Via Glendale Fire Department:

The Glendale Fire Department is asking for your voluntary cooperation in discontinuing the use of wood for all outdoor barbeque pits and outdoor fireplaces.

Glendale’s 2006-2007 rain season is the driest in recorded history! Due to a record low rainfall and extremely dry conditions, brush areas in Glendale are experiencing record low fuel moisture content resulting in tinder dry vegetation. The Glendale Fire Department is anticipating one of the worst wildfire seasons in years. Flying embers have a dangerous and deadly potential for igniting wildfires. You can do your part to prevent a disaster by refraining from using wood in your outdoor barbeque pits and outdoor fireplaces.

• If you choose to use your barbeque pit or outdoor fireplace to burn wood you must comply with the following safety requirements.

• Once lit, NEVER leave a barbeque pit or outdoor fireplace unattended.
  Make sure the barbeque pit or outdoor fireplace has a metal safety spark catching screen covering the barbeque pit or fireplace.

• Make sure there is a garden hose or fire extinguisher readily available to put out any unexpected fires.
  Solid fuel burning barbeque pits and outdoor fireplaces shall not be used within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.

For additional information regarding outdoor barbeques and fireplaces, or to schedule a home barbeque safety inspection, please contact the Glendale Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at (818) 548-4810 or visit your neighborhood Fire Station.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 1:41 PM | Permalink |

For the record, that last blog post took 15 minutes to type out on the iPhone (granted I included the half-dozen tries it took me to log into Movable Type -- it's tougher than you think to get those fingers exactly on the right key to spell my login and password, even if they're already 10 times the size of those itty-bitty Blackberry keys...)

So I couldn't resist running back to the Galleria Apple store to taking the thing for a test drive when 6 p.m. rolled around. After I cruised past some anti-war protesters outside Mervyn's and made the store at about 6:20 p.m, the gadget grab was already on -- about 65 people through the store so far, with more coming.

More pics and thoughts on the way...

As each group entered the store, a round of applause -- before they're guided into another line...

Which winds back to the front cashier -- the final stop.

On the way out the door, I met Peter Cruz, 32, of Pasadena, who picked up six iPhones with the help of his 1-year-old daughter Nevada and his wife. But they're not for him -- Peter's a Mac consultant, and he was shopping for his clients, which includes some important Hollywood folk.

It was my turn to take the iPhone for a spin. Just as I leaned over the demo display counter, a rather defensive shopper at the pulled his prize out of my reach -- it's okay pal, this reporter still has some ethics, even if your new toy could probably pay for this month's rent...

As a consumer product, the iPhone is as cool and slick as something out of Kubrick's 2001 -- a logical melding of form and function, and quite a few functions at that.

To call it a phone is a bit of a misnomer -- sure you can make voice calls on it, but it's more a portable Web terminal with its a full-function browser and a touchscreen keyboard larger and slicker than anything on the market today. Now if Apple can build some video recording functionality (what were they thinking???)...

Since the phone function didn't interest me and there were no headphones for me to test its capabilities as a music player, I spent my 20 or so minutes at the counter fiddling with the browser. And for surfing the Web, the color screen on the iPhone is the most vibrant I've experienced yet on a handheld device -- as clear as any Apple display and larger than the competition.

Navigating the Web pages wasn't difficult -- it appears as a thumbnail on the screen, and a few taps on the page allows you to zoom in. In close-up, you can scroll the page both vertically and horzontally by running your finger along the sides of the screen, just like you would on a notebook touchpad.

Getting around the Web is tougher, as the touchscreen keyboard definitely has a learning curve. It took me about three tries before I successfully entered this blog's URL, and about six tries before I could access my Movable Type account.

The trouble is not knowing whether your fingertip (my fingernails didn't register) is on the letter you want, or the letter below it. It didn't feel precise, and typing is all about precision. Granted, I'm not much of a two-thumb typist -- maybe you Blackberry-Treo veterans have better luck. And there's an auto-complete feature to save you some typing.

It is a solid device, and quite functional. But I have no practical use for it. And how much are you willing to bet Apple will have an improved version on sale for less within 12-18 months?

I'll be saving that $400-$600 for the bills in the meantime.

*Update -- 11:25 p.m.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 7:04 PM | Permalink |

Blog entry by iPhone.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 6:35 PM | Permalink |

The obligatory iPhone post -- what self-respecting blogger could ignore the hype? Heck, this'll probably drive a couple more hits to this humble blog...

So I got to the Glendale Galleria at 10 a.m., and the line was bout 150 long and snaking from the mall Apple store, rounding the corner at Abercrombie & Fitch then out to the parking garage and beyond.

Most came prepared -- a deck of cards, poker chips, iPods or portable video game system of choice, a good book. The real techies had notebooks with portable power sources to keep them plugged-in well past 6 p.m., when the phones official go on sale...

The lucky dozen at the front of the line -- the die-hards who arrived as early as 11 p.m. last night and slept in their cars before the Galleria doors open at 8 a.m. -- include a couple of guys who bought the hype, a Japanese journalist prepped to shoot online reports once he gets his hands on the hot property (they won't be out in Japan for a while...), and a couple of college guys looking to flip the phone for a quick few hundred bucks profit on eBay.

Then there were the two elementary-school age boys who were paid $100 by their aunt to wait in her place while she's at work. That's it? One hundred dollars? Their word of the day -- leverage -- as in, "I got your iPhone -- how much is that really worth to you?"

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:24 PM | Permalink |

i-blog.

• The Armenian National Committee takes its share of credit in the LA Times Managing Editor Doug Frantz's resignation, pegging it as fallout from his spiking that Armenian Genocide story back in April. But so far, no actual reason from the Times newsroom, other than word Frantz is heading back to Istanbul to head Middle East coverage for the Wall Street Journal.

• Meanwhile, if you're still keeping score, this year's version of the Armenian Genocide recognition bill making its way through the House now has 218 co-sponsors -- a majoirty -- screams Rep. Adam Schiff in a release this morning.

  "In gaining 218 cosponsors today, we have demonstrated that a majority of the House strongly supports recognizing the facts of the Armenian Genocide,” said Congressman Adam Schiff. “While there are still survivors left, we feel a great sense of urgency in calling attention to the attempted murder of an entire people. Our failure to acknowledge these dark chapters of history prevents us from taking more effective action against ongoing genocides, like Darfur.”

  “The Affirmation of the U.S. Record on the Armenian Genocide” resolution (H. Res. 106) calls on the President to "ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding" of the 'Armenian Genocide' and to “accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide.”

• It's new to me: The Falcon, Crescenta Valley High's school paper.

• The line was out the door and into the back parking structure at the Glendale Galleria this morning as about 150 people line-up for the iPhone, Apple's new must-have gadget....we'll have photos as soon as i upload...
  

Posted by Eugene Tong at 11:45 AM | Permalink |

The city of Glendale is dishing out the money to keep the twice-a-month visiting hours at Grand View Memorial Park going, but it might take a while until they're letting you back in. Mike Grant, the city attorney working on the case told me this morning it all depends on how long it takes to remove the dead trees and other hazards from the cemetery.

First step, the city has to secure a court order from the trial judge to permit the maintenance they want to do, and that won't happen until at least July 9, when the next hearing in the civil case against the cemetery owners takes place. Meanwhile, city crews have to assess how to remove the hazards while staying within budget.

We'll just have to wait and see...

Posted by Eugene Tong at 6:06 PM | Permalink |

The final chapter in that LATimes editor killing an Armenian Genocide story flap from April that got all the Armenian American activists out of the woodwork to denouce the paper -- LAObserved reports that Times Managing Editor Doug Frantz, who spiked Times scribe (and Armenian American) Mark Arax's genocide story, has resigned.

