(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

PLAY BALL!

Burbank Little League began its 15th season in style on March 7 at Brace Park by recognizing three teams who won local championships last year.

District winning All-Star teams from last season included the 10/11 girls softball team which won the State title and the junior boys who were 2014 District 16 Tournament of Champions.

Burroughs baseball coach Craig Sherwood (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

District 16 is comprised of teams from Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada Flintridge and Tujunga.

Burroughs baseball coach Craig Sherwood shared some infinite wisdom and inspiring words to all the coaches and players in attendance.

For more information on teams, schedules and game times, please visit the Burbank Little League website at eteamz.com/BurbankLittleLeague.

Ross A. Benson, chief photographer for myBurbank.com, captured the sights and splendor of opening day in this fabulous gallery of photos:

Burbank Little League Opening Day 2015-

The post Burbank Little League Celebrates Opening Day appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Last week outside contractors installed new signals at both Pass Ave. and Oak St. along with new signals at Pass Ave. and Verdugo Ave.

When putting up the new signs they mistakenly put up a sign that read Verdugo St. instead of Verdugo Ave hanging from the pole. What is strange about the mistake is they also rehung the smaller old sign from the old signal pole that says Verdugo Ave. Or course, this is not to be confused with Verdugo Drive that is in another part of Burbank.

When myBurbank went by the scene on Monday to find out what happened there were no workers on scene.

Maybe they went to Verdugo Street instead and are still lost.

The post New Signals Installed – Better Order a New Sign appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A Van Nuys man riding his bicycle at 4:40 in the morning Friday was pulled over by Burbank Police for a traffic stop.

During the contact the suspect, identified by police as Jesus Gutierrez (19), advised the officers he possibly had an outstanding warrant. At that point, Gutierrez then ran from the police officer, and a short foot pursuit ensured.

Upon being taken into custody, officers discovered that he was in possession of burglary tools and suspected methamphetamine.  The suspect was transported to the Burbank jail where he was booked.  The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

The post Suspect on Bicycle Decides to Run From Police Instead appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Police officers were called to the scene of an accident that occurrred around 4:30 in the morning on Saturday at the corner of Bel Aire and Magnolia.

When officers contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Cristina Papazian (22) or Burbank, they noticed she displayed symptoms of alcohol intoxication.   A DUI investigation was conducted, which revealed the suspect was over twice the legal limit.

The other vehicle involved in the accident was parked and unoccupied.  No injuries were reported as a result of the accident.  Papazian was transported to the Burbank jail where she was booked for DUI.

Her bail was set at $5,000.00.  She is scheduled to appear in court on April 8, 2015.

March 14, 2015 at 4:30 am

The post DUI Crash Lands Burbank Woman in Jail appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank High’s girls traveled over to Memorial Field on Monday to play their counterparts from Burroughs. In the end it was Burbank 8, Burroughs 0 as they collected their ‘Big Game’ victory.

Here are some great photos from Ross A. Benson as he collected highlights from the game.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Girls Collect Powder Puff Win Over Burroughs appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Girls Basketball

No. 4 West Torrance 54 No. 1 Burroughs 31

The Lady Indians fell in the CIF Division 1A semifinals on the road. Falling behind 14-5 after the first quarter and 21-10 at the half, Burroughs couldn’t mount a rally to catch the Warriors. The lead for West Torrance increased to 35-21 after three periods. Sienna Brown led the Lady Indians with 17 points and 8 rebounds.

It was a magnificent season for Burroughs (30-3, 14-0) as they finished with a school record 30 wins against just three defeats including a 26-game winning streak that marked the longest active streak in the Southern Section until the loss to West Torrance. The Lady Indians won their third consecutive league title and fourth in five years going undefeated for the second year in a row. This was the farthest a Burroughs girls basketball team had ever advanced in the CIF playoffs.

Baseball

(Doubleheader)

Burroughs 3 Cathedral 0

Danny Bustos threw a complete game four-hit shutout walking one and striking out two. Chris Peres had two hits and a double.

Cathedral 7 Burroughs 5

The Indians fell behind 7-1 in game two of the double dip, rallied for four runs in the sixth, but fell short.

Babe Herman Tournament-

Burbank 2 El Camino Real 1

St. Francis 5 Burbank 3

Easton Tournament-

Burroughs 3 Hart 2

The Indians got another solid outing from Thomas Wilson (2-0) who went 5 1/3 innings allowing two runs on five hits. Brennan Brown went 3 for 3 at the plate and Chris Peres drove in what proved to be the winning run in the fifth inning.

Burbank 3 Palmdale 2

Alex Minnick collects the win on the hill; Randy Higgens comes through with the walk-off game winning RBI for the Bulldogs.

Calabasas 5 Burroughs 0

The Indians could only muster three hits in the loss at home.

Chaminade 8 Burbank 4

Moorpark 7 Burroughs 3 (quarterfinals)

Aidan Anding had 2 RBIs for JBHS.

Burbank 2 Poly 0

Burroughs 5 Rio Mesa 0

Thomas Wilson allowed two hits over six innings and Anthony Bocanegra had two doubles to lead the Indians to the shutout victory. Max Haddad added a double and RBI for the Tribe.

Newbury Park 4 Burbank 2

Burroughs 7 Camarillo 6

Aidan Anding went 3 for 4 and scored two runs in the opening day win for JBHS. Danny Bustos earned the victory on the mound. The Indians broke a 4-4 tie scoring three runs in the top of the 6th and holding off the Scorpions. Aidan Anding collected three hits while Tyler Lewis added two hits and three RBIs as the Indians pounded out 10 hits.

Chatsworth 4 Burbank 1

Softball

Burbank 9 Covina 0

Caitlyn Brooks fired a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts; Jazmin Orozco went 2 for 3 at the plate with 3 RBIs; Amber Ingram was 2 for 2 with a double and 2 RBIs.

Hart Tournament-

Burbank 8 Oxnard 0

Caitlyn Brooks gave up one hit through five innings of work while striking out six. Lily Winn went 2 for 3 with a triple and a single and 2 runs scored.

Highland 1 Burbank 0

Caitlyn Brooks had 12 strike outs while facing 21 Highland batters. She also contributed a double and allowed only one hit in the loss.

Burbank 9 Hart 3

Caitlyn Brooks fanned 10, walked one and allowed five hits in the complete game effort. Lily Winn was 2 for 4 and a home run; Bridgette Pisa went 3 for 4 with a home run, triple and 5 RBIs.

Burbank 1 Notre Dame 0

Caitlyn Brooks recorded two wins in one day striking out 12 while giving up just two hits.

