Crime

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

City Buzz

A quake rattles Burbank and other parts of SoCal Some rocking, rolling, and shaking in the Southland late today. I was sitting in my car waiting for the red light to change at Glenoaks Boulevard and Olive Avenue, in front of the Burbank Central Library, when a 5.4 quake hit at 4:53 p.m. My cruiser rocked so much, I thought for a moment one of those cell […]
Friday, July 2, 2010

Shoplifting a serious problem at Burbank Kmart: Two cops shot in latest incident

It might be an ugly sign of the recession, but there have been two violent encounters involving suspected shoplifters at a major Burbank retail store in less than a week. The latest occurred today at around noon in front of the Kmart store at 1000 North San Fernando Road. The official Burbank police press release says:”Officers had taken the suspect into custody and were outside the […]
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

City Buzz

  Business is booming at one little shop in Burbank Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Customers waiting in line at Yogurtland in Downtown Burbank While many local businesses are struggling in this tough economy, Yogurtland is packing in the customers and making serious money!  “Business is very good.” Jamileth Mendoza, a shift leader, told me with a broad smile as she worked behind the counter last Saturday, […]
Monday, May 31, 2010

City Buzz

A final exit for actors Dennis Hopper & Gary Coleman Photo:  Mark Boster/ Los Angeles Times — A frail Dennis Hopper gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, March 26, 2010 A legendary Hollywood  “Bad Boy” Veteran actor and co-star of the cult classic motorcycle/road film, “Easy Rider” (1969), Dennis Hopper, died last Saturday, May 29, at the age […]
Sunday, May 9, 2010

Quick-bits: News, Sports, and Features

Catching up on some items from the past few days. Fire Service Day in Burbank Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Crowds turned out for the salute to Burbank Fire and Police Departments on Saturday, May 8, 2010 The streets surrounding the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank were blocked off for the “Fire Service Day” celebration from around 9 […]
Thursday, April 1, 2010

Controversial suspect chase/shooting involving Burbank cops

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police patrol car A new controversy is causing more debate and concerns about the Burbank Police Department. This time, the questions are being asked about the actions of Burbank police officers involved in that dramatic pursuit/suspect shooting last Monday, March 29, that ended near Universal City. Television news video of that incident has focused nationwide attention and more scrutiny on […]
Thursday, March 25, 2010

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

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 […]
Sunday, March 14, 2010

Los Angeles Times does investigative story on the turmoil in the Burbank Police Department

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Police and Fire Headquarters at 200 North Third Street in Burbank In the Los Angeles Times print edition and on its website today an extensive report about the troubled Burbank Police Department. The report covers quite a bit of territory from the allegations of suspect beatings, racial discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and those federal investigations into possible […]
Thursday, March 11, 2010

Burbank middle school teacher allegedly had sex with a male student

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School at 420 South Mariposa Street in Burbank A well-respected and former Jordan Middle School teacher remains behind bars today, while Burbank Police investigate allegations she had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old male student last year. 33-year-old Amy Beck, wearing handcuffs, appeared in Burbank Superior Court yesterday. Beck was due to be arraigned […]