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Tag Archives | Burbank City Council

New Burbank City Council facing challenges and controversy

By on Tuesday, January 10, 2023

The new Burbank City Council is facing tough challenges in 2023. On the list, homelessness, affordable housing, and battles over development to name a few. The panel’s first major decision, the selection of a mayor, whipped up controversy and a serious dose of surprise. What is usually a demonstration of unity got thrown off by one dissenter. What will that mean for the council members’ ability to work together? Mayor Selection Some previous councils got caught up in a web of animosity, scheming, and backroom dealing over the mayor... Read More →

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Burbank City Council bids farewell to members Springer and Frutos

By on Friday, January 6, 2023

The Burbank City Council’s send off for Council Members Sharon Springer and Bob Frutos was not typical. Usually, outgoing members say their goodbyes during the council reorganization meeting. Surprisingly, both Springer and Frutos declared they had prior commitments and would be skipping the December 19 reorganization meeting. So the December 13 council meeting became the last for both Springer and Frutos. It is worth a look back at some of the events of that meeting. During the first public comment section, State Senator Anthony Portantino praised Springer and Frutos for... Read More →

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Historic Burbank City Council race is down to the wire

By on Sunday, November 6, 2022

The race is in the home stretch for three seats on the Burbank City Council. The five candidates on the November 8 ballot are all women for the first time. Historic for the Media City. The development stirs excitement among some and a bit of anxiety for others over what a female majority on the city council will mean. Since there is no precedent… we will just have to wait and see what happens. Incumbent, Sharon Springer, is the only candidate with council experience. Springer is campaigning for a second... Read More →

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

By on Tuesday, August 23, 2022

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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National Night Out a big success in Burbank

By on Thursday, August 4, 2022

A big turnout for the Burbank Police sponsored National Night Out 2022.  The event began at 5:30 p.m. last Tuesday, Aug. 2, when the temperature was still above 80 degrees.  Despite the heat they came, some pushing strollers with dogs on leashes and kids in tow.  Burbank PD estimates the crowd at around 750. Photo: FLLewis/ Media city G — A crowd of several hundred showed up for the National Night Out celebration in Johnny Carson Park 400 Bob Hope Dr., Burbank 91505 “For the second year in a row,... Read More →

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Letter to the Editor: Bob Frutos announces retirement from Burbank City Council

By on Friday, June 24, 2022

Thank you, Burbank! Upon careful thought and reflection, I have decided it is time for me to retire from the Burbank City Council, effective this December.  I have discussed this with my wife, Laura and please believe me, this was not easy decision. However, it is one that I make with honor, satisfaction and pride, because I know I have served our community with best interests of our residents as my only guide.  Therefore, I will not run for re-election to the Council this November.  It is time to pass... Read More →

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Letter to the Editor: Thank you Burbank from Mayor Bob Frutos

By on Monday, March 15, 2021

Dear Burbank Residents and Business Owners: I am writing today to thank all business owners and residents for  doing your part to keep the City of Burbank on the path to recovery.   Thank you for complying with the LA County COVID-19 safety requirements.  As restaurants and businesses will now be allowed to re-open with less restrictions, together we will get through the end of this pandemic. I want to thank our business and restaurant owners throughout our city, including Downtown Burbank, Magnolia Park, Media and Airport Districts for working through these challenging times.  I... Read More →

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A special new year message from Burbank Council member Nick Schultz

By on Saturday, January 2, 2021

Letter to the Editor: Happy New Year Burbank!  I know it goes without saying, but 2020 was a very difficult year for our community.  However, today we have awoken to a bright new day.  A new year brings with it a fresh start and new opportunities.  While we will continue to face many of the same challenges that were before our community last year, I believe that a new year requires new priorities from our local government to address these issues.  Moreover, I am optimistic that 2021 will be a... Read More →

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Holiday best wishes from Burbank Councilman/Vice Mayor Bob Frutos

By on Wednesday, November 25, 2020

With the holiday season here, I would like to take a moment to wish each of you best wishes for you and your families through the holidays.    This holiday season is going to be unlike anything most of us have ever experience. For most of us, that translates into a Thanksgiving Day celebration that is … different. Our community has faced sickness, loneliness and loss of precious lives.  More than ever, we will embrace and appreciate our families this holiday season. This year, it is also a holiday of... Read More →

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Big turnout nets surprises in Burbank Gen. Election 2020

By on Friday, November 13, 2020

Burbank voters cast their ballots for local candidates and Measure RC in big numbers in the General Municipal Election on November 3. As of October 19, 2020, 73, 044 Burbank residents were registered to vote. So far, around 58,000 Burbank ballots have been processed. However, The ballots are still being counted by The Los Angeles County Registrar/County Clerk, but the numbers are already showing some surprises. Voters opt for change in city council race In the city council race, voters overwhelmingly picked change. Konstantine Anthony and Nick Schultz... Read More →

