Tag Archives: Christmas tree

Have An Old Tree In A New Year? Here’s Where To Bring It

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Christmas is over and the hangover you might have had from New Year’s Eve should be waring off. Now it’s time to get rid of that dried up Christmas tree, or Hanukkah bush.

This is one of the new locations for discarded old Christmas Trees. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The City of Burbank is providing three locations where you can drop off your tree if you don’t want to put it out on the curb for your regular trash pickup.  The new swimming pool construction at Verdugo Park has taken up the parking lot area that was used in past years for tree drop-off.

The locations for this years disposal are George Izay Park, (Clark Avenue & Griffith Park Drive) McCambridge Park ( Glenoaks parking lot), and Ralph Foy Park, (Victory parking Lot).

The city asks that you remove all decorations and metal or plastic stands prior to leaving your tree.  The trees will be turned into compost.  There is no charge for droppin off your tree.

Christmas Tree Leads to $125,000 In Damage to Burbank House

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Fire Captains Kevin McNew and Tray White look at the remains of a Christmas Tree that caught fire causing a $125,000 in damage to a Burbank house on Screenland Drive Wednesday evening. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Firefighters were returning from another call when they smelled smoke in the area of Hollywood Way and Victory, around 6:00 pm Wednesday.  After driving around the neighborhood, an alert neighbor on another street said he thought it was coming from Screenland Drive.

Further investigation by Engine Company 14, found a house in the 2000 block charged heavily with smoke and requested a full assignment of equipment, they looked in the windows and smoke filled the single story house. They entered the house and found a living room totally destroyed by fire and the remains of a dried Christmas Tree

Burbank Animal Control was called for two dogs that were in another room but quite scarred, they were removed while firefighters finished overhauling the room. Damage was reported at $125,000 and the cause was listed as a lamp near a very dry Christmas Tree.

The firefighters were under the direction of Battalion Chief Ron Barone.  There were no injuries to firefighters. Burbank Fire Marshal Frank Walbert said it’s time to REMOVE your Christmas Tree, no matter what.

Burbank Firefighters saved this house after a Christmas Tree caught fire that was near a lamp. Fire Fighter Terry Mencuri consoles the owner.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

Burbank Animal Control Officer Dan Shefland takes control of one of two dogs that survived a house fire caused by a lamp near Christmas tree. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

Photo Gallery: Burbank’s Tree Lighting Brings Smiles To All

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Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes was joined with Mickey & Minnie Mouse,  Santa & Mrs Claus along with Emcee Galen Gering from Days of Our Lives, and hundreds in lighting Burbank’s Official Tree. They then proceeded to San Fernando Blvd for plenty of activities.

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Burbank High School's Award Winning Choir. The event was on the steps of City Hall and along San Fernando Blvd on December 1st. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

City Hall Christmas Tree Makes Its Appearance for 2011

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Every tile in the City Hall fountain gets cleaned up for the arrival of Santa & Mrs Claus & Mickey & Mini Mouse. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank City Hall is getting all decked out for The Mayor’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony this Thursday.

Although Burbank’s City Hall isn’t as old as Santa and Mrs Claus, having been built in 1941 and completed and occupied in 1943, it did need a little touching up in places.  This week City crews were preparing for this year’s event. The fountain, for instance, has grout between every tile and needs cleaning.  The fish that squirt water not only get cleaned but the brass around the fish’s mouths get a good brushing.

Forestry Division's Javier Vasquez strings some of the thousands of light that are on this years City Hall Christmas Tree. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Park and Recreation and Community Services division are responsible for getting the tree and making sure it arrives on time. Their crews not only assisted Castella’s Trees to put it into place, they then decorated it.  This year forester Javier Vasquez made sure the star that sits atop the tree properly faces North.

Joining Mayor Jess Talamantes will be Santa and Mrs Claus.   Mickey and Minnie Mouse will make an appearance.  They will all be entertained by the voices from the Burbank High’s award winning choir.  Master of ceremonies for the event will be Galan Gering from ”Days of our Lives.”  The fun all kicks off in the street in front of Burbank City Hall at 6 p.m. this Thursday.

