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Several local candidates already campaigning for election in 2024

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, February 28, 2023

2023 is only a few weeks old, but several local candidates are out of the gate and campaigning for election in 2024. One of the most watched races locally, statewide, and nationally is the replacement for retiring California Senator, Dianne Feinstein. The 89-year old political pioneer made the long-anticipated announcement that she would not run for re-election earlier this month. Feinstein, first elected in 1992, is the longest serving female U.S. senator in history. She is now the oldest sitting U.S. senator and for years pushed back on pressure... Read More →

Tags: 2024, Burbank, Elections, political campaigns

News Bytes January 27, 2023

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, January 27, 2023

What’s Behind Skyrocketing Egg Prices? Egg prices are skyrocketing everywhere. In Burbank, the average price is between $5 and $6 for a dozen of white eggs. This week, I got lucky and bought a carton of 12 white eggs at the Trader Joe’s on East Alameda Avenue for $2.99! A bargain. The prices of most grocery items are ticking up and that has been the case for a while. However, the price of eggs reportedly rose 60 percent last year! Most experts blame an outbreak of bird flu and supply... Read More →

Tags: Amazon, Burbank, Burbank City Treasurer, eggs, Google, grocery stores, In-N-Out, layoffs, Media City, Microsoft, shopping

New Burbank City Council facing challenges and controversy

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, January 10, 2023

The new Burbank City Council is facing tough challenges in 2023. On the list, homelessness, affordable housing, and battles over development to name a few. The panel’s first major decision, the selection of a mayor, whipped up controversy and a serious dose of surprise. What is usually a demonstration of unity got thrown off by one dissenter. What will that mean for the council members’ ability to work together? Mayor Selection Some previous councils got caught up in a web of animosity, scheming, and backroom dealing over the mayor... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, Konstantine Anthony, Media City

Burbank City Council bids farewell to members Springer and Frutos

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, January 6, 2023

The Burbank City Council’s send off for Council Members Sharon Springer and Bob Frutos was not typical. Usually, outgoing members say their goodbyes during the council reorganization meeting. Surprisingly, both Springer and Frutos declared they had prior commitments and would be skipping the December 19 reorganization meeting. So the December 13 council meeting became the last for both Springer and Frutos. It is worth a look back at some of the events of that meeting. During the first public comment section, State Senator Anthony Portantino praised Springer and Frutos for... Read More →

Tags: Bob Frutos, Burbank, Burbank City Council, Media City, Sharon Springer

Burbank float wins major award at 2023 Rose Parade

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, January 2, 2023

Wow! Burbank did it again. The City of Burbank won the Queen Trophy for the most outstanding presentation of roses in the 134th Rose Parade today. The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association submitted, “Adventure Awaits.” This year’s parade theme, “Turning the Corner.” Former Arizona Congressmember, Gabby Gifford, did the honors as Grand Marshal. Gifford made an incredible recovery from traumatic injuries to become an activist. Burbank’s history of participating in the Roses Parade goes back to 1914. In the past 20 years, Burbank took home awards for its floats... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank float, Burbank Tournament of Roses Association, Media City, Pasadena, Rose Parade

News Bytes January 2, 2023

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, January 2, 2023

Middle Class Tax Refund: Millions of Californians are still waiting for that one-time refund to help deal with the rising costs of just about everything. More than 15 million got the Middle Class Tax Refund by automatic deposit and debit cards. However, around three million payments could be in the pipeline Also, some bad news. Scammers are targeting these refunds. The State Attorney General, Rob Bonta, issued a warning and some safety tips when the refunds started going out last October. Nevertheless, the number of victims is continuing... Read More →

Tags: bestsellers list, Burbank, Facebook, lawsuits, refunds, robberies

Changing of the Guard at Burbank City Hall

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, December 17, 2022

Burbank is preparing for the changing of the guard in leadership at City Hall. Five newly elected officials will be sworn in Monday, December 19 and all but one will be serving a first term. The Burbank City Council voted unanimously to accept the final results of the November 8 General Municipal Election at its meeting last Tuesday. Those election results were certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan on Friday, December 5. There are 69,775 registered Burbank voters, according to the Los Angeles... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Elections, city council, City Hall, Media City

Black Angus Steakhouse makes major move in Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, December 17, 2022

