The New York Yankees paid a special emotional tribute to the late team owner, George Steinbrenner, last night at Yankee Stadium, before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays.  Also, honors were dished out to long-time Yankees announcer, Bob Sheppard, who died last Sunday at the age of 99.  New York Daily News has details on the tribute and the Yankees’ 5-4 victory over the Rays.

Steinbrenner, known as “The Boss,”  passed away on Tuesday, July 13, following a massive heart attack. Steinbrenner was 80. In 1973, he bought the struggling Yankees and built them into a Major League success story. Also, Steinbrenner’s style of paying high-salaries for players had a huge impact on sports ownership as well as the game of professional baseball. Nice obit on The New York Times website.

The Dodger organization joined the tributes to Steinbrenner by releasing the following:

STATEMENTS ON THE PASSING OF
GEORGE STEINBRENNER (1930-2010)

“George was a friend who I admired very much.  He was a giant in our game and he built an empire.  All he was was a winner.  He wanted to give the fans a winner, and that’s exactly what he did.”                                         

- Dodger Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda

“I will always remember George Steinbrenner as a passionate man, a tough boss, a true visionary, a great humanitarian and a dear friend.  I will be forever grateful that he trusted me with his Yankees for 12 years. My heart goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed in New York, Tampa and throughout the world of  baseball. It’s only fitting that he went out as a world champ.”

– Dodger Manager Joe Torre

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of George Steinbrenner’s passing.  His vision, passion and commitment to winning, recharged the New York Yankees and revolutionized the game. I remember a man driven to succeed.   He was the owner, “The Boss” and number one fan of the Yankees.  Our relationship was built on mutual respect.  I will never forget and always be grateful for how he treated me and my family both during my playing days and after I retired. I will miss him very much and extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Joan, and all the members of the Steinbrenner family.”           

– Dodger Hitting Coach Don Mattingly

“George Steinbrenner was the first owner to contact me to congratulate me when I purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers.  From that day forward we built a strong and meaningful friendship.  He was a larger than life owner who cared deeply about winning.  George helped shape the game of baseball during his incredible stewardship of the Yankees.  My deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Joan and his four children, Hal, Hank, Jennifer and Jessica and the entire Steinbrenner family.”

– Dodger Owner Frank McCourt

The Burbank Leader goes after a blogger

UPDATE: June 20, 2010 — A new version of that controversial post is up on Semichorus blog and, you know, it’s more hard hitting than the first. Also, some pretty interesting comments on that post as well.  Check it out here.

Competition in the news biz is fierce, no doubt about it. Nevertheless, I was surprised to see the “Takedown Notice” posted over on the Semichorus blog last night. That notice is from The Burbank Leader and its parent company, The Los Angeles Times.

Be warned, if you click over to check out the notice, some of the language in that post is rather, ah, descriptive. Apparently, someone got upset about a post on that blog criticizing the Leader’s coverage of the Burbank cops recent arrest of a father whose 2-year-old daughter was found wandering around.  

This is worrisome for a couple reasons. First, Jim Carlile’s blog has scooped the Leader a number times in the coverage of the Burbank Police mess, city hall misdeeds, and so on. Also in the past, Carlile has used material from the Leader website to make a point about the newspaper’s coverage. So is this an effort to silence a competitor?

I read another blog called LA Observed. It’s a huge popular site. Kevin Roderick, the editor, has used material from the Los Angeles Times website to write some scathing critiques of the newspaper’s coverage, personnel changes/layoffs, and business operation. So why is it okay with The Los Angeles Times for LA Observed to do this and not okay for Semichorus to criticize a paper it owns, The Burbank Leader?

Lately, I got the impression the Leader has been attempting to improve its reputation and standing in the Burbank community with better reporting, a new look for its newspaper and website. In my opinion, this attack on a local blog/blogger is a serious setback for whatever progress the Leader was making.  

Update on political feud

I have more on those incidents involving local photojournalist Peter Musurlian, 43rd District Assemblyman Mike Gatto, and some of his supporters. Burbank Police Spokesman Sergeant Robert Quesada confirmed to me complaints have been filed as a result of two incidents.

The first complaint was filed against Musurlian on March 25, 2010.  Sgt. Quesada says:”It involved a confrontation between Mr. Musurlian and two other individuals that occurred March 24th in the area of the city council chamber.” From what I heard, Musurlian, who doesn’t mind being called a guerrilla journalist,  was chasing down then 43rd Assembly Candidate Mike Gatto and things got ugly.  Sgt. Quesada wouldn’t release anymore details because it’s “… an ongoing investigation.”

