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.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Recycle Center 500 South Flower Street Burbank
After heated debate at its meeting Tuesday, December 6, the Burbank City Council voted to assign the operating agreement for the controversial Burbank Recycle Center to Burrtec Waste Industries. The vote was 4-1 with Councilman, Dr. David Gordon, strongly opposing the arrangement.
The operation of the Burbank Recycle Center has been under scrutiny for some time and most recently when city officials decided to drop private contractor, Burbank Recycling, Inc (BRI). BRI is facing allegations from the state for allegedly cashing in out-of-state beverage containers under the California recycling plan. It was BRI that requested Burrtec take over it’s contract with the Burbank Recycle Center – that produced a lot of questions and suspicions among some Burbankers.
The council majority appeared to be swayed by the staff report, which suggested it would be cheaper to hook up with Burrtec rather than to go out for bids. Hopefully, the council’s decision will improve public confidence in the Burbank Recycle Center and not make a bad situation worse.
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 19, 2011
The “Stop Walmart in Burbank” group is gearing up for an appearance at the city council meeting next Tuesday, December 13. Walmart moving into Burbank is pretty much a done deal. However, this group is still determined to make city officials “… feel the pressure…” from “… their constituents…” who are against the giant retailer opening a store in the Empire Center.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A pile of tree limbs on East Providencia Avenue in Burbank December 1, 2011
The clean-up following last week’s powerful wind storm was a huge effort. Cheers for residents, Burbank city crews, and Burbank PD.
The final numbers are in! Burbank YMCA’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot event, on November 24, 2011, was a huge runaway success, according to officials. Here’s the news release with details, sent out yesterday by Burbank Y’s Susan Sebastian.
The Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot Has a Fast Start
(Burbank, CA, December) – The second annual Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot took place on Thanksgiving morning. Over 1,400 runners arrived very early to perfect “running weather” to start their Thanksgiving holiday off on a healthy note.
The diverse crowd was made up of elite runners, first time runners, families and kids, several dressed in turkey hats and as pilgrims all taking part in the 10K, 5K or Kids Fun Run. As Third Street filled with runners for the start of the race, CEO, JC Holt remarked, “This is just fantastic. The Y wanted to create a healthy event for the community to take part in. Seeing this kind of turn out means we’re on the right track.”
Before the runners took their mark, an announcement was made that Servicemen in Afghanistan from Burbank had ordered shirts from the event and were running overseas to be part of this new community tradition. As Bobbi Cranston sang the national anthem and Mayor Jess Talamantes made an opening statement the emotional crowd cheered our local servicemen and the anticipation of the race’s start.
For Financial Development Director, Philip Di Nova seeing the race begin was the culmination of months of planning. Said Di Nova, “We anticipated signing up around 1,200 runners and walkers since it was our second year, but to reach over 1,400 participants is remarkable. I credit the Burbank community for supporting us and the race community in general. It’s a great follow up to last year.”
In addition to a record number of runners, the Turkey Trot was fortunate to have well over 100 volunteers donate their time on a holiday morning. Said Holt, “Burbank is famous for its philanthropic spirit and today is just one more example of this great community rallying behind a worthwhile cause.” Funds from the Turkey Trot will benefit the Burbank Community YMCA’s Financial Assistance program which enables all people to join the Y, regardless of an inability to pay for membership.
Sponsors for the Turkey Trot included the Cusumano Real Estate Group and Downtown Burbank Business Partners, along with 25 other companies and organizations.
Crossing the finish line first, after completing the 10K run were Jacques Salberg and Liliana Hernandez. The 5K winners included: Michael Thatcher and Sascha Scott. The highest finishing Y Members were Ethan Moskowitz who finished 6th overall in the 10K and Miossi Haviland who finished 26th overall in the 5K.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
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The giant retailer, Target, has a deal with “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and it could mean thousands for some lucky schools. Target has earmarked $5 million in grants for a slew of elementary and secondary schools recommended by the viewers of the weekly talk/variety show.
Viewers will be required to submit their recommendations through the “Ellen” website and give a “compelling” reason why their school deserves one of the grants to improve its learning environment. Two of the winning schools will appear on the “Ellen” show.
In a post on the Philanthropy News Digest website, Laysha Ward, president of Target community relations said, “We are proud to team up with the Ellen DeGeneres Show and its viewers to help us select fifty schools to each receive a $100,000 grant that can be used to purchase the resources that students and teachers need to excel in the classroom.”
“Ellen” is taped at the Warner Bros. studio here in Burbank.
Some really strong winds are causing havoc in Burbank and throughout the Southland this evening. The winds are ripping through the trees, tumbling leaves and debris through streets, yards, and parking lots. At the Trader Joe’s market on Alameda Avenue this evening, shoppers could be seen holding tightly to their grocery bags as they hurried home or to their vehicles.
There’s a high wind warning in effect through Friday noon. Also, the winds are kicking up the fire danger — so there’s a red flag alert as well through late Friday.
