Daily Archives: March 2, 2012

Hockey Season To Get Underway

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The “Rollerkings” will be hosting registration for its Spring Season starting this Saturday, March 3. The roller hockey program is a great opportunity for youth in the city of Burbank looking to learn a new sport as it offers free use of equipment — including skates and a stick — as a part of its $150 registration for the season which lasts approximately four months.

In addition to team organized practices w

Kids of all ages can practice their hockey skills at Burbank's Hockey Rink located at Ralph Foy Park.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

ith coaches, the city also offers an open rink from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each Friday for kids of all ages to come out and skate and play. The rink is located at Ralph Foy Park on Victory Boulevard.

“We offer the equipment as part of registration and chances for kids to use the rink because we know it is a sport they need to experience to see if they like it,” says Frank Dalessandro the league’s commissioner. “However as kids get more experienced the competition grows and the oldest league has some really good players.”

Players as young as four years old can participate in a “Learn to Play” program that allows players to learn the skills of the game of hockey. There is a more competitive 10-and-under division and a 16-and-under division as well. The divisions are open to both male and female athletes.

Open practice is played every Friday on Burbank's Hockey's Rink located at Ralph Foy Park. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Dalessandro added that the league hopes to expand with the addition of another division next season due to its growing popularity in recent seasons.

Each team gets jerseys, a team photo and a trophy at the conclusion of the season. Statistics and standings are updated daily on the website www.BurbankRollerHockey.com. Players looking to learn more about the league should visit the website or contact Dalessandro at (818) 845-0960 or Frank@BurbankRollerHockey.com.

The Burbank Roller Hockey League is sponsored by the Los Angeles Kings and the Community Sports Foundation.

Crime Reports for February 2012

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The latest updates on crimes as reported by the Burbank Police Department

(Warning: Some of the items listed below can be graphic in nature)

Updated 3/2/2012

Attempted Robbery At The Library

A man walking in the parking lot of the Burbank Central Library,  was attacked by robbers.  The incident occurred at 7:10 p.m. on February 29, at the library which is  located at 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

The victim told police that two men, described as Hispanic, approached him in the parking lot, demanded his money.  As one of the robbers said, “Give me the money,” he hit the victim in the head numerous times.  The two suspects left without getting any money.

Officers searched the immediate area and located two men matching the suspects’ description, in the area of Olive Ave. and San Fernando Blvd.  The victim was able to identify the suspect who demanded money and struck him.   Police arrested Francisco Juarez, 26, of Burbank for attempted robbery.  His bail was set at $50,000.

The victim was treated for the injuries to his head and released.

 

It’s Not Nice To Try To Fool A Policeman

When a driver was pulled over on February 24,  at 12:15 p.m. at the corner of Olive Ave. and Toluca Lake Ave., for vehicle code violations, he soon discovered that it doesn’t pay to lie to a police officer.  The officer asked the driver, Ashley Sean Thomas, 30, of Los Angeles, for his license, registration and proof of insurance.  Thomas was unable to provide any of the information the officer requested, so he reportedly gave the officer the name and date of birth of a family member.  The officer began to suspect that Thomas was lying, so a mobile fingerprint analysis unit was brought to the location.  It revealed Thomas’ real identity, and that he had been lying.  He was arrested for falsely impersonating another to evade arrest, and taken to jail.  His bail was set at $50,000.

 

Business Burglaries / Thefts

1400 W. Magnolia Blvd.  (Hair Extensions)
February 27, at 5:56 a.m.
Entry:   Smashed rear door
Loss:   No loss at this time

2204 W. Magnolia Blvd.  (Envelope Express)
February 24, at 1 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. February 24
Entry:   Smashed front door
Loss:   No loss at this time

500 S. Buena Vista St. (Walt Disney Studios)
February 27, between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   MacBook Pro computer

Residential Burglary / Theft

300 block W. Providencia Ave.
February 26, between 2 p.m. and 2:21 p.m.
Entry:   On back porch
Loss:   Hoover vacuum

400 block E. Birmingham Rd.
February 22, at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. February 25
Entry:   Rear yard
Loss:   Cigarettes, patio cushions

300 block W. Alameda Ave.
February 24, at 8 a.m. to 12 noon February 28
Entry:   Pried coin box on clothes dryer
Loss:   Coins

Stolen Vehicles

1111 W. Alameda Ave. (Automobile Club of Southern California)
February 25, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Vehicle:   2004 Chevrolet Silverado truck

1111 W. Alameda Ave. (Automobile Club of Southern California)
February 25, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Vehicle: 2007 Carson Carrier trailer

