News, entertainment, opinion, and whatever sparks interest in Burbank the Media City
Fronnie Lewis - Editor

Tag Archives | campaigns

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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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Sharon Springer spoke during public comments period at city council meeting in Burbank April 4, 2017

Letter: Sharon Springer expresses gratitude for campaign support

Dear Burbank Community: I would like to thank our Burbank community for electing me to city council. Thank you for opening your doors when we knocked; thank you for talking with us outside grocery stores, and schools. Thank you for tolerating my morning campaign runs.  Thank you for hosting my bright pink signs, your financial contributions and your word of mouth endorsements.  Thanks to my campaign chair person, Elaine Paonessa, and my well-organized, relentless volunteers for their inspiration, support and belief in me.  Thanks to my organizational endorsements,... Read More →

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In the News graphic

In the News: March 16, 2016

Primary results from Super Tuesday 3, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton scored big last night and remain the front-runners heading for a showdown in the November Presidential Election. CNN Politics President Obama called the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate’s bluff and nominated a candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court today. Obama selected Judge Merrick Garland, of the Washington D.C. Federal Appeals Court and a former prosecutor in the Unabomber, Oklahoma Cit and Atlanta Olympics bombings cases. CNN, NPR, The White... Read More →

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Photo courtesy Katherine Perez-Estolano campaign

Letter: Katherine Perez-Estolano for State Senate

My name is Katherine Perez-Estolano and I am running to be your next State Senator in District 25. I love California and I believe in the people who make up this great state. From a young age, my mother – a lifelong school teacher –taught me that serving our community is a responsibility we all share, a lesson that has motivated me throughout my career and inspires me to serve. The Greater San Gabriel Valley has been my home for nearly 25 years. As a parent, wife, small business owner,... Read More →

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Photo courtesy Hillary Clinton Twitter account

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the Southland today

Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. is in the Southland today, fundraising and drumming up support for her campaign for the White House. Clinton is set to appear at an event at a home in Studio City this afternoon, the first of several appearance. Then later this evening, the former secretary of state is the main attraction at a reception hosted by Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, at the Hancock home of “Maze Runner” (2014) movie producer, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein. Tickets reportedly start at $1,000 per person. Yesterday Clinton... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Former location of Fresh & Easy market 1615 West Verdugo Avenue Burbank January 4, 2016

Campaign underway for a new Trader Joe’s in Burbank

A campaign is underway to open a new Trader Joe’s market in Burbank. It has gained traction in the neighborhood around the failed Fresh & Easy market at 1615 West Verdugo Avenue. For several weeks, there has been a call to action, for a new Trader Joe’s, posted on the front of that building. The notice is shown below. No doubt there are many fans of Trader Joe’s specialty items, extensive selection of prepared salads, assortment of frozen foods along with fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers. Another plus... Read More →

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Photo courtesy Burbank Animal Shelter

Burbank Sears joins campaign to help homeless pets

Sears in Burbank has opened its doors to some homeless pets. The retailer is partnering with the Burbank Animal Shelter in its “You can’t buy love, adopt it” campaign. “Over 2,500 animals come through the Burbank Animal Shelter ever year. Our goal with this new campaign is to encourage people to adopt pets. We are excited that Sears is helping us kick-off this campaign,” according to Burbank Animal Shelter administrative analyst Karen Wilcox in a news release. As part of the effort to get the word out, shoppers will  be seeing... Read More →

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Election campaigns graphic

Updated:Election Buzz: Several Burbank candidates pick up important endorsements

The first week of the new year kicked off with the announcement of some high-profile endorsements for the 2015 Burbank Municipal Elections. Burbank City Council candidate, Chris Rizzotti, has added another well-known politician to his list of endorsements. Rizzotti, a real estate broker and vice-president of the Burbank Planning Board, sent out a press release yesterday touting his endorsements. The newest addition, Burbank City Councilman Jess Talamantes. Council member Emily Gabel-Luddy, who is running for re-election, endorsed Rizzotti several months ago. “It’s an honor to... Read More →

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Photo courtesy Jesse "Tangk" Tangkhpanya

