Burbank’s new City Council (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

As is the tradition that the City Charter, May 1 is the day that newly elected – and re-elected – candidates are giving the oath of office for their elected positions in front of a standing-room-only crowd in the City Council chambers.

It is also a day where incumbents who have stepped down are giving the appreciation for their service to the community.

Newly elected members of the Burbank School Board are sworn in by Burbank City Clerk Zizette Mullins (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank’s School Board saw two new members and one returning member take their oath to start the day. Roberta Reynold won re-election while newcomers Steve Ferguson and Armond Aghakhanian were both elected to fill the seat held by Ted Bunch and the vacated seat that was left open when Dave Kemp abruptly quit the board after hearing criticism from the public about the potential hiring of a new school superintendent.

City Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy was re-elected to the council for her second go around while Will Rogers will fill the seat that was held by Gary Bric, who had been elected twice to the council before deciding not to run this past year to once again concentrate on his business.

Burbank City Manager Mark Scott presents the gavel of office to new Mayor Bob Frutos (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

After the ceremonial gifts were past out and the thank you’s made. The Council got down to appointing a Mayor for the upcoming year. Third year Councilman and Vice-Mayor Bob Frutos was unanimously voted in the the position to replace Dr. David Gordon. A very humble Frutos thanked his colleagues for the honor and stressed his view of public safety along with making sure potholes are filled.

Jess Talamantes was also appointed Vice-Mayor. This is the second time for him after being known as the “Centennial Mayor” after serving in that position during Burbank’s Centennial a few years ago.  While not a controversial choice, it was an unexpected choice with the previous  councils not wanting to make someone the possible Mayor when they were up for re-election, which Talamantes will be in two years.

Burbank’s Council Chambers were standing-room-only during the reorganization meeting held Friday, May 1 (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Will Rogers thanks his supporters (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Bob Frutos takes his position in the Mayor’s chair (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Two-term Councilman Gary Bric thanks everyone for their support during the past eight years (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Zizette Mullins administers the oath to Emily Gabel-Luddy and Will Rogers (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

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The Colony Theatre ends its current season with an out-of-the-park, base clearing grand slam. Playwright and Musical Arranger JOSEPH VASS weaves song and story into an unforgettable evening with a man who had been content to let his brother George enjoy the limelight.

IRA GERSHWIN was a quiet man who had given people something to sing about, even when there were bread lines and battles on faraway shores.

He would never have described himself as a ladies’ man, but his marriage was the s’wonderful, s’marvelous reality behind the love song.

He had showed a famous songsmith how to end his very famous song, he had inspired the marching band of a local university and, during World War II, the Resistance within a Nazi-occupied country had made one of his song lyrics their anthem.

He denied being a poet, but what else do you call someone whose words are still sung the world over nearly a century later?

Elijah Rock, Jake Broder and Angela Teek star in the Colony Theatre Company production of “WORDS BY IRA GERSHWIN,” by Joseph Vass, directed by David Ellenstein and now playing at the COLONY THEATRE in Burbank (Photo courtesy Michael Lamont)

JAKE BRODER nails Ira Gershwin the way Hal Holbrook nails Mark Twain. Jake made us wonder why we weren’t aware of such a remarkable person far earlier. Playwright Joseph wondered why as well, and did something about it in spades. And under Director DAVID ELLENSTEIN’s guidance, we saw Ira’s endearing shyness as well as his love for, and mastery of, the demanding poetry of the song lyric.

Brother George Gershwin and a raft of A-list composers of the Great American Songbook (including Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke and Kurt Weill) found in Ira a word maven equal to their melodies. Crooner ELIJAH ROCK and Chanteuse ANGELA TEEK show us why. Their rich vocal palettes allowed them to color every one of Ira’s words with just the right sonic hue. It’s no wonder that Elijah had earlier wowed Colony audiences in Breath and Imagination, and that Angela had enthralled East Coast audiences in a tribute to George Gershwin and Cole Porter. Kudos as well to Musical Director and Pianist KEVIN TONEY.

Elijah Rock and Jake Broder (Photo courtesy Michael Lamont)

Many of the 26 songs showcased had, as was the practice in their day, lengthy intros with their own lyrics. It was a delight to hear them and to realize they were composed and written with the same care as the main melodies and verses.

Ira was scholarly and shy, a central-casting contrast with athletic and life-of-the-party George, who loved playing one Gershwin song after the other. (At a party, Oscar Levant once playfully asked, “George, if you had to do it all over, would you fall in love with yourself again?” To which George replied, “Oscar, why don’t you play us a medley of your hit.”) Ira’s nephew MICHAEL STRUNSKY remarked that in real life Ira probably couldn’t have been cajoled into performing even one song in front of others (which he does in the play.) But in private, Ira often sang to himself, weighing and testing each word.

Jake Broder, Elijah Rock and Angela Teek star in the Colony Theatre Company production (Photo courtesy Michael Lamont)

Ira also felt comfortable within his circle of fellow lyricists and composers, many of whom had fled the growing Nazi threat. (Ira’s Jewish parents had emigrated from Russia in the 1890’s, a distinctly unfriendly place for European Jews at that time as well.) Together, they shared their lyrics and challenged each other to never settle for anything less than their best work. And crucially, Ira and his fellow lyricists made it their mission to embrace the distinctively American take on the English language.

As mentioned earlier, Ira denied writing poetry when he wrote song lyrics. (Although a musician friend of mine once said that song lyrics are the only kind of poetry that makes any money.) Ira thought that the need to match the words to the melody disqualified them from being true poems. But I think Ira had done himself a disservice. Excepting free verse, poems do obey structure of one sort or another. Shakespeare invented half of modern English while obeying the strictures of sonnets and iambic pentameter.

I maintain that Ira had mastered the particularly demanding rules of sung poetry, with their concerns for interval jumps, pitch and note length. He had put back the song lyric back into lyric poetry and made the Greek Muse Erato start humming. And when it came to our distinctive voice as melting pot Americans, Ira made it sing and made it zing.

Ira had been in danger of becoming “the man that got away” from our collective cultural memory. But thanks to the creative efforts Joseph Voss and the support of Ira and Lenore Gershwin Trusts, it looks like our love for Ira is here to stay.

P.S. And be sure to check out the trailer for the stage treatment of An American In Paris.

Words By Ira Gershwin continues through Sunday, May 17. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Colony Theatre is at 555 N. Third St. (at Cypress) next to the Town Center Mall. Ticket prices range from $29 to $49 (group discounts available.) For tickets, please call the box office at 818-558-7000 ext. 15 or visit www.ColonyTheatre.org.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

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In Age of Adaline, a 29-year-old widow has a freak auto accident in 1937 that makes her beautiful body ageless. Now, nearly 80 years later, her only daughter passes for her grandmother.

“Youth may be wasted on the very young,” but it hasn’t been on Adaline. She seized the years and became both street smart and scholarly. She knows her way around the world and she’s a history maven concerning her home base of San Francisco. She can size up a situation from tiny clues and can speak several languages like a native. But all through those years, she’s been alone, haunted by the prospect of watching a husband age, falter and die, while she remained 29.

Except, of course, she meets that special guy and, feeling anew the weight of lonely years, reconsiders her singlehood.

I believe Age of Adaline is grappling with an emerging reality: the rise of the real-life goddess, small g. For a growing number of women, their “Age of Adaline” may well last decades. After all, the human body is designed to be youthful for a good deal longer than the first few decades of life, if not yet all the way to the current limit of 120 or so years. (“Die young as late as possible” is my motto.) A woman with the right genes, the advantages of affluence plus a medical assist here and there could be an Adeline well past 75. (The only cosmetic problem would be those steadily- lengthening nose and ears, but that wouldn’t be much of an issue until well past 100.)

At 29, Adaline’s face back in 1937 was still a mostly-blank canvas. But in real life, even an eternally youthful face would steadily acquire the marks of character. (Abe Lincoln had said that people deserved their faces by the time they were 50.) Consider someone with a habitually sunny outlook, or a habitually glum one. Or someone who habitually thinks and learns new things, versus someone who doesn’t. Over time, some of the several dozen facial muscles will be habitually exercised and others won’t be. The face of a real-life Adaline would remain youthful but nevertheless change.

In the case of the movie’s Adaline, fit would be a change for the better. A real-life version of Adaline would embody what the ancient Greeks and Romans tried to capture in their sculptures of Athena, goddess of wisdom. They wanted Athena’s face to have the youth of a madien, the knowing look of a mother and the serene wisdom of the sage.

So for more and more women, perhaps it’s better to say they are, or will be, experiencing their “Age of Athena.” The lament, “too soon old, too late wise” would not apply to them. Sandman fans may recognize in the movie’s Adaline a nicer version of the eternally young Greek witch Thessaly. And historians may recognize proto-Adalines (Athenas) with the hetairai of ancient Greece, educated courtesans who, compared to most women of their time, enjoyed a prolonged season of beauty.

