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

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.

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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 -- Dave Golonski elected mayor by Burbank City Council May 1, 2012

I watched the reorganization meeting of the Burbank City Council on the city website this morning. I spoke later with someone who had been in the city council chambers during that all important meeting and we both agreed it was unusually quick and somber, but with one major surprise. Vice-Mayor Dave Golonski getting the votes to move up to mayor, from all of  his fellow council members except Dr. David Gordon, was a no brainer. So was the council majority’s decision to hand the vice-mayor title to the newest council member, Emily Gabel-Luddy. You might remember at last May’s reorganization meeting of the council, Luddy delivered what appeared to many and some say she has admitted was a political payback — a thanks for guiding my campaign to victory– to Golonski by nominating him for vice-mayor.  So no surprise there. The surprise was in the strange way it was done with Councilman Gary Bric as the catalyst.

This is how it went down. Councilman Bric nominated Golonski for mayor. Later, when outgoing mayor, Jess Talamantes, nominated Bric for vice-mayor, he declined, citing the demands of his restaurant business. Then, Bric offered  this bizarre explanation: “I think everyone is entitled to, be able to have an opportunity, to become vice-mayor or mayor, but I truly believe you can’t nominate someone that’s going into an election year. We do have three people who will be up for election in 2012. So I appreciate the nomination, the confidence, but I would like to make a substitute motion and nominate Miss Emily Gabel-Luddy.” What?!  Who are the three council members up for re-election? Golonski, Talamantes, and Gordon. Bric nominated Golonski for mayor!!!! Clearly, this was another ploy to try to veil the council majority’s prejudice against Dr. Gordon — to justify the continued discrimination against Gordon for either vice-mayor or mayor. A shameless display.

So Golonski, the most veteran and most powerful member of the city council, will serve as mayor for the FOURTH time. In his brief comments, Golonski says the “dominant theme” for the coming year will be community engagement. Golonski says he wants Burbank to be “… the most transparent city in California — if not the nation.” Interesting.

It’s going to be a hot one today. The forecast is for a high of 89 in the Media City.  No clouds, very little wind — just plenty of heat and sunshine. Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler — but still expect  temps in the 80s. Enjoy the weekend!

Photo:FLLewis/Media City G -- Councilman Dr. David Gordon at Burbank City Council meeting March 20, 2012

A person of interest reportedly has been interviewed in connection with that brick through the window incident at Burbank Councilman David Gordon’s optometry office on Hollywood Way last month. It happened on March 16 at around 10 p.m. and according to Burbank Police Officer, Joshua Kendrick, a suspect “.. was last seen fleeing the scene, southbound on Hollywood Way in a vehicle.” Dr. Gordon say nothing like this has ever happened in his 30 years of business: “the act of violence against my office was shocking and most unfortunate.”

Yesterday I got an update on the investigation from Sergeant Darin Ryburn, over in BPD Media Relations. In an e-mail, Sgt.Ryburn stated a person of interest had been questioned. Also, Ryburn says the investigation is wrapping up and soon the results will be handed over to the City Attorney’s office “… for review of possible misdemeanor charges ..”

It’s a chilly morning with mist and fog in some parts of the Media City. The forecast is for sunny skies and temps in the upper 80s later on, however, rain is predicted by mid-week. A cooling trend begins tomorrow with more April showers by Wednesday. We’ve have several storm systems roll through the Southland this month and apparently another one is on the way. So change is in the air.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A new paint job for the Nickelodeon Animation Studio on Olive Avenue in Burbank April 4, 2012

The new paint job for the Nickelodeon Animation Studio on Olive Avenue is definitely eye catching. The nearby Nickelodeon parking structure/adjacent building got the same treatment. This studio produces kid friendly animated series like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “The Fairly OddParents.”

A short while ago, Burbank City Council member Emily Gabel-Luddy brought up Nick’s new look at a council meeting and asked if  it is in line with city codes and regulations. What you think? Is it a dig or no dig?

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --New paint job for Nickelodeon parking structure/adjacent building at Olive Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Burbank April 4, 2012

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

The Burbank Recycle Center, over at 500 South Flower Street, is planning a fun-packed family fair for this Saturday, April 21. As you might expect, the team there will be offering environmentally helpful things like document shredding, mulch and compost giveaway, free reusable bags along with live music, food trucks, exhibits, cute animals to thrill the kids, face painting, games, and a ton of other stuff.  It all starts at 11 a.m. and wraps up around 4 p.m. More details here.

Get ready for some spring sizzle — as in some very warm temps. The high is expected to be around 80 today, but by Saturday it could hit 95 in B-town! So break out the sunglasses, flip flops, and shorts. Time to groove in the sunshine.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Members of the Buffalo Bills Wild West Show took part in Burbank on Parade in Burbank April 14, 2012

A special slide show of last Saturday’s terrific Burbank on Parade is now in the middle column of this website. The SnapShots feature displays highlights — more than 70 photos of the parade action and the parade goers. Check it out.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival drew a crowd on its opening day April 14, 2012

Art lovers and the curious were drawn to a blocked-off section of San Fernando Boulevard, between Olive Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard, for the biannual Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival, yesterday. The two-day event wraps up today at 5 p.m. I dropped by and was impressed with the number of talented artists who displayed their work and took time to chat with festival visitors.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Street painter Theresa Knopf Morgan demonstrated her talent at the Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival in Burbank April 14, 2012

Veteran street painter, Theresa Knopf Morgan, began her creation at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. It was after 1 p.m. when I took the above photo. Morgan says she loves “bold color” and begins with a sketch then fills in the image using “… chalk and soft pastels.”