Apparently, the now-former Number Two in the Times newsroom was expected to walk even before all the ruckus started a few months back. When the flap was at its worst, critics were branding Frantz (once a correspondent in Turkey) and his paper with the "D" word -- denailist -- as in "I deny the Armenian Genocide ever happened, which makes me a denialist."

*Update 4:49 p.m. -- Frantz is heading back to Istanbul as the Wall Street Journal's Middle East bureau chief. LAObserved

Posted by Eugene Tong at 3:01 PM | Permalink |

So the Immigration Reform bill went down in flames this morning, and among the losers is The Home Depot.

According to this report from Marketplace, the Atlanta-based company convinced Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson to squeeze an amendment in the package that would "ban local governments across the country from forcing home-improvement stores to build shelters for the day laborers who gather on their properties seeking work."

Burbank pull a day labor shelter out of The Home Depot to build an outlet there last year. They also got $94,000 from the company to pay for additional services .

But none of that matters now -- no one in Washington will be talking immigration for at least the next 18 months.

Here's the AP story.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 12:40 PM | Permalink |

Free ride/ Take it easy.

A pox of thefts and rip-offs for Glendale's cornucopia of BMWs, according to the News Press

via city of Glendale:

GLENDALE, California – The Glendale City Council last night adopted a resolution implementing Phase I of the City’s Water Conservation Plan which asks all Glendale Water & Power (GWP) customers to voluntarily reduce their household water usage by 10% or about 20 gallons per person per day. The Water Conservation Plan was adopted by the city in 1995.

Following the City Council action, GWP is now launching a public outreach campaign "Glendale, It’s Time to Save Water." The campaign encourages all residential and business customers to save water so that Glendale can meet its water conservation goal.

“California is experiencing one of the driest years on record, so we all have to start thinking about saving water and making it a new way of life,” stated Dan Waters, GWP’s Interim Director. “We have also issued a special edition of our Source newsletter that covers programs that can help our customers save water, and provide them a variety of water conservation tips so each household can meet that 10% goal.” The special edition of the Source newsletter will be mailed to customers on July 9th. Waters recently recorded a public service announcement that will start airing on Glendale’s Government Access Channel GTV6, encouraging customers to save water.

Some of GWP’s water saving tips include:

• Turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving = Saves 6 gallons per day.
  
• Use low-flow showerheads and cut showers by two minutes = Saves 15 gallons per shower.
  
• Fix leaky faucets = Saves 20 gallons per day.
  
• Don’t take baths = Saves 36 gallons (or cut the amount of water in the tub in half = saves 18 gallons).
  
• Catch the flow of your tap water while you wait for the water to get hot = Saves 200-300 gallons a month.
  
• Don’t wash driveways or walkways with water, use a broom instead = Saves 150 gallons with each washing.
  
• Step on your grass, if it springs back, no need to water today = Saves 750 -1000 gallons per month.
  
• Install a swimming pool cover = Saves 30 gallons per day.
  
  More tips can be found on GWP’s Web site at: www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com

  Posted by Eugene Tong at 6:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) |

Via Tom Propst, Glendale Fire Department:

On Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 7:46 AM, 3 Companies of Glendale Firefighters, 2 Companies of Burbank Firefighters, 1 Glendale Fire Rescue Ambulance, and the Glendale Arson Investigation Unit under the direction of Battalion Chief Corey Creasey responded to a Structure Fire at 110 S. Irving 1820 Riverside Dr. in Glendale.

*Address corrected by Glendale Fire, 8:34 p.m.

Glendale Engine 27 arrived on-scene and discovered a two-story duplex with smoke emitting from an open door on the second floor. Engine Company Firefighters coordinated an aggressive attack by extending hose lines via the external stairwell advancing into the second floor to initiate fire attack. In coordination with Engine Company operations, Truck company members performed vertical ventilation of the structure.

Entering the second floor, firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions with visible fire in the kitchen area. As firefighters advanced through the interior attacking the fire, a primary search of the unit was also accomplished. Completing primary search no occupants were located in the structure. The affected unit was equipped with a smoke detector that had activated; fortunately, the occupant was not present and had left the home earlier in the morning.

It took the members of the Glendale & Burbank Fire Departments just 22 minutes to report a knockdown of the fire at 8:08 AM. Extensive overhaul was performed by firefighters to confirm extinguishment of the fire and contents while additional fire companies addressed property salvage on the first and second floors. No civilian injuries or fatalities occurred. The early morning fire was accidental in nature and attributed to a mechanical failure in the clothes dryer according to the Arson investigator. At the time of this report damage assessment has not been reported. Duration of incident was 3 hours and 01 minute.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 4:00 PM | Permalink |

Via Glendale Police spokesman John Balian:

Glendale Police Officers responded to 1601 West Mountain, Brand Park after receiving a call of multiple gunshots coming with in the park. On June 26, 2007, at 5:00 pm, witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from a white SUV type vehicle at Brand Park. The driver of the vehicle was described as a male Armenian, in his twenties, wearing a hat and sunglasses. The driver exchanged words with a group of males in the park and then began shooting.

Approximately five shots were fired and three of the shots fired struck a vehicle that was in the path of the gunshots. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident. The Glendale Police Department has made steps to add extra police patrol at Brand Park, by utilizing Park Rangers, Special Enforcement Detail, Gang Unit, and field patrol units.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Glendale Police Detectives at 818-548-3987.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 1:48 PM | Permalink |

Glendale City Council voted unanimously tonight to continue the twice-a-month visiting hours they've been running at Grand View Memorial Park, and are allocating $107,800 to conduct a one-time clean-up of dead or dying trees -- a liability risk as accidents waiting to happen, and a fire hazard in this weather.

They'll also fork out another $79,800 for staffing to operate the visiting hours for one year.

It wasn't an easy decision -- an estimate from a trusted company doing the trimming and tree removal came back $250,000, much more than the city was prepare to spend. But the council asked city arborists to take a second look and find a way to stay within budget.

No doubt the suggestion by attorney Paul Ayers that the city can recoup some of the costs through their court eventual court settlement also helped grease their wheels. Ayers represents Grand View Memorial Park families who are preparing a class action against the troubled cemetery's owners.

The next regularly scheduled opening is two weeks from Sunday. More story to come in the A.M...

*Update 8:28 a.m. -- here it is.

**Update 4 p.m. -- My colleague in Grand View, Lisa Burks of valleynews.com has this write-up of the meeting.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 10:12 PM | Permalink |

While Glendale Councilman Frank Quintero warned about brush clearance and John Drayman waxed about a visit to the Grayson Power Plant, Mayor Ara Najaraian spent a few minutes out of his life (and ours) to give a shout-out to all the stores slated to go into Americana at Brand.

That's from Armani Exchange to pinkberry.

Barneys New York's casual outlet, whose presence at the mall was announced yesterday, drew a ooohhh from his honor the mayor. And Najarian -- just to let all the haters know-- the Americana is coming.

I wonder if we'll see any contributions to Ara from General Growth in the next election cycle...

Posted by Eugene Tong at 6:48 PM | Permalink |

• A bit of rawk video from Sunday's Armenian Rock festival in Glendale

• A love letter to Bob's Big Boy Burbank, and to drive-up car hop service...

• Breakdancing from a wedding at Castaways Burbank...

  
  

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:48 PM | Permalink |

Catching up from the weekend...

• In case you haven't heard, Burbank homeowners will be seeing a $1.61 hike in trash fees beginning July 1. That's an 8 percent hike. It's because of operations expenses -- read fuel and salaries. Leader

• Meanwhile, firefighters battle stubborn blaze in South Glendale Residence
  
  On Monday, June 25, 2007 at 5:11 AM, 6 Companies of Glendale Firefighters, 1 Rescue Ambulance, 1 Air Utility and the Arson Investigation Unit under the direction of Battalion Chief Corey Creasey responded to a Structure Fire at 1814 Vassar Ave. in South Glendale.