But what about us guys? Our emotional maturity lags that of women, and the maturity gap of late seems to be getting wider. Are the heterosexual Adalines (make that Athenas) faced with either being alone or with enduring (from their point of view) callow men with wrinkles? I’m guessing they would go for much younger men, who would at least bring some youthful energy and zest to bed and table.

Maybe if we get to remain young bucks at a 110 we might be able to rob the cradle and hold our own with an 80-year-old vixen. I don’t know. The psychology of Athenas and (hopefully) Apollos is new territory for the human experience. And it’s time to begin charting it beyond the silver screen.

The Age of Adaline is more than just a romantic fantasy. For many women, it’s just around the corner…or already here.

The post The Age Of Adaline Is More Than A Fantasy appeared first on myBurbank.com.

John Burroughs High School Drama department presents their final performance of the school year with William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The play opens Friday evening, May 8, and runs through Sunday afternoon, May 10. JBHS Drama’s performance continues to use Shakespearean language, but has been updated to included musical and other elements for comedic and contemporary effect.

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most farcical plays, according to Drama teacher and director Guy Myers. The comedy tells the story of two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth. Years later, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio arrive in Ephesus, which also turns out to be the home of their long lost twin brothers who, to add to the confusion, also happen to have exactly the same names.

(Photo Courtesy of Guy Myers)

“When they encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities end in hilarious slapstick results, including wrongful beatings and arrest, unlikely romances and accusations of infidelity, theft, madness and demonic possession!” explained Myers. “The physical comedy and constant confusion of Shakespeare’s masterpiece is sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages!”

“Ultimately the play is about the search for family and self, but told through the comic lens of mistaken identity, constant confusion and wacky mishaps.”

Senior Sawyer Patterson portrays Antipholus of Ephesus while junior Daniel Beimford plays Antipholus of Syracuse. Junior Nick Apostolina is Dromio of Syracuse and senior James Conkle portrays Dromio of Ephesus. Adriana is played by junior Madison Mayer, senior Mina Shadrick is Luciana and junior Matt Bond is Egeon.

(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Senior Ella Essiambre has been the Drama department’s student producer since the end of her freshman year at Burroughs, for a total of four years in the position.

“My first show was Once in a Lifetime and it opened up a new passion in my life,” commented Essiambre. “I love being able to be of something that results in a large number of people seeing what I helped make happen and enjoy it.”

The graduating senior plans to continue producing and will major in film at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the fall.

“I do hope I can help with theater again in my future as doing so at John Burroughs for so long has gotten me where I am today,” Essiambre added. “It has showed me who I want to be and I will be forever grateful for that.”

(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Mayer explains her character, Adriana, “She is victim to the great amount of confusion occurring around her. I love what Adriana stands for. Amongst a show of absurdity, Adriana represents an unwillingness to give in to her husband’s bidding.”

“She is a strong female lead who believes she, as a wife, deserves just as much as any husband, and her rage stems from the dissonance between her beliefs and her situation,” Mayer added. “The show as a whole has been such a pleasure to be in for the reason that there is nothing like acting completely ridiculous among comrades.”

“It’s near impossible to be in a bad mood during rehearsals, because everyone is giggling their troubles away. We get to make complete fools of ourselves while still maintaining integrity through the genius that is William Shakespeare.”

“I really enjoy my role in The Comedy of Errors because I get to be in several fight scenes,” commented Conkle. “After graduation I plan on becoming an actor. I have taken two years of drama with Mr. Myers and those two years have improved my acting skills to a great degree. The class has also given me so many great friends and tons of memories with them.”

(Photo Courtesy of Guy Myers)

“I love Luciana; playing her is such a joy because she’s so consistently upbeat, kind-hearted and open-minded,” added Shadrick. “She cares for her sister more than anything. She has so much love that she gives to everyone and she just wants to be loved in return, and of course that’s really relatable. On the other hand, she’s also very young and naive, but that’s just what makes her a realistic character.”

Graduating senior Shadrick also expressed gratitude for Myers’ teaching and work with JBHS Drama. She starts studies at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles in the fall, with plans to complete a BFS in acting and to become a film actress.

“Mr. Myers is incredible. He’s such a talented and hardworking director, and we are so lucky to have him,” she said. “Our shows wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable, both from an audience and backstage perspective, if it weren’t for him. I have been his student for four years and I am so grateful for everything he has taught me. He has definitely shaped who I am as an actor and helped me become more confident in my skills.

(Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Beimford enjoyed the range of emotions and actions he was able to draw on for his character, Antipholus of Syracuse.

“I just love playing sometime who is completely arrogant and has a short temper. In our November show,  Flowers for Algernon, I played this mild mannered, all around helpful person,” Beimford explained. “It’s almost like this role is a 360 and I love it. Playing horrible people is immensely fun. Granted, Antipholus of Syracuse isn’t company amoral, but he’s not a great guy. And its just so fun to play those kinds of characters.”

“If I learned anything, on an academic level, Shakespeare is actually understandable when you perform the words. On a personal level, I love working with this group of people,” he added. “And if Mr Myers weren’t the director, I would probably just be running around on stage, screaming every line because I wouldn’t know any better. So there’s definitely a new level of appreciation for what Mr. Myers does, especially when he has to direct teens and Shakespeare.”

(Photo Courtesy of Guy Myers)

“I have had so many laughs rehearsing this play with the students, because everyone is really throwing themselves into the physical comedy and I see the students having a lot of fun with their characters,” commented Myers. “There are so many ensemble moments throughout the show, so it has also been rewarding watching the group dynamic come together as the show gets closer to opening night!”

The Comedy of Errors runs May 8 and 9 at 7:00 p.m. and May 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the John Burroughs High School Auditorium located at 1920 W. Clark Avenue in Burbank. Tickets are $12 general admission, $8 for students, faculty and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance via this link.

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Volleyball has shot to the forefront in Max Chamberlain’s life (Photo by Dick Dornan)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Life can be a series of twists and turns in one’s journey to fulfilling a dream or aspiration. For Burroughs’ volleyball standout Max Chamberlain, it wasn’t supposed to be like this. Then again, maybe it was.

After graduating from David Starr Jordan Middle School, Chamberlain entered John Burroughs High School with the intention of becoming a football star and being a part of the storied Indians football tradition.

“Volleyball wasn’t the sport I would ever play or ever see anybody playing,” Chamberlain said. “It was all about the (Burbank) Vikings and I played flag football way back when. All I ever wanted to do was play football. My brother, Jesse, was the starting left tackle for JB as a sophomore. We are a football family.”

Max Chamberlain

Chamberlain, 18, played three years only to make a tough decision to leave the football program last summer and focus on volleyball. It was a move he hasn’t regretted.

The 6-foot-6 outside hitter has played a major role in the Indians’ success this year as they won a remarkable sixth consecutive Pacific League title. He leads the team in kills including 21 against Glendale (tied for 5th most ever in JB history) and is second on the team in aces. A year ago as a middle blocker, Chamberlain crushed 167 kills and recorded 33 blocks, 29 digs and 13 aces.

His sudden ascent as one of the elite volleyball players in the area earned him the opportunity to play at Pepperdine University next year. The Waves were ranked No. 3 in the country most of the season and have been coached by Marv Dunphy for the past 32 years.

Max Chamberlain soars high on a serve in the upset win at Oak Park (Photo by Dick Dornan)

“When people ask where are you going to play next year it feels good to say, ‘I’m going to Pepperdine,’” Chamberlain said. “To be with the legendary Marv Dunphy and be in his presence and all he has to say is incredible. Going up there and watching those guys play and seeing what they are all about, just how much better they are and how much I have to improve, I’m looking forward to it. It’s exciting.”

Before Chamberlain sets foot on the beautiful campus high above the Pacific Ocean, he has other goals to accomplish including winning a CIF title. Burroughs (27-3, 12-0) is currently ranked No. 3 in CIF Division 2.

“I have high expectations for this team,” said Chamberlain. “There was some doubt from other people about this year’s team because we lost a lot of seniors. But I knew our bench was deep last year. We have a lot of great volleyball players coming into this season so I wasn’t worried. I think we can take CIF but we got to keep everything day to day, game by game.”

Chamberlain, a true middle blocker, has evolved into a dominant threat as an outside hitter (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Chamberlain has been guided by Coach Joel Brinton who has done a superb job of building Burroughs into a recognizable and formidable volleyball program. Brinton switched Chamberlain from his natural position of middle blocker to outside hitter this year for the best interests of the team.

Chamberlain embraced the move and has excelled every step of the way. His growth has been very evident as he has become a much more polished player in all aspects of volleyball.

