 points, Siennad Brown had 9 points, and Brooke Radcliff had 8 points.  Chloe Takeuchi had 9 points.

Norco Tourney

Burroughs 47 Brea Olinda 38

Delaney Nicol had 9 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.  Chloe Takeuchi had 6 points and Haley Wilson had 7 points.

Burroughs 54 Corona 9

Davina Del Castillo had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and Brooke Radcliff had 12 points.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 8 steals and Jordan Meltzer had 11 points.

Harvard Westlake 33 Burroughs 26

Brooke Radcliff had 9 points and Davina Del Castillo had 6 points, 6 rebounds.

Burroughs 35 St. Paul 24

Jordan Meltzer had 9 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 8 points, 9 rebounds.  Jocelyn Rieken had 7 points and 4 rebounds.

Ventura 41 Burroughs 40 (3rd place game)

Abbey Ibarra had 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 steals.  Kamryn Cardenaz had 8 points and Jordan Meltzer had 11 points.

San Luis Obispo Tournament

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.

The post Burroughs Girls Basketball Enjoying Summer Competition {updated} appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Bellarmine-Jefferson Principal Michael Stumpf has one year under his belt leading the high school, and he’s looking forward to overseeing new programs and classes for the coming year.

Bellarmine-Jefferson High School Principal Michael Stumpf begins his second year this July 2014. (Photo Courtesy of Bellarmine-Jefferson High School.)

The high school launches its Google-based Chromebook technology program in the fall. After months of research and discussion by teachers and administration, Bell-Jeff is ready to commit to the new program.

Students will be provided with the necessary technology and resources to read textbooks, work on and submit assignments and interact with teachers and fellow students, say school officials. They emphasize technology skills and knowledge are vital for success in college and work in the 21st century.

“I am excited for what is to come for Bell-Jeff,” said Stumpf. “We truly are here to stay and we are growing in so many ways. Bell-Jeff is a special place where each student is important; our students will receive a quality Catholic Education, and be prepared to succeed in life.”

New courses will debut in the coming 2014-15 school year, including Mobile App Development, Robotics, Gardening and Sustainability and Technology Literacy. The school sees these new courses as ways to promote the STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – focus that educators throughout the world have been underlining as necessary knowledge for the coming years.

“I am very blessed to have so much support at Bellarmine-Jefferson High School,” Stumpf added. “I am thankful for the entire Bell-Jeff community. In addition, I have had tremendous support from the Los Angeles Archdiocese as well as the local community in the city of Burbank.”

The school has been able to extend its 2014-2015 application period through the month of July and offer scholarships for families seeking financial assistance, with the addition of new funding for tuition assistance.

“Here at Bell-Jeff we have adopted the idea of F.A.M.I.L.Y. ®, which means ‘forget about me I love you,’“ Mr. Stumpf also commented. “This sums up what it means to live the gospel message. We are proud of the fact that the students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni are all a part of the Bell-Jeff family.”

Bellarmine-Jefferson High School is a private, co-ed, four-year, accredited, Catholic school for grades 9 – 12. Bell-Jeff draws students from throughout the San Fernando Valley area and is located on Olive Avenue in Burbank.

The post Bellarmine-Jefferson Principal Marks First Year appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank has vastly improved throughout the summer (Photos by Dick Dornan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

They came, they saw, they conquered.

The Burbank High boys basketball team traveled up north to the UC Santa Barbara team camp two weeks ago and returned back home as champions. In an impressive display of basketball, the Bulldogs won their division and then took home the hardware after winning the tournament championship. They finished 7-1 during the 3-day camp.

“There were three things we wanted to accomplish at the UCSB team camp,” Burbank coach Jerry DeLaurie said. “1. To get better as a team; 2. To beat some good teams- which we feel we did in beating Rio Mesa and Santa Maria who were both undefeated going into the final day of the tournament; 3. To have fun.

“We accomplished all of our goals not because we won the tournament, but we grew as a team and are establishing a belief that we can be a team that can compete with anyone in our league next year.”

Burbank defeated San Dieguito Academy (50-37), Soledad (72-45), Saratoga (46-30) and Soquel (55-19) and lost to Piedmont of San Jose (57-47) during pool play.