500 block N. Cordova St.
February 28, between 1:15 p.m. and 1:50 p.m.
Vehicle:   1987 Nissan truck

Vehicle Thefts / Burglaries

500 block S. Sixth St.
February 22, at 8 p.m. to 7 p.m. February 23
Vehicle:   2009 Acura TSX
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Cash

1200 block N. Third St.
February 25, between 1 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
Vehicle:   2005 Chrysler Crossfire
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   No loss

550 N. First St.
February 25, at 11 p.m. to 12:07 a.m. February 26
Vehicle:   2002 Volkswagen Jetta
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   iPod, bag and contents

1903 W. Empire Ave.
February 26, between 12 noon and 12:35 p.m.
Vehicle:   Chevrolet Blazer
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   Wallet and contents

800 block N. Rose St.
February 26, at 9:30 p.m. to 7:25 a.m. February 27
Vehicle:   2001 Toyota  Corolla
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   iPod charger

133 E. Orange Grove Ave.
February 28, between 7:50 p.m. and 10:10 p.m.
Vehicle:   2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Purse and contents, iPod

200 block E. Bethany Rd.
February 28, at 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. February 29
Vehicle:   2007 Acura TL
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Purse and contents

300 block E. Bethany Rd.
February 28, between 10:45 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Vehicle:   2004 Volvo S400
Entry:   Unlocked vehicle
Loss:   Key, garage door opener, flashlight

Tailgate thefts

1300 block N. Screenland Dr.
February 25, at 11:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. February 26
Vehicle:   2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck

Catalytic Converter Thefts

None reported at this time

Bicycle / Scooter Thefts

121 N. San Fernando Blvd.
February 25, between 9:15 p.m. and 9:36 p.m.
Loss:   Trek Fischer bicycle

200 block W. Verdugo Ave.
February 24, at 9 p.m. to 9 p.m. February 26
Loss:   Rock Mountain bicycle

400 block E. San Jose Ave.
Date: 02-29-12, 1330 hours – 1340 hours
February 26, between 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
Loss:   Peugeot bicycle, Centurion Elite bicycle, snowboard

Cedar Ave. & Lake St.
February 29, at 7:30 a.m.
Loss:   Mountain bicycle
Suspect description:    Male Hispanic, 25-35 years, thin build, wearing a gray baseball cap, blue jeans, and black jacket.

1920 W. Clark Ave. (John Burroughs High School)
February 29, between 1:30 p.m. and 1:40 p.m.
Loss:   Draft SE bicycle

Hidden Merchandise Leads To Arrest

A shoplifter’s attempt to outsmart the loss prevention officers at Fry’s Electronics, didn’t turn out the way he had planned.  According to police the suspect, Michael Vartanian, 32, of Tujunga, had been in the store located at 2311 N. Hollywood Way, and removed merchandise from its packaging and hidden it in the store.  He then came back to the store around 7 p.m. on February 20, and retrieved the merchandise, before concealing it in his pocket and walking out without paying.  Once outside the store, Vartanian was confronted by the store’s loss prevention officers, who placed him under citizen’s arrest and escorted him back into the store.  Burbank police officers arrived and took him into custody.  He was arrested for burglary.

Business Burglaries / Thefts

2013W. Burbank Blvd.  (Buchanan Arms)
February 20, at 10:30 p.m. to 8:15 a.m. February 21
Entry:   Kicked/forced front door
Loss:   Cash
Residential Burglaries / Thefts

200 block N. Reese Pl.
February 16, between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Entry:   Pried front door
Loss:   Jewelry and cash

800 block E. Delaware Rd.
February 13, at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. February 14
Entry:   Unlocked and open rear door
Loss:   Jewelry

100 block N. Sparks St.
February 16, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Entry:   Attempt to force entry through side door
Loss:   No loss, attempt only

500 block N. Cordova St.
February 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Entry:   Pried front door
Loss:   No loss at this time

900 block N. Kenwood St.
February 17, between 11:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Entry:   Forced front door
Loss:   Jewelry and cash

2300 block Jolley Dr.
February 18, between 11 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Jewelry

400 block S. Lake St.
February 20, between 12:01 a.m. and 6 :06 p.m.
Entry:   Pry marks on coin slot of laundry machines
Loss:   No Loss, attempt only

500 block E. Walnut Ave.
February 11, at 3 p.m. to 12 noon February 12
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Light fixture

800 block N. Maple St.
February 17, at 5:22 p.m.
Entry:   Front porch
Loss:   Delivered package