Candidate Jesse Tangk shares ideas for improving Burbank schools

Jesse “Tangk” Tangkhpanya is a newcomer to city politics with a very aggressive campaign. Since announcing his candidacy for the Burbank School Board last November, Tangk has sent out numerous news releases, set up a camapaign website and Facebook page, and produced several videos (see below). In a matter of a few weeks, the 29 year-old labor representative has gained some awareness among the voters for the upcoming primary on February 24. Becky Moore, the parent of a student who attended Burbank schools, wrote... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Holiday Basket Program organizer Janet Diel and Burbank School Board candidate Dr. Armond Aghakhanian at Washington Elementary School in Burbank December 13, 2014

Election Buzz: Holiday baskets, endorsements, and ballot order

A number of candidates running for office in 2015 Burbank elections, were among the hundreds of volunteers who pitched in to help with that enormous effort to deliver some holiday joy to some of the less fortunate in our community. Among the candidates spotted at George Washington Elementary, 2322 North Lincoln Street, were Burbank School Board contender Dr. Armond Aghakhanian… …  and Burbank City Council hopefuls, Juan Guillen and Will Rogers. More than 500 holiday basket got delivered to needy families. Details on that story here. Meanwhile, several candidates... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Burbank City Council member Emily Gabel-Luddy joined the council majority in supporting the Talaria project October 14, 2014

Election Buzz: Emily Gabel-Luddy running for re-election. Gary Bric?

Burbank City Council member, Emily Gabel-Luddy, has not called a news conference for the media, sent a letter to the Burbank Leader, nor issued a press release, but make no mistake about it, she’s running for re-election. Actually, Gabel-Luddy pretty much announced her intention to seek another term at the October 14 city council meeting. The focus of that meeting was the Talaria project, so Gabel-Luddy’s remarks about the coming 2015 Burbank Municipal Elections may have slipped beneath the radar. However, a review of those remarks shows the incumbent has... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Juan Guillen, city council candidate, at Starbucks 300 North San Fernando Blvd. Burbank October 25, 2014

Juan Guillen officially joins 2015 race for Burbank City Council

Juan Guillen, insurance specialist and community activist, has officially joined the 2015 race for Burbank City Council. He’s the latest of several candidates to take that step. Guillen made the announcement to me last Saturday during a chat at the Starbucks on North San Fernando Boulevard in Downtown Burbank. Guillen made an unsuccessful attempt for a council seat back in 2013, but impressed many with his intelligence and passion for the city and its residents. While some candidates who failed to get elected disappear from the public eye, Guillen... Read More →

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Election campaigns graphic

Chris Rizzotti wins major endorsement in Burbank City Council race

Realtor and Burbank Planning Board Vice-Chair, Chris Rizzotti, has picked up a major endorsement in the Burbank City Council race from local Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles). The nomination period for that 2015 race doesn’t open until next month, but Rizzotti has been running hard since announcing his candidacy back in March. He was the first candidate to officially toss his hat in the ring for two seats on the city council. Journalist, Will Rogers, and Burbank Police Commissioner, Elise Stearns-Niesen, have come... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Burbank Water and Power crew seen wearing pink hard hats on West Olive Avenue near South Brighton Street Burbank October 7, 2014

UPDATED: Burbank Water and Power crews go pink for October

Burbank Water and Power crews are wearing pink hard hats to draw attention to October as National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women. Each year, it is estimated that over 220,000 women in this country will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. However, many believe breast cancer is only a female disease. It’s not. Annually, around 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die, according to the National Breast... Read More →

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campaign candidate clip art

City Buzz: First official Burbank City Council candidate for 2015

Burbank has been buzzing for some time about the two city council seats on next year’s election ballot. Several potential candidates have been talking about launching campaigns in 2015 for city council, however, none had officially announced until today. Burbank Planning Board member/small business owner, Chris Rizzotti, officially announced his candidacy for the city council on MyBurbank today. In his announcement, Rizzotti who’s a life long resident of the city and the owner of Rizzotti Real Estate, says he’s a good fit for the city council: “Nobody... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Jess Talamantes for city council sign at the Olive Court Apartments on West Olive Avenue in Burbank January 3, 2013

