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Staples at the Rancho Marketplace Shopping Center in Burbank

City Buzz: Major Burbank retailer to shutdown and new hotel in the works

By on Wednesday, August 30, 2017

As the long Labor Day weekend approaches, employees at a major retailer in Burbank are facing an uncertain future.  Staples at 1060 West Alameda Avenue is shutting down in a few weeks. Apparently, the customer volume has dropped off significantly at the office supply store in the Rancho Marketplace Shopping Center. Earlier this year, Staples announced it would be shuttering at least of 70 of its underperforming stores in North America. Another factor in the closure may be the recent reported acquisition of Staples, for $6.9 billion, by... Read More →

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Surveillance photo courtesy Burbank Police Department

Arrest in attempted bank robbery in Magnolia Park Burbank

By 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 →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Bank of America 3400 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank August 18, 2017

Another business in Magnolia Park Burbank adds security guard

By on Tuesday, August 22, 2017

The Bank of America at 3400 West Magnolia Boulevard has apparently amped up its security following a reported robbery attempt last Thursday, August 17. The next day, a security guard was lurking in the shade by the door. Another reason some merchants and residents have jittery nerves in Magnolia Park these days. Burbank Police spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, told Media City Groove patrol units rolled up to the bank at 5:20 p.m. last Thursday. This is where the incident gets a little strange: “The suspect handed the bank teller... Read More →

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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 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 →

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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

By 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 →

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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 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 →

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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

By on Sunday, June 25, 2017

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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bomb threat graphic

Bomb threat hoax targets Burbank businesses

By on Friday, June 2, 2017

Watch out! Scammers are targeting Burbank businesses with a bomb threat hoax. Over the past two weeks, Burbank Police say several local businesses have received the threat “via fax or email.”  In an advisory, Burbank PD explained the scam this way: “The threats have involved the request for a ransom to be paid via Western Union, usually in the amount of $25,000. A common theme seems to be that the ransom be sent to a Brazilian citizen. The threats state that explosives placed around the “building” will detonate... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G - (l-r) Council Member,Jess Talamantes, Vice-Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, Mayor Will Rogers, Council Members, Sharon Springer and Bob Frutos posed for photos city council chambers in Burbank May 1, 2017

New Burbank City Council and City Hall challenges

By on Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The new Burbank City Council is facing some tough challenges with budget decisions, traffic issues, and development/growth concerns. At the Monday, May 1, reorganization meeting, Councilman, Bob Frutos, and new Council Member, Sharon Springer, were sworn in along with a number of other elected officials before a packed crowd in the city council chambers. By far the most anticipated speech of the reorganization meeting was made by outgoing Councilman, Dr. David Gordon.  After 11 years on the council, Gordon was defeated in the general election last month. In his remarks,... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Grocery Outlet at 1615 West Verdugo Avenue Burbank February 15, 2017

Burbank Grocery Outlet open for business

By on Thursday, February 16, 2017

A new grocery market opened this morning in Burbank. The Grocery Outlet calls itself the bargain market. It took over the old Fresh & Easy location at 1615 West Verdugo Avenue. There are reportedly more than 260 Grocery Outlets in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Most are “independently operated by locally-based families,” according to the company website. The Burbank store has been under construction for several weeks. Last month, this Grocery Outlet drew job seekers to a hiring event in the front of the store. Yesterday, staff... Read More →

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traffic colorful clip art

Traffic alert as new IKEA store opens in Burbank today

By on Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Burbank Police sent out a traffic alert about the opening of the new IKEA in the Media City today. The 456,000 square foot super-mega store is nearly twice the size of the old IKEA at the Burbank Town Center. The new IKEA is scheduled to open its doors to the public at 9 a.m. No doubt, a long line of devoted fans of the budget-furniture retailer will be waiting to be among the first to shop the new location. Major traffic congestion is expected near the new IKEA,... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- El Torito at 3113 West Olive Avenue Burbank officially closed its doors on December 26, 2016

Burbank El Torito shuts down

By on Thursday, December 29, 2016

The El Torito restaurant at 3113 West Olive Avenue here in Burbank has shut down and removed all signage. The parent company, Cypress-based Real Mex Restaurants, shuttered the Burbank location and five other Southland eateries for a number of reasons from lackluster performance to “unfavorable” lease terms, according to the Orange County Register. The closures were announced last Monday, December 26. Real Mex is apparently trimming down in preparation for the acquisition of a new chain to kick start growth, the Register reports. The word is some of... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Councilman Bob Frutos at Rock-a-Hula event at the Verdugo Pool in Burbank September 15, 2016

Thanksgiving message from Burbank Councilman Bob Frutos

By on Monday, November 21, 2016

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends we give thanks for the blessings and the freedom s we enjoy every day.  I am very appreciative of the great opportunity you have given me to serve as one of your Council Members in our great city. I am thankful that we live in a city with so many caring residents who are involved in our community to help those who are less fortunate.   I’m also thankful for all of our... Read More →

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Large drop of water from faucet clip art

