In a court decision announced this week, a judge has ruled that the proposed Walmart store in Burbank cannot go ahead until the City of Burbank meets certain legal requirements.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Alan J. Goodman issued the tentative ruling that will stop Walmart from opening a store until the City of Burbank completes all legally required actions, and completes all traffic improvements originally required when the Empire Center project was approved 13 years ago.

The decision is a victory for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, the labor union that represents workers in Southern California super markets.  The union’s lawyer was legal counsel for the three Burbank women who brought the suit. Although traffic congestion was the issue that weighed heavily on the court’s decision, the real motivation for the suit appears to be the union trying to prevent competition with the grocery stores where workers must join the union in order to hold their jobs.

This is also the same union that spent thousands of dollars (more then any other candidate in the race) in the last Burbank election in an unsuccessful attempt to defeat Councilman Jess Talamantes.  Despite the unions efforts, Talamantes easily won re-election.  The union’s attempt at influencing the Burbank election was apparently motivated by Talamantes’ vote in favor of Walmart.  Apparently unable to influence Burbank voters, the union has turned to the courts in an attempt to delay the inevitable opening of the Walmart store here.

Protesters were at an informational meeting held by Walmart recently

Walmart finds itself in the unusual position of being too successful in this case.  The plaintiff’s argued that the store would attract too many customers and thereby negatively affect traffic in the area.  The previous occupant of the site where Walmart will be located was Great Indoors.  Traffic was not an issue when that store was open, because basically nobody shopped there.

The City issued a building permit for Walmart to begin remodeling the existing building over two years ago.  In the 36-page opinion handed down by the court, the City is cited for not followings requirements to conduct another environmental impact report, and not completing traffic improvements that were part of the original development agreement for the Empire Center when it was constructed 13 years ago on a former Lockheed Aircraft Corporation site.

While the City contended that all legal requirements were met when the Empire Center was built, it’s argument that Walmart was simply occupying an existing retail space was rejected by the court.  The court’s opinion noted the huge disparity in the number of customers Great Indoors attracted to the potential number of customers a Wal-Mart would attract.

In a prepared statement, Walmart said, “We’re reviewing the tentative ruleing and evaluating all available legal options.  We believe the vacant, former Great Indoors store is suited for Walmart and the permits wre granted properly by the City of Burbank — like 1,300 similar permits granted for this shopping center over the last 13 years.  The Burbank Walmart will offer Empire Center customers a new option when it comes to affordable goods for their families and we decided to open a store here because we know local residents want good employment opportunities, including hundreds of jobs for the construction industry, a convenient place for one-stop shopping, and a new business to bolster the local economy.”

Protesters also took to City Hall during the hearing process to try and stop the project (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

No matter what the eventual outcome of the case may be, the real losers are the residents of Burbank who will have to wait even longer for the Walmart that was originally scheduled to open in January of 2013.

The post Burbank Shoppers Must Wait Even Longer For Walmart appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The 5^th Annual Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF) got off to a strong start last Wednesday with its screening of the full-length documentary, The Brothers Warner at Warner Bros., a landmark Burbank business since 1928.  “I can’t tell you what it means for me to open this film on the family lot,” said writer/director Cass Warner Sperling, granddaughter of studio mogul Harry Warner.  And it’s hard to imagine a more appropriate place for BIFF festivities to begin. “It all started in Burbank with Warner Bros.,” stated BIFF President and Festival Director Jeff Rector.

Cass Warner Sperling Director, of Open Night Screening The Brothers Warner. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The fun continued Thursday at Universal Studios, with comedy and new media/drama offerings.  Friday and today, Saturday, Burbank’s AMC 6 features animation, drama, faith-based films and sci fi/horror fantasy.  Tomorrow, Sunday, Woodbury University will host foreign film and documentary shorts.  BIFF concludes at the Castaways tomorrow night with the Closing Night Dinner and Gala Awards Show, with ever-popular Fritz Coleman hosting.

“I want this festival to be the next Cannes,” stated Rector. And why not? As Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy reminds us, “Burbank is the media capital of the world. It’s important to have a film festival here.”

BIFF President / Festival Director Jeff Rector. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

And it’s important for the filmmakers whose work BIFF is showcasing. “It’s a calling card,” Jeff states. Many of the films, especially the shorts, won’t be shown in today’s multiplexes. (Although the infomercial parody Guru to the Stars would be a great warm up act to any comedy feature. Burbank’s own AMC Theaters should give it a try.) Even films of feature length may not find a match among the brick-and-mortar venues.  But at the very least the films can provide a convincing way for their creators and performers to shout, “Hey! I’m not just another wannabe.  Watch what I’ve done! I’ve got snap! I can bring hot food to your party! Or if you like, some cold beers!”

Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy and Jeff Rector President / Festival Director. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Jeff wants to increase corporate sponsorship for BIFF.  Mayor Emily points out in the BIFF program that there are “countless media businesses that provide animation, dubbing, mixing, editing, music, virtually any type of media services needed to support our Number 1 industry!” It would seem that BIFF could be a great publicity vehicle for these often-unsung heroes of the industry.

Jeff’s own comedy short, The Boardroom, is about an executive meeting where modern day corporate terrors are exaggerated only slightly.  So it’s understandable that industry execs may want to escape their LA offices for film festivals on the French Riviera or the slopes of Sundance. But budding filmmakers should have at least one opportunity to make the hajj to Hollywood and see at closer hand the corporate world many of them hope to navigate their while somehow keeping their vision and inspiration (mostly) intact.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

And wouldn’t it be a nice source of local pride if some future Spielberg or Tom Hanks were to say, “I want to thank BIFF for being one of the first to believe in me and encourage me to go on at a time when I was still just another unknown, and in hock up to my eyeballs.”

For more information, please visit www.burbankfilmfest.org. Quick notes: BIFF’s “faith-based” category recognizes an important film genre that reminds us that religious belief continues to be a wellspring of artistic inspiration. And especially praiseworthy is BFF’s showcasing of film from local middle and high school students, including those from Jordan Middle School (You Are Special), Burbank High School (Being) and Providence High School (The Catcher.)