2300 block N. Catalina St.
February 21, at 6 p.m. to 8:35 a.m. February 23
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Tools, drye, speaker, miscellaneous documents

Vehicle Burglaries/Thefts

620 E. Angeleno Ave.
February 16, at 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. February 17
Vehicle:   2003 Toyota Camry
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Clothing, sunglasses, CD’s

620 E. Angeleno Ave.
February 16, at 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. February 17
Vehicle:   2009 BMW
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Clothing

620 E. Angeleno Ave.
February 16, at 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. February 17
Vehicle:   2002 Kia Rio
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Medic bag, leather wallet, pool cue and case

108 E. Magnolia Blvd.
February17, between 9 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.
Vehicle:   2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Two backpacks, headphones, phone charger

1500 block W. Valleyheart Dr.
February 18, between 12:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Vehicle:   2009 Honda Element
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   iPod

1000 block E. Cypress Ave.
February 22, at 8 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. February 23
Vehicle:   2007 Lexus 350
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   No loss at this time

700 block E. Stanford Rd.
February 22, at 9 p.m. to 7:10 a.m. February 23
Vehicle:   2004 Mercedes Benz 320
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   No loss at this time

800 block E. Bethany Rd.
February 22, at 11 p.m. to 7:10 a.m. February 23
Vehicle:  2011 Volkswagen
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   GP:S, sunglasses

1000 block E. San Jose Ave.
February 23, between 2:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Vehicle:   2006 Audi A3
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   Sunglasses

2900 block Rolling Ridge Dr.
February 23, between 3 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Vehicle:   2003 Honda Accord
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   No loss at this time

600 block E. Hampton Rd.
February 22, at 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. February 23
Vehicle:   2010 Ford Fusion
Entry:   Smashed driver’s window
Loss:   iPod

Catalytic Converter Thefts

None reported at this time

Tailgate thefts

None reported at this time
Stolen Vehicles

2600 W. Victory Blvd. (Ralph’s)
February 19, between 5 p.m. and 6:22 p.m.
Vehicle:   1996 Honda Accord

1200 block N. Cordova St.
February 22, between 7:10 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.
Vehicle:   1996 Honda Accorrd

Bicycle / Scooter Thefts

2800 block W. Chandler Blvd.
February 20, at 12 noon and 8 a.m. February 21

Loss:   Mountain bike

Business Burglaries / Thefts

2255 N. Buena Vista St. (Quality Inn)
February 11, between 1:25 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.
Entry:   Open business
Loss:   Cash
Suspect:   Alejandro Borjas, 58, of West Covina, arrested for burglary

3400 W. Olive Ave.
January 31, at 1 p.m. to 1 p.m. February 10
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Cell phone, camera, tablet computer

Residential Burglaries / Thefts

200 block N. Fairview St.
February 9, between 8 a.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Entry:   Pried rear door
Loss:   Jewelry, Kindle

800 block E. San Jose Ave.
February 10, at 4:15 p.m.
Entry:   Forced/pried front door
Loss:   Jewelry, digital camera

2500 block N. Glenoaks Blvd.
February 10, between 8:25 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Entry:   Pried rear door
Loss:   Jewelry

600 block N. Clybourn Ave.
January 29, at 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. February 10
Entry:   Pried garage door
Loss:   Unknown at this time

200 block S. San Fernando Blvd.
February 15, at 1 a.m.
Loss:   No loss at this time

Third Row Seat Thefts

501 S. Buena Vista St.  (Providence St. Joseph Medical Center)
February 15, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Vehicle:   2011 Chevrolet Suburban
Loss:   Third row seats, stereo-GPS

400 block N. Cordova St.
February 15, at 9:30  p.m. to 2 p.m. February 16
Vehicle:   2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   Third row seats, softball equipment

2100 block N. Evergreen St.
February 15, at 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. February 16
Vehicle:   2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   Third row seats, stereo

Vehicle Thefts / Burglaries

4300 block Kling St.
February 9, at 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. February 10
Vehicle:   2003 Nissan Sentra
Loss:   iPod nano, miscellaneous paperwork

4100 block Kling St.
February 9, at 5:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. February 10
Vehicle:   2008 Oldsmobile Aurora
Loss:   Leather jacket

4200 block Kling St.
February 9, at 10 p.m. to 7:45 a.m. February10
Vehicle:   2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Loss:   iPod, headphones, charger

400 block N. Pass Ave.
February 10, between 12:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Vehicle:   2006 Volkswagen GTI
Loss:   Change