Glendale Engine 22 arrived on-scene and discovered heavy smoke to ground level throughout the neighborhood impeding their vision to identify the actual location of the incident. Upon further investigation, a fire was located in an abandoned single story, single family residence in the 1800 block of Vassar Ave. In attempt to gain entry, firefighters encountered a security fence around the perimeter of the property as well as security bars on doors and windows of the structure. Utilizing fire axes and rotary saws, firefighters were able to gain entry onto the property and into the structure within minutes of arriving on-scene. With heavy fire visible from the basement and extension into the main living areas of the structure, Engine Company firefighters coordinated an aggressive attack by extending hose lines to initiate fire attack as Truck company members performed vertical ventilation and forcible entry.

Knocking down the fire in the basement area, firefighters advanced onto the first floor discovering fire extending into several rooms as well as traveling through the walls. Concerned with structural fatigue as a result of the basement involvement, firefighters “sounded” as they advanced through the interior performing fire attack and primary search duties. Weakened floor members were located and identified by firefighters avoiding potential floor collapse that could result in injury to firefighting personnel.

Completing primary search no occupants were located in or around the structure. It took the members of the Glendale Fire Department just 28 minutes to report a knockdown of the fire at 5:29 AM. Extensive overhaul was performed by firefighters to confirm extinguishment of the structure and contents. No civilian injuries or fatalities occurred; however, one firefighter was injured during suppression operations and received a back injury. The early morning fire is suspicious and Arson investigators are currently working to determine the actual cause. Damage assessment report indicates $220,000 to the structure and $0 contents. Duration of incident was 4 hours and 48 minutes.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 10:28 AM | Permalink |

A nice write-up of the Burbank Media City Church's softball league from valleynews.com user Richard Colon...

For Rick Fry, senior pastor of Media City Church in Burbank, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn't end at the pulpit. With three services every Sunday morning and one on Wednesday night, Fry has encouraged church members to take their faith to the local parks by playing on church-sponsored softball teams.

An avid golfer, Fry believes in building the total person - body, soul and spirit.

MCC put two teams together for the city of Burbank's slow-pitch church league. The makeup of the two teams is as different as day and night - or as written in the Old Testament, "alpha and omega."

The Alpha team is made up of young players who are highly competitive and the 2006 champions of the church league. Omega, with many players considered Senior Saints, plays for the love of the game and an opportunity to get some exercise.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:46 AM | Permalink |

Another quarter, another blast of tenant news for The Grove East, otherwise known as The Americana at Brand. You already know about Barnes & Noble relocating to the Rick Caruso mixed-use extravaganza next to the Glendale Galleria. The new list includes some heavy hitters, opportunities for shoppers to work up that national debt. The release from Caruso Affiliated says the mall is now 80 percent leased.

Shoe mavens have Kate Spade, which is opening its first Los Angeles-area location; Barneys New York CO-OP features designer casuals. There's also fancy cookware dealer Sur La Table. (I'm looking at YOU, Galleria tenant Williams Sonoma...)

For the hoi poloi, there's The Cheesecake Factory, and a pinkberry outlet. (Taking the faux-gurt back from knock-off purveyor Roseberry or Rosegreen or whatever their name is up the street...)

*For more Caruso goodness, check out this past weekend's edition of KPCC's Off-Ramp, which spent some time with LA's uber-developer -- there's a chat with Ed Leibowitz, who profiled the man for Los Angeles Magazine; and take a walk with Caruso through The Grove, where he shares a few hidden secrets...

Other Americana tenants:

• Brunello Ristorante Italiano - white tablecloth, authentic Italian cuisine featuring delicious pastas, seafood and regional specialties

• Calidora Spa - professional spa and skin care clinic specializing in anti-aging and personal care services in a relaxing and luxurious environment; a Los Angeles flagship

• Concept Five - a brand new concept from collegiate-style icon Abercrombie & Fitch; a Southern California exclusive

• crewcuts - the clean and classic style of J. Crew, now sized for the all-American kid; known for colorful prints and crisp designs

• Divine Boutique - edgy yet sophisticated designer fashions and accessories for the trendsetting woman

• Free People - whimsical women’s apparel and footwear with a unique flair and signature style both feminine and fun

• J. Crew - classic and comfortable men’s and women’s clothing and accessories for the office, the beach and everything in between

• Michael Stars - relaxed and contemporary women’s fashions for everyday wear in a wide array of colors and styles

Then there's True Religion Jeans, that triumph of marketing, where images of eastern spirituality are used to sell jeans and make a buck. It's all good -- maybe it's because Buddhists such as myself tend to take the long view -- nothing is permanent, especially marketing.

Some flakage:

“This expanded and eclectic retail lineup reflects our company’s merchandising philosophy of consistently providing customers with the most distinctive shops, boutiques and restaurants that represent the latest fashion and lifestyle tastes and trends,” said Todd M. Russell, senior vice president of leasing and marketing for Caruso Affiliated. “The Americana at Brand will distinguish itself in the competitive LA market by bringing in new retailers to the area and offering a level of style and sophistication that is unmatched in the region.”

The Americana at Brand, which broke ground in June 2006, is a $369 million urban in-fill mixed-use development set on 15.5 acres in the heart of Glendale, within minutes of Los Feliz, Silverlake, Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. Bounded by Brand Blvd., Central Avenue and Colorado Street, the 900,000 square-foot development features 475,000 square feet of retail comprised of 75 shops and boutiques, an 18-plex cinema and a variety of casual and fine dining options, and will offer 238 apartments and 100 condominiums - luxury residences created with classic Caruso flair, quality and attention to detail.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:30 AM | Permalink |

The City of Glendale / Knows how to party...

JUNE 22, 2007 -- Glendale officials announced today the entertainment schedule for the 14th Annual Cruise Night Car Show and Street Party. The event will be held on Saturday, July 21, from 5:30 to 10:30pm on Brand Boulevard.

Best remembered for his 1973 soul classic “Show and Tell”, Al Wilson, will kick things off at 5:30pm on the main stage at Brand and Milford. “Show and Tell” was both a million seller and the #1 record in America. Wilson will be followed at 6:30pm by The Chantays who had the 1963 surf hit “Pipeline”. The Chantays’ sound influenced a number of artists including The Ventures, Dick Dale, and the Beach Boys. At 7:30pm, Johnny Tillotson will take the stage. Tillotson’s “Poetry in Motion” sold over a million copies and zoomed to #1 in America. Closing out the entertainment for the evening will be The Marcels whose hit “Blue Moon” became the #1 song in America by bumping Elvis Presley’s song “Surrender” out of the top spot. Emcee for the evening will be KRTH Radio legend Brian Bierne, Mr. Rock and Roll ®.

In addition to the great music, the 14th Annual Cruise Night will feature over 400 pre-1973 custom cars and trucks. The celebrity judge for this year’s event will be Edd “Kookie” Byrnes who portrayed the character Gerald Lloyd “Kookie” Kookson III on the 1960’s TV detective series 77 Sunset Strip. Byrnes and singer Connie Stevens recorded the song “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me your Comb” following his popularity on the TV show. Those who would like to register their car can call (818) 548-2184.

Cruise Night this year will feature a dance and hoola-hoop contest at the Awards Stage located at Brand and Wilson. There will also be booths, displays and games for the kids at Brand and Broadway. Restaurants and businesses will be open during the event. For more information, call (818) 548-6464 or go to the Cruise Night website: glendalecruisenight.com.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 5:06 PM | Permalink |

You're less likely to die from heart failure at Glendale Memorial Hospital on average than at other hospitals across the nation, according to an analysis of cardiac care from a federal agency.

