Photo: Councilman Dr. David Gordon at Burbank City Council meeting March 20, 2012

A lot of chatter and questions being asked about that incident at Burbank City Councilman Dr. David Gordon’s business office a little over a week ago. Burbank Police are reporting that a brick was tossed through a “4 by 6 foot window” at  Dr. Gordon’s optometry office in the 800 block of Hollywood Way, March 16, at around 10 p.m. Was it a random act of vandalism  or something more sinister?

A media report released last Friday by BPD Officer Joshua Kendrick says “… Officers were unable to determine whether or not the incident was politically motivated or a possible form of retaliation. The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene, southbound on Hollywood Way in a vehicle.”

The suspect is described as male, heavy set, about 5-10, wearing a baseball style hat, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and white shorts. According to the police media report, the suspect made his getaway in a silver, full-size, four door pickup truck.  Sergeant Darin Ryburn, BPD media relations, told me in an email that the investigation is continuing into the incident and  investigators are looking at surveillance tape from “… local members of the community.”

I emailed Councilman Gordon about the incident and here are his responses:

1.What is your reaction to this incident?

The act of violence against my office was shocking and most unfortunate.

2. Has anything like this happened before?

This month marks my 30th year at the same location since I opened my optometry practice.  Nothing like this has ever happened to me or my office before.

3. How much damage would you estimate that it caused?

I do not yet have all the repair estimates or bills, but it seems to me the cost of repairs and restoration will exceed $1,000.00.

4. Reaction of your staff?

My staff has been very dedicated and supportive as we make the necessary repairs and resume normal operations at our office.

5. Do you believe it was a random act of vandalism or an attempt at harassment or intimidation?

I do not yet have enough information to accurately assess the motivation for this violent act against me/my office, but I have every reason to believe this was not an act of random vandalism.

I am sure more information will become available as the appropriate law enforcement entities continue the investigation into this crime.

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Joanne Fletcher of Burbank Water and Power represented the utility before the Burbank City Council March 20, 2012

Despite fierce opposition from a small relentless group of smart meter opponents, the Burbank City Council voted to install a new opt-out fee schedule at its meeting on Tuesday, March 20. During public comments, the opponents lambasted the smart meter technology as unhealthy, dangerous, and a privacy invader. As they have done many times in the past months, the council members listened, but were not moved by the emotional speeches enough to dump the new digital technology and go back to the old analog meters.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Electric smart meter in Burbank

What the council did do is vote 3-to-2 to create a new fee schedule for those who opt-out of the smart meter program. Councilman Dr. David Gordon and Mayor Jess Talamantes voted “no” due to a 60 day limited period to apply to the program, which kicked in on the date of approval. Both Gordon and Talamantes wanted residents to be able to opt-out at anytime.  The council  did agree to reduce the proposed original one-time fee of $75 to $37.50 with a monthly rate of $10 for regular customers and $5 for Lifetime customers.  Joanne Fletcher, assistant manager/customer service and marketing, told the council that out of thousands of users, less than 150 residents have contacted the BPW asking to opt-out of the smart meter program. The replacement meter reportedly will be the same digital meter without the communication device, which allows it to talk back to the utility.

Councilman Dave Golonski bottom lined the issue by reminding opponents that they were a bit late in bringing objections to the council: ”..the plan was put in motion … I say maybe … six to eight years ago… when we started re-training our meter readers .. in order to do it as efficiently as possible… and effectively in the City of Burbank… and it has been supported by the council all along.” Also, he explained that even if you opt-out for your residence, or use some other kind of power such as solar, the smart meters are going to be all over the Media City. We have become a “… community of electronically read meters.”

Frequently, it has been said that local government affects the lives of residents more directly than state and federal government. This issue definitely proves that and suggests the actions of a city council and city officials should be watched closely and on a regular basis by those who care deeply about their quality of life.

The city of Burbank sent out a news release on the court victory of former Burbank PD Deputy Chief Bill Taylor late yesterday. Here it is.

Burbank is Unsuccessful in Bill Taylor Case

Burbank, Calif. - After a lengthy trial, a superior court jury returned a verdict against the City of Burbank in a workplace retaliation lawsuit filed by former Deputy Police Chief William “Bill” Taylor.

From the beginning, the City believed that its actions were justified and in the best interests of the Department and City.  Accordingly, the City vigorously defended this case and is disappointed with the decision.

Burbank’s City Attorney, Amy Albano, responded to the decision by stating, “Although the City is obviously disappointed with the decision, we are confident in our position and will be looking at all appropriate options about how to move forward as a result of this decision.”

The City would like to acknowledge the hard work of its legal defense team, in particular attorneys Ron Frank and Linda Savitt.