Simi Valley Tournament-

Presley Miraglia All-Tournament

Burroughs 7 La Reina 0 (Consolation Championship)

The Lady Indians racked up 12 hits led by Michelle Santiago who had 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBIs. Delany Nicol and Kaitlin Okimoto added 2 hits and 2 RBIs apiece. Presley Miraglia threw a complete game shutout allowing only 3 hits.

Burroughs 3 Buena 0

Michelle Santiago went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs, a home run and a double. Kaitlin Okimoto went 3 for 3 with an RBI and a double. Presley Miraglia threw a complete game shutout allowing 5 hits with no walks and 6 strikeouts.

Burroughs 11 Northridge Academy 0

Presley Miraglia and HannahTalavera combined for a no-hitter. Miraglia and Lauren Lopez each had 2 RBIs for the Lady Indians.

Royal 6 Burroughs 5

Delaney Nicol went 3 for 4 and Kailanie Osay had 2 RBIs as the Indians scored 5 runs in the first inning in the narrow defeat.

Boys Volleyball

Pacific League Invitational-

Burroughs 3 West Ranch 0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) Championship

MVP Andrew Dalmada, All-Tournament Ryan Van Loo and Matt Kim

Dalmada 12 kills; Van Loo 34 assists; Kim 14 digs

Burroughs 3 Lakewood 0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-23) Semifinal

Burroughs 3 St. Francis 0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-17)

Max Chamberlain 12 kills; Ryan Van Loo 23 assists

Lakewood 3 Burbank 1 (18-25, 25-16, 31-29, 25-20)

Burroughs 3 Schurr 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-17)

Burbank 3 Montebello 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-16)

Willie Perryman 8 kills; Dylan Anderson 7 kills, 7 digs; Aram Krakirian 7 kills; Kirk Capalla 16 assists

Burbank 3 Hoover 0 (25-12, 25-21, 25-18) see story

Canyon 3 Burbank 0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-17)

Redondo Tournament-

Burroughs went 4-1 during the two-day tourney with wins over West Torrance, Palos Verdes, Long Beach Millikan, Culver City and Warren while losing to Notre Dame.

Burroughs 3 Long Beach Poly 1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23)

Burbank 3 Alhambra 1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21)

Willie Perryman: 12 kills, 6 blocks
Kirk Capalla: 18 assists, 8 digs
Alec Agana: 8 digs

Tennis

Burroughs 12 Glendale 6

Glendale 11 Burbank 7

Burroughs 13 Hoover 5

Burbank 13 Pasadena 5

Crescenta Valley 13 Burroughs 5

Golf

Pacific League match #1 at Santa Anita GC, Par 71

Burroughs shot a 428 (4th place) while Burbank shot a 470 (5th place)

Track and Field

Burbank 118 Pasadena 0 (girls)

Burbank 118 Pasadena 12 (boys)

Burroughs 83 Crescenta Valley 53 (boys)

Burroughs 110 Hoover 17 (boys)

100

Corwin Scherer                      11.3

Kent Truong                           11.7

Brandon Tong                        12.1

Michael Huynh                      12.5

200

Niko Guerrero                        23.1

Chance Bell                            23.9

Michael Huynh                      25.2

Dylan Garcia                          26.0

400

Micael Molina                          51.6

Kevin Alpizar                          53.8

Emerson Sosa                         56.5

Jeremy Phan                          60.0

800

Andrew Barrondo                  2:09

Trent Harrison                       2:13

David Carrillo                         2:14

David Olympia                         2:15

Quang Nguyen                       2:18

Eduardo Cabrera                   2:20

1600

Garrett Boulais                      4:32

Justin Villagran                     4:32

Jared Perez                            5:06

3200

Garrett Boulais                      9:54

Elias Hoxsie                           9:55

Alexander Hirsch                  10:03

Dion Mokhtari                        10:17

Evan Thomas                         10:22

Manne Green                         10:40

Adam Villalpando                  10:52

110H

Corwin Scherer                      15.0

Nathan Bradley                     15.5

Brandon Tong                        16.3

Neron Palmer                          18.9

300H

Nathan Bradley                     41.1

Corwin Scherer                      41.3

Emerson Sosa                        45.4

4×100 – 44.1

Chance Bell, Niko Guerrero,

Corwin Schere, Kent Truong

4×400

Team A – 3:45

Michael Molina                      54.3

Justin Villagran                     55.8

David Carrillo                         57.0

Andrew Barrondo                  58.2

Team B – 3:53

Michael Huynh                      57.5

Brandon Tong                         57.6

David Olympia                       58.8

Trent Harrison                       59.9

PV

Kent Truong                           13’6

Ben Mathov                           11’6

Neron Palmer                          9’

Cody Brake                             8’

HJ

LJ

Neron Palmer                        19’6

Nathan Bradley                     19’2

Brandon Tong                         18’

Dyla Dovaston                         17’1

Chance Bell                            16’

Nick Phillippi                          15’1

TJ

Niko Guerrero                         39’4.75

Ben Mathov                           36’11.5

Dylan Dovaston                     36’5

Nathan Bradley                     35’3.5

Jeremy Phan                          33’10

Nick Phillippi                          31’1

SP

Austin Bui                              34’6

Joseph Jacobson                   31’10.5

DT

Austin Bui                              99’

Joseph Jacobson                   72’

Crescenta Valley 84 Burroughs 52 (girls)

Burroughs 126 Hoover 8 (girls)

100

Angelica Saenz                      13.9

Kayla Dighero                         14.2

Ignatia Teresa                          14.2

Jaymie Olea                           14.8

200

Angelica Saenz                      29.1

Kayla Dighero                         30.0

Ignatia Teresa                        30.8

Jaymie Olea                           31.3

400

Izzy Funes                              63.9

Megan Wade                         64.3

Deanna Fierro                        69.7

Sara Ehlers                            73.6

800

Betsy Ramirez                         2:48

Maddy Davis                          3:00

1600

Heidi Eligio                            5:51

3200

Eileen Eckles                         12:17

Valerie Monroy                      12:40

100H

Samantha Hebri                    17.6

Breanna McCallum               17.6

Dakotah Tilton                       20.9

300H

Breanna McCallum               53.6

Samantha Hebri                    55.0

Dakotah Tilton                       60.4

4×100

4×400 – 4:20

Izzy Funes                              64.1

Megan Wade                         64.3

Sara Ehlers                            66.0

Deanna Fierro                       66.2

PV

Sarah Prystupa                      10’

