Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The former site of The Great Indoors at 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank

The long anticipated community meeting with the Walmart is today at 5 p.m. The big retailer is hosting what it calls a “community open house”  at the former site of The Great Indoors, where it intends to open a new Walmart. So what are the plans for this one-stop shopping store?  The Walmart honchos are supposed to reveal those plans at the meeting this evening and answer residents’ questions about the impact their new store will have on the Empire Center and the general area.

Recently, Walmart has been circulating a PR flyer touting the benefits of the store in the community. On the flyer, claims of good paying jobs, career opportunities, competitive benefits, support for our military, education, and a pledge of $2 billion to help end hunger. Also, Walmart says it generates over $500,000 per year in sales tax revenue…” and this can fund “…vital services like police and fire protection.”  Oh, keep in mind, the new store is not just for Burbank. It will attract Walmart shoppers from all over to the Empire Center, which is already burden with traffic and congestion problems.

The opposition includes the well organized ”Stop Walmart in Burbank.”  A fundraiser at the local Flappers Comedy Club last Thursday, reportedly raised $800 for its war chest. The group plans to use the donations to increase awareness with flyers, lawn signs, and buttons. No doubt, this group and others against the opening of a Walmart in Burbank will be out in force at the meeting. It should be interesting.

This pro-Walmart flyer was e-mailed to me last night.  It’s a slick piece of promotion from the nation’s largest retailer.  As expected, Walmart is  trying to rally support for its upcoming “community open house” at the old location of the Great Indoors, in the Empire Center, Monday, October 17, at 5 p.m. This location is the designated site of a new Walmart.

Meanwhile, the “No Walmart in Burbank “group is holding a fundraiser this evening at the Flappers ComedyClub in Downtown Burbank starting at 8 p.m.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Flappers Comedy Club at the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and First Street in Burbank

An evening of comedy and fun is planned. The “suggested donation” is $12. And all proceeds reportedly will be”…used to help stop Walmart.”

So the battle is on between supporters and opponents of Walmart. The open house next Monday is shaping up to be quite a showdown.

Fans and air conditioners were working overtime today as a heat wave sent temperatures soaring in the Southland. Here in Burbank, the high today — 99. At 9 p.m tonight — it was 82. Tomorrow is expected to be even hotter . The good news, cooler temps are expected to arrive by the weekend.

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

It seems that some of my customers really like geese.
I noticed that some of them like goose designs on their shirts or pants.

Today I would like to share with you a story about geese.
In Korea, there is a title called ‘goose dad.’ This isn’t talking about the leader in a flock of geese flying in V formation.

It’s a title given to dads who send their children and wives to the United States or Canada so the children can learn English. The goose dads stays back in Korea to make money to send to his family. They only see their families about once or twice a year. This why they are goose dads, because they fly back and forth like geese do when they migrate between seasons.

However, I don’t think that’s a proper title for these dads.

Geese are migratory birds, yes. However, when they travel long distances, they don’t travel alone, they travel in groups.

No matter how difficult circumstances are, I think it is of the utmost importance for families to stay together, kind of like how geese stay together when they travel.

I hope that even though some people might be physically away from family and loved ones, I hope that each and every one of us would be together with those we love in spirit.

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Jean Youn is the owner of Value Village Cleaners at 912 West Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale 91202. For details on services, coupons and more, check out the Value Village Cleaners website here.

No Wal-Mart forces take the fight to City Hall

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The former site of The Great Indoors at 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank

 In the past few days, a number of media reports have come out about Wal-Mart finally fessing up to plans to move into the site once occupied by The Great Indoors, at the Empire Center over on North Victory Place. Wal-Mart owns the site now — but anti-Wal-Mart forces in B-town aren’t giving up the fight just yet.

The No Wal-Mart on Facebook group has organized a rally for today, on the steps of Burbank City Hall at 5:30 p.m. The small but vocal group is being joined by the politically savvy Burbank Democratic Club, which has urged its members to support the rally and speak out against Wal-Mart at the city council meeting at 6 p.m.

At last Tuesday’s city council meeting, Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes revealed Wal-Mart executives “… want to do a community forum… ” at the site sometime in mid-to-late-October. Well, the site is more appropriate for a P.R. event than a community forum to hear the concerns of  residents.

