The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 10

IRISH PROGRAMMER VISITS WARNER BROS
And finds it way cool. MNeylon.

BOB HOPE AIRPORT TRAFFIC INCREASES
About 176,000 more people flew in out of, and into, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport in 2006 than did in 2005, an increase of 3.2 percent. Leader.

COUNCIL CONSIDERS OUTDOOR SMOKING BAN
City Council lights a fire under city staffers to produce a draft ordinance, and quickly. The ban would affect restaurant patios, outdoor gathering places, and transit stations in the downtown area, among others. Leader.

CONSTRUCTION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING BEGINS
The ceremonial groundbreaking for the 72,000-square-foot facility occurred Tuesday. The building, at the corner of Third Street and Orange Grove Avenue, replaces a facility damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Leader.

COLUMNIST CHANGES HATS
Joyce Rudolph, who pens The Burbank Leader's society column, introduces herself in her new role as features editor. Leader.

COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILE, PART 3
This time, The Leader introduces Anja Reinke, an attorney and realtor. She advocates a long-term approach to solving traffic congestion, and suggests starting a fine arts council. Leader.

BURBANK STARBUCKS AXE TRANS-FATS
The coffee chain's locales in Los Angeles, Glendale and Burbank are among the first in the nation to eliminate trans-fats from pastries. But they're still not particularly good for you. Leader.

POLICE BLOTTER
Sex, drugs, rock-n-roll. Leader.

Wedding Photography

So, Donna and I have started, in earnest, the search for a wedding photographer. So far, we're liking the work of two Orange County-based outfits, Scott A Nelson Photography and Ryan Phillips Photography.

We have an appointment to talk to Scott on Feb. 11, and I'm trying to set up an appointment with Ryan in the very near future. But, in the meantime, does anyone have any recommendations? I'd certainly appreciate any and all help.

The RDO

Today, Monday morning, is my RDO, my regular day off, and is one of the more random benefits of city life. In exchange for working nine-hour days, I get to take every other Monday off. It's damn nice, really, giving me a chance to catch up on all the related nonsense of living.

I thought, at first, that it would end up being the equivalent of an three-day weekend, but it turns out that end up doing my laundry, working on the photo business, writing this blog, etc. That is, what I would be doing but for the fact that I'm usually stuck in a 10-by-10 foot cube at this point in the morning.

Today is also Donna's birthday, and though I took her to the Grand Canyon last weekend, and though we had a huge party for her on Saturday, I still want to do something further. Part of it comes, I expect, from her annoyance that I hadn't done enough to help prepare for said party. And part of my resistance to it (going to, say, the Smokehouse) stems from the fact that I am essentially broke until next payday, have a grip of bills coming up, and am generally stressed about money presently.

Oy.

On a completely unrelated note, I wanted to share a posting I received via a group called "Awesome Artists." The group is a LA-based mailing list for, well, artists and other creative types. Generally, it's filled with listings of gallery openings, events, contests and the likes. But every once in awhile, you get a posting like this from a Robert Moskowitz:

Anyone know where I can borrow, rent, or buy a squirrel suit for an
adult? I need it for February and March.

Thanks.

Robert

I love LA.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 9

FRENCH 75 GETS FAINTED WITH DAMN PRAISE
The Burbank branch of the French chain gets an 'eh' rating. Chowhound.

BURBANK PD SHOOTS SUSPECT AT RAMANDA INN
The link, via ABC7, annoyingly does not state why the unnamed man was shot. A case of the police being unnecessarily close lipped? Anyone know? **UPDATE** Looks like CBS2 notes that the shooting "occurred during a drug investigation" and credits The AP, likely via City News Service.

BURBANK & CAHUENGA BBQ SHOP RATED
Also on Chowhound. Also an 'eh' rating.

COMEDIAN PAYS TRAFFIC TIX
Yes, it's funnier than the headline. Comedian Suzy Soro (Last Comic Standing) details the trials and tribulations of getting an outstanding Burbank warrant dealt with. Where Hot Comes to Die.
**CORRECTION** The blog is run by Suzy Soro, who has done work on Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but the positing is from guest poster Tere Joyce of Last Comic Standing. Oops.

The 6:30 Lancaster

A white woman sits grumpily in front of me. The 6:30 Lancaster is crowded, but the commuters are mostly talkative, cheerful to be heading away from work. The morning Metrolinks are the more silent ones: serious, full of paper reading and coffee slurping.

