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Thanksgiving message from Burbank Mayor Bob Frutos

By Guest Contributor on Tuesday, November 23, 2021

This Thanksgiving I am grateful I will be joining my family, like so many families in our community in sitting down together to give thanks for those things we are so thankful for in our lives. When I look back over last year I have served as Mayor, I am grateful for a caring and kind community for your patience, kindness, perseverance and flexibility despite the challenges we all faced last year. Burbank has come through with compassion for one another and we continue to hope for a better 2022.... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, holidays, Letters to the Editor, Mayor Bob Frutos, Thanksgiving

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris win the White House race

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, November 9, 2020

President-Elect, Joe Biden, and Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris, are moving ahead with the transition, after winning a hard- fought battle for the White House. Last Saturday, the Associate Press was the first to call the race for Biden and Harris. Other media outlets quickly followed. The Associate Press reported Biden secured the 20 electoral votes of his home state of Pennsylvania, which put him over the 270 threshold needed to win the presidency. Biden will now become the 46th President of the United States. While Kamala Harris will... Read More →

Tags: campaign 2020, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, White House

Three seats for the Burbank school board on the ballot

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, October 26, 2020

Three incumbents on the Burbank Board of Education are facing a tough challenger in the November General Election. There are three school board seats up for election on the Burbank ballot. Running for re-election are Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Steve Ferguson, and Roberta Reynolds. The challenger is an experienced middle school teacher with a doctorate in education, Emily Weisberg. In a recent candidates forum, Weisberg held her own against the incumbents. During the forum, the candidates were quizzed on a variety of subjects. Among the topics funding,... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, campaign 2020, candidates, General Municipal Election

Face covering crackdown kicks off in Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, October 16, 2020

Face covering enforcement goes into effect in Burbank today, Friday, October 16. A news release from the Burbank Police Department says the focus will be on certain areas, which received”… the majority of complaints… the Chandler Bikeway, downtown Burbank, the Magnolia Park business district, and City parks.” The Burbank Police Department is taking a support role in the enforcement. The City of Burbank hired an outside firm, Willdan Engineering, to issue administrative citations. The Orange County firm provides technical and consulting services, with emphasis on safety and compliance,... Read More →

Tags: COVID-19, face coverings, face masks, Magnolia Boulevard

John Lewis 1940 – 2020

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, July 18, 2020

John Lewis died yesterday at the age of 80. He was a crusader for civil rights and voting rights. Continue his fight. Stand up for what is right. And vote , not only at the national and state level, but locally. That will honor his legacy and make our America better and stronger. "In so many ways, John’s life was exceptional. But he never believed that what he did was more than any citizen of this country might do," former President Barack Obama wrote. https://t.co/HRwZSS88Hw pic.twitter.com/vZkNcJxCSF— USA TODAY... Read More →

Tags: civil rights, John Lewis, obituary

Curfew in Burbank and businesses take action

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, June 1, 2020

A curfew goes into effect in Burbank at 5 p.m. until 6 a.m. today and many businesses are taking action. Some, like the Apple computer specialist, MelroseMac, 2400 West Olive Avenue, are boarding up doors and windows preparing for the worst. Before the City of Burbank issued the order for a 5 p.m. curfew, plenty of chatter on social media and around town about protests planned for this afternoon at various places here. The protests are part of the national and global outrage over suspicious deaths and mistreatment of African... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, businesses, curfew, demonstrations, protests

Burbank COVID-19 update For Monday, March 23

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, March 24, 2020

The latest Burbank COVID-19 update for Monday, March 23, has new information. In it, Mayor, Sharon Springer, talks about the newest restrictions added to the “Safer at Home” order. The Los Angeles County Health Department issued that order. A summary and link to that order is here. Also, Mayor Springer announced the closure of hiking trails, gives reminders on what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet, and provides a list of coronavirus crisis resources.

Tags: Burbank, Mayor Sharon Springer, updates

Saturday coronavirus update from the mayor of Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, March 21, 2020

Another update today from the mayor of Burbank. In this coronavirus update, Sharon Springer, announces some important changes to how the public works department handles bulky items and some trash pick-ups.

