Eighteen people have gathered at the Burbank Fire Training Center for the last four Saturdays, for seven hours each day.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Fire Cert Program)

They are taking classes that are part of the Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, program. The program essentially teaches people to be self sufficient and temporary first responders when a catastrophe hits.

Burbank resident Beverly Hergenroeder is taking the class with her husband, and said one of the things the class isn’t, is CPR.

“The CERT program is designed for major disasters, although they highly recommend taking CPR and we’re actually scheduled to take it with the Red Cross,” Hergenroeder said.

Saturday, Oct. 10 marked the completion of the program, and Hergenroeder and her classmates also took part in a mock disaster exercise, where student volunteers wore makeup to simulate injuries, to practice the skills they learned.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Hergenroeder said by phone before the class ended that she was nervous and excited about Saturday, and talked about some of the highlights of the course.

“On a very personal note, it’s very exciting to find out, that after taking the course, if there is some kind of emergency in our home, if my husband is injured, I can get him on my back and get him out of the house,” she said. “At 52, I’m not sure I could say I could drag a 200-pound man out of the house. It’s very empowering.”

As to why she does this, Hergenroeder said: “The corny answer is you become part of the solution and not part of the problem. You’re not in a position where you feel like a victim, you know you can be proactive. I would think it would help just knowing that if something were to happen, that you know what to do. You know how to be prepared.”

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Hergenroeder said she first took a CERT class about 20 years ago when she was single, and had just moved to the Los Angeles area.

“I was afraid of earthquakes, I grew up in New York City,” she said, adding that she took the class after either the 1994 Northridge Earthquake or the 1987 Whittier Narrows quake.

The Northridge Earthquake was a magnitude 6.7 and is considered one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, causing billions of dollars in property damage. The 5.9 magnitude Whittier earthquake caused about $360 million in damages.

“The startling thing was how quickly all the resources in L.A. were used,” Hergenroeder said. “In a matter of minutes, the professional resources had been deployed. I had to learn to take care of myself. Fear can paralyze you. So anything to help me figure out what to do, instead of panicking, seemed like a good idea.”

Eric Baumgardner, emergency management coordinator with the Burbank Fire Dept. and the city’s emergency manager, said CERT classes are offered by the Burbank Fire Dept. to the general public in the spring and fall.

Baumgardner, who volunteered with the Burbank Fire Dept. from 1996 to 2013, said CERT plays a valuable role in the city.

“CERT teaches regular people in the neighborhood how to prepare for an emergency, how to take care of themselves, their family and their neighborhood,” Baumgardner said. “They become a force multiplier for the city in a catastrophic incident.”

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

When an emergency is declared, “CERT or Burbank Fire Corps Program volunteers can be sent to neighborhoods to do non-hazardous work, or sent to a park to assist with basic medical treatment,” Baumgardner said. “They can be used as part of the city’s resources.”

Instructors include Baumgardner and credentialed instructors from the fire corps program, a non-hazardous support operations volunteer program of the Burbank Fire Dept.

The Los Angeles City Fire Dept. (LAFD) created what is now known as CERT in 1985 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) took the program nationally in the early 90s, Baumgardner said.

Brittany Vaughan, director of operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley, said she completed the CERT class in the spring, and had prior knowledge of CERT because her parents participated in the program when she was younger.

“I always knew it would be important for someone in the nonprofit world and who works for an organization that serves a lot of kids, to have someone who is trained in emergency response,” Vaughan said.

She had not taken a CERT class before, and among the things Vaughan said she learned was how to put out fires and how to search for people in a building.

“Again, I work with kids and to know how to go back into a building and do a proper search, and then the extra information on how to create an emergency kit for a certain amount of people or size of the building was invaluable,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan said she shared the information with the staff and went back and rewrote their crisis management plan, incorporating building search techniques in earthquake and fire drills.

She is considering going back to CERT classes periodically, as she is aware it can be advantageous to do so, especially to the last class where an emergency is simulated.

“But I would love to see others in my organization or other nonprofits get trained as well,” Vaughan said.

Baumgardner, the city’s emergency manager, said there is a plan to host bi-monthly meetings for nonprofits starting in 2016 (there may be an official kickoff before the end of 2015). One of the goals is to link nonprofit service providers in the community so they are able to work with each other and support each other following an emergency.

Ralph Rodriguez is among the 18 members of the current class. The eight-year resident also hails from New York City and said it is the first time he has taken such a class.

For Rodriguez, helping others is important.

“I think that we, as a community, have to….try to help each other,” Rodriguez said. “I come from a background where my grandparents were community organizers.”

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Rodriguez said another reason he chose to participate is because an emergency is inevitable.

“It’s not if something is going to happen, it’s when, and when it does, we need to forget about lines of division and focus on on what brings us together,” Rodriguez said. “When something happens, I can do my part to help my neighbor, regardless of our political beliefs. I want to teach that to my children, [that] it’s not,

Members of this class are: Beverly Hergenroder,Ken Hergenroder,Steven Wakimoto

Anthony Hacha,Trent Welker,Oas Hawili,Alex Escobar,Anthony Martinez,Branden Campos

Patrick Baba,Rie Hagihara,Mary Totten,Ralph Rodriquez and Julianna Rogers

Instructors of this class are: Grant Palmer,Rob Powell,Sherilyn Lee,Joe Arnone,Gerald Lehtola

Vicky Reagan and Diane Western

‘Every man for himself.'”

For more information on CERT, visit: www.burbankcert.org

The post Community Emergency Response Team Trains Residents appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burbank High School Drama Department presents All in the Timing, a collection of six one-act plays, on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17. Written by David Ives, All in the Timing, is directed by the school’s new Theater teacher, Ted DeVirgilis.

DeVirgilis replaced former theater head Brooks Gardner, who retired in June, and “knew Ives’ All in the Timing — six silly, smart, illuminating one-act comedies about relativity, randomness and our place in the space-time continuum — would be the perfect first play to direct, and something he’s wanted to tackle for 20 years since first seeing a production of it while attending Syracuse University.”

Twelfth-graders Chelsy Cordon Rojas and Vicktor Aggerwhil examine “Variations on the Death of Trotsky” for Burbank High’s performance of “All In The Timing.” (Photo Courtesy Burbank High School Drama Dept.)

The production includes, according to DeVirgilis: “Sure Thing,” which shows how tough it is for two people to make a love connection, as a bell rings whenever one makes a faux-pas; “Words, Words, Words” invokes the infinite monkey theorem – three monkeys left with enough time will eventually write Hamlet; “Universal Language” introduces to Burbank a new way to communicate, bringing all the languages of the world – and two lonely characters – into harmony; “The Philadelphia” follows a character stuck in a state of being that resembles a black hole… but also serves cheese steak; “Variations on the Death of Trotsky” reveals the Russian revolutionary leader on his final day, coping with the time-space continuum and an axe in his head; “Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread” is a 10-minute slice of avant-garde madness, which is what happens whenever the minimalist composer simply visits a bakery.

“This is not your typical high school play, but I’m sure the audience will laugh. But it’s also challenging, and I want them to think,” commented DeVirgilis. “And there at least one time when things on stage are so strange, they might even be a little disturbed. Nothing for parents to be worried about.”

“Just taking a closer look at things we take for granted or looking at them in a different way. What’s better than being surprised at the theatre?”

Ariana Roth , Margarita Yazichyan and Paige Eccles provide Scene Change Lazzi, or physical comedy/entertainment in between scene changes for the acts.