She sighs, glances around her and takes a furtive sip from an airline bottle of Jack D. Then, suddenly, her phone comes to life with a shrill Pat Benatar scream...

Hit me with your best shot, fire awaaaaayyyyy!

She's older in that tired way, with stringy hair and unfashionable glasses - and not the so-uncool-they're-cool-Echo-Park-is-the-new-Silver-Lake-type. No, not those types. She slurs into the phone to her daughter, saying her to call Dad, that she's too busy to deal presently. The woman hangs up and takes another swig, catches my eye, and glares at me.

I look down and pretend to read my issue of Professional Photographer. She looks away and takes another swig.

Behind me are two black guys. They are talking about life, women and nothing in particular. One wonders when it's better to be professional and when to be ghetto-fab. The other thinks the whole conversation is bullshit, and wants to know how long it will take to get to Van Nuys as he is in dire need of a cigarette.

The conductor, a bearded and bespeckled gentleman, makes his daily request that "all visitors aboard the train need to depart prior to blast-off." This is followed by the daily warning that a failure to have a ticket will result in a $300 citation.

Smelling the coffee that spilled on my coat, I idly wonder if the 6:30 Lancaster has ever had a visitor.

The train takes off. Burbank is a short 21 minutes away.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 8

AND NOW, FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

COUNCIL APPROVES AIRPORT PROJECT
The Burbank City Council overturned the Planning Commission's vote earlier this month putting the kibosh on the jet hanger and office space project. Leader.

COLD WEATHER A RECORD
The mercury hit 26-degrees Sunday night, breaking a record of 30-degrees set in 1963. Pipes are a'exploding. Leader.

ELEMENTARY TO GET NEW FLOOR
The $150,000 repairs at Joaquin Miller Elementary were necessitated by moisture damage. Bummer. Leader.

COUNCIL WANNABEE PROFILES
Interesting set of articles on some of the candidates for Burbank City Council. Philip Berlin here and Gary Bric here. (Both via The Burbank Leader.)

POSTMODERN BLOGGING
The Burbank Democratic Club posts a link to DailyKos regarding a poll on who Demo voters want to see as their nominee in 2008. Al Gore? Oi. Burbank Democratic Club.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 7

SEMI REGULAR EVENT POSTING (VIA BURBANK WIRE)

...thru Jan 25th. Beyond Expectation A Showcase Exhibition of Master Colored Pencil Work by Seven Southland Artists January 5 - 25, 2007. The City of Burbank Creative Arts Center Gallery presents 7 masterful artists who have pioneered a new media to see its stature rise in the world art community. These artists are national and international masters who have proven their craft in galleries and renowned art publications. Some are accomplished public speakers and evangelize the new art medium to novices and practiced masters alike in workshops and presentations. Artists' reception is on Friday, January 5, 2007 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Lot's more...http://www.burbank.com/wire/00380.shtml

... thru January 31, 2007 YOSEMITE: Art of an American Icon. PART I: 1855–1969. In the George Montgomery Gallery. PART II: 1970-Present Nov 10, 2006, through April 22, 2007 In the Showcase Gallery.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00069.shtml

Saturday and Sunday, January 20 and 21, January 27 and 28. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gold Rush in January. Eureka! Drop in between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on any Saturday or Sunday, and try your hand at panning for gold in the Trails West Gallery. Discover the myths and realities of the California Gold Rush. Will you go bust or strike it rich? Free with Autry museum admission.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Saturdays, January 20, 27. 11 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Docent-led Public Tours for January. Free with Autry museum admission.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Family Night @ the Library features The Snark-A-Snoops, a fun show with original music, madcap characters, dancing, and eye-popping science experiments. They will be performing at 7 PM on Thursday, January 18, in the Buena Vista Branch Library.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00379.shtml

Thursday, January 18 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Lunch is provided) Development Directors Round Table - Corporate Sponsorship. Join us for an in-depth discussion about corporate sponsorship from the fundraiser’s perspective. Get tips on how to create meaningful sponsorship opportunities that impact your fundraising goals. Come share your wisdom, learn from your peers and get expert advice on how to create meaningful sponsorship opportunities. Flintridge Foundation Retreat Center 236 W. Mountain Street, #117, Pasadena, CA 91103 Registration Fee: $10 - $20 (see website for details) http://www.burbank.com/wire/00394.shtml

