Photo: Pool/Los Angeles Times -- A grim faced Dr. Conrad Murray is sentenced in a Downtown Los Angeles courtroom November 29, 2011

An outraged Los Angeles judge today sentenced Dr. Conrad Murray to the maximum of 4 years behind bars. Earlier this month, Dr. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the drug overdose death of pop superstar, Michael Jackson.

Dr. Murray will be doing his time in Los Angeles County jail where he will most likely spend less than a year due to inmate overcrowding. More on the Murray trial and sentencing on the Los Angeles Times website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The future site of a Walmart 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank

 Burbank is getting a Walmart with dirt cheap prices, questionable labor practices, and the retailer’s notorious Black Friday culture. Last month at the Empire Center, the future home of Burbank’s Walmart, the giant retailer held a promotional event boasting about the benefits its store will bring to the community. However, Burbank residents must realize that the retailer’s massive advertising campaigns, concerned mainly with profits, are going to attract some of those crazed Black Friday shoppers to the new Walmart in B-town.

Violence erupted at several Walmarts across the country yesterday and Thanksgiving night. One of the ugliest incidents occurred at the store in Porter Ranch. In a Los Angeles Times report, witnesses described a scene of chaos, mayhem, and a pepper spray attack by a woman police say was “competitive shopping.” 

The discount king did not release an official comment about the violence, but in a Times’ article Walmart spokesman, Greg Rossiter, referred to it as “… a few unfortunate incidents.” A brush-off to a Black Friday company culture that has fueled violence, which has resulted in injuries and one tragic death.

Three years ago, in an exclusive report, I wrote about this Black Friday culture and the first hand experiences of a former Walmart employee. In part 1, the ex-employee described how he was almost trampled by out of control Black Friday shoppers and in part 2, he recounts a disturbing incident where an announcement by a Walmart manager sent an anxious Black Friday crowd into a frenzy.

By the way, did you hear Bloomingdale’s is opening a store in nearby Glendale? And Burbank is getting a Walmart — wonderful.

In the latest crime report from Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick, only a handful of residential and business burglaries are listed for the past couple of weeks, the bad news — a lot of vehicle thefts and break-ins.

The report, released yesterday, mentioned some 21 vehicle crimes — all happened between November 11 and 21, 2011. During that time, thieves made-off with electronics, work tools, money, 3rd row seats, tailgates, and assorted other items. We’re heading into the holiday season when criminals hit store and shopping center parking lots with gusto. What can you do to minimize your chances of becoming a victim? Keep those packages and gifts out of sight and remember to lock your vehicle!

Update on the smart meter controversy

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Action member Kiku Lani Iwata spoke out in opposition to the smart meters at the Burbank City Council meeting November 15, 2011

Some local residents opposed to the smart meters are planning to meet after Thanksgiving to discuss their victory at the Tuesday, November 15 Burbank City Council meeting and to plot their next move.

At the November 15 city council meeting, a number of residents from Burbank and Glendale spoke about what they say are hazards, illnesses, and privacy violations associated with the smart meters. These new devices are being installed at homes, apartment buildings, and businesses throughout the Media City in a smart grid project estimated at $60 million. The new meters reportedly will relay user data to a central utility site. That’s right, meter readers will become obsolete.

In the past, the city council majority has pretty much ignored the complaints of residents and accepted Burbank Water and Power officials’ assessment that the smart meters pose no health risks or privacy invasion.  However, Councilman Dr. David Gordon wasn’t so quick to reject the claims of residents and called for a first step report on an opt out program for the smart meters.

After the testimony of residents on November 15, the Burbank City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a second step report, which would research options to the new smart meters.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Water and Power General Manager Ron Davis took notes during the testimony of residents opposed to the smart meters at the Burbank City Council meeting November 15, 2011

Thanksgiving benefit at Flappers Comedy Club

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

The Burbank City Council has declared November “Burbank Temporary Aid Center” month. BTAC is involved in a number of food drives, services, and events to help the working poor, seniors and the homeless in B-town.

Tonight a dinner and show for BTAC is being hosted at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank. Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 each.  The event starts at 8 p.m.

Got some expired or unwanted prescription drugs you want to toss out? Don’t dump them in the trash. Not good for the environment. You can take them to the Burbank Police Department, 200 North Third Street, tomorrow October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Burbank Police are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to conduct a drug take- back on Saturday, in the rear parking lot “… free of charge, no questions asked.” 