On the final day of the camp, the top 12 teams advanced to the single-elimination championship tournament consisting of 22-minute games. The Bulldogs were seeded third.

In the quarterfinals, Burbank knocked off San Dieguito Academy for a second time, 34-13. Mike Woods scored 15 points.

Burbank then faced undefeated Rio Mesa who entered the semifinals with a 6-0 record. Ellie Hanno scored 12 points and Woods collected eight rebounds as the Bulldogs held the Spartans to 14% field goal shooting in a hard-fought 16-14 win.

The championship featured another opponent that was undefeated. Santa Maria was 7-0 and the No. 1 seed in the entire tournament. The Saints jumped out to a 13-2 lead only for BHS to roar back and counter with a 17-2 run of their own to make it 19-15 in favor of the boys in blue.

The Bulldogs’ pressure defense was the difference down the stretch as they held on for a 32-29 victory. Woods scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a strong effort.

Burbank’s team features a junior (Hanno) and four sophomores who garner the majority of the minutes.

“We will be one of the youngest teams in the entire area, and we have six sophomores on varsity and a majority of them start,” DeLaurie said. “Mike Woods, Ben Chavez and Ellie Hanno are our leaders.

“The summer is going very well. We are really working hard and we are putting together an identity of our own and that’s important for us. We have won seven straight games, 12 of 13, and three of those wins have been very close games. Finding a way to win close games is important.”

Sophomores on the varsity include Woods, Ben Chavez, Cameroon Sweeten, Tommie Clark, Mekhi George and Faraz Khandaker.

“We are averaging eight guys scoring for us each game and our sophomores are gaining valuable experience,” said DeLaurie. “One area of our concern going into summer was our defense, but the last 10 games we are giving up only 33 points a game. If we can continue to improve our free throw shooting we will be a factor in league.”

The post Burbank Boys Basketball Wins UCSB Tournament appeared first on myBurbank.com.

In related actions, the Authority reappointed Burbank Commissioner Bill Wiggins as Auditor, Pasadena Commissioner Terry Tornek as Treasurer and Executive Director Dan Feger as Assistant Secretary, and left intact the existing assignments for the various Airport Committees.

The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority is a joint powers authority formed by the three cities to own and operate Bob Hope Airport. The Authority is governed by a nine-member commission, and each of the three cities appoints three commissioners to the panel.

In addition to the officers, the other current commissioners are: Susan Georgino and Don Brown of Burbank; Dave Weaver and Laura Friedman of Glendale; and Terry Tornek and Jacque Robinson of Pasadena.

The post Airport Authority Elects New Officers appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) announced that the Appropriations Committee has included $5 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2015 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill for the Earthquake Early Warning System, the first time Congress has ever provided funding specifically for the system. Earlier this year, Schiff led a group of 25 Members from California, Washington and Oregon in organizing a request that the committee fund an early earthquake warning system. A limited system developed by Caltech, UC-Berkeley and University of Washington, in conjunction with the United State Geological Survey (USGS), has already been deployed and has proven that the early warning technology is sound.

This $5 million in funding will allow those developing the statewide system to begin purchasing and installing additional sensors, hire new staff members, and come closer to deploying comprehensive early earthquake warning coverage throughout earthquake prone regions of the West Coast.  The Schiff language included in the Appropriations bill reads: “…the Committee provides $5,000,000 from within the funds provided for Earthquake Hazards to transition the earthquake early warning demonstration project into an operational capability on the West Coast.”

“It’s critical that the West Coast implement an earthquake early warning system that will give us a heads up before the ‘big one’ hits, so we can save lives and protect infrastructure,” said Rep. Schiff. “We are constantly reminded of our vulnerability – with tremors, earthquakes and aftershocks rattling our homes and businesses – and even a few seconds of warning will allow people to seek cover, automatically slow or stop trains, pause surgeries and more.  This first phase of funding will allow the work to begin expanding the system, and we will continue to work to secure future funding along with our other federal, state and local partners.”

“Caltech and its partners are very grateful that the House of Representatives is sending a strong signal of support for implementation of an earthquake early warning for the West Coast,” said President Thomas F. Rosenbaum of the California Institute of Technology. “We look forward to moving ahead with this critical technology over the next few years.”