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18th 7:15p JAYCEE NIGHT: BURBANK ECONOMIC UPDATE. Burbank Chamber of Commerce, 200 West Magnolia Boulevard , Burbank , CA 91502. Our speaker for January's meeting is Scott McGookin, a Redevelopment Project Manager for the City of Burbank Scott is going to speak with us about the exciting new economic development activity we are seeing in the city, including the recent developments in Downtown Burbank Scott will also be discussing some of the other Community Development projects on the horizon. Don't miss it. Questions are welcome. For more information, please contact Jackie at jackie.lewis@disney.com.

The annual Anime Festival for teens will be held on Saturday, January 20, from 1-4 PM at the Buena Vista Branch Library. Anime films will be screened and special guest speakers featured. Call 818-238-5590 for free reservations.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00379.shtml

Saturday, January 20 Time: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Grantseeking Basics Class. If you're looking for money for a nonprofit organization but don't know where to start, attend a free one-hour session introducing new users to the Community Services program, library resources and grantseeking basics, and includes an introduction to foundation directories and philanthropic periodicals at the Flintridge Foundation Philanthropy Resource Library. Flintridge Foundation Philanthropy Resource Library 1040 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91103.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00395.shtml

Saturday, January 20, 2–4 p.m. Native Voices at the Autry, 2007 Festival of Young Plays. The Young Native Voices Theater Education Project, in collaboration with the Southern California Indian Center, is proud to produce its sixth year of play readings written by Native youths. See the debut of their powerful and compelling five-minute plays read by professional Native American actors. RSVP: 323.667.2000, ext. 354. Free at the Autryhttp://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Saturday and Sunday, January 20 and 21, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Native Elements Trunk Show. Native Elements represents Apache jewelry artists from the San Carlos Reservation. Meet Apache jewelry designer Charles Vargas, and allow him to choose or design a unique piece just for you. Free at the Autry http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Saturday, January 20, 2-4 pm Native American Youth Find Their Voice Through Playwriting Festival of Young Plays. Free, but reservations requested: 323.667.2000, ext. 354 Native American students from the Southern California area will have their plays performed by professional actors as part of the Young Native Voices Theater Education Project sponsored by Native Voices at the Autry. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00399.shtml

Saturday, January 20, 1–4 p.m. Rendezvous With a Writer. Meet Adam Collings, author of California: West of the West. Free at the Autry http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 4:00pm Pasadena Pro-Musica Concert. Italian Madrigals of the Renaissance - A concert of renaissance works for a small group. Pieces by Marenzio, Gesualdo and Monteverdihttp://www.burbank.com/wire/00232.shtml

Sunday, January 21, 1–2:30 p.m. Let’s Make History! Family Workshop: Landscape Dioramas. Experience the wonders of Yosemite through the eyes of American artists, and design your own three-dimensional landscape. Free with Autry museum admission.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Sunday, January 21, 1–3:30 p.m. Hetch Hetchy. In David Vassar’s award-winning short, Discover Hetch Hetchy, you’ll get a visual and historical overview of Hetch Hetchy and the ongoing controversy surrounding this dammed valley. Following the screening, join the filmmaker and others for a stimulating panel that explores the options for Yosemite’s “twin valley.” Can the valley be drained and restored? If so, can San Francisco and Northern California keep their supply of water and power? Find out by joining in. Free at the Autry.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Sunday, January 21. Yosemite: Art of an American Icon, Part I: 1855–1969. Exhibition Closing. Free with Autry museum admission.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Sunday, January 21, 1–3 p.m. Western Music Association SoCal Chapter Monthly Jam. Free at the Autry.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

Experience Nick Palance in Concert on Wednesday, January 24, at 7 PM. Coined the "American Bocelli," Nick Palance will perform classic international songs, operatic arias, and Broadway tunes. The concert will be held at the Buena Vista Branch Library. Call 818-238-5620 for further information. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00379.shtml

