Dress in layers, caused it could get into the mid-80s today.  At 9 a.m. the temperature in the Media City lingered on the chilly side — upper 50s. Nevertheless, the weather forecast is for at least 80 and perhaps a bit warmer with plenty of sunshine.

Also, those gusty winds are expected to kick up again today. There is a wind advisory through mid-afternoon. We could get winds of 15-50 mph and gusts to 40 mph. On the plus side, clear and beautiful skies. A short while ago,  I was out walking on Glenoaks Boulevard, digging the sunshine and warm temperature.

Meanwhile,  they’re expecting some winds in Rock Springs, Wyoming  as well. The high there today, maybe 36 degrees. That makes me dig living in the Southland even more.

We’re getting sunshine and some gusty winds, along with those cloudy skies  here in Burbank today. It was warm enough, near 70,  to take a stroll through the downtown district around noon; however, I had to hold onto my hat at times to keep the wind from blowing it off.

Weather watchers are predicting strong winds in various parts of the Southland. The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings for SoCal through tomorrow.

Here in Media City we can expect  20-30 mph winds with some gusts  reaching 45 mph.  The blustery conditions may linger for several days. 

Oh, and don’t put away that umbrella — more rain could be headed our way by the end of the week.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The entrance to the 134 freeway off Central Avenue in Glendale was blocked off for a period due to President Obama's visit, Friday, October, 22, 2010

More than 37, 000 gathered in a park at USC to see and hear President Barack Obama’s rousing get out the vote for the mid-term election speech yesterday. Later in the afternoon, much smaller crowds clustered in Glendale on street corners, in restaurant doorways, wherever they thought they might catch a glimpse of the presidential motorcade. Yet, from what I observed, the Glendale crowds were just as thrilled to see the president come to town as the throngs at USC.

In an attempt to avoid the traffic snarls and complaints of the past, President Obama helicoptered to Bob Hope Airport on  board Marine One. Then the president rode in a motorcade to Univision Radio in the 600 block of North Central Avenue, for an interview with Radio Host, Eddie Piolin. The Spanish-language “Piolin Show” is one of the top rated radio programs in the country.

I missed the president’s arrival, but thought I could get a departure shot. However, by the time I found a parking spot on a side street and walked over to the blocked off 134 entrance on North Central Avenue, the presidential limo had made a quick getaway.

When I asked a group, including a man carrying a small child, how was it – I got big smiles and exclamations like, “Great!”  That reaction was echoed by Legal Secretary, Maria Castillo, who told me the crowd went wild when the motorcade approached at 4:03 p.m. : “People immediately started screaming & clapping. Everyone was very excited.  Especially when he waved at the crowd.”

Castillo caught the action in two photos on her cell phone.

Photo: Maria Castillo/Cell Phone Camera -- President Obama's motorcade rolled down North Central Avenue in Glendale and then onto the 134 freeway ramp, Friday, October 22, 2010

Photo: Maria Castillo/ Cell Phone Camera -- President Obama's limo makes a left turn onto the 134 freeway ramp from North Central Avenue in Glendale, Friday, October 22, 2010

 ALERT: Get your photos published on Media City Groove. No money, but you get credit and plenty of exposure on this blog and shout outs on the Media City Groove Twitter and Facebook pages. So if you take a photo of breaking news, or an interesting event or scene send  it to Media City Groove. I will not be able to use every photo — but some definitely will get posted here.

The Mega Millions lottery jackpot just got super-sized.  No one matched all of the winning numbers in last Tuesday’s draw, so the jackpot blew-up again. It’s now hovering at around $101 million. I get the feeling lottery tickets are going to be selling fast today, come rain or shine.

Oh, last Tuesday’s game was not a total wash in California. Two tickets had all of the winning numbers, except the Mega Ball. Each is worth a cool $252,588.  That could add a little cheer to the upcoming holiday season.

A massage therapist out in Canoga Park has cashed in one of those quarter- million dollar Mega Millions ticket. Tracy Evans told lottery officials she usually wagers only $1 at a time on the lottery, but felt lucky and bought $6 worth of tickets. One of those tickets hit it big for Evans, who registered for nursing school a few days ago.

Evans says her winnings will allow her to “ go to school..” without worrying about how to pay the bills.  

Tuesday’s winning numbers: 2, 9, 14, 37, 42, and the Mega Ball 41.

The next draw is today at 8 p.m.

