Monthly Archives: February 2012

SPORTS SHORTS: Girls Basketball – All Good Things Must End

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All Good Things Must End

The fairytale season that the Burbank High girls’ basketball team enjoyed came to an end on Tuesday at the hands of Summit High.

The CIF Southern Section’s Division IA top seed, Summit, advanced by way of their 72-49 win over the Bulldogs — who were the 13th seed in the Division and the only non top seed to reach the final four.

The Skyhawks — six time Sunset League champions — improved to 26-3, Burbank ends its season an impressive 19-12. The Bulldogs finished second in the Pacific League this season, won a record 19 games and advanced to the semifinals for the first time ever.

Summit features three players 6-feet or taller dominated Burbank down low. The Bulldogs tallest player is listed at 5-foot-10. Summit had scored as many as 88 points on the season and had held opponents to as few as eight, so the Bulldogs made a respectable showing, especially in spurts of the second and third quarters.

Senior Damarie Gonzalez, playing in her final game, scored 16 points to lead Burbank. Jamie Gonzalez and Aja Locke each had eight points.

E-Waste

Burbank High baseball committed eight errors in a 9-3 loss at Rio Mesa on Tuesday, February 28 — including four from shortstop Dylan Mersola and two from catcher Paul Frias who are the Bulldogs top two players.

The Bulldogs now have 14 errors in three games on the season, a large reason while they are 0-3.

Rio Mesa had nine hits, all singles, and four players with two hits apiece. It led 2-0 after the opening inning of play, however the score remained unchanged until the fifth when it broke open a close game with a four-run inning.

Burbank had just three hits, one from Frias, Mersola and pitcher Angel Villagran.

Burroughs Falls Flat

The Indians’ baseball team hasn’t found it any easier thus far this season. Burroughs lost at home to Lancaster, Tuesday, 5-1 and is 0-3 with highly-regarded Crespi looming in the fourth game of the Easton Southern California Showdown on Thursday.

Dillon Disiere threw two scoreless innings of relief and Chris Davies has a single, a walk and a stolen base and was one of the few mentionable offensive sparks for the Indians.

“Just an inexcusable loss for us, a really frustrating one,” Coach Kiel Holmes said. “Our effort has gone backwards since the opener and that is not acceptable. We clearly have a long way to go before we are ready for league play we’re just going to have to get back to work and figure it out.”

Dog Days of Winter Here?

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Burbank High girls’ basketball coach Bruce Breeden might soon pull out the DVD “Hoosiers” from its place on the shelf to review what it was Gene Hackman said to his team as they defied all odds in the sports-drama classic.

In what is perhaps the best display of tournament Cinderella stories since Hackman led the Hickory Hoosiers to a state title in the film based on the true story of the 1952 Indiana high school basketball state champions, Breeden’s Bulldogs just keep on rolling in the CIF Southern Section’s Division IA playoffs.

The Bulldogs rallied to a 58-48 home win over visiting Temecula Valley Saturday night — overcoming a disastrous third quarter in which they were outscored by nine points, 16-7.

“We’ll be the underdogs the rest of the way, so we really have nothing to lose,” Breeden said. “I am just so proud of the team for the way they have come together.”

Breeden has spoken often of the coach’s cliché, how the playoffs are the start of a whole new season. His Bulldogs have taken it to heart, winning three straight en route to their first appearance in the semifinals in the program’s history.

The Bulldogs had never previously made it past the second round of the CIF Southern Section playoffs. Now, however, they will play at Summit High against the No. 1 seeded Skyhawks on Tuesday evening in the semifinals.

The Skyhawks have scored as many as 88 points in games this season and have beaten opponents by as many as 62 points.

Burbank (19-11) drew a favorably match-up in the quarterfinals against Temecula Valley — 14-16 on the season. Burbank dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Golden Bears 29-13.

Damarie Gonzalez scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Burbank. Sister Jamie Gonzalez scored 12 points and teammate Aja Locke added 10 points. Temecula Valley got a huge effort from Iman Lathan who scored 28 points.