4100 block Kling St.
February 9, at 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. February 10
Vehicle:   1994 Ford Mustang
Loss:   Tools

3900 W. Burbank Blvd.
February 11, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Vehicle:   2011 Ford Fusion
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Nintendo DS bag
Suspect description:   Male, late teens – early 20’s, tall, thin, baggy white t-shirt, baggy blue jeans, white shoes

1300 block N. Maple St.
February 13, at 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. February 14
Vehicle:   2010 Lexus RX300
Loss:   Paperwork

1015 N. San Fernando Blvd.
February 14, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Vehicle:   2006 Mercedes Benz
Loss:   Laptop computer, wallet and contents, iPad, textbooks, currency, prescription pills

Clark Ave. & Lima St.
February 14, at 1 p.m.
Vehicle:   1996 Chevrolet S10
Loss:   Tools, air compressor, miscellaneous paperwork

191 S. Buena Vista St.
February 15, at 7 p.m.
Vehicle:   Volkswagen Jetta
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Leather bag and contents

Mariposa St. & Valleyheart Dr.
February 15, between 5:05 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Vehicle:   2001 Acura MDX
Entry:   Smashed rear window
Loss:   Briefcase and contents

Mariposa St. & Valleyheart Dr.
February 15, between 5:15 and 5:55 p.m.
Vehicle:   2003 Infinity QX4
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Purse and contents, boots

2625 W. Alameda Ave.
February 15, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Vehicle:   2005 Chevrolet Silverado
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   GPS

1903 Empire Ave.
February 15, between 9 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Vehicle:   2010 Toyota Corolla
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Wallet and contents

1000 block E. Elmwood Ave.
February 15, at 6 p.m. to 12:20 a.m. February 16
Vehicle:   2011 Honda Pilot
Entry:   Smashed rear window
Loss:   Laptop, briefcase and contents

300 block N. Screenland Dr.
February 15, at 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. February 16
Vehicle:   2008 Nissan Altima
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Purse and contents, and leather jacket

2000 block N. Pass Ave.
February 15, at 6:35 p.m. to 3 p.m. February 16
Vehicle:   2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   No loss

2000 block N. Sixth St.
February 15, at 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. February 16
Vehicle:   2009 Audi Q7
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Garage access card, phone charger

133 E. Orange Grove Ave.
February 16, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Vehicle:   2010 Lexus E350
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Clothing bag and contents, cosmetics bag and contents

Stolen Vehicles

2000 block N. Rose St.
February 12, between 5 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Vehicle:   1982 Mercedes Benz 300D

1900 block Peyton Ave.
February 10, at 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. February 12
Vehicle:   Mercedes Benz E350

4400 block Kling St.
February 13, at 11:30 p.m. to 12 noon February 14
Vehicle:   2009 Yamaha Zuma 125

200 E. Cypress Ave.
February 14, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:55 p.m.
Vehicle:   1992 Acura Integra

Catalytic Converter Thefts

None reported at this time

Tailgate thefts

None reported at this time

Bicycle / Scooter / Skateboard Thefts

1015 N. San Fernando Blvd.
February 9, between 12 noon and 12:15 p.m.
Loss:   Nishiki bicycle

4100 block Kling St.
February 9, at 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. February 10
Loss:   Road bicycle

4400 block Sarah St.
February 15, at 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. February 16
Loss:   Schwinn bicycle

400 block E. Stanford Rd.
February 11, at 6 p.m. to 12 noon February 12
Loss:   Skateboard

Citizen Complaint Results In Prostitution Arrest

Police vice and narcotics investigators received a complaint by a citizen regarding possible prostitution activity operating out of a business at 1508 W. Verdugo Ave.  The officers conducted an operation on February 9, at 10:30 p.m., obtaining the necessary elements to arrest one female suspect, Junhua Wang, 36, of Monterey Park.  She was arrested  for soliciting or engaging in prostitution.

Fire Hydrant Theft Investigation Leads To Drug Arrest

On February 8, when police were responded to the 3000 block of N. Naomi St. to investigate a report of brass fire hydrants caps  being stolen, they contacted a man at a nearby residence as part of their investigation.  While contacting the man at his residence, he consented to be searched.  Officers recovered two loose white pills from the man’s pocket.  He stated that the pills were from an old prescription.  The man, Armando Rodriguez, 42, of Burbank, was arrested for possessin of a controlled substance.

Rash Of Vehicle Break-Ins At Metrolink Station

Somene is apparently targeting vehicles parked in the Metrolink train station parking lot located at 5 W. Olive Ave.  Police have received at least six reports of vehicles being broken into over the weekend, between 4:30 p.m. on February 4, and  9:45 a.m. February 6.  Most of the victims told police that a window on their vehicle had been smashed, but nothing was missing.

