Flappers Comedy Club, East Magnolia Boulevard and North First Street, in Downtown Burbank will be the site of  a “healing through laughter” outreach event tomorrow hosted by Counseling4Kids.  Every May the organization “… celebrates the compassionate people who make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles County foster children by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, advocates, volunteers, and the children themselves by throwing them a party.” By the way, May is National Foster Care Awareness Month.

The non-profit organization is hosting the event for foster kids, their parents, and the community — so the public is invited. The fun fest is from 11:30 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door.

Counseling4kids “provides effective mental health services to abused and neglected children and youth in the foster care system throughout Los Angeles County.” More information about the group at  www.counseling4kids.org

Photo: Whitehouse.gov -- President Obama delivered the commencement address at Barnard College in New York City May 14, 2012

President Barack Obama shared some of his experience and advice with the graduates at Barnard College, a women’s liberal arts college, in New York City earlier this week during a commencement ceremony. Barnard is affiliated with Columbia University, the president’s alma mater.

President Obama:

“My last piece of advice — this is simple, but perhaps most important:  Persevere.  Persevere.  Nothing worthwhile is easy.  No one of achievement has avoided failure — sometimes catastrophic failures.  But they keep at it.  They learn from mistakes.  They don’t quit.

You know, when I first arrived on this campus, it was with little money, fewer options.  But it was here that I tried to find my place in this world.  I knew I wanted to make a difference, but it was vague how in fact I’d go about it.  (Laughter.)  But I wanted to do my part to do my part to shape a better world.”

The full text of the president’s speech on the whitehouse.gov website.

The Disco Queen with the powerful voice, Donna Summer, reportedly passed away today, at the age of 63. The singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy winner, died in Florida after a long battle with cancer. It’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hear a Summer hit on the radio. She had a number of them — with hot rhythms and catchy lyrics like: “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” “Dim All The Lights,” “She Works Hard For Her Money,”  and my favorite, “Heaven Knows.”

More on the life and incredible talent of Donna Summer on the Los Angeles Times website.

On Monday, a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury ruled in favor of the city of Burbank in the discrimination/retaliation lawsuit trial of Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez. In an article up on the Burbank Leader website, City Attorney Amy Albano is quoted as saying: “We believed that Ms. Guillen had not been discriminated against or retaliated against . We are pleased that the jury system worked for us in this case.” Wait, wait! It may be a little early for city officials to be high-fiving each other. I’m hearing an appeal is being seriously considered.

A well-connected source tells me the jurors were leaning toward ruling in Guillen-Gomez’s favor and giving her a six-figure award, however, the judge’s late decision to toss out most of the officer’s complaints tied their hands. Judges have been wrong, trial verdicts overturned — so this case may not be a closed book just yet.

In the past few months, the city has lost two of these BPD lawsuit cases and won one. Not a great score. The city has spent millions fighting these cases — reportedly as much as $3.4 million on Guillen-Gomez’s case alone. Also, the city has handed over millions for new programs, consultants, and changes in the BPD since a slew of  lawsuits were filed against the department beginning in 2009.  In the Leader article City Attorney Albano addresses this: ”It’s my understanding that the complaints happened before the changes with the current command staff.” You gotta wonder, if Guillen-Gomez’s case and the others were without merit, then why was it necessary to bring in Interim Police Chief Scott LaChasse and his team to make some sweeping and very expensive changes?

“Marvel’s The Avengers” has reached another milestone. Last Sunday, the superhero ensemble flick hit the $1 billion mark worldwide. It did so in only 19 days, according to Box Office Mojo. Meanwhile, “The Avengers” clobbered the competition in the domestic box office over the weekend, by holding onto the number one spot with a haul of $103 million.

Far behind in second place, “Dark Shadows” with a debut of $29.6 million. This is a  take-off on the Gothic TV soap opera, “Dark Shadows,” but despite having Tim Burton as the director and Johnny Depp as its star, the film stumbled. The word is this horror comedy has some funny moments yet fails  because of a disjointed script.

Meanwhile,  the romantic comedy, “Think Like a Man,” is continuing to pack them in at theaters. The movie earned $5.8 million, good enough for third. In a month, “Think Like a Man” has collected $81.4 million. “The  Hunger Games” took fourth with $4.5 million, and rounding out the top five in the weekend box office derby, “The Lucky One” with $4.1 million.

