Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove – Burbank

Get out those shorts and tee shirts; we’re getting a preview of summer. Today the temperatures climbed into the mid-80s in Burbank. Tomorrow the high is expected to leap 10 degrees to 95, maybe even into triple digits!  Weather forecasters say this blast of summer could linger for a few days. 

So for workout warriors who like to exercise outside in the sunshine, the best advice is to do it early and keep the water bottle handy.

The Burbank Democratic Club threw a backyard BBQ bash with great eats and brew in a neighborhood near the Rancho District, last night. I’m a member and I joined 50 or so other folks for a fun club meeting and social gathering. However, there was a serious message about the state’s budget woes presented by local Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D) 43rd District.

Krekorian had the tough job of trying to rally support for the upcoming State Special Election for six controversial initiatives. In these difficult times, even Democrats aren’t in the mood for more taxes or eager to hear about budget cuts and multi-billion dollar deficits. Krekorian, to his credit, did not shy away from the grim task.

Krekorian, passionate at times and apologetic at others, admitted the initiatives were a bitter pill saying”I don’t love raising people’s taxes … this isn’t the way government should be run.” Still, the man who called himself a grassroots democrat declared the initiatives are the necessary support pillars to the  recent hard fought compromise state budget. He urged a “yes” vote on all six including Proposition 1F, which prohibits pay raises for state legislators in years when there is a state deficit.

Like many frustrated residents, the state lawmakers pay restriction initiative is the one I’m sure will get my approval, the others I’m still debating. The five other initiatives are somewhat confusing, but here’s how the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk’s lavote.net website summarized them up:

1A — “Rainy Day” Budget Stabilization Fund.

1B — Education Funding. Payment Plan.

1C — Lottery Modernization Act.

1D — Children’s Services Funding.

1E — Mental Health Funding. Temporary Reallocation.

 More detailed information about these initiatives is on the California Statewide Special Election voter guide section of the Secretary of State’s web page. Also, voters will be getting information on the election and the initiatives in the mail soon. The election is May 19, 2009.

 Hollywood is buzzing over the tentative agreement announced today by the Screen Actors Guild and the big studios. After almost 10-months of fighting over contract issues and tons of behind the scenes drama at SAG, there’s now a two-year deal, however, some hurdles still remain to be cleared before it’s a done deal.

Both the Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have announcements about the agreement up on their websites. Neither is offering details of the pact until it can be reviewed by SAG’s National Board.

 The SAG panel is set to review the agreement on Sunday and is widely expected to put its stamp of approval on it. The big question is will SAG’s 120,000 plus membership ratify the agreement. So there’s a deal and a cliffhanger for folks in Tinseltown to ponder this weekend.

No matter what type of phone you have, retro or high tech or somewhere in between, you’ll have to practice a new dialing procedure starting tomorrow, if you live in the land of the 818 area code, the San Fernando Valley. On Saturday, April 18, callers in that valley will have to dial a 1 plus the 10 digit number. Sigh, just one more thing to remember.

The reason for the change is the supply of 818 numbers is running out due to high demand. So last April, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a plan to add another prefix to the area –747. The new overlay plan will cover the same geographic area as 818. Also, beginning on May 18, 2009, only 747 numbers will be given out.

 Along with Burbank, other cities affected are Agoura, Agoura Hills, Arleta, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Chatsworth,  Encino, Glendale, Granada Hills, Hidden Hills, La Cañada Flintridge, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Reseda, San Fernando, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, West Hills, Westlake Village, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.

Folks who have 818 numbers can keep them. However, we’re all going to have to make some adjustments around our homes and businesses. All mobile phones, speed dialers, automatic dialing equipment, call forwarding settings, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, voicemail services, fax machines and other similar devices will probably have to be reprogrammed.

They’re probably rolling out this dialing change on the weekend to reduce the confusion and delays. Hopefully by Monday, we’ll all be in the swing of it.

Photos: Pete Souza/White House

Today President Barack Obama visited Mexico. On his arrival, President Obama received a warm welcome from some of its citizens and Mexican President Felipe Calderon. During the welcoming ceremony, Obama made a pledge: “At a time when the Mexican government has so courageously taken on the drug cartels that have plagued both sides of the borders, it is absolutely critical that the United States joins as a full partner in dealing with this issue…” The White House Blog
 

Later after their meeting, President Obama got a warm send-off from Calderon’s family. Tomorrow, Obama travels to Trinidad and Tobago for the Summit of the Americas.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

More bad economic news. Today General Growth Properties, the second largest mall owner in the country, declared bankruptcy. It’s considered the largest real estate failure in U.S. history. General Growth Properties and 158 of its U.S. malls filed for protection under chapter 11.