In one case, the rear window on a motor home was pried open., but nothing was taken.  On February 6, between 12:15 and 5:35 p.m. someone broke the rear window.  Again, nothing was taken.  The owner of a 1975 Cadillac El Dorado reported the theft of a tire iron from is car parked in the lot sometime between 12:30 p.m. Febrary 5, and 12:30 p.m. February 7.  It is not know if this crime is related to the other incidents, but there is a suspicion that the tire iron may have been involved in smashing the vehicle windows.

During the same weekend, someone attempted to steal a 1979 Volvo 245, from the same parking lot.

 

Residential Burglaries / Thefts

100 block S. Seventh St.
February 3.
Entry:   Pried door
Loss:   Camer and video game equipment

Business Burglaries / Thefts

2616 N. Glenoaks Blvd. (Valero Gas Station)
February 2, at 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. February 4
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Two freezers, coin operated vacuum, iced coffee machine, metal shelving unit,
soda fountain machine, coin operated air compressor, cage with tanks, and wire chip racks

Vehicle Burglaries / Thefts

Hollywood Way & Magnolia Blvd.
February 3, between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m.
Vehicle:   Unknown
Entry:   Open window
Loss:   Droid cell phone, purse

2310 Empire Ave.
February 3, between  6:21 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.
Vehicle:   2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   Third row seats

2310 Empire Ave.
February 3, between 6:21 and 7:05 p.m.|
Vehicle:   2008 Cadillac EscaladeEntry:
Entry:   Unknown
Loss:   Radio, iPod, two watches, eyeglasses

1200 S. Flower St.
February 6, at 10:10 a.m.
Vehicle:   2011 Ford Econoline van
Entry:   Smashed passenger window
Loss:   Fire extinguisher

501 N. Third St. (Town Center Mall)
February 8, between 8:10 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Vehicle:   2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
Entry:   Smashed window
Loss:   Cell phone

1051 W. Burbank Blvd. (Costco)
February 9, between 10:55 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Vehicle:   2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
Entry:   Punched driver’s door lock
Loss:   Children’s toys


Stolen Vehicles

2200 bock N. Hollywood Way
February 8, at 10:03 p.m.
Vehicle:   2004 Chevrolet Express Van

4200 block Sarah St.
February 2, at 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 a.m. February 3
Vehicle:   1995 Acura Integra

200 block E. Valencia Ave.
February 4, at 12:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. February 6
Vehicle:   1998 Nissan Pathfinder

Catalytic Converter Thefts

None reported at this time

Tailgate thefts

None reported at this time

Bicycle / Scooter Thefts

None reported at this time

Rep. Schiff on California High Speed Rail

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On 28 February BurbankNBeyond’s John Savageau had the opportunity to interview Representative Adam Schiff (D) serving Burbank through California’s 29th Congressional District in his Washington D.C. office. BurbankNBeyond will publish this interview in a series of articles highlighting issues important to both Burbank and

California Rep Adam Schiff

California Representative Adam Schiff

BurbankNBeyond readers.

Part 1. California’s High Speed Rail Project

The California High Speed Rail Project is ultimately planned to provide high speed rail access from Sacramento to San Diego, with the first priority being service from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  As part of the project’s “blended approach” to construction, Burbank has tried to present a case for a rail stop in the city, possibly using existing Metrolink rail to facilitate this possibility.

BurbankNBeyond: Rep. Schiff, do you have any updates on the High Speed Rail Project in both Burbank and California

Rep. Schiff :  We are in a fight here in Congress over the funding for high speed rail.  Many of us believe that in a time of record unemployment in California, still the second highest unemployment rate in the nation, that to pass up billions in federal funding, or tens of thousands of construction jobs, is crazy. So I’m supporting the high speed rail funding and trying to keep that on track.

It’s my hope that we can improve the project, keep it moving.  We should build high speed rail in California. Its uniquely suited for California given the distances between the cities, and the population, and we can certainly use the boost in construction in the state.

In terms of where the route would go, and whether there would be a station in Burbank – all of that is still far in the future. There is a re-examination going on of whether the first leg will still be in the Central Valley, or whether it can be moved to a more populated area.

I would love to see it in a more populated area so we have high ridership right of the bat, but that may not be possible because the federal constraint is that the money (must be) expended within a certain period.  The environmental clearances have been done for the Central Valley, but nowhere else along the line.