“The growth really came this year when we asked him to change positions especially when we asked him to change in late January. It took a lot of vulnerability on his part because he had to accept the fact that he was going to make mistakes which is something he isn’t used to doing,” Brinton said. “We all knew he had the drive and the skill to play a new position. He has put in the work every day. It’s really set a tone for the team.”

Chamberlain’s rise to excellence first began the summer before his sophomore year.

“I remember the first practice when they had me hit my first true one-ball and it clicked. It was so easy,” he said. “I was like, ‘This is sweet. This feels good crushing balls.’”

A year later Chamberlain took his game to a new level playing club volleyball and competing against the best players around.

“From then, it took off playing with high-level club players two or three times a week. They would force me to push myself. I loved working hard,” said Chamberlain. “We won a bronze medal that summer in JO’s. That’s when I was sold. This is the sport I want to play. It’s been definitely worth it.”

Max Chamberlain’s journey opened doors he never knew existed (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Brinton has witnessed first-hand a player blossom right before his eyes. Chamberlain’s leadership and work ethic has been a tribute to his dedication as a player in the Burroughs’ volleyball program and the athletes Brinton develops during their time at the school.

“I hope it says follow the system and work hard like he does. Do what your coaches ask and things will work out,” Brinton said. “It’s really exciting to watch him be able to do it. More than anything else it speaks about his willingness to work hard. As coaches we try to model it and what a better way than to have one of your captains model it as well.”

It’s been quite a journey for Chamberlain. Football to volleyball; Jordan to Burroughs with Pepperdine on the horizon to play Division I volleyball. Destiny has a special way of changing one’s direction in life.

“I’ve put in a lot of hours. It didn’t come easy. I’ve come a long way,” Chamberlain said. “I’ve met some of my best friends through volleyball. Some of the best people I know. It opened up my life and given me opportunities I definitely probably would not have had if I didn’t play. I’m super grateful for that.”

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Burroughs Indians: 2015 Pacific League Champions (Photo courtesy of Joel Brinton)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Not one. Not two. Not three. Not four. Not even five. How about six!

For a sixth consecutive season, the Burroughs boys volleyball team are Pacific League champions. The Indians have won 32 straight matches in league dating back to their last loss on March 29, 2013, to Claremont.

Coach Joel Brinton has led his program to a 63-3 league mark over the last six seasons (Photo by Dick Dornan)

“Winning six in a row is awesome….not sure how much it actually means though,” Burroughs coach Joel Brinton said. “Probably isn’t something I will really understand until after the season or until after I’m done coaching. I am just really proud of this group for winning this year’s title.

“Winning league was one of our goals this year but I was always so proud of this team because we never said, ‘Ok, this game means more than this one.’ The Crescenta Valley match was the same as any other match. We need to prepare, play the best we can and learn from where our mistakes in the match. This group of guys has been more willing to do that than any group I have coached before. For that I am so proud and proud of them accomplishing being league champs.”

The Indians are 27-3 overall and concluded a second straight 12-0 campaign in league. They are currently ranked No. 3 in Division 2 in the CIF Southern Section.

“This year’s group of guys has been such a unique experience,” said Brinton. “They have made themselves vulnerable to each other and the coaches and in doing so have grown so much over the last four months. That growth has been a key to our success this season.”

Brinton represents the gold standard of coaching at Burroughs. How dominant have the Indians been over the last six seasons? In 66 league matches, JBHS has a staggering 63-3 record. Simply remarkable.

Congratulations on a job well done. The CIF Division 2 playoffs begin next week.

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William McKinley Elementary School held its first annual Community Fair in conjunction with the yearly Open House on Wednesday, May 6. Free tacos and live entertainment from the McKinley Hip Hop Club and the David Starr Jordan band drew lots of interest.

“The idea behind the fair was to bring resources in our community to our families while also displaying all of the great things we do at McKinley,” explained McKinley Principal Liz Costella, who estimated approximately 350 people attended the event, which was free and open to school families, neighbors and community members.

McKinley Community Fair committee members (from left to right): Ashley Shinn (with son Aiden), Sandra Johnson, Principal Liz Costella, Nuria Lundberg, Juan Avila, Laura Chambers and Michael Cusumano. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The McKinley Community Fair was held on the grass area outside the school from 5:00 p.m. until Open House concluded at 8:00 p.m. Tables were also set up to showcase the clubs and PTA programs at the school. Once the schools’ doors opened at 6:30 p.m. for Open House, a steady stream of people kept the Community Fair tables busy.

“The vision was to bring a sense of community to our school,” continued Costella, who acknowledged the sponsorship of the free taco cart by Cusumano Real Estate Group. “We wanted to bring in community members to offer resources to our families but we also wanted neighbors and community members to know all of the great programs we have at McKinley.”

“I think we succeeded in building a sense of community. I got many compliments from parents that even called [the day after the event] to tell us how much they enjoyed it and what a great feeling it brought to the school and to open house,” she added. “During open house we not only had our families visiting classrooms but  community members also came in to visit class rooms which is unusual for open house.”

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The McKinley Community Fair committee included Costella, Michael Cusumano of Cusumano Real Estate Group/Burbank Business Partners, Ashley Shinn of Cusumano Real Estate Group, Juan Avila (McKinley Office Manager), Laura Chambers (McKinley Librarian) and two McKinley parents – Nuria Lundberg and Sandra Johnson. Shinn attended McKinley and her mom worked at the school, noted Costella, and Shinn’s son plans to attend McKinley when he enters Kindergarten.

“The McKinley Community Fair was a fantastic event that was an opportunity to showcase for the community all of the wonderful things that are going on a McKinley,” commented Cusumano. “McKinley was able to show case their Hip Hop Club, who performed several dance sets at the Fair, their Garden Club, their fantastic arts program and many other of the great programs that they have.”

“The Jordan Middle School Band, where the students of McKinley will go when they graduate McKinley, was outstanding,” added Cusumano. “It was a great opportunity for our community groups, such as The Burbank YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, BTAC, Kids Dental Clinic, The Gordon Howard Museum and many, many others to network with and get to know the families in and around the McKinley neighborhood.”

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Last Friday night at John Burroughs High School Auditorium, we all laughed ourselves silly over Shakespeare’s delightful farce, The Comedy of Errors. And you know what’s really funny? For high school ticket prices, we enjoyed one of the best shows in greater LA in a studio-quality venue. JBHS drama students are consistently punching way above their weight, delivering performances worthy of college seniors.

So be sure to catch their Saturday night or Sunday afternoon performance this weekend.

(Photo Courtesy Kathy Flynn/Wicked Goddess Photography)

The set up: The Comedy of Errors centers on two sets of identical twins. They were separated when very young and so each twin is unaware of the other. Years later, one set of twins –Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio–arrive in Ephesus. Coincidentally, Ephesus is home to the other set of twins. Coincidentally, the twins from Ephesus have exactly the same names as their counterparts from Syracuse. Comedy tonight!

Director GUY MYERS made the inspired choice of retaining the original dialogue and cadences of Shakespeare, while making the instrumental music a wiseacre Greek chorus of today’s pop tunes. Guy knew that his actors could handle the iambic pentameter, which they did brilliantly, getting across every one of Shakespeare’s zingers. And the music allowed the actors to further showcase their comedic gifts.

(Photo Courtesy Kathy Flynn/Wicked Goddess Photography)

There were wonderful instances of physical comedy, even in the details. What might have been a routine scene change in other performances became instead a bit that drew bursts of laughter. What might have been stereotypical wailing and weeping instead became a running gag. Even the sword fight had the comedic flair of a classic Zorro movie.

Senior SAWYER PATTERSON (playing Antipholus of Ephesus) and junior DANIEL BEIMFORD (Antipholus of Syracuse) do a super job of portraying two men used to being in control, but now being thrown into confusion with blustering as their Plan B coping strategy.

Senior JAMES CONKLE (Dromio of Ephesus) and Junior NICK APOSTOLINA (Dromio of Syracuse) both do tremendous jobs as the servants who think their masters have gone mad. Nick, who was the tragic protagonist of Flowers For Algernon, showed us in The Comedy of Errors that he can pin the needle of the laugh meter and wrap it around itself. (Especially in scenes with MAX FRANCIS, who plays Adriana’s towering kitchen maid.)

(Photo Courtesy Kathy Flynn/Wicked Goddess Photography)

Other standout performers include MATT BOND (Egeon, father of the Antipholus twins) who got the play off to a laughing start. MADISON MAYER (Adriana, wife of Antipholus of Ephesus) made you believe she was a much older woman suddenly having to confront all her insecurities, and being strong enough to do so. SAMANTHA RUBIN gave us a courtesan who doesn’t take any guff, to great effect. And MINA SHADRICK (sister to Adriana) manages to keep her head while everyone around her seems to be losing theirs, and keeps the comedy going as well.