Wednesday, January 24 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Philanthropy Resource Library. Wake up to a book review of Don’t Make Me Think! A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability by Steve Krug. To be effective, web pages must work their magic at a glance. The author covers the fundamental rules of good website design. We’ll also share some grantseeking technology tips and nonprofit articles you may have missed. Enjoy a chance to chat with your peers over coffee, juice and pastries. Please note: participation is limited to the first 15 registrants. Philanthropy Resource Library 1040 Lincoln Avenue, Suite #100, Pasadena, CA 91103 http://www.burbank.com/wire/00396.shtml

Wed. Jan 24th 8:00 p.m. Spirit-filled Praise and Worship, Adoration and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament with prayer for healing. All are welcome to worship with us in a blended service of contemporary and ancient traditions. National worship leaders Mike and Suzie Wooldridge invite all to experience the presence, power and healing of Christ. St. Finbar Church 2010 W. Olive Ave. Burbank 91506 (818) 846-6251. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00398.shtml

This month Bookie Babes Book Club will discuss The Mercy of Thin Air, by Ronlyn Domingue. We meet at Barnes&Noble Bookstore, 731 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank on January 24, 2007 at 7:30 pm. The book is available at this Barnes&Noble store on the Book Club Kiosk near the middle of the store or just ask a bookseller. We are a group of women, all ages, all professions. We usually meet at a table near the cookbooks section and as we talk, argue and laugh, we make a lot of noise. After our discussion, we get treats from the cafe and talk about our lives. New members are welcome. Our motto is "Take a chance on a book." Join us!http://www.burbank.com/wire/00403.shtml

Jan 26th, 2007. The USC AGSA is excited to announce the date for our next Annual Gala and Live Auction at Ararat Home! So mark your calendars now and plan ahead. The 2006 Gala was completely sold out at 620+ attendees. The 2007 Gala will be even more lavish, fun and exciting so this is one event you cannot afford to miss!http://www.burbank.com/wire/00166.shtml

The Burbank Public Library welcomes back the Sisters in Crime/LA for another fascinating panel discussion with local mystery authors. "Detecting Murder: How Detectives Get Their Man (or Woman)" is the theme of the program that will be held at the Buena Vista Branch Library on Saturday, January 27, 2 PM. Panelists include Michael Mallory, author of The Adventures of the Second Mrs. Watson and Murder in the Bath; Jeff Sherratt, author of the Jimmy O'Brien mystery novels, Kate Thornton, who retired after 22 years in the US Army and is the author of mystery, fantasy, and adventure/romance novels; and Denise Hamilton, author of the best selling Eve Diamond crime novels.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00379.shtml

The 2nd Annual “State of the Horse” Convention will be held Saturday, January 27, 2007, 9AM-5PM at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank organized and sponsored by “The New Heaven on Earth Ranch Foundation”, Los Angeles Trails Project, and the Valley Horse Owner’s Association.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00404.shtml

Sunday, January 28, 1–2:30 p.m. Family Playhouse: Lion Mask. Start the year off on the right foot. Dance your family to good luck while you scare away bad spirits in your own lion’s-head mask. Autry museum.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00384.shtml

February 1-17 The Friends of the Burbank Public Library are sponsoring their annual Amateur Photography Contest. Entry forms and rules are available at all locations of the Burbank Public Library. A maximum of two photographs may be submitted per person. All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form and turned in to the Reference Desk of the Central Library, 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd. A reception honoring all entrants and the winners will be held on March 1, at 7 PM in the Central Library.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Enter a photo of your dog from February 1-28. There will be a special photo exhibit to coincide with the Library's Burbank READS activities surrounding the selected book, John Grogan's Marley & Me. Photographs will be part of a "Marley" exhibit at the Central Library, April 3-21. Rules and entry forms are available at all Burbank Library locations. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

February 2 - 22, 2007 A Journey of the Spirit. The City of Burbank Creative Arts Center Gallery presents California artist, Cheryl Christiansen, a woman of talent and versatility. She is most noted for her serene landscapes and colorful garden scenes. Executed with a contemporary flare, her paintings are inspired by her admiration of Monet and the Impressionists. Her early watercolor floral paintings resemble the primitive still-life paintings by Sarah Phone, the renowned artist of the post-impressionist period, while her most recent oversized floral pieces are a sensual microscopic study of the intimate beauty of flowers. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00400.shtml

Karna Small Bodman will be discussing her debut political thriller, Checkmate, at the Buena Vista Branch Library on Saturday, February 3, at 2 PM. Ms. Bodman was Deputy Press Secretary and Senior Director of the National Security Council in the Reagan White House. She uses her political experiences as background for a novel of suspense and intrigue.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