Looking toward the future, Burbank’s Mayor, Jess Talamantes, stated, “In consultation with the City’s legal team, we will continue to work for the best interest of the community. Ultimately, the City would like to successfully resolve cases like this and move forward in continuing its mission to ensure the public safety and welfare of our citizens.”

###

A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury late today reportedly handed former Burbank PD Deputy Chief Bill Taylor a major court victory. I’m hearing the settlement awarded to Taylor, $1-2 million.  In his lawsuit, Taylor claimed he was demoted and then fired after pointing out a suspected case of sexual harassment in the department to then Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr and Burbank City Manager Mike Flad back in 2009. Also, Taylor says in his lawsuit that he “… repeatedly complained from April 2008 through April 2009..” about mistreatment and discrimination against minority police officers. At the time, Taylor was well respected and considered to be a pillar of integrity and the “moral compass” of the BPD. In May of 2009, Taylor was demoted to captain and eventually fired.

Taylor filed his lawsuit September 22, 2009, joining at the time, four Burbank police officers, a lieutenant, and a former detective who were suing the city of Burbank for alleged misconduct and mistreatment in the BPD. In May of 2009,  I began asking questions and reporting on what has become known as the “mess” in the BPD.   More on Taylor’s lawsuit in this previous post.

In an article posted on the Burbank Leader website this evening Taylor’s attorney, Gregory W. Smith, is quoted as saying “… “I always believed his story. I have great faith in the justice system and I knew people would see that as well.”

The Leader indicated Smith might ask for Taylor to be re-instated as deputy chief or at least be given the opportunity to retire” honorably.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Clouds moving out shot across from George Izay Park on West Olive Avenue in Burbank March 19, 2012

The clouds are disappearing making way for blue skies and sunshine in Burbank today. It’s still cool and a little breezy. The high today in the Media City in the low 60s. Yeah, I know, that storm was quickie and we need more rain. Don’t pack away the umbrella. There’s rain in the weekend forecast. Oh, and the daytime temperatures are going to warm up to the 70s over the next few days. Nice.

An umbrella is going to be a constant companion this weekend. After weeks o dry and sunny, we’ve finally got some wet and cold winter type weather just as spring is about to roll in. The rain came down pretty heavy at times this morning. More rain is expected throughout the afternoon and evening with a chance of thunderstorms. Showers expected to continue well into Monday.

This storm system is packing winds up to 15-25 mph with gusts of up to 35 mph. The high today in the Media City –somewhere in the upper 50s or low 60s. Tonight the lows will dip down into the 30s and 40s.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Hot rod at Bob's Big Boy classic car show Burbank March 9, 2012

I dropped by the classic car show at the original Bob’s Big Boy restaurant at 4211 West Riverside Drive Burbank 91505 and found it to be a jumping affair with loads of hot rides on display and tons of folks in the parking lot. It happens every Friday from 5-to-10 p.m. Also, the show is a good excuse to pop into Bob’s, a California historical landmark, for one of their famous double-decker hamburgers and/or yummy milk shakes.

NBC-4′s weathercaster/comic, Fritz Coleman, will mcee an evening of laughs and fun at Flappers Comedy Club to benefit the Burbank Tournament of  Roses Association on Sunday, March 11, 2012. The fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. Also, scheduled to take to the mike and do some stand-up, Charles Fleischer, Dana Eagle,  James P. Connolly, Jimmy Brogan, Natisha Anderson, and Sammy K Obeid. Tickets are $20 each.

Flappers is located at 102 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank 91502 , phone number (818) 845-9721

"Agave Sunset" by Alice Asmar. This and other works on display at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Blvd. Glendale 91201

Meet local artist Alice Asmar and view some of her extraordinary works at a special reception Sunday, March 11, 2-5 p.m. at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Blvd., Glendale 91201. The event is hosted by former Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos.

“I’ve selected some personal favorites of her pieces that capture the culture of the American Southwest and are reflective of nature’s beauty,” Ramos said in an e-mail announcement.

Ramos describes Alice Asmar as “…  an accomplished visual artist, her works of art have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums across the United States.” Light refreshments will be served at the reception on Sunday. The art show will be on display at the Geo Gallery through March 17. For more information contact Marsha Ramos at (818) 500-9533 ext. 206.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes served as the keynote speaker at the Burbank Coordinating Council meeting in Burbank March 5, 2012

During the past week, I’ve discovered the Walmart vote by the Burbank City Council last month is still on the minds of a lot of folks. Monday at the Burbank Coordinating Council meeting, keynote speaker, Mayor Jess Talamantes, cheerfully reminded the audience of the 4-to-1 council vote in favor of allowing Walmart to move forward without restrictions or delays in its plans for The Great Indoors site at the Empire Center. Mayor Talamantes said, “They’re going to be issued permits to do what they need to do… to the interior.”

