Urban issues are complex and multi-faceted, often impacting communities in ways we don't always recognize. From public safety protocols to fast food politics, our cities are a hotbed of discussion and debate. In this episode, we dive deep into these topics, exploring how they shape our communities, particularly focusing on Burbank.
 
 Encryption of police radios is one such issue that has wide-reaching effects. As technology evolves, so too does the way we communicate. Police departments are increasingly encrypting their radio communications, a move that has implications for the media and the public's access to public safety information. While encryption can certainly enhance security, it also presents challenges. For instance, it can potentially hamper the interoperability of communication systems during joint operations. This is a significant consideration, particularly in scenarios where mutual aid is needed.
 
 A seemingly unrelated but equally important urban issue is the politics surrounding drive-thru restaurants. This episode takes a closer look at how establishments like In-N-Out Burger and Raising Kane’s influence city politics. Drive-thrus are a staple of American fast food culture, but they also bring with them unique challenges and considerations. From zoning laws to traffic congestion, the implications of drive-thrus on urban planning and community development are substantial.
 
 This episode also sheds light on the impact of Senate Bills 2 and 368 on gun store owners. These pieces of legislation impose specific requirements on gun store owners, affecting the way they operate their businesses. Understanding the details of these laws, such as the prohibition of gun stores holding contests or raffles, can provide insight into the broader conversation about gun control and public safety.
 
 In addition to these serious issues, the episode also celebrates local Burbank events and awards. From the gym ribbon cutting on Magnolia Boulevard to the spotlight awards honoring Joe McCarthy of Disney and Sally Chan from Warner Bros., we revel in the positive developments in the community. Community events are a crucial part of city life, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared identity among residents.
 
 The episode also covers updates on the My Burbank website and the upcoming Johnny Carson Parkshade structure. It delves into the Burbank City Council's decision to waive bus fares for California Clean Air Day, discussing the potential impact of this move on public transportation. Furthermore, the episode takes listeners behind the scenes of local events like the USPS job fair and the Family Service Agencies gala.
 
 In conclusion, this episode serves as a microcosm of urban issues, providing an in-depth look at the complexities of city life. From public safety and fast food politics to community events and local legislation, we unpack the intricacies of urban living, with a particular focus on Burbank. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of these topics and more.

Episode Links:
SB-2
SB 368

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Welcome to “The Week That Was and That Will Be - September 25” with your hosts Craig Sherwood, Ross Benson, and Craig Durling. This week we’re diving into a whirlwind of events that have shaped our community.

We kick off with a discussion on the video controversy involving the Mayor that emerged on Tuesday, 19th September. We then pay tribute to Officer Richard Kunkle who tragically lost his life in a vehicle pursuit in 1961. We also celebrate the 100th birthday of Miller Elementary and discuss the vibrant Japan Day at John Muir with the Mayor from Ota, Japan in attendance.

Over the weekend, we cover a range of events from the Family Pride in the Park event at McCambridge to the Burbank International Film Festival. We also discuss the JBHS class of 1988 reunion and the lucky individual who won $5 million at Thirsty Liquor.

On Monday, we talk about the road repairs at Olive and San Fernando and the cancellation of the Planning Commission meeting. Looking ahead to Tuesday, we discuss the City Council meeting at City Hall with Police Commission where they will vote on raising their salary and a $250 a month car allowance.

We also delve into topics like the replacement of existing water pipes on Magnolia, receiving a grant for DUI checkpoints next year, and improvements for Olive Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard Bridges. We discuss the funding agreements with the County of Los Angeles for Implementation of the City’s Five-Year Homelessness Plan and the lease of parking spaces at the Courthouse Parking Structure.

We also touch upon California Clean Air Day on October 4, 2023, where staff recommends that BurbankBus offers free fare promotion. We also unpack the report from the Office of Independent Review Group Monitoring the Burbank Police Department and discuss Mayor Anthony’s recent conduct.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, we preview meetings for Senior Citizens Board and Burbank Audit Committee. On Thursday, we discuss Chamber of Commerce’s hosting of a New Plastic Reduction Proposed Ordinance Meeting and updates from Retirement Plans Committee.

Adding to our podcast, we have a busy weekend ahead on September 30th and October 1st. Magnolia will be closed from 1st Street to San Fernando eastbound for an air conditioner installation on the AMC roof from 6 am to about noon.

The Sustainable Burbank Commission is holding an “Electrify Everything” event at the Community Services Building from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Learn about cooking on an induction surface with a live cooking demonstration, discuss the health and economics of new buildings going all electric, and understand the crucial need to move away from fossil fuels. You can also pick up information on how to electrify our homes and businesses using BWP rebate program incentives.

Cela’s Café is having a Ribbon Cutting at 11 am at 3511 Magnolia. Ashley did a story last week, so make sure to check that out. The Burbank Arts Fall Festival will be held at Johnny Carson Park at 4 pm with live performances, music, art, and a 30th anniversary screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Register on the City’s website if you would like to attend.

At 5:30 pm, the BHS class of 1973 will have their reunion at Elk’s Lodge on Hollywood Way. And finally, don’t miss Ross’ Rant on Gasoline Prices. Tune in for an exciting weekend!

