Sewer pipe drama over

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Site of that sewer pipe rupture in the 500 block of South Beachwood Drive, Burbank November 7, 2010

Traffic and parking are back to normal in the 500 block of South Beachwood Drive in Burbank. I visited the site yesterday afternoon. The repair equipment was gone and the excavation site had been paved over. A very different scene from earlier this month, a few days after a pipe burst on Tuesday, November 2—spilling thousands of gallons of sewage into the street.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A sign restricting traffic in the 500 block of South Beachwood Drive, Burbank November 7, 2010

The results of an investigation are in. Public Works Director, Bonnie Teaford, explained in an e-mail why age of the pipe is not the suspected culprit: “We believe that the pipe may have been damaged slightly in this area when it was installed some 30 years ago. Over time, the damaged area corroded until it eventually failed.”

As a precaution, the rest of that sewer line and a couple of others in the area were videotaped and Teaford says, “they all look fine.”  Teaford considers the pipe break, “an isolated problem.”

Bike Angel wish list

A special holiday toy collection is underway and it’s in need of a little help from some Earth angels. Last year, Burbank employee, Elaine Pease, started a program called Bike Angel, to provide refurbished bicycles to needy children during the holiday season. Ten lucky youngsters got their own set of wheels last year, thanks to this program and its volunteers.

So the collection is in full swing  for used bicycles that can be fixed up and made spiffy for boys or girls, ages 10-to-17.  They need accessories like helmets, bike chains, and locks, too. If you don’t have any spare children’s bikes — they could use some cash to buy new tires, seats, and other bicycle parts. And they need more volunteers!!

Burbank city employees have really stepped up for this program. This year, the Burbank Police Officers Association is throwing its support behind Bike Angel. Also, Lieutenant Eric Rosoff, Detective Brent Dyrness, and Officer Jeff Goenner have volunteered to be bike-fixer-upper guys.

There isn’t much time to donate. The deadline for the bicycles is Wednesday, November 24.  If you can help, give Elaine Pease a call (818) 238-5286 or phone the Burbank Recycle Center at (818) 238-3900. 

 Week Two: Nomination period for Burbank’s 2011 Elections

Last Friday, I checked the list of the names of candidates who have pulled nomination papers for the two up-for-election seats on the Burbank City Council. No change. Planning Board Vice-Chair, Emily Gabel-Luddy and Police Commission Chair, Bob Frutos. The Primary Nominating Election is Tuesday, February 22, 2011 and the General Municipal Election  is Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

The candidates have until Monday, November 29, 2010 at 5 p.m. to return the required documents to the Burbank City Clerk’s Office.

In light of the Bell salaries scandal, a lot of talk about what Burbank City Council members really pocket for doing their civic duty. More than you think, according to this recent post over on the blog Semichorus.

“Twilight” stars to view “Eclipse” movie with fans

Photo: “Twilight” stars from Deadline.com/Hollywood

Early numbers indicate “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” is going to rack up a huge money haul this July 4th holiday weekend.  The third installment of the vampire/fantasy/love story film series debuted on Wednesday, June 30, with a gigantic $68.5 million domestic Box Office tally.  On Thursday, the movie earned $24.2 million, and $28.6 million yesterday, for a total so far of $121.3 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

The promotion machine for “Eclipse” has done a bang-up job — and is still working. Over the next few day, some of the “Twilight” stars will be watching ”Eclipse” on the big screen with fans. Nikki Finke over at Deadline.com/Hollywood says about 20 members of the cast will be popping in at movie theaters all across the country. The surprise visits began yesterday and will continue through the holiday weekend.

For details on the cities where the “Twilight” stars will be appearing check out the “Eclipse”website  Los Angeles is on the list, but, ah, not Burbank.  Don’t know how Media City got missed. 

Wonder Woman #600 one hot comic book

Photo: Wonder Woman DC Comics website

Yeah, Wonder Woman is a bona fide hot babe. She can dust the floor with the bad guys and never have a wardrobe malfunction, despite that skimpy outfit she has worn for more than fifty years. I’m not hating on her — just giving WW her dues.  However, finally in the reimagining of Wonder Woman issue #600, Diana Prince gets a new outfit — one more suitable for crime fighting than walking the runway in a beauty pagaent.  Wonder Woman in pants, how very 21st Century.

Photo: New Wonder Woman DC Comics/ New York Times

The DC Comics’ superheroine is hot for another reason right now – the reboot of Wonder Woman #600, officially on sale last Wednesday, has sold out!  Also, Nikki Finke is reporting DC Comics is already printing up a second edition.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — The House of Secrets at 1930 West Olive Avenue in Burbank

While I was out and about in Burbank today, I dropped by the House of Secrets comic book store and asked about Wonder Woman issue #600. Sure enough, it was sold out. The counter clerk estimated they got 100 issues on Wednesday and those flew off the shelves. They received a few more issues on Thursday and by last night those were gone, too. A new shipment is expected next week.

If you’d like to check out a preview of that hot comic click here. The New York Times has an excellent article on the makeover of Wonder Woman as well.

Dodger Manny Ramirez donates some rare wheels

 Photo: Jon SooHoo/L.A. Dodgers — Dodger Slugger Manny Ramirez ‘s 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 964

Looking for a flashy ride with some power and celebrity history? Dodger outfielder Manny Ramirez has donated a rare Porsche to a charity auction. The 1994 red Porsche 911 Turbo 964 has less than 35,000 miles. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Dodgers’ official charity, ThinkCure! and Maryvale, a local residential placement home for girls.

Bids for Ramirez’s wheels, reportedly appraised at more than $58,000, are now being taken online at  eBay until Monday, July 12, 2010 at 11 a.m.

If you’re feeling lucky, buying a Mega Millions ticket for tonight’s drawing might be your key to a secure future. The jackpot for the Mega Millions is up to at least $56 million. That’s a lot of money up for grabs. Mega Millions is one of the largest multi-state games with 35 states –including California –involved. The drawing is tonight at 8 p.m.

The odds of winning a jackpot are looooong (1 in 176 million), but there are winners. Recently, a Texas man cashed in a Mega Millions ticket worth $144 million from the Friday, January 26, 2010 game. If that’s not amazing enough, William R. Kiefer, a very religious man, plans to give a huge chunk of his winnings to charity.

“The greatest gift my parents gave me was to be raised a Christian,” said Kiefer. “I plan to give 60 percent of all after tax winnings to charity.” Kiefer is quoted in a Mega Millions press release. He’s a man who apparently lives his faith. Kiefer sees his jackpot win as an opportunity to spotlight his faith and to raise awareness for the worthy causes he plans to support like charities that aid abused children, earthquake battered Haiti, and retired nuns. Keifer wants others to follow his example. Good idea.