The Los Angeles Opera speaker's bureau will be presenting another in their series of "Opera Talks." The topic for the February 5th program is their production of "Tannhauser." It will be held at the Buena Vista Branch Library at 7 PM on Monday, February 5.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Family Night @ the Library features the music of The Uncle Brothers at the Burbank Central Library on Wednesday, February 7, and at the Buena Vista Branch Library on February 14. Both performances start at 7 PM.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Saturday, February 10, at 2 PM. Sisters in Crime/LA return with another fascinating panel discussion. The theme for the February event is "Romance is Murder." The Buena Vista Branch Library will host this event. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Young Adult Services presents Makinto, a talented musician and storyteller, who will present an exciting musical lecture of the history of black people in America through the evolution of African American music. The performance will be offered at the Buena Vista Branch Library at 7 PM on February 6, and at the Burbank Central Library, at 7 PM on February 15. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Le Petit Cinema, Live & Learn @ Your Library, continues its three-part series of documentaries with a fascinating look at alternative energy sources. Call 818-238-5600 for the film title. It will be screened at the Central Library on Saturday, February 17, at 2 PM. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Le Petit Cinema, the Library's monthly film series, invites the public to "Live & Learn @ Your Library" with a series of three thought-provoking documentaries beginning at 2 PM on Saturday February 17, and March 3. Contact the Burbank Public Library, 818-238-5600 for film titles or further information.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00379.shtml

Have you read Marley & Me by John Grogan, the first selection in the Burbank READS campaign? Burbank READS is a One Book, One City program to encourage the community to rediscover the joy of reading. Join your friends and neighbors at the kick-off event at 10 AM on Saturday, February 17. Meet at the corner of Keystone and Chandler Blvd. for a dog walk down the Chandler Bikeway. A treat for you and your dog!http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

John Grogan's memoir of "the world's worst dog" led to the bestselling book, Marley & Me. Discover how to put your own treasured memories in writing. Join Ina Hillebrandt, Founder and CEO of Pawprints Literacy Plus Foundation, for a free 2-hour workshop on memoir writing. The class will be held at the Buena Vista Branch Library on Saturday, February 24, from 2-4 PM. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

Saturday Feb. 24th, 2007, 7:00p.m. Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra Presents "Finals of the Hennings-Fischer Burbank Philharmonic Young Artists' Competition." Steven Kerstein, Music Director & Conductor, 16th Anniversary Season. Concert Hall of Liberty, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive FREE Admission.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00340.shtml

March 1, at 7 PM. A reception honoring the entrants and winners in the Friends of the Burbank Public Library Annual Amateur Photography Contest will be held in the in the Central Library.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00401.shtml

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2007 Burbank Temporary Aid Center will have their fourth annual Fundraising Dinner, honoring Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini at the Castaway Starlight Room. Proceeds from the evening's event will go toward client services, operations and to reduce the mortgage on their new building. For further information and to find out how you can help, please contact Barbara Howell, Executive Director, at (818) 848-2822 X110. http://www.burbank.com/wire/00364.shtml

Saturday, March 31, 2007, 11:00am The Kiwanis Aktion Club sponsored by Kiwanis For Fun of Burbank, will be hosting and participating in a fashion show and luncheon this spring at La Bella banquet hall with all proceeds benefiting the new Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank. For information, please contact Linda Curtin at 818 841-4667 or visit:http://www.burbank.com/wire/00382.shtml

Saturday April 21, 2007. Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra Presents "Music for the Family." Steven Kerstein, Music Director & Conductor, 16th Anniversary Season. Jacqueline Bezek and Kelsey Tamayo, Soloists. Wagner-Siegfried Idyll Canteloube-Songs of the Auvergne. Hovhaness-Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints. Beethoven-Symphony No. 3. 6:30 Musical Menagerie. 7:30p.m Concert. Concert Hall of Liberty, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive. FREE Admission.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00341.shtml