The production’s design team includes set designer Karen Broderick, who is also the Drama Department’s new Stagecraft teacher, costumes by Marissa Maynes and lighting professional Derrick Kolus, who is assisted by twelfth-grader Hunter Stockwell.

“This has been a great show to work on because Ted DeVirgilis was open to taking the way the play is written with its rhythms, patterns and repetition, along with its quirks and comedy and relativity,” said Broderick who conceptualized the play’s very abstract sets. “He let us really put it into the scenery, lighting and costumes.”

“There are walls that move after every piece and reform to another completely different setting,” added Broderick. “It’s been a great collaboration between myself as set designer, Derrick Kolus, the lighting designer, and Marissa Maynes, the costume designer, to support Ted and give him a strong pallet to work with on his first show as the new Director of Theater at BHS.”

Fiona Maeve Czerwinski, grade 11, and Joshua Johnson, grade 12, rehearse a scene from “Sure Thing” as part of the Burbank High Fall Drama performance “All In The Timing.” (Photo Courtesy Burbank High School Drama Dept.)

DeVirgilis, who spent the past 12 years as a teacher at John Muir Middle School, is very excited to share his training and expertise with his talented young actors.

“What I want to do with the students at Burbank High is give them some of those skills they’ll get in college, different acting methods and vocal training,” he explained. “I want to show them that acting is more than just getting up there and getting a quick laugh. That there’s an art to it all.”

“I’ve helped with the program and making sure things behind the scenes are running smoothly so Mr. DeVirgilis can be with the actors,” said Assistant Director and BHS student Naira Demirchian. “I think the play is coming along really well and Mr. D’s doing a great job with them.”

“They’re putting together a really amazing play with a lot of great stories. They’re funny but also very heartwarming. And our sets are incredible! I just hope I helped in any way I can because I know Mr. D wants this play to be fantastic, and I fully believe it will be.”

“I would like to just say this has been an amazing and challenging experience; it’s a difficult play but it has tons of potential,” commented Brandon Kilham, who appears in “Universal Language.” “I am very excited to see how things turn out and very thankful [for] Mr. DeVirgilis’ commitment and hard work.”

Pre-sale tickets can be found at BurbankDrama.com, where tickets are $10.00 for general admission, $20 for reserved VIP seats. On the day of the show, adults are $15, Students $10, Students w/ASB cards are $5. BHS is located at 902 N. 3rd Street, Burbank 91502.

The post Burbank High Drama Presents “All In The Timing” appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A 44-year-old man and his wife were charged today with child abuse after Burbank police discovered a live hand grenade and illegal drugs in their home, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday in a press release.

Peter Jacquin and Deborah Charves, both of Burbank, face two felony counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance: heroin and methamphetamine; and one felony count each of possession of destructive device: hand grenade; and child abuse.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty today in case GA097308 and are scheduled to return on Nov. 3 in Department 1 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Burbank Branch, for a hearing to set a date for a preliminary hearing.

On Thursday, October 8, investigators watched the resident, identified by police as Jacquin, conduct a suspected drug transaction in a nearby parking lot during the surveillance. After he was detained by police a short time later, investigators served a search warrant at the home where Jacquin’s wife, Charves, was detained.

The home was found to be in disarray with drugs and drug paraphernalia left out in plain sight and within reach of the couple’s 10 year-old son according to police.

Bail was set at $155,000 for Jacquin and $130,000 for Charves.

If convicted as charged, Jacquin faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years and four months in state prison and Charves eight years and four months in state prison.

The Burbank Police Department continues to investigate the case.

The post Live Grenade Couple Also Now Charged With Child Abuse appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank residents may have noticed the presence of police officers from other cities at large events such as a car meetup that was taking place at the Empire Center, called Krispy Kreme Tuesdays.

In Alhambra, residents there may have noticed the presence of Burbank police during that city’s summer music festivals, events that call for the closing of major streets to accommodate attendees.

This sharing of resources is referred to as mutual aid, and fire and police departments from different cities count on each other for support for significant events, whether planned or not.

“If there is an operation that occurs in the county where we need resources, we can draw from each other,” said Burbank Police Lt. John Dilibert.

Officially called the Los Angeles County Law Enforcement Mutual Aid System, which Burbank is a part of, the agreement means that Burbank and others in the region respond when and where there is a need, Dilibert said.

Los Angeles County is broken down into groups and subgroups, and Burbank and other cities including Glendale, Pasadena and Alhambra, as well as Bob Hope Airport police, are part of what is called Area C, he said.

Dilibert, a 28-year veteran and watch commander in the patrol division, is the designated Area C coordinator, and has been working in mutual aid for 11 years.

“I manage all Area C operations, I’m the liaison to various cities,” Dilibert said, adding that he assists a captain with the Alhambra Police Dept. who is basically in charge of the group.

The Rose Bowl is one example of an event that calls for mutual aid, Dilibert said, and in Glendale, a Black Lives Matter rally called for additional resources to that city.

“When President Barack Obama comes through town for fundraising, and lands at Bob Hope Airport, and wants to go on The Ellen DeGeneres Show or when he was on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Burbank had to bring in resources to help the president get from Point A to Point B,” Dilibert said.

A watch commander from each department can activate mutual aid, but usually it is the liaison, Dilibert said.

He also discussed how he can go and assist the San Marino Police Dept., and step in, and become a San Marino cop. When Glendale needed help, he became a temporary watch commander at the Glendale Police Dept.

“We work together, it’s a good group,” Dilibert said, adding that law enforcement can really go anywhere in the state of California.

Burbank Police SWAT Officers train on how to use a fire hose in case they need to fight a fire in an area too dangerous for firefighters. Although not part of mutual aid, police and firefighters train together as they often both respond to emergencies. (Photo Courtesy Police Lt. Adam Cornils)

Dilibert said this also happens because of the demand the public puts on law enforcement “to get [life] back to normal as soon as possible. An earthquake or fire is coming in California. A freeway could collapse. We need to bring governing [back] to normal, we just might need extra people.”

Burbank Police Lt. Adam Cornils, a former spokesperson for the department and watch commander, said that in an area as dense as Los Angeles County, mutual aid is the recognition that a major critical incident, whether that is a crime scene or wildfire, will impact the entire region.

Burbank Firefighters and Burbank Police SWAT Officers share training time. (Photo Courtesy Police Lt. Adam Cornils)

“An individual city probably can’t put in the resources to handle that,” Cornils said, “and there’s a contract agreement among cities that they will send a certain percent of their resources to help partner cities.”

Prior to his promotion to lieutenant and watch commander, Cornils served as the department’s emergency operation coordinator, and worked with the Burbank Fire Dept., the city’s public works department, schools and the airport.

“I made sure we were ready to work with other agencies that were not in our usual field,” Cornils said. “Now, as a patrol watch commander, if something major kicks off, I can request [resources] and will manage the inflow of resources and make sure they are getting assigned appropriately.”

Burbank Firefighters train Burbank Police SWAT Officers on how to operate a ladder truck in case they need to fight a fire in an area too dangerous for firefighters. (Photo Courtesy Police Lt. Adam Cornils)

Eric Baumgardner, the emergency management coordinator with Burbank fire and the city’s emergency manager, said fire departments have what is called Automatic Aid through the Verdugo Fire Communications Center (Verdugo System).

The Verdugo system is the dispatch center for the unified fire response of Alhambra, Arcadia, Burbank, Glendale, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and Bob Hope Airport, Baumgardner said. Through an Automatic Aid agreement, these agencies run a borderless response system across the Verdugo System similar.

Throughout the state there is the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement; however that only applies during a Governor proclaimed State of Emergency or State of War Emergency, he said.

