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Tag: Burbank

  • School District Announces Process to Fill Empty School Board Seat

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    (Photo By Ross Benson)

    The following was sent by BUSD Superintendent Dr. Oscar Macias:

    Dear Burbank Unified Community,

    We are writing to inform you that a vacancy has occurred on the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education due to the resignation of Trustee Charlene Tabet, effective September 4, 2025. Trustee Tabet’s term was set to expire in 2026.  

    In accordance with California Education Code, the Board of Education intends to fill this vacancy through a provisional appointment, with the goal of drawing from the widest and most diverse pool of qualified candidates. The appointment is scheduled to be made at the Board’s public meeting on October 9, 2025.

    Application Process

    We invite interested and eligible community members to apply. Applicants must:

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Reside within the boundaries of the Burbank Unified School District
    • Be a registered voter
    • Not be legally disqualified from holding civil office
    • An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district’s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. [EC § 35107] 

    Applications are available on our website at www.burbankusd.org or can be picked up at the District Office: 1900 W. Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506

    Completed applications, along with proof of residency, must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on October 3, 2025. Applications may be emailed to cindyquiterio@burbankusd.org or hand-delivered to the Superintendent’s Office.

    Public Interview & Appointment

    • October 7, 2025: Public interviews will be conducted at a Special Board Meeting @ 6 p.m. at the Burbank Unified School District Board Room.
    • October 9, 2025: The Board will make a provisional appointment during a public meeting at the Burbank Unified School District Board Room.  

    The appointed trustee will serve until the results of the November 3, 2026 General Election are certified and a newly elected trustee is sworn in, likely in December 2026.

    Important to note then when the November 3, 2026 General Election is held, the board seat will be Trustee Area No.3. 

    More information can be found here : Burbank Unified School District Trustee Area Map

    To explore the interactive map or search your address, click here.

    Our Commitment to Equity

    As a district, we remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and who are committed to serving all students with integrity, compassion, and a focus on educational excellence.

    For more information, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (818) 729-4400.

    Thank you for your continued support of Burbank Unified.

    In partnership,

    Dr. Oscar Macias
    Interim Superintendent
    Burbank Unified School District

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    Press Release

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  • Letter to the Editor: Resident Asks, “Is Paying an Administrator’s Salary From Bond Funds illegal?”

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    Letter to the Editor:

    Here are some words directly from the mouth of school administrator, Andrew Cantwell, BUSD Chief Administrative Officer.

    At the January 10, 2024, Measure S Bond Oversight Committee meeting, while discussing the annual Financial Audit, Mr. Cantwell reminded the group of the legal requirement for a separate Performance Audit. He told them; “The Performance Audit is to have an outside agency ensure that we are only using the funds for those things which are permissible according to the bond language. So, for instance, if part of my salary were being charged to the bond that would be impermissible

    One year later, at their February 5, 2025, meeting Mr. Cantwell again tells the committee members, “As a reminder for those who may be confused the bond does not allow us to pay for my salary or general administrator salaries. But it does allow us to bring in-house certain functions that might otherwise be outsourced to a construction management firm” Then he introduced two newly hired project managers whose salary will be paid by bond funds.

    Of course this makes sense.  Mr. Cantwell got this one hundred percent right.

    To clarify this issue Attorney General Bill Lockyer opined in 2004 that “a school district may use Proposition 39 school bond proceeds to pay the salaries of district employees to the extent they perform administrative oversight work on construction projects authorized by a voter approved bond measure”

    So why highlight Mr. Cantwell’s words? Because the District has been paying 100% of Mr. Cantwell’s salary from Bond funds since July 1, 2025. In my opinion this is outrageous. How does this Board let this happen?

    Jef Vander Borght
    Burbank

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    Letters to the Editor

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  • Burbank’s 2025 State of the Schools Spotlights Community, Creativity, and Commitment

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    (Photo by Ross A Benson)

    The Burbank Arts and Education Foundation’s annual State of the Schools event returned Wednesday evening with a vibrant celebration of public education, community partnerships, and student achievement. Held at Woodbury University, the event welcomed more than 200 guests for an evening themed Hope Exists, honoring those who make a difference in Burbank’s TK–12 schools.

    The evening began at 5:30 PM with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared and served by students from John Burroughs High School’s Culinary Arts program. Guests explored the Impact Expo, a showcase of BAEF-funded programs and student work that highlighted the foundation’s reach across the district.

    (Photo by Ross A Benson)

    At 6:00 PM, the stage program commenced, celebrating key contributors to Burbank’s educational landscape.

    • UMe Credit Union received the Champion of Education Award for its steadfast support of local schools.
    • Kara Clark, named BUSD Teacher of the Year, was honored for her dedication and innovation in the classroom.
    • Principals recognized School-site Champions, individuals who embody the theme Hope Exists through their everyday work.

    The program concluded with a dessert service — again courtesy of JBHS culinary students — and time for guests to mingle, connect, and reflect on the evening’s message.

    Since its founding, BAEF has invested over $1.5 million into Burbank public schools, supporting arts, STEM, and enrichment programs. Director of Development Gavin Cho emphasized the importance of community support in bridging educational funding gaps and sustaining innovation.

    The 2025 State of the Schools event continued a tradition of excellence, following memorable gatherings at the Garry Marshall Theatre (2024) and The Federal (2023). With each year, BAEF deepens its commitment to equity, creativity, and opportunity for all students.

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    Lynn Lipinski

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  • I’ll Give You My Heart, New Romantic Comedy Coming to The Colony Theatre

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    I’ll Give You My Heart Coming to The Colony Theatre in October.

    MB Artists and Heart Productions have announced the world premiere of a new romantic comedy, I’ll Give You My Heart, set to run at The Colony Theatre in Burbank October 2–19. Written by Tamara Steren and directed by James Mellon, the cast will feature Jacqueline Emerson, Jeremy S. Walker, Emily Nash, Heather Lee, Jonah Robinson, Jon Root, and Jennifer Cannon. There will be preview performances on Thursday, October 2, at 8pm, Friday, October 3, at 8pm, and Saturday, October 4, at 2pm. Opening is set for Saturday, October 4, at 8pm. The regular performance schedule will be Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm through October 19. Admission ranges from $55–$70 and tickets may be purchased online at www.colonytheatre.org.

    Five years after her fiancé is killed on their wedding day, a traumatized young woman fights to keep her promise to never leave him, while protecting her grief-stricken heart from opening for a familiar stranger.

    Scenic design is by Mark Mendelson, lighting design is by Dan Weingarten, costume design is by Madeline Keller, and sound design is by Joseph “Sloe” Slawinski. Projection design is by Gabrieal Griego and hair and makeup design is by Leland Stephens. Production stage manager is Kevin Bailey, and assistant stage manager is Matthew Herrmann. Casting is by Michael Donovan, CSA, and Richie Ferris, CSA.