Clearly, these Wal-Mart suits aren’t really taking the community very seriously. They’re reportedly considering options like including a restaurant or nail salon in that 120,000 square foot building. Hey, there are already plenty of restaurants in the Empire Center and a lot of nail salons in Burbank. I guess the Wal-Mart bigwigs do not need to be very creative, when most of their customers only care about how many cheap products they can stuff into a shopping cart. That location at the Empire Center needs some imagination. Wal-Mart needs to add something different to the mix of  restaurants and retail.  However, that kind of  progressive thinking may be beyond the comprehension of the Wal-Mart executives.

A new Burbank Police Commissioner

The city council majority snubbed former Chair of the Burbank Police Commission, Bob Frutos, once again last Tuesday. Right after Frutos lost a close run-off for a city council seat against Emily Gabel-Luddy — the CCM refused to re-appoint him to his seat on the police commission.

Recently, Frutos tossed his hat in the ring for the commission seat vacated by Jim Etter, who moved on to the Los Angeles County Fish and Game Commission. Frutos got only two votes, Dr. David Gordon and Gary Bric. The CCM voted for former Paramount executive, Tom Bruehl, who has been kicking around in local political circles for a while.

But the CCM is not rid of Frutos just yet. A few weeks back, each council member made an appointment to the Citizens’ Charter Committee. This group will decide if changes are necessary for the city charter, which could open the door for a charter review committee to be set up.

Here’s how the appointments went down: Dr. Gordon named Bob Frutos, Gary Bric — Jackie Waltman, Emily Gabel-Luddy — Carolyn Jackson, Dave Golonski — Lee Wochner, and Mayor Jess Talamantes appointed Victor Georgino.

It has been rumored about for weeks now.  Then, late today the official announcement came from Burbank City Hall in the form of a news release — naming the replacement for retiring Burbank City Attorney, Dennis Barlow. She is Amy Albano who is now the city attorney out in Thousand Oaks.

Photo: City of Burbank -- Amy Albano new Burbank City Attorney

Next Tuesday, the city council will consider appointing Albano to the position — but at this point, that’s merely a formality.  It’s a done deal.

Here’s the news release from Public Information Officer, Keith Sterling:

Burbank City Council to Consider Appointment of New City Attorney

Item on September 20th Agenda

BURBANK, Calif. (September 15, 2011) – After an extensive and competitive recruitment process, Amy Albano has been identified as the Burbank City Council’s lead candidate for the position of City Attorney.  Albano currently serves as City Attorney for the City of Thousand Oaks, California.

“Amy brings 20 years of municipal law experience to Burbank,” says Mayor Jess Talamantes.  “The council is very impressed with her knowledge and understanding of complex legal issues and believes she will be a great addition to our community and the executive team.”

Albano was selected after a nationwide search and thorough interviews with three panels comprised of law professionals, community leaders and city executives.  Albano joined the City of Thousand Oaks in 2005 as City Attorney after spending 14 years in the City Attorney’s Office at the City of Ventura.  She is an honor graduate of Albany Law School of Union University and received her undergraduate degree from State College of New York Plattsburg.  Albano is the immediate past president of the League of California Cities City Attorneys’ Department.

“I am honored to be considered for this opportunity,” says Albano.  “Burbank is a world-renowned community and this position will allow me the potential for tremendous professional growth.”  Albano intends to live in Burbank and become an integral member of the community.

The City Council will vote on the appointment at the meeting of September 20th and, if approved, Albano is expected to begin duties next month.  The City Attorney and City Manager are appointed positions, reporting directly to the City Council.

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The Mega Millions jackpot appears to be on a serious roll once again. The jackpot has grown to at least $65 million, after no one hit the big one in last night’s draw. Those winning digits: 22, 31, 43, 48, 56 and the Mega Ball 45.

The Mega Millions is moving into lottery fever territory. The larger the jackpot —  the more people are willing to slap down the dollars for lottery tickets. The next chance to score this Mega Millions jackpot is in the draw on Friday, September 16 at 8 p.m.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Garden Guru Emilio "Elmo" Telles

There was a time in the garden business that I couldn’t give away mole ( gopher) repellents.  As of the last two years, I can’t keep it in stock!