Tags: Burbank, coronavirus, Mayor Sharon Springer, updates

Coronavirus outbreak update from Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, March 21, 2020

On Friday, March 20, Burbank Mayor Sharon Springer recorded another coronavirus outbreak update for residents. In this video, Springer talks about the “Safer at Home” order from the State of California and the Los Angeles County Health Department. Also, the mayor explains what you can do and what you cannot do under the new tighter restrictions.

Tags: Burbank, coronavirus, Mayor Sharon Springer, updates

Burbank water and power rate increase suspended

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, March 21, 2020

Some good news for Burbankers. The recently proposed Burbank Water and Power rate increase has been suspended. Last Thursday, March 19, city officials made the decision due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Mayor Sharon Springer has more on that and an alert for residents to be on the lookout for scammers during this difficult time.

Tags: Burbank, coronavirus, Mayor Sharon Springer, updates

Coronavirus update from the City of Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Here’s the latest coronavirus update from the City of Burbank. Last night, the Burbank City Council approved an urgency ordinance prohibiting the evictions of residential and commercial tenants for non-payment of rent due to the coronavirus crisis. Details on the city website. Also, Burbank is putting out a series of video updates. The latest features Mayor Sharon Springer and it was released late today.

Tags: Burbank, coronavirus, Mayor Sharon Springer, tenants

Coronavirus prompts more cancellations in Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, March 13, 2020

The pandemic strikes again. The coronavirus prompts more cancellations in Burbank. The March food truck festival on Magnolia Blvd. is now a no-go. Ladies and Gents Night Out, as it is officially known, got canceled yesterday. It was scheduled for Friday, March 27. The Magnolia Park Merchants Association sponsors the event for 10 months of the year. The association made the announcement in an email, following the City of Burbank’s declaration of a local state of emergency. The association’s email ended on a hopeful note: “…we look forward to bringing... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, cancellations, coronavirus, Magnolia Park Merchants Association

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- City Hall 275 East Olive Avenue Burbank June 24, 2017

City of Burbank taking steps in wake of coronavirus crisis

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, March 13, 2020

The City of Burbank is taking steps in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Late yesterday, Public Information Officer, Simone McFarland, sent out a news release about the pandemic. Read it here. City of Burbank Taking Steps to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (Declares a State of Emergency) BURBANK, CA (March 12, 2020) – As Coronavirus cases continue to increase within the State and nationwide, there are many precautions being taken by agencies and businesses to slow down the spread of the virus. The City of Burbank wants to be... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, coronavirus, pandemic

Don't Sign Petition/Mailer from January 2020

Confusion and controversy over Burbank petition

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, January 13, 2020

Voters are facing a lot of confusion and controversy over a Burbank petition. At the center of the controversy is the proposed La Terra North 777 Front Street project, which the Burbank City Council unanimously approved last month. The petition seeks to put the brakes on the mixed-use Downtown Burbank project through a referendum ballot measure for the upcoming November general election. This bold move has raised the ire of city officials and the developer. Burbank Fact Sheet Last week, a “Fact Sheet” about the project appeared on... Read More →

Tags: ballot measures, Burbank, Elections, petition, referendum, voters

Councilman Frutos: Holiday greetings

By Guest Contributor on Thursday, December 26, 2019

As this year comes to a conclusion, I would like to wish everyone happiness and good health in the new year. This year has been a bumpy year for many close friends, including my family who has been dealing with the reality of my mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Yet, during this holiday season I was reminded how blessed I am to live in a tight-knit community with neighbors and friends who have opened their doors to help one another and have invited others to their home or church for... Read More →

Tags: Burbank City Councilman Bob Frutos, greetings, holidays, Letters to the Editor, new year

Holiday greetings from Councilman Bob Frutos

By Guest Contributor on Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Neighbors and Friends, “I’m truly grateful, Happy Holidays” The holidays give us an opportunity to be thankful for what we have. I am truly grateful for all my blessings. Let us remember those who are less fortunate and reach out to help someone in need. I am honored to continue to serve you and I am thankful for the many residents and businesses who truly care about our community. I am also thankful for all our dedicated city employees and our police and fire departments for your... Read More →