In April, Rep. Schiff and 25 Members from California, Washington and Oregon sent a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging them to fully fund an earthquake early warning system. Schiff’s letter requested additional funding for the Earthquake Hazards Program in USGS to kickstart the process of building out the early warning system so we can be ready for the next big quake.  In the letter sent to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the Members wrote:

Dear Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member Moran:

As you craft the Fiscal Year 2015 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, we respectfully request that you provide the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with an additional $16.1 million for the construction, operation and maintenance of an Earthquake Early Warning System.

The USGS, in collaboration with Caltech, UC Berkeley, and the University of Washington, has developed an Earthquake Early Warning system that detects waves radiating from the epicenter of a quake and would provide people with several to tens of seconds of warning in California, and up to few minutes in Washington and Oregon through their phones, computers and other media. With advanced notice, people can take cover, automated systems can be triggered to slow down trains and manage the power grid, doctors can pause surgeries, and more. The technology has been tested and proven to work effectively.

An Earthquake Early Warning system along the West Coast would cost $16.1 million per year to construct, operate and maintain. FEMA has estimated that earthquakes cost the United States, averaged over the long term, more than $5 billion a year. This common-sense investment will save lives, protect businesses, and could make a real difference in more rapid recovery for local communities, the federal government and the economy as a whole.

While we cannot predict when and where the next major earthquake will hit, we must do all we can to prepare ourselves so that we can mitigate the injuries, destruction, and chaos as much as possible. We appreciate your consideration of our request, and we look forward to working with you.

The post Schiff Secures $5 Million to Deploy Full West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Max Haddad and the sizzling Indians have gone 12-2 in their last 14 games (Photo courtesy of Mitch Haddad)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

It’s only mid-July, but tomorrow night’s summer VIBL playoff game between Burroughs and Burbank should be quite exciting. Anytime the two rivals go head-to-head in any sport perks the interest of the average sports fan.

Why not gather together and enjoy a midsummer night’s meeting of hardball? Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Burroughs.

Yes, this isn’t the CIF playoffs. But it does represent a game that will determine who advances in the 14th annual Valley Invitational Baseball League playoffs. Matchups are listed below in the tournament bracket.

Cameron Briggs of Burbank (Photo by Dick Dornan)

The JBHS/BHS winner will advance to the quarterfinals on Saturday against the winner of Cleveland/Loyola. If the Indians win, they would host the contest on Saturday. If the Bulldogs prevail, they would travel regardless. Games for Saturday are scheduled for 10 a.m. unless the two teams agree to another time.

Semifinals are set for next Tuesday and the championship game for Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. at Birmingham High School. The VIBL website is myburbank.com/VIBL.

Burroughs, the No. 4 seed, enters the game with an impressive 15-6 overall record including wins in 12 of its last 14 games. No. 13 Burbank sports a mark of 3-6. Each team was given a required 10-game VIBL schedule. Any other games played or cancelled were at each program’s discretion.

The Indians chose to play an aggressive summer slew of games and it has paid off. Recent significant victories include defeating Chatsworth, 4-3, in nine innings, Birmingham (6-0), Camarillo (4-1), Loyola (7-3), and Crespi, 7-0.

Burroughs’ ace Danny Bustos (Photo courtesy of Mitch Haddad)

Burroughs summer success has come in large part due to the consistency of the pitching staff which currently has a 3.08 era. Ace Danny Bustos owns a 3-1 record with a 1.55 era. He is the expected starter to face the Bulldogs.

Returning arms Thomas Wilson (2.10 era) and Max DeAmicis (2.63 era) have done well on the hill and JV pitchers Jesse Galindo (3-0, 1.96 era) and Kyle Nicol (2-1, 2.00 era) each have had stellar performances in their first varsity action.

At the plate, catcher Tyler Lewis leads Burroughs in hitting with a .408 clip with first baseman Noah Hoed right behind at .405. Seven other Indian players are batting .361 or higher having played in at least 10 games. Newcomer Omar Tejeda from the JV squad has been a pleasant surprise at the plate and defensively at third base.

Burroughs had nine players with at least one hit against Crespi and Chatsworth (15 hits total; six players with two hits apiece). They are batting .326 as a team.

