Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Central Library at 110 North Glenoaks Boulevard Burbank

After being closed for more than a week due to water damage, the Central Library in Burbank reopened today. Burbank public information officer Keith Sterling says, “..first time this length of closure in recent memory.”

The library at 110 North Glenoaks Boulevard was shutdown on Saturday, April 9, after a water pipe ruptured in one of the book sections. The pipe was in the ceiling. The damage included carpets and books — one-to-two thousand were destroyed in the accident.

City officials had originally planned to open the library the Monday following the incident. That was changed to Monday, April 18, once it was determined the cleanup would take longer and would include putting down new floor covering.

The cleanup job at the Burbank Central Library is going to take longer than just a few days to complete. A press release from City Hall today says the library on North Glenoaks Boulevard will be shutdown until next Monday, April 18.

Library services director, Sharon Cohen, estimated that between one-and-two thousand books were lost in that broken water pipe incident over the weekend. The pipe ruptured last Saturday morning. Keith Sterling, public information officer, says the pipe was located in the ceiling above the travel/history section.

Officials had hoped to have the library reopen tomorrow, after announcing it would be closed to the public today. Apparently the water damage was more extensive than previously thought. Not only were books damaged or destroyed, but some of the carpeting has to be replaced, too.

Due to the closure, these events at the Burbank Central Library have been canceled.

• Elementary School Book Club
• Tuesday, April 12, 4 p.m.

• The Civil War! Program
• Tuesday April 12, 7 p.m.

• Preschool Story Time
• Thursday, April 14, 10 a.m.

• The Gypsy Folk Ensemble Family Night
• Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m.

• Toddler Time
• Friday, April 15, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Photo of Burbank Central Library from http://www.burbank.lib.ca.us

A mishap at the Burbank Central Library has prompted officials to close the facility tomorrow. A press release from City Hall today blames the closure  on a water pipe break  in the library at 110 North Glenoaks Boulevard this weekend.  

The rupture happened early yesterday and it set off the fire alarm. Fire crews responded quickly and shut off the water, but some damage was done. Since then, maintenance and library staff have been working to clean-up, but they apparently need at least an extra day to finish the job.

Officials are hoping the library will be open for business on Tuesday, April 12, at 9:30 a.m. Since the economy took a down turn, there has been an uptick in the number of job seekers and the unemployed who use this library and Burbank’s other libraries to for educational purposes and to search for new opportunities.

The Buena Vista Branch library at 300 North Buena Vista Street will be open normal hours tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Also, the Northwest Branch at 3323 North Victory Boulevard will be open its usual hours of 12-6 p.m. on Monday.

Photo: Liz.O Baylen/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan arrives at the Airport Courthouse Los Angeles February 9, 2011

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan is back at center stage of a real life drama – one she appears to relish. Today Lohan is out on $40,000 bail after pleading “not guilty’ to a felony grand theft charge for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice boutique last month.

Lohan showed up at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles for her arraignment yesterday in dark sunglasses, wearing a tight white dress and high heel. Yes, Lohan was dressed for the media theater — the role she seems to be playing the most often.

Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Pool/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan talks with her attorney Shawn Chapman Holley during an arraignment on a felony grand theft charge in Los Angeles February 9, 2011

 Lohan is due back in court on February 23. More on Lohan’s latest court appearance and the DNA sample she had to give on the Los Angeles Times website.

Keith Olbermann has a new job

Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann is headed to Current TV – the network co-founded by ex-VP Al Gore. Over on The Wrap Al Gore talks about Current and what Olbermann will do for the fledgling network.

Investigation of fatal crash on TV production set

The victim in that deadly collision on a Santa Clarita TV production set has been identified as Julio Garcia of Reseda, according to The Santa Clarita Signal. Garcia, reportedly a security guard, was struck by a runaway van on the set of the TV drama, “NCIS,” yesterday, shutting down the production. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 799-5111.

A scary Halloween statistic  is out about traffic accidents in California involving pedestrians. Allstate Insurance Company reportedly conducted a review of claims involving pedestrians over the past three years in the state  and discovered a dramatic increase in October accidents around trick or treat time.

The insurer revealed in a PR Newswire release that its figures show the number of people hit by cars in California jumps 25 percent on Halloween as compared to the rest of October. 

Allstate is offering up three Halloween tips and two include texting!

