Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Thousands of party people poured into Downtown Burbank to celebrate the city's 100th birthday July 8, 2011

What a slamming-jamming party!!!  I spent nearly three hours in a sea of humanity celebrating Burbank’s centennial yesterday. I have to admit, I was surprised at the thousands of folks who packed a six-block area of Downtown Burbank for this major shindig. While working my way through a crowd, I overheard someone ask:”Do all these people live in Burbank?”  Probably not , but that was okay. It was an open party and everyone was invited from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The organizers tried to have something to engage a wide swatch of the local population. There were aircraft flyovers, parades, children’s entertainers, community booths, giveaways ( like tee shirts and bags), memorabilia, antique cars, multiple stages with music acts, fireworks, and, of course, food. When comes to the eats, I have some pluses and minuses to share.

 I managed to get one of those special free birthday cupcakes. Mine was chocolate cake topped with chocolate icing – truly delicious. Someone needs to start selling those cupcakes somewhere in B-town. Also, got another freebie over in front of the Alambres Fresh Mexican Grill on South San Fernando Boulevard. I snagged one of their tasty, just grilled, mini-tortillas with salsa.

Many of the downtown restaurants and eateries were open — but they were packed.. . or had long lines out the door. That was a minus for the event. Not enough food locations. There should have been food trucks and carts throughout the area where people could quickly grab a burger, a hot dog or whatever and keep walking.

Also, booths with bottled water were desperately needed.  People were constantly asking where they could get water on what turned out to be a very warm evening.

Overall, I had blast at this Burbank bash.  I’ll have more photos later.  

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- A lot of partygoers posed for the cameras in front of a giant birthday cake honoring Burbank's centennial in Downtown Burbank July 8, 2011

Burbank celebrates its centennial tomorrow with what is billed as the party of the century. B-town was incorporated in 1911.  So on the 100th year anniversary of becoming a city — town leaders are going all out to mark the milestone.  An evening of family fun is planned from 5-10 p.m. in Downtown Burbank  – featuring entertainment, parades, food, fireworks, and more. For details click over to the City of Burbank website here.

“Maple Syrup”  Saturday

The community is invited to a big breakfast fundraiser for the Venture Crew 201 Boy Scouts, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 19, at the Light House (formerly Magnolia Park United Methodist Church) in the Fellowship Hall at 2828 West Magnolia Blvd, Burbank.

The “everything you can put syrup on” breakfast includes, pancakes, corn fritters, French toast, waffles, along with sausages, eggs, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk  all for a $5 donation. Oh, breakfast will be served “on china and silverware,” according to event coordinator Larae Hanks.  

Special features: Table service by the boys and girls of the Venture Crew,  free newspapers for the adults, and continuous cartoons playing on a big screen projection for the kids. Media contact: Jim Etter. For more information call  (818) 846-2866

Nature Center 10th Anniversary Celebration

Live animals, giveaways, nature hikes, and more at Stough Canyon Nature Center, 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19. The event is free and open to the public. You can get more information by calling (818) 238-5440

“Police and Human Relations” event on Sunday 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Buena Vista Library 300 North Buena Vista Street in Burbank

A special event with the leadership of Burbank, Sunday, March 20, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Buena Vista Library, 300 North Buena Vista Street, Burbank. Police Chief Scott LaChasse and other community leaders. A chance to meet, greet,and talk. Refreshments and free admission. Sponsored by the Burbank Human Relations Council. RSVP (818) 845-4195  or e-mail BurbankHRC@earthlink.net

A new year. A new beginning …

Whether you’re ringing in the new year at a small or intimate affair at  home or rocking the night away with a crowd of friends, relatives and or strangers — check out radio station K-Earth 101 FM. This Los Angeles oldies station is counting down the top 101 party jams of all time right now.

On the radio or on the Internet, K-Earth is boogieing down this New Year’s Eve. They’ve just played  number 71, “Brown Sugar,” by the Rolling Stones. Party over there!  Party over here!  Party everywhere!!!

I wonder if they’re going to play any Snoop Dogg, Notorious B.I.G., or Teena Marie? Only way to find out is to listen-up and hear the tunes that make this hot list.