Bailey Harrison                      7’6

HJ

Sarah Prystupa                      4’8

Jordan Meltzer                      4’6

LJ

Izzy Funes                              14’11

Sarah Prystupa                      14’5.5

Angelica Saenz                      13’4.5

Paola Barillas                         11’3.5

TJ

Sarah Prystupa                      30’11.75

Samantha Hebri                    29’9.5

Breanna McCallum               29’6.5

SP

Nadime Younan                    29’4

Megan Ly-Lim                          27’11

Emory Goodwin                     26’11.5

Sofia Piedrahita                     26’3

Olivia Villegas                            23’

DT

Nadime Younan                    82’5.5

Megan Ly-Lim                       77’3.5

Olivia Villegas                        73’7.5

Sofia Piedrahita                     66’5.5

Emory Goodwin                     53’10

Burbank 79 Valencia 57 (girls)

Valencia 73 Burbank 62 (boys)

Canyon 79 Burroughs 53 (boys)

100

Kent Truong (3)                     11.2

200

Niko Guerrero                        23.2

Kevin Alpizar                          24.2

Michael Huynh                      25.1

400

Kevin Alpizar (2)                    56.2

Michael Huynh (3)                58.2

1600

Garrett Boulais (1)                 4:29

Justin Villagran (2)               4:30

Andrew Barrondo                  4:36

Elias Hoxsie                           4:41

Evan Thomas                         4:43

Trent Harrison                       4:46

Christian Fuentes                  4:50

Adam Villalpando                  4:53

Jared Perez                            5:01

David Olympia                       5:06

Quang Nguyen                       5:07

Michael Contreras                 5:14

Eduardo Cabrera                   5:15

3200

Garrett Boulais (2)                9:49

Andrew Barrondo (3)            9:50

Dion Mokhtari                        9:51

Elias Hoxsie                           9:52

Justin Villagran                     9:57

Manne Green                         10:00

Trent Harrison                       10:40

Michael Contreras                 10:58

Jared Perez                            11:01

Quang Nguyen                       11:20

110H

Corwin Scherer (2)                15.0

Brandon Tong (3)                  15.4

Nathan Bradley                     15.5

Neron Palmer                         15.8

Emerson Sosa                         17.2 

CORWIN SCHERER

#6 JB ALL-TIME

B110H – 15.0

300H

Nathan Bradley (1)                41.3

Corwin Scherer (2)                41.5

Brandon Tong                       44.3

Emerson Sosa                      45.2

4×100 – 46.9

Kevin Alpizar, Dylan Dovaston,

Michael Huynh, Brandon Tong

4×400 – 3:39

Corwin Scherer                      51.25

Nathan Bradley                     54.22

Emerson Sosa                         55.79

Dylan Dovaston                     57.90

PV

Kent Troung (1)                     13’6

Ben Mathov                           11’

Neron Palmer                         9’6

LJ

Neron Palmer (1)                   19’9

Brandon Tong (2)                  19’2

Niko Guerrero                        17’11

Dylan Dovaston                     17’8

Nick Phillippi                          16’9

Jeremy Phan                          16’7

TJ

Ben Mathov (1)                      37’10

Dylan Dovaston (2)               36’5

Nick Phillippi (3)                    32’7

Branden Campos                   32’2

SP

Austin Bui                              34’10

Joseph Jacobson                   32’3.5

DT

Austin Bui                              93’2

Joseph Jacobson                   64’9

Canyon 104 Burroughs 32 (girls)

100

Angelica Saenz                      14.2

Ignatia Teresa                         14.4

Kayla Dighero                         14.4

Jaymie Olea                           14.9

200

Megan Wade                         28.2

Sara Ehlers                            28.2

Deanna Fierro                        29.9

Ignatia Teresa                       30.4

400

Megan Wade (2)                   64.9

Sara Ehlers                            66.9

Deanna Fierro                        67.6

800

Maddy Davis                          3:01

1600

Emily Virtue                           5:47

Betsy Ramirez                        6:05

3200

Eileen Eckles (3)                   12:23

Valerie Monroy                      12:26

Betsy Ramirez                        13:08

100H

Samantha Hebri (1)               17.2

Breanna McCallum (2)         17.5

Dakotah Tilton                       21.0

300H

Samantha Hebri (3)              54.0

Breanna McCallum               55.7

Dakotah Tilton                       57.2

4×100 – 54.3

Sara Ehlers, Deanna Fierro,

Samantha Hebri, Megan Wade

4×400 – 4:42

Angelica Saenz                      68.81

Kayla Dighero                         70.42

Ignatia Teresa                      70.72

Jaymie Olea                           72.43

PV

Sarah Prystupa (2)                10’

Bailey Harrison                      7’

HJ

Sarah Prystupa                      4’6

Monica Brown                         4’4

LJ

Monica Brown (2)                  14’10

Sarah Prystupa (3)                14’5.5

Angelica Saenz                      13’5

Paola Barillas                        11’3

TJ

Breanna McCallum (1)          30’5

Sarah Prystupa (2)                29’4.5

Samantha Hebri (3)              28’7

SP

Nadime Younan (3)              28’4

Megan Ly-Lim                       27’1

Emory Goodwin                     25’1

Olivia Villegas                        24’1.5

DT

Nadime Younan (2)              95’9

Megan Ly-Lim                        75’7

Olivia Villegas                        75’

Emory Goodwin                     57’2

NADIME YOUNAN

#7 JB ALL-TIME

GDT – 95’9”

The post Morning Sports Ticker- Tuesday, March 17 (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!) appeared first on myBurbank.com.

This Saturday, March 21, have your bike professionally safety-checked for free at the Burbank Farmers’ Market by certified bicycle mechanics.  Get ready for Sunday’s CicLAvia in the Valley.  CicLAvia, LA’s renown open streets event will make the San Fernando Valley its home on Sunday, March 22 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm when Metro Presents CicLAvia – The Valley.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

To encourage the community’s safe and healthy participation in CicLAvia, Walk Bike Burbank, the local non-profit chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition will be at Burbank Farmers’ Market Community table Saturday, March 21 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm providing free bicycle safety checks and performing various minor mechanical services to get you and your bike safely on the road.  Even if your tires only need a little air, bring your bike to Burbank Farmers’ Market for Saturday’s free community safety event.

Sunday’s main CicLAvia bike-ride opens car-free streets between North Hollywood and Studio City to thousands of people using foot, pedal and other non-motorized wheel power for safe low-stress urban village-like exploration.   CicLAvia demonstrates that bicycling and walking transportation choices can help connect people and local businesses through closer, denser community ties.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

We can envision a better city with active transportation options that provide fundamental and safe mobility access when accompanied by municipal infrastructure that creates people-friendly streets.