The post Burbank International Film Festival Has Big Opening Night appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close the following lanes and ramps of the Golden State Freeway (I-5) as part of a $121 million improvement project to construct High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes in each direction along I-5 between SR-170 to Buena Vista Street. Closures are subject to change. Detours will be signed.

Golden State Freeway (I-5) Closures

Tuesday September 9 through Friday September 13, 2013

▪   Southbound I-5 Roscoe Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On-Ramp

TIME:  7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Roscoe Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp

TIME:  7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp

TIME: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Penrose Street Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On and Off Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 from Buena Vista Street to Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard

TIME: One Lane: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Three Lanes: 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Tuxford Street Eastbound and Westbound On-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Tuxford Street Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Lankershim Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound

Off and On Ramps

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Penrose Street Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Penrose Street Northbound and Southbound On-Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Lankershim Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On and Off Ramp

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound

Off and On Ramps

TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Hollywood Way Eastbound and Westbound On Ramp

TIME:  10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Hollywood Way Eastbound and Westbound Off and On Ramps

TIME: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 from Buena Vista Street Eastbound and Westbound On ramp

TIME: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 from Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard to Buena Vista Street

TIME: Up to Two lanes: 8 p.m.  To 6 a.m.

Three lanes: 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

About the Project

Caltrans is building an HOV lane in each direction of I-5 between SR-170 and north of Buena Vista Street in Burbank.

The post New Detours and Closures on I-5 Freeway Construction appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Board and the Burbank Athletic Federation are seeking applicants for the Burbank Athletic Federation (BAF) Board of Directors. Appointments are for a three year term and meetings are held in the evening on the first Tuesday of each month. Desirable qualities of the interested candidates should include, but is not limited to, a minimum of five years of experience as a participant in organized sports leagues and five years of experience as a manager, coach or official in youth or adult sports programs.

The selection process will include but is not limited to, review of applicant qualifications, an interview process by a selection panel, and final appointments by the Park, Recreation and Community Services Board.

Applications will be accepted at the City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCS) Administration office until Friday, September 27, 2013, 5:00 p.m. The PRCS Department Administration office is located on the third floor of the Community Services Building located at 150 North Third Street, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Applications are available at the PRCS Department Administration office, the Burbank Sports office or on-line. For additional information, please call the Sports Office at (818) 238-5330 or visit the City’s website at http://www.burbankca.gov/sports

About the Burbank Athletic Foundation: Since 1947, The Burbank Athletic Federation has assisted the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department with fostering, promoting, and developing amateur athletics in the City of Burbank. The goals of the BAF include building good sportsmanship and character, citizen training, and physical maintenance for all participants as well as encourage friendly rivalry, group spirit, and team play.

The post Burbank Athletic Federation Board Seeking Applicants appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Twilight Zone UnScripted is so hilarious, you should make it part of your diet. You’ll probably lose five pounds just from laughing so hard.

The Ensemble of Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted at the Falcon Theatre. (Photo Courtesy of Dan O’Connor)

Falcon Theatre’s latest gift to Burbank is the Impro Theatre, and it really does put the “pro” in “impro.”  The audience gives the actors a word or short phrase—some person, place or thing—and then the amazing ensemble proceeds to improvise a 30-minute Twilight Zone episode on the spot. Before the performance is over, they will have done this four times.

And what the Impro Theatre does is the comedy equivalent of a high wire act. Except that in the case of this super-talented ensemble, somebody deliberately shakes the wire every so often. And once in awhile, somebody teeters on one leg, as if about to fall. Except that no one does. (Or at least they to grab on to the wire in the nick of time.)

Nick Massouh and the Ensemble of Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted at the Falcon Theatre. (Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Sutton)

To draw humor from the very act of on-the-spot improvisation without sacrificing the humor within the story being improvised—well, that has to be one of the most difficult comedic challenges you can imagine. And the cast of Impro Theatre pulls it off, giving us a double dose of laughter.

The original Twilight Zone was brainchild of the late, great Rod Serling, with his distinctive voice and opening patter. In its day (late 50’s/early 60’s), Twilight Zone was arguably the most original, inventive show on TV. Perhaps because of its sci fi/fantasy themes, the series could comment on social issues that other TV shows wouldn’t dare touch. The Improv Theatre’s comedic inventiveness pays a very fitting homage to a series still beloved by so many of us.

Stephen Kearin, Jo McGinley, Kelly Holden-Bashar and Brian Lohmann in Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted at the Falcon Theatre. (Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Sutton)

You don’t have to be a Twilight Zone aficionado to enjoy this show. But if you are, you’ll have the additional pleasure of hearing improvised dialogue that captures the Twilight Zone’s cadences and conventions.

During the intermission of Friday night’s performance, the delight of the audience in the lobby was palpable. The only bellyaching from this show will be from the comedy crunching your abs.

Kudos to directors JO McGINLEY and STEPHEN KEARIN and their wonderful ensemble cast.

The Falcon Theatre is located at 4252 Riverside Drive in Burbank.  Show runs through September 29, 2013. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.  Weekday prices are $34.50 to $37.00; weekends are $39.50 to $42.00. Student rate is $27.00. For tickets call (818) 955-8101 or go to Falcon Theatre.com.

Brian Lohmann and Mike McShane in Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted at the Falcon Theatre. (Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Sutton)

Kelly Holden-Bashar, Jo McGinley, Lisa Fredrickson and Floyd Van Buskirk in Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted at the Falcon Theatre. (Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Sutton)

The post Enter The Laughter Zone At The Falcon Theatre appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Firefighters along with Burbank Police were called to Riverside Drive and Reese Place Sunday afternoon after getting reports of a van on fire, which turned out to be a classic 1977 VW Van in fact.

Burbank Firefighters work to extinguish this VW Van fire. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Longtime Burbank resident and former Lochkeed employee, Ed Ricksecker, was taking his 1977 Green VW Van to the mechanic for some engine work with his wife following behind in another vehicle Sunday.

While in the area of Riverside Drive and Reese Place, his wife saw the engine catch fire, honking for him to stop. Seeing heavy smoke, Ed pulled over and shortly after Burbank Police Officer and K9 handler John Embelton was on scene and attempted to put the fire out with his Department Fire Extinguisher.

