Tag Archives: City of Burbank

Celebration of Life to be Held Monday for Will Rogers

Mayor Rogers’ Celebration of Life will be on Monday, April 23 at 2:30 pm at The Castaway.

From Dignity Memorial:

Will Rogers born June 21,1957 in Neenah, WI. Raised primarily in Bloomington, MN. After graduating from the Goodman School of Drama, he moved to the Los Angeles area in 1979 where he continued dual roles as actor and writer. In 1990, Will began writing for the local paper and was soon writing at least four feature columns a week. His work has appeared in virtually every newspaper in the “Times Community Newspapers” group, winning more than 20 1st place awards from the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc., The Greater Los Angeles Press Club and others, including “Columnist of the Year.”
Will was elected to the Burbank City Council in 2015 running on a platform of transparency and community involvement. He was named Mayor by his colleagues in 2017. Will took his duties with the City of Burbank very seriously, though he brought a sense of humor to the meetings, building a strong sense of comradery.
Will was recently honored with the 2018 Burbank Top Award for Citizenship by the BTAC. This award exemplifies the very essence of Will Rogers – who spent his life fighting for the needs of others, whether through writing investigative columns, volunteering or his many personal acts of kindness. Will purchased many items he didn’t need at silent auctions and was happy to attend any function where he could be of service to someone.
Will Rogers was known for his dedication to the service of others, philanthropy, and clever writing skills, but family was his first priority. His family will miss his sharp wit, biting sarcasm and deep devotion. Will Rogers was a much beloved husband, daddy, brother, uncle and great uncle.
Will was proceeded in death by his mother, JoAnne Rogers, Father Kenneth Wege, brother Stephen Wege, niece Susan Heberle and much-loved dogs Lucy and Guinness. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years Nancie, children Stephen (& Hailey) and Sarah.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to BTAC or Boys & Girls Club of East Valley and Burbank. A Celebration of Life will be Monday, April 23 beginning at 2:30 PM at The Castaway in Burbank, CA.

Burbank Mayor Will Rogers Loses Battle to Cancer

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It was reported today by city officials that Burbank Mayor Will Rogers has lost his battle with cancer. He was 60 years-old.

Mayor Will Rogers during his State of The City Presentation. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

He was appointed Mayor of Burbank on May 1, 2017, and was scheduled to step down in just 11 days when a new Mayor is appointed by Council vote. After announcing his condition in September 2017, Rogers continued with his council responsibilities, including attending special events, ribbon cuttings and continued chairing council meetings, as recently as April 12.

Rogers was elected to the Council in 2015 and according to a city release, “Mayor Rogers will be remembered for his quick wit, unrelenting honesty, positive attitude, unpretentious demeanor and unyielding love for the City of Burbank. As Mayor, his highest priority was transparency and sharing information with the public. He was always willing to listen even if he disagreed.”

The release goes on to say, “Although born in Wisconsin, Will was raised primarily in and around Bloomington, Minnesota, a place he refers to as the “Burbank of Minnesota.” Will’s family moved extensively when he was young, leading to sojourns in many spots including Burlington, Vermont, Pismo Beach, California, Chicago, Illinois, and Merritt Island, Florida.

Will performed in his first commercial at the age of 15, and shortly thereafter began his “backup career” as a freelance writer, specializing in investigative journalism. As a young adult, Will attended the Goodman School, a renowned college for actors in Chicago, and later Normandale College in Bloomington where he won national awards with the speech and forensics team.

Will arrived in the Los Angeles area in 1979, where he continued dual roles as an actor and writer landing roles in TV and film while his by-line appeared in a variety of publications from LA Weekly to Germany’s “Der Spiegel” magazine.

In 1990, Will began writing for the local paper and was soon writing at least four feature columns per week. Will’s work has appeared in virtually every newspaper in the “Times Community Newspapers” group, from Pasadena to the South Bay, to Burbank, winning more than 20 first-place awards from the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association, the Greater Los Angeles Press Club and others, including “Columnist of the Year.”

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Much of Will’s press work has been investigative in nature, but he’s also written “observational humor” pieces about his wife and children, often touching on his DIY home remodeling projects.”

Vice-Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy will assume the role as mayor for the next 11 days until the Council Reorganization meeting on May 1.