The tree might appear to be smaller but the decorations are huge. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Parks & Rec's Forestry Crew gets the City's Official Tree all ready for Thursday's Tree Lighting Event. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Even the fish that sprout water get their teeth brushed before Thursday's big day. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

The City Hall Christmas Tree is all decked out for Thursday's Tree Lighting Event where Santa & Mrs Claus along with Mickey & Minnie Mouse will preside. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Starts Burbank’s 12 Days of Holiday Cheer

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Downtown Burbank brings you two weeks of winter wonderment with 18 family holiday events happening from December 1 through December 12. Called 12 Days of Holiday Cheer, each activity is sure to get you in a festive mood. From a communal tree lighting ceremony to spectacular décor, from strolling carolers to a pajama party for kids, from Holly Trolley sing-along tours to the Holiday Toy Express, Downtown Burbank will shimmer and sparkle with seasonal joy.

Mickey and Minnie entertain the hundreds of children who were on hand for the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2010 (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

Join in the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Santa’s Downtown Wonderland on Thursday, December 1 at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall (275 E. Olive Ave.).  After Santa arrives and lights the tree, merrymakers will parade to San Fernando Boulevard for Santa’s Downtown Wonderland under magical snowfall lights. From Magnolia Boulevard to Olive Avenue, there will be scores of children’s characters, giant Macy’s-style balloons, vintage cars, strolling carolers, a community stage, face painting, fun holiday crafts, free treats and more from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. Santa will on the AMC Walkway along with the giant walk-through Christmas tree. Be sure to bring new, unwrapped toys and sporting equipment for the Burbank Fire Department. All toys collected will go to Burbank kids in need.

Then, for the next 12 days Downtown Burbank will be brimming with holiday merriment. Here’s a highlight:

Sunday, December 4 – Join in some cool yule fun with the Polar Bear Pool Party at the Burbank Community YMCA (321 E Magnolia Boulevard). Includes movie screening, games and treats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, December 5 – Bring your furry or feathered friend to center court for Pet Night with Santa at Burbank Town Center, 201 E Magnolia Blvd. (Repeats December 12)

Tuesday, December 6 – See the best of Burbank’s holiday decorations at the Holly Trolley Tours while singing holiday tunes from an open-top, double-decker bus. Tours leave at 5:45 and 7:15 p.m.  Free hot chocolate.  (Repeats December  8).

Thursday, December 8 – Revel in an evening of old fashion fun with the Mystic North Pole at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Burbank. Includes caroling by the incandescent Van Bloem Singers, visits with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies from 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday, December 9 – Celebrate the season with the Polar Express Pajama Party at Barnes & Noble (731 N San Fernando Blvd.) Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and snuggle up with their pillows while listening to a reading of The Polar Express. Story time is followed by cookies, hot cocoa, and a fun holiday craft. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8 years old.

Saturday, December 10 – Enjoy music, games and lots of fun at Breakfast with Santa in the food court at Burbank Town Center (201 E Magnolia Blvd.). Plus, take in the Two Milk Minimum Family Comedy Show at Flappers Comedy Club (102 E Magnolia Blvd.).  Two Milk Minimum features a rotation of outlandish, zany, and outright amazing comedy magicians, jugglers, musicians, improv artists, puppeteers, and novelty acts. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Free admission (a $10 value).

Sunday, December 11 – Join thousands of cheering families as they welcome the 450-ton Metrolink Holiday Toy Express from the platform at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station (201 N Front St.). Enjoy free entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies from 4 to 6 p.m.. Bring new, unwrapped toys and sporting equipment for the ABC 7 Spark of Love Toy Drive in cooperation with the Burbank Fire Department.  All toys collected will go to Burbank kids in need.

 Monday, December 12 – Witness the Centennial Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony at Burbank City Hall (275 E. Olive Ave.) at 4 p.m.  The capsule, filled with Burbank Centennial memorabilia, will not be re-opened until the City’s 200th anniversary in 2111! Then, check out the Free Movie Screening of “Elf” behind City Hall at 6:30 p.m.  After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. Starring Will Ferrell, Edward Asner and Bob Newhart

Plus, from November 1 to December 24, the IKEA Foundation will donate $1 for every soft toy, children’s book, and kid’s meatball meal combo purchased at IKEA. The IKEA Soft Toy Campaign will benefit partners at UNICEF and Save the Children. For further information, please call 818-842-4532. And, on December 13, Call the North Pole from 4 to 8 p.m. at 818-238-1999.