Ed Ricksecker van owner looks at what’s left of his 77 VW Van Popup. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Minutes later Burbank Engine 15 arrived on scene and finally extinguished the blaze. The engine being made of Magnesium, which was hard to extinguish, forcing Firefighters had to use a dry chemical extinguisher and water on the interior. The van was sadly destroyed.

Mr. Ricksecker had bought the VW Van Popup new back in 1977 and said that the van has been everywhere across the United States, including Alaska. It had made it to the White House a couple of times and had over 300,000 miles on it.

Ed Ricksecker and his wife talk to Capt. Mark Hatch after his beloved 77 VW Van caught fire Sunday afternoon.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Classic Van Meets Its End as Fire Consumes Longtime Companion appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Long known for preferential price points for Burbank residents, DeBell Golf Club has a new pricing special on Wednesdays: all players receive resident’s rates on greens fees. Typically, 18 holes of golf costs $24 for residents and non-residents are charged $31. So, the savings can add up for those who may not live in the city but want to get out and enjoy this gorgeous course in the Burbank Verdugos. Prices for both 18 and 9 holes and for seniors are all given at the resident’s rate from opening until close, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The regulation 18 hole and Par 3 9 hole courses are both kept in top condition, year-round. Golflink.com has named DeBell Golf Club “the best bargain for a top course.” Golfers do walk the course, but carts are a favorite because of the hilly terrain. Be on the lookout for all kinds of wildlife, including deer, coyotes and snakes.

DeBell also boasts the Craftsman style Clubhouse Grill, open all day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Lessons, driving range and pro shop are also available. DeBell Golf Course will host the Burbank City Amateur Golf Championship in October, and hosts golf tournaments, high school play and Parks & Rec classes year round. For more information and to book a tee time, check out DeBell’s website at http://www.debellgolf.com/index.htm or call them at 818-845-0022.

The post DeBell Golf Club Offers All-Day Wednesday Specials For Non-Residents appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

FOOTBALL:

Burbank 33 Bell Gardens 14

Paraclete 45 Burroughs 14

BOYS WATER POLO:

San Marino 12 Burbank 8

CROSS COUNTRY:

Burroughs-

Bronco Invitational (Cal Poly Pomona)

Varsity Boys (93) – 1^st

Shane Thompson (1)                           14:56

Ricky Mendez (3)                               15:05

Garrett Boulais (4)                              15:06

Elias Hoxsie (6)                                   15:26

Everth Vargas (7)                                15:33

Jack Howe (8)                                     15:35

David Carrillo (55)                              17:19

Varsity Girls (122) – 13^th

Valerie Monroy (54)                           20:09

Dayanna Yanez (56)                           20:11

Jaymie Olea (77)                                 21:13

Brianna Maya (83)                              21:31

Laura Rodriguez (84)                          21:31

Bailey Harrison (103)                          23:09

GIRLS GOLF:

9/4  First league match at Hansen Dam; Burroughs 3rd / Burbank 6th

Date 9/5/13        La Canada C.C.  Par 34

JBHS vs. La Canada High School

Burroughs in Chappy Wheeler invitational:

TEAM-

INDIVIDUAL-

The post High School Sports Weekly Recap appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Community Chevrolet in Burbank held a car show this past weekend that showcased Chevrolets from all different eras.  Fans had a chance to visit the past and only had to look as far as the nearby showroom to see the future.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

According to Karina Meza of Community Chevrolet, the show was a success.

“Community Chevrolet would like to thank everyone that came out to support “The All Chevy Vintage Car Show” with the SFV Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. The atmosphere and responses we received were extremely positive as everyone from the car enthusiast to whole families came out to enjoy.

This year exceeded expectations with a record breaking number of entries with 100 cars from all eras beginning with the 1920′s. Thank you for helping us make this year a huge success.” said Meza

This 1963 Chevrolet BelAire won The Dealers Choice Award and The Shows First Place Award. Owned by Rene Gomez. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Community Chevrolet General Manager Dennis Bala hands Rene Gomez The Dealers Choice Award for his classic sparkling 1963 Chevrolet Bel Aire. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Community Chevrolet Car Show One for the Ages appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

By Rick Assad
Special to MyBurbank

Week 3 – September 7^th

(1-1-0) Senior Black 12 @ Lancaster 14
(0-1-0) Senior Green 6 vs. Moorpark 42
(1-1-0) Junior Black 6 @ Valley West 31
(2-0-0) Junior Green 42 @ Camarillo 18
(1-1-0) Midget Black 28 @ Camarillo Black 34
(2-0-0) Midget Green 35 @ Santa Clarita Redskins 6
(1-1-0) Bantam Black 6 @ Oxnard 2
(1-1-0) Bantam White 0 @ Palmdale 22
(2-0-0) Pee Wees 22 vs. West Valley 8
(0-2-0) Gremlins 0 vs. Canyon 26

Bold = Home Game

Junior Green 42 Camarillo 18

Who knows when the Burbank Vikings Junior Green’s winning streak will end, but after Saturday’s 42-18 thrashing of the host Camarillo Roadrunners it has reached 16 consecutive games.

Neither team scored in the opening quarter, but it became 12-6 when quarterback Bryce Young, who completed four passes for 98 yards, found the end zone on a two-yard keeper, and wide receiver Sebastian Leal caught a 55-yard pass with less than one minute left before the half.

The Vikings (2-0) pulled in front 26-6 after three quarters when Young hit Dante Coxsom (41 yards on three receptions) on a 36-yard post pattern. Young ran for the two-point conversion. Coxsom (155 yards on 13 carries) wasn’t done as he scored on a 64-yard scamper off tackle.

Fullback Loyal Terry (49 yards on five carries) chipped in with a 31-yard scoring romp that saw him break four tackles. Young then found Isaac Cordova on the two-point attempt.

Terry’s second scoring run was a seven-yarder and was set up by a marvelous catch by Cordova who had two defenders on his neck. Coxsom then added the two-point conversion. This touchdown was made possible by an interception from linebacker Franco Alonso, who had seven tackles including two solo on the day.

Cordova had nine tackles along with two solo tackles and one pass defended, Terry had nine tackles with five solo and two sacks, while Malachi Meeks finished with nine tackles including four solo.