    Tamara Steren makes her debut as a playwright with the world premiere of I’ll Give You My Heart. An award-winning screenwriter, she has won the Rhodium Award at the WRPN Women’s International Film Festival. Her screenplays have placed as Finalists in the California Women’s Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards, and Table Read my Screenplay, and as Official Selections in The Beverly Hills Film Festival, New York International Screenplay Awards, and the Big Apple Film Festival.

    James Mellon’s background in the entertainment industry extends to theatre, television, film, recording, and dance. Since 2003, he has served as the Artistic Director of Open at the Top Productions, the award-winning theatre company founded with producing partner Kevin Bailey. Collaborations he also directed with writing partner Scott DeTurk include Lizard, DorianPest Control, Insanity,The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and Yo Ho Ho! A Pirate’s Christmas. They are at work on their next musical, The Belles Are Swingin’ (set for production in 2026). His autobiographical solo play, SissyBoy, was first presented in 2016. In New York, he was a founding partner of Tri-Angle Productions, which presented his first musical An Unfinished Song (Off Broadway, Los Angeles, Boston, Portland, Maine and Sydney, Australia). His long association with Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt led to his directing and choreographing the acclaimed expanded version of The Fantasticks with Greater Tuna stars Joe Sears and Jaston Williams for Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.

    MB Artists (Kevin Bailey and James Mellon, Producers & General Managers): MB Artists was formed in 1992. Early producing projects include An Unfinished SongCabaret, and collaborating with the legendary creators of the Greater Tuna plays, including their new musical in development, Minerva: The Off-key Peahen. In 2003 they founded LA’s award-winning NoHo Arts Center and Open at the Top Productions, creating over 30 new plays and musicals. Most notable was the development of the stage play Ann, written by and starring Holland Taylor (Broadway/Lincoln Center and PBS Great Performances). Other credits include God Looked Away with Al Pacino and Judith Light (Pasadena Playhouse), Drag–The Musical, 44–The Barack Obama Musical, and Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today? (La Mirada Theatre). New projects include The Belles Are Swingin’ and the plays A Positive Negative and I’ll Give You My Heart.

    DATES:
    October 2–19

    TIMES:
    PREVIEWS – Thursday 10/2 at 8pm | Friday 10/3 at 8pm | Saturday 10/4 at 2pm
    OPENS – Saturday 10/4 at 8pm
    REGULAR – Friday at 8pm | Saturday at 2pm & 8pm | Sunday at 3pm

    ADMISSION:
    $55 | $70

    TICKET INFO:
    Purchase online at www.colonytheatre.org.

    LOCATION:
    The Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third Street, Burbank, 91502.

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    Press Release

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  • Adoptable Pet of the Week: Dax

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    Meet Dax — Our Gentle Giant. Dax is a big-hearted, big-bodied softie who’s just waiting for his forever family. This handsome guy may turn heads with his size, but don’t be fooled, he thinks he’s a lap dog. If you’re looking for a dog that loves hugs, treats, and a good game of fetch, Dax might be your guy!

    Dax has an easy going temperament and does well on a leash. He’s strong and can get excited around other barking or energetic dogs, but with some practice, he’s easy to manage- and after about 20 minutes of fetch, he’s very chill. Whether he’s lounging in the house or chasing a ball in the yard, Dax is happy just being near people he trusts. He’d do best in a home that offers a mix of playtime and relaxation.

    Come visit the Burbank Animal Shelter to foster or adopt Dax!

    The post Adoptable Pet of the Week: Dax appeared first on myBurbank.

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    Community Contributor

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  • Tequilas Burbank Launches 9th Annual Cancer Fundraiser in Collaboration with Community Advocate Ashley Erikson

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    Ashley Erikson and Patricia Rivera.

    Tequilas Burbank has once again opened its doors, and its heart, to the community with the launch of its 9th annual cancer fundraiser, running from September 15 through October 23. In partnership with local community advocate Ashley Erikson, the beloved family-owned restaurant is dedicating six weeks to raising funds for the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Centers Genetics and Genomics Department, part of the Providence St. Joseph Foundation in Burbank.

    This cause is deeply personal for Tequilas owner, Patricia Rivera, who lost her mother at a young age to ovarian cancer. She has also lost sisters to the disease, which runs dominantly in her family. For Erikson, the fight against cancer is also close to home. She carries the BRCA2 gene mutation, which put her risk of developing breast cancer as high as 82%. Over the past several years, she has undergone multiple preventative procedures, lowering her risk to just 6%. Together, Rivera and Erikson have become powerful voices in raising awareness and funds for cancer research and care in Burbank.

    “September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this fundraiser really hits home for both of us,” said Erikson. “It’s about honoring our loved ones, protecting future generations, and making a tangible impact right here in Burbank.”

    Instead of the traditional sit-down dinner fundraisers of years past, Tequilas and Erikson are making this year’s events more accessible to the community, offering multiple ways for guests to get involved:

    The Pink Ribbon, Toast To A Cure, and The Fighter, now available at Tequilas Burbank through October 23.
    • Specialty Drinks for a Cause: From now through October 23, Tequilas has added three new drinks to its menu, with 50% of sales donated to the cancer center:
      • The Pink Ribbon: JAJA tequila, watermelon pucker, sweet & sour, rimmed with ocean blue salt.
      • The Fighter: Teremana tequila, blue curaçao, sweet & sour, rimmed with Himalayan pink salt.
      • Toast to a Cure: A non-alcoholic pink and teal piña colada mocktail rimmed with rainbow sugar.
    • Merchandise with Meaning: Cancer awareness wristbands ($5) and pink & teal ribbon necklaces ($15) are available for purchase, with 100% of sales benefiting the center.
    • Dine-In Fundraiser Days: On Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, October 23, guests can dine in all day and Tequilas will donate 25% of all regular-priced sales to the cause. (Excludes third-party delivery, specials not available. Mention the fundraiser to your server to ensure it’s reflected on your receipt.)
      During these dine-in nights, from 5–9 PM, representatives from Providence St. Joseph will be on-site providing resources. Guests can also enjoy cancer ribbon face painting, and an open mic will be available for community members to share stories of why they support cancer awareness. On October 23, the pink Burbank Police patrol car, specially wrapped for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will also be on display for photos in the back parking lot. Reservations suggested bur not necessary.
    • Curtain Sanctuary Tribute: Returning again this year is Tequilas’ annual cancer curtain sanctuary on the restaurant’s patio. Guests are invited to bring a photo (no larger than 5×7) of their loved ones who have battled cancer and pin it to the curtain in their honor. You can also text your photo to 818-516-9260 and Patricia will print and pin it for you.
    Merchandise for sale at Tequilas Burbank

    Over the past several years, Tequilas and Erikson have raised $40,000 for the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center. This year, their goal is to raise $15,000, bringing their grand total to $55,000. For those who can’t attend in person, direct donations can also be made online at: Providence St. Joseph Foundation Fundraiser Link.