Summit beat Downey on Saturday, February 25 by a score of 62-54.

Memorial Field Comes Back to Life to Serve Burbank

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School District & City Officials listen to comments at Dedication Cermony (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The long awaited debut of the new Memorial Field premiered for the public on Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m. at a touching dedication ceremony. Many long time residents, military veterans, city officials, school district officials, former athletes and current students gathered to take in a piece of local history.

“Memorial Field” is now officially a stadium after undergoing a 12-million dollar facelift the past two years. It will eventually house football games, soccer matches, track meets, graduations and more in the years ahead. However, Saturday was more about remembering the past.

The dedication honored those who had served in World War II and who the original field had been dedicated to in 1946.

Burbank City Manager Mike Flad makes comments during Dedication of The new Memorial Field.(Photo by Ross A. Benson

Several thousand people gathered in the home stands as the field was dedicated by a panel of honorees that included Chief of the Veterans Commemorative Committee Mickey DePalo, Mayor Jesse Talamantes, City Manager Michael Flad, Board of Education President Ted Bunch and Burbank Unified Schools’ Superintendent Stan Carrizosa.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and a victory lap on the new track. The joint venture between the city and the schools was more than two decades in the making from talk to completion and was the vision of so many over the years.

New Bronze art piece at the entrance of Cusunano Plaza. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Talamantes and Flad both spoke of having played on the field as alumni of Burroughs High. Flad had the line of the morning when speaking of a controversial loss to the Bulldogs during the Big Game of 1984 when Burbank got two chances to kick a game-winning field goal following a penalty.

“I promised then to see the stadium and everything in it torn down, and here we are,” he said to a roar of laughter from the crowd.

Talamantes referenced how many members of his family have participated in athletics and activities on the old Memorial Field.

Presentation of the Colors by The United States Marines. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The ceremony first and foremost honored those who have served this country, including the two teachers and 25 students who the original Memorial Field was dedicated to in 1946. Bunch referenced their stories in his speech.

Starting the Memorial Field Dedication was a flyover by the Areo Squadron (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A flyover began the day, followed by a presentation of the colors by the United States Marines from the Los Angeles Recruiting Station of Eagle Rock. It concluded with an art unveiling of the piece titled “Home” by Sheila Cavalluzzi depicting a soldier home from war.

The new bronze sculpture caeed 'Home' (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

More than anything else the events surrounding the event also reminded the community members who had turned out to see the dedication ceremony what a joint-venture between the schools and city the field truly is. A JV baseball game was being played in the background while tennis lessons took place on the nearby courts.

Former coaches and current coaches could be seen wearing huge grins through the dedication after both the Burbank and Burroughs football teams played all ten of their contests on the road this past season including their rivalry game played at Arcadia High School.

Carrizosa thanked current students and staff for their patience through construction. The stadium will first see action during the upcoming track season. The Burroughs graduation is expected to be held at the stadium this May, after being relocated to the Starlight Bowl last year.

City & School District Officials cut the ribbon on the New Memorial Field's Track. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

New Plaque at the newly built Memorial Field. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

SPORT SHORTS: Both Local Baseball Teams Start The Season 0-2

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Agoura 5, Burroughs 4:  The Indians took a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning against the host Chargers, only to have the game tied on a past-ball then lost on a walk-off homer off the bat of Agoura’s Dylan Freyre.

Chris Davies had two hits and reached base on a walk for Burroughs, who fell to 0-2. Agoura is 1-0-1 in the Easton Southern California Showdown.

Moorpark 3, Burbank 0:  Sean Berry threw 5 1/3 innings of shutout ball and struck out 13 to lead the Musketeers to a win over host Burbank on February 25. Burbank managed just two hits, one by Dylan Mersola and one by Ricky Perez in the loss.

SWAT Team Looks For Barricaded Suspect

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Buena Vista Library was used as a base of operations for LAPD SWAT during an incident late Friday night. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Nearby residents were evacuated from their homes, and traffice was diverted along a section of Olive Ave. Friday night, while police dealt with a barricaded suspect situation.

