Photo: BurbankAction.com -- Folks from the audience stepped to the microphone to ask questions of a guest panel of experts at the So Cal Smart Meter Public Forum in Glendale November 10, 2011

Coming off a successful public forum in Glendale, local smart meter opponents are turning their attention to tonight’s Burbank City Council meeting. Last Thursday, the Southern California Smart Meter Public Forum at the Glendale Moose Lodge drew 175-200 people, according to one of the organizers and Burbank resident, Kiku Lani Iwata. Also, Iwata is a member of  Burbank Action,  a group that has been very vocal in its opposition to the smart meters.

Burbank Leader column, Ron Kaye, emceed the event which included a panel of guest speakers: health expert Cindy Sage, consumer advocate Mindy Spatt, and author Orlean Koehle. In his column last Sunday, Kaye shared his impressions of the event and the smart meter controversy. Also, a good article about the public forum appeared on the LA Weekly site.

Tonight, the Burbank City Council is set to consider a first step report on a smart meter alternative program. Councilman David Gordon requested the report back in September after hearing complaints about the smart meters. As of October 12, 2011, around 70 thousand of the devices, which are designed to relay user data  to a main utility center, have been installed in the Media City according to  Burbank officials. Installation has been delayed for some who have vigorously opposed the smart meters — due to health and privacy concerns. However at this point, there is no alternative plan in place for those who opted out of the smart meter expansion in Burbank.

Burbank police are confirming today that it was indeed a mountain lion that took a stroll through a property in the hillside area yesterday afternoon. A resident in the 1200 block of Verdugo Spring lane told police a big cat boldly walked up the front driveway “… around the house, and into the back yard.”  The cat disappeared up a slope in the rear of the home, but not before the fast thinking resident got some photos.

An animal control officer examined those pictures and confirmed it was “… a mountain lion.” This is the most recent in a series of mountain lion sightings in Burbank.  Two were reported here on Media City Groove back in August.

Burbank Police sent out a community alert today about the latest mountain lion appearance. It included some precautions, some obvious, some not so, from the Department of Fish and Game.

• Do not feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions. 
• Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
• Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums, and other potential mountain lion prey.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Do not approach a mountain lion.
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• If attacked, fight back.
• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

If you happen to spot a mountain lion the Burbank Police Department wants to hear about it. Contact them at (818) 238-3000 or for more information regarding mountain lions call (818) 238-3290.

Brrr!  A very cold system swooped down on the Southland today dropping temperatures and producing thunderstorms. There were moments of sunshine, but mostly dark cloudy skies and frigid rain were the order of the day. Burbankers and other Southlanders had to pull out the coats, jackets and umbrellas to deal with the weather. 

The high reach only the low 60s in the Media City. Tomorrow, were supposed to get more sunshine, but the temperatures will still be on the cool side. Very fall like. Oh, keep the umbrella handy — rain is expected to return before the weekend is over.

Some Burbank residents are stepping up their battle against the controversial smart meters, which are designed to relay usage data to a utility center.  They call themselves “Burbank Action.” There is growing concern about charges the smart meters invade the privacy of residents, cause illnesses, and result in higher utility rates. The California Public Utilities Commission is looking into the issue.

Burbank Action is one of several groups sponsoring the forum for Southland residents at the Glendale Moose Lodge 357 Arden Avenue Glendale 91203 next Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m.  The Burbank Action blog explains the forum this way: “Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles and Orange County residents have organized this event so that residents throughout Southern California can  listen, learn and ask questions about the dangers of smart meters to our families.”

Forum guest speakers include Mindy Spatt, communications director of The Utility Reform Network (a utility watchdog group), Orlean Koehle author of “Just Say No to Big Brother’s Smart Meters,” and Cindy Sage, a health expert who has reportedlydone field studies that show smart meters can exceed FCC public safety standards.

Meanwhile, Burbank Water and Power is completing an aggressive plan to install smart meters throughout Media City at an estimated cost of $60 million. Despite complaints and objections from some residents, Burbank Action says BWP has “…only a temporary delay list that expires soon, and has not produced any options (for those residents on that list).”