The Burbank Town Center is listed on GGP’s website as one of the properties it manages, but it is not involved in the bankruptcy filings. However, the Burbank Town Center at East Magnolia Boulevard and North First Street is a mall that is struggling to survive. Last fall, one of its anchor stores, Mervyn’s, closed when the chain went out of business; followed a few months later by the Circuit City store. 

For years, the mall has had difficulty wooing the kind of retail shops and chain stores that attract local residents and the thousands of people who come into the city for work and entertainment. The Burbank Town Center has had other troubles as well. Last August, I posted a two-part story ( Security Problems at The Burbank Town Center Mall, Part Two: Is The Burbank Town Center Mall Safe? ) about charges of poor security, intimidation, and retaliation from some of the mall merchants.

Meanwhile, GGP is trying to put a positive spin on its bankruptcy. In a statement on the company website and on the Burbank Town Center site the real estate giant says: “GGP has sought bankruptcy court assistance to restructure our finances and de-leverage our balance sheet because the collapse of the credit markets has made it impossible for GGP to refinance our maturing debt outside of chapter 11. GGP’s retail centers, office properties and master planned communities will be open for business as usual as the company restructures our debt. Our properties will continue to operate, our employees will continue to come to work and get paid, and shoppers will continue to shop. ”

Also, on the GGP list of retail properties not involved in the bankruptcy, nearby Glendale Galleria.

Actress Julia Roberts is set to star in the movie version of the best selling memoir, “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search For Everything Across Italy, India And Indonesia.” Published in 2007, the best selling book by Elizabeth Gilbert has appeared in at least 30 languages; and there are now more than seven million copies in print, according to The Washington Post. Also, the romantic comedy flick “Coyote Ugly” (2000) was based on a GQ magazine article written by Gilbert.  

Roberts is now attached to the “Eat, Pray, Love” film project to play a woman who goes on a one year search for worldly pleasures and spiritual enlightenment. Once considered a major movie draw, Roberts’ latest movie, “Duplicity,” has thrown some doubt on that. After about a month in release the romantic corporate spy caper has struggled to earn $37 million nationally. 

The movie “Eat, Pray, Love” is being produced by Plan B, a company run by Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner. Variety is reporting actor Richard Jenkins has joined the cast. Jenkins was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Visitor” (2008).  Filming of “Eat, Pray, Love” is set to get underway this summer in New York, Rome, India, and Bali.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writers Groove

I dropped by Burbank City Hall last night to see the returns come in for the General Municipal Election. The only names on the ballot were the six candidates running for three seats on the powerful Burbank City Council. Around 10 p.m. when the numbers were in for all of the city’s 42 precincts and the winners elected, I felt like I’d just watched a nail-biting horse race at Santa Anita racetrack. I guess it was only fitting that a hard fought campaign would end in a neck-and-neck race for at least two of the council seats.

Incumbent and Mayor Dave Golonski shot out of the gate as the front runner and remained so to the finish line. The real horse race occurred for second and third among Incumbent David Gordon, long-time community activist Jess Talamantes, and young upstart Kimberly Jo.

As many campaign observers had expected, Jo waged a tough battle and even led councilman Gordon until the last few precinct ballots were counted. In the end experience won out; Incumbents Golonski and Gordon will be joined on the council by Talamantes, a retired Burbank firefighter. Still, one must applaud Jo for spearheading a campaign based on fresh ideas and a new kind of energy, which fired up many voters.

Here’s the final count:

Elise Stearns-Niesen —— 3838

Garen Yegparian———- 3126

David Gordon———— 5235            ELECTED

Kimberly Jo————– 5031

Jess Talamantes———- 5353         ELECTED

Dave Golonski————5698           ELECTED

 Ballots:  11, 852                           42 out of 42 precincts

Dr. Gordon watched the returns come in at city hall. He admitted it had been a stressful night and was clearly relieved when it was over: ”I look forward to doing an even better job in my second term.”  Also, Gordon says he wants to continue to “… keep my position of putting the people first.”

Mayor Golonski stopped by city hall once victory was imminent and he savored it: “I’m excited … I feel good, we worked hard…” Golonski admits the recession and the struggling economy mean 2009 is shaping up to be a rough year, but he believes there will be “…opportunities with those challenges.”

Photo: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers   

 How sweet it is! Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Orlando Hudson celebrates after hitting a triple for a cycle, which launched him right into the record books yesterday. A cycle is a single, double, triple, and a home run in the same game. Hudson did it against the San Francisco Giants during the first home game of the 2009 season at Dodger Stadium.

A crowd of more than 50,000 was on hand to see Hudson’s fantastic hitting spree. The last Dodgers player to hit for the cycle was Wes Parker back on May 7, 1970 — 39 years ago! Also, it was the first time ever a Dodgers player had accomplished the feat at Dodger Stadium.  

