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FLLewis/ Media City G -- Tony's Bella Vista site 3116 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank January 8, 2020

Bella Vista restaurant site in Burbank sells for big bucks

By Fronnie Lewis on Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Tony’s Bella Vista restaurant site in Burbank sells for big bucks. The Burbank Leader made the announcement on Wednesday reporting the sale price as $2.9 million. After more than 30 years, the popular Italian restaurant closed its doors last June. The property is located at 3116 West Magnolia Blvd in Magnolia Park. The loss is deeply felt. The restaurant is on a stretch of Magnolia Blvd between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street, which needs more eateries and now it has one less. Magnolia Park could use the kind... Read More →

Tags: Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park, restaurants

Photo: FLLewis / Mediacityg -- Your CBD Store Burbank at 3106 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank April 27, 2019

New shops on Magnolia Blvd. — some with issues

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, May 7, 2019

New shops on Magnolia Blvd. — some with issues. Your CBD Store Burbank opened its doors at 3106 West Magnolia Blvd. late last month. It’s part of a chain of affiliate stores in more than 25 states. There are reportedly 7 such stores in California. On the website, it says “CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant which has many medical benefits.” Yet, the site has disclaimers. In response to its “medical benefits” claims: “The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park

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

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, September 10, 2018

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 →

Tags: Burbank, cannabis, hemp, Magnolia Park, 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

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

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, July 16, 2018

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 →

Tags: Burbank, campaigns, City Buzz, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park, Magnolia Park Merchants Association, Media City

Photo: Courtesy Burbank Police -- Suspect surveillance photo from video taken inside Antiques on Magnolia Burbank May 22, 2018

Armed robber holds up Magnolia Park Burbank shop

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, May 25, 2018

Armed robber holds up Magnolia Park Burbank shop. Burbank Police are on the hunt for a brazen robber who held up Antiques on Magnolia, 3412 1/2 West Magnolia Blvd, Tuesday afternoon, May 22, 2018. The suspect, wearing what police say was a red and black hoodie with dark pants, walked into the shop and pulled out a gun. Gun pointed at store clerk Store clerk, David DeWitt, was behind the counter. DeWitt told Channel 7 News he heard “the gun cock” before the suspect pointed the weapon at him... Read More →

Tags: antique shops, Burbank Police Department, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park, robberies

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Target 1033 North Hollywood Way Burbank April 2, 2018

New Burbank Target opening tomorrow April 4

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Final preparations are wrapping up at the newest Target in Burbank. The store at 1033 North Hollywood Way is set for a soft opening Wednesday, April 4. Doors will open to the public at 7 a.m. tomorrow. The grand opening celebration is this Sunday, April 8. The Burbank Target West is about 24,750 square feet and is considered one of the retailer’s small-format stores. “With a smaller footprint, these stores curate an assortment to meet the needs of local guests,” according to a news release. Also, much of the... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Target West, Magnolia Park, shopping, Target

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Construction underway at the new Target site 1033 North Hollywood Way Burbank November 28, 2017

City Buzz: New retail outlets, restaurants, and a chance to be on TV

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, December 11, 2017

Target Magnolia Park construction underway A lot of construction at the site of the new Target store on Hollywood Way in Magnolia Park lately. The project apparently was hung up in plan check for a while, but now appears to be racing to meet a 2018 opening. This Target store is a new design, smaller than usual. It will be approximately 24,750 square feet. Still, there reportedly will be room for quite a lot of merchandise including fresh groceries, men’s and women’s apparel, some children’s and baby products, home décor,... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, City Buzz, Magnolia Park

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Rocket Fizz 3524 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank November 8, 2017

More Magnolia Park businesses fall victim to crime

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, November 10, 2017

More Magnolia Park businesses fall victim to crime. The list keeps growing. The latest, Rocket Fizz and T-Mobile. Both break-ins occurred last weekend. The soda pop and candy shop at 3524 West Magnolia Blvd. was targeted by a theft on November 3, between 9:30 pm and 7:30 am. “A suspect smashed the store’s front window. The suspect then entered the store and stole a cash register drawer containing cash. The cash drawer was found a short distance away from the store, but the money was missing. ” according to Sergeant... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Police Department, burglaries, Magnolia Park