A complete list of Burbank stats was not available as of press time though shortstop Cameron Briggs has had an extremely productive summer at the plate and on the mound. Other players making a positive impression for the Bulldogs include Randy Higgens, Ryan and Danny Porras, Jake Noud and Garrett Dolan.

Each program has a host of seniors and plenty of game experience for the upcoming spring season. This summer tilt should be an entertaining ball game between the cross-town schools. Anything less would be a surprise.

Burroughs Baseball-

Burbank Baseball-

2014 VIBL Playoff Bracket:

The post Burroughs and Burbank Baseball to Square Off in VIBL Playoffs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Under the canvas-covered patio punctuated with colored lights, diners at La Bamba restaurant have been enjoying Cuban plates and a Caribbean/Island style menu for over 25 years. Regularly busy at lunch and dinner, the convivial restaurant is casual and friendly, and, most-importantly, consistent.

From a small kitchen in a converted house on the corner of Glenoaks Boulevard and Lamer Street, dishes sail forth: half a chicken with fragrant yellow rice and black beans, a Cuban sandwich filled with pork, pickles and cheese, freshly made salads topped with chicken or shrimp and colorful veggies.

A trio of tacos – pork, chicken and beef – are propped up by Cuban rice and beans. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

La Bamba’s take on the taco is a hearty one: two corn tortillas for each taco, filled to bursting with the meat of choice (pork, chicken, beef, fish or shrimp), and nestled next to a generous serving of rice and beans. Two people can easily share a three-taco plate.

While La Bamba has the Cuban specialties on lockdown, their Garlic Avocado Lobster Burrito is my current favorite on the menu. The lobster is the definition of succulent – sweet, tender, light. A perfect combination of flavors makes this burrito stand out, along with its market price, currently $18.95. However, two people can share the lobster burrito and split a plate of fries or plantains and be comfortably full.

Tender, tasty and succulent lobster fills this flavorful burrito at La Bamba. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

La Bamba’s plates are reasonably priced, with most entrees under $10. In addition to a selection of fragrant teas, beer, wine, pina coladas, bloody marys and margaritas are also on tap. The house pico de gallo and green salsas are fresh and full of flavor. With the green salsa, a little goes a long way!

We have enjoyed meals at La Bamba for many years, and the spot is a popular one in Burbank. There always seems to be enough street parking on Glenoaks and nearby streets, and tables generally turn over pretty fast.

La Bamba’s Key Largo Chicken Burrito combines Caribbean flavors into a tasty meal. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

The food is always delicious, every time we’ve visited throughout the years. At night, the colorful lights under the canopy add to the festive island vibe. Night or day, La Bamba is a pleasant casual dining experience.

Restaurant Info: La Bamba is located at 2600 N. Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank, CA  91504. 818-846-3358. Open Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

La Bamba receives: On The Marquee

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)

The post La Bamba Adds A Caribbean Twist To Burritos And Tacos appeared first on myBurbank.com.

After a public and Board Member comment session lasting over two hours, Burbank Unified School District’s Board of Education revoked the conditional approval of Giligia Charter Academy’s petition to open a charter school in Burbank. Held at City Hall, extra police officers were on hand to help maintain order at the crowded School Board meeting, Thursday evening, July 17.

The School Board also denied the Academy’s amended charter petition, citing conditional requirements not being met, including a lease and declared location for the school and a transparent and viable budget for the next three years.

“We had a contractual agreement that was clearly understood and it was not met,” said Superintendent Dr. Jan Britz.

“Why was Burbank chosen for the site of the Giligia Charter Academy?” wondered Board Member Dave Kemp, noting that most of the signatures on the petition were from the San Fernando Valley area outside of Burbank and Glendale, primarily Studio City, North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks.

“Perhaps in those areas there is a need for this charter,” Kemp added. “It doesn’t appear there is a need for this in Burbank.”

“I’m opposed to the idea of separating kids because they want to be separate from the other students in the district,” he continued.

Kemp discussed the typical use of charter schools in California in which parents address an under-performing school and turn it into a charter school to meet the needs of all the children at the school, noting this scenario has happened with some high schools in LAUSD.

“Your kids in this community are getting a great education and great opportunities. To say that they are not… there’s something wrong for people to say they’re not getting the quality education they need in Burbank,” Kemp also said.