By the way, the Dodgers slammed the Giants 11-to-1.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House

President Barack Obama and the first family enjoyed a White House tradition with thousands of families from 45 states yesterday. The Easter Egg Roll is a rite of spring event at the White House that dates back to 1878. The theme of this year’s event was “Let’s Go Play.”

Tickets were required and had a time limit of two hours. I guess you have those kinds of restrictions when you expected as many as 30,000 families to show up. It was a busy day for the White House chefs as well. They prepared healthy meals for the kids and their families and 13,000 hard-boiled eggs for the egg roll and egg hunt.

Also, there were games, storybook readings, and entertainment which included Ziggy Marley and pop star Fergie who sang her hits, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Glamorous.” Photos from the event show the president having as much fun as the kids.

Each child got to take home a souvenir gift — a painted wooden egg signed by both President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Now the National Park Foundation is offering the souvenir eggs for sale. They go for $7 each or $25 for a boxed set of four. The National Park Foundation is a charitable organization that supports America’s national parks. More information about the souvenir eggs at https://www.nationalparks.org/about/store/products/

The second time around turned out to be a real downer for legendary music producer Phil Spector. Today, the Los Angeles jury in Spector’s retrial found him guilty of second degree murder for the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra mansion in 2003. The first trial in 2007 ended in a mistrial because the jury was unable to reach a verdict. That jury deadlocked 10-2 for conviction.

The retrial began last October. This time Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler gave jurors the option of second degree murder or a lesser charge, involuntary manslaughter. The jury, six men and six women, began deliberations on March 26 and took about 30 hours to reach a verdict. Also, the panel found the eccentric producer guilty of using a firearm to commit a crime. Due to the seriousness of the charges, the judge ordered Spector taken into custody immediately.

Spector became famous back in the 1960s when he created a dense layered instrumental sound on recordings called the “wall of sound.” Spector produced such rock hits as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers, and “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “He’s A Rebel” by The Crystals. The 69-year-old music whiz has won two Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Spector is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2009. He’s could get 18 years-to-life. 

The director of the original horror flick “Night of the Living Dead” (1968), George A. Romero, is still very much into zombies and the mysterious undead. Romero’s new film “… Of the Dead” is scheduled for release this year. Also, he has signed a two-book deal with Grand Central Publishing, according to Publishers Weekly. Romero’s debut novel will focus on the origin of the zombies and is due out next summer.

Romero, along with John A. Russo, created the black-and-white classic, “Night of the Living Dead” (1968), which is about a group of people trapped in a farmhouse and under attack by zombies. Romero’s credits include ”Dawn of the Dead” (1978), “Day of the Dead” (1985), “Land of the Dead” (2005), ”Diary of the Dead” (2007) and a number of other film and television projects.

Photos: Pete Souza/White House

President Barack Obama has fulfilled a campaign promise to his daughters Malia and Sasha; they finally got the dog they had been hoping and wishing for and quickly named him Bo. The six-month-old Portuguese water dog is a gift from Senator Edward M. Kennedy who has several Porties. For a while there, Bo was the best kept secret in Washington, D.C. An official debut was set for Tuesday, but word of the new first pet leaked out, according to The Washington Post.  

I gotta gush a bit here. Bo is one cute little dude. The Post describes him as having “… tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee.”

Events surrounding Bo have been very clandestine over the past few weeks. Recently, the pooch had a secret get acquainted meet with the first family. Apparently the little guy charmed the heck out of the Obamas and quickly won the position of White House pet. These photos are from The White House Blog.

“Hannah Montana: The Movie” is the surprise hit at the Box Office this weekend. Not only did the Disney flick rake in an amazing $34 million to become the number one movie in the nation; also it had one of the biggest Easter weekend film openings ever.

“Hannah Montana: The Movie” is a take-off on the popular TV show in which Miley Cyrus plays a regular teenager who has a secret double life as singing superstar, Hannah Montana. Miley is the daughter of country singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus.

“Fast & Furious: New Model… Original Parts” slipped from the top spot to number two with a haul of $28.8 million. In two weeks the fourth sequel in the “Fast & Furious” series has earned an estimated $118 million in the domestic market. The computer 3-D animation “Monsters vs. Aliens” took third with around $22.6 million.

The new mall cop comedy, “Observe and Report” debuted with about $11.1 million  for fourth and rounding out the top five, the science fiction thriller, “Knowing” with $6.6 million. 

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”  Matthew 28:5-6 NIV

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

Photos: FLLewis/A Writers Groove

The heated Burbank City Council race is headed for the finish line with the election this Tuesday, April 14. The campaign mailings have slowed down to a trickle. Still, the last minute push is underway for those voters who have not mailed or dropped off their ballots yet. Six candidates are spending thousands of dollars in hopes of collecting enough votes to win one of three open seats on the powerful council.