Los Angeles Police Department detectives came to the 2200 block of W. Olive Ave. in search of a suspect wanted for assault with a deadly weapon.  The crime had occurred earlier in the day in North Hollywood.  The suspect was believed to be living in an apartment located on the north side of Olive Ave. between Myers and Lincoln Streets.   The Burbank Police Department was contacted at 8:40 p.m. to assist the LAPD detectives.

The LAPD SWAT team was called when the detectives believed the suspect was barricaded inside the apartment.  When they knocked on the his door, he did not anser.  Burbank Police assisted by diverting traffic on Olive Ave. away from the area, and evacuate nearby residents.  After numerous attempts were made to contact any occupants of the suspect, SWAT officers made entry, and determined that the suspect had fled prior to the officers’ arrival.

The nearby Buena Vista Library was used for evacuted residents,  and also as the base for their SWAT operations.   A mobile command post was set up in the library’s parking lot.  Per the Burbank Police only a few people were asked to leave the adjoining apartments with four staying at the library and one couple going to a local coffee shop.

Once the LAPD determined that the suspect   was not home,  the streets in the area were re-opened.  Residents were able to return home around 4:00 am.

 UPDATE:   The suspect being sought by the LAPD for assault with a deadly weapon, Erik Jan Peterson, 43, of Burbank,  was located by police in a small industrial park located just a block outside of Burbank.  The block-long single story multiple unit industrial building is located on the south side of the Chandler Bikeway, between Biloxi and Strohm Avenues in North Hollywood.  Peterson was spotted in one of the units Saturday afternoon. The LAPD used one of their armored vehicles to drag away a covered carport continaing some recreational vehicles, to get a better view of the unit’s entrance.  Tear gas was used to finally flush the Peterson out of the building.   He  apparently suffered self-inflicted wounds, and was transported by LAFD ambulance to the hospital.

Burbank Tournament of Roses Picks New Board Members For 2012

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Board of Directors

Ginny Barnett

President

Ricky Batt

Vice President-Administration

Steven Edward

Vice President-Float

Jon Reeves

Secretary

Robin Hanna

Treasurer

Erik Andersen

Director

Linda Cozakos

Director

Bob Ford

Director

John Hames

Director

Jeff Helgager

Director

Ron Hughes

Director

Dr. Suresh Iyengar

Director

SPORTS SHORTS: Both Local Teams Go Down to Defeat in Season Openers

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BURROUGHS BUZZ SAWED BY PROSPECT

As far as head coaching debuts go, new Burroughs head coach Kiel Holmes drew about as tough an assignment as one could imagine when his Indians opened the 2012 season at home against the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines as a part of the Easton Southern California Showdown Tournament.

The Wolverines not only have the best one-two rotation in the area, but the top pitching prospect in the country in 6-foot-6 Lucas Giolito, in their arsenal and a coach, Matt LaCour, known for showing no mercy.

With scouts lining the back of the backstop at Burroughs High Friday, February 24 Giolito didn’t disappoint working five shutout innings in a 13-5 romp of the Indians.

Giolito, who has been reportedly been clocked as high as 99 miles per hour this winter, made fast work of the Indians for Harvard Westlake, who led 13-0 heading into the sixth inning. However, Burroughs made contact as the senior managed only three strikeouts — none coming before the fourth inning.

Burroughs got a two-run single late from senior Eli Peppmuller and managed five runs in its final six outs of play. The Indians face Agoura at the Chargers’ home field at 11:00 a.m. on February 25.

DOGS FALL TO ECR

Burbank HIgh baseball led 4-1 in the fifth before the host Conquistadors rolled a six-run inning en route to topping Burbank, 7-4, in the season opener for both teams as part of the Easton SCS Tournament.

“We gave one away… too many miscues, too many errors from us when defense has become a real strength,” Coach Bob Hart said.

Burbank had four errors — all in the infield — and several misjudged balls fall in the outfield in defeat.

