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Archive | Politics & Issues

Politics & Issues

Media City Buzz: Big changes ahead for Burbank as a second councilmember bows out of the 2022 election

Mayor Jess Talamantes’ decision not to run for re-election opens the door for big changes in Burbank. Over the years, many residents have burned my ears with complaints about the city council and how it handles major issues and controversies. It’s a fact; City Council votes affect the quality of life of the 100-thousand plus people who call the Media City home. Most residents rarely think about the five elected officials on the city council. That is, until they are directly impacted by street parking battles, development expansion, or perhaps... Read More →

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Letter to the Editor: Burbank update from Councilmember Nick Schultz

Just over 100 days ago, I took my oath of office and was sworn in as your City Councilmember.  While there has been much to learn in my short time on the City Council, I feel increasingly optimistic that our community is well-positioned to build back strong from this unprecedented public health and economic crisis. As a candidate, I advocated for the creation of a Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce.  Last month, the City Council voted unanimously to re-purpose one of our existing sub-committees and create an Economic Recovery Sub-Committee comprised... Read More →

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Curfew in Burbank and businesses take action

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 →

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Burbank COVID-19 update For Monday, March 23

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.

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Coronavirus outbreak update from Burbank

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.

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Burbank water and power rate increase suspended

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.

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Letter to the editor from Burbank Vice Mayor Frutos

Friends and Neighbors, We are going to get through this together.  As you may know, our City has declared a State of Local Emergency as part of a continued, proactive approach towards slowing the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. This is unknown territory that we have not experienced before.  We need to remain positive, stay healthy and check up on our neighbors to be sure they’re doing well.   That said, I understand if some residents will worry about uncertainty or feel anxious.  You are not alone.     Please know our... Read More →

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Coronavirus update from the City of Burbank

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.

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Coronavirus prompts more cancellations in Burbank

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 →

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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

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 →

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Don't Sign Petition/Mailer from January 2020

Confusion and controversy over Burbank petition

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 →

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Councilman Frutos: Holiday greetings

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 →

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Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Former Pinup Girl Boutique 3606 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank September 3, 2018

Update on former Pinup Girl Boutique location in Magnolia Park

What’s happening in the former Pinup Girl Boutique at 3606 West Magnolia Blvd? Well, it depends on who you ask. A company called Quanta has moved into the location, after its business license application was approved by the City of Burbank in early summer. Quanta’s owner Eric Rice The license is for office space only, but the owner, Eric Rice, has made it clear to a lot of folks his plan is to sell hemp-based products from this prime retail storefront. In his business license application, Rice, tried... Read More →

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

Save Magnolia Park supporters speak out at Burbank City Council

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 →

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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

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 →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- 3200 block of West Magnolia Blvd. in Magnolia Park Burbank July 2, 2018

City Buzz: Troubled times for Magnolia Park business district

Troubled times for Magnolia Park business district again. The sometimes quirky, sometimes funky, but definitely unique business sector stretches from North Clybourn Avenue to North Victory Boulevard on Magnolia Boulevard and West Chandler Boulevard to Clark Avenue on Hollywood Way. Much of the action is concentrated on Magnolia. The collection of vintage shops, eateries, one-of-a-kind emporiums, and small businesses on the boulevard has a certain appeal and sense of hip cool, which really cannot be explained. It just is. Nevertheless, the evolution from a sleepy boulevard to what it is... Read More →

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Mayor Emily Gabel Luddy, photo courtesy City of Burbank

New mayor, new vacancy on the Burbank City Council

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 →

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Will Rogers (1957-2018 ) Photo courtesy City of Burbank

The death of Burbank mayor prompts changes on city council

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 →

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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

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 →

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Photo: FLLewis /Media City G -- Theresa Hanna owner of Bell Cottage 3322 West Magnolia Blvd Burbank August 3, 2017

Fears and concerns grow after two more shop burglaries in Magnolia Park

Fears and concerns grow after two more burglaries at shops in Magnolia Park. Theresa Hanna’s gift shop, Bell Cottage, is at Magnolia Boulevard and Lima Street. Bell Cottage was burglarized a week ago,  along with Vintage Boutique Antiques, 942 North Lima Street. For the past 10 years, Delmy Hernandez has owned the little vintage shop around the corner from Bell Cottage. Hernandez lives nearby and heard a security alarm go off shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday morning, July 30. The burglaries appear to be what are frequently called “smash and... Read More →

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

City Buzz: Changes at Burbank City Hall and around town

Some changes and developments in the Media City as we head into the last week of June 2017. Burbank City Hall — After five years as Burbank’s Public Information Officer, Drew Sugars, is moving on. Sugars’ departure was officially announced late last Friday in a news release from City Hall. The veteran broadcast journalist will become the Director of Communications and Community Relations for Glendale Community College. In the release, Sugars said: “… I’m sad to leave so many colleagues and friends in this fantastic City, but I’m excited... Read More →

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