The second incident, reportedly happened at McCambridge Park on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Quesada says:”The information police received was that it was (a) disturbance between Mr. Musurlian and another individual. However, when police arrived, all involved were gone.”  But that was not the end of it. “Mr. Musurlian then came to the police station on June 2nd to file a battery report for what he said took place at the park.” No more details because this police investigation is also, “ongoing.” 

Burbank town hall meeting coming up in August

Photo: Buena Vista Burbank Library from the Burbank Library website  

The Burbank Police Commission is inching closer and closer to putting on that long-delayed town hall meeting.  From the discussion at last Wednesday’s June 16 police commission meeting, the only details that are solid are – the date, August 18, 2010 and the place, the Buena Vista Library. 

I won’t go into the convoluted town hall agenda plan proposed by two of the commissioners, Ray Adams and Elise Stearns-Niesen. To exhausting. This town hall meeting is supposed to be about HEARING FROM THE CITIZENS OF BURBANK. You don’t need folks to submit questions ahead of time for that.  Week after week, people speak at the Burbank City Council meetings by showing up and filling out a name card. It’s that simple.  Also, this is the way public comments are handled at the Burbank Police Commission meetings as well.

If the commissioners want time for city hall officials to promote themselves or city programs — let this occur BEFORE THE TOWN HALL MEETING.  That was the arrangement at the two city council-sponsored town hall meetings at the Buena Vista Library back in 2008. That worked. Why not just use the same format? That way the commissioners can put this town hall meeting on a fast track where it belongs.  It’s now about two months away — and the commissioners are still fumbling around over the format.

Dodgers’ Annual Father’s Day Catch event this Sunday

Photo: Courtesy L.A. Dodgers — The kicking Dodger Ticket truck will be on site at Dodger Stadium this Sunday, June 20, 2010, for the Father’s Day Catch event

The Los Angeles Dodgers organization is inviting families to come out and spend part of their Father’s Day at Dodger Stadium. The Seventh Annual Father’s Day Catch is a free event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 20. The parking is free and fans can enter through the Sunset and center field gates. This is a rare chance for families to play catch right on Dodger field.

The first three thousand people get free Dodger dogs provided by Farmer John. Other freebies include Sparkletts water bottles and PowerAde supplied by Coca Cola.  Also, there will be music, Dodger fan clubs, the Dodger Ticket truck, and possibly some surprise guests to mingle with the crowds, too.

Lakers Victory Parade

There will be a celebration for the Los Angeles Lakers NBA 2010 Championship win on Monday, June 21 – however, it will not be the blow-out seen last year.  Even so, the price for the victory parade is expected to be around $2 million. The Lakers have volunteered to pick up the tab. Between 500,000 and two million fans are expected to line the two-mile parade route from Staples Center to the edge of the USC campus. Click over to the Lakers website for the details on the parade route and the celebration.

New comedy club opening in Burbank

The Burbank City Council has cleared the way for the city’s first comedy club. You would think it was a no-brainer with entertainment being the number one industry in B-town, but it wasn’t. Last night, the city council approved a business assistance loan of $190,000 for The Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant by a 4-to-1 vote. Dr. David Gordon was the lone dissenter.  

The loan will be used to remodel the old Macaroni Grill site at the corner of East Magnolia Boulevard and North 1st Street, in the downtown area. Even though co-owner Barbara Holliday will secure the loan by putting up her Burbank home and other assets, Gordon was concerned about repayment should the business go under. On the flip side, the other council members saw the potential as being well worth the risk.

Councilman Dave Golonski admitted the site had certain challenges, but liked the passion and enthusiasm he heard and saw in Holliday and her partner Dave Reinitz, and their supporters, including a number of comedians who spoke at the meeting. Golonski said it was a “great use” for the site, the business plan “made sense,” and the project had the “right chemistry, ” so he voted “yes”.

While critics point to the city’s support of failed restaurants like Bombay Bicycle Club, Golonski cited successes like Fry’s Electronics and the hugely popular, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe. Holliday and Reinitz together have more than 20 years experience in comedy production and event planning. I think they have a good chance of making “Flappers” ah, fly. 