The study released Thursday by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) compares heart attack and heart failure death rates from more than 4,000 hospitals nationwide. Glendale Memorial is among the 38 hospitals where the heart failure death rate is below the national average of 11.1.

Here's the USA Today story and a list of how hospitals did. For more such statistics, check out this U.S. Department of Health and Human Sevices site.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:11 PM | Permalink |

And that's the Majesty Of Rock! The Mystery of Roll!

This SUNDAY-SUNDAY-SUNDAY! LIVE at the GLENDALE CIVIC AUDITORIUM! It's the ARMENIAN ROCK FESTIVAL GLENDALE 2007!!!!!

Where RAWK and a 1600-year-old alphabet meet!!!!!!!

Posted by Eugene Tong at 12:19 PM | Permalink |

"The name Friday comes from the Old English frigedæg, meaning the day of Frige, the Anglo-Saxon form of Frigg, the Germanic goddess of beauty." Read the rest of the Wikipedia entry here.

Via Glendale Fire Department --

Brush Fire -- Verdugo Mountain Range / Beaudry North Motorway On Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 2:07 PM, a phone call was received at Glendale Fire Station #29 from a concerned citizen identifying a brush fire located near the top of the Verdugo Mountain range in the City of Glendale. Firefighters from Glendale Fire Station #29 immediately self dispatched and notified the Verdugo Communications Dispatch Center with a request of additional resources. A total of 6 Engine Companies of Glendale Firefighters, 1 Glendale Rescue Ambulance, 2 Water Dropping Helicopters, 4 Los Angeles County Camp Crews, 1 Los Angeles County Fire Camp Crew Superintendent, 1 Los Angeles County Engine Company, 1 Engine Company of Burbank Firefighters, 1 Glendale Arson Investigator and 1 Glendale Fire Patrol unit all under the direction of Acting Battalion Chief Thomas Marchant responded and mounted an aggressive attack on the fire.

While enroute, fire units reported a visible fire near the top of the Verdugo mountain range in the area of the Beaudry North Motorway. First arriving firefighters on scene discovered a half-acre brush fire burning in steep terrain with heavy brush. With no wind but high temperatures to aid the fire, firefighters immediately mounted an aggressive attack on the fire by utilizing a progressive hose lay operation along the flanks. With the aid of water dropping helicopters and the work of hand crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department it took firefighters only 30 minutes to call a knockdown. The fire had advanced, however, no structures were threatened and no evacuations were necessary in the area.

The fire was contained to the area of origin and the cause has been listed as undetermined by the Arson investigator on scene. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians at the time of this report. Incident duration was 8 hours and 46 minutes.

As a reminder, with high fire danger conditions and the combination of record low fuel moisture levels and historic low rainfall amounts, the Glendale Fire Department is reminding residents to assist with brush fire weed abatement measures. Brush clearance from structures is required to be 100’ providing a defensible space for protection of structures during a wildfire. If you have further questions regarding brush weed abatement or would like to schedule a neighborhood visit by the Glendale Fire Department, please call 818/548-6402 or visit us at www.glendalefire.org.

GFD PIO Tom Propst told me this morning they suspect it may have been caused by vehicle exhaust -- a couple of cars were in the area, but nothing conclusive.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:53 AM | Permalink |

Arraignment for Alan Freibaum -- the "Irreconciliable Differnces Bandit" -- has been postponed until July 13 in Burbank Superior Court. The 55-year-old alleged made off with more than $44,000 in Southland bank robbery spree between December 2006 and until his June this year. He apparently began knocking down banks because he was going through a divorce and needed money. Victims include four Citibank branches in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale and Burbank, two Wells Fargo branches in Glendale and Encion and others.

He's charged with 25 counts of robbery, and was being held in lieu of on $2 million bail.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 4:10 PM | Permalink |

Some results from this year's California English Language Development Test (CELDT). Students are graded as beginning, early intermediate, intermediate, early advanced and advanced. The last means the student is deemed proficient in English.

At Glendale Unified School District, 2,829 English learners, or 46 percent of 6,198 students tested, were rated early advanced proficiency or better. Of that, 807 received the top ranking of advanced. Last year, 61 percent of the 6,815 English learners GUSD tested earned a passing grade. See complete GUSD results here.

Burbank Unified School District tested 1,828 English learners, of which 43 percent, were deemed early advanced or better. Among them 133 students were rated advanced. About 65 percent of the 2,047 students tested passed the exam last year. See complete BUSD results here.

*Update 3:17 p.m. -- GUSD's Director of Assessment and Evaluation Terry Dutton said doing a year-to-year comparison of the numbers doesn't really show what's happening, since English learners who are deem proficient don't have to take the test anymore. Overall, the English language learner population here is shrinking, as overall enrollment declines and students master the language. Also, district is seeing fewer immigrants who do not speak a word of English -- most have some prior knowledge.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:49 PM | Permalink |

The City of Glendale is working on a license system for tobacco sellers doing business here as a tool to prevent underage smoking. City officials are holding a meeting tonight to take-in public comments -- Perkins Building Community Room, 141 N. Glendale Ave., Room 118. Call Noreen Benjaminsen at (818) 548-2125 for more details.

Burbank already launched a permiting system for retailers of cancer sticks within their borders last month. It costs stores $200 a year.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 11:24 AM | Permalink |

Finally, some news...

• The Glendale City Council approved a trash fee hike -- an extra $1.11 for residents to offset fuel costs. It's a 7 percent increase to $16.95 from $15.85. News Press

• The Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission is looking at potential ethnic tensions between Armenian and Latino students at Glendale High, after a student brawl last month. Some attributed inter-group tensions as a cause of the fight, though police disagreed. News Press
  Earlier: Law and order in Glendale

• For you entertainment techies -- Joost threw a party for Hollywood execs in North Hollywood, though this tech columnist thought it closer to Burbank than Tinseltown.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:53 AM | Permalink |

Via 29th district U.S. Rep Adam Schiff --

Resolution Recognizing Armenian Genocide Hits 200 Cosponsors

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the resolution recognizing and commemorating the Armenian Genocide has garnered more than 200 cosponsors – the most it has ever amassed. Rep. Schiff introduced the resolution in January along with Reps. Pallone, Knollenberg, and Radanovich.

“Two-hundred cosponsors is an important milestone,” said Congressman Adam Schiff. “This overwhelming support for the resolution is evidence that Members of Congress and their constituents believe that recognizing the Armenian Genocide, which claimed more than a million and a half lives, is a moral imperative.”

“The Affirmation of the U.S. Record on the Armenian Genocide” resolution (H. Res. 106) calls on the President to “ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding” of the “Armenian Genocide” and to “accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide.”

Posted by Eugene Tong at 1:29 PM | Permalink |

Some dude boogie-ing down at Glendale High School, set to Rick James -- is this where your tax dollars are going?

Glendale's filipino community celebrates The Philippines' June 12 Independence Day (from the Spaniards -- not the Americans) with song and dance at the Glendale Library auditorium. The show's organized by FABAG -- the Filipino American Business Association of Glendale.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:55 AM | Permalink |

From Glendale Fire Department --

Fire Chief Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Firefighters

(Glendale, CA) The City of Glendale and members of the Glendale Fire Department grieve for the fallen members of the fire family and their departments during this past week. In memory of fallen members from the Charleston, SC and Pasadena, CA Fire Departments, we hold the victims in our hearts, lift them up, and comfort those who are suffering.

As a mark of respect for our fallen fire family members and in accordance with City of Glendale policy, under direction from City Manager Jim Starbird and Fire Chief Chris Gray, City of Glendale Fire Stations will display the American Flag and City of Glendale Flags at half-staff in honor of our fire family loss. Flags at City of Glendale Fire Stations will be displayed at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at which time they will be returned to the normal position.