Lawsuit trial of Burbank police officer in hands of the jury

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez at Fire Service Day/National Police Week celebration in Burbank May 12, 2012

A Downtown Los Angeles jury is expected to continue deliberating today in the lawsuit trial of Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez. This is the third trial in the past few months  involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the BPD brought by a current or former member of the force.

Guillen-Gomez’s trial got underway last week. Judge Joanne O’Donnell trimmed the allegations in the suit, originally filed back in May of 2009, to pregnancy discrimination and retaliation, and failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation. After spending the week in court, Guillen-Gomez was out representing the BPD at the Fire Service Day event in Downtown Burbank last Saturday (that’s where the photo with this post was shot). Guillen-Gomez has been the department’s community resources officer since February of 2011. In January of 2000, she became the first Hispanic female to be hired as a police officer by the BPD.

City of Burbank sued over Walmart store

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

The retail giant Walmart is moving  ahead with plans to occupy  the old Great Indoors site at the Empire Center. Recently, three local residents, Shanna Ingalsbee, Katherine Olson, and Yvette Ziraldo filed a lawsuit to attempt to stop the Walmart store from opening in Burbank, according to this article that appeared on the Burbank Leader website dated May 8, 2012. The article is well written and contains the basic facts, including the attorney filing the suit, Gideon Kracov, who represents the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 770.

The group calling itself  Stop Walmart in Burbank sent out an announcement on Friday May 4 about this lawsuit and it said, “…we wanted to let everyone know the specifics of the case before it became public knowledge.” However, this announcement did not include the simple basic facts of the names of the persons filing the suit nor the attorney involved. I sent an e-mail requesting this information, but no one from the group responded. This is not the first time I have experienced a “no response”  from the Stop Walmart in Burbank  group to a request for additional information. Interesting.

Applications for two top Burbank city positions

Starting today, the Burbank City Council will be accepting applications for the next three weeks for the appointments of City Clerk and City Treasurer. In an odd twist that has fueled quite a bit of chatter in B-town, Margarita Campos resigned her position as City Clerk in a retirement letter dated March 5, 2012 and a few weeks later, in a similar retirement letter dated April 13, 2012, City Treasurer Donna Anderson resigned from her position. Campos will remain on the job until June 1, Anderson until July 7.

I received copies of both resignation letters from the City Attorney’s Office. Both letters were directed to City Manager Mike Flad. Anderson also copied a number of city officials and staff. Strangely, neither letter acknowledged the voters who elected Anderson and Campos to these important positions with six-figure salaries. Another curious twist of events in  Burbank politics.

UPDATE:

City of Burbank sent out a news release on these two positions just before noon today. Here’s the release.

05-14-12

BURBANK, Calif. – Burbank’s elected City Clerk and City Treasurer recently announced their retirements, effective June 1, 2012 and July 7, 2012, respectively. Pursuant to California Government Code § 36512, the City Council of the City of Burbank is accepting applications for appointments to the positions of City Clerk and City Treasurer. The appointments will complete the unexpired terms of the current incumbents, which run until May 2013. Pursuant to Charter Sections 800 and 810, applicants must have resided in the City of Burbank for at least 29 days prior to filing nomination papers or declaring their candidacy and must be a registered voter.

The City Clerk’s Office will accept applications for both positions during the three week period of  Monday, May 14, 2012 through Friday, June 1, 2012. The City Clerk’s Office will verify both Burbank residency and voting status for all individuals who submit applications by the closing date.  Applications and job information are available on the City’s website, BurbankUSA.com .

Candidates will have an opportunity to tape a three minute video to discuss their qualifications. This will be available for public viewing on the City’s website and The Burbank Channel. The Council is scheduled to make the appointments on Thursday, June 28, 2012.

###

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Wildflowers in bloom in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

The wildflowers are breaking out in gorgeous colors in the Verdugo Hills of Wildwood Canyon Park here in Burbank.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Bright wildflower in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

Freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro shot these photos yesterday afternoon along the trail in Wildwood Canyon Park.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Yellow wildflower opens up in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

After the low clouds and morning fog burn off, it’s going to be sunny and warm on this Mother’s Day. The high is expected to reach into the low 80s. A great day to go out see the wildflowers, but beware of rattlesnakes.