Midget Green 35 Santa Clarita 6

Despite extremely warm weather that reached more than 100 degrees, the Burbank Vikings Midget Green blasted the Santa Clarita Redskins, 35-6.

The scoring began early when quarterback Tobi Baklayan connected with wide receiver Cooper Meek on a 46-yard post route. Baklayan then spotted Niko Candido on the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

With less than a minute remaining before halftime, quarterback Bryce Whitaker hit wide receiver Jalen Clark over the middle for a 20-yard gain, and on the following play Whitaker teamed with Clark on a five-yard scoring play.

When Whitaker drilled Meek on a slant for the two-point attempt the Vikings bolted out to a 16-0 advantage.

On the kickoff, the rival Redskins couldn’t get past their 20-yard line, which gave the Vikings excellent field position, but only 14 seconds showing on the clock.

No problem as Baklayan scrambled for an 18-yard pickup, and then kept the ball for a two-yard run and a touchdown. Meek’s extra point kick was successful as the Vikings extended their advantage to 23-0.

On the second half’s opening possession, the Vikings (2-0) capped the drive with a 10-yard scoring pass from Baklayan to Candido, who had three defenders draped all over him.

The Vikings’ scoring barrage ended with Clark’s 73-yard interception return for a touchdown that made it 35-0, before the Redskins added a late score.

Valley West 31 Junior Black 6

Under similar weather conditions that approached 106 degrees, the Burbank Vikings Junior Black dropped a 31-6 decision to the Valley West Ravens.

Bigger and taller, the Ravens tallied 25 first-half points, while holding the Vikings scoreless, but fullback Jake Barraza managed 50 yards on the ground and scored their lone touchdown.

After a strong effort against the Ravens, running back Malik Jackson now has more than 200 yards on the ground this season, while wingback Josh Johnson totaled 40 rushing yards, despite playing with an injured ankle.

The Burbank Vikings Junior Black (1-1) will next play the Santa Clarita Aztecs at Castaic Middle School on Saturday with a 12:15 p.m. kickoff.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Pee Wee Black 22 West Valley 8

In a relatively taut match, the Burbank Vikings Pee Wee Black brushed past the West Valley Rebels, 22-8, at Burbank High in a contest that was scoreless after the first quarter, and tied 8-8 at the half.

The Rebels took an 8-0 lead on a 55-yard drive in the second quarter, but the Vikings (2-0) knotted it at 8-8 on a 30-yard scramble from Jonas Baklayan in the same quarter.

On the Vikings’ opening drive of the second half, running back Dahnte Russell, who gained 149 yards on the ground, dented the end zone with an eight-yard burst.

The defense was led by Joe Kazarian, who finished with five tackles, followed by Lucas Ruiz with four tackles, Baklayan with 3.5, and Diego Reynaldo with 2.5.

Center Anthony Torabyan delivered every snap without a hitch, and linemen Josh Idleburg and Lorenzo Resendez each played at a high level.

Fullback Reynaldo also added 60 rushing yards and scored with five minutes left in the fourth quarter behind blocks from A.J. Vargas, Baklayan and Kazarian that made it a 14-point spread.

Lancaster 14 Senior Black 12

There were more than enough opportunities for the Burbank Vikings Senior Black to knock off Lancaster, but instead they absorbed a 14-12 setback.

The Vikings (1-1) recovered five Lancaster turnovers, and even had the football inside the Lancaster 50-yard line several times, but all of this couldn’t offset scoring runs of 65 and 52 yards.

Darnell Williams and Blake Quinteros led the offensive charge, while Brendan O’Connor, Brady Barrett and Max Weschler played huge on the defensive side of the ball.

The post Burbank Vikings Struggle in Week Two appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank Police have made it a priority to keep drunk drivers off city streets. From September 1-9, BPD has made 17 DUI arrests, while there have been zero DUI related accidents. This past weekend (three days, including Friday evening through Monday morning), the Patrol division arrested 10 drivers for driving under the influence.

“There is absolutely a concerted effort by the police department out there to observe traffic and enforce all drunk-driving related violations, ” commented Sergeant Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department. “Our patrol officers are taking a proactive approach to catching drunk drivers before they get in an accident. I give huge credit to our police force out there for these numbers.”

In a six day period (two three-day weekends), BPD’s 17 arrests show that people continue to drive under the influence on Burbank streets. These arrests have most likely contributed to the reduction of DUI connected accidents, which currently are at zero for the month of September.

The post Burbank Police Net 17 DUI Arrests, Zero DUI Related Accidents appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Lisa Paredes
Associate Editor

In the year since the creation of an edible, school garden at Roosevelt Elementary, lots of sweat and work by adult volunteers and students alike have produced several harvests and many opportunities for students to learn about growing food. Most recently, a large batch of tomatoes were picked and shared with newly-opened local bakery and sweet shop, Quenelle. Organized and managed by Roosevelt mother Kristen Jennings, the Roosevelt Family Garden has been a catalyst for bringing members of all ages in the Burbank community together. Prinicipal Dr. Jennifer Meglemre’s enthusiasm for the project and continual support has helped the Garden gain momentum.

Volunteers work in the Roosevelt Family Garden. (Photo Courtesy of Kristen Jennings)

The garden relies upon community donations, the Roosevelt PTA, the school Hula Club and individual parents for supplies and funding and volunteer muscle for the gardening. California Pizza Kitchen was one of the first local businesses to donate start up funds, and with added resources for compost and lumber, a group of parent and child volunteers cleared space at Roosevelt last fall, installed a watering system, hauled materials and built beds along Avon Street behind the school.

Once the garden was set up in October 2012, the Family Garden had enough funding to support lunch clubs for hundreds of students on a biweekly basis. During their lunchtimes, students created seed balls, learned about bugs and composting systems, made flower pots with recycled materials and heard from guest speakers. Classrooms also visited the garden with their teachers for lessons.

Students make seed balls at lunch club. (Photo Courtesy of Kristen Jennings)

Roosevelt’s Student Council held a poster contest with students in grades 1-5 and the artwork will be displayed this coming school year on a quilt-style banner in the garden. There are a few other signs throughout the garden to thank local sponsors who donated important items, such as an irrigation system from The Sprinkler Guy and a large storage shed from Community Chevrolet.