More showers with a chance of thunderstorms in Burbank and most of the Southland, today.  Last night, I was out on the freeways and noticed the big trucks had slowed down and only a few motorists were darting in and out of traffic as if the roads were dry. It has taken a few days of rainy weather for some drivers to get the message. Hopefully, that will mean less accidents and traffic mishaps today.  

The Media City is not expected to get out of the 60s on this cloudy day. So bundle up and keep the umbrella handy.

It’s time to pick out the pumpkins, put out the Halloween decorations, and begin stocking up on trick or treat candy.

For those who really get into the Halloween groove, the hunt is now on for the perfect costume. The weather is helping set the mood. Today it’s chilly, cloudy, and drizzly in Burbank with a chance of real rain through at least Tuesday, perhaps into Wednesday as well.

 Yep, it feels like Halloween time. To check out the exact number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds to Halloween, see the spooky countdown in the far right column of this blog.

Plenty of money news from the California Lottery today.  First, the Mega Millions jackpot is hitting lottery fever territory at $72 million.  In last Tuesday’s draw, no one picked all of the winning numbers: 10, 31, 36, 37, 43, and the Mega Ball 15. Still, one ticket bought in California did match all but the Mega Ball and is worth $605, 643.  The next Mega Millions draw is tomorrow, Friday at 8 p.m.

Also, one lucky Southland SuperLotto Plus ticket holder is going to be able to go holiday shopping with very few money worries. That ticket is worth 30 million  bucks! The ticket was bought for last Saturday’s game at the 7-Eleven at 1773 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Those hot winning numbers are: 35, 17, 8, 31, 11, and the Mega number 7.

UPDATED: 5:30 p.m.  The high today reached 90. It could be even hotter tomorrow!

Ditch that umbrella and get out the sunglasses. A sunny and warm three- day holiday weekend kicks off today with a predicted high in the upper 80s in Burbank.  On Sunday, more of the same gorgeous Southland weather with temperatures continuing to hover near 90 through Monday, Columbus Day.

We needed the rain, but this is the kind of fall weather the Southland is known for and many of us long-time residents relish with glee. Bring it on!

Stormy weather creating havoc in the Southland today. During the noon hour, Burbank got hammered by a batch of heavy rain. I was about to step outside, when sheets of rain thundered from the sky. Humm, I was expecting a few clouds and drizzle, but not a full blown storm!

The bad weather is causing all sorts of problems on streets, roads, and highways in SoCal. There are reports of flooding and tons of accidents. The forecast is for as much as a quarter of an inch of rain in some places by 8 p.m. tonight. Also, we’re getting strong winds along with some cool temperatures.  So button-up and be careful out there.

Keep those umbrellas handy. I had to use mine a couple times while out and about in Burbank today. The weather watchers are predicting more showers and thunderstorms will roll through Southern California tonight and tomorrow, maybe even Wednesday as well.

The Burbank hillside area got dumped on by a fast moving rain cell around 9 :30 p.m. tonight. When it pounds the roof like that — we’re talking rain and not light drizzle. No complaints from me. The wet weather means there’s no need to turn on the sprinklers tomorrow.

Temperatures are expected to remain on the cool side, 40 to-mid- 50s at night and 60s-to-low 70s during the day for the Media City. The forecast is not all cloudy skies — a warming trend is expected to take hold in the Southland by the end of the week.

The overcast skies did more than just threaten rain this morning in Burbank . At around 10:30 a.m., I was at the Downtown Burbank Post Office when a patch of rain rolled through.It didn’t last long, but was enough to force folks to scamper for cover.  More unpredictable weather is ahead for Burbank and the rest of the Southland through the weekend.

In the Media City, a chance of showers, low clouds, and fog tonight. The temperature is continuing to plunge as well. Tomorrow the predicted high in the mid-to-upper 70s. Last weekend, we were roasting in triple digit heat.  Yeah, weird weather.

How hot is it? So hot that the sun loving flowers in my Burbank yard are wilting. Yesterday, the temperature climbed  to 109 degrees in the Media City. Even at 8 p.m. last night is was still 100. More triple digit heat is headed our way today.

Other parts of the Southland are suffering in this heat wave, too. On Monday, the thermometer soared to 109 in Pasadena, 102 Santa Monica and 102 in West Hollywood as well. The all time record high of a 112 was shattered  in Los Angeles yesterday when the temperature reached 113.  Also, there were a ton of heat-related power outages in the L.A. area. Utility crews are scrambling to restore power to thousands of users today.