Transporting your bike to this Saturday’s Farmers’ Market safety event is easy and convenient also.  Simply take Metro bus 183, 292, 155 or 96!  You can effortlessly put your bike on the bus’s front bike rack and go directly to Burbank Farmers’ Market using the Olive/Glenoaks Metro stop.

(Photo by John Savageau)

Have your bike checked while shopping the market’s bounty.  Then ride it home ready for Sunday’s CicLAvia – The Valley!

The post Walk Bike Burbank Providing FREE Bike Safety Checks This Saturday appeared first on myBurbank.com.

John Muir crossed the finish line once again as the City champions (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

John Muir Middle School proved dominant once again in the Tri-Middle School All-City Track and Field championships held last Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs reigned supreme over Luther Burbank Middle School and David Starr Jordan Middle School.

Muir claimed four of the six divisions (every level except 8th grade girls and 6th grade girls). The Mustangs swept both the 7th grade boys and girls divisions while splitting 8th grade with Luther (girls champs) and 6th grade with Jordan (girls champs). Overall, Muir won the boys title with 270 points and the girls title with 236.5 points. Luther took second and Jordan placed third.

After combining all the points from the boys and girls events for 6th, 7th and 8th grades, John Muir tallied 506.5 points, Luther Burbank finished with 399.5 and David Starr Jordan had 328.

It was the Mustangs’ 13th city championship over the last 14 years including nine consecutive titles.

List of MVPs for each grade level are listed below.

Results for 8th grade, 7th grade, 6th grade and cumulative points below-

8th Grade Boys and Girls-

7th Grade Boys and Girls-

6th Grade Boys and Girls-

The post John Muir Holds Off Luther and Jordan to Win All-City Track Meet appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank YMCA Annual Campaign is in full swing, with less than $15,000 in pledges needed to reach the $110,000 fundraising goal by April 6. While YMCA Board Chair David Escobar heads up the Major Gifts part of the effort, former Burbank City Manager and current Woodbury University Adjunct Professor Mary Alvord chairs the Member to Member outreach. The Annual Campaign raises contributions for the Burbank YMCA’s financial assistance fund.

“We ensure that the Y remains open to all by offering financial assistance to those who find the fees a barrier to participation,” commented Yvette Herrera, Director of Philanthropy at the Burbank Community YMCA. “Four out of 10 members receive some level of financial assistance. We give out over $300,000 in financial assistance annually.”

Members of the Burbank Annual Campaign Member to Member fundraising team met to kick off the month-long effort to replenish the financial assistance fund. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

While “the Annual Campaign gives members an opportunity to give back by raising much needed funds for the Y,” added Herrera. “I’ve discovered it also provides a great way for Y members to get to know each other better. To generate donations, we ask members to share their personal Y story with their friends at the Y and in the larger Burbank community.”

Burbank YMCA members, instructors, employees and volunteers are taking time to speak about their YMCA experience to other YMCA members at the beginning of exercise, swim, gymnastics, sports and stretch classes. Speakers encourage other members to join them and make a donation of any amount to the Annual Campaign.

“That’s been the best part of the campaign for me. I love hearing the incredible stories,” added Herrera. “The member who lost 100 pounds after being obese her whole life, the adult who finally learned to swim, the grateful parents of a  child who loved summer day camp, the woman who regained her ability to walk after a car accident.”

“It’s amazing that it all takes place at the Y. But that’s our mission – to provide people of all ages lifelong opportunities to become stronger in spirit, mind and body.”

Burbank YMCA Member to Member Chairperson Mary Alvord talks to team members. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“I have been a member of the Burbank YMCA for over 30 years… using it during my career years to ‘sneak’ in a workout or two to try to stay healthy and reduce stress,” said Alvord, who was Burbank City Manager from 2003 to 2009, Assistant City Manager from 2000 to 2003 and Parks and Recreation Director from 1991 to 2000.

“But I came to truly appreciate the Burbank YMCA when I retired in 2009 from my position as City Manager and finally had some time for me,” continued Alvord. “I started making morning classes part of my daily ritual and soon discovered a wonderful world of support, encouragement and friendship.”

Jodi Reneaud, Burbank YMCA Director of Volunteer Engagement, talks at the Annual Campaign Member to Member kickoff. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“I work out with young moms, other grandmothers and some amazing gentlemen who have no problem mingling with a class of mostly female participants. There are days, I admit, that I drag myself there, but I always leave feeling happier and healthier,” she also said. “The Burbank YMCA has changed so many lives for the better… and I am proud to count myself in that population!”

Avord felt “it was important to take the Campaign to the members who I believe are the heart and soul of the YMCA.”

“I know that there are others taking classes with me that share my love for the YMCA and that, if approached, would give to continue and expand the good work of the Burbank YMCA,” said the life-long Burbank resident, who’s daughter Jenny, son-in-law Brady and three grandchildren Lauren, Colin and Owen also live in Burbank.

“I am hoping this ‘grass-roots’ campaign raises awareness of all the good work the YMCA does towards building community and promoting the health and well-being of all Burbank residents. I am proud to stand up and say I support the YMCA financially and encourage others to join me!”

Participants in the Member to Member Campaign are not only talking to fellow YMCA members but also to friends, businesses and groups in the Burbank community at large, sharing their personal stories and connection to the Burbank YMCA and encouraging donations.

Those interested in donating online may do so at this link. The 2015 Annual Campaign runs March 6 through April 6. As of March 17, the Burbank YMCA Annual Campaign has raised a total of $95,238, with just $14,762 remaining to reach their goal.

The post Burbank YMCA Annual Campaign Closes In On Goal appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burroughs celebrates its incredible comeback victory (Photo by Dick Dornan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

It was a victory for the ages but in the grand scheme of things, it was simply another victory in the win column for the Burroughs boys volleyball team. But it wasn’t just your everyday victory. It was more than that.

Behind an enthusiastic crowd that included a boisterous junior varsity team and a tough-minded group of talented volleyball players, the Burroughs Indians came away with a hard-fought 3-2 win on the road against Oak Park (17-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-9) despite trailing 2-0.

The Indians pulled off an astonishing comeback (Photo by Dick Dornan)

With the triumphant win, Burroughs (11-1) can expect to jump over Oak Park from No. 4 in the CIF Division II polls to possibly No. 1 early next week.

It was a comeback victory that will serve as a reminder to every one of Burroughs present and future players that anything is possible. Facing the No.1 ranked team in CIF Division II on their home court was a challenging task. Falling behind 2-0 and trailing 20-18 in the third set made the situation even more daunting.

“They (Oak Park) have been a team that we’ve had nothing but trouble with,” Burroughs coach Joel Brinton said. “We lost to them twice last year and we just didn’t lose to them, they kicked our butt. And they walloped us in a couple pre-season scrimmages this year. For our guys to dig deep and come back and win shows their character.”