Over the summer, volunteers weeded and watered the sunflowers and tomatoes. The tomatoes produced a bumper crop, which left garden volunteers thinking about ideas for using the food grown at the school.

Mrs. Jennings explains how Quenelle caught her eye, “I saw that not only was the chef offering ice cream, sorbets and sweet treats, but also savory offerings like bacon cheddar scones. I thought Quenelle’s unique menu and the crops from the Roosevelt Garden would be a perfect partnership, as well as a way to draw attention to healthier treats available to kids and their families in the community. After proposing that idea to John Park, the restaurant’s owner and chef, he immediately suggested some additional menu items and side dishes we could create.”

Jay Jennings picks tomatoes in 100 degree temps. (Photo Courtesy of Kristen Jennings)

“My husband suggested we make our own healthy popsicles from an overflow of garden crops. I thought about Quenelle’s menu — why not go for hibiscus watermelon, orange greek yogurt or jack fruit pineapple treats instead of frozen yogurt or ice cream from the abundance of chain restaurants in the area?” continues Ms. Jennings.

“And even better, how great it would be for the Roosevelt kids to grow the ingredients in their garden and see healthy choices all come together? My husband took the day off from work and we harvested two large bags of tomatoes grown in the school garden and delivered them to Quenelle – 25lbs in all! We left many on the vines for the kids to pick during a future lunch club with their teachers when the weather was not in the triple digits and school was in full swing.”

Fresh tomatoes delivered to Quenelle await John Park’s handiwork. (Photo Courtesy of Kristen Jennings)

Burbank’s California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has also expressed interest in using the student-grown herbs in their pizzas. CPK’s manager visited the Roosevelt Family Garden in the previous school year, with pizzas and coupons for the kids, and read stories related to healthy eating and composting. CPK also donated earthworms and a worm bin to help the plants thrive with important nutrients from worm castings.

Roosevelt Family Garden will hold a garden reboot meeting on Saturday, September 28, at the school. Dr. Meglemre will join the garden volunteers and they will talk with parents, teachers and students about what they’d like to plant for the new growing season and build a “Green Team” to keep ideas fresh for the edible schoolyard. Last year, the garden harvested and enjoyed radishes, carrots, tomatoes, lima beans, lettuces, herbs and flowers.

Tomato pesto butter goes great with warm scones from Quenelle. (Photo Courtesy of Erin Kelly)

“We will create the space for each grade to visit and learn the benefits a garden brings to our environment, community and school,” Ms. Jennings anticipates. “Our team will share skills – we don’t all have green thumbs (yet!) – transplant older plants into pots and get the soil ready. Lunchtime activities will revolve around holiday themes, our Fall Festival, Earth Day, and much more.”

Quenelle, at 2214 W. Magnolia, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. While sweets and bakery items are always available, Chef Park has made limited quantities of the fresh tomato pesto butter.

Sun shades and a new hose have been purchased already for the upcoming year at the edible school garden. The Roosevelt Family Garden hopes to add a picnic table with umbrella, rakes, trowels, watering cans, gloves, pots, plants, seeds and more instructional materials.

The post Roosevelt Family Garden Prepares For Reboot, Partners With Quenelle appeared first on myBurbank.com.

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

Updated:  9/10/13

Disturbance In Police Station Lobby Leads To Prostitution Arrests

The lobby of the police station is probably not the best place to cause a disturbance — especially if you are a pimp and you are arguing with one of your prostitutes.

Officers responded to the lobby of the Burbank Police Station shortly after noon on September 5.  They contacted a Neal Latrelle, 23, of Sacramento and Sabrina Penise Pena, 18, of San Jose.  They determined that Pena was engaging in acts of prostitution along with two other women, and that Labrelle was their pimp. Latrelle is also on parole and not supposed to be out of Sacramento County.

From the information they received from Pena and Latrelle, officers went to the Extended Stay America hotel located at 2200 W. Empire Ave., and arrested Adrianna Castro, 20, and Vona George 18, both of Sacramento.  All four suspects were arrested and booked into the Burbank Jail.  The women were cited out for misdemeanor prostitution. Latrelle was arrested for pimping, possession of ecstasy, a controlled substance, and violating his parole.  His bail was set at $25,000, but he is still being held in jail due to the parole violation.

Burglars Working Over Labor Day Holiday

Burglars made off with desktop computers, printers, and toner cartridges from a warehouse in the 2800 block of N. Ontario St.  The loss occurred sometime over the Labor Day weekend.  Workers at the business left work on Sunday at 1 p.m., and returned at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday morning.  They noticed that interior doors were unlocked and ajar, and several boxes were missing from the warehouse floor.  The value of the stolen merchandise was estimated at $13,000.

At this time there are no suspects, but detectives are waiting to look at surveillance video from the business.

Apparently the burglars didn’t get the memo that you aren’t supposed to work on Labor Day.

The post Crime Reports for September 2013 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

In April of 2010, Fresh & Easy opened its 150th location here in Burbank at Verdugo and Reese and then opened up a smaller version about two years later at Victory and Buena Vista.

The Yucaipa Companies LLC, a U.S. based private investment firm today announced that is it purchasing Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market from United Kingdom based Tesco PLC.

Gary Bric, who was serving as Mayor when the store opened in 2010, addresses the public (Photo Courtesy Fast & Easy)

The Fresh & Easy assets include a world class infrastructure designed to facilitate the manufacture and distribution of high-quality, fresh products to every store, every day. This capability gives Fresh & Easy the ability to provide the highest level of freshness and convenience available.

Yucaipa’s purchase is expected to be complete within three months, in the meantime it is business as usual for most Fresh & Easy stores.

Philip Clarke, CEO of Tesco, said, “The decision we are announcing today represents the best outcome for Tesco shareholders and Fresh & Easy’s stakeholders. It offers us an orderly and efficient exit from the US market, while protecting the jobs of more than 4,000 colleagues at Fresh & Easy.”

Ron Burkle, Managing Partner of Yucaipa said, “Fresh & Easy is a tremendous foundation. Tesco should be applauded for giving their customers an affordable, healthy, convenient shopping experience. Its dedicated employees and great base of customers give us a solid starting point to complete Tesco’s vision with some changes that we think will make it even more relevant to today’s consumer. We plan on continuing to build Fresh & Easy into a “next-generation convenience retail experience,” providing busy consumers with more local and healthy access for their daily needs.”