Don’t Text and Walk

Children and parents should focus on traffic and not texting when trick-or-treating. Keep your eyes up and have an adult or an older, responsible youth supervise children. Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.

Don’t Text and Drive

Focus on the road, not your cell phone. Neighborhoods that don’t normally have pedestrian or bicycle traffic may experience an increase in activity on Halloween. Children are excited and may forget to stop, look, and listen before crossing the street.

Don’t Drink and Drive

If you are attending a Halloween party, designate a driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds revelers that no costume can conceal a drunk driver.

Despite the startling statistic for Halloween, Allstate says December 10 is the most dangerous day of the year for Californians on foot near traffic.

City budget cuts terminate after school program 

Monday, August 16, is back to school day for the Burbank Unified School District. For some David Starr Jordan Middle School students and their parents, there might be more than the usual degree of anxiety that goes along with the first week of school.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G-- David Starr Jordan Middle School, 420 South Mariposa Street in Burbank

Recently, I got an e-mail from a very upset parent who felt blindsided, earlier this month, when notified about the dumping of an after school program at Jordan: “I only found out when we picked up the back to school packet. It said due to budget cuts it was canceling the program so I have to assume that it is for the year. This is where the kids hang out in the gym with some supervision from two teachers until 5pm. Most of the kids play basketball and others do homework. It is a blessing for working parents as it gives me a chance to get across town. It said that the kids could catch the Burbank got wheels bus to either Olive or Verdugo. I am not happy about my kid going on the bus (after your reporting of the bus crash and your subsequent receipt of a veiled threat) but I have no choice now.” (more on that controversial bus accident later)

A Burbank school administrator, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, admitted the program filled, “…a huge need in the community.”   If you go to the Burbank Unifed School District website and check under after school programs at Jordan you’ll find a blank page.

This weekend, I’m hearing from two different sources, that efforts are underway to replace the axed after school program with one run by the Boys & Girls Club. One major hitch, the previous program was free — the proposed one is not. The city should pick-up the tab for these parents. If there’s money for “certain” city employees to get raises in this difficult economy – there should be money to help out these Burbank families.

Bus accident flap

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- West Olive Avenue and South Orchard Drive in Burbank

I’m still waiting for a Burbank City Council member to request the police report on that controversial bus accident and answer some important lingering questions about it for the public.

The accident occurred on January 15, 2010 at Orchard Drive and Olive Avenue in Burbank. There were no reports of injuries in that bump-up between a city bus and a vehicle. The passengers were students from Emerson Elementary and Jordan Middle School. I heard about the accident from various sources and posted a story on this blog back in March.

City officials insist it was a “Got Wheels” bus, but my sources tell me the police report suggests otherwise. Also, there MAY BE questions about the bus driver’s qualifications. I got what appeared to be a  threatening e-mail from Interim Community Development Director, Greg Herrmann, when I asked questions about that accident.

The City Attorney, Dennis Barlow, has blocked my request and those of others in the public for copies of that police report. However, Barlow has indicated city council members can see that report. So a Burbank City Council member needs to step-up, view that police report, and clear the air for the public in public!!

That upcoming public forum

For months, Burbank Police Commissioner, Jim Etter, pushed for a town hall meeting to get input from city residents about their concerns and issues as related to the police department. That simple and clearly defined concept, with the guidance of Burbank Mayor Anja Reinke and other city officials, has been reshaped into something called the Police Community Forum as it’s called by the BPD. Or as it’s listed on the City of Burbank website, City Council-Police Commission Community Forum.

The Burbank Leader article on the event skipped the title confusion and just called it a public forum. The Leader article reported that the BPD is still struggling to deal with  allegations of misconduct, discrimination, lawsuits along with probes by outside agencies and at least two high profile controversial officer-involved shooting sin the past few months. The scandal in the Burbank Police Department is the biggest and most controversial story in this city, in the last 15 months or so, and has received nationwide attention.

The lawsuits and the clean-up of the BPD are costing taxpayers millions of dollars — they deserve to know NOW how and where that money is being spent, not later at sometime in the distant future.

If you read the tightly controlled agenda for the forum, the State of the Police Department presentation from Interim Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, is on police service information, prison reform, crime mapping and identity theft. What about an update on the police mess? That was the reason LaChasse got hired –to get the BPD back on the right track.