And boy did they ever.

Coach Joel Brinton speaks to his team prior to the pivotal third set (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Oak Park (9-3) imposed its will early taking the first two sets 25-17 and 25-21. They led 20-18 and were on the verge of a 3-0 sweep when the Indians rose to the occasion and claimed five straight points to take a 23-20 lead.

Back came the Eagles with three consecutive points to tie the set at 23 apiece. After the Indians made it 24-23, Oak Park called timeout when they had no timeouts left. A penalty point was awarded to Burroughs giving them a 25-23 win and plenty of momentum heading into the fourth set.

Burroughs trailed 8-5 early in the fourth but rallied to take a 13-9 lead. The two teams were tied at 19, 20, 21 and 22 before the Indians took control late and pulled out another 25-23 set win.

Bailey Carter (left) and Andrew Dalmada go for a block (Photo by Dick Dornan)

In the fifth and decisive set, Burroughs never trailed en route to the 15-9 win and capturing the match, 3-2.

Andrew Dalmada had four kills in the fifth set including three straight to give JBHS an 11-5 advantage. Ryan Van Loo had a block, Max Chamberlain added a kill and Cameron Capili had an ace and a kill during the convincing fifth set win.

“It says a lot about our young team. It’s crazy to see us rise like this,” said Dalmada, who ended the match with 14 kills and 12 digs. “At the beginning we were playing like individuals. Then we started playing as a team. We did our jobs for our teammates. This is real nice to see.”

“We knew it was going to be tough. The first two sets were really rocky but we came out strong in the third,” Chamberlain added. “We were getting into our own heads and that was killing us. But for us to comeback from that mentally was amazing for us. We believed. The bench and the crowd had a role in that too.”

Pepperdine-bound Max Chamberlain serves against the Eagles (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Chamberlain, who has committed to Pepperdine University, had a strong match with15 kills and four blocks.

Van Loo (43 assists, two blocks), Capili (16 kills, nine digs, three blocks, two aces), Matt Kim (14 digs, two aces) and Bailey Carter all played significant roles in the Indians’ resurgence from two sets down.

“We came together as a team and had each other’s back. It was a huge win for us,” said Van Loo. “We are a brotherhood and we all stay together. We have a great team and we keep prevailing. It showed here.”

Cameron Capili records a kill against Oak Park (Photo by Dick Dornan)

The scintillating win came on the heels of Burroughs winning the inaugural Pacific League Invitational Tournament last week. The Indians have won five straight Pacific League titles and embark on their quest for number six beginning on March 27 against Hoover.

“For the early part of the season, we are right where we want to be,” Brinton said. “I don’t think this team is going to peak until late April. People are still learning new positions. We are trying to become more consistent in what we are doing.”

If Wednesday night’s inspiring comeback victory versus Oak Park is any indication, this Burroughs team might be in the midst of something special this season.

The post No. 4 Burroughs Boys Volleyball Upsets No. 1 Oak Park appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students in the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program attended a full-day BUSD Environmental Awareness education session on Friday, March 13. Held at the Burbank Adult School, approximately 245 students from all 11 Burbank Unified elementary schools attended the pull-out day for a series of classes on gardening, composting, food choices and global awareness.

Poetry reading and writing, along with improvisation classes, sparked creative thought and responses.

“I liked writing about the Earth and taking the words from the song and making another poem,” commented Roosevelt fifth-grader Ian Dellosa. Students watched an edited version of the Michael Jackson video “Earth Song” and wrote their own poems using the song lyrics as source material.

Students learn about the Floating Island of Trash in the Global Awareness class. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“I loved seeing how all these kids were so engaged that day,” commented Roosevelt Elementary Curriculum Specialist Tiffany Kaloustian, who organized the Environmental Awareness pull-out day. “The hands-on activities, the movement/acting, the writing of poetry, the study of our global issues, the YouTube clips, learning about healthy food choices, gardening/composting and so much more was remarkable to witness.”

Enrichment Works began the day with Food for Thought, a play focused on healthy food decisions and ways the different food groups should be incorporated into kids’ daily diet.
Students asked the actors questions after the play.

Catlan Brinsley, a McKinley Elementary parent volunteer and school garden head, and Kreigh Hampel, Recycling Coordinator for the City of Burbank, presented workshops on the importance of gardening, growing food locally and composting.

McKinley parent and school garden director Catlan Brinsley (foreground) talks with BUSD students in the Burbank Adult School garden. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“They talked about GMO verses Non-GMO foods,” explained Kaloustian. “Students had a chance to tour the Adult School Garden, and learned about pollination and the importance of bees and insects in the growth of our food and crops. They also had hands on experience with soil, worms, insects, and other ‘garden critters.’ They also learned about various ways they can help our earth.”

Bret Harte fifth-grade teacher Mary Edmundson taught Global Awareness to fourth grade students and Roberta Fong, a sixth-grade science teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School, taught fifth-graders Global Awareness.

“Global Awareness talked a lot about the Floating Island of Trash and how we are polluting our earth which is having devastating consequences,” added Kaloustian. “They learned about how we can conserve water, electricity and other natural resources.”

Students viewed a YouTube clip of the Floating Island of Trash and were given a packet of eco-friendly at-home projects they could do with their parents.

BUSD students closely inspect the Burbank Adult School garden during a full-day Environmental Awareness program. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Craig Bugbee, Curriculum Specialist at Jefferson Elementary, and  Jill Johnson, Curriculum Specialist at Bret Harte Elementary, taught fifth grade poetry. Fourth grade Roosevelt Elementary teacher Nida Ballesteros taught fourth grade poetry.

The Poetry workshop focused on topics connected to nature. Students viewed Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” video clip and talked about ways the Earth is being affected by humans and how it has changed over the years.

That class sparked a lot of dialogue and conversation, according to Kaloustian. Students learned about the components of poetry, as well, and had a chance to write their own poems.

Retired BUSD teacher Steve Saracino (right) leads an improv class. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“My favorite part of the day was the poetry class,” said Jefferson Elementary fifth-grader Avery Marsh. “We got to read poetry, talk about it, watch videos about it, then write it.  I would love to do this every single day! After seeing how cool the composting bin was, I am trying to convince my parents to get one.”

“I like getting to know all the GATE kids that will be with me in Middle School,” she added. “All of the pull-outs this year have given us the chance to learn hands-on and talk about subjects we don’t normally have time for in regular school.”