UPDATED: City of Burbank Gives Storm Update, Evacuations

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Release from the City of Burbank regarding the current storm:

The following is a storm update as of Wednesday at 7:30PM.
Evacuations: A Voluntary Evacuation Warning is being revised for Wednesday, March 21. Voluntary evacuations will begin at 6AM on Thursday, March 22 and last through 6PM the same day. This may change or be extended as necessary for the following areas:
>> Country Club Drive east of Via Montana
>> All of Hamline Place
>> Groton Drive east of Kenneth
An Evacuation Site is available at Verdugo Recreation Center (3201 W Verdugo Ave). The Center can’t accommodate animals. Please make arrangements beforehand to accommodate your pets.
No Parking: The following streets will currently have no parking zones in place and are currently predicted to last through 8AM Friday, March 23:
>> Country Club Drive east of Via Montana
>> All of Hamline Place
>> Groton Drive east of Kenneth
Public Works and Sandbags: LA County and City of Burbank public works crews are continuing to work throughout the storm. Sandbags are available at Fire Station 16 (1600 N Bel Aire Drive) to help protect properties and doorways. Sand to fill the bags is located at Brace Canyon Park (2901 Haven Way). Please bring your own shovel.
City Public Works will be available to take calls from 7AM Wednesday, March 21 through 6PM Thursday, March 22 at (818) 238-3800.
Other: Residents are advised that if they do not evacuate, public safety services may not be able to reach them in an emergency due to impassable roads. If you see significant mud, debris or fast-flowing water, do not try to cross or drive a vehicle through it, shelter in place, or avoid for your safety. Please use caution even after the rain has stopped as mud and debris can lead to a dangerous situation.

McFarland Named Burbank Communications Manager

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Simone McFarland, the current interim Public Information Officer (PIO) for the City of Burbank has been named as the permanent Communications Manager, additionally McFarland is to remain as the Assistant Community Development Director for Business and Economic Development.

McFarland has been acting PIO since July when Drew Sugars left for another position. “Simone’s background includes prior experience in both public information and economic development, which made it a logical decision to have her as the interim PIO,” said Burbank City Manager Ron Davis. “During these last few months, we have found synergies between the two roles and have leveraged both departments’ strengths by having them work together. By making this arrangement permanent, we can continue that work and include all of the departments throughout the City.”

The name change from PIO to Communications Manager reflects the changing duties of the Public Information Office to include communications and marketing as well as interacting with media outlets.

McFarland’s appointment will save the City money, as it works toward alleviating its future budget deficit. “This appointment will help with our budget concerns and at the same time will not reduce our ability to serve our residents and businesses. It’s a win-win,” stated Davis.

McFarland has served the City as an Assistant Community Development Director since January 2017.

Residential Parking Permit Renewal Applications Coming

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Release from the City of Burbank:

Residential parking permit renewal notices for the 20182020 cycle will be mailed at the end of January to all current permit holders. In March of 2016, the Burbank City Council approved various code changes in order to further protect neighborhoods from non-resident vehicle parking overflow. Some of these changes were delayed until this upcoming city-wide permit renewal.

Starting in 2018, the residential parking permit fee is thirty dollars ($30) for each permit. All permits are valid until April of 2021 no matter which year they are purchased. The cost is then prorated by year sold. For example, a permit costs thirty dollars if purchased in 2018, twenty dollars in 2019 and ten dollars in 2020. The next citywide permit renewal will occur in 2021.

Time-Limited Streets

Residents who reside on time-limited streets (one-hour, or two-hour parking restrictions) are allowed up to five transferable hang tag permits; however, residents must provide vehicle registration for three cars to obtain permits four and five.

Permit-Only Streets

Permits for permit-only streets are not transferable and the new permits must be affixed to the lower-left, driver-side windshield. Residents living on permit-only streets (no public parking during the posted time-frame) may obtain up to five windshield decal permits; however, vehicle registrations are required for each permit requested. The vehicle registration(s) must match the applicant’s qualifying address.

Additionally, the permit display area is expanded for both time-limited and permit-only streets. Permits may be displayed on like permitted streets within each zone as indicated on the map (Zones A-H). For example, a Zone C hang tag permit may be displayed on any of the two-hour or one-hour streets within Zone C. A windshield decal permit in Zone C may be displayed on any other permit-only street in Zone C.

Residents who are part of the PASS Program can use their PASS benefits to receive an 80% subsidy and pay six dollars per permit. For more information about the PASS program, please click here: bit.ly/PASSProgram

To request a new residential permit parking zone for your street, click here. To remove an existing permit parking zone from your street, click here. Residents have until April 30^th, 2018 to renew their permits. After that time, parking enforcement takes effect for the 2018-2020 cycle. For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at: 818-238-3915.