    “We’ve seen firsthand how much this community rallies together,” said Rivera. “This fundraiser is about more than just raising money, it’s about giving people a chance to remember, to fight, and to hope.”

    Tequilas Burbank is located at 4310 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank. For more information, visit them on Instagram at @tequilasburbank or stop by during the fundraiser period to participate.

    Dine In Days on September 24 and October 23 at Tequilas Burbank.

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    Ashley Erikson

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  • Burbank Police & Fire Department Remember 9-11 During Ceremony at Headquarters

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    (Photo by Ross A Benson)

    Burbank Police & Fire Department personnel gathered in front of their joint station Thursday morning to pause for a moment of silence, reflection, and to remember the 343 Emergency Responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

      BurCal Apartments8715

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      Staff

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    • Professional Skateboarder Erik Ellington Makes Burbank Home Base for New Non-Alcoholic Brew Venture

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      Erik Eillington, Founder of Easy Does Brew

      Professional skateboarder turned entrepreneur finds his home and launches innovative non-alcoholic brew company, Easy Does It Brew, in the Media Capital.

      Erik Ellington has traveled the world as a professional skateboarder, lived in multiple states, and built successful businesses from the ground up. Now he calls Burbank home and the perfect place to launch his latest venture, Easy Does It, a non-alcoholic brew that’s changing how people think about socializing and wellness.

      Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Ellington’s journey to Burbank was anything but direct. After pursuing his skateboarding dreams in Phoenix and San Diego in the mid-90s, he eventually made his way to the LA area in the early 2000s, settling first in Studio City. But it was the search for quality public schools for his two children that ultimately brought him to Burbank in 2017.

      “I grew up skateboarding in the early 2000s in Los Angeles, and I remember coming over here to skate often in the school yards. I don’t think that I got the vibe of what Burbank really was,” Ellington recalls. “But when my wife found a house here, I saw something in it that I had never seen before. Now we could not be happier.”

      That initial impression has only grown stronger over the years. Today, Ellington is one of Burbank’s most enthusiastic ambassadors, frequently sharing his love for the community with friends from neighboring areas. The 48-year-old entrepreneur particularly appreciates Burbank’s unique blend of big-city accessibility with small-town charm. “We have an airport, we’re surrounded by freeways, and the accessibility of it, and still my kids can walk down the street and feel completely safe. There’s something very special about that.”

      Ellington’s path to entrepreneurship began on the skateboard. After turning professional in the mid-90s, he recognized early on his passions for the behind-the-scenes work. “There’s a shelf life to something that’s physical, like with all other sports, but I always knew that I wanted to be involved in skateboarding in some way.”

      In 2007-2008, he co-founded a skateboard distribution company with two partners, launching iconic brands including Baker Skateboards and Deathwish Skateboards. Today, their North Hollywood facility houses 10 brands under one roof, complete with a private skate park where Ellington still skates regularly.Never one to limit himself to a single venture, Ellington also launched Human Recreational Services in 2020, creating luxury Italian-made dress shoes, combining his passion for footwear and design.

      Now, Ellington’s latest venture, Easy Does It, represents his most personal project yet. Eleven years sober, he created the non-alcoholic brew company with a clear mission: to encourage people to moderate their drinking while maintaining their social connections. “I think we’re entering into this new wave of people wanting to get out and participate and associate with others, and if I can provide a conduit for that, that doesn’t have the negative drawbacks of alcohol, then I’m gonna go in hard on it” Ellington explains. “If someone is choosing to drink less, then I want to be there for that.”

      Easy Does It Brew

      The inspiration struck in 2022 when Ellington tried a non-alcoholic beer while quarantined with friends who had COVID. “Something happened where I felt like I was part of the party. I was participating in it when it wasn’t anything having to do with the alcohol. It all had to do with socialization.”

      Ellington’s timing couldn’t be better. According to recent industry data, the global non-alcoholic beer market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections showing it could reach $25 billion by 2024. The trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward wellness and mindful consumption, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers.

      Studies show that 41% of Americans are actively trying to drink less alcohol, while 61% of millennials report participating in “sober curious” behaviors. The rise of “Dry January” and similar wellness movements has created a significant market opportunity for high-quality non-alcoholic alternatives. “I think we’re entering into this new wave of people wanting to get out and participate and associate with others,” Ellington observes. “If I can provide a conduit for that that doesn’t have the negative drawbacks of alcohol, then I’m gonna go hard on it.”

      Creating a non-alcoholic beer that actually tastes like beer presented unique challenges. Ellington turned to an old friend from Alaska, Gabe Fletcher, who had become a master brewer and founded the highly respected Anchorage Brewing Company. The biggest challenge was creating a flavor profile that tastes good but didn’t have alcohol in it. After numerous pilot batches and remote collaborations between Alaska and California, they developed a unique cold-crash process that captures the essence of beer without fermentation.

      Erik Eillington works on batch of Easy Does It.

      The result is a golden-straw color lager, with a floral aroma, a hint of honey, smooth texture, crisp snap, and classic American taste. “I wanted something to drink when I’m working in the yard or I’m out skateboarding,” said Ellington.  Easy Does It became the simple answer with just five ingredients and 65 calories. It’s light, refreshing, and something you can take with you everywhere.

      Easy Does It’s branding reflects Ellington’s nostalgic appreciation for classic American beer advertising from the 1970s and 80s. “I wanted to design something that looks cool in your hand and makes you feel like you can be a part of something.” But beyond aesthetics, the company focuses on bringing people together. “Our whole motto is go hard in doing whatever it is that you do, but care about what you’re doing,” he explains. 

      The brand just launched in August of 2025, but is already available at numerous locations from Tony’s Darts Away and Prime Pizza in Burbank to Burden of Proof, a non-alcoholic bottle shop in Pasadena. In October, Easy Does It will make it’s way onto the shelves of 50 Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions locations in Los Angeles. You can also shop online at www.easydoesitbrew.com.

      For Ellington, Easy Does It represents more than just another business venture, it’s a way to give back to the community that has given him so much. Just as Burbank provided the perfect environment for his family to thrive, his company aims to create the perfect environment for people to connect authentically, whether they’re looking to moderate their drinking or eliminate alcohol entirely.

      As Easy Does It continues to grow, Ellington remains committed to his Burbank roots, grateful for a community that embodies the same values his company promotes: authentic connections, caring for one another, and the simple pleasure of coming together over a cold drink—alcohol optional.