Burbank Sunrise Kiwanis has set April 27, 2007, as its special 10th Anniversary of the Mayors Cup Charity Golf Tournament. This is just a heads up, and we'll get more detailed info to you soon.Sunday, April 29, 2007 Burbank Kiwanis For Fun Foundation, Inc. will present its eighth annual charity car show and craft fair at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank. Beautiful antique cars, great food, opportunity drawings, entertainment and crafts. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday. For more information call Donna or Tony Wade at 818 846-8487, 818 822-2903 or 818 822-2901http://www.burbank.com/wire/00383.shtml

Mark your calendar now for Burbank's annual Relay for Life, scheduled for June 23rd & 24th at Robert Gross Park. More details to follow. If you would like to be a part of the committee to organize this event, please contact Anita Dominguez at the American Cancer Society office at 841-2994.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00402.shtml

July-August 2007. Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra Presents "Pops Concert." Steven Kerstein, Music Director & Conductor, 16th Anniversary Season. Music by John Williams, Gershwin, Tchaikovsky, Sousa. 5:30 Musical Menagerie. 6:30p.m Concert. Burbank Starlight Bowl, Stough Park.http://www.burbank.com/wire/00342.shtml

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 6

CROC HUNTER'S DAUGHTER MAKES TV DEBUT
Bindi Irvin, the eight-year-old daughter of late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irvin showed up at the Burbank studio of "Ellen DeGeneres Show" to talk about animals. AP (via ABC13 Houston).

BURBANK COUNCIL SEATS WIDE OPEN FOLLOWING DEPARTURES
Two seats on the Burbank City Council are up for grabs. Mayor Todd Campbell and Councilman Jef Bander Borghts, who each served four years, declined to run for reelection. Daily News.

Random Thoughts...

As I sit here, I wonder: in marriage, how do you continue the feeling of awkwardness? That quick-beat of the heart when you're not sure if you're crossing over the line to kiss the person you've just met? Where does it go?

Also, what happened to the Spin Doctors?

Late...

Ugh. I have had one hell of a morning. Or, I suppose to be fair, it's been a fairly trying morning. Missed the train (drove up as it went out), lost my umbrella and forgot my city ID card (requiring me to sneak in...shhhh).

And then, to top it all off, the elevator on the third floor weirdly refused to let anyone go up, requiring me to go down to the first floor and then back up. Strange.

Not too interesting, I suppose, but it's on my mind. There ya go.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 5

AIRPORT VS. CITY OF BURBANK
Attorneys for the Bob Hope Airport authority are embroiled in an obscure zoning dispute over a proposed jet hanger and office space development. Yawn. Leader.

FENCES MAKE GOOD BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEES
Despite ten months of work, a task force, um, tasked with coming up with new codes for fences walls and the like has done, well, squat. The Leader ain't exactly full o' interesting Burbank news this time.

SCHIFF WANTS TO TWEAK DOMESTIC SURVEILLANCE LAW
Local Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) introduced a bill - along with Republican Jeff Flake (D-Arizona) that would, in part, require more oversight of President Bush's controversial domestic spying program. Leader.

BURBANK RESIDENT WEIGHS IN ON WHOLE FOODS
Susan O'Carroll, a Burbank resident, says the upscale grocery would be bad for the neighborhood. O'Carroll, who does not live in the Rancho neighborhood, appears to be the first local resident to have her opinions printed in the local papers. Leader.

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS...
Phil Donohue (not, as far as I know, the former talk show host), blogs about the Oliver Manor Hotel in Burbank. Itinerant.

CONSIDERING A BURBANK MOVE
A poster named "drgonzo2k2" wants some input on the pros and cons of moving to Burbank. Have at it, yo. AskMetaFilter.

Safari Inn

I suppose I should have included this in the most recent edition of The Burbank Follower, but, nah. It deserves its own mention... A review of the seedy Safari Inn on Olive. Whee. Yelp.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 4

BURBANK BOUND UNITED GETS UNTIED
Boi from Troy reports on a harrowing experience on United flight 6410 from San Francisco to Burbank on Jan. 7. Following a bout of “severe turbulence,” the plane diverts to LAX for its longer runways. The plane (and its passengers) then soldiered on following the unexpected stop, resulting in a rare 10-minute flight to the Valley. Boi from Troy.

FORMER BURBANK ASST. CITY MANAGER GETS RAISE
Whittier City Manager Steve Helvey receives a pay hike of 7.5 percent, jumping his annual pay from $176,868 to $203,443. Helvey, who has been in Whittier since April 2000 previously worked in the Media City for 14 years. Whittier Daily News.