Holiday Decorating Contest Winners Announced

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Holiday Decorating Contest Winner Tied for 1st Place 1200 N Catalina St. (Photo by © Ross A Benson)

If you are looking to see some great Christmas lights this year, look no farther than the residents who dressed up their houses for the holiday season.

Below is a list of the locations who submitted their addresses for judging along with the winners selected by the City if Burbank’s Civic Pride Committee.

RESIDENTIAL ENTRIES

417 N. Sparks St. Burbank, CA 91506
713 Andover Dr. Burbank, CA 91504
700 E. Harvard Rd. Burbank, CA 91501
713 Bethany Rd. Burbank, CA 91504
1904 N. Niagara St. Burbank, CA 91505
3600 W. Clark Ave. Burbank, CA 91505
436 Bethany Rd. Burbank, CA 91504
1131 N. California St. Burbank, CA 91505
1200 N. Catalina St. Burbank, CA 91505 – WINNER (TIE)
1316 N. Catalina St. Burbank, CA 91505
623 E. Fairmount Rd. Burbank, CA 91501
1127 N. California St. Burbank, CA 91505
622 & 620 N. Niagara St. Burbank, CA 91505
235 S. Keystone St. Burbank, CA 91506
361 N. Hollywood Way Burbank, CA 91505
630 E. Harvard Rd. Burbank, CA 91501
1226 N. Sparks St. Burbank, CA 91506
1500 W. Morningside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506
806 Irving Dr. Burbank, CA 91504
829 N. Lima St. Burbank, CA 91505
1617 N. Pepper St. Burbank, CA 91505
1505 N. Valley St. Burbank, CA 91505 – WINNER (TIE)
651 S. Orchard Dr. Burbank, CA 91506

Holiday Decorating Contest Winner Tie for First Place 1505 N Valley Street. ( Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

COMMERCIAL ENTRIES

1719 W. Verdugo Ave. Burbank, CA 91502
113 N. Naomi St. Burbank, CA 91505 – WINNER
3301 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505

Holiday Decorating Contest Commerical Winner Color Lounge 113 N. Naomi Street. ( Photo by © Ross A Benson)

YOUTH ENTRIES

703 N. Avon St. Burbank, CA 91505 – WINNER

Holiday Decorating Contest 1st Place Youth Winner 703 N Avon St. ( Photo by © Ross A Benson)

City of Burbank Gives Thanks to its Employees

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The city of Burbank recently held a breakfast for all employees as a thank you for their work.

Besides all of the employees who enjoyed the breakfast, the following were recognized for their various years of service:

BURBANK WATER & POWER

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

5 YEARS
Cesar M. Ancheta
Lincoln E. Bleveans
Keoni R. Hayashibara
Kyle A. Hazlewood
David M. Martinez
Sharon K. Miller
Gina A. Nardico
Miguel E. Pereyra (Awarded
Posthumously)
Ryan T. Reina
Christopher C. Riven
Arturo Salgado
Scott D. Steinle
Sean T. Swe
Heather M. Tashjian
Michael Wenzinger
Guillermo Zamudio

10 YEARS
Sean M. Allen
Kenneth R. Austin
Christian F. Briones
Ann E. Caballero
Apolinario G. Cervania
Griselda G. Cox
Frank J. Diliberto
Claude H. Hagan Jr.
Fred A. Keeler Jr.
Allison P. Mao
Daniel Nahaku
Maria L. Poulin
James B. Rowland III
Juan C. Saavedra
Michael N. Schnitzius
Roland B. Simon
Michael E. Thompson
John T. Trainer
Michael L. Wildermuth
Michael C. Ysais

15 YEARS
Daniel A. Aird
David L. Curtis
Timothy A. Lyneis
Nancy C. Reis
John Stenberg
Dorsley D. Virgo

25 YEARS
Robert T. Huizenga
Lydia G. Ray

30 YEARS
Scott R. Anderson
Ellard W. Chire
Sherry Kelley
Mark H. McCord

35 YEARS
Gregory P. Sweeney

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

CITY CLERK

5 YEARS
Zizette K. Mullins

CITY COUNCIL

10 YEARS
Sandy M. George

15 YEARS
Robert C. Kramer

CITY MANAGER

5 YEARS
Erika M. De Leon

20 YEARS

Colleen D. Felix (Retired)

CITY TREASURER

5 YEARS
Debbie S. Kukta

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

10 YEARS
Lilly Arevshatyan
Adam Emmer
Robert S. Manougian
James M. Rigor
Ross Young

15 YEARS
Johnny Gonzales
David Kriske
Miriam Reguerra

20 YEARS

Jose R. Alcantar Alderete

30 YEARS

Robert J. Peren

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

5 YEARS

Lydia Guerrero

10 YEARS
Patrick C. Flynn (Awarded Posthumously)
Nickie L. Lopez
Nancy Minassian

15 YEARS
Steven Aragon
Heidi Okimoto

20 YEARS

Rebeka Balasanyan

FIRE DEPARTMENT

10 YEARS
Michael Baldassano
Eric J. Ball
Jeffrey J. Coombs
J. Ryan Cortina
Susan K. Hayward
Daniel J. King
Brigitte Le
Devon S. Meister
Logan G. Shaw
Adrian D. Sirbike
John H. Washington Jr.