Burbank Fire units responding up north as part of a strike team made up of made up of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena units. (Photo Courtesy of Batallion Chief Jeffrey Howe)

As an example of mutual aid, Baumgardner mentioned Universal Studios, which contracts with the L.A. County Fire Dept. (LACoFD). L.A. County fire has an agreement with Burbank that if something happens, Burbank will assist them. Burbank, in turn, gets L.A.County resources for things like a brush fire, he said.

Baumgardner said Burbank fire crews worked up north for different fires, and that a couple of strike teams were gone for 14 days. He added that the strike teams were mixed, with personnel and resources from Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.

Verdugo Strike Team (Strike Team 1203A) made up of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena units at the “Rocky Fire” in northern California. (Photo Courtesy of Batallion Chief Jeffrey Howe)

Burbank Fire Chief Tom Lenahan said fire departments are on “the tip of the spear” when it comes to the California mutual aid system, which started in the 1950s.

“When a major incident wildfire happens and resources are overtapped, someone will put out a request for help,” Lenahan said. “When the northern part of California starts to burn, we’ll take resources from the south. In the south, we are entering the Santa Ana Winds cycle, which runs from October to the end of the year, or to January or February. So, the north will send resources when we’re overtaxed. It’s a fantastic system…it’s neighbor helping neighbor, and improving the service we currently have.”

The post Through Mutual Aid, Burbank Never Stands Alone appeared first on myBurbank.com.

There was no denying the effort nor the will to win, but it took every ounce of talent and skill in order for the Burbank High girls’ volleyball team to rally past host Glendale in a Pacific League match on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs prevailed, 22-25, 25-16, 19-25, 25-21, 15-5, and the scores indicate just how close it was, but also showed Burbank’s resolve.

“Our momentum in each game was like a roller coaster ride,” Burbank coach Karl Rojo said. “Glendale gave us a good fight. We need to be more consistent and we need to play with more energy and focus.”

Had the Bulldogs not taken the fourth game, it would have been all over, but Burbank was not to be denied.

In an earlier match with the Nitros on Sept. 17, visiting Glendale prevailed, 15-25, 25-19, 25-15, 29-27.

With the score 18-18 in the fourth game on a kill from junior outside hitter Hailey Heath, Burbank then outscored Glendale, 7-3, to take the stanza.

During this run, sophomore setter Melissa Daniel had an ace that made it 20-18. Junior opposite hitter Rachel Wiley had a winner to make it 21-19, and junior outside hitter Colette Reynolds had a kill that made it 22-19 as the Nitros called time out.

Heath’s ace gave Burbank a 23-19 advantage and a blast from Reynolds vaulted the Bulldogs in front 24-20. A winner from Reynolds gave the Bulldogs the game.

Burbank needed five games to defeat Glendale in a Pacific League match. Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

The fourth game was tied 3-3 and 4-4 on a hit from junior middle blocker Nicole Winters, but Glendale pulled ahead 7-4 on an ace from sophomore defensive specialist Angela Salazar.

Glendale (10-6 and 7-2 in league) outscored the Bulldogs, 6-5, with Wiley delivering an ace that trimmed Glendale’s lead to 12-10.

A kill from Heath lowered Glendale’s lead to 16-15, and Heath’s winner tied it at 18-18.

“Physically we’re capable of playing well,” Wiley said. “But I think it gets into our heads too much. This game is more mental than physical. We need to stay strong mentally. We know what we’re capable of doing.”

Burbank jumped to a 4-0 lead in the fifth game on kills from Reynolds and Winters and a pair of aces from junior libero Carly Palmisano.

“It seems that when we’re on, we’re really on, but when we’re off, we’re really off,” Palmisano said of the team’s occasional inconsistencies. “I think we need to build our mental strength. I really see myself as a calm person. I’m able to talk to the team and get them to calm down and play like we’re capable of.”

When Winters delivered a smash to make it 8-2, the Nitros called time out, but the onslaught continued as the Bulldogs marched ahead 11-5 on a winner from Heath.

When Winters (match-best 18 kills) served four straight aces, Burbank took the game.

The Bulldogs (7-5 and 5-3 in league) began the second stanza strong as they took a 6-0 lead with points coming on three aces from Daniel and a kill from Heath.

Middle blocker Nicole Winters (#27), shown against Burroughs, was a key as the Bulldogs raced past the Nitros. (Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Burbank went on a 7-3 blitz with points coming on a winner from Heath (eight kills) that made it 7-1. A Reynolds bullet made it 8-2, and Palmisano’s ace gave the Bulldogs a 9-2 edge.

Reynolds (16 kills) had a kill that made it 10-2 and prompted Glendale to call time, and a rocket from Winters made it 11-3. Daniel’s kill pushed Burbank’s advantage to 12-3, and a Winters smash made it 13-3.

The Bulldogs led 16-4 and 17-4 on aces from Reynolds, and led 18-6 on Heath’s kill. Heath’s tapper made it 19-7, and Burbank bolted ahead 20-10 on Wiley’s smash.

The Bulldogs pulled in front 23-15 on a kill from Winters, while an ace from Winters put away the game.

The opening game was tied at 21-21 when Heath’s attempt landed in the net. Burbank led 22-21 on a tapper from Heath, but Glendale tied it at 22-22 when Burbank sophomore middle blocker Bene Snyder’s shot sailed out of bounds.

Junior defensive specialist Nicolette Pirjanian’s ace gave the Nitros a 23-22 lead which led Burbank to ask for a time out.

The Bulldogs led 1-0 in the initial game on Snyder’s kill, and 4-1 on Snyder’s tapper. Burbank pulled ahead 7-5 on a winner from Reynolds, but the Nitros tied it at 8-8 on a blast from senior middle blocker Sophie Georges (13 kills).

Burbank forged ahead 15-11 on a bullet from Heath, and 16-11 on senior opposite hitter Marina Manokian’s block. It became 19-14 on a slam from Winters and 20-17 on a tapper from Reynolds.

Burbank led 4-1 in the third game on an ace from Heath, and it was even at 6-6 on Salazar’s ace. It was tied at 7-7 and 9-9, but the Bulldogs moved ahead 12-9 on a hit from Daniel.

It was level at 13-13 when Wiley’s smash floated out of bounds, but Burbank seized control 14-13 on Heath’s winner. Glendale tied it at 14-14 when Wiley’s shot sailed out of bounds.

The Nitros took control by taking the next five points as Georges’ ace made it 19-14. From there, Glendale outscored the Bulldogs, 6-5, for the game.

The post Burbank Needs Five To Subdue Glendale appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Sports Editor

Four games remain in the Pacific League race and the action begins tonight at Moyse Field as Burbank High meets Hoover, while Burroughs plays at Arcadia on Friday in a battle for first place.

The Bulldogs (3-3 and 2-1 in league) are coming off a 61-7 rout of visiting Glendale and hope to add the Tornadoes to the list of victims.

Hoover has one victory on its resume versus Sotomayor, 41-18, but have dropped four straight including three league matches. In those games, the Tornadoes have scored six points and fallen, 37-0 at Pasadena, 48-6 at Burroughs and 49-0 versus Crescenta Valley.

Hoover prefers to run the football with sophomore running back Maurice Herrera accounting for 296 yards and one score. Senior fullback Calvin Lopez has 204 yards with two touchdowns, and junior quarterback Quinton Smith has 186 yards and one touchdown. Smith has 54 yards through the air.

This game could get ugly real fast and sophomore running back Darnell Williams will lead the charge after rushing for 403 yards with three touchdowns.