Photo: Volunteers dig in to spread soil mixture in one of the vegetable beds at the new community garden adjacent to the Burbank Community Day School at 223 East Santa Anita Avenue in Burbank October 29, 2011

Volunteers used people power and creativity to get a new community garden planted in Burbank yesterday.  The garden is the love project of Principal Chris Krohn and her students at Burbank Community Day School at 223 East Santa Anita Avenue. The students, grades 7 - 12, are at risk kids looking for a second chance. Krohn says it all started last year with a small garden she described as “an eyesore.”  The students came up with five plans to turn the tiny garden and the surrounding weeds into a productive community garden. They got help refining their plans from Taryn Foster and Olwyn Kingery from the UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Department.  

Master gardener and member of the Sustainable Burbank Commission, Sharon Springer, signed on as a volunteer last year. Springer says the garden is a learning experience, which will produce food for the school’s pet tortoise, Kobe,  and vegetables and fruits for the students to take home to their families. They’ll get to “… see the results of their work.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Kobe, the pet tortoise at the Burbank Community Day School October 29, 2011

Other volunteers included seniors from the next door Artists Colony and the LA Conservation Corps, which planted 15 trees and installed the irrigation system.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Some LA Conservation Corps volunteers, in the green hats, helped out in the council circle, which will serve as an outdoor classroom in the community garden October 29, 2011

About 30 members, friends, and families of the Warner Bros. Impact Giving Program volunteered as well.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Volunteers from the Warner Bros. Impact Giving Program pitched in to help plant a community garden for the Burbank Day School at 223 East Santa Anita Avenue in Burbank October 29, 2011

Principal Krohn was thrilled with the donations received for the project and the volunteers whose efforts made the garden a reality: “Nice to see the community wants to get involved with our kids.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Stop Walmart in Burbank protesters and TV news vans outside the site of the former Great Indoors building in the Empire Center In Burbank October 18, 2011

“This is far from over”  — that’s the new battle cry from the Stop Walmart in Burbank group, following last Tuesday’s controversial community open house by Walmart. Instead of the public forum most folks were anticipating, Walmart offered up a promotional event stocked with tables, charts, PR materials, and smiling Walmart executives.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Visitors at the Walmart merchandise and features table at the company's community open house in Burbank October 18, 2011

 The focus –the new Burbank Walmart and how Walmart REALLY is a good neighbor.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Plans for the Walmart at 1301 North Victory Place in Burbank

The Walmart crew swarmed a ground floor section of the old Great Indoors building delivering the company line to residents, the media, and anyone else who dropped by. I had a chat with Walmart director of public affairs, Javier Angulo. He gushed about Walmart’s intention to hire 300 employees for its Burbank store. Angulo says the plan is for the new Walmart to open “… summer of 2012.”

At this event, considerable pressure was put on residents to sign cards in support of  the valley’s newest Walmart. In media reports, Walmart spokesman, Steven Testivo, claimed more than 200 residents signed those cards, however, he admitted most were interested in getting a job rather than shopping at the store.

Meanwhile, the Stop Walmart in Burbank group has slammed Testivo for allegedly flip-flopping on the structure of the event.

Team Stop Walmart in Burbank’s official statement:

“Steven Restivo went on record in the Burbank Leader to say that we would be given a public forum (http://www.burbankleader.com/news/tn-blr-0917-walmart,0,3256113.story). That was not a public forum Mr. Restivo. You haven’t even opened your doors and already you are lying to Burbank residents. We shouldn’t be surprised at what they did as its par for the course, but it was still a slap in the face to Burbank residents that have legitimate questions who didn’t get any answers. I have heard that they plan to show up to City Council in November, which I think is another strategical move. We need a meeting where Walmart is the only agenda on the list. And we only want Walmart representatives that have answers to our questions to show up. This is far from over.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Stop Walmart in Burbank protesters out front of the site of a planned Walmart at 1301 North victory Place in Burbank October 18, 2011

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The former site of The Great Indoors at 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank

The long anticipated community meeting with the Walmart is today at 5 p.m. The big retailer is hosting what it calls a “community open house”  at the former site of The Great Indoors, where it intends to open a new Walmart. So what are the plans for this one-stop shopping store?  The Walmart honchos are supposed to reveal those plans at the meeting this evening and answer residents’ questions about the impact their new store will have on the Empire Center and the general area.