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      Ashley Erikson

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    • Burbank Police Log: August 18 – August 24

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      Note: All suspects arrested are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court of law. The following are official public records being redistributed by myBurbank.com Inc. and is protected by constitutional, publishing, and other legal rights. These official records were collected in 2025. The person(s) named in these listings have only been arrested on suspicion of the crime indicated and are presumed innocent. Original Police Logs can be found on the Burbank Police Department’s website where this information was obtained from.

      myBurbank.com will be glad to redact your name upon request. Please click HERE. You MUST include your name as it appears and the exact date that it appeared. Give us 1 to 5 days to redact. (Please note that myBurbank is only legally obligated for the information on the myBurbank.com website and is not responsible for any information used by search engines, ie. Google, Yahoo, etc. You need to contact these companies separately for any removal of personal information).

      While on patrol on Sunday, August 24, Mubarak Ali Abdulai, a resident of Los Angeles was arrested by the Burbank police at Victory Blvd. and Clark Ave. The time is 11:54 p.m. The charge is resisting arrest.

      Crystale Ann Contreras lives in Los Angeles and was taken into custody at 2000 Empire Ave. The time is 3:22 p.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

      Miguel Angel Cortez resides in Pacoima and was apprehended at Amherst Drive and San Fernando Blvd. It took place at 7:00 p.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

      Miguel Angel Cortez lives in Pacoima and was handcuffed at Amherst Drive and San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 7:00 p.m. The charges are witness taking a bribe and disorderly conduct.

      Matthew Austin Diresta lives in Hollywood and was picked up at Verdugo Ave. and Hollywood Way. It occurred at 1:45 a.m. The charge is warrants.

      North Hills resident Damien Elijah Flores was nabbed at San Fernando Blvd. and Walnut Ave. The time is 11:40 p.m. The charge is driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug.

      Ismael Emmanuel Gaspar lives in Sylmar and was pinched at 1761 North Victory Place. The charges are resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

      Travis Irving Gault resides in Imperial Beach and was arrested at 349 North San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 8:38 p.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance – possession of tear gas and a warrant. The time is 8:35 p.m.

      North Hollywood resident Mark Van Meyer was nabbed at Glenoaks Blvd. and East Ave. It took place at 10:20 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of hard drugs.

      Jaime Minero Sanchez lives in Pacoima and was brought into custody at 1761 North Victory Place. The time is 9:00 p.m. The charges are resisting arrest – petty theft and disorderly conduct.

      Sun Valley resident Victor Joshua Morales Cruz is a metal collector and was cuffed at Catalina St. and Vanowen St. and it took place at 11:31 a.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Gerardo Recendez lives in Los Angeles and was nabbed at 131 San Fernando Blvd. The time is 00:57 a.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.

      De Michael Samuel Riley resides in Los Angeles and was picked up at Palm Ave. and First St. The time is 9:11 a.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Oakland resident Keith Saunders was handcuffed at 2627 Hollywood Way and the time is 9:24 p.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.

      Ramses Solis lives in Los Angeles and was pinched at Glenoaks Blvd. and East Ave. It took place at 10:30 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and petty theft.

      Los Angeles resident Rafael Sotelo Velasquez Jr. was cuffed at Glenoaks Blvd. and Orange Grove Ave. The time is 4:16 a.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.   

      On Saturday, August 23, Haroutioun Ashekian, a Glendale resident was handcuffed at San Fernando Blvd. and Prospect Ave. The time is 00:21 a.m. The charge is possession of hard drugs.

      Aaron Joseph Davis lives in Arleta and was taken into custody at 1351 North Victory Place and the time is 10:38 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – repeated thefts and a warrant.

      Stepahanie Elizabeth Freyler is an assistant and a Van Nuys resident and was apprehended at Burbank Blvd. and San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 00:25 a.m.

      The charges are possession of Xanax – possession of a controlled substance – driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and driving while under the influence with .08 or above.

      Miguel Gante Franco lives in Sun Valley and was nabbed after being charged with disorderly conduct. The time is 11:00 p.m.

      Zachery Headley is a handyman and is a Los Angeles resident and pinched at Glenoaks Blvd. and Cambridge Drive and the time is 11:00 p.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – petty theft and possession of stolen property.

      Rialto resident Ryan Maxwell Jackson was nabbed at Amherst Drive and Glenoaks Blvd. and the time is 6:18 p.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Carl Lawrence Jeffries lives in North Hollywood and was picked up at 511 Hollywood Way and it took place at 9:50 p.m.

      The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and driving while under the influence with .08 or above.

      Elizabeth Anne Jones resides in Los Angeles and was handcuffed at 1351 North Victory Place and the time is 10:42 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of stolen property.

      Jose Joel Martinez Plascencia lives in Reseda and was apprehended at Manning St. and Victory Blvd. and the time is 1:45 a.m. The charge is possession of heroin/cocaine.

      Los Angeles resident Paula June May was taken into custody at Glenoaks Blvd. and Cambridge Drive and the time is 11:00 p.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of hard drugs – bringing contraband into a jail or prison – repeated thefts – possession of stolen property – possession of tear gas and warrants.

      Danae Marie Morreale lives in Tujunga and was arrested at 1301 North Victory Place and the time is 6:35 p.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Fermin Abraham Perez resides in La Puente and was taken into custody after being charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. It took place at 10:11 p.m.

      Los Angeles resident Luis Adolfo Perez was cuffed at Hollywood Way and Verdugo Ave. and the time is 2:30 a.m. The charges are petty theft – possession of a controlled substance – 3056 of the state penal code and possession of tear gas.

      Lacoi Champel Rivers lives in Lancaster and is a laborer and was handcuffed at Burbank Blvd. and San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 11:28 a.m. The charge is possession of brass knuckles.

      Jasmine Alexis Romero resides in Corona and was apprehended at 511 North Hollywood Way and the time is 3:25 a.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance – repeated thefts – vehicle registration fraud and possession of nitrous oxide.

      On Friday, August 22, Steve Neil Barlow, a Burbank resident was nabbed at 8:30 p.m. The charges are battery and possession of imitation firearms.

      Marvin O’Neal Carroll Jr. lives in Los Angeles and was taken into custody at First St. and Magnolia Blvd. and the time is 5:15 p.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of stolen property – possession of burglary tools – 3056 PC and a warrant.

      Christopher Kenneth Erickson resides in Studio City and was apprehended at Third St. and Cornell Drive and the time is 8:40 p.m.

      The charges Erickson faces are vehicle registration fraud – possession of heroin/cocaine and a warrant.

      Brian Steven Gorman lives in Los Angeles and was handcuffed at Olive Ave. and Myers St. It occurred at 8:26 p.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Stanley Michael Pacheco resides in Burbank and was cuffed at Frederic St. and it took place at 10:19 p.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Hollywood resident Oscar Kevin Padilla Flores was taken into custody at 501 Third St. and the time is 11:15 p.m. The charge is possession of heroin/cocaine.

      Karen Romanova lives in Burbank and was nabbed after being charged with spousal abuse. It took place at 12:55 p.m.