Photo: Terje"Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Rattlesnake in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

Rattlesnakes are California’s only venomous snakes and are not generally aggressive, but will strike when startled or provoked, according to the State Department of Fish and Game. Also, rattlesnakes are not confined to rural and mountain areas, they’ve been spotted on golf courses and even in local neighborhoods. Earlier this month, a boy was bitten by a rattler in the backyard of his home in Hidden Hills. So be careful out there.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Close up of rattlesnake in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Firefighters demonstrated the technique for extricating victims trapped in vehicle accidents at Fire Service Day in Downtown Burbank May 12, 2012

Fire Service Day was celebrated in Downtown Burbank today with demonstrations, exhibits, displays, and special treats for the kids. In years past, a number of other agencies and groups have participated. This time around, the Burbank Fire Department partnered with only the Burbank Police Department and the California Highway Patrol — in conjunction with National Police Week.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Young potential firefighter is shown how to handle a hose in the kids' obstacle course at the Fire Service Day in Burbank May 12, 2012

Have you ever seen broken branches on a gusty day?

And then, have you seen a bird nest hanging on that branch?

Yes, that’s really amazing.

Though branches may be broken by strong wind, bird nests won’t be broken.

Jennifer Hudson file photo

Today a Chicago jury came back with a verdict in the murder trial involving the shooting deaths of three members of entertainer Jennifer Hudson’s family: her mother 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, brother 29-year-old Jason Hudson, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King. The jury convicted the brother-in-law of the Oscar-winning actress on all counts. Thirty-one-year-old William Balfour faces a mandatory life in prison term.

The prosecution argued the motive for the killings, back in October of 2008, was jealousy after Jennifer’s sister Julia dumped Balfour and was seeking a divorce. The actress/singer attended every day of the two week trial. More on the verdict here on the Chicago Tribune website.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Crowds greeted President Obama as he arrived by motorcade in Studio City for a star-studded fundraiser at actor George Clooney's house May 10, 2012

President Barack Obama boarded Air Force One at LAX  this morning, headed for Reno, Nevada. Obama’s visit to the Southland was brief, but lucrative. Last night, the president was the main attraction at a posh dinner party at the Studio City home of actor George Clooney, which reportedly raised $15 million for his re-election bid — the most ever for a campaign fundraiser.

Local freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro got pictures of  the presidential motorcade arriving in Studio City around 7 p.m. last night.  Terry shot his photos from the balcony of a restaurant near Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards.  Here are more of his photos.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog --A crowd gathered at Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards in hopes of seeing the president's motorcade go by in Studio City May 10, 2012

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog --President Obama's motorcade in Studio City May 10, 2012

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Crowd cheered and waved at President Obama as his motorcade traveled Studio City streets May 10, 201

The most detailed and interesting report about the Studio City fundraiser, including observations from the White House press pool, is over on Deadline.com. President Obama reportedly spoke for about 20 minutes before going around to chat with the guests at each of the 14 tables (among them Hollywood stars and major players like Robert Downey Jr. and Barbra Streisand).  First, however, he gave some shout-outs to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Fernando Valley Congressman Howard Berman, DreamWorks’ Jeffrey Katzenberg, and of course the host, George Clooney.

President Obama:

“… let’s face it, we raised a lot of money because everybody loves George.  (Laughter.)  They like me; they love him.  (Laughter.) And rightfully so.  Not only is he an unbelievable actor, but he is one of those rare individuals who is at ease with everybody, seems to just occupy a constant state of grace, and uses his extraordinary talents on behalf of stuff that’s really important.  And he takes time to actually figure out the facts and the issues.  (Applause.)  And so we couldn’t be prouder of George.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  And I couldn’t be prouder of him as a friend.”

Also, the president gave some props to the American people and their steadfastness during the past three years or so of tough economic times.

“And one of the great privileges of being President is you travel around the country and every day there’s an affirmation of how decent and how strong and how caring the American people are.  They’re not always paying attention to the babble in Washington.  They don’t have the time to read big briefing books on the latest ideas for Medicare reform.  But they have good instincts about what’s right and what’s true.  And it’s those instincts and it’s that resilience that really has enabled this country to weather an extraordinary storm.”

Photo: Bettina Hansen/The Seattle Times -- President Obama waved to crowd before stepping into a vehicle in a motorcade at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington May 10, 2012

President Obama’s first stop on the West Coast today was in Seattle, Washington. Air Force One touched down at Boeing Field just before noon. During his stop over, Obama will attend two fundraisers, one a brunch at a private home and the other at a large performing arts theatre where folks lined up hours before the event, according to The Seattle Times.