Leading in the fourth, and with the bases full, Harrison Hernandez lined a ball up the left-center alley only to have it snagged by ECR centerfielder Brian Kewin, who has signed with Azuza-Pacific. Had the ball fallen, the Bulldogs would have cleared the bases.

“Maybe the difference, obviously huge,” Hart said. “But the bottom line is we have to do a better job on defense if we want to beat quality teams.”

Dylan Mersola and Ian McKinnon had two hits each for Burbank — Mersola and Paul Frias had RBIs.

Burbank will host Moorpark tomorrow, February 25, at 11:00 a.m.

HART-ATTACK

It wasn’t all bad news for Coach Hart on Friday as son Kyle Hart threw arguably his best collegiate game going nine innings on 101 pitches and striking out eight for the University of Redlands in a 3-0 win over Claremont.

Hart, a former star at Burroughs High School and a 2008 and 2009 All-Pacific League selection, is a junior coming off a strong sophomore campaign. He helped snapped the Bulldogs’ five-game skid on Friday. Redlands is 4-6 on the season. Hart is 2-1 overall and has 18 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.

BASEBALL PREVIEW: Bring On The Games

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JBHS and BHS Eager for First Pitch

The season can’t get here soon enough for two teams coming off disappointing 2011 campaigns for two very different reasons. Burbank High struggled in transitioning to a new program philosophy, while Burroughs High made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Things will be different this season and so without further ado, here is a snapshot of what to look for on the baseball diamond this season.

BURBANK

Burbank High Head Coach Bob Hart

Last season, the Bulldogs went 12-15 overall and 6-8 in the Pacific League, finishing fifth and missing out on the postseason after two consecutive seasons of participating in the playoffs. Coach Bob Hart feels a little bit like Goldilocks heading into the 2012 season with the thoughts that things are finally, “just right.”

“I just feel the program is healthier than it has ever been from top-to-bottom,” he says. “The guys have really bought into the changes we’ve tried to make and I feel like we have committed kids, the right guys in place and that we lack any drama — which is a good thing.”

Specifically, he credits an emphasis on defense, improved practice routines and a deeper coaching staff that includes Craig Sherwood, Tommy Perez and Tony Sandoval — all names that crosstown rival Burroughs is very familiar with.

Sherwood, although best known for his days coaching alongside Scott Muckey at Crespi was also a longtime assistant for the Indians. Perez holds nearly every Burroughs offensive record and Sandoval was the No. 2 starter on the 1997 Foothill League championship Burroughs team.

Dylan Mersola

Hart also saw Sherwood recruit assistant Dean Benevidez, a former Celts’ standout who grew up in the Burbank area then won a CIF Championship in his time at Crespi where he was a star.

“My ego is not big, I can give credit where credit is do,” Hart said. “Craig has brought in his system and made some real positive changes to the way we do things and he brought in some staff to help with that.”

Paul Frias

Hart is equally excited about what he has returning on his squad. Dylan Mersola, a 2nd team All-Pacific League selection who plays shortstop, showcases one of the best swings in the Pacific League. Also back is catcher Paul Frias, who Hart says is currently showing a consistent sub 2.0 pop-time and who hit close to .450 between summer and winter league games this off-season.

“I realize numbers in the off-season don’t mean a thing, “Hart said. “However, we were really excited with the consistency from Paul. He has a chance to be pretty special.”

Senior pitchers Andrew Hernandez, a submariner, and Daniel Starkand figure to the 1-2 in the rotation for the Bulldogs. Newcomers Angel Villagran, a transfer from Burroughs who is also a third basemen, and Harrison Hernandez, a corner guy, will also pitch. Hart believes Hernandez could close.

The Bulldogs kick-off their season in the Easton Tournament and will see El Camino Real and Moorpark in their first two games. They open league with a tough week at Pasadena and at Crescenta Valley the final week of March.

Hart acknowledges that CV will be the odds on favorite in the Pacific League.