      Artur Sahakyan resides in Arleta and was apprehended at Empire Ave. and Buena Vista St. and the time is 10:32 p.m. The charge is possession of a switchblade.

      Hapa Diana Sukkarieh lives in Glendale and was arrested after being charged with burglary. It occurred at 9:30 a.m.

      Anthony James Otis Wheaton was nabbed at San Fernando Blvd. and Thompson Ave. and the time is 6:35 p.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance – petty theft – identity theft – possession of heroin/cocaine and a warrant.

      On Thursday, August 21, Ashley Marie Alba, a resident of Sun Valley was picked up at 3:36 p.m. The charge is possession of a controlled substance.

      Adam Leo Bararata lives in Burbank and was nabbed at 3:28 p.m. The charges Bararata faces are trespassing and possession of a controlled substance.

      Edgar Alexander Cano Rivas resides in Sylmar and is a construction worker and was apprehended at 1411 Broadway and the time is 5:55 p.m. The charges are resisting arrest – false impersonation – disorderly conduct and warrants.

      Armando Cortez lives in Van Nuys and was picked up at 101 East Orange Grove Ave. and the time is 7:50 p.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.

      Avedis Gevorg Demirjian resides in Granada Hills and was taken into custody at 7:30 a.m. The charges are embezzlement – possession of a controlled substance for sale – possession of an undetectable firearm and possession of an assault weapon.

      Los Angeles resident Crystal Lee Gentile was handcuffed at 1301 North Victory Place and the time is 8:11 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance – resisting arrest and warrants.

      San Pedro resident Derrick Gharabighi was nabbed at 466 East Palm Ave. and the time is 10:00 a.m. The charges are resisting arrest twice – possession of hard drugs – possession of stolen property and a warrant.

      Allen Connor Gordon lives in Santa Monica and was taken into custody at the 5 freeway and it took place at 3:55 p.m.

      The charges Gordon faces are organized retail theft and possession of heroin/cocaine.

      Hemerson Yosmar Gudino Rojas resides in North Hollywood and was cuffed at Empire Ave. and Catalina St. and the time is 2:30 p.m. The charge is possession of a controlled substance for sale.

      Patrina Lynae Howard lives in Carson and was pinched at the 5 freeway and it took place at 4:05 p.m. The charge is organized retail theft.

      Nevaeh Jones resides in Los Angeles and was picked up at the same site and the time is 4:02 p.m. The charge is the same.

      Culver City resident Alija King was nabbed at the same location and the time is 4:09 p.m. The charge is the same.

      Terrell Dominique King is a student and a resident of Los Angeles and was pinched at Alameda Ave. and Hollywood Way and the time is 11:00 p.m. The charge is possession of a controlled substance.

      Daniel Michael Lopez lives in North Hills and was handcuffed at Victory Blvd. and Buena Vista St. and the time is 7:30 p.m. The charge is possession of nitrous oxide.

      Lake Elsinore resident David Allen Lykins is a handyman and was arrested at Burbank Blvd. and Front St. and the time is 3:09 p.m. The charges are petty theft and possession of a baton.

      On Wednesday, August 20, Eduardo Chavez, a Los Angeles resident is a mechanic and was nabbed at 1723 Landis St. The time is 2:51 a.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – conspiring to commit a felony – joyriding and possession of burglary tools.

      Matthew Wayne Green lives in Los Angeles and is a parking manager and was apprehended at San Fernando Blvd. and Grismer Ave.

      The time is 2:43 a.m. The charges are conspiracy to commit a felony and burglary.

      Phillip Joseph Green resides in North Hills and was handcuffed at 25 East Alameda Ave. and it took place at 10:26 a.m.

      The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and driving while under the influence of .08 or above.

      Los Angeles resident Jerome Jay Griffin Jr. was picked up at 4211 Riverside Drive and the time is 11:10 a.m. The charges are resisting arrest – vandalism with $400 or more and a warrant.

      Anthony Guzman lives in Los Angeles and works at a restaurant and was arrested at Burbank Blvd. and San Fernando Blvd. The time is 6:37 a.m. The charge is possession of drug paraphernalia.

      Peter Yong Kim resides in Burbank and was picked up after being charged with spousal abuse. The time is 7:55 p.m.

      Burbank resident Charles Samuel Prado and was cuffed at 12:35 p.m. The charges are violating a protective order and possession of hard drugs.

      Hapa Diana Sukkarieh lives in Burbank and was brought into custody at San Fernando Blvd. and Grismer Ave. and the time is 2:11 p.m. The charge is driving with a suspended or revoked license.

      Los Angeles resident Hugo Alberto Valenzuela Rodriguez was apprehended at Burbank Blvd. and San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 6:37 a.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and a warrant.

      On Tuesday, August 19, Jon Michael Arnaud, an Azusa resident was picked up at Empire Ave. and the 5 freeway. The time is 4:43 a.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

      Denise C. Bermudez lives in Burbank and was taken into custody at 334 Naomi St. and the time is 12:40 p.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.

      David Maxwell Binder resides in Canoga Park and was apprehended at Glenoaks Blvd. and Alameda Ave. and the time is 7:45 a.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of hard drugs – possession of a taser and possession of burglary tools.

      Julio Callejas lives in North Hollywood and was picked up at 1028 South San Fernando Blvd. and the time is 1:50 a.m. The charge is a warrant.

      Jaime Daniel Ceja Lara Jr. is a manager at an automobile body shop and is a resident of Sun Valley and was handcuffed at Palm Ave. and Third St. It took place at 7:35 p.m. The charge is vehicle registration fraud and a warrant.

      Burbank resident Joshua Luis Gonzalez was nabbed at Lima St. and Saticoy St. and the time is 11:40 p.m. The charges are resisting arrest – driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and reckless driving.

      Paul Osnaya lives in Canyon Country and was handcuffed at 301 North Pass Ave. and it took place at 10:55 p.m. The charge is disorderly conduct.

      Tracel Tinsley resides in Apple Valley and was taken into custody at 6:37 p.m. The charges are threatening an executive officer – battery – trespassing and warrants.

      Eulises Angel Toscano lives in Bakersfield and was nabbed at 1775 North Victory Place and the time is 7:15 p.m. The charge is a warrant.

      On Monday, August 18, Sonya Akopyan, a Glendale resident and a nanny was arrested after being charged with battery. The time is 11:54 a.m.

      Carlos Jesus Alvarado Diaz lives in Los Angeles and was apprehended at 1301 North Victory Place. The time is 11:10 p.m. The charge is petty theft and a warrant.

      Jose De Jesus Benitez resides in Los Angeles and was taken into custody at 2627 North Hollywood Way and it took place at 10:57 p.m.

      The charges are driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug and driving while under influence with .08 or above.