The forecast is for the winds to increase overnight 25 to 40 mph with some gusts up to 60 mph. There are already reports of power outages in West Los Angeles and Granada Hills — and some traffic lights are out. So drive with extra care if you have to be out and about tonight.
Funeral services will be held this Saturday, December 3, at Forest Lawn Glendale for long time Burbank community volunteer, Dan Linegar, according to a press release put out today by the Burbank Temporary Aid Center. Linegar passed away last Sunday.
Linegar was a long time BTAC volunteer and Board of Directors member, as well as the founder of the successful Burbank “Relay for Life” event.
“Dan was always the dream sort of board member, not one who just shows up for an occasional board meeting, and isn’t heard from otherwise,” said Barbara Howell, BTAC’s Executive Director, in the press release. “We have a very involved board at BTAC, but he was always especially one to raise his hand and volunteer to put in more time, to work on more projects, and to fill in where he was needed.”
Here’s the entire release, which includes a tribute to Linegar’s community service and details on the funeral arrangements.
“DAN LINEGAR SERVICES”
November 30, 2011
Burbank – Services will be held Saturday morning for Dan Linegar, a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Burbank Temporary Aid Center. Dan died Sunday, November 27.
Dan, a Burbank resident since 1991, had been a longtime volunteer with BTAC when he was elected to the Board of Directors in 2004. By then he was already closely associated with BTAC’s “Santa’s Room” project, a program providing Christmas gifts to the children of Burbank’s homeless, poor and working poor.
“Santa’s Room” began as a few shelves in a shed behind BTAC’s previous headquarters building, or in similar locations around town in earlier years, where a handful of used toys – mostly stuffed animals cleaned and repaired by volunteers – were arranged for clients to select one as a gift for each of their children.
Under Dan’s guidance, especially once he became the official Chairman of the project in 2004, Santa’s Room grew to take up its own building space on a short-term basis each year, offering only new, donated toys to hundreds of children each year. Last year the program distributed more than 7,000 toys to children in the city who otherwise would have received little or nothing.
Will Rogers, Co-Chair of the 2011 Santa’s Room project said, “Dan took the lead in charming landlords for the enormous space we require each year for 10 weeks, he created partnerships like the one we’ve enjoyed for years with the fire department’s “Spark of Love” program to obtain some of our toys, and he spent countless hours assembling gift packages for families, and leading volunteers. Everyone associated with Santa’s Room in any way always has their path smoothed thanks to Dan’s sterling reputation and tireless efforts.”
“Dan was always the dream sort of board member, not one who just shows up for an occasional board meeting, and isn’t heard from otherwise,” said Barbara Howell, BTAC’s Executive Director. “We have a very involved board at BTAC, but he was always especially one to raise his hand and volunteer to put in more time, to work on more projects, and to fill in where he was needed.”
“Better than that,” Howell said, “Dan was an exceptionally sweet, kind and thoughtful man.”
In addition to chairing “Santa’s Room” for six years, Dan also served for one term as BTAC’s Treasurer, and on the Operations Committee, and the Budget and Finance Committee.
Linegar’s charitable efforts went well beyond his service to BTAC. He founded Burbank’s successful “Relay for Life,” an annual fundraising event for the American Cancer Society that is made up of local efforts across the country, and he became Chairman for the local American Cancer Society in 2004. He also participated in “Builds” for “Habitat for Humanity,” and in the Revlon Walk/Run events, a fundraising effort to fight women’s cancers.
Dan grew up in Estes Park, Colorado, and received his Masters in Business from Colorado State University. He worked in the mortgage industry.
Dan is survived by Victoria Sands, whom he once described as his “VERY significant other” when explaining how much work she put in helping him with Santa’s Room projects. Dan also leaves behind his sister, Carol Smid, a daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Steve Macgregor, and one granddaughter, Brenna Macgregor.
Funeral Services for Dan will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 at Forest Lawn Glendale at 8:30am at the Wee Kirk o’ The Heather. A reception to which all friends and fellow volunteers are invited will follow at 2960 N. Myers, Burbank,CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Burbank’s “Relay for Life,” or to the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.
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The reboot of local news, video, and features website, Burbanknbeyond.com is out to shake up the Media City and grab a bigger chunk of the online audience. There is probably more Burbank news, sports, and events on BurbanknBeyond than any other website. Now B-and-B is even better.
The new look of Burbanknbeyond debuted a few weeks ago with numerous upgrades, better organization of stories, and a much more readable front page. Executive Editor and driving force behind the site, Craig Sherwood, says more tweaks and improvements are on the way.
Here’s a Q&A with Sherwood about the site, where it started and where he wants to take it.