Sophomore running back Blake Quinteros has 242 yards with a pair of scores, and junior running back Nick Warren has 176 yards and two touchdowns.

Burbank’s passing attack is spearheaded by junior quarterback Guy Gibbs, who has thrown for 585 yards with eight scoring passes and three interceptions.

Gibbs will target junior wide receiver Forest Fajardo, who has grabbed 16 passes for 233 yards with four touchdowns.

Burbank’s defensive charge will be on display tonight against Hoover. (Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Junior defensive back Andy Reyes is a stalwart with 53 solo tackles and 17 assists and two sacks, while Fajardo, a defensive back, has 21 solo tackles with five assists, three interceptions and six passes defended.

Senior defensive back David Medrano has one sack with two passes defended, 23 solo tackles and 21 assists, and junior defensive back Miguel Vasquez has five passes defended, one pick, one fumble recovery and 25 solo tackles with 14 assists.

The Indians (5-1 and 3-0 in league) own a five-game winning streak and have scored 40 points or more in those games. The Indians’ defense is stout and could wreak havoc against the Apaches.

Senior quarterback Steven Hubbell will need to be sharp and has thrown for 801 yards with 15 scores and two interceptions. Hubbell has four rushing scores.

Burroughs quarterback Steven Hubbell will be counted on versus Arcadia. (Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Junior tailback Chance Bell is the workhorse after accounting for 837 yards with 15 scores. Senior wide receiver Erick Hernandez has caught 17 passes for 222 yards with eight touchdowns, and senior wide receiver Cade Borland has 233 yards on 18 catches and two scores.

On the defensive side, the Indians are hard-hitting, relentless and paced by many including senior defensive back Jarret Wrobel, who has 15 solo tackles and 13 assists, four interceptions and four passes defended, senior linebacker Branden Garcia, who has six solo tackles and 32 assists, and senior defensive back Robert Awunganyi, who has 14 solo tackles with 15 assists and five passes defended.

Senior linebacker Josue Chicas Ortiz has eight solo tackles, 22 assists, one sack and two fumble recoveries.

Arcadia (4-2 and 3-0 in league) has beaten host Glendale 42-0, blasted Pasadena 38-7 on the road and edged host Muir 8-7, after losing its first two games at home to Bell Gardens (42-37) and Monrovia (60-45), but defeated host Maranatha (21-20).

Senior quarterback Nico Hillier has passed for 1,009 yards and has nine touchdowns with three picks. Hillier has 309 yards with five scores on the ground.

Junior running back Bradley Mills has churned out 404 yards with seven scores, while freshman running back Jahlique Stephens has 303 yards with three touchdowns. Senior running back Quentin Cortes has 207 yards and one score.

Junior wide receiver Raeshawn Roland has 20 catches for 428 yards with four scores, senior wide receiver Justin Mascorro has 13 receptions for 236 yards and three touchdowns, while Mills has 11 catches for 117 yards.

Senior cornerback Vernon Crenshaw has 12 solo tackles with 36 assists, two sacks and two fumble recoveries, while junior middle linebacker Clayton Barnett has 11 solo tackles, 53 assists with two picks, two sacks and one fumble recovery.

The post BHS Plays At Hoover; JB Travels To Arcadia appeared first on myBurbank.com.

A strange high school tradition has been noted in vintage pictures of Burbank High School.

It seems every year in October a rather large pumpkin was placed at the crown of the roof over the main entrance to the school. No one has been able to give us and explanation if it was a ritual or a decoration only or possibly a yearly student prank.

But the fact that pictures in old yearbooks and other professional photos show the Pumpkin up there and then later it is gone, causes us to wonder.

Visit the Burbankia website for more great Burbank history

The post FLASHBACK FRIDAY: The Burbank High School Pumpkin appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Students at William McKinley Elementary School were visited by five historical figures on Monday, October 12, as part of the ongoing Time Travelers program. John Burroughs High School students in Guy Myers’ Play Production class brought the characters of Sarah Goodson, Annie Sullivan, Sacagewea, John Muir and Paul Revere to life.

Madison Mayer portrayed pilgrim Sarah Goodson complete with an English accent and described what crossing the Atlantic on the Mayflower may have been like to first grade classrooms.

Madison Mayer describes the rocking of the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Helen Keller’s teacher, Annie Sullivan, who was herself blind, was portrayed by Maddie Seiffert. Second-graders learned about Annie Sullivan’s desire for an education in the face of challenging odds.

“This is the second year I’ve been lucky enough to play Annie Sullivan in Time Travelers,” commented Seiffert. “I love her; she’s a stubborn woman and I feel connected with her because of it.”

Helen Keller’s teacher Annie Sullivan, acted by Maddie Seiffert, talks to second-graders at McKinley. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“Her story is incredible and one I first learned in Mr. Myers’ classroom while reading The Miracle Worker,” she added. “It feels like full circle, starting with reading her in his class and finally playing her.”

“It’s also remarkable because while I’m learning sign language now, so I can bring that to the classroom. I make the kids spell the alphabet and if they’re fantastic, they learn more like numbers and specific signs they want to know. It’s incredible to watch their eyes light up as their fingers spell and their love of learning just beaming from their faces. Playing Annie is one of my favorite parts of the year!”

Third-graders were visited by Sarah Weaver as Sacagewea, who talked about exploration of America on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Griffin Dooley played the role of naturalist and preservationist John Muir. He told fourth-graders about early life in Scotland, his family’s emigration to a Wisconsin farm and his travels throughout the Sierras.

Sully Zack entered the fifth-grade classrooms complete with lantern and tricorn hat, reciting the famous Henry Longfellow poem “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” He, too, talked about life in his particular time period in America and some of his historical actions, engaging the kids with a little humor, too.

“Traveling through time to bring the story of Paul Revere and his Midnight Ride to the excited fifth grade students at McKinley Elementary was such an awesome experience!” Zack said. “The students were so welcoming and eager to learn.”

Sully Zack bought some humor to his Time Traveler character of Paul Revere. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“I loved being able to teach the class about the life of Paul Revere, but my favorite part had to be answering their questions– because in doing so, I  got to test not only my historical knowledge, but also my improvisation skills,” he went on to say. “I had such a blast, and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Teachers at McKinley Elementary prepared their students in advance for each Time Travelers’ visit. After each Time Traveler talk, elementary students then asked questions about the character and their life in America.

The Time Travelers program was created in 2003 by Joyce Costanza-Moskowitz and first visited Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School. Adult volunteers portrayed the Travelers until 2013 when Burroughs High School students first stepped into the roles, taking the program to Bret Harte Elementary, according to program coordinator Lisa Dyson.

Sarah Weaver as Sacagewea described life on the Lewis & Clark Expedition. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

Burbank High School students went to Miller in 2014 and McKinley Elementary joined the progam that same year. JBHS and BHS students visit elementary schools in Burbank in the fall and spring, portraying 10 different characters every year.

“As co-author of the book, Time Travelers: A Living History, along with Shiela Cavalluzzi, I remember our great passion for wanting to bring more history into our children’s classrooms… thus this program was born,” commented Costanza-Moskowitz. “I cannot tell you how gratifying it is to see our ‘baby’ is still vital and thriving in elementary schools today!”

Griffin Dooley portrayed naturalist John Muir for the Time Travelers program at McKinley Elementary. (Photo By Lisa Paredes)

“Kids learn in so many just-being-talked-about kinds of ways, so putting a visual, auditory and tactile program like Time Travelers in front of them is or should be, a no-brainer,” she continued.