Everyone in the cast, even those with the most minor roles, held up their end and did solid work. They filled out their marvelous costumes and lived up to the major-theatre-quality lighting and sound.

(Photo Courtesy Kathy Flynn/Wicked Goddess Photography)

They also made clear the subtext of the play. We’re shown a world where women are second-class citizens and the routine beating of servants is considered normal. But the mix up of the two sets of twins leads to commands seemingly not being followed and women having to, however briefly, take charge. Underneath the comedy is the fragility of such a society and those who presumably run it. When the mix up is revealed at the end of the play, Guy makes another great call by making the sighs of relief palpable. The comedy or errors is over and the people of Ephesus can go back to pursuing their customary, not-so-comedic errors of their ways.

The Comedy of Errors continues today, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. and tomorrow, May 10 at 2 p.m. at the John Burroughs High School Auditorium located at 1920 W. Clark Avenue in Burbank. Tickets are $12 general admission, $8 for students, faculty and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance via this link.

The post The Comedy Of Errors Makes For A Perfect Night At JBHS appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The “myBurbank CUP” will be given to either Burbank or Burroughs in June of each year (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

One week remains in the regular season and then the postseason excitement begins. All eyes are on the “myBurbank CUP” as crosstown rivals Burroughs and Burbank battle it out for city supremacy.

Burroughs, the defending “myBurbank CUP” champion in 2013-14, currently leads the race, 62-47.

Burbank won the Fall competition, 32-30, while Burroughs won the Winter tussle, 20-8. The Indians currently lead, 12-7, in the Spring. There are a lot more points to be won including this week’s showdowns in softball and baseball.

Head-to-head competition and league/postseason success all contribute to the point total. Winning a league title is monumental. Advancing in the playoffs is instrumental.

Current results are listed below for this year’s competition.

Did you know by simply clicking on the green box in the Sports section on the myBurbank home page will directly lead you to last year’s and this year’s “myBurbank CUP” results? Everything you need to know and more is there. Check it out!

2014-15 contests as of now:

The post Burroughs and Burbank Battling for the “myBurbank CUP” appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank Fire Department accepted nine new firefighters this past week following a difficult 15 week academy. The class joined with the Glendale Fire Department, who also graduated eight new firefighters, for a total of 17 new recruits as they all finished as one team.

The eight men and one female were selected from 2,000 applicants who tested for the positions. In the process they went through background investigations, physicals and oral interviews.

L/R Ralph Mundell, Tyler Gonzales, Scott Smith, Justin Chin, Martin Villa, Jennifer Hoffman, Matthew Kohon, Michael Weiner and Ian Wood (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

For the past three months the new recruits have learned fire fighting skills required for the job such as fire behavior, first aid, extractions from auto accidents, repelling, brush fire survival, filling and working with fire helicopters, ladders, ropes and plenty of extra required specialty training.

The class originally started with 10 and one member was cut several weeks into the training. Every morning the class started with physical exercise that included running, pushups, etc. In the end the recruits had to pass the required test to get into their personal protective equipment within two minutes.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

During the graduation exercise family members got to pin shiny new badges on the nine recruits who will now be on probation for the the next 12 months.

Following several speeches and a video, words were shared by Burbank’s Fire Chief Tom Lenahan along with Glendale Interim Fire Chief Greg Fish, and City Managers Mark Scott and Scott Ochoa.

The recruits were sworn in taking the oath of office and then had the opportunity to put on a demonstration of the skills learned the past 15 weeks.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

This class included Burbank’s only second female firefighter ever hired, Jennifer Hoffman, and Ralph Mundell, son of Beverly Hills Fire Chief Ralph Mundell.

The new Burbank recruits are: Justin Chin 27 of Studio City, Tyler Gonzales 25 of Fullerton, Jennifer Hoffman 26 of Burbank, Matthew Kohon 33 of Sherman Oaks, Ralph Mundell 23 of Santa Clarita, Scott Smith 37 of Huntington Beach, Martin Villa 31 of Santa Clarita, Michael Weiner 38 of West Hollywood and Ian Wood 31 of Santa Clarita.

Here are some photos from the graduation and the demonstration that followed:

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Fire Department Graduates Nine New Fire Academy Recruits appeared first on myBurbank.com.

May is National Bike Month all across the nation, and is celebrated locally in many communities. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is an opportunity to showcase the many benefits of bicycling – and encourage more folks to try bicycling and other active transportation options in their community.

May is also being proclaimed Walk Bike Month in Burbank celebrating our own unique local array of active-transportation options – with May 14 being Bike To Work Day in all Los Angeles County.

For many people the thought of bicycling to work is a pipedream reserved for those seemingly super-fit bicycle-athletes wearing a full dress of spandex and riding elaborate bicycles.

But one ordinary Burbank resident has a completely different perspective on Bike To Work Day.

Five years ago on Bike to Work Day in Burbank, local resident Mary Dickson decided she would give her bike a try in attempt to overhaul her regular work commute. “I was tired of the daily I-5 commuter-grind to Downtown Los Angeles, the cost of parking downtown, the price of gasoline and insurance. I was tired of maintaining the whole extra expense of a car just for going to work,” Mary explains. “Then on Burbank’s Bike To Work Day five years ago, I decided I was going to try to ride my bike just to Downtown Burbank, look for a safe bike-parking spot somewhere near the Metro bus stop at Olive and San Fernando to lock my bike – then take the Metro 794 bus to Downtown Los Angeles; hoping all the while for the best.”

Unaware the City of Burbank was sponsoring an informational “Pit Stop” that day for new commuting bicyclists at Third Street and Orange Grove, Mary was further bolstered and encouraged by city staff who directed her to a nearby safe sheltered public bike parking facility available to all bus/bike commuters, located conveniently behind the city’s Administrative Services Building, and close to every major Downtown Burbank Metro bus stop.

“It turns out that the availability of safe bike parking at or near public transit is what makes a multi-modal bike/transit commute so practical for me. Burbank has several great safe, well-lit bicycle commuter parking facilities both in Downtown Burbank and at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink station,” Mary explains. “It makes me feel safe!”

Although she only intended to ride her bicycle to work occasionally, the overwhelmingly positive initial experience made it easier to continue bike commuting. Mary credits Burbank’s supportive city planning for bike lanes and convenient bike parking areas as key to her commuter transformation.

Dickson’s multi-modal bicycle commuting has had many additional positive effects. The biggest tangible benefit was elimination of the need for a second car, and all its associated expenses. She reports her bike-commuting effort alone has resulted in a monthly savings of over $300 after the purchase of a monthly Metrolink pass! “Three hundred dollars is all I initially paid for my entire bicycle eighteen years ago!” Mary laughs.

Today, her current daily bicycle commute to the Bike Stop bike parking facilities in downtown Burbank Metrolink train station is about three and a half miles round trip from her home in Burbank. She has been riding her bicycle to work every day since May 2010, rain or shine – some 4,500 local bicycle-commuting miles later.

The city’s outreach efforts to bike commuters is a small but fundamental step in encouraging people such as Mary – novice bike commuters – to give their bikes a serious try. Special events such as Walk and Bike To School Day on May 6^th, and Bike To Work Day May 14^th helps build public confidence that a combination of bicycling, public transportation, City staff support and dedicated Burbank bicycle infrastructure can realistically provide viable transportation alternatives for many otherwise car-bound commuters.

This year, Burbank will host three informational Pit Stops on the May 14^th Bike To Work Day. Various Burbank organizations will be on-hand from 7:00am till 10:00am dispensing bike commuting advice, practical tips and lots more for commuter bicyclists, and anyone else interested in utilizing their bicycles as transportation. Locations will be Third and Orange Grove; the Downtown Metrolink train station; and The Pointe at Alameda and Bob Hope Drive.

The post May is Walk Bike Month in Burbank appeared first on myBurbank.com.

April Lawrence was four months pregnant with her second child, and being the frugal mommy she is, tried to find a resale store for maternity clothes. There were options online, but because one’s shape can vary while carrying a child, Lawrence wanted to try on clothes before purchasing, to alleviate the pains of returning them.

April Lawrence shows a breezy summer style available at her Mama-San Boutique, a new maternity clothing resale shop on Verdugo Avenue in Burbank. (Photos by Joyce Rudolph)

“The other option is second-hand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army but they lump the maternity clothes in with all the other women’s clothing, so you have to go digging and when you do find something, you don’t know if it will fit right,” she said.

So within weeks after giving birth and keeping her full-time job, she opened her own maternity resale shop called Mama-San Boutique. She chose Mama-San because her husband Bruce affectionately calls her that from time to time.