The headquarters for the Black Angus Steakhouse restaurants is now located in Burbank. Black Angus Steakhouse is a popular restaurant in Downtown Burbank. Recently, the corporate office for the restaurant chain took over 3,000-square-feet of space at 111 N. 1st Street a short distance away. Burbank Economic Development Manager, Mary Hamzoian, says the benefits are twofold. “We saw this as an advantageous opportunity for Black Angus and they agreed,” said Hamzoian in a news release. “The location will benefit Black Angus’ customers and staff, and in return contribute to the... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Media City, restaurants

Outgoing Burbank City Councilmember Bob Frutos gives thanks

By Guest Contributor on Sunday, November 20, 2022

A Heartfelt Thank you. Thanksgiving is around the corner and I hope this year you can all enjoy safe and happy holidays together with family and friends. I would like to thank all of you as this will be my last year serving on the Burbank City Council. I am grateful for all of you who have supported me with your vote. It has been an incredible honor to have served two terms as Mayor in this city I have called home for over 30 years. One of the best things... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Councilmember Bob Frutos, holiday greeting, Thanksgiving

Historic Burbank City Council race is down to the wire

By Fronnie Lewis on Sunday, November 6, 2022

The race is in the home stretch for three seats on the Burbank City Council. The five candidates on the November 8 ballot are all women for the first time. Historic for the Media City. The development stirs excitement among some and a bit of anxiety for others over what a female majority on the city council will mean. Since there is no precedent… we will just have to wait and see what happens. Incumbent, Sharon Springer, is the only candidate with council experience. Springer is campaigning for a second... Read More →

Tags: Burbank City Council, Campaign 2022, Carmenita Helligar, City Clerk Zizette Mullins, Councilmember Sharon Springer, Elections, Nikki Perez, Tamala Takahashi

Three candidates vying for Burbank City Clerk in November 8 Election 2022

By Fronnie Lewis on Thursday, November 3, 2022

For the first time in a decade, Burbank is getting a new City Clerk. Voters will decide who that will be in the upcoming November 8 election. The position opened up when City Clerk, Zizette Mullins, decided not to run for re-election but for a seat on the city council instead. The City Clerk is a vital position at Burbank City Hall. Above all, the City Clerk’s Office is responsible for informing the public about official actions in city government. The City Clerk’s Office handles many other duties including voter outreach,... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Clerk, Campaign 2022, candidates, Elections

Media City Buzz: Big changes ahead for Burbank as a second councilmember bows out of the 2022 election

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Mayor Jess Talamantes’ decision not to run for re-election opens the door for big changes in Burbank. Over the years, many residents have burned my ears with complaints about the city council and how it handles major issues and controversies. It’s a fact; City Council votes affect the quality of life of the 100-thousand plus people who call the Media City home. Most residents rarely think about the five elected officials on the city council. That is, until they are directly impacted by street parking battles, development expansion, or perhaps... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, candidates, Councilmember Bob Frutos, Councilmember Nick Schultz, Councilmember Sharon Springer, Elections, Mayor Jess Talamantes, Vice Mayor Konstantine Anthony

Media City Buzz: Multicultural Arts Festival denied access to a Burbank park

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Burbank High School is the new site of the Elevate Burbank Multicultural Arts Festival on Saturday Aug. 20. Kudos to the Burbank Unified School District Board for stepping up and making this happen. Nevertheless, it is disappointing to hear foot dragging by the Burbank City Attorney’s Office pretty much derailed the initial plan to host the free, family-friendly event in Johnny Carson Park. Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G — Booths and exhibits at National Night Out event in Johnny Carson Park Burbank Aug.2, 2022 Elevate Burbank a nonprofit Elevate... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Attorney's Office, Burbank High School, Burbank leader, columns, Elevate Burbank, Johnny Carson Park, Media City Buzz

National Night Out a big success in Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Thursday, August 4, 2022

A big turnout for the Burbank Police sponsored National Night Out 2022. The event began at 5:30 p.m. last Tuesday, Aug. 2, when the temperature was still above 80 degrees. Despite the heat they came, some pushing strollers with dogs on leashes and kids in tow. Burbank PD estimates the crowd at around 750. Photo: FLLewis/ Media city G — A crowd of several hundred showed up for the National Night Out celebration in Johnny Carson Park 400 Bob Hope Dr., Burbank 91505 “For the second year in a row,... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, Burbank Police, Councilmember Sharon Springer, Johnny Carson Park, Mayor Jess Talamantes, National Night Out, Vice Mayor Konstantine Anthony