“Thank you to Lisa Dyson and the many others who came before her, in keeping Time Travelers alive and well. One might say you’re making history happen. Today!”

Burbank High drama students plan to take the Time Travelers program back to Emerson, where the very first Time Travelers began.

Support from high school drama teachers Myers and BHS’ Ted DeVirgilis is vital to the success of the program, added Dyson.

She also thanked the participating elementary school PTAs for their ongoing support of the program since its inception.

“This is wonderful opportunity for drama students to research their character(s), perform that character multiple times in front of different audiences,and be able to improvise as their Time Traveler during Q & A sessions.,” commented Dyson. “It’s excellent real world training for students who wish to continue studies in theatre arts. And its fun!”

The post Time Travelers Bring Historical Figures To Life At McKinley Elementary appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Burbank High’s football team scored through the air, on the ground and via a fumble return, and after Thursday’s 49-0 shellacking of Hoover in a Pacific League game at Moyse Field, the Bulldogs hope to make a serious run at a league title over their final three games.

The Bulldogs led 14-0 after the first quarter, and 35-0 at the intermission before tallying a touchdown in the third and fourth quarter.

“We’re trying to get better every week because we’re preparing for a championship,” Burbank coach Richard Broussard said. “Everything we do is important. That’s our philosophy. Every rep, every snap. If we have a team-first mentality, then we’ll be able to keep up with the league.”

It looked easy against the over-matched Tornadoes (1-6 and 0-4 in league), who have scored six points in four league games.

Despite the lopsided victory, Broussard wants to see an even better and more-refined product on the field. “We didn’t play well in the first half, but we played better in the second half,” he said. “I’ve got to do a better job. It’s on me.”

Defensive back Andy Reyes on his way to a score after fumble recovery versus Hoover. Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Burbank (4-3 and 3-1 in league) scored on its initial series when junior running back Andy Reyes (31 yards on five rushes) scored from nine yards out and capped a 65-yard, nine-play drive that made it 7-0 with 6:20 left in the first quarter.

“We’ve got to keep it going,” said Reyes, who had a 25-yard fumble return for a score that made it 28-0 with 3:40 left in the second quarter. “We need to get back to work. It’s still a long way until we play Burroughs [Nov. 6]. It’s still too early to talk about it, but we’re trying to get better each game.”

On Burbank’s third series, the Bulldogs, who have won four of their last five games, marched from Hoover’s 41-yard line and seven plays later pulled ahead 14-0 on a two-yard blast from sophomore running back Blake Quinteros (six carries for 15 yards) that made it 14-0 late in the first quarter.

It became 21-0 when junior defensive back Forest Fajardo intercepted Hoover junior quarterback Quinton Smith, and returned the football 23 yards as the Bulldogs took possession at the Tornadoes’ six-yard line.

Defensive back Forest Fajardo had a solid performance in a 49-0 win against the Tornadoes. Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Two plays later, Quinteros scored on a three-yard run and 4:51 left in the second quarter for a three-touchdown lead.

Burbank junior quarterback Guy Gibbs had a 13-yard scoring pass to Fajardo with 1:22 left in the second quarter that made it 35-0.

“Guy grew up tonight,” Broussard said of Gibbs. “He threw some darts in the second half. There were some dropped passes in the opening half, but he played well.”

Gibbs led the Bulldogs (305 total net yards) on an 82-yard, 12-play march that ended when sophomore tailback Darnell Williams (45 yards on 12 carries) found the end zone from six yards out and 3:43 remaining in the third quarter as Burbank led, 42-0.

BHS quarterback Guy Gibbs is maturing each game according to Coach Richard Broussard. Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

“I’m happy with my play,” said Gibbs, who hit on 12 of 23 pass attempts for 173 yards and no interceptions. “I’m maturing with the club. I think the offense can do even better.”

Gibbs went on: “Our defense did outstanding. I think that if we finish as a team, we’re going to be in the hunt for the league title.”

For good measure, Burbank pulled ahead 49-0 on a 12-yard sprint with 11:53 left in the fourth quarter from junior wide receiver Joey Miller (17 yards on two rushes).

Burbank’s next league game is at Arcadia on Oct. 23. The Apaches host Burroughs tonight in a contest for first place.

The post Burbank Football Rips Apart Hoover, 49-0 appeared first on myBurbank.com.

October 18-23, 2015

• On Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., I-5 will be fully closed from Hollywood Way to Burbank Boulevard so that Burbank Water and Power can safely relocate overhead power lines. The on- and off-ramps between Hollywood Way and Burbank Boulevard will be closed as well. Southbound I-5 motorists will be diverted at Hollywood Way and northbound I-5 motorists will be diverted at Burbank Boulevard. A signed detour will be posted.
• For the safety of motorists during pile driving for a new railroad bridge, one lane of southbound Buena Vista Street will be closed intermittently on weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October 23, 2015. For more information, click here.

Construction activities and closures are subject to change. 

Work will occur during daytime hours unless otherwise noted.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

SR 134 to Magnolia Boulevard

Alameda Avenue: Construction of concrete bridge barriers.

Magnolia Boulevard to Buena Vista Street

Southbound I-5 Buena Vista Street Off-Ramp: Paving and striping (night work).

Buena Vista Bridge (Winona Bridge): Installation of falsework on southbound side. 

Buena Vista Railroad Bridge: Pile driving and shoring work.

Burbank Western Channel: Backfilling trench operations.

Old San Fernando Tunnel: Concrete crushing.

Empire Avenue Bridge: Jacking operation to finalize falsework (night work).

Victory Place Bridge: Drilling CIDHs (cast in drilled holes) for bridge support structures and forming pile caps.

Railroad Retaining Wall: Installation of precast wall panels on the railroad retaining wall between Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way.

Southbound I-5 Retaining Walls: Construction of new retaining walls on southbound I-5 between Empire Avenue and Burbank Boulevard.

Utility Work: Underground utility work on Maria Street north of Empire Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard east of Grismer Avenue.

Closures and Detours

SR-134 to Magnolia Boulevard

+ Intermittent closures of the northbound I-5 Alameda Avenue off- and on-ramps October 19-23 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

+ Through October 2017, a one-mile segment of the Los Angeles River Bike Path between Riverside Drive and just south of the SR-134 overcrossing in the city of Glendale will be closed.  For more information and the bike path detour, click here.

Magnolia Boulevard to Buena Vista Street

+ On October 18 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., I-5 will be fully closed from Hollywood Way to Burbank Boulevard so that Burbank Water and Power can safely relocate overhead power lines. The on- and off-ramps between Hollywood Way and Burbank Boulevard will be closed as well. Southbound I-5 motorists will be diverted at Hollywood Way and northbound I-5 motorists will be diverted at Burbank Boulevard. A signed detour will be posted.

+ The southbound I-5 Buena Vista Street on- and off-ramps will be closed the nights of October 18 and 19 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

+ Two lanes of southbound and northbound I-5 between Hollywood Way and Olive Avenue will be closed the nights of October 18-20 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Full freeway closure the night of October 18 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.)

+ Through October 23, one lane of southbound Buena Vista Street will be closed intermittently on weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, click here.

The post New Closures and Information on the I-5 Project appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Hill Street Cafe has been around for a while. Located at the old Bob’s Big Boy location on Glenoaks near the Burbank / Sun Valley border, it does a dynamite breakfast that has people waiting.

Hill Stret makes a lot of their food from their own recipes. The Soups are incredible and the cole slaw may be the best in the city, which I had to get with my burger!