Recently, Walmart has been circulating a PR flyer touting the benefits of the store in the community. On the flyer, claims of good paying jobs, career opportunities, competitive benefits, support for our military, education, and a pledge of $2 billion to help end hunger. Also, Walmart says it generates over $500,000 per year in sales tax revenue…” and this can fund “…vital services like police and fire protection.”  Oh, keep in mind, the new store is not just for Burbank. It will attract Walmart shoppers from all over to the Empire Center, which is already burden with traffic and congestion problems.

The opposition includes the well organized ”Stop Walmart in Burbank.”  A fundraiser at the local Flappers Comedy Club last Thursday, reportedly raised $800 for its war chest. The group plans to use the donations to increase awareness with flyers, lawn signs, and buttons. No doubt, this group and others against the opening of a Walmart in Burbank will be out in force at the meeting. It should be interesting.

Fog and low clouds this Saturday morning, however, that’s supposed to burn off in a while. Sunshine and warm temperatures are on tap for today and through Monday. A dramatic change from that quickie heat wave of a few days ago.

The high expected to be in the upper 70s to mid-80s today in the Media City. At night the temperature will get a bit chilly, dipping down into the 50s. Overall, some snappy good weather for the weekend.

This pro-Walmart flyer was e-mailed to me last night.  It’s a slick piece of promotion from the nation’s largest retailer.  As expected, Walmart is  trying to rally support for its upcoming “community open house” at the old location of the Great Indoors, in the Empire Center, Monday, October 17, at 5 p.m. This location is the designated site of a new Walmart.

Meanwhile, the “No Walmart in Burbank “group is holding a fundraiser this evening at the Flappers ComedyClub in Downtown Burbank starting at 8 p.m.

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

An evening of comedy and fun is planned. The “suggested donation” is $12. And all proceeds reportedly will be”…used to help stop Walmart.”

So the battle is on between supporters and opponents of Walmart. The open house next Monday is shaping up to be quite a showdown.

Fans and air conditioners were working overtime today as a heat wave sent temperatures soaring in the Southland. Here in Burbank, the high today — 99. At 9 p.m tonight — it was 82. Tomorrow is expected to be even hotter . The good news, cooler temps are expected to arrive by the weekend.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Crime scene tape in Burbank

Over the last couple of weeks or so, brazen thieves reportedly went shopping again in Burbank. The latest Burbank Police report released yesterday, provided a long list of thefts. Among them, $525 worth of bras, panties, and clothing ripped off from the Victoria’s Secret in the Burbank Town Center over on East Magnolia Boulevard. This happened when the store was apparently open for business.

In residential burglaries, jewelry, cameras, office equipment, purses, and a couple of hand guns were reported missing.  Also, several vehicles were broken into: in one case a 2004 Jeep Wrangler had its passenger side door taken. At least the owner still has the vehicle. On Monday, October 10, a 2010 BMW 750iL was stolen from the 400 block of East Santa Anita Avenue.

Bicycles are still popular with thieves as well. A mountain bike valued at $80 and a BMX bicycle worth $350 were stolen in Burbank last week.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Author Sue Ann Jaffarian makes a point about hooking an agent during a writer's workshop at the Buena Vista library in Burbank September 17, 2011

Multi-talented author and Media City Groove guest blogger, Sue Ann Jaffarian, conducted a very informative writer’s workshop called, “Turning Agent Woes Into Agent Wows,” at the Buena Vista library here in Burbank last month.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Author Sue Ann Jaffarian gives a "to do list" for snagging an agent at a writer's workshop at the Buena Vista library in Burbank September 17, 2011

Forty-to-fifty writers showed up for the September 17 workshop. Many spent most of the time scribbling notes as Sue Ann covered the agent search from manuscript preparation to how to write the kind of e-mail query that will catch an agent’s attention. Also, Sue Ann shared some tips on where to find agents on the Internet and what to ask should an agent offer to represent your literary work.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Author Sue Ann Jaffarian reacts with a smile to while chatting with writers after a workshop at the Buena Vista library in Burbank September 17, 2011

 Sue Ann is a paralegal and a motivational speaker as well as an accomplished writer. She’s the author of three popular mystery collections: the Odelia Grey series, the Ghost of Granny Apple series, and the Madison Rose Vampire Mysteries. Oh, she is enjoying success writing short stories as well.