Officials are hoping the drug round-up will prevent the abuse and theft of dangerous prescription drugs. More details on the city of Burbank website here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Crime scene tape in Burbank

Over the last couple of weeks or so, brazen thieves reportedly went shopping again in Burbank. The latest Burbank Police report released yesterday, provided a long list of thefts. Among them, $525 worth of bras, panties, and clothing ripped off from the Victoria’s Secret in the Burbank Town Center over on East Magnolia Boulevard. This happened when the store was apparently open for business.

In residential burglaries, jewelry, cameras, office equipment, purses, and a couple of hand guns were reported missing.  Also, several vehicles were broken into: in one case a 2004 Jeep Wrangler had its passenger side door taken. At least the owner still has the vehicle. On Monday, October 10, a 2010 BMW 750iL was stolen from the 400 block of East Santa Anita Avenue.

Bicycles are still popular with thieves as well. A mountain bike valued at $80 and a BMX bicycle worth $350 were stolen in Burbank last week.

The price of copper is on the rise and so apparently is copper wire theft.  Today Burbank Police announced the arrest of three suspects in what appears to be a very creative copper wire theft ring.

Last Friday, the suspects reportedly showed up at a home in Burbank claiming to be with the local cable company, Charter Communications. They were wearing “..hard hits, utility belts, and orange vests…” according to a Burbank PD press release.

The suspects told the resident they were there to “…cut old wire down from the utility pole.” The suspects completed the job and then left. However, “a concerned neighbor” wrote down the suspects’ vehicle license plate number and called police.

Investigators later tracked down the suspects through the address registered to the vehicle. In a search, authorities say they discovered “numerous hard hats, utility belts, orange reflector vests, and cutting tools.”

The male suspects reportedly admitted to stealing copper wire and selling it for profit. They have been identified as 29-year-old Jesus Arreguin-Lopez of Panorama City, 26-year-old Jose Esparza of Van Nuys, and 30-year-old Juan Lopez of Los Angeles.

This incident is part of a growing problem in the Media City. Burbank Police: “During the past few months there has been an increase in the theft of metal from power sub-stations, parks, and local businesses. The thefts are taking place at all hours of the day and night.  These thefts typically involve the theft of wiring or piping.  Thieves are using different types of tools to remove the metals.  There have been additional thefts of aluminum support bars from bleachers at our local parks.”

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

 Burbank Police announced the arrest of a suspected child predator late today. Burbank PD was alerted to the suspicious activities of the alleged predator by the Lake Havasu Police Department, according to a press release.

An investigation by the Burbank PD resulted in search warrants being served at the home and place of employment of 48-year-old Stephen Fowlow. Investigators reportedly found evidence that Fowlow had been “sexting” over the Internet with “..a 15-year-old female.” Also, they discovered Fowlow had allegedly been involved with “sexting” with other minors and that he was in possession of child pornography as well.

Fowlow was arrested at his home in the 21-hundred block of North Lincoln in Burbank today, according to Burbank Police Sergeant Darrin Ryburn.  Fowlow is now being held at the Los Angeles County jail on $160,000 bail.

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.

The end is near for the zillions of Harry Potter movie fans. The eighth and final installment in the Potter film series opens tomorrow at midnight. All ready, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2″ is breaking records for movie screens and ticket sales.  Nikki Finke has the scoop over on deadline.com

Jaycee Dugard’s book sells 175,000 copies 1st day

The 18-year kidnap ordeal of Jaycee Dugard has really grabbed public interest. Dugard’s interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer last Sunday brought in huge ratings  last Sunday. Nearly 15 million viewers reportedly watched the two- hour special. Yesterday, her memior detailing her years held captive in a tent by convicted sex offender, Phillip Craig Garrido and his wife, Nancy, debuted.  “A Stolen Life” sold 175,000 copies on Tuesday, according to Galleycat.  More here.

Hollywood & Carmageddon

Some folks in Hollywood are making plans to  avoid what may be a real life disaster. The shutdown of  the 405 freeway, between the 10 and 101, this weekend. It has been dubbed Carmageddon. The Wrap has details on what some local entertainment companies are doing.

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

Burbank Police today announced the arrest of a 70-year-old man in connection with the death of his wife yesterday. Emergency crews responded to 815 North Valley Street near West Clark Avenue in Burbank at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday.  They reportedly found 65-year-old Marie Brancato “…bleeding profusely from what appeared to be a traumatic injury to the back of her head.” Brancato was pronounced dead at the scene.

During a police investigation the victim’s husband, Joseph Robert Brancato, was arrested and booked for suspicion of murder. He’s being held on bail of $1 million.

The last time a homicide occurred in Burbank was more than two years ago, back in April of 2009.