Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — City Hall 275 East Olive Avenue Burbank June 24, 2017
Some changes and developments in the Media City as we head into the last week of June 2017.
Burbank City Hall — After five years as Burbank’s Public Information Officer, Drew Sugars, is moving on. Sugars’ departure was officially announced late last Friday in a news release from City Hall.
Photo: Courtesy City of Burbank — Drew Sugars Public Information Officer
The veteran broadcast journalist will become the Director of Communications and Community Relations for Glendale Community College. In the release, Sugars said: “… I’m sad to leave so many colleagues and friends in this fantastic City, but I’m excited to join Glendale Community College and contribute to a mission that’s dear to my heart.”
Sugars’ last day here is Friday, July 14. The search is on for a permanent replacement. Apparently, Jonathan Jones, a former administrative Analyst I, will be the PIO for the interim.
Former El Torito restaurant — New life for the old El Torito restaurant location at 3113 West Olive Avenue. The El Torito was shuttered last December as part of a reorganization plan by the parent company, Real Mex Restaurants.
Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G — Former El Torito location at 3113 West Olive Avenue Burbank June 19, 2017
Last week, I spotted a construction crew working on the inside of the building. Workers hauled one load after another outside to a dumpster.
Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G — Workman at the site of the former El Torito restaurant on Olive Avenue in Burbank June 19, 2017
Burbank Community Development Director, Patrick Prescott, said in an email:”So far just a demolition permit pulled by a contractor.” I guess we will have to wait and see whether or not it’s a new restaurant or something else.
Whole Foods/Talaria Project — Some folks in “B” town got a little nervous a few days ago, when Amazon dropped the bombshell that it was buying Whole Foods. The upscale food market was the carrot that got the monster Talaria Project approved and under construction in Burbank.
Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Talaria under construction at 3401 West Olive Avenue Burbank June 19, 2017
Talaria is the baby of the family owned Cusumano Real Estate Group. Top company official, Michael Cusumano, sent an email to Burbank City Manager, Ron Davis, insisting the Amazon deal would not derailed the Talaria/Whole Foods market plan: “This action is not expected to impede or delay the Burbank opening, scheduled for 2nd quarter, 2018.” Also, Cusumano said: “… we have a signed and fully committed long term lease with Whole Foods Markets; both they and we are committed to bringing them to Talaria at Burbank.”