She has a wonderful witty blog  here.

Also, check out  Sue Ann’s guest post on Media City Groove. She will be blogging again about her writing adventures and life journey here soon.

Seasons are changing. Today’s the first day of autumn. The leaves are falling and the mornings are cool — however, it’s still shorts and tee-shirt weather in the Southland. The temperature could reach the upper 80s to mid-90s in Burbank today. We’ll be suffering through another bout of high humidity again, too.  Also, a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

No Wal-Mart forces take the fight to City Hall

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The former site of The Great Indoors at 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank

 In the past few days, a number of media reports have come out about Wal-Mart finally fessing up to plans to move into the site once occupied by The Great Indoors, at the Empire Center over on North Victory Place. Wal-Mart owns the site now — but anti-Wal-Mart forces in B-town aren’t giving up the fight just yet.

The No Wal-Mart on Facebook group has organized a rally for today, on the steps of Burbank City Hall at 5:30 p.m. The small but vocal group is being joined by the politically savvy Burbank Democratic Club, which has urged its members to support the rally and speak out against Wal-Mart at the city council meeting at 6 p.m.

At last Tuesday’s city council meeting, Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes revealed Wal-Mart executives “… want to do a community forum… ” at the site sometime in mid-to-late-October. Well, the site is more appropriate for a P.R. event than a community forum to hear the concerns of  residents.

Clearly, these Wal-Mart suits aren’t really taking the community very seriously. They’re reportedly considering options like including a restaurant or nail salon in that 120,000 square foot building. Hey, there are already plenty of restaurants in the Empire Center and a lot of nail salons in Burbank. I guess the Wal-Mart bigwigs do not need to be very creative, when most of their customers only care about how many cheap products they can stuff into a shopping cart. That location at the Empire Center needs some imagination. Wal-Mart needs to add something different to the mix of  restaurants and retail.  However, that kind of  progressive thinking may be beyond the comprehension of the Wal-Mart executives.

A new Burbank Police Commissioner

The city council majority snubbed former Chair of the Burbank Police Commission, Bob Frutos, once again last Tuesday. Right after Frutos lost a close run-off for a city council seat against Emily Gabel-Luddy — the CCM refused to re-appoint him to his seat on the police commission.

Recently, Frutos tossed his hat in the ring for the commission seat vacated by Jim Etter, who moved on to the Los Angeles County Fish and Game Commission. Frutos got only two votes, Dr. David Gordon and Gary Bric. The CCM voted for former Paramount executive, Tom Bruehl, who has been kicking around in local political circles for a while.

But the CCM is not rid of Frutos just yet. A few weeks back, each council member made an appointment to the Citizens’ Charter Committee. This group will decide if changes are necessary for the city charter, which could open the door for a charter review committee to be set up.

Here’s how the appointments went down: Dr. Gordon named Bob Frutos, Gary Bric — Jackie Waltman, Emily Gabel-Luddy — Carolyn Jackson, Dave Golonski — Lee Wochner, and Mayor Jess Talamantes appointed Victor Georgino.

It has been rumored about for weeks now.  Then, late today the official announcement came from Burbank City Hall in the form of a news release — naming the replacement for retiring Burbank City Attorney, Dennis Barlow. She is Amy Albano who is now the city attorney out in Thousand Oaks.

Photo: City of Burbank -- Amy Albano new Burbank City Attorney

Next Tuesday, the city council will consider appointing Albano to the position — but at this point, that’s merely a formality.  It’s a done deal.

Here’s the news release from Public Information Officer, Keith Sterling:

Burbank City Council to Consider Appointment of New City Attorney

Item on September 20th Agenda

BURBANK, Calif. (September 15, 2011) – After an extensive and competitive recruitment process, Amy Albano has been identified as the Burbank City Council’s lead candidate for the position of City Attorney.  Albano currently serves as City Attorney for the City of Thousand Oaks, California.