“We have done all the work for you here,” she said, referring to neatly organizing the sizes and types of merchandise in a welcoming open space with contemporary hardwood flooring. The fitting rooms are clean and inviting as well.
The store offers all things mommy including dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, t-shirts, nightgowns, nursing wear and even business wear for moms who work. She also sells maternity aids, accessories and teas as wells as books and tapes on pregnancy.

Mothers-to-be who are still working can choose from a variety of business styles at the boutique.

Like a child grows, Lawrence wants to expand the offerings at the business. In the evenings, she wants to have classes and social events. In the planning stages is a family comedy night held in conjunction with Father’s Day. While it will be adult-themed, it will be about being a parent and the comedians are parents themselves.

“We really want to make the store a destination type of a place,” she said.

The store is also an extension of the relationship Lawrence had with her mother, Diane Struebing, who passed away when Lawrence was 12. Her mother served as president of the local school board when Lawrence was in grade school and her mother led a campaign to start a hot lunch program at her school.

Struebing also believed in giving back to the community and did so through her membership in the American Legion Auxiliary. She would host regular dinner parties for the community, all while raising three children–often alone as her husband was regularly out of town during his long-haul drives.

Accessories like jewelry are available at the boutique as well as teas for easing morning sickness and belly balm for keeping skin soft as the baby grows.

Lawrence wants to carry on that community spirit and philosophy her mother instilled in her, she said.

Throughout high school, Lawrence participated in most of the sports and clubs offered at her school. So taking on opening a business while living a very full life seemed like a natural next step. Especially when her family history reminded her that life is short and worth the living. But she adds, it’s still a little scary.

“My mom lived a full life, but had more plans for herself that didn’t come to fruition,” Lawrence said. “I didn’t want to let fear hold me back from my plans.”

Lawrence also learned from her mother the importance of helping others and so she donates a portion of all sales from her boutique to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission.

Instructional books are also available at the new maternity clothing resale shop.

Now that she has children of her own, Lawrence said she wanted to instill that same sense of community into her own kids. Her business also gives pregnant women a place to come and do something for themselves. Too often, women have a tendency to always want to do for other people.

“I want to make sure that women are being taken care of, not in a selfish way but a way they can feel like ‘I’m not blowing my family’s budget on a dress I’m going to wear for four months,’ ” she said.

“I want to give women a place where they can come, feel good about themselves get some nice clothes and at the same time a portion of the profits go to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. I love what they do in that they help families in need get back on their feet.”

The post Mama-San Boutique Helps Mothers Find the Right Fit appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Arts For All Foundation (BAFA) hosts its fourth annual Party On The Plaza fundraising gala on Friday, May 15, at Universal Studio’s The Globe Theatre. NBC4 Weathercaster Fritz Coleman returns as Master of Ceremonies of the event honoring three Burbank arts advocates and supporters: Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Burbank High School teacher Jonelle Pickett and longtime Burbank Unified School District volunteer and parent Debbie Wade.

“We are excited to recognize this year’s well deserved honorees,” said BAFA Chair Carrie Brown.  “Nickelodeon Animation Studios has become a true partner in furthering art and creativity in our public schools. We are so proud to honor them with the Patron of the Arts Award.”

Burbank Art’s For All Foundation’s Executive Director Trena Pitchford and Arts for All Educator Award honoree Jonelle Pickett along with Burbank High School animation students. (Photo Courtesy Burbank Arts For All Foundation)

“We are also pleased to recognize the work of Jonelle Pickett in the growth of her visual arts and animation classes at Burbank High,” added Brown.

“For the first time, the Foundation is extremely proud to honor one of our many outstanding alumni parents, Debbie Wade, who continues to volunteer her time and talents to further arts education even when her kids have already graduated from our schools.”

“Burbank Arts for All Foundation is so appreciative of the support we have already received from our sponsors and donors,” commented BAFA Executive Director Trena Pitchford. “For our small Foundation, this event allows us to further our mission throughout the year providing much needed funding for arts education programs and our community engagement opportunities.”

(Image Courtesy Burbank Arts For All Foundation)

“The goal for the evening is to celebrate all of us who continue to increase creativity in the classroom and honor three amazing leaders: Nickelodeon Studios, Debbie Wade and Jonelle Pickett.”

“We’ve gained a reputation for hosting one of Burbank’s most-fun and original fundraising galas every year,” she said.

Champion of the Arts honoree Debbie Wade and husband Jerry Wade. (Photo Courtesy Burbank Arts For All Foundation)

“In order to keep this tradition going—and to accommodate our growing number of guests—we chose The Globe Theatre, on the recommendation of one of our board members,” Pitchford explained as the reason for the move to Universal Studios for this year’s gala. “It’s a spectacular venue for what we hope will be another spectacularly successful event.”

BAFA expects approximately 450 guests at the event, which includes a Wolfgang Puck Catering dinner and live music provided by Band From TV. A silent auction featuring a San Diego weekend, a Las Vegas getaway, a Disneyland vacation, a trip to Mammoth Mountain, tickets to L.A. Kings, dinner at Morton’s The Steakhouse and a party at Story Tavern are just some of the offerings up for bid.

Individual tickets are $150 and a few remain available but must be booked by end of day Wednesday, May 13. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with red carpet, hosted cocktails and silent auction. To order tickets or for more information, visit the BAFA Party On The Plaza webpage.

The post BAFA Party On The Plaza Honors Burbank Arts Supporters appeared first on myBurbank.com.

CIF Playoffs- Boys Volleyball

Division 2:

No. 3 Burroughs 3 West Torrance 0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-20)

Andrew Dalmada 16 kills; Max Chamberlain 15 kills; Cameron Capili 10 kills; Matt Kim 15 digs; Ryan Van Loo 40 assists and 12 digs

Lakewood 3 Burbank 0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-16)

Willie Perryman 9 kills; Aram Krakirian 8 kills and 6 digs; Zach Cranmer 5 kills; Paul Shim 13 assists; Isaiah Torres 11 assists. Bulldogs finish the season 16-10 and third place in league.

Baseball

Burroughs 4 Arcadia 0

It’s time to party like it’s 1997!

The Indians won the Pacific League title outright with another shutout. Danny Bustos threw a complete game four-hit shutout walking none and striking out four. Ryan Galan went 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored and Max DeAmicis singled in two runs as Burroughs rolled to its 12th straight win and 22nd victory of the season in championship style!

Burbank 5 Hoover 4

Garrett Dolan and Henry Leake (win) combined on a seven-hitter for BHS.

Burroughs 13 Muir 4

For the first time in 18 years, the Burroughs Indians are league champions. Jason Whaley went 2 for 3 with a home run, double, two runs scored and three RBIs to lead JB to at least a share of the Pacific League title. Anthony Pelayo had two hits and a RBI in the 15-hit effort by the Indians. Whaley also struck out the side to end the game. Jesse Galindo and Kyle Nicol combined to throw five innings giving up one hit and striking out 12 batters.

Crescenta Valley 2 Burbank 0

The Bulldogs’ Ryan Porras fired a one-hitter but it wasn’t enough as the Falcons slid by……barely.

Burroughs 4 Hoover 0

The Indians won their 20th game of the season behind a complete game five-hit shutout from Danny Bustos. Max Haddad, Tyler Lewis, Max DeAmicis and Anthony Pelayo each drove in a run and Roy Hirota had two hits including a double.

Burbank 6 Muir 2

Rory Roughtean earned the win; Randy Higgens hit a home run and Ozzie Dominguez had three hits for the Bulldogs who kept their playoff hopes alive.

Burroughs 4 Crescenta Valley 3 (see story)

The Indians sweep the Falcons for the first time ever in the Pacific League!

Pasadena 12 Burbank 2

Leading 2-0 after three innings, Burbank gave up seven runs in the 4th inning and five more runs in the 5th in the tough loss on the road.

Burroughs 2 Glendale 1

The Indians’ mastery of pitching continued behind the excellent effort from spot starter Jesse Galindo who threw four innings and allowed three hits and no runs. Danny Bustos threw two scoreless innings and Max DeAmicis got the save getting the final out with runners on first and second. Aidan Anding and Chris Peres each had two hits for the Indians who scored single runs in the first and second innings to maintain their hold on to first place heading into the showdown at Crescenta Valley on Friday night at 7 pm.

Burbank 4 Arcadia 3

The Bulldogs playoff hopes stayed alive with a huge walk-off win against Arcadia. The win moved BHS into a 3-way tie for third place along with Arcadia and Pasadena. Randy Higgens had three hits including the game-winning RBI. Ryan Porras added two RBIs and Henry Leake earned the win on the hill in relief of an outstanding effort from Porras.