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In 2018 Ali Spuck was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, metastatic to the lymph nodes, liver and lung. Her daughters were just 6 and 7 years old at the time. In this episode of Women of Burbank, myBurbank reporter, Ashley Erikson, talks with Ali about her journey through cancer, surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments, and the multiple occurrences that have lead her to become a chronic cancer patient.

Ali talks about what it was like to go through divorce in the middle of treatment, and the difficulties of motherhood while battling cancer. She also shares “cancer hacks” for those in treatment and advice to family and friends on how to support people in their lives that have cancer or have recently had surgery or an illness.

Ali’s new instagram https://www.instagram.com/cancerlikeamother was just launched to continue to share her story and bring humor and light to her journey in hopes of inspiriting or helping others in the same battle.

This episode was sponsored by My Favorite Cleaning Company. https://www.myfavoritecleaningcompany.com

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Burbank's Mayor, Konstantine Anthony, sat down with myBurbank Talks hosts Craig Sherwood and Ross Benson for a conversation regarding the video that was posted of him earlier in which a drag queen was seen giving the Mayor a swat on the backside. This is a completely candid conversation in which the Mayor agreed that nothing was off the table and no questions were shared with him in advance. 

We ask you to give this a full listen and let the Mayor give his side of the story. This will cover all the facts such as if minors were present and what the event was. We even talk about his view of 'defunding' police, LGBTQ+ rights and issues, as well as the changing face of politics.

Before you make and assume facts, please give this a listen!

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Ever wondered what’s shaking in Burbank these days? Buckle up for an electrifying episode of Burbank Talks, where we dig into the city’s recent happenings—from a poignant September 11th ceremony to the latest city news. We're fired up to share Ross' perspective on the new urgency ordinance related to no fault just cause evictions. Ross, a renter in the city himself, didn't mince words about the real-life impact of such policies. Don't miss Mayor's full podcast where he shares his views on recent events in the city. 

Imagine you're living in Burbank—what would the new tenant protection urgency ordinance mean for you? We plunge headfirst into a deep discussion on tenant rights, rent control, and the soaring costs of living. Stay on top of your game with our updates on local news such as an armed robbery and a bizarre report about a rabid rabbit. We also tip our hats to three newly-graduated Burbank police officers, standing tall and ready to serve. 

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of Burbank's latest events, from the lip-smacking National Cheeseburger Day celebrations to the city's plans and ordinances. Let's peel back the layers of the Mayor's situation and possible changes to Magnolia Boulevard and get a sneak peek into the restaurant industry's efforts to amend certain city ordinances. We won't let you miss out on the new bail schedule approved by the Los Angeles County Superior Court either. Its implications for local crime are worth turning up the volume. Join us in this packed episode as we sift through all things Burbank. Get ready for some real talk.

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The city of Burbank, California, is not just a suburban gem nestled amidst the bustling Los Angeles County. It is a microcosm of society, a hub of activity, controversy, and transformation. In this latest episode of our podcast, we take our listeners through the winding streets of Burbank, offering a unique perspective on the city's local happenings and challenges.

We start by shedding light on the tragic loss of a young woman, Evonnie Nicole Caceres, who passed away in a fatal car accident. As we navigate the sobering realities of such tragedies, we also reflect on the larger implications of safety measures and traffic regulations in the city. We hope that discussions like these will prompt necessary changes and foster a safer community for all residents.

Moving from the somber to the gastronomic, we then turn our attention to Burbank's ever-evolving restaurant landscape. The closure of Gordon Biersch, a long-standing Burbank staple, is a testament to the fluidity of the city's food scene. We delve into the exciting transformations taking place, including the opening of Bread and Breakfast, a new eatery run by two Armenian guys serving Mexican food.

As we commemorate the 18th anniversary of 9/11, we pay tribute to the fallen heroes and highlight the continued struggle of first responders for access to benefits. The importance of keeping the memory of those lost alive is a sentiment deeply ingrained in our city's consciousness.

Switching gears to local politics, we scrutinize the proceedings of the Burbank City Council meeting, particularly the debate surrounding tenant protections. The topic of "just cause eviction" sparks a heated discussion about fairness, taxpayer burden, and the city's role in supporting industry workers stuck in the middle.

The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission's upcoming fall festival exemplifies the vibrancy of Burbank's cultural scene. We talk about their initiative to pay artists for their work and the importance of supporting local creatives. In the same breath, we express concerns about the Magnolia Park Street Shutdown and the handling of the event by the Burbank Pride organization.

Finally, we ponder over the management of city resources and the potential financial implications of the city's decisions in Ross' Rant. We question who makes these decisions and how they ensure payment for services, especially in the context of police payment issues facing the City of the upcoming Magnolia park event.

Through our podcast, we aim to uncover the complex dynamics of Burbank and engage our listeners in discussions about local issues that matter. Burbank, with all its idiosyncrasies, continues to be a city of intrigue and importance, and we invite you to join us as we delve deeper into its unfolding narrative.