Here in Burbank, I noticed a number of large broken tree limbs littering the ground on some streets late yesterday. Trees apparently get stressed in the heat resulting in some of the weak limbs snapping  off. Watch out, some of those branches are pretty large and can cause damage to vehicles and other property.

UPDATED: 5:53 p.m.

The city of Burbank sent out an e-mail a short while ago announcing the Buena Vista Library, at 300 North Buena Vista Street, will be opened until 8 p.m. this evening due to the extreme heat.

You know, it’s still going to be hot at that time. To really provide residents with a cool place to relax, the library should stay open until at least 10 p.m. For more information here’s the library’s phone number: (818) 238-5620

The calendar says it should be fall, but this weekend, the Southland is baking in summer-like heat. Yesterday afternoon, when it was over 100 here in Burbank, I had to run some errands. Instead of the usual crowds at the post office, bank, and Trader Joe’s on Alameda Avenue – I found only a few brave souls willing to suffer through the heat.

The temps hovered in the 90s and 80s through much of Saturday evening.  Things cooled off to the low 70s after midnight, however by 9 a.m. the temperature was up to 86 and rising.

The forecast is for a high of at least 105 in the Media City today. A benefit to all this heat — I ‘ve noticed increased activity by butterflies and bees in my flower garden. A lovely sight.

The leaves are turning colors and dropping from the giant Mulberry tree in my Burbank yard. For the past few days, we’ve had mild temperatures, some fog, a little drizzle, and a definite fall like chill in the mornings. Ah, but hold on, we’re about to be hit by a blast of summer by the end of the week.

In true Southland style, a warming trend is set to kick–off tomorrow, the first day of autumn. Mostly sunny skies predicted for the Media City with a high in the 80′s — perhaps even 90 on Thursday. By Sunday, we could be sweltering in triple digit heat again. So don’t put away those flip-flops, tee shirts, and shorts just yet.

More changes for the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers. A press release from the organization yesterday announced the departure of Manager Joe Torre and his replacement– another former New York Yankee, Don Mattingly.

In the release, Dodger General Manager, Ned Colletti, praised Torre for his contribution to the team:  ”Joe Torre has been a great friend, a strong leader and an incredible presence for this organization and I cannot thank him enough for his service to the Dodgers. I respect his decision to step aside…”

“It has been an incredible honor to wear the Dodger uniform and I will always carry with me some very special memories from the past three seasons,” Torre is quoted in the release as saying. “This was not a decision I took lightly but I believe it’s the right one for myself and my family…”

Late yesterday at a news conference, The ex-Yankee manager admitted he was retiring from the Dodgers, but not from baseball. Can you really blame him for heading for the door? Late last month, Dodger management dumped Big Time Attendance Draw/Slugger, Manny Ramirez, and pretty much threw in the towel on the season.

Meanwhile team owners, Frank and Jamie McCourt,  are ripping each other apart and dragging the team through the mud in a Los Angeles divorce court. No wonder, there’s growing concern about the McCourts handling of the legendary team and its impact not only on the Dodgers, but on all of Major League Baseball!   

The new manager, Don Mattingly, takes over next season. Mattingly is probably best known for his 14 years as a first baseman for the Yankees. As a player, he won some awards and racked up some pretty good stats.  He’s been a coach for the past seven years — the last three, as the Dodgers’ hitting coach. However, Mattingly has NEVER held a manager’s job. The Los Angeles Times points out that this season Mattingly filled in for Torre a couple of times and the results were not impressive.

At that Dodger Stadium news conference, Mattingly tried to generate some confidence: “I’m excited about this opportunity… I feel like I’m ready.” I hope he is. Mattingly has an incredibly difficult job ahead of him and huge shoes to fill.

Photo credit: Sports.spreadit.org --Reggie Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy

A lot of chatter on the Internet and in the media about New Orleans Saints Running Back Reggie Bush’s decision to forfeit his 2005 Heisman Trophy. This is a big deal, not just for USC and  Southland football fans. The former USC tailback is the first player to give up the Heisman in its 75 year history. The award is considered one of the top honors in sports.

What happened? In a statement posted yesterday on the Saints’ website, Bush  blamed the media for his decision: ”The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting.” Hmm. Even thought he admits “mistakes,” Bush doesn’t really take full responsibility for this awful  situation nor the dishonor he has brought to himself and USC.  