“Two guys throwing above 90 (miles per hour), they’ve gotta be,” he said. “After that it is simply survival of the fittest, several teams could surprise and every team can be beat.” His team belongs in both those categories too, he says.

BURROUGHS

Burroughs Head Varsity Coach Kiel Holmes

Kiel Holmes picked a challenge for his first coaching gig, a Burroughs team healing from a forgettable 2011 season in which its season cut short. The Indians forfeited their last nine games following an incident on a Spring Break Trip in Arizona. However, many feel the Burroughs-alum is the right guy to return the program to better times, Holmes included.

“I just feel like there is a right way to do it in high school baseball and that I played in a program that did it the right way,” he said. “We have emphasized this again because it is really the only way to win games.”

Specifically, Holmes preaches an emphasis on small-ball, base running, getting a guy to second and bringing him home and playing pitch and catch — all things that had been forgotten the last two seasons but points of emphasis when the Indians had their best teams 2007-2009 and 1996-2002 averaging nearly 17 wins per season in each of those eras.

Burroughs was 6-8-1 when its season was cut short last season and 12-15 the prior year when it got away from those basics. So despite a senior heavy team, few will recognize these Indians as they get their identity back this season under a former Indian.

“We’ve had talent, but it just didn’t work” Holmes said. “I like my team a lot and I give the guys all the credit for standing tall after what they went through. I also give them a lot of credit for buying into what we want them to do — they are going to surprise people this season.”

Dylan Goldsack

Position battles and competition has been the theme since Holmes accepted the position in November after Coach Eddie Alvarez came and went like a meteorite — fired for inconsistent leadership. Holmes feels six players are competing for three spots — Ryan Gordon, Stewart Alexander, Eli Peppmuller, Matt Kelsey, Dylan Goldsack and Zander Anding.

Each bring something different to the table with Gordon showing the best arm, Anding and Peppmuller the best range. The infield is also a logjam, but in a good way. Brian Pozos, Luis Pereya and Myles Haddad play-up the middle and can rotate around as necessary when Pereya pitches — which he will do plenty of.

Christian Garia

Dillon Disiere will likely also see plenty of innings on the mound, and will also play third base. Nate Borgard has plenty of upside and Daniel Baraza, a lengthy lefty, has established himself in Holmes eyes in recent months.

“I like how he has learned to hold runners and how he can throw three pitches anywhere in the count,” Holmes said.

A now healthy Christian Garia should provide plenty of offense and play first base while Chris Davies and Chris Peale compete for time at catcher. Peale’s bat also makes him a candidate for the designated hitter role.

“I feel like I am still getting caught-up to speed after coming in late, but I also really like what we have here,” Holmes said. “I have enough depth that I can play the hot bat and not lose anything on the other end.”

PREDICTIONS

Really tough reads for both teams, even as familiar as I am with most of the names on the field and the coaching staffs. Burbank and Burroughs both make the playoffs this season with 13-16 wins overall and 10 league wins. Who finishes ahead of who comes down to the season series played on April 20 and May 11 this season. Like I said, I know too many guys in each dugout to make that prediction.

Hand Grenades Found In Rancho Area Garage

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The Bomb Squad was called out after hand grenades and other military-type explosives were found in a Burbank garage.

Around 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Burbank Police officers responded to the 2000 block of Parkside Ave.  A man reported that he and other family members had found the devices while cleaning out a relative’s garage.  They had found five hand grenades, and three apparent rocket-type explosive devices.

Neighbors were evacuated from the area, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad was called.  Sheriff’s Arson/Explosive personnel were on scene within 20 minutes. They visually inspected the devices, and determined that they were inoperable and not in danger of exploding.   The devices were removed for disposal.

Once the “all clear” was given, residents in the area were able to return to their homes.

Congressman At John Burroughs High School

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Congressman Adam Schiff visited John Burroughs High School on Thursday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

United States Representative Adam Schiff, who represents Burbank in Congress, spoke to students on Thursday at John Burroughs High School.