My theory is because of the limited rainfall, we have been inundated with moles and gophers. They are coming down from the hills.

Here’s the deal. With gophers, you will have the holes open and exposed in your lawn and garden beds. With moles you will notice mounds of “fine”-powdery soil covering the holes.

There is this product called “Molemax” that will help repel both. The beauty about this product is you don’t have to use the “old school” poison baits that were dangerous to kids, pets, and your ground water.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Molemax, mole and gopher repellent

 I have had plenty customers that swear by it.

One pound covers about 500 square feet.

Here’s the cool part, I heard that it also deters rabbits, skunks, and even armadillos! I guess that’s why we don’t have armadillos here in So. Cal!

Any questions, feel free to ask.

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Emilio “Elmo” Telles is a garden expert at Armstrong Garden Center  5816 San Fernando Road, Glendale  91202.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Water and Power General Manager Ron Davis had to defend the new smart meters at last Tuesday's Burbank City Council meeting August 30, 2011

A lot of complaints and grumbling about, and verbal attacks on, the new smart meters in Burbank.  Officials at Burbank Water and Power are raving about the new water and electric meters — but many of the residents aren’t buying the hype. Some of the public suspicion, disapproval, and down right hostility for the meters was heard during public comments at last Tuesday’s Burbank City Council meeting on August 30. 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --An electric smart meter in Burbank

Most of the carping is about the electric smart meter and its environmental, health, and privacy issues. BWP honcho, Ron Davis, stepped to the podium at last Tuesday’s city council meeting and proclaimed the ”.. meters are incredibly safe..” and “… do not pose a health concern…”

In terms of privacy, Davis says the meters “..do not broadcast inside the home”… instead “..broadcast out to a data reader.”  Well, that may be the ultimate plan, but right now the newly installed electric meters are not communication with the outside data reader, according to my source at the BWP.

I’m told the new meters are working, but meter reader personnel have to go out to homes and businesses and collect the data — just like they did before the Smart Grid Program started. Installation of the smart meters began in June and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. However, the system will most likely not be fully operational until sometime in 2012.

Davis says that so far “…51 people …” have asked that their smart meter installation be “… put on hold.” He admits that part of the problem with convincing the public to get on board with the new system is a matter of trust. Well, it’s hard to trust Davis and his BWP top executives who have jacked up our utility rates, while pocketing salary raises and hefty bonuses. That sort of conduct does not build trust.

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

It is now September and it is Labor Day weekend.

It’s just about the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

Labor Day was meant for people who work. It is a way for people to be grateful for and find joy in their work by having a well deserved break from work.

You hear about a lot of people who are without and can’t find work these days. You also hear about self-employed people and/or small business owners like myself who get little to no business for periods of time. I have heard this about others and I have also personally experienced it myself.

On Labor Day weekend, I find myself thinking about work a lot.

It really isn’t just a means to put food on the table to survive.

In the book, “The Gospel of the Redman: A Way of Life,” Ernest Thompson Seton says that we should love our lives and that we should find all things in our life beautiful. The book also says to be happy in your personal strength and beauty.

Work certainly takes up a large portion of our daily lives. Don’t get me wrong, family and loved ones always come first, but it’s important to love what you do, especially when it takes up so much of your time. Also, it is the very fact that we work that allows us to enjoy a nice day off of work like Labor Day.

For me, if cleaning and pressing your clothing can help you find beauty and happiness in your life, I will be a happy this Labor Day.

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Jean Youn is the owner of Value Village Cleaners at 912 West Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale 91202. For details on services, coupons and more, check out the Value Village Cleaners website  here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank

Burbank Police sent out a community alert today about  a second reported mountain lion sighting in less than a month in the Media City. The first occurred back on August 4, near Kenneth Road and Brown Drive. The second sighting late yesterday, was once again in the hillside area — this time, residents reported seeing the wild cat in the 900 block of Country Club Drive, according to the Burbank PD.

In both cases, the mountain lion sauntered back up into the hills without causing a problem, except rattling some nerves. But what about the next time? Are these predators, who are supposed to avoid humans, getting bolder? These are the logical questions that come to mind.

The Burbank PD’s community alert on this mountain lion sighting is posted on the Burbank City website here. It includes advice and precautions for dealing with mountain lions.