Photo: Artist Beth Ashley displayed her paintings at the Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival in Burbank April 14, 2012

Artist Beth Ashley is a Southland native, but she has been inspired greatly by her six year stay in Colombia,  South America. Ashley has been painting for 15 years and specializes in capturing the details and artistry of windows and doors. For an entertainment look at her work, check out Ashley’s website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Alumni of Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School marched in the Burbank on Parade in Burbank April 14, 2012

Oops. The marchers are alumni from both Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School. Burbank on Parade. A wonderful display of city pride and fun. More details and photos to come.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G - Burbank on Parade sign in George Izay Park 111 West Olive Avenue Burbank

Rain or shine, Burbank on Parade is set to roll at 11 a.m. along a stretch of Olive Avenue between Keystone and Lomita streets tomorrow morning. “The World of Aviation and Its Heroes” is the theme. The grand marshals are two Southland aviation pioneers, Bob Gilliland and Clay Lacy. There will be the usual floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. Burbank on Parade is organized by a committee of volunteers.  The Bob Hope Airport is the presenting sponsor.

After the parade, at George Izay Park, there will be a special drawing for a chance to win two JetBlue round trip tickets valued at $1,700.

For more information click over to the Burbank on Parade website or call the BOP Hotline at( 818) 736-7972.

Final preparations are underway for the Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival this weekend, which is going to be huge! Nearly 100 artists and street painters are scheduled to show-off their best between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 14 and 15, along a four block stretch of San Fernando Boulevard between Magnolia Boulevard and Olive Avenue in downtown. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend. The event is free and open to the public.

Artists will be displaying thousands of paintings, sculptures, and photographs as well as handmade jewelry, fine glass, ceramics, and woodwork. Also, featured will be eight of Southern California’s most talented street painters who, “bring art to life on on asphalt and concrete.”  The way it works is the street artist creates “… ”…visual art on paved urban surfaces using non-permanent materials such as chalk and soft pastels. Sometimes called Madonarii, it is an art form dating to the Italian Renaissance when itinerant artists often created images of the Madonna. Today’s street painters treat a variety of subjects, from classical paintings to abstract art and their own creations,” according to a press release from the Downtown Burbank Partnership.

This is a biannual event put on by the Downtown Burbank Partnership, a nonprofit corporation that manages the downtown area, and the West Coast Artists. For more information, click over to the Downtown Burbank Partnership website.

Rain rolling through the Southland today. A downpour hammered Burbank around 7 this morning. Showers are predicted for the Media City through mid-day with more heavy rain possible. Partly cloudy skies expected this afternoon — but showers remain in the forecast through Friday. The high near 60 in B-town today. It will be windy at times as well. Hold tight to that umbrella and be careful out there.

Some of those hard working employees at the Internet giant Yahoo are getting shown the door today. Two thousand employees are being sacrificed”…as part of an overall plan to reshape the Company for the future,” Yahoo says in an SEC filing, according to deadline.com. No word yet on how many of the Yahoo employees working in Burbank will get the axe. Yahoo reportedly has around 14,000 employees.

While these workers are kicked to the curb, behind the scenes, there’s drama going on over the direction and control of the company. Details here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank in bloom April 2, 2012

Springtime. Flowers are in bloom and warm temperatures in Burbank. High today may reach into the low 80s. Nice.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- TV crew at work at the General Motors training facility on Riverside Drive Burbank April 2, 2012

That controversial General Motors training facility site over on Riverside Drive in the Rancho has gone Hollywood — at  least for a few days. The production of the new CBS TV drama, “Widow Detective” is reportedly shooting there now. The cop series stars John Corbett as a lieutenant who offers his help, as a surrogate husband, lover, and father, to the families of his three deceased partners who died in the line of duty.

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- The old General Motors training facility sports a new title, "Los Angeles Police Department Sunset Division" for the filming of a new TV drama series in Burbank April 2, 2012

The front of the facility has been turned into the headquarters for the fictional Los Angeles Police Department Sunset Division. I’m told there is now a mock-up of a hospital on the site as well.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Fake Los Angeles Police cars parked out front of the General Motors training facility/turned TV film set on Riverside Drive Burbank April 2, 2012

The site has been in the spotlight for a different reason lately. A developer, New Urban West, tried to build a large 120 unit housing project on the site — but Rancho residents beat it down. So the developer sold the site to Lycée International de Los Angeles, an English/French private school, and apparently that deal is getting the thumbs up from local residents.

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- Service Employees International Union demonstrators marched in support of janitors along Riverside Drive in Burbank March 30, 2012

Freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro caught this demonstration in the Media District of Burbank last Friday, March 30. Canavarro says  the demonstrators were “…a few hundred strong!”

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- SEIU demonstrators turned out in support of janitors in the Media District of Burbank March 30, 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- Demonstrators carried signs like, "Justice for Janitors" in Media District of Burbank March 30, 2012

The march is one of several held across the nation recently protesting the alleged inequity of the 1% of the wealthiest Americans and the other 99%. SEIU reportedly represents more than 100,00 janitors and is working to create jobs and improve working conditions.