Surveillance photo courtesy Burbank Police Department

Arrest in attempted bank robbery in Magnolia Park Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Thursday, August 24, 2017

Burbank Police today announced the arrest of 54-year-old Mark Logan of Burbank, in connection with that attempted bank robbery in Magnolia Park last Thursday. As reported here on Media City Groove, Burbank Police responded to the Bank of America at 3400 West Magnolia Boulevard at 5:20 p.m. on August 17, 2017. “When Police Officers arrived, they learned a man had entered the bank, approached a teller, and passed a note stating he was armed with a gun and demanding cash. The teller walked away from the suspect, at... Read More →

Tags: attempted robbery, Bank of America, Burbank, Burbank Police, Magnolia Park

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Security guard in front of Walgreens Pharmacy 2501 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank August 15, 2017

Armed robbery at pharmacy in Magnolia Park Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, August 15, 2017

A security guard pounded the pavement at the entrance to Walgreens Pharmacy, 2501 West Magnolia Boulevard, in Burbank today. Security at the pharmacy was apparently stepped up following an armed robbery last Sunday, August 13. This was a pretty brazen crime. It reportedly occurred at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. Burbank Police spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, told Media City Groove: “There were three suspects, one of which was armed with a small black handgun. The suspects entered the store and stole prescription medication, specifically Hydrocodone and Promethazine liquid. There were two... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Police, Magnolia Park, pharmacy, robbery

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

By Fronnie Lewis on Saturday, August 5, 2017

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 →

Tags: break ins, Burbank Police, burglaries, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park, merchants

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Marya "Mary" Wanker behind the counter at LuxMary Handbags 3421 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank July 15, 2017

Magnolia Park merchant refuses to quit after $60,000 burglary

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Burbank Magnolia Park merchant, Marya “Mary” Wanker, has a lot on her plate right now. She’s in the final stages of planning her wedding and scrambling to assemble a new collection of luxury handbags, after a $60,000 burglary at her new shop earlier this month. Wanker, 28, admits the burglary was a brutal setback, but she has “upped her security” and is determined to reopen soon: “I’m not going to let a bunch of thugs intimidate me.” The well-organized thieves stripped many of the shelves bare in LuxMary Handbags, 3421... Read More →

Tags: break ins, Burbank, burglaries, handbags, jewelry, Magnolia Park, merchants

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Pedestrian vs vehicle accident at intersection of Lima Street and Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank November 17, 2016

Pedestrian injured at controversial intersection in Magnolia Park

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, November 21, 2016

An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a black sedan in a Burbank intersection considered to be dangerous by many in Magnolia Park. The accident occurred last Thursday, November 17, at around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Lima Street and Magnolia Boulevard. The accident forced Burbank traffic patrol officers to block off eastbound traffic on Magnolia for a while. The accident occurred when a black sedan attempted to turn onto Magnolia. Burbank PIO Sergeant, Claudio Losacco, says: “The vehicle was traveling north on Lima St. and initiated a right... Read More →

Tags: Burbank City Council, Burbank Police Department, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park, traffic accidents

Photo showing boarded up entry after burglary at 1928 Jewelry Boutique Outlet 3412 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank May 9, 2016 (photo courtesy stringer photographer)

Burbank jewelry store burglary rattles nerves in Mag Park

By Fronnie Lewis on Thursday, May 12, 2016

A burglary at 1928 Jewelry Boutique Outlet in Magnolia Park has rattled some nerves especially, among some of the local merchants. The break-in occurred at the fashion jewelry shop 3412 West Magnolia Boulevard last Monday, May 9. It happened “during the overnight/early morning hours,” explained Burbank Police spokesman, Sergeant Claudio Losacco in an email to Media City Groove. The suspect or suspects reportedly got away with “cash from the register.” A rash of break-ins and burglaries over the past six months or so had some Mag Park residents and... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, burglaries, Magnolia Park