During his time in front of the council, showing support for the club, comic Michael Rayner pulled off a very funny trick; spinning a cheeseburger on an umbrella. After the vote, I asked Rayner where else had he performed that trick? He said all over the place, from the “Late Show with David Letterman” to the Burbank library. I’m looking forward to seeing Rayner do that trick again when The Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant opens in late summer.

Also, the revised and much debated plan for a 24 Hour Fitness gym near the Burbank Empire Center won approval from the city council, too. The vote was 3-to-2, with Gordon and Mayor Anja Reinke opposing.

Councilman David Gordon’s bio up on Burbank city website

BTW, Burbank Councilman David Gordon’s bio is now up on the city website. Now you can read about the backgrounds, interests, and achievements of the entire Burbank City Council. Click here for Gordon’s bio. On the left side of that page, there are buttons to click on for the bios of the other four members as well.  

Baseball coach Jose Sandoval speaks out 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove –Coach Jose Sandoval outside the Burbank courts building, on November 5, 2009

A lot of chatter about the dismissal of the criminal case, on Monday, against long-time Burbank baseball coach, Jose Sandoval. Yesterday, I e-mailed the volunteer coach for the Burbank Park and Recreation Department and got his reaction. Below are Sandoval’s answers to my questions.

1.  How do you feel about the dismissal of the case against you?

 I feel relieved that this case is finally over and it was dismissed. I know for a fact if it was any other coach this would have never of gone this far. I used all of my vacation days in court and ran out of time last year so it was all on my time.

 2. Your court appearances on this matter started last July?  How many times have you had to go to court?

 I went to court 12 or 13 times before yesterday (Monday) I believe I went twice in a couple of months.

3. After that controversial altercation at the baseball game, you were suspended for a year, right?  When did that end? 

I was able to start coaching in mid April.

4. Are you coaching the same kids or a new team?

Some final words.

I want to thank all that stood with me and by my side through all of this. THANK YOU from the bottom of my HEART.  I want to thank you and your bloggers for all of the kind words and support. if you guys get a chance come check out some of our games we play every day of the week. 

Bob Kramer on the prowl

Photo:  FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Community Assistance Coordinator Bob Kramer’s get-around-town vehicle promotes the city’s water conservation campaign

Have you seen Bob?  Bob Kramer, the Burbank Community Assistance Coordinator. For the past six months, Kramer has been cruising the city, looking for problems to solve, in the Burbank Water and Power “conserve water” promotion van. Last month, I saw Kramer zipping up the hill on Olive Avenue above Bel Aire Drive, one Monday and a week later, spotted him driving through another hillside neighborhood.

Despite the “conserve water” message on his vehicle, Kramer is not the water police. Kramer says ”every week” he checks all the alleys for junk like dumped couches and graffiti. He reports his findings to city departments for action.

Kramer is considered the “go-to-guy” for all sorts of problems residents might have with trash, parking, sidewalks, trees, or even the well being of a neighbor. Go here for information on how to contact Kramer. 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Coach Jose Sandoval outside the Burbank courts building last fall.

After almost a year, the controversial criminal case against a Burbank baseball coach was dropped today. Attorney David D. Diamond says his client,  Jose Sandoval , appeared in a Burbank court before Judge Dorothy B. Reyes and agreed to attend 12 counseling sessions; in exchange for the Burbank City Attorney’s Office dismissing the case, including the misdemeanor charge of battery against him.

This questionable case began with a heated altercation between Sandoval and an umpire during a baseball game at McCambridge Park, on May 18, 2009.  Sandoval got suspended for the rest of the season, and later that suspension was extended to May of 2010. At the time, Sandoval was coaching five teams of about 80 kids in the sports program sponsored by the Burbank Park and Recreation Department. Many of the players on Sandoval’s teams are from low income and single parent homes.  Sandoval has been coaching for more than 15 years.

The Burbank City Attorney’s Office dumped more grief on Sandoval by filing a charge of misdemeanor battery against the veteran coach. Starting on July 2, 2009, Sandoval has made numerous court appearances as this case dragged on for months. Finally today, some justice: “The umpire did not want to press charges and we provided dozens of witnesses who said my client did nothing wrong.” said Attorney David Diamond in a prepared statement. “Why was this case ever filed?  Mr. Jose Sandoval is an icon in the volunteer community.  The Parks and Recreation Department and the Burbank Athletic Foundation left dozens of kids without a coach because of their inability to be fair and objective.  Our investigation has further yielded that a staff member of Parks and Recreation lied about witnessing the incident.  He was not even near the field. ”

 As for the counseling requirement, Diamond explains, “The counseling sessions will benefit my client in that he will be better able to deal with umpires who are predetermined to decide the outcome of a game based on factors that have nothing to do with the performance of the kids.”  Hmm, sounds like the Burbank Park & Recreation Department needs to do a little investigating of this sports program.

