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

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

Update on the smart meter controversy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanksgiving benefit at Flappers Comedy Club

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

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

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

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank

Burbank Police are calling last Saturday’s drug-take back event “…a huge success!” The public was asked to drop off unwanted prescription drugs at the Burbank PD headquarters on October 29. This is the first time this department has joined forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration for this type of event.

The Burbank round-up collected approximately 250 pounds of drugs. The DEA took charge of the drugs, which were later destroyed.  Burbank Police officials say last Saturday’s event helps keep drugs out of the hands of children and reduces “… prescription drug abuse.”

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

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

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

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank

Burbank Police sent out a community alert today about  a second reported mountain lion sighting in less than a month in the Media City. The first occurred back on August 4, near Kenneth Road and Brown Drive. The second sighting late yesterday, was once again in the hillside area — this time, residents reported seeing the wild cat in the 900 block of Country Club Drive, according to the Burbank PD.

In both cases, the mountain lion sauntered back up into the hills without causing a problem, except rattling some nerves. But what about the next time? Are these predators, who are supposed to avoid humans, getting bolder? These are the logical questions that come to mind.

The Burbank PD’s community alert on this mountain lion sighting is posted on the Burbank City website here. It includes advice and precautions for dealing with mountain lions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Lately it seems, Burbank has become a favorite target of thieves and criminals — especially when it comes to cars, trucks, and bicycles. In last week’s crime report, put out by the Burbank Police Department, there were three cases involving stolen 3rd row seats.

Burbank Police Captain Mike Albanese has reacted to this ongoing crime wave by saying it’s happening all over Southern California. So what.  Burbank is a small city — stolen 3rd row seats should not be as rampant here as in say, Los Angeles. In past weeks, catalytic converters and tailgates have been ripped-off as well.

Also, last week three vehicles stolen: 200 Cadillac Escalade, 2007 Chevy Silverado, and 2003 Toyota Runner. Oh, and two very expensive bicycle valued at $1500-$2200.

At police commission meetings, Police Chief Scott LaChasse does quite a bit of pontificating about out-of- town-seminars and this program and that program. Enough already, chief.  What we need in Burbank is some good old fashion policing — meaning, more patrol units on the streets and more officers out there cracking down on these crooks. A stronger police presence will have the bad guys looking over their shoulders and thinking twice about pulling “a job” in this town.

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

A history making promotion in the Burbank Police Department. Veteran  police officer, Jamal Childs, has been upped from school resources officer to detective.  This is the first time in 100 years — that’s right — that an African American cop has been promoted in the BPD.

In the past, black officers were ignored or the rules of promotion changed once they were in line to move up to the next level.  For too long, police brass  and city officials made  flimsy excuses  for the discrimination and  pretended there were no qualified  black candidates.

 I doubt this promotion has occurred because of  a sudden desire in City Hall  to do what is right and fair.  I suspect it’s fallout from  those lawsuits charging  discrimination, harassment, and misconduct in the BPD and that probe by the U.S. Justice Department into what is now known as “the police mess.”

Burbank is throwing a huge party on July 8, 2011 to celebrate the city’s centennial. Now if  discrimination and racism were  completely and totally eradicated from all aspects of  Burbank city government  –  that would be reason for some serious  partying.

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

New developments in that series of residential burglaries in Burbank.  Last Friday, Burbank Police announced the arrest of a suspect, 37-year-old Ericka Valladares of Los Angeles, and the recovery of some of the stolen items.

Hillside resident Yvonne Smith’s home was burglarized last December. She went down to the BPD headquarters a few days ago and “was delighted” that some of her possessions had been recovered; among them a kitchen clock, which had been in her late husband, Chuck Smith’s, family for years.

Smith says she does not know Valladares, who’s being held on $165, 000 bail. Burbank  Police say the investigation is on-going — therefore, more arrests are possible.

Burbank Shame — Golf course over needy kids

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- DeBell Golf Course and Club at 1500 East Walnut Avenue in Burbank

 This Burbank City Council is really showing its true colors and priorities. Last week, the council-majority bailed out the city’s financially-struggling DeBell Golf Club with a package deal estimated at about two million big ones. This is the same bunch of council members who have rallied around cuts in city services and will most likely be slapping residents with higher rates in city fees very soon as well.

While this council-majority supports the fat cats who have time to putter around on the 18-hole DeBell course — it has turned its back on some underprivileged kids who desperately need a few thousand dollars to go to summer camp. I first reported on the plight of these local kids and the snub they got from the Burbank City Council in a City Buzz column earlier this month.

Here’s the update I got yesterday from Burbank Coordinating Council organizer, Janet Diel: “… we did hear from 2 lovely ladies who donated some money, enough to send one child to camp. One karate studio said they would donate a class for the kids, but one class will not fill the void. Another, Golden State Gymnastics, said she would donate spaces in her daycamp for some of the children, so I am trying to book them now. Otherwise, we are still over $2,000 overspent and more bills to come.”