      Rosario Galindo lives in Lynwood and was picked up at Victory Blvd. and Chestnut St. and the time is 12:20 p.m. The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

      Kevin Trung Hoang resides in Northridge and was handcuffed at 200 North Third St. and the time is 1:56 p.m. The charge is grand theft.

      Brian Michael Parks lives in Santa Monica and is a glazer and was cuffed at Buena Vista St. and Glenoaks Blvd. and it took place at 7:48 p.m.

      The charges are possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance and possession of heroin/cocaine.

      Sun Valley resident Zahar Polovinkin was pinched after being charged with domestic battery. The time is 2:47 a.m.

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    • Letter To The Editor: Reader Says Secondhand Smoke Is Poisoning Burbank Residents, Wants City-Wide Ban

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      As a longtime resident of Burbank, I never expected that I’d be forced to breathe in toxic air inside my own home. But that’s exactly what I — and many of my neighbors — have been enduring for years due to secondhand smoke seeping into our condo units from adjacent residences. The smoke drifts through vents, walls, shared shafts, and other structural gaps in our building. No matter how many air purifiers I buy or windows I seal, the smoke keeps entering my home. And with it comes headaches, sore throats, and the constant worry of what it’s doing to my long-term health — and my child’s.

      After years of struggling, I spoke in detail with the Burbank Police Department. Their response was straightforward: there’s nothing they can do unless the City of Burbank passes an ordinance banning in-unit smoking in multi-family housing. That is both alarming and unacceptable. Residents like me are left without recourse, forced to either live in a toxic environment or leave our homes — simply because someone else is choosing to smoke indoors in a shared building.

      This isn’t about personal preference. It’s about public health.

      According to the CDC, secondhand smoke causes more than 41,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome. There is no safe level of exposure — and yet, thousands of people across California, including here in Burbank, are involuntarily exposed to it every day inside their own residences.

      The science is overwhelming and long-settled:

      • The U.S. Surgeon General has declared that secondhand smoke causes disease and premature death in nonsmoking adults and children.

      • The California Air Resources Board classifies secondhand smoke as a toxic air contaminant, in the same category as diesel exhaust.

      • According to Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center, chemical residue from smoking (even long after the smoke is gone) can reduce property values by up to 30%.

      Burbank has been a leader in so many areas of public safety — but in this one, we are falling behind. Cities like Pasadena, Santa Monica, Berkeley, and Manhattan Beach have already passed comprehensive ordinances banning smoking in multi-unit housing. Why can’t we?

      Help me urge the Burbank City Council to act now. Enact a clear, enforceable ban on smoking in multi-unit buildings. Give residents the ability to breathe clean air in the homes they work hard to afford. Protect our kids, our elders, our immunocompromised neighbors — and every person who simply wants to live without being poisoned by someone else’s addiction.

      Until then, we are trapped — not only by smoke, but by a lack of action.

      Jason Wright
      Burbank

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    • Filmmaker Chloe will Serve You Now

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      Chloe may be an accomplished filmmaker with awards, commendations and a prestigious degree from Columbia University but she can also be seen helping customers select their keepsakes at her families Vintage store, Junk for Joy, on Magnolia Blvd. in the heart of Burbank’s Magnolia Park District. That is where I met up with her to ask about her new film and impressive background. Sitting at a small table in the shade just outside the store I started with the usual question. “Who is Chloe Lenihan?” This is what I discovered.

      She is a fifth-generation Californian based in Los Angeles and has always had a passion for telling stories. She started to act at age 7 by chance tagging along on an interview for her baby sister while in New York.  She started doing commercials and modeling until heading off to school in South Bend Indiana where she studied history and film theory. She became interested in the process of making films and started working for film producers including Oscar-winning GK Films on Martin Scorsese’s The Departed and The Aviator, and Jean-Marc Vallée’s The Young Victoria ultimately, she was not suited for office work.

      Enrolling in the 2-year William Esper Studio program she met a community of other creatives and started putting together plays, and short films.  She then went on to get an M.F.A. at Columbia University where she received the New York Women in Film & Television scholarship.  She was awarded the Katharina Otto-Bernstein grant to write and produce her thesis film How Far She Went, which won “Jury Honors” and the “Audience Award” at the Columbia University Film Festival, “Best Female Student Filmmaker” by the Director’s Guild of America East, and “Best Student Film” at BendFilm Festival before making its broadcast premiere on KQED’s “Film School Shorts” series, hosted by PBS.   As a writer/ director/ producer/ actor, her films have screened at Academy-qualifying festivals including: Atlanta, Nordisk Panorama, and Palm Springs among others. A proud SAG member since 1989, Chloe creates heartfelt, humorous stories that explore identity, purpose, and the absurdities of everyday life, immersing audiences in authentic Americana and emotion that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

      Chloe returned to Burbank in 2016 to support the 35th Anniversary of Junk for Joy and help her mother run the store while also taking time to write, direct and act in a series shot in Chicago called the All-American Sex Offender, which won “Best Web Series” at the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival in 2020 and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Chloe was selected to develop her feature script, Metanoia, at the Stowe Story Lab and Cine Qua Non Storylines Lab in 2021 and then, in 2022, she revised that script at Cine Qua Non’s Revision Lab in Tzintzuntzan, Mexico.

      Currently, Chloe is in post-production on her feature directorial debut, SMILE…the Worst is Yet to Come, a dramatic comedy about infertility, the generational divide, and how we define success. Her interest in a characters psychological experience and being able to make a little look like a lot served her well on the project. Shooting both here in Burbank and in Big Bear she is proud of her achievement. Yet she is not one to sit still for long, she has completed her next script, a dark family comedy about health and the wellness influencers community. I, for one, can’t wait.

      Originally published in www.theburbankblabla.com

      BurCal Apartments8715

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      Brad Bucklin

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    • Letter to the Editor: Another Example of BUSD Failed Fiscal Controls.

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      Letter to the Editor:

      BUSD business staff provided contracts and invoices in response to a public records request for the consulting contracts and payments to Dr. Jan Britz. You may recall Dr. Britz is a retired former BUSSD Superintendent. We asked for this information because recent warrant reports showed this consultant was paid over $33,000 to mentor former superintendent Paramo and administrators, with only two principals acknowledging speaking with her.

      The documents BUSD provided point to another example of failed fiscal controls. This failure lands squarely on the desk of the person in charge of all fiscal matters, Assistant Superintendent Cantwell.

      To put this in proper context, back on January 16, 2025, at a board meeting, Dr. Abdelhamid, then a director and recently promoted Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, with Mr. Cantwell supporting her, spoke for over 40 minutes about her extensive work in response to the Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) recommendations from February 2024. She told us about her efforts to hire knowledgeable and experienced personnel. She reported then her department was fully staffed.

      Most importantly she described new systems she had put in place including a google drive and google forms. No more paper invoices would be accepted from consultants. She told us these measures were created to help expedite payments and prevent fraud.