Catching up on some items from the past few days.

Fire Service Day in Burbank

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Crowds turned out for the salute to Burbank Fire and Police Departments on Saturday, May 8, 2010

The streets surrounding the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank were blocked off for the ”Fire Service Day” celebration from around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. yesterday.  Burbank Police joined in the festivities in honor of National Police Week, which kicks-off today.

I dropped by just before noon and discovered a colorful street festival at Third Street and Orange Grove Avenue. There were fire and police vehicles on display, along with a helicopter, demonstrations, information booths, a rocking band, fire house tours, food, and free balloons for the kids.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — The Burbank and Glendale Police helicopter was a favorite stop at yesterday’s “Fire Service Day” event in Downtown Burbank.

Mingling in the crowds, Burbank Police Commissioner Claudia Bonis, 43rd State Assembly Democratic Candidate Mike Gatto, and 43rd District Field Representative Suzy Jacobs. They were smiling and greeting folks; so were Burbank firefighters and police personnel. It was nice to see considering all the tension, turmoil, and controversy rolling through Burbank these days.

I missed the pancake breakfast, but caught Santoro’s submarine sandwich lunch. It took some patience to buy one of their famous sandwiches. I think I was in line for 20 minutes. Despite the wait, Santoro’s pastrami sandwich (yikes, I had it with onions) was quite tasty. Definitely, I would recommend trying one of their subs. Santoro’s is located at 1423 West Burbank Blvd, in Burbank  91506.  Check out their cool website santorossubs.com

The Burbank Leader calls out city council for snub of Gordon

Photo from Burbank city website: Councilman Dr. David Gordon

In an editorial published late Friday night on its website, The Burbank Leader took some Burbank City Council members to task for repeatedly, and most recently on Monday, May 3, passing over their colleague Dr. David Gordon for mayor or vice-mayor. The Leader did this in a backhanded manner with a few jabs at Gordon, but I believe it’s the overall message that counts here – and that was straight-on target.

Also, what about the well-known criticism of some of the other council members, such as inattentiveness in council meetings, insensitivity toward the public, inexperience …etc  None of these shortcomings stopped the present mayor and vice-mayor from being elected, so why the double standard for Gordon?

Earlier in the week, the council’s snub of Gordon created a storm of protest and condemnation on Jim Carlile’s site and on this blog as well. I’m glad the Leader decided to take a strong stand and join us in calling out the city council on this matter. Read the Leader editorial here.  

One more thing. Why is Gordon the only council member without a bio on the city website? What’s up with that? It’s not like he’s new in the position.

UPDATE: I’ve heard Gordon’s bio will be posted on the city website soon, perhaps by the end of the week.

Sex offender Burbank teacher sentenced

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank courts building on Olive Avenue in Downtown Burbank

The strange saga of that Burbank middle school teacher, who confessed to having sexual affair with one of her male students, came to an end in a Burbank court last Friday. In March, 33-year-old Amy Beck pleaded no contest to charges of having unlawful sex with a minor for several months last year. The victim was 14 at the time.

On Friday, Judge Patrick J. Hegarty sentenced Beck to two years in prison. Beck has been in jail since quitting her job at David Starr Jordan Middle School, and walking into the Burbank Police Department where she reportedly confessed to the crime. Beck’s attorney, Michael Williamson, says she could get out of prison in as little as 10 months. However for the rest of her life, Beck must register as a sex offender. Beck, who has three children, is married to a Los Angeles police officer.

Another grand slam for Dodger Slugger Andre Ethier  

Photo: Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers — Slugger Andre Ethier arrives at home plate to a crush of happy Dodgers who were there to celebrate his walkoff grand slam and 7-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Dodger Stadium.

Andre Ethier’s bat is red hot!  Last Thursday, the Dodger outfielder belted his second career grand slam this season and it’s only May.  Also, it was the first game ending walkoff grand slam for the guys in L.A. blue since Russell Martin hit one in the win against Pittsburgh, back on April 21, 2007.  Coincidentally, the score of that game, Dodgers 7 and Pirates 3.