The public deserves to know what LaChasse is doing to improve the department and a summary of the recent actions taken as a result of the police mess. That’s a no brainer, unless of course you’re trying to distract the public from knowing what is really going on in the BPD.

The forum agenda has been through a lot of re-writes — but it could use some more tweaking.  Oh, and it would be nice to include an introduction of the Burbank Police Commissioners — it’s supposed to be their forum, right?

The forum is this coming Wednesday, August 18, from 7-to-9 p.m. in room 104 of the Community Services Building at 140 North Third Street in Downtown Burbank.

Should you get rid of your lawn? 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank resident on Bel Aire Drive turns front yard into a cactus and rock garden

 Many Burbank residents are re-thinking their lawns in light of the skyrocketing water rates. A few have exchanged sod for cactus and decorative rocks. There are other alternatives as well using wild flowers and native plants.

Last month, I attended a “Take Out Your Lawn with Lili Singer” session  at the Burbank Buena Vista Library. Singer, a native plants expert, gave an overview of the alternatives including more water conserving types of grasses. The next session is at the Buena Vista Library again, this coming Wednesday, August 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Also at the July 28 session, Burbank Recycle Center Specialist, Ferris Kawar,  made a pitch for volunteers and homeowners to take part in a new turf removal program. A few lucky Burbank residents will be selected to have their lawns removed and replaced with water conscious alternatives. The homeowners are required to pay for the plants and design, while the program will supply the labor. For more information contact the Burbank Recycle Center, (818) 238-3908.

Gripes & Complaints 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The pay- to-park machine near the alley gate entrance to the parking lot of the Downtown Burbank Post Office at 125 East Olive Avenue

 I still think that paid parking deal at the Downtown Burbank Post Office is a terrible idea, even with the new rate scale. I first reported on the parking boondoggle here, on this blog, a few weeks ago on June 26. 

Recently, I spotted signs revising the flat $3 parking for all after hours parking at that U.S. Post Office. The new signs say $1 for 0-2 hours and $3 for 2-10 hours.  I guess that means if you want to mail a letter, pick up your mail from a P.O. Box or any other postal business it will only cost you a buck. That’s a bummer. 

That parking lot should be offering free parking to those doing business at the post office and to the folks who come into the downtown area to spend money at local businesses and entertainment venues.

A final exit for actors Dennis Hopper & Gary Coleman

Photo:  Mark Boster/ Los Angeles Times — A frail Dennis Hopper gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, March 26, 2010

A legendary Hollywood  “Bad Boy”  

 Veteran actor and co-star of the cult classic motorcycle/road film, “Easy Rider” (1969), Dennis Hopper, died last Saturday, May 29, at the age of 74, after a battle with prostate cancer. Hopper reportedly passed away at his home in Venice, California surrounded by family and friends.

Hopper appeared in over 100 films. He lived a life that was, at times, as colorful and wild as some of the characters he played on the big screen.  The Los Angeles Times website has a tribute and extensive photo gallery on the life and talent of Hopper, who was a writer, director, and photographer. as well as a gifted actor.  

Star of TV hit “Diff’rent Strokes” dies

Former-Child Star, Gary Coleman, gained fame for playing the lovable chubby-cheeked kid, Arnold Jackson, in the  TV comedy, “Diff’rent Strokes.” However as an adult, Coleman’s life was filled with drama, mishaps, and misfortune.  He died last Friday, May 28, in a Utah hospital after being taken off life-support. Coleman reportedly suffered an intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding within the skull) and then slipped into a coma last week. Coleman was only 42. People Magazine website has more on the troubled actor’s death and life.

Disney employee arrested and charged with insider trading scheme

A lot of buzz on the Internet and here in the Media City about the arrest of Disney employee, Bonnie Jean Hoxie and her boyfriend, in an FBI sting operation.  Hoxie and Yonni Sebbag were taken into custody last Wednesday in Los Angeles and arraigned in federal court that afternoon. Both were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy.  Each suspect is facing up to 25 years in prison on those charges.

Hoxie is (was) the administrative assistant to Zenia Mucha, Disney’s head of corporate communications. Hoxie and Sebbag reportedly were nabbed trying to sell insider information on Disney’s quarterly earnings to undercover FBI agents.  