“I liked Mr. Bugbee and Mrs. Johnson’s class,” said Sona Wyse, a fifth-grader from Jefferson Elementary. “I liked the videos they showed because it made me very aware that the environmental problems are our fault! And I also liked how we got to rearrange Michael Jackson’s Earth poems. I think this pullout has made me very aware of what’s going on around the globe. I knew it was bad but definitely not this bad!”

City of Burbank Recycling Coordintor Kreigh Hampel shows students some composted items.(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Retired BUSD teacher Steve Saracino led an improv workshop on the Burbank Adult School auditorium stage.

“They acted out various weather scenarios and had a chance to get a feel for what it means to ‘act in the moment,'” said Kaloustian. “They focused a lot on becoming aware of their surroundings and how actors need one another to convey a story to the audience. Students were given opportunities for their imagination to run wild while incorporating the environmental components into their skits and movements.“

“Mr. Saracino made the improv session very interesting and fun,” commented Roosevelt fifth-grader Eyen Paredes. “I loved it and it was very entertaining.”

“I like when I get to go to the pull-outs. It’s harder than school but it’s fun,” said Jefferson Elementary fourth-grader Alex Barnes. “My favorite parts were improv and poetry.”

(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“I learned where my dad’s compost bin came from as well as that we should appreciate the people who take the garbage. They don’t have to come and take it, but they do,” said Roosevelt fifth-grader Sydney Bax, who also designed a T-shirt in honor of the BUSD Environmental Awareness event. The artwork was also used for the Poetry class handout.

“I get to spend a whole day learning about one thing instead of jumping around from math to science to language arts,” Anthony Curtis, a Jefferson fifth-grader, also said. “It’s a more efficient way of learning.

“My daughter Avery came home from the pull-out & didn’t stop talking for 45 minutes straight,” commented parent Catherine Marsh. “She was so excited about what she had learned that she told her grandparents about it at dinner, then repeated everything again when her dad got home from work. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing my daughter’s passion for learning ignited in these pull-outs.”

“It was a pure joy to watch them in action!” Kaloustian added. “Every teacher gave their heart and soul into making every moment meaningful and powerful. Making ‘Environmental Awareness’ real for these kids and inspiring them to make a difference  toward positive change is a lifelong lesson I hope these kids will always remember.”

Improv class students try out slow movement during the Environmental Awareness pull-out day. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

The post BUSD Environmental Awareness Session Sparks Creativity And Learning appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Friday afternoon Burbank Fire Fire Fighters along with Fire companies from nearby Glendale Fire Department responded to a reported garage fire at 368 W. Spazier Avenue  between Chavez and S. Victory.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The fire completely enveloped the rear detached garage and quickly began to extend to the home.

A total of 45 personnel from the Burbank and Glendale fire departments worked efficiently and effectively to quickly mitigate the fire within 25 minutes.

There were no major injuries to any civilian or sworn personnel, however the male and female homeowners suffered some minor smoke inhalation and were treated on scene by Burbank Paramedics. 3 dogs and 2 horses were also removed safely from the yard.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Structural and content damage is estimated at $200,000 and the cause was accidental starting in an appliance.

The post Horses and Dogs rescued during quick moving garage fire appeared first on myBurbank.com.

This Sunday the Valley will transform itself in a dramatic display of people power as it hosts its first CicLAvia.  The world-renown L.A. open streets event will make the San Fernando Valley its home for the first time Sunday, March 22 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm when Metro Presents CicLAvia – The Valley.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Sunday’s six mile colossal bike event opens car-free streets between North Hollywood and Studio City to tens of thousands of people using foot, pedal and other non-motorized wheel power.   Countless related neighborhood displays and celebrations are planned along the route, including a complete block-long display of LADOT’s new protected bike lanes, or cycletrack, presented by the LA Department of Transportation’s Bike Program.

Walk Bike Burbank, local chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition will also be hosting a short community bike ride prior to the event, starting on the Chandler Bike Path.  The public is invited to join-up with Walk Bike Burbank and Walk Bike Glendale who will be riding along with Burbank City Council woman Emily Gabel-Luddy and Congressman Adam Schiff as they co-lead a pre-CicLAvia feeder ride originating from Glendale.  Schiff is the U.S. Representative for California’s 28th congressional district, which includes Glendale and Burbank.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank bike riders will meet on Keystone and Chandler at 9:00 am Sunday to ride to CicLAvia’s starting point at the Metro Redline Station on Chandler at Lankershim.  Everyone is welcome to join Walk Bike Burbank, Representative Adam Schiff and Council woman Emily Gabel-Luddy, Walk Bike Glendale  and others in celebrating active transportation in Burbank and Glendale along the way to CicLAvia.

Over the course of just one day, CicLAvia – The Valley provides us a glimpse of a new North Hollywood and Studio City transformed from normally car-dominant places into colorful arteries of community, people and activity.

But for the other 364 days out of the year, Los Angeles County tells its own unique active transportation story with its latest transportation statistics:

Nearly 1 in 5, or 19 percent of all trips made in Los Angeles County are completed on foot or by bicycle, 34 percent of Los Angeles County students walk and bicycle to school, as compared to the national average of only 10 percent who walk and bike to school.

Very few sources of money beyond Measure R sales tax returns are available locally to cities for active transportation and infrastructure improvements.  Creating significant and lasting improvements for walking and biking in Los Angeles County requires sturdy political commitment on the part of local politicians.

Pockets of local resistance and lack of strong political will to support safer walking and biking improvements are the competing obstacles to making these modes of transportation true mobility options, as is the case currently for Burbank.

Open-streets events such as CicLAvia help residents start envisioning a better city with transportation options that provide fundamental and safe mobility access when accompanied by the municipal infrastructure that creates people-friendly streets.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

CicLAvia succeeds in demonstrating that a city’s focus on the right pieces of its infrastructure can make bicycling and walking viable and healthy transportation alternatives – and as an alternative to simply adding more cars to the streets – even in the San Fernando Valley!

Experience the Valley as you’ve never seen it before!  Dust off your old bike and bring it to the Burbank Farmers’ Market Community tent Saturday, March 21 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm for a free bicycle safety check.  Get you and your bike safely on the road and experience the first CicLAvia in the Valley.

The post Sunday’s CicLAvia Valley expects 50,000 participants to enjoy the car free streets appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Press Release received from Dr. Armond Aghakhanian:

Following the Burbank Primary Municipal Election, Dr. Armond Aghakhanian finished in the top spot for the April runoff with a solid 3710 votes.  Dr. Armond, as he is known to friends and students, will be heading towards a run-off in the April 14th General Election.