Photo: FLLewis. Media City G -- Burbank reusable centennial bag

I noticed it soon after the big party of the century to celebrate Burbank’s centennial back on July 8. Whenever I took my colorful Burbank centennial reusable bag out in public — someone would comment on it.  “What a cool bag!” is what a checker at the Trader Joe’s on East Alameda Avenue in Burbank said as she carefully arranged my groceries in that bag.  I get versions of that compliment the most.

On another occasion, a Burbank shopper pointed out that she has one just like it — but is not using it– thinking it will become a collector’s item.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank then and now snapshots on side two of the centennial reusable bag

At the Be-Boppin’ in the Park on Magnolia Boulevard earlier this month, I picked up a second centennial bag — but I had to buy a $5 coffee mug at the Burbank booth to get it. At the party of the century, the bags were handed out free. I’m told the city ordered 15-thousand or so and the supply has dwindled.

What city officials should do is re-order say 50-or-60 or a 100- thousand of these reusable bags and give them to Burbank residents as a way to encourage the ‘bring your own bag’ mindset. That would most likely flood the city with the centennial bags — putting the skids on the collectible notion. However, it’s a much more positive way to nudge folks to help protect the environment  — than the proposed extreme ban on plastic bags at checkout stands in grocery stores or charging customers money for paper bags.

We’re in a heat wave! Yesterday the thermometer shot up to 108 in Burbank. At 11 p.m. last night, it was still a very warm 81. More extreme temps are expected in B-town through the weekend. The blistering heat prompted Burbank officials to open a cooling center late Friday. Here’s the media release.

BURBANK, Calif. (August 26, 2011) – With high temperatures expected over the next several days, the City of Burbank is establishing a designated cooling center on Saturday and Sunday.

The Buena Vista Library (300 N. Buena Vista Street) will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Residents are encouraged to visit the center and seek relief from the heat.

For more information on summertime safety and precautions in the extreme heat, visit http://www.burbankusa.com/

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Recycle Center 500 South Flower Street Burbank

Lately, the Burbank City Council has been peppered with tough questions from residents about the status and alleged mismanagement of the Burbank Recycle Center over on South Flower Street. This is not the first time rumors have been flying about something “not right” going on at the center.

Yesterday, the City of Burbank put out a statement about the center and its involvement in the operation.

City Statement on Burbank Recycle Center

BURBANK, Calif. (August 22, 2011) – On January 29, 2010, the State of California denied the City’s Application for Renewal of its Curbside Registration (Application), which allows the City to receive revenue from the State’s beverage containers recycling fund (CRV Fund).  The State denied the City’s Application because it accused the operator of the City’s Recycle Center, Burbank Recycling, Inc. (BRI) and Geoff Folsom, of failing to comply with State law and regulations dealing with the recycling of beverage containers at another recycling facility.  A hearing on the accusation against Mr. Folsom is still pending.

The City appealed the State’s denial of its Application because we believed that the City had acted fairly by waiting for the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to provide a hearing on the allegations to BRI.  It needs to be emphasized that the City has not been accused of any wrongdoing by the State.  The reason the City’s curbside certification was denied was simply because it uses BRI to operate the Recycle Center and to process the curbside materials.

The appeal hearing was held on March 29 and 30, 2011 and on May 13, 2011 the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) affirmed the denial of the City’s Application on the basis that Mr. Folsom had failed to comply with the State law and regulations. The ALJ did not find any wrongdoing on the part of the City of Burbank and found that the City had acted reasonably in waiting for CalRecycle to provide a hearing to Mr. Folsom. CalRecycle adopted the ALJ’s decision as its final decision on May 24, 2011. On June 7, the City Council decided not to appeal the decision.  The decision took effect on June 25, 2011.

While the denial of the curbside registration affects the City’s ability to collect CRV revenues, which totaled $20,432.23 in fiscal year 2010/11, it does not affect the City’s ability to continue operating its highly effective curbside recycling program that diverts about 40 tons per day of material from landfill disposal.  This program is part of the City’s comprehensive source reduction and recycling efforts to reduce land filling by at least 50 percent as required by Assembly Bill 939 (AB 939), which became law in 1989, and the City’s sustainability efforts to reach zero waste by 2040.  BRI is continuing to operate the Recycle Center on an interim basis while the City pursues its options.  The City of Burbank is committed to delivering excellent, uninterrupted curbside recycling services while an operational transition is completed at the Burbank Recycle Center. Residents and businesses should continue to place their recyclables in the proper carts and bins for collection and processing.