20 YEARS
Danny Alvarez
James Carrick
Wayne D. Chisholm
Erick N. Clements
John D. Freeborn
Kenneth Hultgren
Paul F. Magnante
Kelly L. Morris
James Moye
Joel Petteys
Anthony Soffa
Travont (Tray) White

25 YEARS

Michael T. Brack
Matthew D. Wagner

30 YEARS
Ronald A. Barone
Steven F. Briggs
George F. Hawkes
Thomas J. Lenahan
Craig M. MacFarlane (Retired)
Kenet D. Robertson

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

5 YEARS

Michael A. Carson
Steve Esmeirat

10 YEARS
Cuong (Luis) Le
Jason E. Miller
L. Anthony Moore (Resigned)
Lucas D. Suimanjaya

15 YEARS
Jamie Ehring
David W. Morales
Vaughn B. Nemecek

LIBRARY SERVICES

5 YEARS
Christine A. Alles
Jennifer S. Bailey
Roger A. Hiles
Susan E. Mattson
Sarah M. Oakes
Judith K. Parker

10 YEARS
Rageni Arora
Diane L. Malden
Rajan D. Nanda
Tina L. Sahadi

15 YEARS
Neva J. McDaniel
Karen Stead
Catherine A. Whitehead
David Willis

20 YEARS
Laura Brownell

30 YEARS

Naomi Aronoff (Retired)

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

5 YEARS

Laura I. Hernandez

15 YEARS

Kristin A. Shedarowich

20 YEARS
April Moreno

PARKS AND RECREATION

2017

10 YEARS
Rogelio Cardenas (Resigned)
Van H. Cognata
Bryanna D. Edwards
Walter Gates Jr.
Jose E. Lara
Glen T. Williams
Ryan D. Yonan (Resigned)

15 YEARS
Elsa Delatorre
Viviana Garzon
Gwen Indermill
Scott Matthews
Andrew J. McDaniel
David Montero
Rocio C. Perales

20 YEARS

Patrick J. Farrell

30 YEARS
Luis A. Alvarez
Patricia S. Molinar

5 YEAR
Michael A. Albanese
Denis Cremins
Eric H. Deroian
Paul D. French
Michael J. Hagopian
Jacqulene Cole
Mary L. Paterson
Ryan D. Rhoads
Carlos J. Rivas
Kristopher J. Totemwongs
Dewayne A. Wolfer

10 YEARS
Alfonso E. Ang
Emil Brimway
Karel Castro
Jonathan J. Dugas
Selena M. Espinoza
Lorik Gicanov
Christopher B. Hensley
Jana L. Howington
Thomas L. Krueger
Marsha E. Laufer
James A. Marshall
Cameron J. Mencuri
Harrie J. Niers

15 YEARS
Dianne E. Annis
Joseph J. Farrow
Henry S. Garay
James T. Jordan
Carly M. Lott
Mike C. Macias
Diane L. Shear
Stephen P. Turner
Maricela Vega
Josephine N. Wilson

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

20 YEARS
Teri A. Byrne
Anthony C. Faggiano Jr.
Todd S. Fatta
Eufemia I. Gomez
Stephen A. Maxwell
Sean E. Toth

25 YEARS Anthony P. DeSantis
Fernando Rojas
Kerry J. Schilf (Retired)

30 YEARS
Charles M. Howell

PUBLIC WORKS

2017

5 YEARS
Katherine F. Lopez
Juan A. Robles
Anthony Salcedo
Michael R. Smith

10 YEARS
Steven J. Alcantar
Julie F. Carreon
Alejandro Delgado Diaz
Elida Gallegos
Jon P. Gee
Zeibour Khonkikian
Erin M. McDaniel
Richard K. Powell
Kiki I. Thomas-Lee

15 YEARS
Miguel Hernandez
Mirna L. Mendoza-Hurley
Ricardo O. Sanchez
Timothy R. Smith

20 YEARS
Martin Lupercio
Jose F. Puga
David Uehlein

25 YEARS
Jeanne Keeler

30 YEARS
Richard R. Benson
Robert H. King
William C. Parrish Jr.
Renee J. Roach

Burbank Police to Host Crime Prevention Seminar for Businesses

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The Burbank Police Department will host a seminar for local Burbank merchants on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The seminar will be held at the Burbank Police Department and will focus on crime prevention tips, deterrence strategies, crime trend discussions, and legal challenges as they relate to retail and business establishments in the City of Burbank. The seminar will also allow for a question and answer period.