‘Tis the political season in Burbank

Along with holiday greetings, I got several political announcement/pitches over the past few weeks from several candidates running for office in Burbank. Also, political yard signs are popping up in B-town.   The campaign season is off and rolling. Here are candidates. City Council (3 seats) Bob Frutos David Gordon David Nos Dave Golonski Juan J Guillen Jr Jess Talamantes City Clerk Zizette Mullins Nonna von Sonn Gloria Salas City Treasurer Debbie Kukta Board of Education  (2 seats) Armond Aghakhanian David Dobson Larry Applebaum Steve Ferguson Charlene Tabet The 2013... Read More →

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Beverly Hills sign

President Obama fundraising in the Southland

President Barack Obama is wrapping up a third fundraiser in the Southland today. President Obama arrived at LAX late yesterday and was the main attraction at two campaign events in Beverly Hills last night — attended by Hollywood players, celebs, as well as activists in the LGBT community and their supporters. Gay rights appeared to be a key element of this campaign swing, which included a stop in San Francisco earlier in the day for the president. At a $50,000 a couple dinner affair at the home of... Read More →

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Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama spoke on the economy at the State University of New York in Albany, N.Y. May 8, 2012

President Obama coming to the Valley tomorrow

President Barack Obama is due to arrive in the Southland tomorrow and is expected to attend a major star-studded re-election fundraiser in Studio City. It’s sort of a house party at the palatial pad of actor George Clooney. The sold-out affair is shaping up to be a biggie with a number of major Hollywood players throwing down serious bucks to get on the guest list. The cost; as high as $40,000 per person, according to The Wrap. However, one lucky contest winner gets two free guest passes to... Read More →

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Congresswoman Michele Bachmann August 10, 2011 in Clive, Iowa from flickr

Presidential Race: Michele Bachmann wins in Iowa

 Minnesota Congresswoman and GOP presidential hopeful, Michele Bachmann, is celebrating a major victory today.  Bachmann won the first big Republician test of the 2012 campaign for the White House., the Iowa straw poll.  On the official, Michele Bachmann for President website, the candidate posted this statement: “THANK YOU IOWA! We did it! I am excited to announce our campaign was the winner of this year’s AmesStraw Poll. Iowans delivered a strong message to Washington: America cannot afford four more years of Barack Obama and his failed liberal policies, and... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A smiling Bob Frutos says thank you to his supporters for his city council campaign at Caminiti's Restaurant on West Burbank Boulevard Burbank April 14, 2011

City Buzz: Bob Frutos, police commission drama, BPD cases and more

Bob Frutos plans to stay involved in city matters Bob Frutos lost on two fronts recently: a city council seat in a very tight race with Emily Gabel-Luddy and last week, the city council-majority (including Gabel-Luddy) refused to re-appoint him to the Burbank Police Commission.  Nevertheless, Frutos is still smiling and touting the need for change in Burbank. Frutos provided some details for his sunny viewpoint  in answers to a couple of e-mail questions I sent him over the weekend: 1. Change was at the heart of your city council campaign. You... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City Clerk Margarita Campos answered questions for reporters at city hall in Burbank April 12, 2011

The recount: My rejection letter from the Burbank City Clerk

A postal carrier knocked on my door yesterday. The reason: I needed to sign for a certified letter from the Burbank City Clerk’s Office. The letter is the official rejection  of my offer to replace Burbank resident George Marciniw in the recount request process. Here’s the letter.   April 26, 2011 Fronnie Lewis XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX Dear Ms. Lewis, This communication is in response to your letter dated April 21, 2011, in which you acknowledge Mr. Marciniw’s withdrawal of his request for a recount of the ballots cast for the office of City... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The ballot processing and counting in the General Municipal Election in the basement of Burbank City Hall April 12, 2011 One of only two media photos of this process on election night.

The recount drama: George Marciniw’s letter

A lot of developments in the recount drama surrounding the Burbank city council run-off of 2011. First, I think it is important to post here George Marciniw’s personal withdrawal letter from the recount process. The April 21 letter has been debated and probably will continue to produce heated discussion all over B-town for a long time. Thursday, April 21, 2011 The Office of the City Clerk Margarita Compos 275 East Olive Avenue Burbank, CA 91502 Dear Margarita, After speaking with Mr. Frutos and per his request, I feel that it would... Read More →

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