Softball

Burbank 8 Hoover 1

The Lady Bulldogs won a share of their third consecutive league title and notched their 41st straight win in league. Hanna Moulton hurled six innings and gave up one run on three hits. Caitlyn Brooks went 2 for 3 with a two-run home run and RBI double. Bridgette Pisa was 2 for 3 with a RBI double. Sabrina Steward had two hits and two RBIs and Cailey Stevenson had two hits and two stolen bases.

Burroughs 5 Arcadia 0

Presley Miraglia tossed a complete game four-hit shutout and hit a three-run home run to lead the Lady Indians. Michelle Santiago had a double and home run and Kaitlin Okimoto added two hits for JBHS who stayed within a game of Burbank for the league title. Burroughs scored five runs in the fifth inning to break a 0-0 stalemate.

Burbank 3 Crescenta Valley 2

Sabrina Steward’s two-run home run in the fifth inning broke a 1-1 tie and propelled the Bulldogs to a victory. Bridgette Pisa added two hits and Caitlyn Brooks pitched a gutty seven innings giving up nine hits, one earned run, one walk and fanned 11 batters as Burbank won its 40th straight league contest.

Burroughs 20 Muir 0 (5 innngs)

Hannah Talavera tossed three innings and gave up one hit, no runs and struck out three. The Indians recorded 19 hits and plated 20 runs as they rolled the Mustangs. Kailanie Oasay and Lauren Lopez each had three hits and three RBIs and Brianna Johnson added three hits including a home run and two RBIs. Lopez and Johnson also scored four runs apiece as the Indians won their 20th game of the season.

Burbank 17 Muir 1 (5 innings)

The Bulldogs scored 17 runs on 17 hits in the easy win. Hanna Moulton tossed a one-hitter through four innings striking out seven. Lily Winn had a double, triple and home run and two RBIs. Bridgette Pisa and Anysia Gonzalez each had three RBIs.

Burroughs 10 Hoover 0 (5 innings)

The Indians scored 10 runs on 17 hits in the easy win. Presley Miraglia fired a complete game one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts. Miraglia and Lauren Lopez (two doubles) each had three hits and Kaitlin Okimoto had two hits and two RBIs.

Burbank 9 Pasadena 0

Caitlyn Brooks and Hanna Moulton combined on a two-hitter as the Bulldogs posted their eighth straight shutout. Brooks went 4 for 4 with a home run, double and four RBIs and Julia Duarte was 2 for 3 with three RBIs. The Bulldogs scored four runs in the fifth to jump ahead 8-0 en route to their 38th consecutive league victory.

Burroughs 8 Crescenta Valley 5

Presley Miraglia fired a two-hitter giving up three earned runs and striking out two. Kailanie Oasay was 3 for 3 with an RBI; Tori Talavera went 2 for 3 with two RBIs; and four other Lady Indians had two hits apiece as Burroughs pounded out 15 hits. The Lady Indians scored four runs in the first and three more in the third to take a commanding 7-2 lead en route to the win.

Burbank 4 Arcadia 0

Caitlyn Brooks tossed a complete game two-hit shutout walking one and fanning 10 batters. Lily Winn had two hits and two RBIs and Bridgette Pisa recorded two hits and two runs scored as the Lady Bulldogs won their 37th consecutive league game.

Burroughs 4 Glendale 0

Delaney Nicol went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and Presley Miraglia bounced back with a complete game shutout allowing five hits and striking out two. The Lady Indians scored three runs in the top of the sixth to break open a close contest.

Burroughs 9 Canyon 8    8 innings (Game 1)

Presley Miraglia went 3 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBIs and freshman Nikki Ricciardella had three hits including a double. Freshman Gabby Perez scored 3 runs as the Indians won in extra innings in the first game of the doubleheader.

Canyon 7 Burroughs 3 (Game 2)

Brianna Johnson had a 3-run home run in the fourth inning but the Indians fell behind 6-0 after three innings and couldn’t rally in game two of the double dip.

Boys Volleyball

Burroughs 3 Claremont 0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-16)

Bailey Carter (3 blocks) and Cameron Capili each had 8 kills; Ryan Van Loo had 19 assists and Skyler Bercini had 6 digs as the Indians went undefeated (12-0) in the Pacific League.

Burbank 3 Glendale 1 (25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19)

Willie Perryman 18 kills; Patrick Lance 14 kills and 13 digs; Zack Cranmer 10 kills; Isaiah Torres 19 assists

Burroughs 3 Crescenta Valley 1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22)

The Indians won their 6th consecutive league title with a monster win on the road. It was the 30th straight league victory for Burroughs as well. Pepperdine-commit Max Chamberlain had 16 kills and three aces; Ryan Van Loo dished out 33 assists to go along with four blocks; Andrew Dalmada had 13 kills and Matt Kim added 12 digs. Burroughs, ranked No. 2 in CIF Division 2, improved to 22-1 on the season and 11-0 in league.

Burbank 3 Golden Valley 1 (25-21, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21)

Willie Perryman 8 kills, 10 blocks; Aram Krakirian 8 kills; Patrick Lance 11 digs; Kirk Capalla 12 assists; Isaiah Torres 13 assists

Burroughs 3 Glendale 0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-19)

Cameron Capili 10 kills; Bailey Carter 9 kills, 3 blocks; Matt Kim 14 digs; Ryan Van Loo 33 assists

Crescenta Valley 3 Burbank 1 (26-28, 25-23, 27-25, 28-26)

Boys Tennis

Burroughs 13 Burbank 5

Indians sweep the season series and gain two points in the “myBurbank CUP” race.

Golf

Burroughs shot a 407 (third) and Burbank recorded a 424 (fourth) in Pacific League match #6 held at Santa Anita GC.

Burroughs shot a 408 (third place) and Burbank had a 416 (fourth) in Pacific League match #5 at Brookside GC.

Track and Field

Pacific League Prelims (Burroughs)

*Qualified for Pacific League Finals 

Varsity Boys 

100

*Niko Guerrero                                  11.5

200

*Niko Guerrero                                  22.81

Kevin Alpizar                                     24.83

400

*Michael Molina                               52.04

*Kevin Alpizar                                   52.89

800

*David Carrillo                                  2:08

*Trent Harrison                               2:09

Christian Fuentes                            2:10

David Olympia                                  2:11

Quang Nguyen                                  2:19

1600

*Garrett Boulais                                4:27

*Andrew Barrondo                           4:32

*Shane Thompson                           4:38

Adam Villalpando                            4:53

110H

*Corwin Scherer                                15.85

*Brandon Tong                                  15.86

*Nathan Bradley                              16.49

*Neron Palmer                                  16.92

Emerson Sosa                                    17.84

300H

*Corwin Scherer                                40.97

*Nathan Bradley                              41.63

Brandon Tong                                    44.60

Emerson Sosa                                    44.92

Varsity Girls

200

Sara Ehlers                                         29.18

400

*Sara Ehlers                                       65.50

Deanna Fierro                                   68.20

Kayla Dighero                                    69.16

800

*Emily Virtue                                    2:27

*Heidi Eligio                                      2:29

1600

*Emily Virtue                                    5:27

*Heidi Eligio                                      5:37

Ashley Contreras                              5:45

Eileen Eckles                                     5:52

100H

*Breanna McCallum                        18.13

*Samantha Hebri                             18.84

300H

*Breanna McCallum                        52.52

*Samantha Hebri                             53.07

Burbank Backwards Meet

Varsity Boys

100

Niko Guerrero (1)                  11.33

Michael Huynh                      12.12

Dylan Garcia                          12.12

200

Kevin Alpizar                          24.21

Michael Huynh                      25.40

Dylan Garcia                          25.50

400

Kevin Alpizar (5)                    53.27

Michael Molina                      53.47

800

David Carrillo                         2:07

Trent Harrison                       2:08

David Olympia                       2:09

Quang Nguyen                       2:17

1600

Shane Thompson (2)               4:36

Christian Fuentes                  4:44

Adam Villalpando                  4:52

Jared Perez                            5:05

3200

Garrett Boulais (1)                 9:31.42

Andrew Barrondo (3)            9:43.15

Manne Green                         ?

Evan Thomas                         ?

Justin Villagran                     ?

