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ATM machine photo courtesy Burbank Police

Burbank PD arrest two suspects in ATM crime spree

By on Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Burbank Police announced the arrest today of two suspects who have been charged in an ATM skimming scheme. The suspects were taken into custody in connection with ATM thief at the U.S. Bank, 1750 West Olive Avenue, in Burbank. They are accused of using a small skimmer device to capture and store victims’ information. Earlier this month, on three separate days, thieves reportedly installed and removed a skimmer device on the ATM at that branch. “The suspects used the stolen account information and created ‘cloned’ ATM cards, ” according to a... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Costco store 1051 West Burbank Blvd. Burbank July 21, 2014

Burbank Costco reopens today after hazmat incident

By on Friday, August 14, 2015

Burbank’s Costco is back in business today after shutting down yesterday afternoon due to a hazmat incident. Shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday a refrigerant line apparently ruptured. “The 911 call reported a possible Freon leak after a loud bang. Any report of a gas or chemical involved in an incident initiates a Hazardous Materials response,”  said Captain Peter Hendrickson, Burbank Fire spokesman, in an email. The giant membership warehouse store at 1051 West Burbank Boulevard was evacuated. KTLA sent out this tweet about the situation: “Everybody started running…it was chaos,”Costco shopper says... Read More →

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chance of thunderstorm graphic

lightning, thunder, and rain in Burbank

By on Monday, February 23, 2015

The cloudy skies over Burbank came alive with lightning and thunder this afternoon around 2:40 p.m.  Also, raindrops began to fall and are expected to continue off and on at least through this evening. There’s a storm system moving through Los Angeles County. The weather watchers say there will be periods of heavy downpours, isolated thunderstorms, and hail in some areas including the San Gabriel Valley. The high today in the Media City around 60. Tonight, the forecast is for the tempers to drop down into the 40s... Read More →

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Cloud blowing strong winds clip art

Strong winds howling through Burbank

By on Friday, January 31, 2014

Strong cold winds are howling through Burbank right now. A wind advisory is in effect for Los Angeles County for 15-to-25 MPH winds with some gusts up to 50 MPH until tomorrow morning at  6.a.m. Burbank is definitely being wind-whipped this afternoon.  The temperature is dropping as well. The high today only in the low 60s — tonight, it will get down into the mid-40s. Yeah, it feels like winter again.

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Disney expansion project clears major hurdle

By on Thursday, June 20, 2013

Another major studio expansion project is working its way through the political process. Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch revamp was approved by the Los Angeles Regional Planning Commission yesterday. Last April, NBCUniversal got the go ahead from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for its  $1.6 billion 25-year Evolution Plan, which the studio says will generate 30,000 jobs. Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch expansion now goes to the Sups for their approval. Golden Oak Ranch is in Santa Clarita and Disney wants to develop 58 acres off Placerita Canyon... Read More →

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A court victory for former Burbank PD Deputy Chief Bill Taylor

By on Monday, March 19, 2012

A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury late today reportedly handed former Burbank PD Deputy Chief  William “Bill” Taylor a major court victory. I’m hearing the settlement awarded to Taylor, $1-3 million.  In his lawsuit, Taylor claimed he was demoted and then fired after pointing out a suspected case of sexual harassment in the department to then Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr and Burbank City Manager Mike Flad back in 2009. Also, Taylor says in his lawsuit that he “… repeatedly complained from April 2008 through... Read More →

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People's Choice Awards logo

ShowBiz Bits:New development for Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend, Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing, and the People’s Choice Awards

By on Thursday, January 6, 2011

Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007. Also, the judge reduced from four to one — the charges against one of Smith’s doctors — saying the evidence did not support the charges. More on the judge’s decision and the... Read More →

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Photo credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept./L.A. Times -- Mug shot of Bell Mayor Oscar Hernandez September 21, 2010

Eight arrested in Bell city hall corruption scandal. Is Burbank next?

By on Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is cracking down on corruption in the city of Bell. Yesterday the mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and seven other current and former Bell officials were arrested by police and D.A. investigators. The Los Angeles Times, which broke the story, reported “…a battering ram” had to be used to break into the home of Mayor Hernandez, in order to arrest him.  Hernandez was taken into custody Tuesday morning along with city council members Teresa Jacobo, Luis Artiga and George Mirabal as well as ex-council members George Cole and Victor... Read More →

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Money bits: Southland lottery winner going to Disney World, Demi Moore’s book deal & new “Monster High” musical

By on Thursday, June 17, 2010

 A Southland lottery winner cashed in that missing $7 million SuperLotto Plus jackpot winning ticket last Monday, June 14. This is the unclaimed jackpot I posted about a few days ago. The ticket was bought in the 7-Eleven store at 3450 Overland Avenue in Los Angeles for the June 5 draw. Oh, the 7-Eleven gets a $35,000 bonus for selling that winning ticket.  The owner of the lucky ticket wants to remain anonymous. According to lottery officials, the winner chose the annuity option and will receive increasing payments over 26 years, beginning with the... Read More →

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Burbank teacher pleads “no contest” to having sex with a student

By on Thursday, March 25, 2010

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank The 33-year-old David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher who reportedly confessed to Burbank police that she had a seven-month long sexual affair with one of her 14-year-old male students last year, entered a plea in Burbank Superior Court today.  Amy Beck pleaded “no contest” to two counts of having sexual contact with a minor. Originally Beck faced at least four charges, but she reportedly got a plea deal. That’s no surprise. Beck’s case has had some strange twists from the... Read More →

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Michael Jackson’s doctor charged in his death — free on bail

By on Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Photo: Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times — Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, escorted into the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles 02/08/10 The late MIchael Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is out on bail today after being charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the entertainer’s death last summer. Murray pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in a courtroom near Los Angeles International Airport yesterday. The doctor faces a maximum of four years in prison. As a condition of his $75,000 bail Murray, a licensed cardiologist, is not allowed to prescribe heavy sedatives, especially propofol.  A coroner’s... Read More →

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H1N1 influenza widespread in CA, so what about those flu shots?