The word is this scheme was pretty dumb — with the alleged suspects discussing their game plan in e-mails! Oh, in one e-message, Hoxie reportedly talked about the Stella McCartney handbag and shoes she wanted to buy with the plot-dough. Instead, Hoxie and Sebbag are going to be shelling out a lot of their own money for lawyers.

Hoxie was released on $50,000 bail. Sebbag is considered a flight risk, so he’s still in custody.  More details on the alleged scheme and the undercover operation at L.A. Times and Deadline.com/Hollywood.

More controversy simmering in B-town

Some Burbank city officials probably think their stonewalling will end the inquiries about that suspicious bus accident involving school children last winter. Not a chance.  The first media report of the strange circumstances surrounding that bus vs vehicle accident on January 15, 2010, at Olive Avenue and Orchard Drive, appeared on this blog back on March 20, 2010.

City employees had been talking about that accident for weeks, then I heard about it.  Here’s a quick recap: 21 Burbank school children, from Emerson Elementary and Jordan Middle School, were riding on that bus. It was a minor mishap. I’m told the other vehicle swerved, hit the bus, knocking off the side mirror. No injuries. However, the controversy is over what type of bus was carrying those children. City officials insist it was a Got Wheels bus.

However, my reliable sources tell me the police report states it was not a Got Wheels bus, but a regular Burbank transit bus. This has sparked questions of whether the city is putting children’s safety at risk by side-stepping regulations for buses designated for children, in order to save a buck or two.

At the suggestion of Burbank City Manager Mike Flad, I e-mailed Interim Community Development Director, Greg Herrmann, about the matter for a clarification. However, Hermann did not take kindly to my tough questions and sent me, what came across as, a threatening e-mail. I posted e-mails from that exchange in a blog post on April 6.

Then on April 21,  I posted another story on my blog about Activist Mike Nolan asking Flad for an investigation into the bus accident and the e-mail threat I got from Herrmann. Nolan made his request at the televised city council meeting on April 20. Flad agreed to provide a report on the bus accident.

So here’s the latest. At the May 18 city council meeting, Nolan expressed disappointment that Flad had reneged on his commitment to provide that report. What happened surprised a lot of folks. City Attorney Dennis Barlow declared the bus accident a ”legal matter” saying that was “due to potential litigation.” Barlow explained he had provided the city council members with a summary of the accident, but there would be nothing to report to the public.

 Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Attorney Dennis Barlow 

 After that May 18 city council meeting, I asked City Attorney Barlow what type of bus was involved in that accident. He said quote,” It was a Got Wheels bus.”  When I asked what kind of “potential litigation” would be involved in an accident with no injuries and a busted side mirror — he would not comment.

The day after, I dropped off a formal media request, at BPD Headquarters,  for Burbank Police Records Technician Supervisor, Deborah Wilson,  asking for a copy of the police/traffic report on that bus accident, with the required $15 in cash enclosed.  I got back a rejection, dated May 24,  in the mail with my 15 bucks. Along with the rejection letter, a copy of ”the call for service for this incident” with preliminary information — but no traffic report from the scene of that bus accident.

Mike Nolan is still on the hunt for an unaltered copy of that police report and so am I. Burbank city council members should be demanding to see this police report and not accept some lightweight summary from the City Attorney. Did they not learn anything from the police mess Burbank is attempting to dig its way out of right now. Sooner or later the real facts will come out and if there is “potential litigation” as Barlow stated, council members need to show they did not stick their heads in the sand, but acted decisively in the public interest. 

Another Honeybee sighting

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter’s cool “Honey Bee” — a beautifully restored 1956 Chevy Bel Air parked n the Burbank City Hall parking lot May 19, 2010

This time I had my camera with me and was able to snap a few shots of Chevy Jim’s classic ride. When I drove into the Burbank City parking lot for the Police Commission meeting, Wednesday, May 19,  I caught sight of a couple of young dudes posing and profiling in front of Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter’s 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible.

The “Honey Bee” really grabs attention. After the meeting, I walked out into the parking lot with Commissioner Etter and over to the pretty Chevy. A couple came over and just stared at “Honey Bee” in awe. Etter made their evening, by allowing them to slide into the front seat.

Warning! Don’t try that if Etter is not around. “Honey Bee” is security tight. You can look, admire, and even take photos, but no joyriding without the owner’s permission.