Letter to the Editor: Bob Frutos announces retirement from Burbank City Council

By Guest Contributor on Friday, June 24, 2022

Thank you, Burbank! Upon careful thought and reflection, I have decided it is time for me to retire from the Burbank City Council, effective this December. I have discussed this with my wife, Laura and please believe me, this was not easy decision. However, it is one that I make with honor, satisfaction and pride, because I know I have served our community with best interests of our residents as my only guide. Therefore, I will not run for re-election to the Council this November. It is time to pass... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, Burbank City Councilman Bob Frutos, Burbank Elections, retirement

Two Burbank officials speak out about redrawing political boundaries for the city

By Guest Contributor on Sunday, December 12, 2021

Burbank, like every other community across the State of California, is currently taking part in the once-in-a-decade process of redrawing the political boundaries for elective offices. Redistricting takes place after the completion of each Census. Over the course of the next few weeks, the Citizens Redistricting Commission will complete its work and establish the Assembly, Senate, and Congressional Districts that will represent our community in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 11, which created a Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw state legislative districts. In 2010, California... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council Nick Schultz, Burbank School Board Steve Frintner, politics, redistricting

Thanksgiving message from Burbank Mayor Bob Frutos

By Guest Contributor on Tuesday, November 23, 2021

This Thanksgiving I am grateful I will be joining my family, like so many families in our community in sitting down together to give thanks for those things we are so thankful for in our lives. When I look back over last year I have served as Mayor, I am grateful for a caring and kind community for your patience, kindness, perseverance and flexibility despite the challenges we all faced last year. Burbank has come through with compassion for one another and we continue to hope for a better 2022.... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, holidays, Letters to the Editor, Mayor Bob Frutos, Thanksgiving

City of Burbank announces interim police chief

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, June 8, 2021

City of Burbank announces new interim police chief. City Manager, Justin Hess, selected Deputy Police Chief, Michael Albanese , for the job, according to a new release put out last Friday, June 4. The move follows the decision by Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, to retire next month. Albanese joined the department in 2010 as patrol captain. In 2015, he moved up to deputy chief. Albanese has more than 40 years in law enforcement and is eager to take on more responsibilities. “I am very proud of the... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Police Department, Michael Albanese

Police Chief Scott LaChasse photo courtesy City of Burbank

Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse stepping down

By Fronnie Lewis on Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Burbank Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, stepping down after 11 1/2 years on the job. LaChasse is retiring next month. The announcement appeared in a news release from the City of Burbank put out on Thursday, May 27. The police chief’s departure has been floating around in the rumor mill for some time, but now it’s official. Law Enforcement and Security Career LaChasse began his career in law enforcement at the LAPD in March of 1970. He retired as Deputy Chief after 32 years. LaChasse worked in private sector security... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Police Chief Scott LaChasse, resignation

Letter to the Editor: A tribute to Mickey DePalo

By Guest Contributor on Sunday, May 9, 2021

A heartfelt farewell to Mickey DePalo. Burbank will miss Mickey and we will never forget him. While change is a part of life, saying farewell isn’t easy, especially if that someone is Mickey DePalo. Mickey is a good man; our dear Vietnam War veteran, our hero and he is my friend. It has been my honor to have met Mickey, he is one in a million. Mickey has served our community for many years in many capacities and is always volunteering his time in our city. He has touched the lives of... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Mayor Bob Frutos, Mickey DePalo, volunteers

Letter to the Editor: Burbank update from Councilmember Nick Schultz

By Guest Contributor on Sunday, March 28, 2021

Just over 100 days ago, I took my oath of office and was sworn in as your City Councilmember. While there has been much to learn in my short time on the City Council, I feel increasingly optimistic that our community is well-positioned to build back strong from this unprecedented public health and economic crisis. As a candidate, I advocated for the creation of a Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce. Last month, the City Council voted unanimously to re-purpose one of our existing sub-committees and create an Economic Recovery Sub-Committee comprised... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, city council, Councilmember Nick Schultz

Letter to the Editor: Thank you Burbank from Mayor Bob Frutos

By Guest Contributor on Monday, March 15, 2021

Dear Burbank Residents and Business Owners: I am writing today to thank all business owners and residents for doing your part to keep the City of Burbank on the path to recovery. Thank you for complying with the LA County COVID-19 safety requirements. As restaurants and businesses will now be allowed to re-open with less restrictions, together we will get through the end of this pandemic. I want to thank our business and restaurant owners throughout our city, including Downtown Burbank, Magnolia Park, Media and Airport Districts for working through these challenging times. I... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, COVID-19, Mayor Bob Frutos, pandemic

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