WHOLE FOODS PR CAMPAIGN
As spotted by Curbed LA, some Burbank residents are receiving a glossy flyer touting the proposed (and controversial) Whole Foods development in the Rancho neighborhood. Looks like they even have a nascent website. Astroturf? Sounds like. Curbed LA.

AND, SOUTHLAND RESIDENTS WEIGH IN ON WHOLE FOODS
Via the Los Angeles Times letters page here, one pro and one con. Neither side representated is actually from Burbank, though. Dust off dem keyboards, people! LAT.

PLAN YOUR TRIP
The latest wonder from Google Labs: the transit planner. Only a few cities are represented in the test run, but on of them is Burbank. Whoo! If anyone uses it, please let me know. Link via Dumb Little Man.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 3

No postings of note came down the transom yesterday, but today we have two-scoops of Burbank-related news:

PUSH FOR OUTDOOR SMOKE BAN
Burbank residents are pushing the City Council to curb smoking in outdoor public spaces. Such a ban would follow in the footsteps of Santa Monica and Calabasas. LAT.

DEAR ABBY HELPS BURBANKER
Of course, 'tis impossible to know if the poor guy - using the pseudonym "Blackmailed in Burbank" - is a denizen of our fair city (there are Burbanks in Illinois and Santa Clara), but it's a good read nonetheless. Poor guy, really. Kansas City Star.

BURBANK McCOMRICK & SCHMICK'S REVIEW
The Daily News likes it. The restaurant, the chain's first in the Valley, recently opened at the old Dalt's site on West Olive Boulevard. Daily News.

BURBANK EVENTS
- Master Colored Pencil Work Art Exhibit through Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Creative Art Center Gallery, 1100 W. Clark Ave., Burbank. Call (818) 238-5397.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 2

WHOLE FOODS CONTROVERSY, REDUX
The Los Angeles Times weighs in on the Whole Foods mess. A number of people in the tony Rancho neighborhood believe traffic from the upscale market (sometimes referred to as "Whole Paycheck") will spook the horses. The Daily News, I believe, was first on this story. LAT.

FARMER'S MARKET
OK, so it's not really news. But the farmer's market at Third Street and Orange Grove Avenue is apparently a big hit among us locals. I suppose I ought to check it out sometime. Leader.

CITY FIGHTS NEW WATER RULES
Burbank and the city of Los Angeles join to fight new, more stringent, clean water rules. Mayor Todd Campbell claims the new rules, besides being unnecessary, will mean higher utility rates. Leader.

FORMER COUNCILMAN AND AIRPORT CRITIC DIES
Ted McConkey died Dec. 23. No mention of his age. Leader.

BURBANK EDGES TOWARD GREENING UP CITY CARS
Plans by Burbank Water and Power to convert city vehicles to electric receive blessing by the City Council. Leader.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 1

It is a new year for The Burbank Follower. As such, it is time to give my sporadic and completely derivative source of news a new volume number: two. Whoo! Serving you since December 2006. Ah, 2006, I remember the year well.

Anyhow, onto the random and occasionally comprehensive listing of Burbank, Calif. related news.

FAT LADY FAILS TO SING
An showing of "The Magic Flute," broadcast live from the New York Met, sold out Saturday. Alas, the sound also sold out minutes into the performance and never quite recovered. Bummer. LAT (by way of Newsday).

DAY OF MOURNING SKED
Federal courts and offices will be closed, and mail will not be delivered. County and city (sigh) offices will be open. The National Day of Morning is coincides with the funeral of President Gerald Ford. Daily News.

BURBANK LASHER'S REVIEW
Good ambiance, so-so food. Chowhound.

Happy New Year!

Man. I'm beat.

I've spent the last 10 days wandering around the Atlantic seaboard, visiting Donna's relatives, adopted, relatives, birth, in Maryland and Virginia, respectively. We also stopped to see my peeps in Philly, and friends in Washington, D.C. Emotionally wrenching, physically wearying, and full of overindulgence, the trip was pretty much all I expected it to be.

As I wandering into the hallowed grounds of LA City Hall this morning, I felt relief. It's good to be back at work. (Of course, had I been a federal employee, it would have been a paid holiday, owing to President Ford's passing. That might have been a bit better.)

Happy 2007!