The contenders are Educator Elise Stearns-Niesen, Technical Research Analyst Garen Yegparian, Incumbent Dr. David Gordon, Associate CIO Kimberly Jo, Human Relations Manager Jess Talamantes, and Incumbent/Mayor Dave Golonski. Meanwhile, there is some new information about Jo on the Burbank city website.  

In a post back on March 16, I reported that on the City Clerk’s Office candidates contact information page, Jo was the only one with a blank space next to her name. The other five candidates had phone numbers listed. Today I checked that same web page and found it now shows a phone number for Jo. Recently, I have heard about complaints concerning Jo’s alleged lack of response to questions sent to her through her e-mail address. Perhaps, these are just minor glitches in a young candidate’s first serious run for public office. Many of Jo’s yard signs are on display in the Burbank hills and other neighborhoods as well. In the primary election, Jo finished fourth out of a field of 13 candidates. Clearly she has support in the town; the question is will it be enough to win a seat on the council. The answer will come from voters on Election Day.

Photo: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times

Angels fans have joined the mourning for the team’s talented young pitcher, Nick Adenhart, who was killed along with two friends in a tragic multi-vehicle crash yesterday morning. The car Adenhart was riding in was broadsided by a van. The driver of the van, Andrew Thomas Gallo, ran from the scene in Fullerton, but was later arrested. Gallo is suspected of driving under the influence. He has a drunk driving conviction and was reportedly driving with a suspended license.

The other two victims killed were 20-year-old Cal State Fullerton student Courtney Stewart and 25-year-old Henry Pearson. A fourth victim, 24-year-old Jon Wilhite, is in critical condition at UC Irvine Medical Center.

22-year-old Adenhart’s career was on the rise. In last Wednesday’s game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim against the Oakland “A’s,” the right-hander started and pitched six scoreless innings. Last night’s Angels’ game against Oakland was postponed out of respect for Adenhart. Tonight, Adenhart’s teammates will play the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium.

 More about Adenhart’s career and his impact on the Angels website.  Also, a very touching story about Adenhart and his dad by Bill Shaikin on the Los Angeles Times website.

Photo: The White House Blog

Getting down and dirty. First Lady Michelle Obama and White House Chef Sam Kass gave some local Washington D.C. elementary students a hands on lesson in how to plant veggies in the new White House Kitchen Garden yesterday.

The kids from Bancroft Elementary helped Mrs. Obama start the garden on the south lawn of the White House last month. On Thursday, they were shown how to dig into the soil and plant a variety of produce, which will be harvested later to create meals for the White House and a local soup kitchen.

Also, the first lady and the chef used the opportunity to highlight the importance of healthy eating to the students.

The recession is prompting a lot of folks to search for bargain escapes, and romance novels are at the top of the list. The struggles and disappointments of day-to-day living are apparently fueling the desire for entertainment with a happy ending, according to an article on the New York Times website.  

While many categories of books are in a slump, romance novels are in demand. At Barnes & Noble, the nation’s largest bookseller, the sales of romance novels are up. Over on the Barnes & Noble website the high priestess of romance novels, Nora Roberts, is holding down the two top slots in the top 10 on the best selling romance list.

At number one, the first book in a new wedding quartet series, “Vision in White.” It’s not available until April 28, but no matter, it’s getting a ton of pre-orders. Number two, Robert’s “Where The Heart Is: From This Day/Mother’s Keeper”; a reissue of two of her classic romances in one volume. The best selling author reportedly has more than 300 million books in print. Also, a number of Roberts’ romances are now racking up big ratings as made-for-TV movies on Lifetime.

These days romance novels range from contemporary to inspirational to historical to fantasy to steamy, sexy, and sometimes erotic tales. Romance novels have always had a large loyal following, but now with the economy in the dumps, even more people are on the hunt for a book with a little romance.

Photos: Pete Souza/White House

President Barack Obama paid a surprise visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq yesterday, before ending his eight-day foreign trip and returning to the White House early this morning. The president met with U.S. military commanders and Iraqi leaders for an update on the war situation. Then Obama got a wild and enthusiastic greeting from the troops, which included handshakes and even a fist-bump. Also, the president awarded the Purple Heart medal to several brave U.S. soldiers.

 The president addressed the troops and said: “Under enormous strain and under enormous sacrifice, through controversy and difficulty and politics, you’ve kept your eyes focused on just doing your job.  And because of that, every mission that’s been assigned — from getting rid of Saddam, to reducing violence, to stabilizing the country, to facilitating elections — you have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country.  That is an extraordinary achievement, and for that you have the thanks of the American people.”  The full text and more photos are on The White House Blog.