The post Fresh and Easy is Now Sold and Pending appeared first on myBurbank.com.

At 6:50 am this morning, September 11, Burbank Firefighters and Police took a pause from their morning to lower and then raise the American Flag to half-staff in tribute to all the heroic firefighters and safety personal who gave their lives on 9/11 at the main Police/Fire Headquarters Building at Orange Grove and Third.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

It was 12 years ago America suffered the devastating tragedy in which nearly 3,000 innocent Americans were killed at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon and at Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  During those attacks, 343 firefighters and 72 police officers died.

Verdugo Fire Dispatch, which Burbank Fire is a member, announces a tribute for each of the 44 stations in the system which began at 6:50 hours am. A moment of silence will unanimously be observed by all 44 of Verdugo’s stations and Verdugo will toll three sets of five tones to honor those firefighters.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The post Burbank Firefighters Take a Pause to Remember 9/11 Victims appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A chance encounter launches a story whose ending was unknown until the final minutes of the Burbank international Film festival (BIFF)…

FADE IN

Act I. The Screenplay

In 1985, a young man’s father had just finished building a lakeside cabin in the Canadian woods. It was to be a family retreat, soon to be filled with fish stories and laughter after long summer days on the lake. Then, on the eve of the grand opening, cancer claimed his life.

The young man was SAM ROBERTS, in his early twenties, who was still trying to find his way. He was bartending in New York, hoping to break into acting.  He and his dad had been close. They shared a love for the outdoors and fishing. Now he faced a future without him, and felt the weight of a crushing grief.

Sam Roberts

“What I would’ve given if only my father could be with us again, even for a few days in the cabin he’d built for us,” Sam says, sadness marking his imposing face for a moment.

In that mysterious place in the heart where art can emerge from grief, Sam had encountered his own ‘fish story.’ The log line: After his sudden death, a father’s search for heaven brings him back to his distraught family and his wilderness fishing cabin for a few precious days in the body of a wanted man.

Sam started writing. A year later, in 1986, he had completed the first version of the screenplay to A Fish Story.

Sam began making headway in his acting career. Soon the industry zeroed in on his voice, deep and resonant. He did voice over in countless commercials, from Advil to Wendy’s. He moved into on-air promos, notably for TNT Entertainment, NBA ON TNT and the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch.

The years passed, with much to celebrate. But Sam’s inner voice was persistent, reminding him of unfinished business.  “It wasn’t until 2007 that I decided to commit to doing the film,” Sam said. He reworked the script. In 2008, it had garnered five screenplay laurels, including Best Screenplay (Gaia Award) at the Moondance International Film Festival.

If Sam had been looking for an excuse to have second thoughts, the screenplay recognitions closed off that avenue of escape.  He took a deep breath. He was going to make a movie that lived up to what he had written.

Act II. The Movie

Sam asked his lifelong friend MATT BIRMAN to direct the movie.  Matt said yes. Up until then, his wheelhouse had been stunt work and coordination. But he knew how much it meant to Sam to bring this story to life. Like countless filmmakers before him, Sam was pouring his own money into the film, with more than a little help from his friends.

“We wanted to make an ‘old school’ movie, old school style, using 35 mm,” explains Matt. Sam also wanted the movie to be ‘old school’ in another sense: “to be a film with a moral compass.”

Sam succeeded in getting his film company Urban Lumberjack Films off the ground and partnered with Equinox Films to produce the A Fish Story. Filming occurred over a month two years ago, in 2011, with all the usual thousand-and-one brush fires shouting for attention.  Sam offers two examples: “I had to rent all of the camping sites along the lake, and I did an awful lot of rock hopping to find just the right scenes.”

And soon after the movie was ready. A Fish Story was about to face the judgment of a world that still insists on excellence in its entertainment even as it settles for mediocrity in so many other areas of life.

Midpoint

Submitting a movie to film festivals is a gauntlet many aspiring filmmakers never overcome. The Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF) has been receiving ever better submissions over its five-year history. PAMELA VAN ZANDT, BIFF’s Director of Communications, estimates that they accept only one out every six or so submissions.  And more than a few of the rejected films are of high quality. “Jeff [BIFF President/Festival Director] and I really arm wrestled over some of these films,” explains Pam.

BIFF accepts A Fish Story for its 2013 festival. Better yet, it had received BIFF nominations for Best Dramatic Feature Film, Best Actor and Best Actress.

It’s Saturday, September 7 at about 4:50 p.m. at the AMC 6.  A Fish Story is about to roll. The theater darkens and we see a gorgeous panorama of Canadian forest, lakes and lake islands country. It seems that the ‘old school’ cinematography is working. Then we zero in on the father (played by SAM ROBERTS) finishing the day’s work on the fishing cabin. The story is now underway. My wife loves it. I love it.

You know, they say that a seamless black dress is one of the hardest things to make. No ruffles, no sashes, no raised patterns to hide the imperfections or distract the critical eye.  A dress like that is either a dud…or it’s dazzling. A Fish Story is the cinematic equivalent of that seamless, dazzling black dress. No sex, no profanity and no violence to distract the viewer from experiencing the deep emotions flowing from fundamentally good people grappling with intense grief.

Everyone in the cast does great job, with two actors in particular having to bear the story’s emotional weight: Eddie and Jayne.

Best Actor Eddie McClintock

EDDIE McCLINTOCK, Best Actor Nominee, played the wanted man who accidentally caused the father’s sudden death.  Eddie made us believe that his body had been taken over by the father, down to the subtle facial expressions. “I’ve always been into improvisations and mimicry,” explained Eddie after the show. “And I spent a lot of time hanging out with Sam and learning who he is.”

JAYNE HEITMEYER, Best Actress Nominee, gives a luminous performance as the grieving wife who unknowingly encounters her dead husband in a new guise. It would’ve been very easy for her character to descend into mawkishness or numbness. Instead she embodies a character that commands enormous sympathy.