Pasadena Fire Department lost two members in a small plane crash over the Sea of Cortez last Thursday. They were on vacation; Nine firefighters from Charleston were killed when the roof collapsed in a burning furniture store Monday night.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:36 AM | Permalink |

I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads...

• A Glendale motel clerk was bind and gagged in an early Monday robbery, according to police, and the perb got away with $250. News Press

• The Leader checks out helicopter traffic patrols police are operating over Burbank and Glendale.

• Burbank is now contemplating replacing the cancelled Fourth of July fireworks show at the Starlight Bowl with a LASER show! City leaders cancelled the event last month due to high brush fire danger. LASER is an acronym -- light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
  

Posted by Eugene Tong at 8:25 AM | Permalink |

It's all part of a $3 million grant from the MTA and the state Air Resources board. ABC7

Posted by Eugene Tong at 4:04 PM | Permalink |

Here's a look at Baskin-Robbins, which has been trying to shed its old, linoleum-ecnrested image for something more hip in order to compete in a crowded marketplace. Boston Globe has the story, though I wrote about this about two years ago when they opened one of their first new concept stores with the new logo in Stevenson Ranch. It reminded me of Starbucks, but brighter.

Local historians will recall those 31 flavors started life in Glendale in about 1945. It's now owned by the company that owns Dunkin' Donuts back east, though it still operates an ice cream test lab out in Burbank, I believe. Ah, here's a 2003 Time magazine story with a peek inside the lab.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 11:37 AM | Permalink |

It appears the flap between the Times and its senior Armenian American reporter Mark Arax, whose story about the Armenian Genocide was spiked by an editor and caused weeks of rancor in the community, has been settled behind closed doors...LAObserved, plus folo today.

Meanwhile, not a peep yet from the Armenian activists...

Posted by Eugene Tong at 11:11 AM | Permalink |

A blood drive for Patrica Agahaian is scheduled at Glendale Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 20 from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Patrick, a 4th grader at Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School, was recently diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and started chemotherapy at the UCLA Medical Center. Patrick's mother is Juanita Shahijanian, Teacher Specialist at Jefferson Elementary.

Patrick will most likely need a bone marrow transplant, but couldn't find a donor match through his immediate family. If you want to be a potential donor and take the simple blood test, here are the details:

Glendale Memorial Hospital Auditorium
1420 S. Central Ave
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 243-5515

Contact Liana @ (818) 429-4688 for more information.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 10:18 AM | Permalink |

Grand View Memorial Park has seen better days, as these vintage cards from valleynews.com blogger Lisa Burks show...

Check out the rest here.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 8:24 AM | Permalink |

Burbank story of the day -- there's a Nancy Drew convention in town just as the new Warner Bros. movie about the plucky teen detective goes into wide release today, and I spent some time them over the past two days in researching this story.

These members of the Nancy Drew Sleuths national fan club were as young as eight and as old as 71, and they all shared a love for the mystery series. For some, it's nostalgia and comfort, while others are thrilled by the hunt that comes with trying to collect the 77 year-old kid-lit series. And of course, some are just discovering Nancy's adventures for the first time, inheriting the novels from their mothers, sisters and grandmothers.

For a fresh assessment of Nancy's legacy, check out this 1999 Salon.com write-up, which attempts to place the girl detective in a contemporary context. There's also an interview with Mildred Wirt Benson, the first ghostwriter to assume the mantle of Nancy Drew author "Carolyn Keene."

Other resources: Stratemeyer Syndicate expert James Keeline's site; Nancy Drew's wiki.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 12:58 PM | Permalink |

Today's theme: Gluttony...

• An Washington-based pizza franchise is moving into Burbank and other locales in Daily News-land (that being Simi Valley, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia), according to CurbedLA. Never had a Garlic Jim's pie, but if anyone out there has and cares to share, leave a comment below!

• Meanwhile, Daily News restaurant critic Larry Lipson stops by the year-old Porto's Burbank. Excerpt:

  Last year, Porto's came to neighboring Burbank's Magnolia Park and took off right away. It's a mega hit. Tasty, refreshing, quickly served fare at very reasonable prices. And no tips.

  What originally was primarily a bakery where there were a few tables available for a pastry nosh and a cup of coffee had turned into a hugely successful, quasi-self-service cafe.

  See the rest of the review here.

  Also, Sharon Kaplan over at our reawakened Table Talk food blog praises Porto's potato ball!

• Don't forget to check out our link to Chowhound's good eats in Burbank/Glendale thread to our right...
  

Posted by Eugene Tong at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

Andrew Bruce of Burbank wanted to take a break to sail around the world -- and he did, on a freighter. KNBC4 visits with the man who traded his audio and video equipment rental business for three months on the high seas.

And get this, the trip just cost him roughly $10,000...

Posted by Eugene Tong at 12:46 PM | Permalink |

The Glendale City Council will take another look at the Grand View Memorial Park situation June 19 -- pushed back from yesterday. The last city-sanctioned visiting hours are this Sunday.

Update 5:28 p.m. -- It seems the City Council has pushed back Grand View yet again, this time to June 26. Their agendas have been packed with budget items, and this one could include some serious debate. valleynews.com's Lisa Burks has a write-up.

Earlier:
Grand View Reopening Proposal on the Table
The View from Grand View

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:54 AM | Permalink |

A Hilton gets an associate into trouble, and other items of note...

• Richard Leeson, the California Lottery's broadcasting director who is accused of taking kickbacks of frequent-stay points from the Glendale Hilton by placing "The Big Spin" contestants at the hotel when they're in town for the show taping, has been fired and is under investigation for allegedly signing an unauthorized contract, according to the Times.

  As I reported last month, the union UNITE HERE, which is trying to orgainize the Hilton workers, tipped-off the state Lottery about Leeson's alleged activity.

• Burbank Unified School District senior facilities director Craig Jellison has been accused of sexual harassment by an administrative secretary who is currently on leave for emotional distress. Danielle Baez is suing the district, alleging Jellison repeatedly sent her sexually explicit e-mails and that he sexually assaulted her in the district's facilities building in late July 2006, locking her in his office and making unwanted advances. Jellison recently received a pay cut and title change, and district Superintendent Greg Bowman said the two "had no association," as far as he knows. Leader

• Lots of attention for Montrose and North Glendale at last night's City Council meeting -- Councilman John Drayman and supporters pressed the city to purchase the former Rockhaven Sanitarium property to turn it into a library. According to the News Press, Rockhaven, once known as the "Screen Actor's Sanitarium" was built in 1922 and was home to actress Frances Farmer, and to Marilyn Monroe's mother.

  The 3.5 acre property is currently owned by Ararat Home, which operates retirememt and convalescent homes for elderly Armenian Americans in Mission Hills and Eagle Rock. The group wanted to develop it into another facility, but has now put it on sale.
  

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:21 AM | Permalink |

Local state Assemblyman Paul Krekorian got some lovin' from the Los Angeles City Council today, when they went on the record in support of a tough-on-crime bill package. Among the proposals is one from the Burbank Democrat, AB1013, that would grant city attorneys the right to bring eviction actions against building tenants who illegally use or possess dangerous weapons.

Other measures in the package:

• SB 271, a bill authored by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, would allow district attorneys and city attorneys statewide to go after gang assets to satisfy criminal judgments, and return recovered funds to the communities they terrorized.

• SB 989 would make it easier for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to deal with racially motivated gang activity. The bill, introduced by Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas, D-Los Angeles, would add hate crimes to the list of crimes in the Street Terrorism and Enforcement Protection Act.

• SB 844 -- also authored by Calderon -- would establish sentencing enhancements for gang activities, hate crimes, child abuse and drug crimes committed within 1,500 feet of a school.

