This morning I got a reminder from Burbank Water and Power executive, Joanne Fletcher, about the dedication of their EcoCampus and community fair tomorrow in the Media City. The BWP is inviting the public to come celebrate the opening of what it’s touting as the state’s first sustainable utility campus.

The program will be hosted by green media maven, Sarah Backhouse, who is also Discovery Channel’s “Planet 100″ host.  Special guests include Senator Carol Liu and representatives of the US Department of Energy. The event will have a festival flavor with exhibits, tours, music, children’s activities, and some of those popular food trucks. Oh, those who can show a driver’s license with a Burbank address will receive a free highest-efficiency LED bulb.

The Saturday event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the BWP site, 164 West Magnolia Boulevard. There will be free parking at the Metrolink station and shuttles will provide transportation. For more information call the BWP at  818-238-3730.

A rainstorm is moving through Burbank and the Southland this morning. We’re getting steady rain, strong winds, and cool temperatures. The high today in B-town upper 50s — lows tonight in the 40s. In a weird weather twist, another blast of spring in the forecast for the middle of the week. By Wednesday, the high is expected to reach 80 in the Media City!

Ah, winter is back — wet and cold. The high may reach 60 today.  Raindrops are falling in Burbank this morning. They might taper off this afternoon, but there is still a chance of showers throughout much of the day. So keep the umbrella handy and be careful out there on those rain-slicked streets in the Media City.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank's 2012 Rose Parade float "The Dream Machine" in the parking lot across the street from the Burbank Central Library at Glenoaks Boulevard and Olive Avenue January 4, 2012

Only a few more hours to view Burbank’s superb entry into the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade. The float has been on display in the parking lot across from the Burbank Central Library at Glenoaks Boulevard and Olive Avenue since Wednesday, January 4.  Today is the last day to see the float up close, before it is dismantled.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A boy's sleeping dreams are depicted in the Burbank winning 2012 Rose Parade float, The Dream Machine" January 4, 2012

“The Dream Machine,” about a boy’s wishful dreams, won the Mayor’s Trophy for most outstanding presentation nationally and internationally.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank's "The Dream Machine" won the Mayor's Trophy at the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade January 4, 2012

I dropped by to see the float a couple times. On Wednesday, I chatted with some of the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association members/volunteers/leaders. I learned that a volunteer team creates and decorates the city’s float, and it all begins around February of  each year. “The Dream Machine” was built on a city budget of $62,000. It’s hard to believe there were efforts to try to cut the funding for the Burbank Rose Parade float project, which produces an incredible amount of positive PR for the city and joy for volunteers and viewers.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Folks watched the Burbank 2012 Rose Parade Float "The Dream Machine" come a live with animation in the parking lot across from the Burbank Central Library at Glenoaks Boulevard and Olive Avenue January 7, 2012

Oh, not only are you able to get up close to the float, but a food truck proves a yummy bargain lunch as well. Each day a different kind of cuisine. It was a terrific idea. I had a pastrami on rye from the Cantor’s truck last Wednesday and a taco special from the Don Chow truck last Saturday. Both lunches were quite good.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A line formed at the Don Chow food truck during the viewing of the winning Burbank 2012 Rose Parade float, "The Dream Machine," in Burbank on Saturday January 7, 2012

Today, lunch is from 11:30 to 2 p.m. and a food truck will be there offering deluxe crepes and fries. The entertaining animation on “The Dream Machine” will be in action several time today. You still have a chance to see it at 1 p.m, 3 p.m. 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.

I know the calendar says January, but the weather feels very much like springtime in the Southland. And I love it! Temperatures soared into the mid-80s yesterday in B-town and are expected to do the same today.  We could see a slight cooling trend by Friday here in the Media City.

Sigh. Sooner or later winter weather will return  …  until then enjoy this bout of glorious SoCal sunshine and warm temps.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Hundreds of holiday baskets, boxes, and bags lined the walls outside the auditorium at George Washington Elementary school in Burbank December 16, 2011

More than 555 Burbank families are enjoying some holiday cheer, thanks  to this year’s very successful Holiday Basket Program sponsored by the Burbank Coordinating Council. The deliveries, by volunteers, began officially on December 17 and were completed a few days ago.

Four hundred of the families were adopted by local Churches, school PTAs, service organizations, studios, businesses, individuals, and city offices ..” according to the Holiday Basket Committee co-chair, Janet Diel.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski among the volunteers who come back year after year to help create and deliver holiday baskets to needy families December 16, 2011

The  holiday baskets, boxes, and over-sized bags were stuffed with donated new clothes, games, toys, food, gift cards, movie DVDs and much more.  Each gift container was filled with items that reflected the needs of a specific family.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Former newspaper reporter Joyce Rudolph pitched in to help assemble holiday baskets at George Washington Elementary school December 16, 2011

Donations came Warner Bros, Disney, Universal Studios, Ralphs, Vons,  Ikea, and many small businesses, local shops, and individuals.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Volunteers worked meticulously putting together holiday baskets for 155 unadopted families at George Washington Elementary school in Burbank December 16, 2011

The volunteers included city officials, community activists, Girl Scout troops, and local residents who took time out from their own holiday activities to lend a helping hand.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The driving force behind the Holiday Basket Program, Janet Diel, fielded cell phone calls at George Washington Elementary school December 16, 2011

Speaking on behalf of the Holiday Basket Committee, Diel said:”It took hundreds/ thousands of people to donate money, gifts, food, and time to make this project a success. We are grateful to all who participated and thank you so much for making a huge difference in so many lives.”

It’s sunny and windy in the Media City today. In fact, there’s a wind advisory for the entire Southland in effect until 2 p.m. tomorrow. That advisory says ” gusty and potentially damaging Santa Ana winds expected today and Friday.” 

Winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are whipping through So Cal this morning. The winds could get even stronger before this weather drama is over.  Oh, you might remember that vicious wind storm about three weeks ago that hammered the city. Keith Sterling, Burbank public information officer, says the cost in clean-up and other services from that storm – an estimated $250,000.

The high today in B-town — only in the 60s. So button up that coat, hold onto your hat, it’s going to be a blustery day.

A sudden thunderstorm rolled into Burbank around  3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and the rain came down hard. And I though we’d get away without much rain today. Not only will you need that umbrella — some areas might need some of those freebie sandbags from the city of Burbank.  Be careful out there.

It’s a rainy Monday in Burbank and more showers, with the possibility of some hail, in the forecast through the evening and tonight. Also, this is a cold storm with the high in B-town only expected to reach into the 50s. And there’s a chance of another wet system later on in the week.

All this stormy weather prompted Burbank officials to put out an announcement this afternoon about free sandbags for residents and businesses. The sandbags are available empty or filled — 25 per person. Proof of business or residency required.

Sandbags can be picked up at the Public Works Field Service Yard 124 South Lake Street between Olive and Verdugo Avenues. Normal hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but could be extended during emergency situations.  For more information: (818) 238-3800.

A live theater production of the Christmas play, “Table of the Heart,” is set to open tomorrow, December 10, at the Media City Church 269 East Providencia Avenue in the Media City.

The production is written and directed by Tatum Shank. The play tells the story of the tragedy and triumph of the Carmichael family who move from Los Angeles to Seattle and quickly are faced with heartbreaking circumstances that they must overcome. The theme, forgiveness leads to healing.

Producer, Jennifer Shank, says this is an exclusive two week run of “Table of the Heart.” Performances are Saturdays, December 10 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, December 11 and 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. For more information and special ticket deals go here or call (818) 842-2186.