Jayne Heitmeyer

The end credits roll to spontaneous applause from the AMC 6 audience. People are smiling, people are moved. “I really liked it.” “Great job.” Some eyes are visibly red from tears of emotion honestly earned. It seems that A Fish Story has made it into that small circle of family-friendly films that are neither silly nor insipid, but instead truly compelling. A “moving picture” that is “moving” in a far more important sense.

But will A Fish Story and its actors win BIFF’s top awards?

Act III. The Prestige

It’s Sunday night at the Castaway.  BIFF’s Gala Award Show & Dinner is underway. Industry luminaries are being honored first: writer/director/producer SHANE BLACK (Iron Man 3, etc.), award-winning composer MARCO BELTRAMI, animated feature director BRENDA CHAPMAN (Brave), distinguished actor JOHN SAVAGE, creature and concept designer NEVILLE PAGE (Avatar, etc.), ace sound mixer GREG P. RUSSELL, artist and sculptor MIKE HILL and social media campaigner/documentarian DAVE O’BRIEN.

This is one of BIFF’s advantages. It’s in the heart of Hollywood, offering at least the hope that industry movers and shakers will take notice…at least, we hope, for those that garnered the big awards.

The award categories for A Fish Story are near the very end of the ceremony, making the tension all the more excruciating. Finally:

Best Dramatic Feature Film….A Fish Story!

Best Actor…Eddie McClintock! (tied with Scott Wolf in Imagine)

Best Actress….Jayne Heitmeyer! (tied with Elizabeth Smith in Incident on Highway 73)

And The Winner is ‘A Fish Story’ pictured are Writer, Lead Actor and Actress,Director. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Sam tells the audience “he’s been friends with director Matt since they were teenagers.” Eddie says that Director Matt “explained that they were looking at ‘names’ for the role. So I told him, ‘When you get to the bottom of the list, call me!’ Then one day Matt calls me and says, ‘We’re at the bottom of the list!’” Jayne said how wonderful it was to work with people that were so committed to doing justice to Sam’s story.

More congratulations from well-wishers as their pictures get taken. It’s been a long night for Sam, Matt, Eddie and Jayne, but one with a happy ending.

Epilogue

A Fish Story has attracted industry interest.  There is still a distance to travel before there are firm deals and checks that don’t bounce. The ultimate destination of Sam’s movie lies in the unknown third act of a wider story.

But I’m sure of this: Sam has already succeeded in journeying deep into his own heart, with all its hopes, joys and griefs. And in so doing, he has also journeyed into the heart of filmmaking.

One hopes that is still the heart of Hollywood.

The post One Man’s Journey Into The Heart Of Filmmaking appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Last week I saw a documentary film about four brothers that made the movies talk.  Four brothers that shortly afterward (1928) planted their studio in Burbank and made it a big part of Hollywood. Four brothers that came to this county without a dollar in their frayed pockets or so much as a day’s formal schooling. They received their education in a gritty world that offered few safety nets beyond what a cohesive family could offer.

But America was a much better world for them than the one their parents left behind in the Poland of the 19^th century. Their father had brought them to a land where the anti-Semitism was less virulent, and where there was a real hope that his children would have better lives than he did. His hope was not in vain.

(Photo By Ross A. Benson)

The Brothers Warner: Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack. Harry was the steady-handed leader who never strayed from his moral compass. Sam was the artist and dreamer who saw the potential of the “Vitaphone” technology to turn the silents into the talkies. Albert tried to be the peacemaker between Harry and flamboyant kid brother Jack, who would one day break his Harry’s heart.

And Cass Warner-Sperling is the granddaughter (Harry’s) who makes us see just how amazing her grandfather and great uncles were, flaws, personal tragedies and all. She wrote, directed and produced The Brothers Warner. She used never-before-seen photos and footage from the family archives. More importantly, she brings her own insights formed since the days when she wandered and played among the back lots of Warner.

Cass had already authored the book, “The Brothers Warner.” Whether you read the book or watch the documentary, it’s easy enough to conclude that there’s a rollicking good movie or miniseries that could also be made about these film pioneers. The Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF) could not have chosen a more appropriate work for their opening night at Warner Bros.

If our modern day elites—the so-called “1%” of Occupy fame—were more like the brothers Warner, they would be admired rather than reviled.  To be sure, the brothers Warner wanted to make money, but they also wanted to make movies. Their contributions gave far more to this country than they received from those who willingly paid for their tickets. And the brothers’ collective conscience gave the movies a voice that informed as well as entertained.

(Photo By Ross A. Benson)

Warner Bros. exposed the brutality of the Depression Era prisons and sparked  reform. In spite of opposition from powerful interests more interested in profiting from 1930’s Nazi Germany than exposing it, their movies sounded the alarm about the atrocities occurring there. The brothers Warner never forgot that but for their dear father, they too may well have been marched off to a concentration camp.

Few people resent the man or woman who come by their wealth honestly: who give the world something good and wonderful, be it their version of better mousetrap (or mouse) or a winning game or a knockout performance. When people shake their fists at the “1%”, their rage is directed at the Wall Street Madoffs, and at the industry bigwigs that buy off politicians to injure their competitors, and at the execs who have no moral qualms about boosting quarterly profits by taking advantage of desperate, suicidal workers in Asia, and at the CEO’s that bail out with 50 million dollar parachutes as the companies they mismanaged crash and burn.  In short, the rage is against anyone who cheats their way to the top rather than earns their way to the top.

When Thomas Jefferson spoke about America fostering “a natural aristocracy of virtue and talent,” he wasn’t talking about people like those guys. He was talking about people like the brothers Warner. (OK, maybe he would’ve had reservations about Jack.) He was taking about “a band of brothers”—and sisters—that are as necessary in the world of business as in the arena of war.

It took guts to be a movie pioneer. Cass’s documentary makes us appreciate that it was far from clear that “talking movies” was a good idea. A lot of industry pundits were poised to do the autopsy on what they were sure would be a failed Warner Bros. studio. But the brothers trusted Sam, and each other, and won the battle for the public’s dollar. The brothers trusted Harry when he insisted on movies that awakened the public’s social conscience as well as entertained. Those were the “one-percenters” that you could love, or at least admire.