Photo of Hakob Torosyan courtesy Glendale Police

Suspect who allegedly targeted Burbank arrested

By Fronnie Lewis on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

A serial burglary suspect who allegedly struck several times in Magnolia Park and Burbank Village sections of the Media City is behind bars tonight. Burbank Police announced late today the arrest of 28 year-old Hakob Torosyan of Glendale. Torosyan is being held without bail and is due to appear in a Burbank court Tuesday, March 15, on 14 counts of commercial burglary, according to a Burbank Police news release. Burbank and Glendale Police started working together on the investigation when they realized a thief with a “similar modus operandi” was committing crimes... Read More →

Tags: break ins, Burbank, Burbank Police Department, Burbank Village, burglaries, Glendale, Magnolia Park, Media City

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Shops and businesses near the intersection of West Magnolia Blvd. and North Lima Street Burbank March 5, 2016

Break-ins and burglaries hit businesses in Magnolia Park

By Fronnie Lewis on Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Another series of break-ins, attempted break-ins, and burglaries has some merchants in Burbank concerned as they beef up security. Last month, similar crimes occurred at several Downtown Burbank eateries. Last Thursday, the Oasis Nail & Spa 3317 West Magnolia Boulevard was burglarized. It’s one of at least three businesses near the intersection of West Magnolia Boulevard and North Lima Street that has had some kind of intrusion crime occur in the past few months. On March 3, Burbank Police responded to a business alarm at Oasis at around... Read More →

Tags: break ins, Burbank, Burbank Police Department, burglaries, Magnolia Park

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- A Burbank resident stepped to the mike to ask a question at a community meeting at Worshipwalk Church 3310 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank February 17, 2016

City Buzz: Crime and quality of life worries in Burbank

By Fronnie Lewis on Monday, February 22, 2016

Crime and quality of life worries in Burbank prompted a face-off between residents and some city officials last week at the Worshipwalk Church, 3310 West Magnolia Blvd. No, Burbank hasn’t dropped into a pit of total despair, but it has taken some hits lately and that has spiked the concerns of many residents. Burbank Mayor, Bob Frutos, admitted at the February 9 city council meeting he had received numerous phone calls and emails about crime, especially gang violence, being on the rise in the Media City. Several recent incidents fueled... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Burbank Police, City Buzz, Magnolia Park, Mayor Bob Frutos, meetings

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- "Ladies & Gents Night Out" in Burbank's Magnolia Park January 29, 2016

“Ladies & Gents Night Out” returns to Magnolia Park

By Fronnie Lewis on Wednesday, February 3, 2016

A rather subdued “Ladies & Gents Night Out” returned to Magnolia Park in Burbank last Friday night after taking a break around the holidays. Several of the retailers who normally participate did not open their doors for the event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. Pinup Girl Boutique passed this time, but had a sign in the storefront saying it would return in February. Also, it was hard not to notice the smaller crowds, fewer food trucks, and only a handful of musicians and vendors on the sidewalks. The weather, unseasonably... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park, Magnolia Park Merchants Association

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Crowds packed the sidewalks on "Ladies & Gents Night Out" on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank July 31, 2015

New rules for Burbank’s “Ladies & Gents Night Out”

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, January 15, 2016

The popular “Ladies & Gents Night Out” event in Burbank’s Magnolia Park is returning this month, but with some major changes. Earlier this week, the Magnolia Park Merchants Association sent out an email to shop owners and businesses in the affected area, announcing new rules, which are the result of a series of meetings between members of the association and Burbank officials. Here are the two main changes as explained in the association’s email. “No more than 2 trucks may be placed per block. Due to... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Ladies & Gents Night Out, Magnolia Park, Magnolia Park Merchants Association

Holiday in the Park 2015 poster

Burbank’s Magnolia Park presents Holiday in the Park

By Fronnie Lewis on Friday, November 20, 2015

A holiday tradition in Burbank’s Magnolia Park this evening. More than 70 businesses, organizations, and stores have joined forces for the celebration along a stretch of Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way. Visitors are invited to come out to shop, eat, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Oh, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too! Also, they will be accepting donations of toys and food for the Burbank Temporary Aid Center at various sites. The main event kicks off at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. See the... Read More →

Tags: Burbank, Holiday in the Park, Magnolia Boulevard, Magnolia Park