110H

Crwin Scherer (1)                  15.41

Nathan Bradley (3)               16.14

Brandon Tong                         16.56

Emerson Sosa                         18.09

300H

Corwin Scherer (1)                39.52

Niko Guerrero (3)                  41.02

Nathan Bradley                     41.77

Brandon Tong                        43.34

Emerson Sosa                       45.14

NIKO GUERRERO

#6 JB ALL-TIME

B 300H

PV

Kent Truong (1)                     14’

Ben Mathov (4)                     11’6

LJ

Neron Palmer (2)                  20’

Niko Guerrero (3)                  19’3.5

Nathan Bradley (5)               18’10.5

Nick Phillippi                          16’3

TJ

Niko Guerrero (1)                  42’7

Ben Mathov (4)                     39’7

Dylan Dovaston                     36’5

Nick Phillippi                          33’1

SP

Austin Bui                              35’

Joseph Jacobson                   22’5

DT

Austin Bui                              95’3

Joseph Jacobson                   80’3.5

Varsity Girls

100

Emma Bartram (5)               13.22

200

Ignatia Teresa                        31.01

Jaymie Olea                           31.24

400

Megan Wade (4)                   63.96

Sara Ehlers (5)                      64.21

Deanna Fierro                      67.11

1600

Betsy Ramirez                       6:03

3200

Emily Virtue (1)                     11:31.46

Heidi Eligio (2)                      11:36.21

Eileen Eckles                         11:57

Ashley Contreras                   12:16

Valerie Monroy                      12:30

EMILY VIRTUE

#5 JB ALL-TIME

G 3200

HEIDI ELIGIO

#8 JB ALL-TIME

G 3200

100H

Samantha Hebri (4)              17.71

Dakotah Tilton                       21.44

300H

Samantha Hebri                    51.50

Dakotah Tilton                       59.09

4×100 – 3^rd – 52.50

Emma Bartram, Sara Ehlers,

Izzy Funes, Megan Wade,

4×400 – 3^rd – 4:12.28

Emma Bartram                     62.3

Sara Ehlers                            62.4

Izzy Funes                              63.6

Megan Wade                         63.7

PV

Sarah Prystupa (2)                10’6

Bailey Harrison                      7’6

HJ

Monica Brown (5)                  4’6

LJ

Izzy Funes (5)                        15’4

Monica Brown                        14’8

TJ

Breanna McCallum (4)         30’9.5

SP

Nadime Younan (5)              29’9.5

Megan Ly-Lim                        29’6

Sofia Piedrahita                     27’7

Olivia Villegas                         25’4

DT

Megan Ly-Lim (4)                 88’3

Olivia Villegas                        74’6.5

Sofia Piedrahita                     60’9

The post Morning Sports Ticker- May 13 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burroughs Indians: 2015 Pacific League Champions! (Photos courtesy of Mitch Haddad)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

It’s time to party like it’s 1997! The drought is over!!

In a remarkable season thus far, the Burroughs Indians made history Tuesday afternoon claiming the program’s first league title in 18 years as well as winning their first-ever Pacific League title.

DOGPILE!

Danny Bustos fired a complete game four-hit shutout, the team’s ninth skunking this year, Ryan Galan (3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored) and Max DeAmicis (two RBIs) ignited the offense, and Burroughs blanked Arcadia 4-0 to celebrate as league champions with a well-deserved dogpile on the mound.

The Indians improved to 22-4 overall (thought to be a school-record for wins in a season but yet to be official) and a RED-hot 12-1 in league as they won their 12th straight game.

Burroughs has now established itself as a favorite to win CIF Division 2 behind the area’s best pitching duo in Bustos and Thomas Wilson. Expect the Indians to earn a top-six seed for the upcoming playoffs beginning next week.

But first things first as JB plays Burbank on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Burroughs (Senior Night) though heavy rain is anticipated Thursday and Friday.

More to come on this story as interviews roll in from players and coaches.

Photo gallery by Mitch Haddad-

The post Burroughs Baseball Wins First-Ever Pacific League Title appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Nonprofit groups that preserve Burbank’s past were among organizations receiving donations from the Burbank Road Kings during their April meeting at the Elks Club.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Ron Barone, battalion chief of the Burbank Fire Department, accepted a check for the Fire Department Muster Club and Historical Society. Joining him were Muster Club members Steve Byrne, Steve Rushing and Jeff Ponton.

The organization is dedicated to preserving the fire department’s history and the antique vehicles in its fleet including the Christie Steamer, the Moreland Pumper and the Crown Pumper. For a closer look at these beauties go to the Muster Club’s Facebook page.

Barone thanked the Road Kings and added two anecdotes. When he joined the department 28 years ago, several fellow employees were also Road Kings members and maintained the fire trucks. They earned his trust because the vehicles were always in tip-top shape, which Barone attributed to the knowledge they gained through their participation in Road Kings. Barone added that his love of antique vehicles comes from his 90-year-old dad who still owns 17 vintage vehicles.

“We’ll do our best to keep those vintage apparatuses in Road Kings-calibre shape,” he said.

Other groups receiving donations were the Burbank Police and Fire Museum, Burbank Mounted Police, Burbank Historical Society, Relay For Life, Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Veterans, Boy Scout Troop 50, Horses for Veterans and Dog Tags for Solders’ Kids.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Burbank Road Kings are celebrating their 63rd year in Burbank. The club sponsors two car shows each year to raise funds for Burbank charities, said Don Baldaseroni, car show chair, past president and executive board member.

“With today’s financial crunch that all city’s face, it is very important for all organizations and businesses to do as much as they can to support the nonprofits that  are so essential to a great city like ours,” he said.

This year the June car show has been cancelled because Johnny Carson Park is closed for renovation. But the group will be heading to Santa Anita Park in October for the annual car show at the race track.

The Road Kings display their cars at community events throughout the year and provide vehicles that dignitaries ride in during Burbank On Parade. The car club is

recognized around the world as a premier club and one of the oldest in Southern California, Baldaseroni said.

Notable club members of drag-racing fame include “TV” Tommy Ivo, Bob “the freight train” Muravez, who was inducted just this March. Former “Late Night” host Jay Leno is also a member and attends many car shows.

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John Burroughs High School sophomore Emily Beihold won first place in the 2015 California State High School Fencing Championships in Victorville on Sunday, April 26. Beihold also garnered enough points in winning the individual category to place second in the team category for JBHS, receiving a trophy for that accomplishment as well.

Although JBHS does not have a fencing class, several students from the school, including Beihold, Luis Dealba-Yount, Preston Maestri-Petnunas and William Campos, are raising the school’s profile in fencing competitions.

(Photo Courtesy of Walter Choo.)

“On the morning of the tournament my legs were still sore from overtraining the day before, so the first round was a struggle,” commented Beihold. “But as the tournament went on, I was able to focus on my fencing and stopped noticing the pain. Before I knew it I was in the finals.”

“When I won I was so excited, I couldn’t believe it,” she added. “I guess all the hard work really paid off. JBHS has a top-notch athletic department, I’m honored to be able to contribute.”

She began fencing in 2008 at age nine, with foil at Swordplay in Burbank. In 2012, she switched to Swords Fencing Studio and epee, the weapon she competes in currently. Her father, Jim Beihold, has an ‘A2014’ ranking in epee. His passion for fencing has been a driving factor in Emily’s interest in the sport.

Emily Beihold fencing Sorah Shin at Swords Fencing Studio. (Photo Courtesy of Beihold Family)

Beihold trains with teammates at Swords Fencing Studio in Burbank three to four times per week. She also takes private lessons with coach Tigran Shaginian, a former modern pentathlete and owner of Swords.Beihold plans to fence in college, according to her mother Zahra Dowlatabadi. She has signed up with the NCAA and hopes to be accepted at a Division I fencing school.

Her favorite part about fencing is that it’s a mental game just as much as a physical one, she explained. “In fencing, you never know what your opponent’s next move is and it requires you to think on your feet. Some have compared it to physical chess.”

Emily Beihold at 2013 National Fencing Championships, Columbus, Ohio. (Photo Courtesy of Beihold Family)

In addition to fencing, Beihold says music is another passion. She released an original song called “Thrown to the Wolves” on iTunes and passed an initial audition for The Voice, the televised vocal competition show, although she didn’t make it to the next step. This summer, she plans to launch a website focused on exploring local service learning opportunities for high school students.

Beihold has also recently fenced in the Junior Olympics, competing with and learning from elite fencers her age from throughout the nation.

Presently, Beihold is training for the National Fencing Championships which will be held in San Jose from June 27 to July 6. She plans to compete in four events, with a goal of at least one top-8 finish. Eventually, she aims to compete internationally.

The post JBHS Sophomore Sets Her Sights On Fencing Nationals appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Police and Fire Departments opened their doors this past weekend like they have for several years to celebrate Fire Service Day and National Police Week.

Guests got to meet members of the Fire Department including the nine new rookie firefighters who put on demonstrations. Guests enjoyed tours of the fire station and even got to pet Burbank’s K-9 Stevio and talk to his handler John Enbelton. The Animal Shelter was on hand with dogs that were available for adoption and the Police Foundation with goodies to buy and support the men and women in blue.

The Burbank Police Department displayed their new Mobile Command Post, its newest McDonnell Douglas Notar Helicopter, and even one of its premier motorcycles.

A couple of highlights from the day’s activities included pictures with Mickey & Minnie Mouse and Squirt, car extraction demonstrations, and kids rode bikes on an obstacle course.

