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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

By 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 →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Full O' Life Organic Market & Cafe 2515 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank August 21, 2018

Talk of the Town: Full O’ Life closing, Sizzler leaving Magnolia Park

By on Tuesday, August 28, 2018

A major Magnolia Park business is calling it quits. This time it’s not a huge spike in the rent to blame, but a dramatic drop off in business.  Management at Full O’ Life, 2515 West Magnolia Blvd, broke the bad news to employees last Tuesday. Full O’ Life, a healthy foods market and cafe, opened back in June of 1959. Cindy Moon and her mother, Kay Matheson, 97, are the owners. The opening of Whole Foods The family run business has weathered a lot of hard times, but the recent... 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

By 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 →

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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

By 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 →

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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

By 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 →

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Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Whole Foods Market opening June 20, 2018 in Burbank May 28, 2018

City Buzz: Whole Foods Market and other openings

By on Tuesday, June 19, 2018

The wait is almost over for the much talked about Whole Foods Market in Burbank. Since opening in Austin, Texas in 1980, the upscale market has become one of the most popular and most desired among shoppers. Also, last summer’s purchase of Whole Foods by the giant Amazon has the lure of lower prices as well. The Media City Whole Foods is set to open tomorrow morning, Wednesday, June 20 inside the still developing controversial Talaria Project, 3401 West Olive Avenue. Construction crews have been working weekends... Read More →

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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 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 →

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Mayor Emily Gabel Luddy, photo courtesy City of Burbank

New mayor, new vacancy on the Burbank City Council

By 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 →

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

The death of Burbank mayor prompts changes on city council

By 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 →

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

New Burbank Target opening tomorrow April 4

By 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 →

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Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G --The Los Angles Times and The Burbank Leader Saturday, February 10, 2018

The Burbank Leader’s parent company sold

By on Tuesday, February 13, 2018

A lot of chatter around the Southland and across the country about the sale of the embattled Los Angeles Times, the parent company of The Burbank Leader. Last Wednesday it was announced local billionaire/investor/philanthropist, Patrick Soon-Shiong, had agreed to buy the Times, the San Diego Tribune, and the California News Group for “$500 million in cash plus the assumption of $90 million in pension liabilities.” New owner for The Los Angeles Times Soon-Shiong made the deal with Tronc Inc, a Chicago-based media company. The Times will be locally owned for... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Burbank float "Sand-Sational Helpers" appeared in the 129th Rose Parade in Pasadena January 1, 2018

Burbank float a winner in 2018 Rose Parade

By on Monday, January 1, 2018

The Burbank Rose Parade float came up a winner in Pasadena today. The 2018 entry, “Sand-Sational Helpers,” won the Founder Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization. The float showcases recycling with the depiction of sea creatures doing their share. The theme of the 129th Rose Parade was “Making a Difference.” There were 50 entries in the 2018 Burbank Float design contest. The winning entry came from Catherine Summer Glandon, a young teenager born in Burbank, and Frederick Fraleigh an artist who works in... Read More →

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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 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 →

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Crime Watch: Armed robbery suspect, Burbank crime seminar

By on Monday, December 4, 2017

A suspect is in custody today in connection with a string of armed robberies in North Hollywood and Burbank. Three law enforcement agencies worked together to bring about the arrest of 37 year-old Michael Clouse of Georgia. After being alerted by both Burbank and North Hollywood Police, the LAPD arrested Clouse outside a North Hollywood hotel in 1100 block of Vanowen Street, last Thursday, November 30. Then, Burbank Police detectives served a search warrant on a hotel room linked to Clouse. They reportedly discovered “clothing he wore in the Burbank... Read More →

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

More Magnolia Park businesses fall victim to crime

By 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 →

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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

By 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 →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G-- Verdugo Mountains behind Sears at 111 East Magnolia Blvd. Burbank September 5, 2017

Firefighters gain upper hand in battle against La Tuna Fire

By on Tuesday, September 5, 2017

The skies are clearer over the Verdugo Mountains and Burbank as firefighters gain the upper hand on the La Tuna Fire. The huge smoky clouds and, sometimes, flames we saw on those hills over the weekend are no longer visible, but fire officials say the threat is not over yet. The wildfire broke out Friday afternoon, September 1, near La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley. Aided by swiftly changing winds, the flames went on a rampage. On Saturday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti  signed a declaration of... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Wildfire haze over Burbank from West Olive Avenue near Victory Blvd. September 2, 2017

Hazy skies over Burbank due to wildfire

By on Saturday, September 2, 2017

Hazy skies over Burbank due to that wildfire burning in the Verdugo Mountains today. The smoke and ash prompted a recommendation from the Burbank Police Department. “The air quality outside is bad. With temperatures expected to reach the triple digits once again today, we are asking people to please stay indoors and limit your recreational activities. Keep pets indoors and take care of each other,” said BPD spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, in an email. The fire broke out near 10800 block of La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley at... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Hot weather wear on Olive Avenue in Burbank during heat wave September 1, 2017

Record breaking weather in Burbank as blistering heat wave continues

By on Friday, September 1, 2017

Record breaking weather in Burbank as blistering heat wave continues through Labor Day weekend. Yesterday in the Media City, the temperature soared to 108 shattering a record of 106 degrees on August 31 set back in 2007. The heat wave kicked off at the beginning of the week. The high today in B-town expected to hit triple-digits again. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning , which remains in effect until tomorrow, Saturday at 10 p.m.,  for many Southland areas including Burbank and the rest... Read More →

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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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