Oh yes, the burger. Hill Street Cafe has ‘The Classic’, that when ordered with cheddar cheese runs $9.70, plus you get a side (did I mention the cole slaw!)

When the burger first arrives it really does look like a work of art. You can see the cheese as well as the hand formed patty which I ordered medium rare. The bun looks large (high) but easily compacts down when you pick it up to eat.

Both buns were toasted with the lettuce, tomato and pickles all on the bottom of the patty as well as the thousand island dressing. The top only had bun and cheese above the patty.

While he burger looks as good as anything you will ever be served on the outside, it is lacking a little on the inside.  The meat was cooked more medium the medium rare so it lacked a little of the juice I love. If you like your burger medium or medium well you may like this better then I did. It did not seem that the meat had much flavor either. I really felt it could use some (or more) seasoning.

While it did have all the condiments on the bottom side, you were barely able to taste the thousand island dressing which is too bad because they make their own dressing there and it could have really used the flavor.

After about five bites, the bottom of the bun started to self destruct into pieces. I do not know if it was from the juice of the condiments or what. It was more in pieces instead of soggy.  I was able to finish it before it completely fell apart but I felt rushed to eat it for that reason.

This is actually a very good burger and I would have it again. The bun and the flavor is important and I think that this can be an easy fix if they are interested. I would recommend it to you for a try to make your own opinion.

Hill Street Cafe is located at 3301 North Glenoaks Blvd.in Burbank. 818 845-0046. Open 7am-9pm Sunday – Thursday and 7am-10pm Friday & Saturday

Hill Street Cafe receives: On The Marquee

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

If you would like us to consider a location for a review – let us know HERE

The post Burger Review – Hill Street Cafe appeared first on myBurbank.com.

By Jim Riggio

Championships aren’t won without a tough fight.

The Burroughs High football team overcame a number of obstacles Friday night when it visited Arcadia in a battle of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the Pacific League.

In the end, the Indians pulled out the 39-34 victory when senior quarterback Steven Hubbell hooked up with senior wide receiver Erick Hernandez on a nine-yard touchdown with 9.3 seconds left to play.

“It’s more fun the way we did it,” Burroughs coach Keith Knoop said of the tight finish. “Better writing, better stories.”

The Indians (6-1 overall, 4-0 in league) were hurt by a number of penalties, some merited, some questionable and some that left others on Burroughs’ sideline shaking their heads.

Burroughs quarterback Steven Hubbell had a stellar showing in 39-34 win at Arcadia. (Photo By Ivan Galan)

On the game-winning drive, Burroughs went 94 yards on 13 plays in just 2 minutes, 23 seconds.

“Coach always says ‘sometimes you’re not going to get the ball, but you’ve got to be ready when they call your number‘ and that’s what happened on the last drive,” Hernandez said.

Knoop said he remained confident his team could rally.

“We felt we could do it,” he said. “You have to think you can do it. And to tell you the truth, we don’t have another kicker. Our kicker went out, so we knew we couldn’t kick a field goal. We were going for it no matter what.”

Midway through the fourth quarter with the Indians down 34-33, Burroughs appeared to have taken the lead when the Indians sacked Arcadia senior quarterback Nico Hillier in the end zone.

Indians’ tailback Chance Bell scored three touchdowns and ran for 194 yards versus Apaches. (Photo By Ivan Galan)

The officials however did not call it a safety, and instead put the ball on the one-yard line.

“That was a safety, all the way,” Knoop said.

Arcadia (4-3, 3-1 in league) took the lead with nine minutes to play as senior wide receiver Justin Mascorro kicked a 22-yard field goal to make it 34-33.

While the final score was close, Burroughs missed on a few golden opportunities that would have made it a little easier for Knoop and his coaching staff.

Hubbell found senior wide receiver Robert Awunganyi on what appeared to be a 40-yard touchdown pass with 32 seconds left in the third quarter. But it was called back on a penalty.

Burroughs’ defense swarmed and gang-tackled against Arcadia. (Photo By Ivan Galan)

Burroughs actually led 26-7 at the end of the first quarter, taking advantage of three Arcadia turnovers.

Running back Chance Bell had three touchdowns, two in the first half. The junior finished with 35 carries for 194 yards.

Hubbell was 22 of 35 for 267 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

Hubbell and senior wide receiver Cade Borland hooked up on a 14-yard touchdown with 3:13 left in the first quarter to make it 20-7.

Hubbell spotted senior wide receiver Nick Mercado on a seven-yard touchdown pass with 44 seconds left in the first quarter.

Burroughs returns to Memorial Field next Friday when the Indians host Glendale.

The post Burroughs Football Pulls Out 39-34 Thriller appeared first on myBurbank.com.

The Burroughs High cross-country teams are doing exceedingly well and in contention for the top spot in the Pacific League standings after Thursday’s meet at Crescenta Valley Park.

The boys’ varsity is tied for first place with Arcadia and Crescenta Valley, while the girls’ varsity is in second place.

The boys’ junior varsity is tied for first with Arcadia, while the girls’ junior varsity is tied for second place with Crescenta Valley.

The boys’ freshman/sophomore team is second, and the girls’ freshman/sophomore squad is second.

Alexander Hirsch was second in the varsity division in a clocking of 15 minutes and 39 seconds, while Emily Virtue placed first (18:28) in the varsity race. The boys’ varsity team was first at the meet and the girls’ varsity squad took second.

Justin Villagran placed fifth (15:55), Andrew Barrondo was sixth (15:58), Timothy Wells took seventh (15:59), Jagdeep Chahal garnered ninth (16:03), Jacob Calderon was 14th (16:19) and Chris Hoxsie finished 18th (16:30).

Heidi Eligio took eighth (19:33) in the varsity race, while Lakely Nealis was ninth (20:14). Eileen Eckles finished 10th (20:18), Besty Ramirez placed 11th (20:25), Sapphire Sandoval nabbed 16th (21:17) and Jailene Diaz was 17th (21:23).

In the junior varsity race, Manne Green placed first (16:40) as the boys’ team took first place, while Adam Villalpando was third (16:48).

Patrick Wells was fourth (17:06), Christian Fuentes grabbed ninth (17:23), Javier Hurtado took 10th (17:25), Trent Harrison garnered 15th (18:06), David Olympia was 16th (18:08), Eduardo Cabrera finished 21st (18:23) and Alex Linares was 41st (20:32).

In the junior varsity race, Ariel Ramirez was fifth (22:22), Andrea Duran placed seventh (24:42), Lisandra Contreras nabbed 13th (25:50), Madaisha Berumen finished 18th (27:20), Destiny Velasquez was 21st (29:54), while the girls’ team was third.

Andrew Hoxsie took second (16:50) in the freshman/sophomore division, while Ethan Brown was ninth (17:30).

Sameh Gharieb nabbed 15th (17:42), Charapreet Singh took 17th (17:51), Jeron Straker grabbed 20th (18:22), Connor Van Dyke was 21st (18:28), Jerry Hoxsie placed 22nd (18:38), Peter Lainson was 43rd (20:03), Johnny Padunyothee took 49th (20:20), Cameron Gomez was 83rd (22:29), while the boys’ team was third.

In the  freshman/sophomore division, Phoenix Reivers was third (21:47), Teresa Perez grabbed fourth (21:58), Sophie Birnbaum was fifth (22:10) and Ana Villalpando took seventh (22:23).

Catrina Villalpando was 10th (22:49), Kimberly Ochoa finished 13th (23:07), Julianna Navarro nabbed 16th (23:51), Kenna Guzman was 18th (24:04), Iliana Mendias took 20th (24:19), Maya Santos placed 34th (25:46), Angelica Thompson was 51st (30:47), while the girls’ team was second.