Kids and adults learned ‘Hands on CPR’ and the importance of installing smoke and sprinklers in your homes.

Here is a gallery from the day’s events by our Chief Photographer Ross A. Benson:

The post Burbank Police and Fire Service Day Greet and Educate Hundreds on Safety appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Senior Night for the Burroughs Indians (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

Two teams. One city. Co-league champions.

It was only fitting that the final regular season game between two fantastic teams would go extra innings. When it was all said and done after a pitcher’s duel for the ages, Burroughs won in eight innings in dramatic fashion against Burbank, 1-0, to claim a share of the Pacific League title.

It was the Lady Indians first league title since 2012 before the Lady Bulldogs won in 2013, 2014 and 2015. On this day, the Indians celebrated. On this season, both teams were crowned league champions with identical 13-1 records.

“I think this is the best moment in high school because we knew that we could beat them this time and we finally did it,” Burroughs senior Delaney Nicol said. “We’ve accomplished so much and the whole moment is so exciting.”

Burroughs Indians

Brianna Johnson’s one-out single up the middle set off pandemonium for the Burroughs faithful that included Coach Doug Nicol prancing around in pure elation and then performing a dance rendition known as the “Whip” with his team whooping and hollering to every move as he grooved in the circle.

“I don’t care if it looked bad. We are league champs,” Nicol said. “One of the greatest wins of my life. Just incredible.”

Back on April 23, things looked bleak for Burroughs (22-4) after suffering an 8-0 loss at the hands of Notre Dame-bound Caitlyn Brooks and the Burbank Bulldogs. Fast forward three weeks later and the Indians came of age to deal Brooks a rare loss while snapping the Bulldogs’ 41-game league winning streak in the process.

Burbank Bulldogs

Burbank’s last loss in league was on May 10, 2012, when the Bulldogs lost, 2-1, in eight innings, ironically, to Burroughs giving the Indians a third straight league title at the time.

Burroughs pitcher Presley Miraglia arguably turned in her best performance of the year shutting down the Bulldogs’ potent offense to zero runs on four hits, walking no one and striking out three in eight innings. Her 180 degree turnaround from the previous outing against Burbank (20-4) was pure bliss for the freshman ace.

“The first time I played them I was so nervous. I was worrying about everything else but pitching,” Miraglia said. “Tonight I really focused in on every batter. I felt so confident. To go from last time when they were hitting shots off of me to this is so amazing. I really wanted to win for the seniors since this was their last Burbank-Burroughs game.”

Miraglia matched Brooks pitch-for-pitch as the team battled to a 0-0 scoreless game for seven and one half innings.

“For a freshman to come out there and battle Caitlyn (Brooks) pitch-for-pitch and pitch just as well with the whole support of her team was phenomenal,” said the elder Nicol.

The Burroughs Indians slid safely by the Lady Bulldogs to capture a share of the league title (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

An error followed by back-to-back walks from Brooks loaded the bases with one out. Johnson calmly drove a 1-2 fastball right back up the middle scoring Michelle Santiago with the winning run.

“I just kept telling her to put the ball in play. I kept telling that to her over and over after each pitch. And she did it,” said Nicol, who won his fourth league title as coach. “She put it on the ground and let the ball do the work. For a sophomore to do what she did, we have so much faith in her.”

Johnson, a sophomore third baseman who recently broke into the starting lineup, knew that when she walked up to the plate, a league title was waiting only 60 feet away.

“I thought about it but I just wanted to push it out of my mind and not put too much pressure on me,” Johnson said. “With two strikes on me, it was just drive it up the middle. It felt amazing and especially against Caitlyn Brooks. I was nervous but I got it done and I’m happy about that.”

Brooks finished the game with 13 strikeouts on a four-hitter. It was a moment where the torch was passed from Brooks to Miraglia who earned the biggest win in her young and promising career.

After the eight-run loss to BHS a few weeks ago, the Indians regrouped and vowed to come back a stronger team. From the first pitch to the walk-off hit, Burroughs improved leaps and bounds and now enters the CIF playoffs on a role having shutout four straight opponents.

Delaney Nicol and family (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“You saw it on the field. The growth has been incredible. They could have given up,” Nicol said. “After that game we had a big pow-wow on the field, they practiced the next day and we asked them, ‘What do you want to do? Where do you want to go?’ And they all said, ‘We are ready to go, coach.’ They worked hard every practice and these girls earned it.”

Across the diamond, the Bulldogs struggled to find consolation after a tough defeat but Coach Mike Delaney shared his message to the girls as they move on to the CIF playoffs hoping to make a deep run.

“It was a great game. Both pitchers pitched well but one team played better defense. That was the difference in the game,” he said. “We had our chances, they had their chances and they earned it.

“One thing we can’t lose sight of is that we are league champions. It’s three years in a row and we’ve had an incredible run. They (Burbank) don’t understand right now how hard it is to do what they did. 41 wins is a big pressure thing. At some point it was going to end. Maybe this is what we needed. We need to get some fire back in our belly. We can’t assume we will go out every time and shut out everybody. We’ve become complacent with our hitting and we have some things to fix. They will do it and we will be fine.”

The CIF playoffs will be announced Monday afternoon with games beginning later in the week.

The post Burroughs Softball Walks-Off Against Burbank to Win Share of League Title appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burroughs Indians: 2015 Pacific League Champions (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

A 90 minute lightning and rain delay didn’t deter the Burroughs Indians from ending the regular season in style. A day that began with Senior Night recognition ended with another dogpile as Burroughs defeated Burbank, 3-1, to sweep the season series from their crosstown rivals.

Max DeAmicis’ two-run single in the third inning was all that Thomas Wilson needed as the 6-foot-4 right-hander threw six innings and gave up four hits, no runs, walked one and struck out six Bulldogs.

Another victory; another dogpile (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs (23-4, 13-1) added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on the very first pitch after the hour-and-a-half delay. Roy Hirota smashed a single to centerfield scoring Kevin Navarro and the Indians went ahead 3-0.

Burbank (12-12, 7-7) threatened in the top of the seventh scoring one run off DeAmicis when Alex Minnick singled in Chandler Robbins for the Bulldogs’ first run of the contest. With runners on second and third and two out, DeAmicis struck out Fischer Cabot to end the game.

Ryan Porras pitched a strong game for BHS going five and a third innings allowing three runs on just three hits while fanning eight Indians.

Just like the softball game the previous evening, neither team had an extra base hit.

Indians centerfielder Aidan Anding had two hits and a stolen base. Chris Peres had a pinch-hit single for JBHS and played solid defense at first.

Burroughs’ Ryan Galan slides in safely at the plate just before the tag by Jake Noud of Burbank (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“After the loss at Pasadena, I looked in the eyes of all my teammates and I told them that we are not losing another one,” said Peres, who will be playing at the University of La Verne next fall. “That was our goal. We are not losing anymore.”

Peres credited the team’s success to coming together as one unit with a common goal in mind.

“At the beginning of the season, we were separate,” he said. “We meshed as a whole and now we are basically brothers. We do everything together. We made our own events to blend together.”

The Indians did indeed come together and had one of the best seasons in Burroughs baseball history. They have won a school-record 23 games (presumably since there are no official records), and ended the regular season with 13 straight wins and 19 of their last 20.

Burroughs Senior Class and Parents (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The senior pitching duo of Wilson and Danny Bustos ranks up there with the best in Southern Section history. Wilson went 8-0 with a 0.64 earned run average in 54 innings of work including an era of 0.82 in league.

Bustos, also a right-hander, went 9-1 with a 0.96 era in 73 innings of work including an era of 0.31 in league.

Wilson and Bustos each went 5-0 in league as they dominated the opposition with relative ease.

Thomas Wilson shined once again (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

In 27 games, the Burroughs pitching staff had an astounding 1.70 era in 189 innings.

With a steady and consistent defense behind them, Burroughs will have an opportunity to advance throughout the CIF playoffs. If there is any concern, the Burroughs’ offense will have to play at a higher level against stiffer competition beginning May 22 when the playoffs start.

“If we come out hard and fast like we do every time we play a tough opponent, it’s going to be great to watch what will happen with us,” said Peres.

While Burroughs sits back and enjoys a well-deserved four days off, Burbank must wait for the Arcadia-Crescenta Valley result to see if they will earn a berth into the playoffs.

Burbank needs Arcadia to lose to advance. Should the Apaches defeat CV, the Bulldogs will be on the fence to get in. A Falcons’ win sends the Bulldogs to the playoffs as the automatic fourth place entry from the Pacific League. Arcadia-CV is scheduled for tonight but must play by tomorrow to determine the league standings.

The CIF Division 2 playoff pairings will be announced on Monday morning at 9 a.m. Stay tuned.

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