Grand View claims checks in the mail

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A young visitor spends a few moments at a relative’s gravesite at Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale on March 7, 2010

The check is in the mail or has already arrived for more than 14-hundred folks who filed valid claims in the class action lawsuit involving the landmark Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale. That lawsuit alleges a long list of violations including selling non-existing grave plots and the mismanagement of remains and gravesites at the 120-plus-year-old cemetery. Also back in 2005, a state investigator discovered thousands of human remains at Grand View that had been improperly handled.

The defendants, among them the present owner Moshe Goldsman, did not admit guilt, but agreed to settle the class action lawsuit for around $3.8 million last October. The settlement was finalized earlier this year on January 19.  Over a million bucks of that went to the lawyers.  Also, $500,000 was set aside for the restoration of Grand View, which it badly needs. And finally, 1,460 claimants were awarded $1, 296.23 each.

A Burbank resident I know, got one of those checks recently, but still has concerns about the future management of the cemetery, and of course, when it will be open with regular hours.  More than two years ago, at the height of its troubles, Grand View was shut down and has been opened for months now, only occasionally, by the order of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Anthony J. Mohr.  Grand View is scheduled to be opened to the public, noon to 4 p.m. this coming Sunday, June 6, and again on Father’s Day, June 20.

Check out the archives for more Grand View posts and photos.

Million $ plus script deal

Two heavyhitter screenwriters have really scored an out-of-this-world script deal with a ton of zeros attached. Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilli reportedly have sold a movie pitch to Disney and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer in a deal that’s a low-seven figures against $3.5 million payday. Wow!

The Wrap is reporting the pitch, yeah there isn’t even a script yet, is called, “Lightspeed.” The project is described as an epic space adventure about a young hot shot space pilot who must navigate his ship on a dangerous mission through a galaxy on the brink of war. Apparently the buyers see this as a 3D event movie.

Oh, Rossio and Marsilli hold the record for the highest spec sale –a romantic thriller called, “Deja Vu.” Disney and Bruckheimer shelled out somewhere between $5 and $8 million for that spec back in 2004. Nice to see a couple of writers making big money.  

Mega Millions officials looking for owner of valuable ticket

Could you use some extra cash, like around $167, 371?  Well, if you have a lucky lottery ticket that matched five out of six winning numbers in the Mega Millions draw on April 27, 2010, then that money belongs to you!

Mega Millions officials say the ticket has the numbers 50, 41, 37, 23, and 55. The only winning number missing is 6, the Mega Ball. That ticket was bought at the Chevron gas station at 267 South Indian Hill in Claremont.  

Right now the Mega Millions jackpot is at $12 million. The next draw is tomorrow, Tuesday, June first at 8 p.m.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

Controversial court ruling involving one of the lawsuits swirling around the Burbank PD

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge dismissed Burbank Police Officer Jamal Childs as a plaintiff from that explosive discrimination lawsuit filed against the Burbank PD last May by five of its minority officers. On Thursday, March 18, Judge Joanne O’Donnell ruled the statute of limitations had expired on Childs’ claim. Hmm, Childs has been a Burbank Police officer for five years. It’s not like his complaints date back 20 years or so.

Well no surprise the attorney for the officers, Solomon Gresen, plans to appeal. Here’s the Leader story about it. Also, plenty of chatter and information about the ruling, Judge O’Donnell, what constitutes a hostile workplace, and similar discrimination cases over on Jim Carlile’s blog.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse

LaChasse’s plan of action

While the city attorneys are busy fighting the allegations of misconduct and civil rights violations in the police department, the new Burbank Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, is making changes. On the job since January, LaChasse is wasting no time in shaking up the department.

At last Wednesday’s Burbank Police Commission meeting, LaChasse introduced two new key members of his team, cop psychologist Dr. Larry Blum and Deputy Police Chief Tom Angel, who comes with 30 years of experience at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

LaChasse mentioned improvements were being made in the BPD with the “Department of Justice” in mind. Gee, it sure sounds like LaChasse has discovered there is merit to some of those allegations and complaints against the Burbank Police. I doubt the chief would be trying to fix what wasn’t broken.

What about those town hall meetings?

Vice-Mayor Anja Reinke is a lousy tap dancer from what I can tell. At Wednesday’s meeting, Police Commissioner Jim Etter asked Reinke about the timetable for setting up town hall meetings with the public. Reinke babbled on and on about the problems arranging the meetings and how city officials wanted to have their excuses, ah, responses worked out first, before taking public questions about the police mess. 