By on Saturday, December 26, 2009

The State Department of Public Health is recommending all residents get a flu shot for the H1N1 virus as soon as possible. The so-called swine flu remains widespread in seven states, including California. Even though some indicators suggest H1N1 cases may be tapering off here, health officials fear another wave of the illness could hit after the first of the year. As of December 19, 2009, that agency’s data reports 449 people have died from swine flu in California. In a story on the Los Angeles Times website, the Director of the State... Read More →

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Consumer News: Safety concerns about a hot holiday toy & a Burbank hospital is under investigation

By on Tuesday, December 8, 2009

 Are Zhu Zhu pets safe? Zhu Zhu pets, the robotic hamsters that talk and move, are at the top of a lot of wish lists this holiday season. Recently, a California-based consumer watchdog group’s website reportedly sparked a controversy when it claimed there is a potentially harmful level of metal in the Mr. Squiggles model. Now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has weighed in on the controversy, declaring Zhu Zhu pets are in line with toy standards. The latest on the story here. Providence St. Joseph Medical Center being investigated by the feds The U.S. Food and... Read More →

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File:Michael Jackson

King of Pop dances to top of the Box Office

By on Sunday, November 1, 2009

Even in death, the late superstar, Michael Jackson, can still generate millions of dollars in ticket sales. The legendary entertainer’s behind the scenes documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” thrilled enough moviegoers to become the number one film in the country this weekend. The Jackson flick debuted with an estimated $21.3 million, falling short of some expectations, but still winning the domestic Box Office derby just the same. Jackson was in the Los Angeles area rehearsing for his “This Is It” series of London concerts when he died suddenly on June 25, 2009. Later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s... Read More →

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A Labor Day salute to Grand View visitors/volunteer workers

By on Saturday, September 5, 2009

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove Most visitors to cemeteries come bearing flowers and mementos not rakes, shovels, and cleaning supplies. At Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale, there is a hardy group of visitors who regularly arrive at the struggling cemetery ready to put in several hours of serious work; from clearing weeds and debris to cleaning tombstones and grave markers. Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove Grand View will be open tomorrow, Sunday, September 6, from noon to 4 p.m., and if you drop by you’ll probably see some of... Read More →

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Killer wildfire grows to more than 100,000 acres

By on Monday, August 31, 2009

Photo: Genaro Molina/ Los Angeles Times 08/30/09 — Wildfire rages in Acton. That Angeles National Forest wildfire continues to rampage with over 105,000 acres burned today. This killer wildfire has claimed two lives, 35-year-old Arnaldo Quinones and 47-year-old Tedmund Hall. Both Los Angeles County firefighters were fatally injured in a truck accident in the fire zone yesterday. The temperatures are a bit cooler today, but it’s still a tough fight for fire crews. There are about 2,500 firefighters battling the flames. So far, 21 homes have been destroyed. At this time,  as many as 12,000 homes... Read More →

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A monster wildfire threatens several foothill communities

By on Sunday, August 30, 2009

Photo: Irfan Khan/ Los Angeles Times —An air attack on a flank of the wildfire approaching Acton. That stubborn wildfire menacing several foothill communities north of Los Angeles has grown into a monster blaze. Today officials estimate more than 35, 000 acres have been scorched and thousands of homes are in danger forcing residents to pack-up and leave. Fire crews are battling in hot temperatures to save homes in a number of neighborhoods. Some folks in La Canada are being allowed to return, but the threat is not over for... Read More →

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Wildfire near La Canada Flintridge out of control

By on Saturday, August 29, 2009

      Photo: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times 08/28/09 — Firefighters take a break from battling the wildfire in the hills above La Canada Flintridge.                        A wildfire that sparked in the Angeles National Forest above La Canada Flintridge last Wednesday is now on the rampage threatening several foothill communities today. The fire went from about 5,500 acres overnight to more than 20,000 acres today. Firefighters are battling the flames in triple digit temperatures with very low humidity. At one point, those flames came dangerously close to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. More than 1,000 firefighters are on the scene. Evacuations have been ordered... Read More →

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Michael Jackson’s death officially ruled a homicide

By on Friday, August 28, 2009

  It’s official. The Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled the sudden death of Superstar Michael Jackson was a homicide. In a new release today, the coroner attributed the entertainer’s death on June 25, 2009 to a deadly combination of drugs. According to the release: “Cause of death was established as acute propofol intoxication. Other conditions contributing to death: benzodiazepine. The drugs propofol and Lorazepam were found to be the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson’s death. Other drugs detected were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine, and ephedrine.” The final... Read More →

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Singer Chris Brown sentenced today

By on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

File photo —  03/05/09/Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times Singer Chris Brown escaped a jail term in his felony domestic violence case this afternoon, but the Los Angeles County Superior Court judge slapped him with a tough probation sentence. Judge Patricia Schnegg sentenced the popular R&B entertainer to five years of felony probation, 180 days of community labor, and 52 weeks in a domestic violence counseling program. Brown will be serving his sentence in his home state of Virginia, but must return here periodically to provide Judge Schnegg with a progress report. In June,... Read More →

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Autopsy on Michael Jackson finished, but questions remain

By on Saturday, June 27, 2009

  Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — Fans line up to view Michael Jackson’s star and pay their last respects.   Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — a fan reaches under a barricade to touch the star of Michael Jackson in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.   Photo: Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times — Fans celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson in the Leimert Park area of L.A.    Funeral arrangements are underway for Pop Idol, Michael Jackson.... Read More →

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