• AB 1033, which targets gang members trying to recruit children. If approved, offenders would be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, sentenced to a year in jail and fined $2,500, according to the bill’s author, Assemblywoman Anna Caballaro, D-Salinas.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 3:16 PM | Permalink |

In other union vs. management action, the Glendale Teachers Association is mounting a rally at Brand and Wilson today at about 4 p.m. to draw attention to their contract talks stalemate with Glendale Unified. A state-appointed mediator is involved right now, and both sides are doing a numbers check.

The dispute is over the raise -- the union representing 1,400 teachers, counselors and other certificated staff are making a hard push to make up for raises they had forego in past years, while the district, which had a good budget year with an extra $12 million from Sacramento, wants to save in anticipation of declining revenues due an enrollment drop. Another meeting is scheduled June 30.

Update 7:45 p.m. -- According to GTA president Allen Freemon, about 400 of the floursecent green tee shirt-wearing union members rallied on at Wilson and Broadway this afternnoon, though their message went from demanding GUSD return to the negotiating table to let's make a deal.

Freemon told me the district, which retreated into fact-finding two weeks ago to review the numbers, called him earlier today to say they're ready to go back to the table, and they've set a June 21 meeting to work things out.

Here's what's on the table: The union is still looking for a double-digit percentage raise, but GUSD surprised them at their May meeting with a two-year proposal -- 6.1 percent for the 2006-07 school year, then another 2.6 percent for 2007-08. It's closer than where both sides were at the start of last school year, with the union proposing 12.6 percent and the GUSD countering with 5 percent. But still not quite enough...

"I think there's room to compromise on a two year deal and we want to reach a settlement," Freemon said. " We're willing to work together to make something that's fair and equitable happen."

If they go for the two-year solution, that could postpone the union's opening talks for a new three-year contract, also slated to begin in the new school year.

Here's GUSD's GTA's release from earlier...

Tell the Glendale School Board To Bargain With Its Teachers

1. The Glendale Teachers Association is ready to return to the negotiations table to achieve a contract settlement. GTA is prepared and available to meet at any time (days, nights, or weekends) to resolve the current contract impasse.

2. In the last few weeks the GTA has expressed the desire to bargain with the GUSD verbally,
via email, and with a written letter.

3. The GUSD has refused our offer to return to the negotiations table.

4. Teachers are not able to keep up with the rising cost of living. Recent raises have not helped.

Recent raises for Glendale teachers

2002-03: 0%
2003-04: 0%
2004-05: 2.75%
2005-06: 3.5%

5. The Glendale School Board must be responsible stewards of the district and make the necessary budget decisions that move the classroom to the top of the list.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 10:52 AM | Permalink |

Despite a call for help making picket signs and plans to hire temp nurses in anticipation of a one-day strike scheduled today, both sides in the conflict between the nurses union and management at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center have pulled back from the brink, at least for now...

Brent Hopkins reports both sides have agreed to a 30-day cooling off period brokered by Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon, who obviously doesn't represent Burbank, but got involved because of his union ties and his district in L.A. covers Providence Holy Cross, the hospital's sister facility in Mission Hills.

BURBANK - Late Monday, hours before nearly 1,500 members were set to walk off the job at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, the unions representing nurses, technicians and staff called off a planned strike.

Seeking to prod hospital management into better job security and added staffing, SEIU-UHW West (formerly Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West) and SEIU Local 121 RN had called for a one-day walkout beginning at 6 a.m. today.

Hospital officials said they would use replacement workers on a three-day contract and threatened to keep strikers off the job on Wednesday and Thursday.
...
The two parties hope to resume negotiations later this week.

A marketing/pr official at St. Joe's told me this morning ths deal is holding and everybody's at work.

Update 9 a.m. -- In fact, both sides are slated to return to the negotiating table Wednesday.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 8:42 AM | Permalink |

Another year, another anniversary for Damon's the venerable bamboo-and-palm frond tiki steakhouse on Brand. For it's 70th today, they're doing a fundraiser for Glendale Healthy Kids. The $20 cover gets you in on a celebration of meat and protein at 1937 prices -- that's $1.10 for a New York, $1 for a Filet Mignon. See the menu here.

Party begins at 4 p.m.

Yelp.com's reviews and Citysearch's entry.

How TIki is Damon's? Ask Critiki!

Keep reading for the release...

• Damon’s Steak House in Glendale Celebrates 70 Years June 11

  WHO: Damon’s sponsors a fundraising event for Glendale Healthy Kids (see www.glendalehealthykids.com).

  WHAT: A Glendale tradition since 1937 with its great steaks and fabulous Tiki Bar, Damon’s will offer a special menu with 1937 prices.

  WHEN: Monday, June 11
  4:00PM to 10:00PM Open for fundraiser dinner (Tickets $20/person donated to Glendale Healthy Kids)
  5:00 to 6:00PM VIP reception with presentations by local civic leaders
  
  WHERE: Damon’s Steak House 317 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale (818) 507-1510

  MORE: Beginning at 5:40PM, civic leaders will present Damon’s with resolutions/commendations recognizing the restaurant’s valuable heritage. Presenting will be representatives from Senator Jack Scott, Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblyman Paul Kerkorian, Supervisor Mike Antonovich, and Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian.

  The bar from the original 1937 restaurant will be on display at “Damon’s Annex” (BJ’s Printer’s parking lot next to Damon’s rear entrance) where music will be provided by local band “Che Y Su Barrio Latino” 6:00 to 9:00PM

• and here's official flakage about Damon's founding...

  The Legend of Damon’s

  Once upon a time, in a land known as Glendale, a well-respected gent in the candy store business decided there was more to life than candy. Since he himself loved huge steaks and hearty meals, he decided to open his own restaurant in 1937. It didn’t take long for the word to spread far and wide throughout Southern California that Mr. Loyal Damon had, indeed, created something special.

  Desiring to make his café unique, the savvy Loyal placed a magical palm tree in the middle of his steak emporium. Soon, the palm tree started attracting all kinds of tropical artifacts to it. Being a practical man, Loyal simply started hanging the masks and torches onto the walls creating a South Seas atmosphere for his steak-loving clientele. And, when it came to pass that the restaurant relocated to Brand Blvd., in the year of 1980, an outrigger canoe, Polynesian murals, and aquariums also appeared in the steak house.

  Time passed, and parents brought their children to experience the unusual surroundings that made them feel like they were dining in the islands. As fate would have it, generation after generation continues to be drawn to the wonder of great food, exceptional service and its fun tropical atmosphere. To put it simply, everyone ate & drank happily ever after.

  The End

  After 70 years, this legendary steak house continues to thrive… Here’s to at least 70 more years of enjoying the magic that is Damon’s!
  

Posted by Eugene Tong at 10:51 AM | Permalink |

The Atwater Village Newbie covers Sunday's Street Festival and baking contest...check out the Flickr gallery! marvel at Mrs. Newbie's Pink Lady!

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:54 AM | Permalink |

via Globe St...

The Burbank Collection, that city-block size, mixed-use residential/retail project bound by by Magnolia Boulevard, San Fernando Boulevard, Orange Grove Avenue and First Street has sold more than 60 percent of its 118 condo units, according to developer Champion Development Group of Los Angeles.

Four retailers Skechers USA Inc., Johnny Rockets restaurant, Café Venizie and Amuse Jewelry have sign leases at the complex.

The Burbank Collection is the second phase of a project called Burbank Entertainment Village, a $90 million urban infill mixed-use development. The first phase was developed by Kansas City, MO-based AMC Entertainment Inc. and completed in July 2003. It is anchored by a 16-screen AMC Megaplex with a Macaroni Grill, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Coldstone Creamery among the tenants that occupy the 30,000 sf of retail and restaurant space in phase one.