Springtime treatment for roses 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Nursery Professional Emilio Telles trudges out a rose bush for the show-and-tell portion of the “Rose Care for Beginners” class at Armstrong Garden Center in Glendale on Saturday, May 8, 2010

In my pursuit of gardening and yard care tips, I attended the “Rose Care for Beginners” class at the Armstrong Garden Center at 5816 San Fernando Road, Glendale 91202. Nursery Professional Emilio Telles explained and then demonstrated the proper technique for giving rose bushes a light pruning in the spring. Telles gave the group a lesson in fertilizers, soil amendments, regular and organic,  as well as instructions on how to handle bad bugs and disease.

After our very rainy winter, a big problem is that white stuff on rose bushes — powdery mildew.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Armstrong Gardens Rose Expert Emilio Telles points out powdery mildew and then gives the class some tips on how to get rid of it.

The one-hour class whizzed by very quickly. A lot of really good information for growing everything from your roses to trees, lawns, and whatever.  Another plus — the class is free.  If you’re an orchid grower — on Saturday, May 22 at  9 a.m. there’s a class on repotting at the Glendale Armstrong Garden Center. Also, there are a lot of great tips and guides for all levels of gardeners on the company website. Or you can drop by the Glendale location, which has been expanded and looks terrific, and ask Telles or any of the staff for advice.

Rock festival groove

Photo: Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times  4/17/10

Music lovers groove to the beat at the huge Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival up in the Riverside County desert community of Indio today. The Los Angeles Times is reporting record-breaking crowds of 75,000 a day since the festival kicked-off on Friday, which included performances by Jay-Z and Beyoncé.  

Legendary rocker Sly Stone is scheduled to play the festival on Sunday. A notorious no-show, folks are wondering if Stone will make an appearance. Some of the other performers have been delayed or had to cancel because of that big volcanic ash cloud over Europe. More photos and article on the festival here.

A milestone at Dodger Stadium

Photo: Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 4/16/10

Dodger Andre Ethier belted his first-career grand slam during the second inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Friday night. Ethier was on a roll. He hit a homer in the first inning as well. Dodgers went on to beat the Giants 10-to-8 in the first of a three-game series.

Michelle Obama on tour

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House  4/14/10

In her first solo international trip, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Mexico and Haiti this week. More photos of the first lady in Mexico on the White House website.  Dr. Jill Biden, the Veepee’s wife, joined the first lady for the trip. Click here for Dr. Biden’s White House blog post about their stop in Haiti. And more photos, too. 

Grammys at the White House

Photo: Pete Souza/White House 4/14/10 

President Obama and Country Music Star Garth Brooks shared a moment at the White House on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. In the Oval Office, Brooks was presented with the “Grammy on the Hill” award for his leadership in advancing the rights of music makers. Also, the president received his better-late-than-never 2007 Grammy for the best spoken word album for his bestseller, “The Audacity of Hope.”  

Willie Davis: Photo courtesy Los Angeles Dodgers

Southland baseball star Willie Davis is being remembered today. Davis, the legendary center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was found dead in Burbank yesterday. A concerned neighbor reportedly called police yesterday morning to Davis’ apartment in the 1900 block of West Victory Boulevard. Officers arrived at the scene and discovered the 69-year-old Davis on the living room floor. Burbank Sergeant Robert Quesada says, “ Mr. Davis showed no signs of life and was pronounced dead. At this time, detectives found no signs of foul play and it appears Mr. Davis died of apparent natural causes.” 

Davis’ story is the classic local gifted athlete makes good tale. Davis was a world-class sprinter at Roosevelt High in Los Angeles when he caught the attention of Dodger Scout Kenny Myers, who saw in the young runner a potential baseball center fielder, according to a press release from the Dodger organization.

Right after graduating from high school in 1958, Davis was signed by the Dodgers. It proved to be a wise decision. Davis played two years in the minor leagues, before moving up and spending 14 seasons with the Dodgers from 1960-1973. Davis is still the franchise leader in hits (2,091), extra-base hits (585), at-bats (7,495), runs (1,004), triples (110) and total bases (3,094). In 1969, Davis set a team record with a 31-game hitting streak. He won three Golden Glove Awards from 1971-1973.

In a statement released late yesterday, Davis received high praise from Dodger Owner Frank McCourt: “He was beloved by generations of Dodger fans and remains one of the most talented players ever to wear the Dodger uniform. Having spent time with him over the past six years, I know how proud he was to have been a Dodger. He will surely be missed and our sincere thoughts are with his children during this difficult time.”