The post JB’s Cross-Country Teams Are Contenders appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Editors Note: While there’s always a lot going on in Burbank, myBurbank’s new section “Get Out Of Town!” highlights some of our favorite activities and events outside the town borders.

The North Hollywood Arts District hosts the third annual Lit Crawl L.A. on Wednesday, October 21, at various locations throughout NoHo. The free event draws thousands to more than 35 different restaurants, bars, coffee shops, theaters and additional venues in the NoHo Arts District.

Image Courtesy Lit Crawl L.A.

The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Laemmle NoHo 7 with Poets4Progress. Three 45-minute rounds on the hour follow, showcasing a variety of styles and works.

Check out The Return of the NoHo Beat at the North Hollywood Metro Station Plaza, writers from the North Hollywood and Burbank Senior Artist colonies as they reflect on life before cellphones, the Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate Showcase and comics from the Los Angeles Cartoonists of Color.

Image Courtesy Lit Crawl L.A.

More than 40 different themed presentations showcasing nearing 200 writers and performers are slated for Lit Crawl L.A. 2015. Check out the program guide here.

The festivities wind up with an after party “Speak-Easy” at Studio 77. Admission to the after party is $15.

Writers from throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys are slated to perform.

Red Hen Press, The Pasadena Writing Project, San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly, Los Angeles Review of Books and Beyond Baroque are just a few of the presenters.

Musician Dave Kendrick hosts “From The Mouths of Musicians” at the Federal Bar at 9:00 p.m., featuring himself, Leslie Bohem, Johnette Napolitano and Chris Desjardins.

The Lit Crawl originated in 2004 as part of Litquake, San Francisco’s Literary Festival, an annual event attracting thousands of attendees. San Francisco’s Litquake literary festival runs every October along with other annual Lit Crawls in NYC, Seattle, Iowa City, Austin, London, Helsinki and Portland. In 2013, Lit Crawl L.A. was founded as a project of the Litquake Foundation and of the Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE program.

The post Get Out Of Town!: Lit Crawl L.A. appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Judging by the smiles, everyone had a great time at the “Imagine a City” dinner benefiting the counseling services provided by Family Service Agency of Burbank at all public schools.

The biggest grins were worn by those packing their cars with silent auction gifts just outside the gate of Providence High School.

The highlight of the Oct. 3rd event was the presentation of the Mary Alice O’Connor Vision Award to the Luis Lara Family, Alan Arzoian and Gary Bric. They were honored for giving to their community time and time again.

Honorees this year were Gary Bric , Alan Arzoian and The Luis Lara Family, (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mike Flad kept the program moving at high velocity. After introducing dignitaries, he worked with Michael Hastings and Anja Reinke inspiring folks to lift their bidding paddles to pledge donations — and thousands of dollars came in.

Tables were packed with past and present city and school officials including new Superintendent of Schools Matt Hill who announced that a room at Burbank High School has been renovated as a counseling center for students and their families with services provided by Family Service counselors.

Agency Executive Director Laurie Bleick thanked everyone for supporting the event saying “We can’t do this work without you!”

There were about 350 guests and proceeds exceeded all previous years’ fundraising efforts, Bleick said, which is much needed given the expanded services at Burbank High School.

Not only was the evening a chance to honor three outstanding community members but to support the emotional, psychological and social well being of this city’s youth. The agency was founded in 1953 and the four words that explain its purpose are Counseling, Preventing, Educating and Advocating.

Speaking during the evening is Michael Cusumano President of Cusumano Real Estate Group. ( Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Michael Cusumano of the Cusumano Real Estate Group in Burbank recalled how his partnership with Family Service came about in 2007 when he received a call from board member Marsha Ramos asking him for help securing a permanent office space. That facility became a realty in 2008.

“I didn’t realize the thousands of hours of counseling the agency provides to the youth in our community,” he said. “It’s the only organization offering this kind of service in the community.”

They are dealing with the most uncomfortable issues and because of the confidentiality, specifics of what the agency does cannot be shared, so theirs are quiet successes — saving families and rescuing people at risk, he said.

“Laurie and her board and her volunteers make a huge difference in this community and that’s why we are glad to be one of their supporters and that is why we are asking you to support them as well tonight,” he said.

Luis Lara and his family were being honored for providing the meal each year for the Imagine a City dinner through their Command Performance catering business.

Samantha Benson along with husband Matt and Zita Lefebvre enjoyed the silent auction part of the event. ( Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Agency board member Eric Hansen listed Lara family’s many contributions to the community, including preparing meals for events held by Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and the Burbank Fire Department’s Special Olympics dinner.

Hansen met Luis Lara when the family started donating 100 Thanksgiving meals for the city’s Senior Nutrition Program’s Home Delivered Meals program.

“The entire family helped in the preparation and packaging of those meals and it’s a true team effort! It’s a joy to watch them working together laughing and joking,” Hansen said. “The Lara family is always generous with their time … and provides service with a caring attitude.”

For the past four years, the family has prepared 50 Thanksgiving meals for the Family Service Agency clients as well as 350 pancake breakfasts for Burbank CareWalk participants. They also sponsor a back-to-school barbecue each September for Family Service Agency youth clients and their families.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

After Lara introduced all his family members, he thanked the agency for his honor.

“I feel so happy,” he said. “I’m proud to help the community!”

Flad touted Alan Arzoian and his Handy Market for continued support of all the organizations in town. Flad teased him about never wanting to take credit for any of his charitable efforts.

“You are a part of what makes Burbank special,” Flad said. “We are so lucky to have you in our community. It’s a pleasure to know you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and congratulations on receiving the Mary Alice O’Connor Vision Award.”

Arzoian thanked the agency for the award but added “Everyone in this room deserves this award. I don’t do anymore than anyone else here. I’m just very proud and humbled to be here tonight.”

He introduced his family attending including his wife Karen.

Congressman Adam Schiff, a past recipient, presented the Vision award to Gary Bric. Schiff acknowledged the countless hours made by Mary Alice O’Connor to improve the community, especially in the arts and for military veterans, and called her “an incredible force for good.”

Schiff lauded Gary Bric for working tirelessly for the city as a City Council member and mayor, Burbank High graduate and business owner of Gary Bric’s Ramp.

“He never hesitates donating his time and food and drinks for nonprofit events,” he said. “He’s a straight-shooter and always puts his heart and soul into everything he does.”

Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Bric thanked Schiff for his contributions to the country and to the city of Burbank. Bric also complimented the other two award recipients. Being a restaurant owner, he knows what a strong commitment Luis Lara makes in providing meals to many charity events in town. And to Alan Arzoian, he said, there’s no mistaking Handy Market’s contributions — just look at the line that stretches three blocks long of people waiting for barbecued meals every Saturday.

Bric thanked his family and wife Shelley for being there and supporting him and finally he thanked Laurie Bleick and the board of directors and staff.

“They are the ones responsible for putting this on, so a big round of applause for them,” Bric said.

To see a complete gallery click this link:  FSA Gala Pictures from Ross A. Benson Photography

The post Three Honored by Family Service Agency appeared first on myBurbank.com.

Stephany Washington had never in her life been displaced. She still doesn’t know why it happened. But in 2014 she was homeless.

“I wanted to give up but I looked at my babies and I knew I had to pull it together,” she said.

And, she did.

She started the program offered by Family Promise of the Verdugos in June and completed the program on Sept. 2. She has a new job and new home for herself, her son, Nathan Harris and granddaughter Lenise Williams.