Recently, after a lengthy investigation, the NCAA determined Bush took cash and gifts from would-be agents while in college, according to the Los Angeles Times. That’s a clear violation of National Collegiate Athletic Association standards. There’s a good chance Bush would have been stripped of his Heisman, so he gave it up.

Also in that statement, Bush offers to help  ”…establish an educational program which will assist student-athletes and their families avoid some of the mistakes that I made.”  Again, Bush needs to come clean about his mistakes before he can really help others to avoid them or find redemption from them.

Here’s the full statement by Reggie Bush regarding the Heisman Trophy from the Saints website.

One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. For me, it was a dream come true.

But I know that the Heisman is not mine alone. Far from it. I know that my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of  my teammates, the steady guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans, and the unconditional love of my family and friends. And I know that any young man fortunate enough to win the Heisman enters into a family of sorts. Each individual carries the legacy of the award and each one is entrusted with its good name.

It is for these reasons that I have made the difficult decision to forfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005. The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting. In no way should the storm around these allegations reflect in any way on the dignity of this award, nor on any other institutions or individuals. Nor should it distract from outstanding performances and hard-earned achievements either in the past, present or future.

For the rest of my days, I will continue to strive to demonstrate through my actions and words that I was deserving of the confidence placed in me by the Heisman Trophy Trust. I would like to begin in this effort by turning a negative situation into a positive one by working with the Trustees to establish an educational program which will assist student-athletes and their families avoid some of the mistakes that I made. I am determined to view this event as an opportunity to help others and to advance the values and mission of the Heisman Trophy Trust.

I will forever appreciate the honor bestowed upon me as a winner of the Heisman. While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away.

Two lucky lottery winners could have a whole lot more green in their bank accounts  and wallets to celebrate the Labor Day Holiday. If only they had cashed in those winning lottery tickets.

California Lottery officials say there’s a Mega Millions ticket purchased about a month ago at the Lorena Market, 3360 East Olympic Boulevard in L.A. that has all but the winning Mega Ball number. That ticket is worth $197,117.

Another lottery ticket bought for the May 4 draw at the El Mexicano Market, 6625 South Avalon Boulevard in L.A., also matched all the numbers except the Mega Ball. That one has a value of $179,428. Now time is running out for the owner or owners of that ticket. Winners have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim their prizes. This ticket will expire on December first.

By the way, the Mega Millions jackpot is growing again. It stands at $25 million for next Tuesday’s game.

What a difference a few days can make.  This time last week, temperatures were rising along with the humidity here in Media City and throughout SoCal. Triple digits are normal for the Southland in August, but we’ve had such a mild summer that last week’s heat wave was a shock to the system.

It was delight to be greeted by a cool breeze and temperatures in the 60′s rather than the 80s this morning, in the Burbank hills. Sure makes it easier to do those yard chores like raking leave and trimming shrubs. 

The high today in B-town is expected to be around 70, however, the forecast is for warmer temperatures thorough the week. By Thursday and Friday, we should be in the upper 80s and low 90s — just in time for the long Labor Day weekend.

The heat is on in the Southland. At 9 p.m. last night,  it was 80 degrees in Burbank.  It’s going to be seriously hot today, with 80s along the beach, upper 90s in Los Angeles, and over a 100 in Burbank and some valley areas. There’s a good chance we could see some temperature records broken today.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for today through tomorrow for the Southland. The NWS advisory says: “ The combination of the very hot temperatures and slightly increased humidities is expected to produce dangerously high heat index readings for Tuesday through Wednesday evening.”  This means heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps are possible.

Folks are being reminded to take simply precautions like drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun if you can, and check on shut-in relatives and neighbors.

Three designated cooling center locations are posted on the Burbank city website. The hours and phone numbers for the Joslyn Adult Center, Buena Vista Library, and the Central Library are on the site as well. Click here for more information.

We’re finally getting a taste of summer. Temperatures have been in the 80s and 90s all week long. More of the same is being forecast for Burbank this weekend. It might be a good time to make that dash to the beach where it’s going to be a sizzler, too.

Over the next couple of days or so, Santa Monica and Venice will reportedly be basking in 80 degree temps. Those popular beach communities might even hit 90 before Monday morning. Hmm, on second thought, it might be a better idea to hang close to home and check out the local scene, rather than deal with the beach traffic and the big crowds searching for a little sand and surf action.