And evidently to get the track tested you’d need a certain distance to travel in a straight line, which you can do in the Central Valley, but you can’t do in more populated areas.  So there are some compelling reasons to go forward with the original segment, but my priority is to keep the project on track so to speak, and make sure it’s built in a cost effective way.

BurbankNBeyond: What justification would there be for not building a high speed rail north and south in California?

Rep Schiff - Well there’s a mixed sentiment against it in the capital by people who are against anything the President proposes. So this is viewed as a President Obama idea, and therefore ‘ipsofacto’ not a good idea, – that’s part of the opposition. Some would like to see the funding for high speed rail to go for building more freeways.

Building more freeways, building out our existing airports… that only gets us so far in a state like California where we have a very large, and growing population, an aging infrastructure, and the need to move people around in new and different ways.

So, I don’t think that argument really works in California, but there is a fair amount of opposition to it here (Washington DC).

Sports Shorts: Baseball Teams Split in Tournament Action

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BURBANK GETS FIRST WIN

Daniel Starkand

Most high school coaches will tell you it starts with “pitching and defense.” The Burbank High baseball team’s win at Calabasas on March 1 was evidence to that old adage.

The Bulldogs got a huge effort from pitcher Daniel Starkand — a complete game shutout — and they played errorless ball in the field for the first time this season in the victory, 2-0, over the Coyotes.

After committing eight errors on Tuesday and 14 errors in their first three games, the Bulldogs supported their pitcher Thursday and earned their first win in making two runs stand-up.

Starkand needed only 86 pitches to go the distance. He struck out four and allowed just four hits while walking only one batter.

Burbank scored one in the first and one in the second. Ian McKinnon scored in the first on a single by Paul Frias. Starkand helped himself with an RBI groundout in the second inning.

Dylan Mersola, Harrison Hernandez, Ricky Perez, Angel Villagran and Angel Roman also had singles for Burbank (1-3) who will face Hart at 11:00 at Burbank Saturday morning.

 BURROUGHS STRUGGLES

The Indians fell to 0-4 with a lackluster 9-0 loss to Crespi at Valley College on Thursday, March 1. Burroughs trailed by six after just two innings and trailed by eight after four innings. Celts submarine pitcher Andy Frakes kept Burroughs off balance — allowing just four hits.

Starters Ryan Gordon, Chris Peale and Christian Garia all had one hit and Matt Kelsey delivered a pinch hit to account for the Burroughs offense. Stewart Alexander was impressive in relief throwing 4 2/3 innings and striking out nine.

“Walks and seeing-eye singles helped them jump on us and that #12 had us really off balance,” Holmes said.

Burroughs will host Simi Valley Saturday, March 3 in an 11:00 a.m. first pitch

2012 High School Softball Preview: “Swing and a Hit”

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There is a classic Seinfeld episode where Jerry feels like he is in “Bizarro World” – a world of his idol, Superman, where everything is the opposite of what it should be.

Doug Nicol

Listening to the two softball coaches of the city’s two high schools speak about their teams Wednesday night, a part of me felt like I had stepped into this world – mostly because it was Burroughs coach Doug Nicol who was the calm one.

Nicol is a passionate and competitive as ever, but he hardly resembles the coach who patrolled the hardwood of the Burroughs gymnasium almost a decade ago. In his second season as the head softball coach, he speaks confidently and passionately about his squad but with a softer side that was lacking when he was the school’s head girls’ basketball coach.

“We’ve won the league the last two years,” he said. “We return six of nine starters and we have a lot of talent so I would think we would be considered one of the favorites but ultimately we have to play the games.”

Then there is Burbank’s Nicole Drabecki, so excited and

Nicole Drabecki

animated when speaking about her team’s chances one has to wonder if she’s already ordered the Pacific League Championship patches. She speaks so confidently that one begins to think her opinions are already facts.

“I will be disappointed if we do not win the Pacific League,” Drabecki says. “No one has the talent we have.”

She adds, “I will be disappointed if we don’t make the semifinals of CIF and frankly I don’t see us losing more than four games — I am that confident in this team.”

The best news for softball fans in the city of Burbank – and what is not part of the “Bizzaro World” analogy – is that the two teams should battle it out as the top two teams in the Pacific League this season.

BURROUGHS

The Indians have won back-to-back league championships and are coming off a 19-8 season in

Shannon Trujillo

Nicol’s first year as their head coach. They return two-time All-League catcher Shannon Trujillo, who Nicol calls “arguably the best hitter in the league.”