“I got my sense of direction back. I got my stability and employment and never felt so safe, staying with the churches. It helped give me a spiritual connection again,” she said.

Washington told her story to more than 40 people gathered at a reception for Family Promise supporters on Oct. 7 at Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Burbank.

(Photo By © Ross A. Benson)

The event was the launch of the 365 Club, a fundraising campaign that encourages supporters to donate a $1 a day to help homeless families return to a safe and stable living environment.

The organization also introduced its new executive director, Albert Hernandez, and announced receiving a major $25,000 donation from the Cusumano Real Estate Group.

The vision of Family Promise is to assist homeless children and their families by providing up to 90 days of food, shelter, counseling and job training for those who have become homeless for the first time through no fault of their own, said Hernandez, who was named executive director just three months ago. Case workers help families through a partnership with local faith-based congregations and other community resources.

(Photo By © Ross A. Benson)

Several fundraisers are planned to keep the program’s doors open. Each month Family Promise is having a restaurant fundraiser. The next one is from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 22 at Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant, 730 N. Victory Blvd. Mentioning you are there to support Family Promise will earn the charity 20% of your bill.

Another fundraiser called Houses for Change has a double meaning. Businesses can display the cardboard mini homes and the public’s donations of “change” will help homeless families “change” their lives.

(Photo By © Ross A. Benson)

The major fundraising event is the second annual Gala on March 19 at the Dodger Stadium Club. The event includes dinner, silent auction and VIP tour. For more information, email gala@FamilyPromiseVerdugos.org, or visit FamilyPromiseVerdugos.org or call (818) 847-1547.

Family Promise is also offering a Job Readiness workshop to the community from 7 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Catalina Activity Center, 2321 N. Catalina St. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling (818) 599-4090 or email executivedirector@familypromiseverdugos.org.

Sandy Thompson, president of the board of directors, thanked the donors in attendance for contributing to the program’s success.

“The supporters who are here tonight help us do what we do and because of those supporters, a mother, her son and four-year-old granddaughter tonight are sleeping in their own beds,” she said.

(Photo By © Ross A. Benson)

The organization has received and continues to apply for grants and has partnered with several local businesses, Thompson said.

Michael Cusumano of Cusumano Real Estate Group encouraged those attending to continue their support.

“Any of us can find ourselves in this situation,” Cusumano said. “Family Promise provides a safe place and brings the family together while the parents can concentrate on getting a new job. Family Promise has a vision and leaders will make a difference in the community. Let’s make sure this organization has the tools to accomplish its vision.”

(Photo By © Ross A. Benson)

Hostess with the mostest, Betty Porto, made sure everyone’s dishes were filled and that they tried the newest potato ball filled with melted cheese and diced Jalapeño chili peppers.

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For the first time ever, the iconic Warner Bros. water tower is receiving a Super Hero makeover, with the unveiling of giant renderings of Arrow, The Flash, Gotham’s Detective Gordon and Supergirl on the iconic structure which rises 100 feet high above the Warner Bros. Studios lot.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

The Warner Bros. water tower was built in 1927 and has since been declared an historical landmark. It contains a 100,000-gallon tank — although it currently holds no water.

A super team featuring dozens of Studio artisans, engineers and artists collaborated on this first-of-its-kind installation celebrating four Warner Bros. Television series based on characters from DC Comics.

The characters from Arrow, The Flash, Gotham and Supergirl are displayed on giant aluminum panels measuring 22 feet by 20 feet in size, with each one weighing more than 5,000 pounds.

There were dozens of craftspeople were involved in the design and production of the panels, with representatives from a number of Studio departments including scenic design, special effects, lighting, signs and graphics, the metal shop, electrical, rigging and engineering.

They were installed using a specially devised custom-pulley system during the October 17–18 weekend. The cables for the reveal of the panels were held down by 8,000 pounds of cement.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Attendees at the unveiling included Supergirl star Melissa Benoist, Gotham stars Erin Richards and Cory Michael Smith, and executive producers Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg (Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl), Ali Adler (Supergirl), Marc Guggenheim (Arrow), and Bruno Heller, Danny Cannon & John Stephens (Gotham).

The historic water tower was previously located next to the Warner Bros. Fire Department, it was moved following the Long Beach earthquake in 1933, when the Warners realized that if the tower had fallen and damaged the Fire Department, the Fire Department would not have been able to provide emergency assistance.

The water tower was once home to the animated stars of Animaniacs (Yakko, Wacko and Dot) from the 1930s until they escaped in the 1990s.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

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An alert Burbank Police Officer saw a suspicious van parked in front of Wooden Camera, 923 W. Olive Avenue Tuesday morning around 3:40 am

When the officer saw several people run from the business to the van, he made a u-turn to get a better look at the van and people, but the van hastily made a turn in the opposite direction drove away without its headlights on.

After trying to pull the van over, the driver failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The van traveled east on Olive Avenue and onto the Olive overpass where the occupants began lobbing property from the van onto the roadway from the side cargo door.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

The van continued onto the northbound Interstate 5 Freeway, where the occupants tossed more property onto the freeway and shoulder before exiting the freeway at Van Nuys Boulevard.

The van struck a concrete center median and eventually came to a stop in the Walgreens parking lot located at Van Nuys Boulevard and Woodman Avenue. Five suspects fled the scene on foot. Two were immediately captured without incident while three suspects remain outstanding at this time.

A search of the van revealed stolen camera equipment and burglary tools which included saws, a pry bar, gloves and masks. The owner and employees of Wooden Camera estimate the value of the stolen equipment to be over $50,000.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

The police department is working with Wooden Camera to itemize the merchandise, but it appears all the stolen equipment has been recovered from the roadway, freeway and van.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

The two arrested suspects have been identified as 38 year-old Angel Cortes (unknown city of residence) and 29 year-old Rolando Alcides Flores of Canoga Park.  Cortes was booked for commercial burglary, felony evading and obstructing a police officer. His bail has been set at $75,000.

Flores was booked for commercial burglary and obstructing a police officer. His bail is $20,000. They are both due to appear in the Burbank Branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday morning.

The outstanding suspects are described as two males and one female.

Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

The post Business Burglary Leads to Vehicle Pursuit appeared first on myBurbank.com.

On October 7, 2015, between 2:45pm and 3:30pm, the yet to be identified suspect depicted  gained access to the Bret Harte Elementary School Campus, 3200 Jeffries Avenue, Burbank. Once on campus, the suspect walked into an unoccupied classroom. She stole a credit card and money from a teacher’s purse. The suspect later used the credit card to make purchases at stores in Glendale and Burbank.

The suspect is not a parent of a child who attends Bret Harte, nor did she have any legitimate reason to be on the school campus.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Police Dept)

The suspect in this case is also considered a person of interest in similar crimes in La Crescenta and El Segundo.

The Burbank Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect and her vehicle. We are working with the Burbank Unified School District, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the El Segundo Police Department on this case. Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Burbank Police Detective Steve Karagiosian at (818) 238-3210 or SKaragiosian@burbankca.gov.

The suspect is described as being a female African-American, 30 to 40 years old, wearing a white tank top. Her vehicle is described as being a black Kia or Hyundai 4 door with out of state license plates.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Police Dept)

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Crowds of people turned out at Burger King on Victory  Blvd. to check out the future or to remember the past as Back to the Future was filmed in the same location some 25 years ago.

The crowd got to sit in a DeLorean and take pictures, as people were even wearing DeLoreans cars, the crowd of several hundred listen to music and shared memories of the movie of years ago.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

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