Apparently the 143,000 square foot building is set to be converted into a Walmart superstore and, according to Talamantes, there’s “… a lot of parking available…” at the Empire Center for the hordes of shoppers it’s expected to attract. The mayor may be bubbling over with delight about Walmart’s pending arrival in Burbank, but many residents remain opposed to it and have deep suspicions about the Walmart vote at the February 21 city council meeting.

Several Walmart critics spoke out at the February 28 city council meeting about the strange coincidence of media reports on the council’s decision appearing hours before it occurred. A report on KTLA  at 10 p.m. was mentioned by the critics as an example that something was fishy or corrupt about that vote. City council members denied the vote was fixed.

During council and staff response to public comments at the February 28 meeting, City Manager, Mike Flad admitted someone in his office spoke to the media that night: “Deputy City Manager (Joy) Forbes talked with a reporter at 7 o’clock… and advised him of what the staff recommendation was going to be on that item. Told the reporter it’s up to the council. The council’s not made a decision. He asked if he could be contacted if the decision of the council differed from the staff’s recommendation. Obviously he reported back on that before item had been discussed by the council.”

On Thursday, March first I e-mailed Flad asking for the name of the reporter. Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes sent me the following response: “It was Juan Fernandez from CBS 2 news.” CBS 2 has a news broadcast at 11 p.m., however, it frequently shares resources and reporters with KCAL 9 as part of a duopoly. KCAL has a 10 p.m. newscast.

The Walmart opponents cited a KTLA report at 10 p.m. That suggests other city staffers spoke with reporters as well. Assistant Community Development Director/City Planner Michael Forbes confirmed this in an e-mail to me on March first: “Community Development Director Greg Herrmann and Principal Planner Patrick Prescott spoke with reporters several times before and after the Council meetings on January 31 and February 21 when Walmart was discussed.  Mark Kellam was the reporter from the Leader.  Patrick also spoke with a reporter from ABC 7 news but he does not remember their name.  Patrick also gave an interview for KTLA 5 news but there was no reporter; he was just asked questions by the camera operator.  All information that staff provided to reporters is the same as the information that appeared in the Council staff reports on January 31 and February 21 and was presented verbally to the Council on those dates.”

So there’s a good chance some of the reporters and news outlets covering the Walmart controversy/council vote used city staffers as news sources. Some have suggested the early reports of the city council’s decision on Walmart were the result of “lazy reporters” guessing or not doing their due diligence as journalists. However, if these reporters gathered strong information on how the city council would vote  from city hall sources and used that as the basis of their reports — they cannot be faulted for getting the story right. Some would say they deserve kudos and a few high-fives.

Bottom line, the city council needs to step up and  launch an investigation to determine what information got passed on to the media and whether that information led directly to those early reports on the city council Walmart vote. Clear the air and the cloud of suspicion hanging over the city council’s Walmart vote. Burbankers need to have confidence in the process — whether they agree with the outcome or not.

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Burbank Coordinating Council celebrates 79th birthday at monthly meeting in Burbank March 5, 2012

The Burbank Coordinating Council is one hard working organization. As it celebrates birthday number 79 — the council, led by President Janet Diel, shows no sign of slowing down. The BCC’s Holiday Basket Program reportedly provided food and gifts for over 500 needy families during the Christmas season last year. Now the attention turns to summer and fundraising for its campership program, which has been in operation since 1936. The program provides one week of summer camp for underprivileged kids, ages 8-18.

Diel says the BCC receives 100-to-200 applications a year. In 2011, they were able to send 55 kids to camp. The goal this year is to give that opportunity to every child that applies. “A donation of $400.00 will send a child to resident camp for a week, $200.00 will send a needy child to day camp for a week. Any donation, $75.00, $50.00, $25.00 or $10.00 will help provide opportunities for these children who would otherwise never afford a camping experience,” according to Diel.

The Burbank Coordinating Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, therefore, donations are tax deductible. For more information call (818) 843-3699 or (818) 216-9377 or send an email to BCCCamperships@aol.com .

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes helped a dining staff member show off the Burbank Coordinating Council birthday cake at the Little White Chapel in Burbank March 5, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Site of a future Walmart 1301 North Victory Place at the Empire Center in Burbank

The Burbank Walmart controversy just keeps growing. Now there are questions about the fairness of that quickie vote taken by the Burbank City Council at its  February 21 meeting, which cleared the way for Walmart to get the permits it will probably  need to renovate the site of The Great Indoors out at the Empire Center.  Despite  protests and hours of emotional speeches by opponents of the project, the council voted 4-to-1 to accept a staff report that dismissed all those protests and concerns.  The lone “no” vote came from Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy.