(Photo By Ross A. Benson)

John Steinbeck once said that in America, “the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.” The poor aren’t naive. They know only too well that only a small fraction of them will soar far above their poverty. But until lately, there was reason to believe that their children, and their children’s children would have it better than they did, and many of them would become society’s future movers and shakers.

No one at the turn of the 20th century would have supposed that four unlettered kids would transform the world of entertainment. But the America of that time, for all its injustices, allowed those with talent and grit and virtue to rise. At least, often enough to make their society a far richer one. That’s the America we desperately need today.

The brothers Warner: an example of how the other 1% should live.

The post The Brothers Warner: How The Other 1% Should Live appeared first on myBurbank.com.

SHANE BLACK was one of the industry heavyweights honored by the Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF) at its gala Awards Show and Dinner last Sunday night at the Castaways. Among his recent successes is the blockbuster Iron Man 3, which he had written, directed and produced. Early in his career, Shane had made his mark as the groundbreaking screenwriter for Lethal Weapon, a film that exhibits his signature story elements of action, thriller, noir and (black) comedy.

Shane Black

In his remarks to the packed BIFF audience, Shane noted that the failure rate for would-be screenwriters is daunting: 93% if not more. “But,” he noted, “If you’ve got talent, you move past the herd. The bad news,” he tells his eager audiences of budding screenwriters, “is that most of you don’t have talent.” Blunt words, but sometimes you have “to be cruel to be kind” to those who would attempt success in one of the world’s most competitive venues.

After the show, myBurbank.com caught up with Shane and asked him a follow up question.

myBurbank.com: How can a person tell  as early as possible if they have what it takes to be a successful screenwriter?

SHANE: Two things. One: Sit down and do it. Write the screenplay. Not the treatment, and not the list of ideas for a screenplay.  Two: Don’t do it alone. Get support. Joint a writer’s group, trade pages. That’s what I did.

So there you have it. If you have trouble getting past FADE IN, read “The War of Art” by Steven Pressman.  Take his words to heart: “There’s a secret to real writing that real writers know and wannabe writers don’t, and the secret is this: It’s not the writing part that’s hard. What’s hard is sitting down to write. What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.”

Joining a writers’ group that enforces accountability is one way to keep Resistance at bay as well as to give and receive support and encouragement. Isolation can be a dream killer. But so can the unwillingness to work and play well with others. As producer R.J. Johnson reminds us, “It’s not who you know, it who you know who likes you.”

A final quote from Pressman on behalf of those who have learned to overcome Resistance: “Contempt for failure is our cardinal virtue.”

The post A Snippet From Industry Powerhouse Shane Black appeared first on myBurbank.com.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank residents and firefighters will be safer thanks to another grant awarded by DeWitt Stern and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The $15,000 grant allows the Burbank Fire Department to purchase new radios, enabling firefighters to better communicate with each other – and with other responding agencies – at the scene of an emergency.

Burbank City Council member Bob Frutos speaks during a Check Passing Press Conference at Burbank Fire Headquarters.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

When firefighters can clearly articulate instructions and commands, the community is better served. In addition, this grant helps improve firefighter safety, as poor communication is one of the leading causes of firefighter injuries and deaths.

Burbank Fire Department officials, firefighters, and executives from DeWitt Stern and Fireman’s Fund will come together for a special public event where the grant will be presented and the equipment will be demonstrated:

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. This year, Fireman’s Fund celebrates its 150th anniversary. Founded in 1863 with a social mission to support the fire service, Fireman’s Fund today awards grants to fire service organizations for life-saving equipment, firefighter training and community education programs. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has awarded grants to more than 1,900 different organizations totaling more than $30 million – including more than $8.5 million in California. The Burbank Fire Department has received more than $400,000 through this grant program, which is more than any other fire department on the West Coast.

Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like DeWitt Stern, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service. Through this program, DeWitt Stern has directed over $800,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide – including $257,000 to Burbank Fire.

Burbank Fire Chief Tom Lenahan demonstrates how the donation will be used for new VHF radios. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“This generous grant from Fireman’s Fund and DeWitt Stern supports my top priorities of enhancing the safety of our firefighters and our community,” said Burbank Fire Chief Tom Lenahan. “We couldn’t be more thankful for all of the support we’ve received from Fireman’s Fund and its independent agencies such as DeWitt Stern. In fact, one of the grants we previously received funded a simulator that teaches firefighters to recognize the signs of a possible flashover – and the training has been credited with saving several firefighters from this dangerous scenario caused by a room superheating to its ignition point.”

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We are honored to support the fire service and the communities they serve in partnership with Fireman’s Fund,” said John Hamby, managing director of Dewitt Stern of California Insurance Services. “Giving back to the community is an important value that we share.”

“Supporting firefighters for safer communities was one the founding principles of Fireman’s Fund back in 1863,” adds Andrew Torrance, president and chief executive officer of Fireman’s Fund. “As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we must not only reflect on the company’s many accomplishments, but we must look to the future and how we support the challenges faced by firefighters today. This grant does just that.”

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

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By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor

GIRLS TENNIS:

Burbank 18 Burroughs 0 (Bulldogs pick up one point in the myBurbank CUP competition)

Singles- (Burbank)  Meredy Gharabegi 6-0, 6-1, 6-0; Lilit Vardanyan 6-0, 6-0, 6-0; Nicole Merrit 6-0, 6-1, 6-0.

Doubles- (Burbank) Gabrielle Markari and Marny Ehmann 6-3, 6-1, 6-1; Elizabeth Sanchez and Veronica Mendoza 6-2, 6-0, 6-0; Leona Torosian and Natalie Pickles 7-6 (8-6), 6-4; Leona Torosian and Yeva Petrosyan 6-1

Burbank 17 South Pasadena 1

Burbank 18 Monrovia 0

BOYS WATER POLO:

Burroughs 13 Monrovia 4

Burroughs 11 Mark Keppel 4

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Hart 3 Burroughs 1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 26-24)

GIRLS GOLF:

Second league match (at La Canada GC)-  Burroughs 3rd / Burbank 6th: Indians get one point in the myBurbank CUP competition

Burroughs vs. San Marino & La Canada

Low Medalist_Cameron McCrary___Score_40 Joany Gao         Score 42

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