Due to space limitations, registration will be limited to 75 guests. All attendees MUST register and check-in with identification will be required. Only owners and employees of Burbank businesses and merchants will be accepted in the registration process.

If you are interested in attending, please register at http://www.BurbankPD.org/seminar.

Once your registration has been accepted, a Community Resource Officer will contact you via email to confirm.

For more information, please see the flyer below.

Second Annual Winter Wine Walk and Street Fair This Saturday

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Burbank will be kicking off the holidays in style at the 2nd Annual Winter Wine Walk & Street Fair, which will be taking over the streets of Downtown Burbank on November 18, 2017, from noon to 8:00 PM.

A celebration of wine and local businesses covering two blocks in the heart of Downtown Burbank’s shopping and dining neighborhood, the Winter Wine Walk will transform stores throughout the district into the wine-tasting event of the season. There will be 30 wine tasting stations alongside a free, public street fair located on San Fernando Boulevard between Magnolia Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue. Live musical performances will round off festivities, culminating in a free magical Snowfall from the Main Stage located at San Fernando Boulevard and Palm Avenue.

The Winter Wine Walk’s 30 wine, craft beer, and food sampling stops will showcase the finest that local merchants have to offer, giving patrons a head start on the shopping season in the company of friends, family, and delicious wine from multiple California craft wineries.

Date: Saturday, November 18, 2017

Winter Wine Walk Hours: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Ticket required: must be 21+)

Street Fair Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Free and open to the public)

Location: Downtown Burbank on San Fernando Boulevard. The Street Fair will take place on San Fernando Boulevard between Magnolia Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue. The Main Stage and Snowfall will be located at Palm Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard.

Tickets: $45. Includes 2 oz samples at 30 tasting stops. Individuals must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to access the wine tasting stops and to consume alcohol. Tickets will also be sold at the door while supplies last. Burbank hotels are offering two free tickets to the Winter Wine Walk when patrons book their room via www.visitburbank.com. Entry to the Street Fair, Main Stage and Snowfall portion of the event is free of charge. For more information, please visitwww.burbankwinterwinewalk.com or www.dtnbur.com.

Burbank Slightly Opens Door on Marijuana, Closes it on Rancho Developer

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Tuesday night, the Burbank City Council held hearings regarding an ordinance to the Burbank Municipal Code regarding Marijuana growing by private residences and retail sales along with changing the General Plan land use designation of a 4.7 -acre property from Rancho Commercial (RC) to Low-Density Residential (LDR) to develop 34 single-family homes

The first hearing was on a staff-proposed change to the Municipal Code that would restrict growing Marijuana growing to indoors along with a ban on retail sales.

After much public content supporting fewer restrictions and being able to grow outside, the Council voted 5-0 to adopt the ordinance however they changed it to allow outdoor growing as long as the conditions of State Law were met.

While at this time there is a ban regarding the retail outlets, the Council did seem that they wanted to open the door regarding retail sales in the future.

Councilwoman Sharon Springer said that she checked the results from the Prop. 64 election results and said that 61% of voters in Burbank voted to approve legalized Marijuana in California.

While no path has been set up yet to allow retail stores in Burbank, there was strong support to set up a task force or committee to study the best way to start the process however no timeline was given when this process might begin.

The second hearing of the night was the changing of the zoning in the Rancho District for an amendment to the General Plan land use designation of a 4.7 -acre property from Rancho Commercial (RC) to Low-Density Residential (LDR) to develop 34 single-family homes. The property is located in the Rancho Master Plan Area, south of Riverside Drive near the Mariposa Street Bridge.

The developer had wanted to put 34 homes into the area but Rancho residents came out by the dozens to protest during the hearing. While the Council was not allowed to consider the development itself, or what a re-zoning would mean when the Pickwick property came up at a later date, they were told it was solely to change the zoning on that particular project.

In the end, the Council voted 3 to 2 (Councilmembers Springer and Rogers were in support) to not re-zone the area in question.