The week began windy and very cold, but  by Wednesday, December 1, the temperature warmed up and the winds died down — just in time for the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on the steps of City Hall on East Olive Avenue in Burbank.  

Hundreds turned out for the festive holiday occasion that included performances by both a children’s and adult choir, and visits from Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus and Disney characters, Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Disney characters Minnie and Mickey Mouse at the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall in Burbank, December 1, 2010

After the tree lighting event, many folks walked over to San Fernando Boulevard for Santa’s Downtown Wonderland – where there was more entertainment, holiday decorations, and shops and stores open for business as well.

The extended nomination period for the Burbank Municipal Elections 2011 ended last Wednesday. On Friday, I spoke with Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos, who said that the extension was due to Mayor Anja Reinke’s decision not to run for re-election.

Campos read about Reinke’s decision in the Leader. Then Campos phoned the mayor and “…she did confirm…” it. Campos says the California Elections Code requires the nomination period be extended three days when an incumbent declares he or she will not run for another term.

The way it stands now, there are four candidates running for two seats on the Burbank City Council. Incumbent, Gary Bric, Planning Board member, Emily Gabel-Luddy, Police Commissioner, Bob Frutos, and Landlord-Tenant Commissioner, Jacqueline Waltman.

For the three seats on the Board of Education: the incumbents Roberta Reynolds, Ted Bunch, Dave Kemp, and Traffic Commissioner, Gregory Bragg.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Visitors spruce-up a gravesite at Grand View Memoral Park cemetery in Glendale during a public visitation November 21, 2010

Tomorrow, will be the last public visitation at Grand View Memorial Park cemetery in Glendale until after the restoration, set to get underway in the next few weeks. Grand View will be open from noon to 4 p.m on Sunday, December 5.

Lisa Burks has more on her site about the opening tomorrow and what to expect during the coming weeks of renovation at Grand View.

Message from President Obama regarding Independence Day

Today we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of a great experiment, American democracy.  In every corner of our country, we recall the valor and vision of patriots from Thirteen Colonies who declared independence from a powerful empire and gave birth to a new Nation.  We gather in town centers and wave flags in parades not only to recall this history we share, but also to honor the vibrant and enduring spirit of America established on this day.

For those gallant first Americans, such a Nation as ours may have seemed like an unattainable dream.  Their concept was revolutionary:  a government of, by, and for the people.  Yet, our Founders’ tenacity, resolve, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds became the bedrock of our country.  That essence has permeated our land and inspired generations of Americans to explore, discover, and redefine the outer reaches of our infinite potential.  It has become the foundation of the American dream.

This dream has not come without tremendous cost.  From the farmers and tradesmen who served in militias during our American Revolution to the present day women and men protecting our Nation around the world, the sacrifices of our Armed Forces have been extraordinary.  Today we pay tribute to our service members, many of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  We also acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of their loving families.  It is their heroism that has paved the remarkable path of freedom’s march.

Just as this day serves as a reminder of the immeasurable bravery of those who have made America what it is today, it also renews in us the solemn duty we share to ensure our Nation lives up to its promise.  We must not simply commemorate the work begun over two and a quarter centuries ago; we are called to join together, hoist their mantle upon our shoulders, and carry that spirit of service into tomorrow.

America again faces a daunting set of challenges, yet our history shows these are not insurmountable.  We need only to draw upon the perseverance of those before us    our Founders who declared and fought for their ideals; our ancestors who emigrated here and struggled to build a better future for their children; and our pioneers and entrepreneurs who blazed trails that have continually expanded our horizons.  Their spirit    our spirit    will guide our Nation now and in our bright future.

On our Nation’s birthday, may we come together in the enduring spirit of America to begin that work anew.  I wish you all the best for a happy Fourth of July.  May God Bless all those who serve, and may God Bless the United States of America.

                                                      BARACK OBAMA

from the White House.gov website

Fans whoop it up for the World Champion Lakers

Photo: Don Barletti/Los Angeles Times — Thousands of jubliant fans cheer for Kobe and company as the Lakers joy bus rolls along Figueroa Street during the big parade in Los Angeles, June 21, 2010

A parade of purple and gold in Downtown Los Angeles today to celebrate the 2010 NBA World Champion Lakers. Thousands of cheering fans lined the route to give props to the players. Story and more photos on the Los Angeles Times website.