Trujillo’s numbers certainly support that claim as she batted .430 a season ago — 33 for 86 – with eight home runs, seven doubles, 34 RBI, 33 runs scored and a .907 slugging percentage.

Haley Shulmann, another returning All-League selection is also back. She hit .471 last season and was also a star pitcher with a 7-5 record and 1.46 ERA in 54 innings.

Victoria Santos

Not returning in the circle this season is Heather Haynes who was an All-CIF selection last year. Some close to the team say the talented senior simply wasn’t dedicated enough to the sport or the team to commit as a senior.

“She had other priorities,” Nicol said, wanting to focus on who was back rather than who was not.

Seniors Caitlin Loera and Allie Grimaldo are back to anchor the middle of the infield and the corners seem set between freshman standout Michelle Santiago at third base and sophomore Aimee Rodriguez at first.

Sophomore Sidney Ortega will patrol a talented outfield along with senior Victoria Santos and junior Brice Edrington.

“The girls work hard and they have talent,” Nicol said. “At the same time we know there is a bull’s eye on our backs having won the league the last two years. Burbank got a great pitcher and they have a lot of talent and CV (Crescenta Valley) will be tough too.”

BURBANK

Freshman standout Caitlyn Brooks is as highly regarded pitching prospect as the league as seen in

Caitlin Brooks

awhile. Drabecki says she has already heard high praise of college coaches about the freshman.

“They can’t recruit her yet, but they know about her and they like her,” Drabecki said.

Crystal Diaz, a junior, will also pitch for the Bulldogs (12-15 a season ago).

Burbank returns Katie Hooper who had the best offensive numbers in the league last season. Hooper hit .539 and had 48 hits in 27 games. She also hit nine home runs, seven triples and drove in 45 runs. The junior gave-up soccer to focus on her development as a softball prospect.

Senior second basemen Nelani Hernandez and junior shortstop Liano Do are other key pieces for Burbank this season.

Katie Hooper

In addition Burbank has three freshmen in addition to Brooks on the varsity roster and at least three will be full-time starters. Two of those freshmen, Jazmin Orozco and Bridgette Pisa will rotate at catcher. Lily Winn, the fourth freshmen, will play third base.

Drabecki believes a winter schedule against top teams like Oaks Christian and Upland will only help build confidence and consistency in a young team led by a talented junior and freshmen classes.

What could stop the Bulldogs? Only themselves, Drabecki says.

“Frankly, kids from the city of Burbank often choke,” she says. “They aren’t use to top competition because they don’t typically have a lot of experience in competitive youth leagues or travel ball.

But I believe in this team, I am confident that they are going to go out and do what they are capable of doing,” Drabecki says.

Burbank Community Makes Animal Shelter X-ray Machine a Reality

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Jeannette Dease, RVT with Fluffy; Harriet Howe, DVM; Leah Greer, DVM with Punch; Rosie LoBruto Donor Brenda Castaneda, Shelter Superintendent and Denise Fleck, President of the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter with X-ray Machine.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The staff and volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter were delighted to unveil their first-ever X-ray machine at the facility this week. According to VBAS President Denise Fleck, “It took a year’s effort of fundraising, inspections, revamps to the Shelter including plumbing for the processor and electrical hook-up for the actual unit, lead aprons, radiation badges and all the necessary tools as well as establishing a fund for on-going expenses, but we are thrilled to have the equipment in place improving the quality of care we are able to give our dogs, cats and rabbits.”

Efforts kicked off in early 2011 with a Grant given by VCA Charities for the cause. Media attention brought other donors including former Burbank Animal Shelter Kennel Attendant Rosie LoBruto and her husband Ed Tucker. “Having an x-ray machine at the Shelter was always my dream,” shared LoBruto. “I always felt bad for animals that had come into the shelter injured to then have to be transported to another facility for an x-ray.”

Harriet Howe, DVM; Leah Greer, DVM with Punch; with new X-ray Machine. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank residents Bob and Janice Casazza Piatak contributed in memory of a Norwegian Elkhound named Max they had long-before adopted from the Shelter. “We know what a difference [the X-ray machine] can make to the health of the injured animals that are brought to the Shelter. We are familiar with the great service Dr. Small started with the Veterinary [program] on site that continues today,” Janice explained.

Others who deserve ‘four paws up’ for their contributors include long-time supporter and co-host of the Burbank Channel’s “Adopt a Pet” Show Janice Lowers; Joe Maynard and The Feline Conservation Center, Alicia Garcia and Victor Medical; Warner Bros. Studio Facilities as well as the countless individuals who transported items, lent a helping hand or contributed the dollars that made it possible to help the animals.