Burbank plumbing company charged with illegal dumping

By on Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Burbank plumbing company charged with illegal dumping by the Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer.  Multiple criminal charges have been filed against “the owner of Mighty Mike Plumbing in Burbank and two employees for allegedly illegally dumping materials in Sun Valley,” according to a statement posted on the L.A. City Attorney’s website. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office says  on … “November 24, 2015, surveillance cameras located at 9128 Tujunga Avenue in Sun Valley captured defendants( Antonio) Vasquez and (Jesus) Maldonado allegedly using shovels to dump large amounts of... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Burbank Walmart Supercenter at the Empire Center finished and ready for the big opening tomorrow. June 21, 2016

Burbank Walmart Supercenter opens tomorrow

By on Tuesday, June 21, 2016

The Burbank Walmart Supercenter opens tomorrow morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony and some presentations.  The festivities get underway at 7:30 a.m., followed by “presentations of $12,500 in grants from Walmart to local community groups including $5,000 for the Burbank Temporary Aid Center and $2,500 each for the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank & Greater East Valley, the Burbank Police Foundation and the Burbank Community YMCA,” according to a news release. The Supercenter is at 1301 North Victory Place. It took months to convert approximately 143,000 square feet... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- First Street entrance to Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill in Burbank May 23, 2016

Burbank Wood Ranch restaurant opens today

By on Monday, June 13, 2016

Burbank Wood Ranch restaurant opens today. They’re firing up the grill at this much-anticipated eatery in Downtown Burbank for dinner. It’s located at 110 North 1st Street — the old Elephant Bar site. “As a Burbank native, I am excited to return home and bring our award-winning dining experience to this community,”said General Manager Michael Gallagher in a news release. “We look forward to meeting our neighbors and being a part of many summer barbeques to come.” Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill is known for its high-quality smoked and grilled dishes.... Read More →

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Happy National Donut clipart

National Donut Day Friday June 3, 2016

By on Friday, June 3, 2016

Not only is it Friday, but also it’s National Donut Day. The celebration of the sweet treat goes back to World War I  and II when the Salvation Army offered free donuts to our troops. The soldiers returned home longing for the donuts they had during wartime and that sparked a new industry. No matter how you spell it, Donut or Doughnut, Americans love them. Some places are offering a free donut with a purchase, however, at Krispy Kreme you get a freebie of your choice... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Walmart Supercenter remodel is nearly finished at the Empire Center in Burbank May 30, 2016

Burbank Walmart planning grand opening on June 22

By on Tuesday, May 31, 2016

  Burbank Walmart planning grand opening on June 22. The controversial Walmart Supercenter is nearly finished with a remodel that has taken more than a year. The old Great Indoors structure at 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center has been converted into several departments including grocery, general merchandise, sporting goods, apparel, and a pharmacy. More than 300 new associates have been hired. Walmart reportedly has 2.3 million employees worldwide. Company founder, Sam Walton, opened the first Walmart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. Walmart has grown into the... Read More →

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shopping sales bags clipart

Major shopping deals on Memorial Day

By on Monday, May 30, 2016

  Major shopping deals on Memorial Day. Shoppers looking to save money can grab some deals and discounts at some big retailers today. Locally,  you can check out Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lowe’s, and even Boston Market. Also, some great online deals at Wayfair and Overstock. More holiday sales here. Oh, a lot of automakers are trying to draw consumers in with special offers this holiday. Hyundai is going all out by doubling its military incentive to United States service... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- First Street entrance to Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill in Burbank May 23, 2016

Burbank Wood Ranch restaurant opening June 13

By on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

The long-awaited opening of the Burbank Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill is just a few weeks away. The extensive remodel of the old Elephant Bar Restaurant at 110 North First Street is nearly complete. The restaurant is set to open Monday June 13, according to the Wood Ranch website. Since the renovation project kicked off late last year, many changes have occurred at the restaurant including a new roof and new exterior including two entrances. One on North First Street and the second on East Orange Grove Avenue. In... Read More →

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FLLewis / Media City G -- Sports Authority 1900 West Empire Ave. Ste. R12 in Burbank May 21, 2016

Going out of business sales at Sports Authority

By on Sunday, May 22, 2016

Going out of business sales at Sports Authority stores expected to begin the middle of this week, just as the long Memorial Day weekend kicks off. One of the 450 stores closing is at the Empire Center in Burbank. Sports Authority was once the largest sporting goods retailer in the country. Heavily in debt,  the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in March. It had hope to restructure and shutter only some of its stores. That plan fell through and last month came word Sports Authority had... Read More →

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Photo: Media City G -- Walmart set to open new store in the Empire Center in Burbank April 6, 2016

Burbank Walmart hires more than 300 new associates

By on Wednesday, May 18, 2016

The new Burbank Walmart Supercenter is on track to open next month, according to store manager Panthi Patel. The world’s largest  retailer opened a hiring center a few weeks ago in Burbank. Patel estimates 350 associates have been hired for positions, from cashier to supervisor. In the past, Walmart has been criticized for low wages. During a phone interview today, Patel described the”incredible pay”at Walmart and how the company offers a “pathway to success.” He says “75 per cent of the promotions” are through the ranks and he feels Walmart... Read More →

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