Perhaps it was more of a bad case of moonwalking by Reinke. Nevertheless, Etter, the main advocate of the town hall meetings on the commission, listened to her explanation patiently this time. It will be interesting to see if Reinke has the nerve to try to pull the same stunt at next month’s police commission meeting.

State Assembly candidates forum at Burbank City Hall next Wednesday

A televised forum for candidates vying for that vacant seat in the 43rd State Assembly District is set to get underway at the Burbank City Council Chambers next Wednesday, March 24, starting at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The League of Women Voters Glendale/Burbank is sponsoring the event. (Maybe the Vice-Mayor should get some pointers from them on how to put together such an event)

By the way, the League is asking the public to submit questions for the candidates via e-mail or by phone. Details here. The primary special election is April 13, 2010.

Ex-Mayor Marsha Ramos still on the hot seat  

More grief for Former Burbank Mayor/Council Member Marsha Ramos. At that most informative Burbank Police Commission meeting, during oral communications, Activist Mike Nolan indicated Ramos’ deposition about the police mess had prompted threats to subpoena her phone records. According to Nolan, Ramos has hired a lawyer to protect her rights.

A strange accident involving a Burbank city bus filled with school kids

A lot of talk and concern in B-City about a traffic accident involving a school bus — that really wasn’t a school bus. Confused?  Well, wait it gets more complicated and weird.

Sources tell me a Burbank City blue bus, with 21 kids on board (ages 11-14), got into a traffic mishap with another vehicle at Olive Avenue and Orchard Drive around 3:20 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010. The accident was minor — no injuries, but it raises a number of questions about why the city blue bus was being used as a school bus.

The California Highway Patrol handles all school bus accidents, but the agency refused to deal with this accident because the bus was not a state certified school bus. Even the bus driver was not certified to drive a school bus.

What’s going on here?  Is the city trying to save a few bucks by using regular city transit buses as school buses, violating state mandates and putting children’s lives at risk? How many of these not-really school buses are transporting children around town? Do parents know about the situation?  More on this later.

Parking violations at the Downtown Burbank post office

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Downtown Burbank post office

So what’s up with all the folks boldly parking illegally at the Olive Avenue post office after hours? There are only eight spaces, two are for handicapped drivers, on the side of the building. Rarely can you pull into one of those spaces after dark, because they’re filled with the vehicles of people working nearby or shopping or dining or catching a flick at the AMC or whatever.

There are signs posted that clearly state the parking is only for those doing business in the post office. Burbank traffic cops need to crack down on these violators who force others to double park or do some other kind of inventive parking, just to run in to the post office to buy stamps, mail a letter or package, pick up mail from a P.O. Box …etc.

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.

Paramedics and firefighters tend to a victim of that deadly multiple vehicle/truck accident 04/01/09 Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times

Under pressure from local officials and residents, Caltrans yesterday issued a 90 day ban on big rigs along a treacherous stretch of Angeles Crest Highway. The ban came two days after a double-decker car carrier careened out of control and slammed into several vehicles at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest Highway in La Canada Flintridge, before crashing into a bookstore and nail salon.

A Palmdale man and his daughter were killed. Around a dozen others were hurt. The big rig driver, 43-year-old Marcos Costa, suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested and yesterday charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. According to KNX 1070 newsradio, Costa’s bail was set at $200,000. He’s due to be arraigned on Monday, April 13.

The truck ban begins at 12:01 a.m. Monday morning. Meanwhile, some state lawmakers are working on legislation that would make the ban permanent.

Photo: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times

The investigation continues today into that horrific big rig/multiple vehicle crash yesterday in nearby La Canada Flintridge. The out-of-control double decker trailer blew through the busy intersection at Angeles Crest Highway and Foothill Boulevard. The car carrier reportedly crashed into several vehicles before plowing into a bookstore and a nail salon. 

A Palmdale man and his daughter died at the scene. At least 12 other victims were taken to the hospital. The truck driver suffered only minor injuries. The Los Angeles Times reports the truck driver, 43-year-old Marcos Costa, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

City officials and residents have complained about runaway trucks on that steep stretch of Angeles Crest Highway. Last September, another runaway truck crashed into the parking lot of a restaurant near that same intersection. Only one person was hurt. This time around, the human toll was higher and hopefully that will get immediate corrective action from Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) officials.