myBurbank Talks

Ever wondered how a small-town council member navigates the bustling halls of the California Assembly? Join us as Mayor Nick Schultz shares his riveting journey from local governance to state politics and his innovative strategies for bridging divides in a complex legislative environment. We celebrate community victories like the Dodgers' World Series triumph and the parade that united Burbank, elaborating on how such events fortify community spirit. Nick’s tales of knocking on 50,000 doors to secure his election success are nothing short of inspiring.

Experience the creative transformation of Burbank’s "State of the City" event, expertly reimagined by Public Information Officer Jonathan Jones and his team with an engaging "Back to the Future" theme. We explore how this newfound vibrancy is indicative of the city’s broader evolution. From the revitalization of the downtown area to the sophisticated redesign of the public library into a high-tech multimedia center, we delve into the community initiatives that are setting the stage for Burbank’s future.

Burbank is not only evolving through its events and infrastructure but also through practical urban planning. We discuss the reintroduction of parking meters aimed at optimizing downtown traffic flow, and the enthusiastic embrace of outdoor dining that’s become a lifeline for local businesses. As we look ahead to the Mayor's Christmas Tree celebration, we underscore the importance of maintaining Burbank’s charm while modernizing its amenities, ensuring a pet-friendly and vibrant environment for all.

Support the show

Discover the latest twists and turns in Burbank's local politics and community happenings! Curious about the election results that saw Konstantine Anthony and Chris Rizzotti elected to the City Council? Join us as we uncover the implications of the school board race and the passing of Measure ABC, while emphasizing the urgent need for transparency from the new board members. We'll also share the buzz around the Veterans Day celebration at McCambridge Park, which faced lower turnout.. Plus, we'll raise questions regarding the accessibility of the newly unveiled Green Lantern statue at Hangar 28 and delve into the alarming case of a woman allegedly impersonating a nurse in Southern California hospitals.

We'll also take you on a tour of Burbank's bustling city life and anticipate thrilling upcoming events. There's strong advocacy for extending outdoor dining to support local businesses, despite the challenges posed by parking and transit issues, including the Bus Rapid Transit Project. The episode offers a preview of upcoming city meetings, with a keen focus on the Police Commission's agenda and the need for transparency in officer-involved incidents. Excitement is building for the holiday festivities on Magnolia for Holiday in the Park, complete with live music and unique activities. We wrap up with a nod to the popular Winter Wine Walk and a personal belief on age restrictions for military personnel drinking. Join us for a compelling conversation that frames the week gone by and the exciting week ahead in Burbank!

Support the show

myBurbank reporter, Ashley Erikson, sits down with Has Badalian-Collins who was born and raised in Burbank and now raises her own family here in the city she grew up in.  

She shares her career path as a prosecutor in Los Angeles and Orange County to being on the general counsel for the LA Police Department. 

Has has a heart of volunteerism and talks about her roles in different organizations including her role as the AYSO Burbank 254 Regional Commissioner for the lat 3 years.  

Has also shares her medical journey through heart surgery, failing valves, and what her kids now call her “bionic heart.”

Support the show

Unlock the mysteries behind Burbank's vibrant political landscape as we dissect last week's consequential elections and their broader implications. Who's leading the charge in the city council race, and what does that mean for local governance? Join us as Greg Schwartz, our celebrated Word of the Week winner, sets the stage for an insightful discussion. We unravel the unfolding narrative of the city council race, spotlighting Konstantine Anthony's bid for re-election and the nail-biting closeness between Chris Rizzotti and Judy Wilke. Get the scoop on the triumphant victories of Friedman, Nick Schultz, and other key figures who have decisively secured their congressional and assembly seats, leaving their Republican challengers in the dust. Also, discover how the passage of Measure A-B-C is set to reshape the Burbank School District with a significant influx of funds and a promise of transparency.

As the dust settles from election night, we delve into the impact of pivotal measures on Burbank's future. The repeal of Measure H via County Measure A has redefined the city's approach to funding homeless services, but what does it portend for the fiscal landscape? Meanwhile, the defeat of State Prop 33 leaves the question of rent control looming over the city council's ongoing efforts. Join us for a thorough examination of these developments and what they entail for Burbank's residents. With final votes on the horizon, stay with us as we continue to track these crucial changes and celebrate our community's engagement in shaping its future. Thank you for joining us on this journey through Burbank's political pulse.

Support the show

Ever wondered how a cell tower, a thrilling football game, and a World Series victory could all be connected in shaping a community? Join us for an insider's look at Burbank's dynamic happenings, where we tackle everything from the heated debate over Main Street's new cell tower to the challenges local authorities face with the Empire housing project and the Pickwick Project lawsuit. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of Burbank's pulse and the pressing issues at hand. Plus, we break down the Dodgers' exhilarating World Series win and the dramatic showdown between Burbank and Burroughs, uncovering their impact on league standings and local pride.

Voting matters, and we're here to remind you why. With the anticipation of election night in the air, we share personal stories of mail-in ballots and the excitement of receiving real-time election updates. Watch our live coverage on YouTube as we dissect local races and measures. Beyond politics, celebrate community spirit through events like the Burbank Athletic Federation meeting and the heartfelt veterans' recognition ceremony by the Burbank High Baseball Team. Your engagement fuels our efforts, so we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support. Until next time, keep being an active part of our vibrant Burbank community!

Support the show

Ever wondered how a personal journey through housing insecurity can ignite a passion for change? Meet Mike Van Gorder, a dynamic candidate for the Burbank City Council in the 2024 election. Mike's personal experience as both a renter and homeowner fueled his dedication to tenant rights and equitable housing access. With a master's degree from UCLA achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge as a professional housing analyst. In our conversation, he shares his insights into the pressing issues of housing affordability, rent control, and the economic disparities in city council representation, all while balancing his roles as a father, husband, musician, and advocate for progressive change.