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Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Vintage wheels were in the spotlight at Be-Boppin' in the Park on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank August 2010

Another street party in Burbank today. Be-Boppin’ in the Park is set to get underway at 3 p.m. on Magnolia Boulevard, between Hollywood Way and California Street. This is the fifth year for this festival of vintage and classic cars, music, food, and community scene.

They’re expecting somewhere around 15 thousand people to show up for this street party, according to a posting on the Burbank city website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Community activist Janet Diel at the Party of the Century in Burbank July 8, 2011

Community activist Janet Diel sent me an e-mail about a special attraction at Be Boppin’ Park today. Matt Burch of the car-loving TV show, “Operation Repo” will be hanging out at the event, from 3:30-5 p.m., in the Burbank Coordinating Council booth. Big Matt is the Honorary Chairman/Spokesman for Burbank Coordinating Council.

So drop by their booth, learn more about this worthy community group that helps out those in need and get a photo with Burch or his autograph!

Quite a bit of talk in B-town about the fairytale-like e-mail announcement sent out to all Burbank City employees yesterday. The e-mail invited folks to save two upcoming dates, September 29 and October 28, for bashes honoring the retirement of controversial Burbank City Attorney, Dennis Barlow.

While the invite probably got chuckles from some — it got scorn from others who feel Barlow, a major player in the police mess and scandal, is not quite the lovable, smiling Disney type character portrayed in the e-mail. Hmm, maybe that’s the backhanded joke behind the e-mail.

Now that Barlow is heading off into the sunset — who’s going to take over the City Attorney’s job? We’re all waiting for that big announcement.

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

It is almost time for the kids to go back to school.

So today, I want to talk about our children.

Immigrants like myself with children who were born or grew up in the United States have particular concerns about their children. No matter how hard I try, I could never be as Americanized as my kids.

Nevertheless, we desire our children to be as much a part of the American culture as needed to have happy and successful lives here in this country. So, we also want to understand the American culture as our children do to be able to be a part of their lives. However, this is much easier said than done.

Yet in relation to this matter, I am reminded of these words:

“If you do a very difficult task little by little, then it won’t be as difficult.”

I couldn’t find the exact quote, but that is what I can recollect from a quote by Henry Ford.

I am also reminded of this Chinese proverb:

“When you come across a mountain, make yourself a path through it. When you come across a river, build a bridge over it. If you approach all difficult tasks this way, then they won’t be as difficult.”

Again, this may be easier said than done, but those are the words of encouragement that I would like to give my children so that they would have the strength and courage to take on all challenges.

So, I hope that the next generation, your children and my children, would have the strength and courage to be great citizens of this country.

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Jean Youn is the owner of Value Village Cleaners at 912 West Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale 91202. For details on services, coupons and more, check out the Value Village Cleaners website  here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police unit

 Lately it seems, Burbank has become a favorite target of thieves and criminals — especially when it comes to cars, trucks, and bicycles. In last week’s crime report, put out by the Burbank Police Department, there were three cases involving stolen 3rd row seats.

Burbank Police Captain Mike Albanese has reacted to this ongoing crime wave by saying it’s happening all over Southern California. So what.  Burbank is a small city — stolen 3rd row seats should not be as rampant here as in say, Los Angeles. In past weeks, catalytic converters and tailgates have been ripped-off as well.

Also, last week three vehicles stolen: 200 Cadillac Escalade, 2007 Chevy Silverado, and 2003 Toyota Runner. Oh, and two very expensive bicycle valued at $1500-$2200.

At police commission meetings, Police Chief Scott LaChasse does quite a bit of pontificating about out-of- town-seminars and this program and that program. Enough already, chief.  What we need in Burbank is some good old fashion policing — meaning, more patrol units on the streets and more officers out there cracking down on these crooks. A stronger police presence will have the bad guys looking over their shoulders and thinking twice about pulling “a job” in this town.