Last night, anti-Walmart forces returned to the Burbank City Council meeting with new ammo. Several people raised questions about the council vote last week on Walmart, which came after midnight, but the decision appeared to be reported in the media as early as 10 p.m.  Council members, Dave Golonski, Dr, David Gordon, and Mayor Jess Talamantes insisted their votes to not scrutinize the Walmart project further were on the up-and-up and not part of any back-room deal.   

Here’s the e-mail sent out by Stop Walmart in Burbank on Monday, February 27.

Hi Everyone,

Many of you probably saw the headlines in the media this week – we are sad to report that city council has approved the building permits for Walmart at the Empire Center.

If you would like to see the podcast of the council meeting, you can see it in its entirety here: www.ci.burbank.ca.us/index.aspx?page=633.

In a nutshell, after 7 long hours of waiting for the Walmart issue to be discussed on the agenda, we were disappointed to find that staff did not expand their report, as unanimously requested by council at the previous meeting.  There was little discussion on the issue regarding either (1) the unsatisfied traffic mitigations or (2) the prohibited sales of grocery in sub-area D.  Only Ms. Gabel-Luddy made a concerted effort to further explore these issues, and she was out-voted four to one.  The staff report, which basically gave city leadership an “escape hatch” to avoid properly vetting this store, was approved, rubber stamped, and filed away.

What’s also disturbing, at 10pm (hours before the Walmart agenda even came up for discussion), KTLA reported that the Council gave approval for the Walmart permits to be issued – curious because the vote wasn’t made until well past 1 am.

There will be some sort of recourse for the council’s vote to go ahead with allowing the permits, and further investigation of their vote count that was leaked to the media.  As we know more, we will let you know more.

Thank you for all your support!
Team Stop Walmart

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Media City Groove will continue to follow this developing story.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Actor Arlow Stewart in Abraham Lincoln Park 300 North Buena Vista Street Burbank February 25, 2012

There’s a ton of great talent in the Southland. So we’re going to be giving shout-outs to some of  that talent in a new feature called Media City G Profiles.  First up: Actor Arlow Stewart.

I heard Arlow Stewart give a cold reading during a community event here in Burbank a short while ago. I was impressed with his skill. Others there commented on his strong vocal delivery as well.

At the age of 16, Stewart and his mother took what he called “a risk of faith” by leaving Oklahoma City for Hollywood. Stewart enrolled at John Burroughs High School in Burbank where he graduated with the class of 2000. Also, he beat the odds and quickly broke into the acting field. He got work in commercials and in television series like “Chicago Hope,” “Judging Amy,” “The Practice,” “ER,” and “Without A Trace.”  His movie credits include the 2003 action film, “S.W.A.T. “  In addition, Stewart says, “I have a love for live performance… ” such as local theater.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Actor Arlow Stewart in Abraham Lincoln Park 300 North Buena Vista Street Burbank February 25, 2012

NEW CONTACT INFO:

Manager
Griffith Talent
Shaunna Griffith
(818) 415-4169

Agent
Nancy Chaidez Agency
(323) 467-8954

Arlow Stewart, Jr.
(818) 272-6870
arlow.b.stewart@my.csun.edu

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Mayor Jess Talamantes at a Burbank City Council meeting December 13, 2011

Today one of Burbank’s classroom warriors got some high marks, kudos, and acknowledgement from Mayor Jess Talamantes in a letter released to the media. Here’s the full text.

As Mayor of the City of Burbank I am writing this letter in support of one of Burbank’s middle school teachers, Ms. Rebecca Mieliwocki, who was named the 2012 California Teacher of the Year, and is one of the four finalists nationwide for the 2012 National Teacher of the Year award.

On behalf of the City of Burbank, I could not be more proud that this community is being represented by such an amazing educator who has been described as “remarkably gifted and innovative,” and  an “inspiration to other teachers as well as her students, who are learning and succeeding due to her tremendous classroom skill.”

Ms. Mieliwocki has been teaching for more than 14 years, including nine years at Luther Burbank Middle School, my Alma Mater, where she teaches general education and Gifted and Talented Education classes. She is faculty chair and serves on the school leadership team. Her lessons are infused with a wide array of technical tools that, as her principal says, “brings lessons to life.”

It is professionals like Ms. Mieliwocki, with her classroom skills combined with her dedication to the youth of this community, that make Burbank such an amazing place in which to live, work and play.

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to formally recognize Ms. Mielwocki’s amazing achievement and wish her the best of luck and gratitude as she proudly represents Burbank across this great nation.

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.