Join us as Mike provides a candid exploration of the challenges of homeownership, renting, and transit issues that impact diverse communities. He emphasizes the need for balanced policies that protect tenants and promote long-term security while questioning the notion of ever-increasing housing prices. Our discussion delves into the complexities of the housing market, the pressures landlords face, and the significance of providing alternatives to car ownership in Southern California. Mike passionately argues for clean, safe, and affordable transit systems that cater to everyone, including those who prefer not to own cars or cannot drive.

Mike's commitment to social change doesn't stop at housing. We explore broader socio-economic issues, such as urban planning, local campaign finance reform, and the climate crisis. Mike addresses the importance of diverse role models and emotional availability in combating toxic masculinity, highlighting his credentials and endorsements from various organizations. As an ally of the LGBTQIA community and educators, Mike's vision for a more inclusive and sustainable Burbank is clear, urging listeners to consider his lived experience and dedication to driving change.

Support the show

Konstantine Anthony's journey from the Bay Area to the Burbank city council is anything but conventional. From his early days near Oakland and a brief stay in rural Iowa to pursuing a passion for cinema and comedy in San Francisco, Constantine's path took a significant turn when he moved to Burbank in 2004. With roles in films like Iron Man 2 and TV shows such as Entourage, life seemed set in the entertainment industry. However, his laid-back humor and curiosity eventually led him to politics, where he now serves as a dedicated city councilman.

Our conversation with Konstantine covers the intricacies of local government, focusing on the Olive Street Bridge funding debate between Burbank and Glendale. Constantine offers a candid look at the challenges of adaptive policymaking and how these disputes underscore the need for collaboration. We also delve into the ongoing rent control debate, where Constantine shares his experiences as a co-author of Measure RC. The interplay between local initiatives and state laws like AB 1482 highlights the complexity of managing housing policy at the municipal level.

Listeners will gain insights into Konstantine's vision for Burbank's future, including plans to revitalize the local film industry and foster city council unity. Through discussions on homelessness, police department expenditures, and local tax incentives, Constantine emphasizes the importance of community-focused leadership. His dedication to improving Burbank, from advocating for a year-round homeless shelter to securing fair funding, underscores his commitment to serving the city's residents. Join us for an engaging episode that explores the intersections of entertainment, politics, and community service.

Support the show

Discover the heartbeat of Burbank this week as we uncover the city's vibrant mix of events and pressing issues. From the electrifying anticipation of the Dodgers' playoff games, featuring the phenomenal Otani, to the heartwarming celebration of Drew Woods as our Word of the Week champion, there's much to cheer for. We relive the excellence of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce's State of the City Luncheon, with Mayor Nick Schultz's stirring address and those unforgettable Bundt cakes making a lasting impression. The local high school football scene is buzzing with Burbank's triumphant victory, though it's not all celebration; we also touch on the community's concerns following a recent officer-involved shooting that has left many questions unanswered.

Tackle the thorny issue of transparency within the Burbank Police Department in our candid conversation about the aftermath of the officer-involved shooting. We dive into the challenges faced in obtaining information due to restricted police feeds and the denial of public records requests, sparking a debate on accountability and oversight. Amidst the growing call for openness, we highlight the need for a police commission with more oversight power and express our hopes for a future police chief committed to transparency. As always, our enthusiasm for the Dodgers remains high, and we share our excitement for the upcoming Planning Commission meeting, where key city plans will be discussed. Join us for an episode filled with community spirit, critical insights, and a dash of sports excitement.

Support the show

Witness the unfolding drama of Burbank's proposed cell phone tower, a project that's stirring emotions and sparking debate among local residents. Our guests, John and Jenny from Notebook LM, bring their expertise as we tackle the technicalities of 5G technology and Dish Wireless's ambitious plans to improve coverage in the area. Uncover the truth behind radio frequency emissions and why the distinction between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation matters for community health. With a city council meeting on the horizon, this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of local governance and the impact of technological advancements on your neighborhood.

Prepare to be empowered as we delve into the intricacies of community engagement and the vital role it plays in shaping local decisions. We explore the administrative hurdles and heightened scrutiny faced by the proposed installation, which has sparked an appeal due to its proximity to residential zones. Understand the importance of staying informed and how your voice can influence the decisions that affect your community. Join us as we inspire curiosity and proactive involvement, emphasizing the power of informed citizens in the dynamic landscape of local governance. Whether you're a Burbank resident or simply intrigued by the intersection of technology and community, this episode offers valuable insights and a call to action.

Support the show

Unlock the secrets behind Burbank's latest hot topics and events in our engaging community roundup! Ever wondered what changes the Burbank school district is making to its cell phone policy, or how the city’s dealing with transparency issues in the wake of a controversial officer-involved shooting? We promise a deep dive into these pressing matters, starting with a heartfelt tribute to local hero Drew Woods. Join us as we dissect the recent City Council meeting, highlighting the passionate debates on rent control and the impactful retirement of Chief Michael Albanese. We'll also shine a light on the California Attorney General's findings on the Ruben Ramos shooting, raising critical questions about police accountability.

But that's not all—Burbank is buzzing with activities you won't want to miss! Explore the lineup of upcoming community events, from the Advisory Council on Disabilities meeting to the Halloween Skate Fest, ensuring there's something for everyone. We also tackle the ongoing concerns about the city's shift to an all-digital parking permit system, exploring its implications for seniors and advocating for a solution that accommodates all residents. Tune in for a lively discussion filled with local insights, community pride, and a call to action for a more inclusive Burbank!

Support the show