I got an idea. Why not set up a summer camp for these much deserving kids at DeBell golf course? There’s not much business at the golf course right now –  so that would not be a problem. Or, the council-majority could do what it should have done weeks ago, pay for these kids to go to camp somewhere else. Whatever the choice — it needs to be made soon.

B-Town weather heats up

Finally, you can ditch the jacket and umbrella. A warming trend is underway .  We’ll  still have the  patchy morning clouds  and fog  — but the sun should break-out in the afternoons — with the high in the upper 70s — maybe even mid-80s. Summer is coming.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A smiling Bob Frutos says thank you to his supporters for his city council campaign at Caminiti's Restaurant on West Burbank Boulevard in Burbank April 14, 2011

Bob Frutos lost on two fronts recently: a city council seat in a very tight race with Emily Gabel-Luddy and last week, the city council-majority (including Gabel-Luddy) refused to re-appoint him to the Burbank Police Commission.  Nevertheless, Frutos is still smiling and touting the need for change in Burbank.

Frutos provided some details for his sunny viewpoint  in answers to a couple of e-mail questions I sent him over the weekend:

1. Change was at the heart of your city council campaign. You still embraced change even when you were not re-appointed to the Burbank Police Commission this past week. Why do you feel change is so important for Burbank?

I proudly campaigned on positive change for Burbank in the recent election. I continue to believe that such change is a must for our community. Even though I now find myself officially off the Burbank Police Commission, I will continue to be interested and involved in public-safety matters, and always available to help the City Council or Commission in any way I can. In the final analysis, change is always important for people, for a city, for any society. It is through change and growth that we better ourselves and our community, and make a lasting positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors. I will continue to be a agent of change in Burbank.

2. What are your future plans? Will you get involved in Burbank city government/politics anytime soon?

I plan to be actively involved in the future and improvement of Burbank. I am thinking about trying again for the city council race in the March 2013, election. I feel I have much to contribute to the City I love and the people who make it such a fine place to live in, work, and raise families. I am always prepared to lend my expertise and experience to resolve any municipal problems, if called upon before that election. I am staying involved because this is my home, and I want to make a positive difference.

I’m hearing there are at least two other potential city council candidates waiting in the wings. More on that later.

More drama on the police commission

The city council replaced Frutos on the police commission with new arrival to the city, Richard Warmack, who has a lengthy law enforcement and military resume — but what does he know about Burbank, its problems, especially the police mess?

Police commissioners Hagop Hergelian and Nathan Rubinfeld were re-appointed. Also, the city council decided to delay the matter of whether to remove Police Commissioner, Jim Etter, until new member, Gabel-Luddy, could look at city council meeting videotapes from last fall.

Etter’s removal is being pushed by Vice-Mayor Dave Golonski and his friend, tenant or whatever, Brett Loutensock, who shows up at City Hall only to trash Etter.  Last Tuesday, the council gave the impression that Etter’s removal was being considered for a remark he made that was clearly in jest at a city council meeting last fall. The council members at the time did not get outraged by it.

 Oh, Council member Gary Bric made a similar type remark in jest at the same meeting – to make a point– during the discussion of the sidewalk controversy. No one is trying to boot him from the council because of it.

I’ll say it again, there’s a long running nasty feud between Golonski and the Etter family. Last Tuesday, Golonski claimed he saw Jim Etter in court. If that’s the case, I doubt it was because both had been called to serve on jury duty at the same time. I’m told it started with Etter’s brother Bob, who is deceased — but the feud lives on.

Since the council majority seems to be in the dark about the feud, which is well-known by long-time Burbankers, why not have their attorney investigative unit do a probe?  In a short time that unit  most likely would track down a ton of evidence of this feud.

Bottom line, Golonski has a conflict. He should not be allowed to vote on the Jim Etter matter. The city council-majority should have the courage to tell him so.

Police cases and lawsuits  

Ex-Burbank Police officer Omar Rodriguez’s state case of discrimination and retaliation was dismissed last Friday. Meanwhile, the powerful law firm, Brown, White, and Newhouse reportedly has taken on Rodriguez as a client and has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Federal court. Members of the firm include former AUSAs (Assistant U.S. Attorneys) and a retired Federal judge.

Memorial Day events at Valhalla Memorial Park

The long Memorial Day weekend is coming. On Friday, May 27, the Boy Scouts and Ventura Crew 201, along with the American Legion Post  150, plan to place 25 hundred flags on the graves of veterans, to kick-off the Memorial Day weekend events.

The flag laying will be at the Valhalla Memorial Park in the veterans section, 10621 Victory Boulevard, on the border of Burbank and North Hollywood, at 5 p.m.  There will be a ceremony as well. The public is invited.

On May 30, Memorial Day, there will be another ceremony to honor the nation’s war dead at Valhalla Memorial Park. Time: 10 a.m. This event is open to the public as well.