      In that light, with these new systems in place, here are questions the public needs answered:

      1. Why was Dr. Britz paid $10,000 in advance of doing any work, without an invoice? Did the new google drive system cause this to happen? If not, who approved this?
      2. Why are school principals asked to sign meaningless invoices months after payment?
      3. How does the new system allow $33,575 to be paid when only $30,000 worth of NOT TO EXCEED contracts were in place? Is the new system not capable of flagging overpayments?
      4. Which leads us to ask the most important question, how many other consultants have received overpayments?

      These are not abstract nitpicking questions. Every dollar overpaid is a dollar taken from classrooms, from teachers, and from students.

      In the most recent financial Unaudited Actuals report staff shows a slide with the words “Next steps; Culture of fiscal mindfulness: transparency, accountability, and collaboration.”

      In that spirit, we have appealed to the Board to immediately take three actionable steps:

      • First, mandate that no consultant payment be made above the contract amount until a change order receives Board approval.
      • Second, mandate internal controls be put in place so no consultant can be paid in advance, and no payment can be made without properly itemized consultant-generated invoices with verified approved time sheets.
      • Third, request an audit of all consultant agreements and payments over the past two years, with findings shared publicly. Yes, this is an expense, but it is a prudent business expense the Board owes the public.

      School Board members must show the community their commitment to “fiscal mindfulness” is not just an empty slogan.

      Jef Vander Borght
      Burbank

      BurCal Apartments8715

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    • Assemblymember Nick Schultz Hosts Car Seat Safety Installation September 27

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      Car Seat Installation Event on September 27

      The Office of Assemblymember Nick Schultz is hosting another family-friendly community event with California Highway Patrol (CHP)! This is the best opportunity for expecting & soon-to-be parents, as well as caregivers – whether you’re preparing for your first child or looking for peace of mind for your growing family. Call to schedule an appointment with CHP representatives for a car seat inspection, and hands-on lesson on how to install it safely.

      Feel free to share our event with neighbors, family, friends, and colleagues in Assembly District 44.

      DATE: Saturday, September 27, 2025

      TIME: 8:00 a.m. to Noon  

      ADDRESS: Back lot located at Ralph Foy Park: 3211 West Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. Please review details on map below to navigate to exact parking location. Reference map. 

      EXACT LOCATION: Enter parking lot adjacent to Schafer Baseball Field on North Ontario Street (entrance next to Burbank Fire Dept. Training Center)

      RESERVATIONS: By appointment only. Call the District Office at (818) 558-3043 Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note: One (1) car seat per scheduled appointment slot. Please let us know if you have more than one (1) car seat to accommodate a longer time slot.

      BE PREPARED: Upon arrival, please be prepared to provide your child’s height and weight, if applicable.

      CBIS DataTax

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    • Experience the Milt & Edie’s Difference: Voted Burbank’s Best & Trusted for Generations

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      Milt & Edie’s

      For four generations, Milt & Edie’s has been Burbank’s go-to for exceptional dry cleaning, expert tailoring, and warm, personal service. Now led by Michael and Beth Shader, we’re proud to blend time-honored tradition with modern convenience.

      From eco-friendly cleaning and express drop-off to text alerts and curbside pickup, every detail is designed to make your life easier. We also offer pickup and delivery for homes, offices, and studios, just schedule and we’ll handle the rest.

      Photo courtesy of Milt & Edie’s

      With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Michael is always in search of new and better cleaning methods, environmentally sound and safe products, meeting the challenges of keeping the business open 365 days a year, and always maintaining his sense of humor. To improve efficiency, Michael and his team have updated operational systems. Express bags are available for customers to drop off their cleaning with zero wait time. When items are ready, Milt & Edie’s will send the customer a text. Customers can also text that they are on their way to pick up their order and it will be ready and waiting for them.

      Customers who sign up for Milt & Edie’s pickup and delivery service will have their laundry picked up from their home or office by Milt & Edie’s delivery drivers. This pickup and delivery service also applies to studios, designers and costume and wardrobe departments.

      Come see why we’re more than a dry cleaner, we’re family.

      Milt & Edie’s Drycleaners & Tailoring Center
      4021 W. Alameda Ave at Pass
      Burbank, CA 91505
      818-846-4734
      miltandedies.com

      Photo courtesy of Milt & Edie’s

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    • BUSD: Member Charlene Tabet Submits Letter Of Resignation

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      (Photo By Ross Benson)

      Early on during Thursday’s more than five-hour Burbank Unified School Board meeting at city hall, it was revealed that member Charlene Tabet, who has been censured by the board, turned in her letter of resignation the day before, and that it had been accepted.

      Tabet, who wasn’t present and hasn’t been present since June, has been under criminal investigation after a conflict-of-interest involving her adult daughter, BreeAnn Weist, who was awarded a $93,000 clerical contract.

      Tabet formed Specialized Support Services LLC on the day the district made the initial payment.

      Interim Superintendent Dr. Oscar Macias said, “This is a time for us to move forward.”

      It’s known that Macias wants the title of superintendent, but first there is going to be an open search, and Macias will be in the running.

      The district counsel has advised the board that engaging a third‐party search consultant is common and a best practice to ensure an open, competitive process.

      The search consultant fees are generally in the range of $25,000 to $40,000 according to Vice President Abby Pontzer Kamkar.

      Additionally, the board’s bylaw requires open‐session discussion and vote to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for search services.

      There will be an open-session discussion with public participation to establish broad leadership priorities and skills for the next superintendent.

      These skills are essential and include instructional leadership, community engagement and fiscal acumen.

      The proposal and statement of qualifications will take about three to four weeks and will be posted on the BUSD website.

      Proposals will be ready in early December and in mid-January at the board meeting, a consultant will be picked to assist in finding the next superintendent.

      The high school A-G rate which are the percentage of students who have completed the specific college-predatory course requirements for admission into the University of California or the California State University systems are as follows district wide: 45 percent in 2020-2021, 50 percent in 2021-2022, 48 percent in 2022-2023, 47.1 percent in 2023-2024 and 50.5 percent project for 2024-2025.

      For Burroughs High, the projected rate for 2024-2025 is 56.4 percent and for Burbank it’s 54.2 percent.

      Dr. Peter Knapik, the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, addressed the board and presented a slide show.

      “We’re on the right track,” he said. “This is good growth, but it’s not where we want to be as a district.”

      The graduation class of 2025 at Burroughs was 98.7 percent, for Burbank it’s 98.7 percent and for Monterey it’s 93.1 percent.

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      Rick Assad

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    • Burbank Police Launch Community Connect to Enhance Communication

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      The Burbank Police Department is pleased to announce the launch of Community Connect, a new system designed to improve communication with residents, businesses, and visitors following a request for police services. 

      Community Connect uses automated text and email messaging to keep the community informed about the status of their calls for service.