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Join myBurbank reporter, Ashley Erikson, in a conversation with Erika Dawn, the general manager at kids class professor at Legacy, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio in Burbank.

Erika shares her story of growing up in a rural town in Colorado and dreaming of being a dancer in Los Angeles, but how the world of jiu-jitsu turned her life upside down.  She shares her journey moving up into her position at Legacy, and also her position as a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and shares stories of competing internationally.

Learn more about Legacy at www.legacybjj.com 

Follow Erika on Instagram at @erikadownbjj

This episode was sponsored by Compass Realtors Mike McDonald and Mary Anne Been. https://burbankarealiving.com/

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Dermatologists, sunscreen, and reminiscing about the glorious days of coaching under the sun - a unique mix of nostalgia and skin cancer awareness, as brought to us by our very own Craig. 

This episode of the podcast started on a heartfelt note, acknowledging all the hard-working union folks this Labor Day and remembering the legendary Jimmy Buffett. The importance of skincare and protection from the sun was underscored with a reminder of Craig's experiences and procedures. 

Transitioning from Craig's sun-drenched memories, the podcast then dived into the heart of Burbank's controversies. The recent decision of Burbank to partner with a relatively unknown nonprofit instead of the established Family Services Agency, was thoroughly dissected. 

The possible implications for the unhoused folks it aims to support and the inconsistency in the Burbank Police Department's approach in using a BOLO were topics of intense discussion. 

Keeping the conversation dynamic and varied, the episode also delved into fascinating topics such as the super blue moon and neighborhood security. Full moons, their names, and schedules were explored, along with the selection process for hurricane names. These conversations added a touch of astronomical intrigue to the episode. 

The controversy surrounding the Burbank Pride event formed a major part of the discussion. The conflict between the Burbank Pride organization and the Magnolia Park merchants was examined. The refusal of the merchants to be paid for the previous year's event, the removal of the president of Burbank Pride from the Merchant Association, and the overall discontent of the merchants were touched upon. 

This episode wasn't all about disputes and controversies. It also brought the listeners the inside scoop from Burbank High School's 150th birthday celebration. The dedication of the plaque for Coach Callum, the history of the school, and the many generations of families that have attended Burbank High were all covered. The appointment of the new Fire Chief, Danny Alvarez, who earned the title after spending 25 years in the city, was also highlighted. 

Rounding up the episode, the discussion moved to the importance of properly disposing of hazardous waste. The upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Roundup at the Burbank Fire Training Center and the accepted items were mentioned. Lastly, the issues on Forest Lawn Drive, the increasing number of dilapidated RVs, and the problems they pose were brought to the forefront. 

Overall, this episode was packed with discussions on a diverse range of topics. It not only revisited the sun-soaked past of Craig but also scrutinized the present quandaries of Burbank. This mix of nostalgia and current affairs is sure to provide the listeners with a well-rounded perspective on the discussed topics.

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Can the Burbank City Council take on the colossal task of handling the Request for Proposal for the Burbank Center Stage? Join us as we question the repercussions of their decision and scrutinize the involvement of Rark and Rec. in the city's multitude of projects. Wondering how the City Manager is orchestrating this symphony? So are we! Let’s also take a moment to acknowledge the Council’s commendable progress in establishing a bond with the community and fostering modern thinking, a refreshing upgrade from past councils.

The California Supreme Court ruling has undoubtedly stirred the pot and we are here to provide the much-needed clarity. We delve into the potential implications for the council and the beautiful city of Santa Monica. Expect to be overwhelmed by the lack of public input on the matter.  Want a break from the intense discussions? We have you covered with a segment on community events like the Magnolia Park Merchants' Food Truck Friday and the Home LA food distribution event, where joy and essential items are being distributed to hundreds of families.

The pandemic has turned our lives upside down, especially for local businesses in Burbank. We discuss the struggles local restaurants are facing, their desperate attempts to stay open longer, and how hiring has become a challenge in these unprecedented times. The episode closes with a discussion on the importance of staying aware of your environment, changes in the Fire Department, and the significance of Community Development Block Grant funds. We then wrap up the episode with a heartfelt acknowledgment of our sponsors and a reminder to stay safe and support local businesses during the Labor Day weekend. Let's face it: our local businesses need all the support they can get!

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Linda Murphy grew up in Burbank, where she became an original member of the city's first-ever girl's softball team, The Braids, in her early teen years. 

Next, Murphy played volleyball on a local team, and she later attained a position on the inaugural US Olympic women's volleyball team. In addition, she scored eight national titles as a member of the Long Beach Shamrocks, and her USA team took home a gold medal at the 1967 Pan-American Games. As a result of her accomplishments in the sport, Murphy was honored with the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Player Award in 1971.

Following her volleyball career, Murphy coached at John Muir Middle School, as well as John Burroughs High School. Furthermore, she served as a Burbank Unified School District physical education teacher.

In this "Local Legends" episode, the iconic athlete tells us about her experiences competing in women's sports and earning many impressive feats along the way.

This episode of "Local Legends with Devin" is sponsored by Plumbing Dudes, a local, family-owned business that offers superior plumbing services to Burbank and its neighboring areas.

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