Also, a report on the Times site about the prosecution of some of those unruly folks arrested after the Lakers clenched the championship with a snail-bitting win in the finals game 7 at Staples Center.

Fans camp out for premiere of new “Twilight” movie

Hundreds of devoted fans of that the “Twilight” saga began camping out in L.A. Live Plaza near Staples Center in Downtown L.A. Today.  The fans are waiting for Thursday’s premiere of the third movie in the series, “Eclipse.” They’re not hoping for tickets — just a glimpse of the film’s stars. Nikki Finke’s Deadline.com/Hollywood has photos and more here.

“Toy Story 3″ a monster at the Box Office

As expected, “Toy Story 3″ dominated the Box Office over the weekend. The third installment of the animated film series debuted with a mighty $110 million to easily become the number one movie in the country. This family-friendly sequel gave the Box Office a huge boost — theater business was up 32 percent over the same weekend last year, according to Box Office Mojo.

In this third “Toy Story” movie Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toy-box gang end up in a day-care center  after their owner, Andy, heads off to college. Celebrity voices include Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen Buzz, Joan Cusack Jessie, and Don Rickles Mr. Potato Head.

The high-kicking money-making “Karate Kid” remake is still packing theaters as well. “The Karate Kid” dropped from the top spot to second place, earning $29.8  – bring its two week total to $107 million. “The A-team” battled its way to third with $14.4 million.

The comedy “Get Him to the Greek” landed in fourth with $6 million, and rounding out the top five, the 3D animation “Shrek Forever After” with $5.6 million.

Photos by FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A large than life statue of the founder of our “Media City,” Dr. David Burbank, was unveiled Tuesday, January 12, as the center piece of a new park-like enclave at  1075 West Burbank Blvd, or at the Five Points as it’s known.

A lot going on this week on Burbank Boulevard in Burbank. Once a street with a shabby or rundown look and reputation, this boulevard is starting to shine. Earlier on Tuesday, at Five Points, that busy intersection of Burbank and Victory Boulevards, unveiling of the statue of Dr. David Burbank, which is anchored to a 50-foot pole that has an American flag flapping in the breeze at its tip.

By the time I arrived, the speeches and the ribbon cutting were over, but many in the crowd still lingered to spend some time viewing the statue and enjoying the inviting scene of walkways, green lawns, pretty trees, and the free food from the Coral Café located on Burbank Boulevard.   

As usual here in “Media City,” there is debate and controversy about the site. There’s grumbling about the statue, whether Dr. Burbank deserves the honor and complaints that the sculpture, by Andre Favilli, does not look enough like Dr. Burbank. Well, the city is named for Dr. Burbank so a statue of him in the city doesn’t seem outrageous.

 Also, city officials have explained that the sculpture is an artist’s rendition of Dr. Burbank and is not intended to be a perfect likeness. There are concerns about parking at the busy spot as well. Oh, and some have wondered why city officials opted for green lawns instead of the drought resistant landscape it keeps pushing residents to adopt. All good points. The site is not perfect, but it has a good feel to it. I would visit again.

“The Boulevard Is Open!”

Photos by FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove –Burbank Boulevard in Burbank

Some Burbank Boulevard merchants are continuing the celebration with an open house tomorrow, Saturday January 16, noon to 3 p.m. The city is providing buses. The main pick up location for visitors is at the Dr. David Burbank statue site at Burbank and Victory Boulevards. The special open house tour to various shops, stores, and businesses will include prizes, giveaways, discounts, and a “History of Burbank” scavenger hunt.

John Pedersen, owner of Pedersen’s Band & Orchestra, and treasurer of the Burbank Boulevard Merchants Association, told me in an e-mail:”This open house will be a sort of  ”piggy back” continuation of the statue unveiling on Tuesday, January 12th. This unveiling completes the entire Burbank Boulevard streetscape project and we are all very proud of our new street.”  

The Burbank Boulevard streetscape project spruced up the street with light pole banners, new trees and other landscaping and improvements.