      When a caller provides contact information to the Burbank Police Communications Center, they will receive an acknowledgement message within minutes of their call being entered by an operator. If there is a delay in police response, Community Connect will automatically send updates until the call is dispatched. 

      Once an officer completes the call for service, the system will issue a follow-up message providing a general disposition of how the incident was managed. When a report is taken, victims may also receive the name of the responding officer and the corresponding report number. If a case is assigned to a detective, Community Connect will automatically notify the victim with updated information.

      Messages are available in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and recipients may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

      Following a call disposition, some callers may receive a short survey invitation to provide feedback on their experience. This information will assist the Burbank Police Department in improving services and ensuring accountability to the community.

      To protect the safety of community members and officers, updates will not be sent during in-progress crimes or in sensitive situations where a message could create risk.

      Community Connect reflects the Burbank Police Department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering quality service through communication with those we serve.  

      Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

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    • Letter to the Editor: Reader Wants City Council to Take Charge of City’s Visual Attractiveness

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      Letter to the Editor:

      Building height potentiates the indoor rooms of vertically projecting cities. Burbankers do not systematically benefit from vertical dimension escalation, the city’s 100,000+ suburban population (single-family home owners and plentiful renters) have not, and cannot, significantly enjoy tall buildings. Burbank’s housing and business stock should be planned to accommodate the city’s urban resident taxpayers, not Sacramento regulars like fake developers and fakir-like realtors.

       

      Currently, our publicly revealed Planning Dept.’s colorful urban development mappings show scads of unimaginative squarish blotches that detract from our city’s visual attractiveness, even on its own cartographies! The dramaturgy and political theater that IS our existing City Council, overseers of Burbank’s childish planner coterie, must eventually approve/disapprove their presented plan’s terms with the inevitable private-sector developments. I think there has been significant planning distortion in Burbank, perhaps even un-democratization, peculiar displayed socio-institutional beliefs, and other corrupting influences.

       

      For example, a METRO-painted BRT dedicated vehicle lane might be mistaken for some “Martian Canal” when viewed from a vertical perspective. When viewed from a horizontal perspective, it would appear as a glaring blood-engorged stain on Olive Avenue and Glenoaks Blvd. With one-storey housing, tenanted by renters and home-owners, being disparaged by Burbank’s Planning Dept. and its City Council in favor of ADUs and skyscrapers, it is not difficult to imagine worse to come visually speaking.

       

      With apologies to H.G. Wells.

      “No Burbanker would have believed that in the first quarter of the 21st Century that their affairs were being monitored keenly and closely by minimal intelligences lesser than real Burbankers and yet as mortal as their own, that so-called planners busied themselves (at enormous public expense) about their affairs to “modernize” the City of Burbank for a “piffling” $150 millions. Yes, intellects shriveled and cold and with unsympathetic callous academic outlooks, regard Burbank as a place to be displaced, replaced by unleased/rented boxy junk, volumetrically enormous, unpleasing roomage. Ugly to see, ugly to touch, helping only to increase the city’s heat-island effect.” 

       

      Richard B. Cathcart

      Burbank

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    • Burbank Housing Corporation Board of Directors Vacancy

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      The Burbank City Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for the Burbank Housing Corporation Board of Directors beginning September 2, 2025 through October 1, 2025. Applications may be submitted online by visiting www.burbankca.gov/bccapplication or you can pick up an application in the City Clerk’s Office located in City Hall at 275 East Olive Avenue, First Floor. Completed applications may be submitted online, mailed, or dropped off (no postmarks and no exceptions for late submittals). 

      The deadline to submit an application to the Burbank City Clerk’s Office is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. The appointments are tentatively scheduled to be made at the October 14, 2025, City Council Meeting. All City Board, Commission, and Committee members serve without compensation from the City. No individual shall serve on more than one Board, Commission, or Committee at the same time. All applicants must be electors of, and actually live in, the City of Burbank with the exception of the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and the Sustainable Burbank Commission (per BMC Sections 2-1-405, 2-1-406, 2-1-407).

      Burbank Housing Corporation Board of Directors Information

      The Burbank Housing Corporation Board of Directors was established by the Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. R-1878 to improve and preserve the affordable housing inventory in the City of Burbank and to provide community assistance and services within the Focus Neighborhoods in the City. The Corporation is a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors comprised of nine members. In accordance with its By-laws and Articles of Incorporation, the directors are appointed by different segments representative of the Burbank community: the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministerial Association, the Board of Realtors, Wesley Senior Housing, and the Advisory Council on Disabilities. The City of Burbank appoints two board members. 

      For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (818) 238-5851, by fax at (818) 238-5853, or by email at cityclerks@burbankca.gov 

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    • Metro to Begin Utility Exploration Construction for the BRT Project

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      Busses like the Burbank Bus will use the BRT (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

      Metro to Begin Pre-Construction Work in Burbank for North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project The North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project is moving forward, with Metro set to begin preliminary construction activities in Burbank starting the week of September 8, 2025. The project, part of Metro’s larger transit expansion plan, will connect North Hollywood, Eagle Rock, Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena with a new zero-emission BRT service designed to improve access to jobs, schools, and community destinations across the region.

      The early work in Burbank will focus on locating and identifying underground utilities—a process known as potholing—at several key intersections. Crews will be active for approximately one week in September, with the possibility of returning in early October for additional work.

      Impacted Areas in Burbank

      • Olive Avenue: Lane reductions northbound and southbound between Kenwood Street and the Ventura Freeway (SR-134) overpass, and intermittent lane reductions between Lima Street and Alameda Avenue.
      • Hollywood Way: Right turn lane onto northbound Olive Avenue reduced, though right turns exiting Warner Bros. Studios will be maintained.
      • Alameda Avenue: Lane reductions westbound from Lincoln Street to Buena Vista Street, and eastbound from Frederic Street to Buena Vista Street.
      • Buena Vista Street: Intermittent lane reductions at Alameda Avenue, with a reduced right turn lane onto westbound Alameda Avenue.

      Work Hours and What to Expect

      Work will occur Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only one lane will be closed at a time, and crews will reopen lanes at the end of each workday. Signs and flaggers will help direct traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians through the area, with access to sidewalks, crosswalks, and local businesses maintained.

      Residents and businesses should expect noise and minimal vibration as potholing crews bore into the roadway or sidewalk to locate utilities. Temporary parking restrictions will be posted in the immediate work areas, and Metro bus stops in the construction zones may be temporarily relocated.

      Looking Ahead

      The North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT will provide faster, more reliable service along a heavily traveled corridor, easing congestion and promoting sustainable transportation. Metro emphasizes that construction schedules are subject to change, and updates will be provided throughout the process.

      For detailed maps and the latest schedule updates, residents can visit bit.ly/BurbankPreconstruction or the project’s website at metro.net/nohopasbrt. Riders with questions about service changes can call 323.GoMetro.

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