“Amy brings 20 years of municipal law experience to Burbank,” says Mayor Jess Talamantes.  “The council is very impressed with her knowledge and understanding of complex legal issues and believes she will be a great addition to our community and the executive team.”

Albano was selected after a nationwide search and thorough interviews with three panels comprised of law professionals, community leaders and city executives.  Albano joined the City of Thousand Oaks in 2005 as City Attorney after spending 14 years in the City Attorney’s Office at the City of Ventura.  She is an honor graduate of Albany Law School of Union University and received her undergraduate degree from State College of New York Plattsburg.  Albano is the immediate past president of the League of California Cities City Attorneys’ Department.

“I am honored to be considered for this opportunity,” says Albano.  “Burbank is a world-renowned community and this position will allow me the potential for tremendous professional growth.”  Albano intends to live in Burbank and become an integral member of the community.

The City Council will vote on the appointment at the meeting of September 20th and, if approved, Albano is expected to begin duties next month.  The City Attorney and City Manager are appointed positions, reporting directly to the City Council.

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Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Sue Ann Jaffarian

For a lot of writers getting an agent is harder than the writing.  Media City Groove Guest Blogger, Sue Ann Jaffarian, has leaped that hurdle to become a best-selling author of three mystery series.  Jaffarian, a paralegal for a Los Angeles firm, started off in self-publishing, and along her writer’s journey picked up a thing or two about making that agent hook-up.

Jaffarian is going to share some of her tips in a writer’s workshop called, “Turning Agent Woes Into Agent Wows,” this Saturday, September 17, 2 p.m. at the Buena Vista Branch Library, 300 North Buena Vista Street in Burbank .

Getting an agent is serious business, but you can count on this workshop being done with humor, wit, and a certain flair – Jaffarian has done stand-up comedy and is a motivational speaker as well.

The workshop is part of the Coffee and Conversation series sponsored by the mystery writers’ group, Sisters in Crime LA. For more information on the workshop you can call the Buena Vista Branch Library at (818) 238-5620.

By the way, Jaffarian has a guest post up on this blog about the hot market for short stories. Click here for that post.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Garden Guru Emilio "Elmo" Telles

There was a time in the garden business that I couldn’t give away mole ( gopher) repellents.  As of the last two years, I can’t keep it in stock!

My theory is because of the limited rainfall, we have been inundated with moles and gophers. They are coming down from the hills.

Here’s the deal. With gophers, you will have the holes open and exposed in your lawn and garden beds. With moles you will notice mounds of “fine”-powdery soil covering the holes.

There is this product called “Molemax” that will help repel both. The beauty about this product is you don’t have to use the “old school” poison baits that were dangerous to kids, pets, and your ground water.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Molemax, mole and gopher repellent

 I have had plenty customers that swear by it.

One pound covers about 500 square feet.

Here’s the cool part, I heard that it also deters rabbits, skunks, and even armadillos! I guess that’s why we don’t have armadillos here in So. Cal!

Any questions, feel free to ask.

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Emilio “Elmo” Telles is a garden expert at Armstrong Garden Center  5816 San Fernando Road, Glendale  91202.

Fans and air conditioners were going full blast all over Burbank today. The mercury soar to a blazing 100 degrees. The high humid — over 50 percent at times — made going outside difficult to bear.  We’re used to dry heat — not the sticky humid conditions we had today.  More of the same ahead, at least through tomorrow.  

Due to the extreme heat,  Burbank city officials opened three cooling centers today. Residents are encouraged to seek out a cool spot at one of three city libraries. Here are the hours and locations sent out in a media release:

Central Library (110 N. Glenoaks Blvd.)–  9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday,  10-6 Saturday, closed on Sunday.

Buena Vista Library (300 N. Buena Vista Street) –10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Northwest Library (3323 W. Victory Blvd.) – 12 noon -6 p.m. Mon-Fri; Closed Saturday and Sunday. 

Get ready for another sizzler.  The high tomorrow could reach into the triple digits again.