1. BurbanknBeyond has a dramatic new look, what are some of the major changes and why did you feel they were necessary?
When I started BurbankNBeyond back in April of 2010, I had a limited amount of experience as a website designer. My goal at that time was to try and provide Burbank with a daily news source since all there existed was a twice weekly newspaper with a limited website and a bi-weekly paper with no web presence. I found after about a year that the idea was working, but the website I had created was not able to keep up with or reflect the constant changes and updates. I looked around at different media outlets and found most used a WordPress template, so I decided to go in that direction. I taught the media department at Crespi High School for nine years and had some extremely talented students who went on to college and studied web design, so I turned to Matthew Majcher and started working out the new design. What I was looking for was a fast paced layout, but something that would also archive past stories so that they were easy to find. I thought it was very important to incorporate social media so people could interact as well as having areas where people could leave comments. I had to also incorporate our videos since we are the only full content Burbank media outlet that offers video which hopefully makes us unique. Bottom line was we had to redesign if we wanted to be a player.
2. In terms of readership, BurbanknBeyond has seen considerable growth, right?
Our growth has been amazing once the word started spreading. I have the site hosted with Go Daddy and they send out a daily report of hits and locations. In July of 2010 we were at about 5,000 hits a day and by July, 2011 we were averaging about 20,000 a day. Once we launched the new design, we are now averaging about 35,000 a day with 3 different days we have exceeded 50,000. What is interesting is that about 60% are from Burbank, 20% from Glendale and North Hollywood/Toluca Lake, and the rest all over the United States.
3. Is it part of your plan to actively challenge The Burbank Leader for the position as the main local news source in Burbank?
I would love to challenge the Burbank Leader as the main news source for Burbank but it is just not possible, yet. Let’s face it, the Leader is part of the L.A. Times, and as much as Leader people will deny it, they do have resources from the Times that go into their local coverage.
At what we do, I think my staff does beat the Leader for daily news, since we are all located and live in Burbank. We know the City and the people.
I am also currently working to find some more people who can write a City Hall beat, school beat, and a couple of other areas that I have ideas about but can’t discuss because if I do it will give someone else that idea. Right now I know most people come to us first when there is a big accident or fire or big event in the City, once I can get the editorial content daily I know that we will be a player. I know the issues and the stories that people in Burbank want to know about, I just don’t have the resources to get the information out yet. There are 100′s of untold stories in this city. Hopefully things will start changing with this new design.
4. If there is something else you would like to add, go ahead.
I think the news business has no idea what the future holds. Everyone is convinced that on-line is the future yet trying to find the revenue that will support it is tricky. With that said, I think local news will always be the key and people will always seek out what is going on in their neighborhood that affect their daily lives.
Hopefully this new design will attract advertisers and once that happens I have no doubt that BurbankNBeyond will become the first choice for people in Burbank.
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Craig Sherwood writes a column for BurbanknBeyond, “Thoughts From The Bullpen.” You can check it out here.
Fall takes a pause in the Southland. Very warm temperatures are expected today. The predicted high for the Media City — in the low to mid-80s! A great way to wrap up the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The future site of a Walmart 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank
Burbank is getting a Walmart with dirt cheap prices, questionable labor practices, and the retailer’s notorious Black Friday culture. Last month at the Empire Center, the future home of Burbank’s Walmart, the giant retailer held a promotional event boasting about the benefits its store will bring to the community. However, Burbank residents must realize that the retailer’s massive advertising campaigns, concerned mainly with profits, are going to attract some of those crazed Black Friday shoppers to the new Walmart in B-town.
Violence erupted at several Walmarts across the country yesterday and Thanksgiving night. One of the ugliest incidents occurred at the store in Porter Ranch. In a Los Angeles Times report, witnesses described a scene of chaos, mayhem, and a pepper spray attack by a woman police say was “competitive shopping.”
The discount king did not release an official comment about the violence, but in a Times’ article Walmart spokesman, Greg Rossiter, referred to it as “… a few unfortunate incidents.” A brush-off to a Black Friday company culture that has fueled violence, which has resulted in injuries and one tragic death.
Three years ago, in an exclusive report, I wrote about this Black Friday culture and the first hand experiences of a former Walmart employee. In part 1, the ex-employee described how he was almost trampled by out of control Black Friday shoppers and in part 2, he recounts a disturbing incident where an announcement by a Walmart manager sent an anxious Black Friday crowd into a frenzy.
By the way, did you hear Bloomingdale’s is opening a store in nearby Glendale? And Burbank is getting a Walmart — wonderful.
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!
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
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.
UPDATED: 3:30 p.m.
A slow moving storm is dumping a lot of rain on Burbank this afternoon. I was out driving through town and had to maneuver through some ponding water at several intersections. The forecast is for more rain and even some thunderstorms this evening –so drive with special care.
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Some overcast and threatening skies over Burbank this morning. Before the day is done, a cold, windy stormy is expected to unload some rain, which might be heavy at times, on the Media City.
Hold on tight to that umbrella, for not only does the weather forecast predict the raindrops will be falling this afternoon , but most likely you will have to deal with winds 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. The high today — somewhere near 60 and lows tonight in the 40s. Brrrr! Time to get out the seriously heavy sweaters and coats.
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.