“If you want to start a private school, fine. If you want to go to a Catholic school, fine. If you want to go to a Presbyterian school, fine,” commented Board Member Ted Bunch.

“But, this is a unified school district and we take everybody who wants to come here,” Bunch added. “If you don’t want to be here, fine – start a private school.”

Bunch pointed out that after the success of the Spanish-language Dual Immersion program, beginning in Kindergarten in BUSD, the next language the district is preparing for the program is Armenian, as it is the second-most popular language in the district.

“A group of people who are primarily not Burbank residents came into our community with this petition,” added Board Member Larry Applebaum. He discussed at length the weaknesses of the petition and the responsibilities of the Board of Education and petitioners.

A contentious Town Hall meeting was held a few weeks ago after Burbank citizens expressed concerns over the conditional approval of the charter school petition in June. Thursday evening, several public comment speakers and Board Members expressed displeasure with the ethnically-charged and racially-disparaging comments made by a few people at that Town Hall meeting.

Board members emphasized their desire for dialogue with all members of the Burbank community and encouraged those who feel their needs are not being met by the district to reach out to BUSD officials. Video of the entire meeting can be found on the district’s website.

The post BUSD School Board Denies Giligia Charter Academy Petition appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Three Burbank students directed and shot film projects on Universal Studio’s backlot through a New York Film Academy (NYFA) week-long intensive film-making course. The students were selected, along with 12 other students from Culver City, Venice and Los Angeles, after applying for a scholarship through a partnership with the Young Storytellers Foundation (YSF.)

Brennan Flynn and Joe Molinari, who will be seniors at John Burroughs High School this fall, and recent JBHS graduate Avan Shirwani attended the program July 7 through 11. The NYFA intensive film-making program included on editing, screenwriting, acting, post-production sound and directing.

Brennan Flynn, Avan Shirwani and Joe Molinari take a break from filming on the Universal Studios backlot. (Photo By Pierre Pandy)

“Participants write, film and edit their own short film on the Universal Studios backlot,” explained YSF Alumni Summer Intern Michelle Gonzalez.

Alumni from the course are also paired with a professional mentor from NYFA’s faculty and return to participate in workshops administered by their professional mentors. Students who have participated in Young Storytellers and Young Moviemakers programs (YMM) at their respective high schools are able to apply for the NYFA scholarships.

Avan Shirwani checks the shot. (Photo By Pierre Pandy)

Shirwani, who begins freshman year of college this fall at Los Angeles Valley College, was first exposed to both the YSF and YMM programs through Play Production class at Burroughs. She mentored students at Jordan Middle School in the YMM program. She also helped incoming freshman write a script and performed some of the scripts.

“I enjoy helping kids and bringing out their creative side,” Shirwani commented.

“This was unbelievably intense but the most fun I’ve ever had,” Shirwani said about the NYFA film-making course. “I met so many amazing people and learned more than I could have ever imagined.”

“Throughout all these programs and YSF, I found that I really love film making and all the aspects of it,” she added. “I am forever grateful to them.”

Brennan Flynn peeks through the camera. (Photo By Pierre Pandy)

“The experience was wonderful because it broadened my horizons – previously, my only experience was in theater,” commented Flynn, who has been involved with YSF and YMM for the past two years.

“It also put me in the director’s chair for the first time in my life, and it was such a rewarding experience to see what I created go from a script to a fully produced short film so quickly,” Flynn added.

“I have a new knowledge of, and especially respect for, all the different jobs involved in making a film now that I have written, directed and edited my own project,” he also said. “I am eternally grateful to YSF for giving me the incredible opportunity of learning and working NYFA for a week.”

Joe Molinari directs his film. (Photo Courtesy of Pierre Pandy)

NYFA’s scholarship commitment provided for nearly $25,000 worth of tuition to the summer program.

“For many of our students, an experience like this is simply out of reach and we are so grateful that NYFA has provided this camp completely tuition-free,” commented Bill Thompson, YSF Executive Director.”

“It is amazing to watch our young film-makers shoot their scripts with professional actors, a professional crew, on an actual Hollywood studio backlot,” Thompson continued.”This week strengthens their confidence in the power of their voice and we can’t wait to see what they create next.”

More information on YSF can be found on their website.

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