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Intense battle for two seats on Burbank City Council

By on Monday, October 26, 2020

Eight candidates are battling it out for two seats on the Burbank City Council. In the final days of the 2020 campaign, the candidates are utilizing a variety of strategies to win support from the voters. Who are the 8 city council candidates? A good launching point to check out the council candidates is the Burbank City website. Under the departments’ drop down go to City Clerk’s Office. Then onto the Elections Page and the 2020 Candidate Information tab. The candidates are listed here in ballot order.... Read More →

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Rent control to be on the November ballot in Burbank

By on Monday, August 10, 2020

A controversial rent control ordinance is headed for the November 3 General Election ballot in Burbank. Caught between a rock and a hard place, the Burbank City Council last Friday, August 7, voted unanimously to let the voters decide the future of rent control. The council members took this action grudgingly, while complaining of dire consequences if the measure passes. City officials and the city council members have actively opposed rent control and plotted to try to stamp it out. They mounted two legal actions to try to keep the... Read More →

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Burbank city council race 2020 off to a fast start

By on Friday, August 7, 2020

Some candidates for the Burbank City Council are off to a fast start. Yard signs are popping up. And fundraising is in full swing. Officially the race for two seats on the council began on May 3, 2020, when potential candidates were allowed to begin fundraising. Next, the nomination period opened on July 13, 2020 and is scheduled to close today, August 7. However, candidates wanting to submit nomination papers for the city council race will have an extra few days. That is because incumbent City Council Member, Emily Gabel-Luddy,... 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 - (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 -- (l-r) Councilman Will Rogers congratulated by outgoing Mayor Jess Talamantes at Burbank City Hall May first, 2017

Photo Gallery: Will Rogers becomes Burbank mayor

By on Monday, May 1, 2017

Councilman Will Rogers moved up from vice-mayor to mayor today at the council reorganization meeting. Rogers was selected unanimously by his fellow council members. More coming up on this blog about the meeting at City Hall including comments by outgoing Councilman, Dr. David Gordon, who made it clear he was not going to fade away. Gordon’s comments probably sent chills up the spine of his critics, while giving supporters a reason to cheer. More than likely the selection of Rogers did the same.

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Burbank Councilman Bob Frutos at October 11, 2016 city council meeting

City Elections 2017: Statement from Bob Frutos Campaign

By on Thursday, December 8, 2016

Burbank, CA – Burbank City Councilmember Bob Frutos will seek re-election to his seat in the February 28, 2017 election. Elected in 2013, Bob expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Council, and reiterated his promise to continue “working tirelessly for our city and all its residents and neighborhoods.” Noting his strong support among numerous residents from ever part of Burbank and Community Leaders, Councilmember Frutos said, “I am committed to continuing to make a positive and lasting difference in our community.” During the past four... Read More →

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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 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 →

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Election campaigns graphic

Who’s running for Burbank City Council?

By on Saturday, October 15, 2016

It’s hard to turn away from national politics with the erratic and over the top Donald Trump trying to bully his way into the White House. Especially now that Trump has launched into an all out feud with the Republican establishment. Drama, drama, and more drama! Nevertheless, back here in Burbank, campaigns are quietly gearing up for the battle for three seats on the city council, where very important local issues are decided, such as growth and development in the city. I have heard rumblings that certain... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Ron Davis selected as permanent city manager. Announcement made at Burbank City Council meeting June 14, 2016

Ron Davis selected permanent Burbank city manager

By on Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Ron Davis selected permanent city manager. Burbank  Mayor, Jess Talamantes, made the announcement about the elevation of Davis at last night’s council meeting. Talamantes says the action was taken earlier in the day during a closed session: “The city council unanimously selected Mr. Davis to be our permanent city manager. The council will consider an employment agreement for Mr. Davis during next Tuesday’s council meeting.” The council gave the new city manager a round of applause. Many in the audience joined in. During his tenure as  general manager of Burbank... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Councilman Will Rogers requested additional information about controversial emails during Burbank City Council meeting May 10, 2016

Controversial emails and the Burbank City Council

By on Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The Tom Angel email scandal is not on the city council meeting agenda tonight, but that does not mean the controversy and the issues sparked by it are dead in Burbank. Some had hoped the council would call on Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, at the Tuesday, May 10 meeting, to explain how his ex-second-in-command, Tom Angel, got only a “slap on the hand” for forwarding derogatory emails.  A report last month in the Los Angeles Times made those emails public. The uproar that followed forced Angel to resign from... Read More →

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