In the short time the machine has been in place…

• Amelia, a young black & tortoise-shell feline in the VBAS’ kitten foster program was x-rayed every few hours to see if an obstruction was moving along. Through use of this

The processor for the new x-ray machine had to be placed nearby where there was running water. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

imaging, RVT Jeannette Dease and the Shelter Veterinarians (Drs. Greer & Howe) wereable to view the progress of the object and avoid unnecessary invasive surgery.

• A one-year-old Lab/Sharpei arrived unable to bear weight on her rear leg. If this was a dislocation, doctors had only a short window in which to re-set the joint and probably not within the time frame of sending her elsewhere for imaging. Thanks to the on-site machine, the dog was x-rayed at the Shelter and immediately placed on pain medications.No surgery was needed and she has since been adopted!

• The extent of injury showed the need to amputate a Jack Russell/Chihuahua’s leg.  Unlike us humans, dogs don’t carry the baggage of being different with three legs, andPunch is now a healthy boy full of life anxiously waiting to be adopted.

• A Labrador Retriever was diagnosed with bladder stones while a nine-years-young cat was found not to have suspected abdominal masses after imaging. Both were immediately place on special diets and avoided invasive treatment because the Burbank Animal Shelter’s Medical Team could take “a look inside” via x-rays!

The Burbank Community working together to help the animals…It is a PAWSively wonderful thing!

New Closures Announced For I-5 Freeway For Coming Week

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

Golden State Freeway (I-5) Closures
Saturday March 3, through Saturday March 10, 2012

▪   Northbound I-5 Roscoe Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp
TIME:  7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Roscoe Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On-Ramp
TIME:  7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Northbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp
TIME: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On-Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Southbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound Off Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Southbound I-5 Sunland Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 9 a.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Northbound I-5 from Penrose Street to Sheldon Street Laurel
Canyon Boulevard
TIME: Up to Two lanes: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Three Lanes: 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Penrose Street Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Tuxford Street Eastbound and Westbound
On-Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Lankershim Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound
On-Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Penrose Street Eastbound and Westbound Off-Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Penrose Street Northbound and Southbound On-Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.  (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Lankershim Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound Off
Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Southbound I-5 Lankershim Boulevard Eastbound and Westbound On
Ramp
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard Eastbound
and Westbound
Off and On Ramps
TIME: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 p.m. on Sunday March 4th)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 Buena Vista Street Eastbound and Westbound On Ramp
TIME: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 10 a.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Northbound I-5 Hollywood Way Eastbound and Westbound On Ramp
Time: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 12 a.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Southbound I-5 Hollywood Way Eastbound and Westbound Off Ramps
Time: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Until 9 a.m. on Sunday March 4th)

▪   Northbound I-5 from Buena Vista to Penrose Street
TIME: Up to Two lanes: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Three Lanes: 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
.

▪   Southbound I-5 from Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard to
Penrose Street
TIME: Up to Two lanes: 11 p.m.  To 8 a.m.
Three Lanes: 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 from Sheldon Street/Laurel Canyon Boulevard to
Buena Vista Street
TIME: Up to Two lanes: 8 p.m.  To 10 a.m.
Three lanes: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

▪   Northbound I-5 from Buena Vista Street to Sheldon Street/Laurel
Canyon Boulevard
TIME: One Lane: 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Three Lanes: 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

▪   Southbound I-5 from Penrose St to Hollywood Way
TIME: Up to Two lanes: 10 p.m.  To 8 a.m.
Three lanes: 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
About the Project

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

Assistant City Attorney Julie Scott Has Left The Building

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Retiring Chief Assistant City Attorney Julie Scott with her husband former Glendale City Attorney Scott Howard who retired in August. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank’s Chief Assistant City Attorney Julie Scott closed out the month of February with her retirement.

Scott who was hired on March 31, 1986, was one of the first female attorneys to work in the City Attorneys office, which is now dominated with more females than males.

A reception was held in the City Hall Rotunda for fellow city employees and former coworkers who gathered to say their goodbyes.   Former City Attorney Dennis Barlow, along with Former City Managers Bud Ovrum, Mary Alvord, and a host of others wished Julie well in her retirement.

Her husband former Glendale City Attorney Scott Howard who retired back in August joined her for the festivities.

 

Enjoying conversations and well wishes Retiring Chief Assistant City Attorney Julie Scott, is joined with Former City Manager Bud Ovrum, Former City Attorney Dennis Barlow and Burbank's New City Attorney Amy Albano. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)