President Obama is scheduled to leave Seattle around 6 p.m. this evening for the next part of his campaign trip, here in the Southland. Meanwhile, the “lockdown” as the Daily News calls it, has begun around actor George Clooney’s Studio City home — where one of the biggest presidential fundraisers ever is set to get underway this evening. More here on the street closures and traffic drama in the area.

The nominees for the 39th annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards were announced this morning on the NBC “Today Show.” The ceremony is scheduled for next month, on Saturday, June 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, but oddly a decision on who will carry the live broadcast has not been made yet.

ABC collected the most nominations with 56, followed by PBS with 51. ABC’s long running soap, “General Hospital,” got the most nomination this time around. In second, “Sesame Street” and “The Young and the Restless” tied with 16 each. A list of all the nominations here. Also, The Hollywood Reporter has more on the nominations and the uncertain telecast.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama spoke on the economy at the State University of New York in Albany, N.Y. May 8, 2012

President Barack Obama is due to arrive in the Southland tomorrow and is expected to attend a major star-studded re-election fundraiser in Studio City. It’s sort of a house party at the palatial pad of actor George Clooney.

The sold-out affair is shaping up to be a biggie with a number of major Hollywood players throwing down serious bucks to get on the guest list. The cost; as high as $40,000 per person, according to The Wrap. However, one lucky contest winner gets two free guest passes to the fundraiser. More here .

Also, LA Observed has a detailed post on President Obama’s  upcoming trip to the Southland, the Clooney bash,  and the traffic mess it could cause around Studio City.

Walt Disney Studio wasted no time in greenlighting a sequel to its mega-hit, “Marvel’s The Avengers.” Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed today what most suspected, that there will be a second teaming of “The Avengers” for the big screen. The superhero flick had a super opening weekend and has performed extremely well in foreign markets.  Deadline.com has more on “The Avengers 2,” plus some interesting comments about the blockbuster film and its sequel.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Ticket holders for "Marvel's The Avengers" had to wait in specially designated lines at the AMC Burbank 16 May 04, 2012

“Marvel’s The Avengers” had an incredible weekend debut according to the final figures released yesterday. The superhero team-up of  Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and the Hulk earned a record breaking $207.4 million last weekend — easily becoming the number one film in the country. The mega-hit centers on what happens when the Avengers assemble to fight Thor’s evil brother Loki who is trying to take over Earth. The stars include Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” captured the crown for the top grossing opening weekend. It smashed previous records for fastest film to reach $100 million, $150 million, and $200 million. More on the superhero flick’s monumental achievements since opening last Friday on Box Office Mojo.Oh, the film has quickly scooped up $447 million in foreign markets. The big question now is how quickly will “The Avengers” hit the one billion dollar mark worldwide?

As for the rest of the top five, the romantic comedy “Think Like a Man,” slipped from first to second place with $8.1 million — for a total of $73 million in three weeks at the domestic box office. “The Hunger Games” came in third with $5.58 million, followed closely by “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” $5.5 million and “The Lucky One” with $5.3 million.

Photo: Terje "Terry"Canavarro/freelance photog -- A rare supermoon in the sky over the Southland this evening. Shot from Mulholland Drive above the Hollywood Bowl May 5, 2012

A rare celestial sight is thrilling folks around the world and was caught over the Southland by local photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro. A supermoon or perigree moon, was visible in the sky between 7:30 -9 p.m. on the West Coast tonight. Scientists say the moon travels in an elliptical path around the Earth — with one side “perigee” being closer than the other “apogee.” Full moons that occur on the perigee side appear larger and brighter. This supermoon phenomenon occurs about once a year.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A very long line at the ticket window of the AMC Burbank 16 Friday evening May 4, 2012

As expected “Marvel’s The Avengers” is off to a very fast start at the domestic box office. Yesterday, opening day, the superhero ensemble film packed them in at the theaters across the nation to the tune of an estimated $80.5 million. Some of those moviegoers waited in long lines to see “The Avengers” at the AMC Burbank 16 over on East Palm Avenue in downtown.

“The Avengers’” is now second only to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2″ for opening day grosses. That Potter finale holds the record with $91.1 million on opening day.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Special lines were set up for "The Avengers" ticket holders at the AMC Burbank 16 Friday May 4, 2012

No doubt “The Avengers” will be the box office champ this weekend. The question is how much will the blockbuster earn? Estimates are running as high as $175 and even $200 million. Wow!