I recalled when that was AMC's parking lot -- in fact, I went out to movie there back in 2000, (the forgettable Bounce with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck) and got stuck there for a couple hours when the battery on my old VW Jetta died and needed a jump from a good samaritan.

Now it's part of the Burbank Entertainment Village -- which some locals are still hating on during City Council meetings, nitpicking on traffic and arcane land use formulas that are the province fo the obsessed.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:40 AM | Permalink |

The labor dispute between nurses and management at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is escalating, with the union preparing a one-day strike on Tuesday and talk of a two-day lockout beginning Wednesday (because the contracted temps to fill-in Tuesday have to stay a minium three days).

Here's Jason Kandel's story from Saturday:

BURBANK - Management at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and the union that represents its employees have discussed bringing in a federal mediator to help move stalled contract negotiations forward, but it won't be in time for a planned one-day strike at 6 a.m. on June 12.

The 1,500 employees represented by the SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West and SEIU Local 121RN -- announced last month that they will protest unfair labor practices and call on the hospital to work with its employees on issues affecting patient care.

The bargaining committee is stalled over a no-subcontracting clause -- which would ensure the employees wouldn't be laid off, retirement health benefits, a unionized education fund, safer staffing ratios and to bring an outside arbitrator for patient care. But the group has made movement on wages.

Meanwhile, the union is busy making signs for the picket, according this release:

LOS ANGELES, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- In preparation for their one-day strike on Tuesday, and anticipated illegal lockout on Wednesday, caregivers from Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank will spend Sunday evening making picket signs calling on hospital administrators to support patient care by bargaining fairly.

Workers represented by SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West and SEIU Local 121RN plan an Unfair Labor Practices strike on Tuesday, June 12. Caregivers are seeking a fair contract that meets industry standards and is designed to attract and retain a skilled hospital workforce, thus improving patient care. The strike is also intended
to protest unfair actions by hospital administrators.

WHAT: Hospital caregivers assembling and inscribing picket signs that will be used on the strike at Providence Saint Joseph in Burbank

WHO: Caregivers represented by SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West and SEIU Local 121RN

WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 6 p.m.

WHERE: SEIU Local 121RN office 4146 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood 91602

SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West and SEIU Local 121RN represent more than 147,000 healthcare workers in California. Together, both locals represent every type of caregiver, including nursing, professional, technical and service workers. Our mission is to ensure quality healthcare for all.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 9:00 AM | Permalink |

As if working to save Hollywood from runaway production and piracy wasn't enough, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian has brought some acting muscle to the issue of health care. Here's the release:

Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, Hollywood Stars and Local Activists Join In Demanding ‘Healthcare For All’

GLENDALE, CA– Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) will join actors Yvette Freeman (Nurse Haleh Adams on ER), Kirkwood Smith (That 70’s Show) and John Harnagel (formerly in Desperate Housewives), along with activists from the Service Employee International Union and League of Women Voters, to discuss California’s healthcare crisis this Saturday afternoon in Glendale.

The gathering will feature personal stories of concerned local citizens, a brief video program and comments from Assemblymember Krekorian regarding the landmark healthcare reform proposals passed by both the Assembly and Senate on Thursday.

“More than six million Californians lack any health coverage at all, and millions more are underinsured. That is a crisis by any definition, and we need to get serious about solving it,” said Assemblymember Krekorian. “Yesterday we took a bold step by passing a sweeping proposal to ensure that all of California’s children will have the health care they need, and to substantially reduce the number of adult uninsured in our state. But we still have so much more to do. Our leaders of the past wiped out poverty among the elderly through the Social Security program, and they ensured comprehensive quality health care for seniors through Medicare. Certainly we can have similar vision and courage in solving the healthcare crisis for all Californians.”

WHAT: It’s our Healthcare!

WHEN: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 9th

WHERE: 326 Cumberland Road, Glendale, CA

Posted by Eugene Tong at 7:58 PM | Permalink |

valleynews.com's Grand View Memorial Park expert Lisa Burks' latest scoop is that Tom Trimble, estate executor and brother of the facility's late majority owner Marsha Howard, has proposed a plan that could re-open the shuttered cemetery on a full-time basis.

Details of the proposal, which involves pooling all of the cemetery's current and expected revenue streams, were included in a letter sent to the City of Glendale earlier this week. Here are the letter's contents, according a post by Betty Haskell, Trimble's fiance, at this Yahoo Group for Grand View Families.

Re: Grandview Cemetery; Estate of Marsha L. Howard.

Dear Gentlemen:

It has been brought to my attention that the City of Glendale would like to speak with Charles Wetmore, Trustee for the Endowment Care Funds of Grand View Cemetery. With the intent to use these funds in this account to offset the costs of the public limited Sunday visitations in Grand View Cemetery.

Since my Sister's Untimely death it has been my intent to reopen Grand View for visitation only on a FULL TIME basis. Seven days a week, eight hours per day.

My Proposal has been to use only the acquired interest of the endowment care funds and the monthly rent from the Church building located on the North corner of the cemetery grounds. These combined funds could possible cover the costs of insurance and water at the cemetery.

The new owners of Kiefer & Eyerick Mortuary could resume their prepaid lease of the office at Grandview. Open and close the entrance gates to the grounds 7 days a week for visitation only.

The public's best interest has been ignored much longer than appreciated. In the interest of the public any proposal less than "full time" visitations are unacceptable to me at this time.

Thomas E. Trimble
Execuator Estate of Marsha L. Howard.

The old cemetery has been closed for regular business since June 2006, six months after its owners and operators were charged with allegations of financial and criminal wrongdoing. Though criminal charges were dropped, Grand View was left insolvent.

Meantime, the Glendale City Council stepped-in to organize limited visitation hours on the city's dime as an intermediate fix while lawyers and the cemetery's insurers sort out Grand View's future. The City Council is scheduled to address all these issues at its Tuesday, June 12 meeting. The final date for the current limited visitation schedule approved by the council is Sunday, June 17.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:23 PM | Permalink |

YouTube find of the day -- uploader mspacone has a time-lapsed video of a drive home from Burbank to Torrance. That's a 1 1/2 hour drive compressed to just over 3 minutes, set to the soothing techno of Air. But what's more amazing is the driver appears to only take local streets (Figueroa?) from Downtown LA onwards...

Posted by Eugene Tong at 1:43 PM | Permalink |

Day 4 of the Daily News' Exposed: Porn in the Valley series includes my write-up of Porn Star Karaoke -- an industry mixer/party held at Sardo's Restaurant in Burbabnk for the past three-going-on-four years.

It's my small, geographical contribution to our look at XXX -- and I have to admit, a pleasure to take on. Contrary to any images of Boogie Nights its name may conjure, it was mostly a mellow night of song, dancing, drinks and conversation, porn or otherwise. Still, it was raining that night and they weren't holding a special event, so the crowd may have been a little off...

Allow me to thank PSK organizer Konnie and Sardo's manager Seymour Satin for letting me in on their party, and putting up with my questions, which got more and more aimless as the clock approached 1 a.m.

While you're at it, check out the audio slide show DN photographer Michael Owen Baker and I put together of our PSK night out.

If the story link above doesn't work (Flash required), try this. And here's the PSK Club's Yahoo! group.

As Konnie told me, PSK is "whatever you want it to be -- just don't bring a bunch of guys." Remember -- ratios, people.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 12:07 PM | Permalink |

Glendale City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian wants to pick your brain about the conduct of the recent municipal elections. If you have something to say, stop by the Glendale Police Department's Community Room Wednesday night. Come one, come all!

Me? I expect absentee returns by 7:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. on election night, and a good third of the precincts counted by 9:30 p.m. I got a couple screaming editors to mellow, y'know...