Tags: Burbank City Councilman Bob Frutos, holidays, Media City

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- City council meeting City Hall Burbank July 31, 2018

Save Magnolia Park supporters speak out at Burbank City Council

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, August 13, 2018

Still some chatter in town about what happened when Save Magnolia Park supporters spoke out at the city council last Tuesday, July 31. Most of the talk is about Councilman, Jess Talamantes’, response to their case. The supporters asked for council assistance in preserving the unique flavor of the Magnolia Park Business District. Also, they got council to agree to send staffers to listen and learn at the August 13 town hall meeting at Geeky Teas & Games, 2120 West Magnolia Blvd., 7 pm. The supporters presented their case well,... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, Magnolia Park, Save Magnolia Park

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G-- Former location of Pinup Girl Boutique 3606 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank July 2, 2018

Cannabis company is moving into Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, July 31, 2018

A cannabis company is moving into Burbank, specifically, taking over a prime location in Magnolia Park’s business district. That’s right, a firm called Quanta has leased the former Pinup Girl Boutique building at 3606 Magnolia Blvd, on the same block as Porto’s, not far from the retro shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, off-the-wall emporiums, and trendy stores. The nearby Lakeside Shopping Center on Pass Avenue is getting the miniature burger innovation Burgerim and downtown Burbank will soon have one of the most popular and fastest growing restaurants, Shake Shack. Both eateries are... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Council, cannabis, Magnolia Park

Mayor Emily Gabel Luddy, photo courtesy City of Burbank

New mayor, new vacancy on the Burbank City Council

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, May 7, 2018

New mayor, new vacancy on the Burbank City Council. No surprise, Vice-Mayor-turned Mayor Pro Tem, Emily Gabel-Luddy, was “appointed” mayor for the next year by council colleagues, Jess Talamantes, Sharon Springer, and Bob Frutos at last Tuesday’s council reorganization meeting. Council member Springer, who is serving her first term, was selected as vice-mayor. Again, no surprise. Council tends to reward members who don’t rock the boat or ask the really hard questions. Case in point, Dr. David Gordon. These council members seem to take pride in how well they... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, city council

The death of Burbank mayor prompts changes on city council

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, April 24, 2018

The death of Burbank mayor prompts changes on city council. Mayor Will Rogers died last Thursday after a battle with cancer. His passing creates a vacant seat on the council as well as requiring some other changes. Per a news release from Burbank PIO, Simone McFarland, “According to the City Charter, the Vice Mayor shall act as the Mayor Pro Tempe (Tem) through the May 1 reorganization”meeting. So that means Vice Mayor, Emily Gabel-Luddy, moves up into the mayor’s position. Luddy would likely be selected by her colleagues to be... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, city council, Will Rogers

Burbank City Councilman Bob Frutos city council meeting June 6, 2017

Letter: Happy Thanksgiving wishes from Bob Frutos

By Guest Contributor on Monday, November 20, 2017

“Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.” It is time to reflect on all of the blessings for which I am thankful. I am thankful for another good year of health for myself and my family. I am continually honored and blessed to serve as your council member of our great city. I am also thankful for so many residents who care for our community and get involved in our local government. It is because of your love and dedication that makes this a great community. I am thankful for the dedicated employees that work hard, especially our Police and Fire Departments... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank City Councilman Bob Frutos, holidays, Letters to the Editor, Thanksgiving

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Mayor Will Rogers discloses liver cancer diagnosis at news conference in front of City Hall in Burbank September 20, 2017

Burbank Mayor Rogers reducing activities due to liver cancer diagnosis

By Fronnie Lewis on Thursday, September 21, 2017

Burbank Mayor, Will Rogers, reducing activities due to liver cancer diagnosis. Mayor Rogers, a city council member since 2015, made the disclosure yesterday in a rare news conference in front of the City Hall entrance on East Olive Avenue. The announcement did not come as a shock. Rumors, whispers, and innuendos about Rogers’ health have been circulating for months. Rogers acknowledged publicly for the first time: “My cancer is at stage four… like every one of us here today… I don’t know today if I have another week or another... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, cancer, Mayor Will Rogers

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