Commentary

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Burbank Police promotes first African American officer

A history making promotion in the Burbank Police Department. Veteran  police officer, Jamal Childs, has been upped from school resources officer to detective.  This is the first time in 100 years — that’s right — that an African American cop has been promoted in the BPD. In the past, black officers were ignored or the rules of promotion changed once they were […]
Sunday, June 19, 2011

Guest Blogger: Tips and insight from Jean Youn

It’s Father’s Day. Someone once said that the impression that children have of their fathers seems to change as they grow older. According to them, the image of a father changes over time as follows: 4 years old — Dad can do anything. 7 years old —Dad really knows about lots of things. 8 years old — Who is higher, […]
Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Something New: Tips and insight from Jean Youn

Welcome guest blogger/local business owner, Jean Youn, who has an interesting perspective of the world and daily living.    A couple was celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at a very nice restaurant. They ordered a roast chicken. As soon as the chicken was served, the husband broke off a wing and gave it to his wife. At one glance at […]
Tuesday, May 10, 2011

City Buzz: Emily Gabel-Luddy, dirty politics, and the BPD cases

After a week, some folks are still finding the audacious snub, oh wait, let’s call it what it is, discriminatory selection process of the vice-mayor by four members of the Burbank City Council — a stomach turner. Those that had hoped for an independent female voice on the council got blindsided by Emily Gabel-Luddy who came out publicly as the new member of this “good-old-boys-club” at the […]
Monday, May 2, 2011

The recount: The City Clerk’s denial and a second recount request

The Burbank City Council’s big reorganization meeting is set for this morning at 10 a.m. Last Tuesday, at the city council meeting there was a showdown over the recount request for  the April 12 city council run-off election. The city won the major and decisive points in this showdown.  Meanwhile, as preparations move ahead for the swearing-in of re-elected Council Member Gary Bric and […]
Monday, April 11, 2011

City Buzz: Dirty politics in Burbank and the Leader’s attack on Bob Frutos

  I have covered numerous campaigns and elections during my many years working  in television news and now as a freelance journalist/blogger. A last minute attack on a candidate is not unusual, especially if the contender is the front runner or has recently gained some serious ground.  Nevertheless, I was surprised to see the Burbank Leader  fire a full-blown assault at City Council candidate Bob Frutos with less than a week […]
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Community Views: Sidewalk rift, common decency, and the Burbank City Council

The City Council used to be the judge and jury of fairness for the Burbank community. The neighbors could ask for help with any concern. The council listened and with compassion addressed the issues of everyone fairly. Decisions were made by the council with intelligence. And, careful thought was given to what the people of Burbank needed. People who built […]
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

City Buzz

Tree talk in B-town Burbank is one of only two communities in the state designated as a Tree City USA recipient by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The other is Sacramento. It’s the 34th consecutive year Burbank has received the honor. “This national recognition acknowledges Burbank’s commitment to its community forest,” according to a news release sent out last week by City Hall. […]
Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Some Burbank trees in jeopardy of getting the axe

Burbank is known for its quaint neighborhoods — some with impressive tree canopies along the streets.  A tree lined street is considered a plus by many prospective home buyers. Despite the attractiveness of these large city-owned trees — some homeowners are having them chopped down to cut expenses.  Heartbreaking, but perfectly legal under certain stipulations in the Burbank Municipal Code. Earlier this […]