Since the strong primary showing, the campaign has earned more endorsements from Burbank’s local elected leaders, including Roberta Reynolds and Steve Ferguson.  Both Reynolds and Ferguson won outright in the primary election by garnering more than 50% of the votes.  Since the March primary elections, Dr. Armond has earned the endorsements of all of the members of Burbank School Board, all of the Burbank City Council and all of Burbank’s county, state and federal legislators. In an unprecedented show of support, all of the elected officials in the region representing Burbank can agree on one thing – that Dr. Armond is the right person for the Burbank School Board.

Dr. Armond has earned endorsements from the following list of local Burbank elected leaders and more:

·         Adam B. Schiff- U.S. Representative, 28^th Congressional District*

·         Michael D. Antonovich-Los Angeles County Supervisor*

·         Carol Liu- CA State Senator, 25^th Senate District, Chair of the Senate Education Committee*

·         Mike Gatto – CA State Assemblymember, 43rd Assembly District*

·         Roberta Reynolds- President, Burbank Unified Board of Education *

·         Charlene Tabet- VP, Burbank Unified Board of Education *

·         Larry Applebaum- Clerk, Burbank Unified Board of Education *

·         Dave Kemp- Member, Burbank Unified Board of Education *

·         Ted Bunch- Member, Burbank Unified Board of Education *

·         Steve Ferguson- Burbank Unified Board of Education-elect*

·         David Gordon- Mayor of City of Burbank*

·         Bob Frutos- Vice Mayor of City of Burbank *

·         Gary Bric- Council Member & Former Mayor of City of Burbank*

·         Jess Talamantes -Council Member & Former Mayor of City of Burbank*

·         Emily Gabel-Luddy – Council Member & Former Mayor of City of Burbank*

*For identification purposes only

The post Aghakhanian List Endorsements in School Board Race appeared first on myBurbank.com.

LunaFest features award-winning short films “by, for and about women.” Last Saturday, the Zonta Club of Burbank returned LunaFest to the Laemmle Theater in NoHo, and engaged the audience with eight greats:

****Tryouts (14:00 minutes) features a Muslim American teenaged girl who wants to join her high school’s cheerleading squad. This gem of a film invites us to separate the essentials of our traditions from our accustomed expressions of them.

**Tits (4:45 minutes) is an earnest story of a young woman learning to appreciate her body without needing approval from an image-obsessed culture.

****Chica’s Day (10:00 minutes) is worthy of comparison with The Sixth Sense. It’s one of those rare films that can give the same event two very different meanings.

***Lady Parts (6:05 minutes) shows us a straight-shooting auto repair shop run by women. Somewhere Rosie the Riveter is shouting, “About time!”

****Miss Todd (12:53 minutes) was magnificent! Inspiring story, captivating heroine, marvelous singing, humor, wit and brilliant animation that put every penny on the screen. Memo to Disney: There’s a full-length animated feature in this tale of a pioneering (1910!) aeronautical engineer with the Wright stuff for showing the world how to fly.

***Flor de Toloache (3:30 minutes) is a red hot, all female mariachi band. Que bueno!

***A Good Match (13:00 minutes) highlights an often-neglected dilemma of relationships past and present. What happens when you break up with the boyfriend but you really got along with his mom? Breaking up is very hard to do indeed.

****Viva (7:39 minutes) is a documentary portrait of Cornwall’s grandmother of punk, now in her ninth decade. Betty White, meet your rebel twin.

The best LunaFest yet.

The Zonta Club of Burbank raised $2,000 in net proceeds from tickets and sponsorships. Every dollar of these funds will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund (breastcancerfund.org) and the Zonta Club of Burbank Area Foundation (zontaburbank.org), which provides grants to individual women and funds projects that empower women.

“We were proud to be hosting our 3^rd annual LunaFest and each year, this event has been gaining momentum,” said BRITTANY VAUGHAN, President of the Zonta Club in Burbank. “LunaFest is a wonderful example of how Zonta is working to empower women through service and advocacy.”

“I really appreciate the strong support from Charter Business FiberSolutions, Burbank Optometric Center and Alisa Cunningham Properties,” said LunaFest chair NICKIE BONNER.

LUNA, “the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women.” established LunaFest in 2000. LUNA wanted to “promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.” Thanks to organizations like Zonta, LunaFest will be traveling to over 150 cities and screen in front of an estimated 25,000 people.

For more information about LunaFest films and the stories behind them, please visit lunafest.org.

The post Zonta Club Of Burbank Presented Best Lunafest Yet appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank City Clerk’s Office is advising the public that the City’s General Municipal Election Ballots and Sample Pamphlet Books have been mailed to voters last week. These ballots feature candidates for Burbank City Council and Board of Education.

Those wishing to vote in the Burbank General Election must complete their ballots and return by mail prior to April 9, 2015, or turn in at one of the drop off centers on Saturday, April 11, 2015, or on Election Day, April 14, 2015.

Please read your ballot carefully, sign it and submit it to the City Clerk’s office.

For questions and information regarding the Burbank General Election only, please contact the Burbank City Clerk’s Office at 818-238-5851 or visit our website www.burbankca.gov/election

The post Ballots Arrive in the Mail for General Election appeared first on myBurbank.com.

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, Dr. Peter Knapik was introduced as the District’s new Director of Elementary Education. Dr. Knapik earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from MacMurray College in Illinois, and a Master’s degree from Texas A &M University. He received his Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Knapik has had a highly accomplished career in the field of education. He began his career teaching intermediate grades at the Assumption Parish School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked for four years. Dr. Knapik earned his first district office experience working for the Dallas Independent School District where he was responsible for professional development, teacher induction, coordinating appraisals, and leading the District’s new teacher/mentoring program. From that assignment, Dr. Knapik went on to become the Educational Program Director for the Texas Education Agency.

When Dr. Knapik came to the Los Angeles area in the 1990s, he first worked in the Baldwin Park Unified School District, where he served as a classroom teacher and K-12 instructional specialist. From there, he moved to the Mountain View School District, where he has served for the last 16 years as an elementary principal and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Staff Development. As a director, Dr. Knapik has been in charge of English Learner and Categorical programs, helping principals with school site budgets, and providing instructional leadership for twelve K-8 school sites that serve 10,500 students. Dr. Knapik led Mountain View in standards alignment, acquisition of high-quality instructional materials, parental involvement strategies, and data-driven instructional practices.

Dr. Knapik’s first day with BUSD will be April 1.

The post Dr. Peter Knapik Selected as BUSD Director of Elementary Education appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The construction activities and closures listed below will occur March 22-27, 2015, as part of the I-5 Empire Project in Burbank, a series of freeway improvements between Magnolia Boulevard and Buena Vista Street. All work will occur during daytime hours unless otherwise specified.