The Congressman me with students  who are taking part in the Junior State of America.   The school’s library was packed, as Schiff answered questions from students  regarding everything from the budget defiicit to the future of higher education.  He taked as well about his experiences in Washington, D.C.

 

Congressman Adam Schiff hold a certificate of appreciation presented to him by students at John Burroughs High. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Suspected Drunk Driver Hits Police Cars

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Two Burbank Police Officers narrowly escaped injury early Wednesday morning, when a suspected drunk driver struck their patrol cars.

The incident began shortly before 2 a.m. when the two officers in separate patrol cars were on a traffic stop on Lake St. just south of Olive Ave., next to Community Chevrolet.  They were alerted to something out of the ordinary when they heard the noise of metal on pavement.  The officers observed a Mini Cooper automobile heading west on Olive Ave. with one tire gone, driving on the metal wheel.

As the Mini Cooper driver made a wide left turn onto southbound Lake St., the mirror on her car struck the first patrol car.  The officer had just gotten into the car, and had barely gotten the door shut when the collision occurred.  The second officer was standing between the two patrol cars, and jumped clear as the Mini Cooper driver sideswiped the second patrol car.   Neither officer was injured.   The patrol cars received minor damage.

The Mini Cooper driver, identified as Katherine Elizabeth Keklak, 29, of Burbank, did not stop after colliding with the patrol cars.   She was pulled over on Lake St. at Tujunga Ave.   According to police, she failed to satisfactorily pass a field sobriety test, and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence, misdemeanor hit and run, and interfering with officers.  Her bail was set at $15,000.

A man who is reportedly the woman’s boyfriend, stopped near where she was pulled over.  The officers had noticed his car following the Mini Cooper. When he approached the officers, they suspected that he may have been drinking.   Daniel Joseph Elson, 32, of Burbank, was also arrested for driving under the influence.  His bail was set at $5,000.

Bulldogs Continue Their March in Basketball

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Burbank High girls’ basketball is proving that its strong showing in the regular season was no fluke.

The Bulldogs steamrolled host Upland, 62-40, on February 22 to set the stage for a CIF Southern Section Division IA quarterfinal game against Temecula Valley on Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Temecula Valley (14-15 overall) upset No. 5 Diamond Bar, 57-33, creating a match-up few would have predicted when the postseason began. The Bulldogs, unofficially, will make their first quarterfinals appearance in program history Athletic Director Fred Cook calculated. Their coach, Bruce Breeden, will make his first appearance since 2001 when he coached at Crescenta Valley.

Let the dreams of an appearance in the semifinals begin after Burbank came-up with arguably its best all-around effort of the season against Upland with a large cast of players leading the way.

Aja Locke scored 15 points and hauled-in five rebounds, Damarie Gonzalez scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Courtney Seidler added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Teammate Sylvia Granados also has a solid all-around game with eight points, seven assists and four steals.

Upland countered with a game-high 21 points from Ashley Carson, but it wasn’t nearly enough to counter the team-attack of the Bulldogs, who improved to 18-11 on the season and who have now won five of their last six games.

Knife Wielding Shoplifters Arrested

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Police finally caught up with a pair of shoplifting suspects who used a knife to threaten store personnel at a Ralph’s market last week.

The incident began on February 13, when loss prevention officers at the Ralph’s market located at 2600 W. Victory Blvd., attempted to detain a female shoplifting suspect.  The woman’s boyfriend then got involved, and reportedly pulled out a knife and swung it at the loss prevention officers.   The pair then ran out of the store to their car.  Store personnel were able to provide police with video surveillance footage of the crime, along with suspect and vehicle descriptions.

Burbank Police Department detectives began investigating the case based on the information provided by the loss prevention officers.  They located the vehicle and the suspects near Victory Blvd. and Morella Ave. in North Hollywood on February 21, at 6 p.m., and arrested both suspects.

Rachel Iloui, 22, and Adan Martinez, 28, both of North Hollywood, were arrested for robbery, and transported to the Glendale Jail.   Bail for the suspects was set at $50,000 each.