The City Clerk of Glendale is holding a public meeting to discuss the last city election and seek input from the public about ways to improve the municipal electoral process. Community members are invited and encouraged to share thoughts and ideas at a “Town Hall” meeting and express how they think the City can improve its municipal elections.

WHO: Glendale City Clerk

WHAT: Election Process Town Hall

WHEN: Wednesday, June 6 6:30 – 8:30 PM

WHERE: Glendale Police Community Room
131 North Isabel Street

CONTACT: 818-548-4000 www.ci.glendale.ca.us/city-clerk

Posted by Eugene Tong at 4:05 PM | Permalink |

It's bound to happen sooner or later -- five banks in four days and you're just asking to get caught...

GLENDALE - The suspected "Irreconcilable Differences" bandit, suspected in 16 bank robberies, was arrested today after trying to hold up a Wells Fargo Bank branch, officials said.

The unidentified suspect, who matches the description of the robber in 16 other Southland bank heists since December, was nabbed in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant near the scene of today's robbery, said Laura Eimiller of the FBI.

The "Irreconcilable Differences Bandit" robbed the Newport Beach branch of California National Bank on Monday, two days after holding up a Citibank branch in Santa Barbara, according to the FBI.

He also tried to rob a Burbank bank Friday, but did not receive any cash from the teller. He robbed another bank in Burbank, then a bank in Glendale later that day, escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.

In addition to the bank robberies, he is also suspected in a street robbery in Beverly Hills.

He got his nickname from his first bank robbery on Dec. 22 in Beverly Hills, when he told a teller he was going through a divorce and needed help wiring money, requesting that the transfer be done in such a way that his estranged wife's attorney would not learn of it.

More at Daily News.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:02 PM | Permalink |

YouTube find of the day! It seems a group of creative Burbank High film production students shot a 22 minute short titled "Burbank Battle Royale" -- their take of the 2000 Japanese Box Office hit (turned cult classic in the West) Battle Royale, in which a fascist state pits teenagers against each other in a deadly survival game on an island. It's actually deeper than it sounds...but I'll leave it to you, dear reader, to see for yourself.

NOTE CONTENT -- In the tradition of the best do-it-yourself horror cinema, the filmmakers spill A LOT of fake blood, and if you find the idea of teens being coerced to fight one another repulsive, DO NOT PUSH PLAY!

Just move along -- nothing to see here...

For parts 2 and 3, check out uploader Zilgor's channel here.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) |

via Burbank Police

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISON On Saturday, June 2, 2007, at approximately 3:00 a.m., a fatality traffic collision occurred at Hollywood Way and Pacific Avenue in the City of Burbank. A male driver of a 1983 Allegro motor home collided with a parkway tree and a utility pole. As a result of the collision, the motor home overturned and crushed the partially ejected driver. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the male driver is being withheld pending notification of relatives.

No other parties were involved in the collision.

The investigation into this collision is on-going, so determinations relative to the cause and whether alcohol played a role are still pending. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Burbank Police Department

Questions regarding this statement may be directed to Lieutenant Ron Caruso or Detective Joe Dean of the Traffic Bureau at 818 238-3100.

Update June 3, 3:45 p.m. -- The victim has been identified as Kenneth John Rome, 49, of Burbank.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 11:49 AM | Permalink |

via Variety.com

Scare from sky on Warner Bros. lot
Low-flying military jet causes a stir at studio

By JOSEF ADALIANA

A low-flying military jet caused a stir on the Warner Bros. lot Friday afternoon, with eyewitnesses saying the plane came within a few hundred feet of crashing before making a sharp ascent.

Around 2:40 p.m., employees on the lot heard the loud roar of a jet engine, with some reporting feeling their buildings rattle.

"I looked outside my window and you could almost touch it," said one studio staffer.

About an hour later, studio officials sent out an e-mail to staffers saying the jet was "performing an approved fly-over maneuver as a part of a funeral ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

"The Studio did not receive prior notification of the fly-over, which we usually do. We are looking into the reasons that such notification was not made. In the meantime, we wanted to apologize for any concern or discomfort you may have experienced."

Car alarms all over the lot began going off as a result of the near-miss. Many staffers began pouring out of their buildings, worried that there might have been a crash.

"It scared the hell out of everyone here," said one witness.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 7:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

The feds have their eye on this local bandit, who brazenly robbed three banks this afternoon. Daily News

A serial bank robber known as the Irreconcilable Differences Bandit struck again today at three banks in Burbank and Glendale, the FBI reported.

The unidentified white man alleged to have committed 14 bank robberies since December attempted to rob a Bank of America at 142 E. Olive Ave. just after 1 p.m., but was unsuccessful.

Soon after, he stuck up two Citybank offices in Burbank and Glendale, at 360 Magnolia Blvd. and 700 N. Brand Ave., respectively, and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the FBI.

During the Glendale holdup, he reportedly apologized to a teller several times for having to rob the bank.

Bank photos taken during the robbery show a gray-haired man dressed in a white pinstriped shirt and black dress slacks, aviator glasses hanging at the collar, joking with the tellers.

Wanted by police agencies in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the last time he robbed a bank was early this week in Westlake Village, the FBI said.

The Irreconcilable Differences Bandit was named after he robbed the first bank Dec. 22 in Beverly Hills and told the teller he was going through a divorce and needed help wiring the money.

The bandit then handed the teller a note demanding money with a verbal threat that he had a gun or bomb. In at least one robbery, a witness reported the man had brandished a revolver.
The 14 robberies include two banks in Encino and one in Sherman Oaks. He has also been linked to a Dec. 14 street robbery in Beverly Hills.

He is described as clean-shaven, between 45 and 55 years old, between 5-8 and 5-9, with sandy or salt-and-pepper hair, worn short.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 7:39 PM | Permalink |

via Glendale Unified School District:

Mark Ouweleen has recently been selected to represent Glendale Unified School District as our Teacher of the Year and to participate in the Los Angeles County Office of Education competition.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education has served as the sponsoring organization of the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Program -- an honors competition and awards luncheon that spotlights excellence in public education. The program is the largest in the state and is part of the California and National Teacher of the Year programs.

The following points summarize his selection:

Mark has been teaching at Columbus Elementary School since January 27, 1994. The first year of his career Mark was described as being an enthusiastic and charismatic teacher. This has not changed in the 12 years since he began teaching.

His colleagues have said:

• When I think of him, I think of 'personal best,' a term some athletes - gym rats, runner, bike riders, and swimmers, are always working towards. And this correlates with being an exemplary teacher and being a student in his classroom. He pushes his students and encourages his students to reach their 'personal best.' His perseverance, dedication, and yes, competitive spirit, make him a shining example of what an exemplary teacher can and should be.

• He is dedicated. He brings history alive for his students. He teaches respect - respect for adults, respect of others, and most importantly, respect for self.

• He is an exemplary teacher because he truly knows the standards and addresses them in his lessons. He also willingly helps other staff members in their lesson planning to better address the standards. He does not just teach a lesson, he keeps fine-tuning the lesson until all students understand the concept.
  
  
• What is exceptional about him is that rather than just accepting student output that is anything less than excellent, he goes back and 'builds a better mousetrap' through redesign of his lessons. Furthermore, even if he is satisfied with the output, he still goes back to his drawing board to improve upon it.

• He is a servant to his students. In the hours that he is teaching at Columbus, he gives himself over, completely, to making sure that each of his students progresses academically and socially. He is a model of reflective scholarship, a characteristic that his students assume upon leaving his classroom each June. Mark is a great teacher!

Mark Ouweleen has extremely high expectations for himself and for his students. Through his unwavering and relentless pursuit of excellence his students, year after year, meet and surpass grade level standards. He is truly deserving of this recognition for sustained Teaching Excellence.

Posted by Eugene Tong at 2:30 PM | Permalink |