More information about the project is here. Construction activities, closures and schedules are subject to change.

Major Construction Activities for March 22-27, 2015  

• Leland Way Channel Cap: Concrete pour for soundwalls, striping and drilling. Flaggers will be on site to ensure street and driveway access at all times.

  Parking Restriction Switch: Parking is now restricted on both sides of the north end of Leland Way between University Avenue and Broadway. On the south segment (the cul-de-sac end), parking is permitted on the residence side.

• Empire Avenue Interchange/Undercrossing: Through the end of March, crews are installing metal plates and beams for shoring on the southbound I-5 shoulder near the old San Fernando tunnel. The work is necessary to construct the new Empire Avenue interchange. This operation will occur at night, Sunday through Thursday, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Residents may notice some noise and/or vibration while this work is underway.
• Lincoln Street/Victory Place Improvements: Paving and striping operation. This work is ongoing.  Lincoln Street will be closed at Victory Street during this operation.
• Temporary Railroad Tracks: Drilling and installation of metal plates for the shoring wall needed for the temporary tracks by Empire Avenue. Work will occur Sunday through Thursday, midnight to 8 a.m. There may be some noise and vibration associated with this work. Also, grading between Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way.
• Retaining Wall/Soundwall Work (excavation, concrete pours): Work will occur at the following locations:

• Between Empire Avenue and the southbound I-5 Burbank Boulevard off-ramp
• Near the southbound I-5 Empire Avenue on- and off-ramps
• Southbound Burbank Boulevard off-ramp
• Old Southbound Scott Road off-ramp

Please be attentive to closures, slow down, and watch for workers in construction zones.

Additionally, motorists should be attentive to new traffic patterns created by restriping of travel lanes and concrete barriers. Please proceed cautiously and watch for workers.

Closures for March 22-27, 2015

NEW! See closures on an interactive map here.

• The left-turn pocket from Victory Place to Empire Avenue is now closed and will remain closed for approximately 18 months. This closure is necessary to allow crews to begin bridge shoring in preparation for excavation work to construct the new interchange and undercrossing at Empire Avenue. More information and alternate left-turn options are here.

• One lane of southbound I-5 will be closed between Buena Vista Street and Burbank Boulevard from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Intermittent daytime closures of one lane of northbound Buena Vista Street between Winona Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard.
• Lincoln Street remains closed at Victory Place.

Resources for Motorists

• Project Information: Information about the project is here.

• Closure Information: Closure information for this and other freeway projects is also available on the Caltrans website and the I-5 website.

• Real-Time traffic Information: Visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov, go511.com, or call 5-1-1.

• I-5 Info Line: (855) 454-6335. Live help – not a recording.

For the safety of the construction crew and motorists, please be attentive to closures, slow for the cone zone, and move over one lane where possible.

Caltrans thanks motorists for their patience and understanding during construction. For more information, visit My5LA.com.

The post I-5 Empire Project: Upcoming Construction Activities and Closures appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Congressman met with government class at Burbank High School last Friday after receiving letters from students in the class. myBurbank Photographer Edward Tovmassian was on hand to capture the sights of the visit.

The Congressman addresses students (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Richard Sarquiz Talks With Schiff (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Marina Labeb, Heripsime Martirosyan and Rose Cowart applaud some comments (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Government Teacher Richard Sarquiz asks Schiff to give his students some wise advise (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Ryan Khalaf asks about the Congressman’s thoughts on the Syrian President (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Teacher Richard Sarquiz, David Madden, Nicole Castellanos, Ryan Leonard, Nune Hakobyan all listen (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Aven Misiryan listens as Schiff talks about the Armenian Genocide (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Zoe Martin, Andy Khalaf and Alec Agana Listening (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Principal Michael Bertram (L) welcomed Congressman Adam Schiff along with Government Teacher Tina Fahad (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

Even a Congressman can get into the selfie mode as he takes an Oscar Style Selfie with Burbank Students (Photo By Edward Tovmassian)

The post Adam Schiff Stops by Burbank High to Talk Government appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Aidan Anding scores one of the Indians’ 10 runs in their opening round victory (Photo courtesy of Ivan Galan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

They awoke at 5 a.m. and boarded their bus bound for Phoenix, Arizona, at 6 a.m. Aside from a pit stop along Highway 10 near Blythe for a quick lunch break, the Burroughs Indians embarked on a seven hour bus ride en route to their opening game against host Boulder Creek as part of the Coach Bob National Invitational Tournament.

Weariness? Fatigue? Sleepwalking here and there? None of the above. The Indians came out swinging to the tune of 15 hits and pounded Boulder Creek, 10-2, to advance to the quarterfinals where they will play Sheldon of Eugene, Oregon, at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.

“I am really proud of how they traveled, got off the bus, and hit line drive after line drive,” Coach Craig Sherwood said. “Our pitching continues to be phenomenal.”

Ryan Galan lays down a sacrifice bunt to set up a run in the first inning (Photo courtesy of Ivan Galan)

Six different hitters recorded two hits apiece led by Ryan Galan who had a double, two RBIs and a sacrifice bunt. Tyler Lewis had two hits, two runs scored and a sacrifice fly and Aidan Anding added two hits, two runs scored and a stolen base.

“It’s a great feeling to win your first game,” Lewis said. “It really motivates the guys to continue on through the tournament and gives you that drive to keep winning.”

Burroughs (6-3) scored four runs in the second inning courtesy of four hits including doubles by Max Haddad and Galan. The Indians scored three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth to cement the easy victory.

Danny Bustos continued his stellar and consistent solid pitching throwing three innings and giving up three hits, no runs, no walks and striking out four. He needed only 37 pitches to dispose of the Jaguars before taking a seat to rest for a potential start on Thursday.

Danny Bustos improved to 3-1 on the season (Photo courtesy of Ivan Galan)

“I got some good run support from the team,” said Bustos, who improved his record to 3-1 with a 2.43 era. “It opened up some options for me so I could pitch backwards to people. There was a lot less pressure on me.”

Chris Peres and Shaine Leonard each threw two innings of scoreless baseball for JBHS as the three hurlers combined for zero walks on the afternoon. Boulder Creek (6-11) scored two unearned runs in the fifth inning to spoil the shutout.

The Indians’ offense raised its team batting average 15 percentage points while the pitching staff lowered its earned run average from 2.93 to 2.59.

The team celebrated its opening round victory with a nice dinner at Native Grill & Wings.

Next up for Burroughs is a day-night doubleheader vs. Sheldon and Gresham High School, two teams from Oregon. Thomas Wilson gets the start vs Sheldon with the evening starter yet to be determined.

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