Can regulating short-term rentals save your neighborhood? Or might a strict ban be the only way to maintain housing affordability? Join us on this riveting episode as John and Jenny dissect the Burbank City Council's decisive move to ban STRs like Airbnbs. We promise you'll gain a deep understanding of the financial and regulatory challenges at play, from the potential revenue of transient occupancy taxes (TOT) to the intricacies of enforcement strategies. You'll learn why the council opted for a ban while weighing two enforcement paths: a rigorous, resource-intensive approach versus a more lenient, hands-off method.

We also unravel the broader impact of prioritizing long-term housing, especially with major city events on the horizon. How does this local decision resonate in a world increasingly grappling with housing affordability and global events? This episode underscores the importance of community engagement and staying informed about local issues. Whether you're an advocate for short-term rentals or a proponent of preserving housing for residents, this discussion offers invaluable insights. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our neighborhoods.

Support the show

What if your city council candidates could speak directly to you about their platforms? This week on myBurbank Talks Weekly Podcast, we will tell you about the podcasts with Dr. Emily Weisberg and Emma Panero for exclusive interviews that offer firsthand insights into their visions for Burbank. We also hear about Lew Stone, a former firefighter captain and high school basketball coach, in a heartfelt Coach's Corner segment. Additionally, our Women of Burbank highlight dives into the captivating world of the Dark and Dirty Hearts fantasy book league. From the Burbank School Board's United Against Hate Week to thrilling high school football game recaps, we have a jam-packed episode that keeps you connected with your community.

Curious about how Burbank selects its mayor and vice mayor? This episode explores the often contentious and opaque process, shedding light on its implications for re-election visibility. We also cover a range of local events and governance issues, from a Holiday in the Park fundraiser at Tequila's to the Advisory Council on Disabilities meeting via Zoom. Don’t miss our discussion on the importance of informed voting, as we scrutinize the Burbank Teachers Association's early endorsements and urge you to do your homework before casting your vote. Whether it's community events, local governance, or civic engagement, this episode equips you with the knowledge to stay informed and active in Burbank.

Support the show

Editor's Note: Emma sent the following statement to myBurbank after the podcast to clarify her position on the subject of a Rent Cap:

"To clarify, during the discussion about a potential rent cap, the proposed ordinance I refer to is drafted by the Burbank Tenants Union, not City Council. This is important to note because the proposed ordinance is not official. Instead, it essentially serves as a guideline for what proponents of a strong rent cap are advocating for, based on ordinances passed in similar areas. I am not endorsed by the Burbank Tenants Union. The City of Burbank has implemented a Rent Cap Study to get feedback from residents before making a determination about a rent cap and its terms. The community’s feedback is most important when determining the path forward. I invite every resident to contact me with any ideas or concerns they may have with a rent cap."
- Emma Pineiro

_____________________________________________________________

What if the future of Burbank relied on fresh perspectives and innovative solutions from its youngest leaders? Join us in this captivating episode of "Meet the Candidate" as we introduce you to Emma Pineiro, a third-generation Burbanker with a blend of Hispanic and Swedish heritage. From her childhood in Sweden to leading the Burroughs varsity soccer team, Emma's journey is a testament to community spirit and resilience. Her academic excellence with an honors degree from UCI and a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law sets the stage for her to tackle some of Burbank's most pressing issues.

Dive into the heart of city planning as we explore Emma's strategies for transforming Burbank's public transportation and addressing homelessness. Hear about her vision for a greener city with electric vehicles and a more integrated public transit system, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Olive. Emma also offers insights into the complex discussions surrounding rent control and affordable housing, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that meets both tenants' and landlords' needs while complying with state regulations.

Finally, we tackle critical public safety and community enhancement topics. From the increasing demands on Burbank's police and fire departments to the potential introduction of parking meters in downtown Burbank, Emma provides thoughtful considerations on how to improve services without compromising accessibility. Learn about her ambitious plans to revitalize the Starlight Bowl, creating a cultural hub that rivals LA's most famous venues, and her commitment to balancing environmental concerns with infrastructure needs. Tune in for an engaging conversation that underscores the importance of youthful involvement in community development and celebrates Emma Pineiro's promising political journey.

Support the show

How does one man go from coaching to battling blazings and then to shaping union policies? Join us on myBurbank Talks Coaches Corner as we welcome Lew Stone, a true legend in the firefighting and union communities. Lew takes us through his incredible journey, starting with his early days at the Burbank Fire Department in 1981, where he swiftly rose to the rank of captain. He shares compelling accounts of significant firefighting incidents, including the infamous Castaways fire, and offers a candid look at his impactful roles in union leadership. From serving as the president of the Burbank Firefighters Union to becoming the Secretary Treasurer of the California Firefighters Union, Lew reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his tenure, the importance of maintaining departmental harmony, and his optimistic vision for the future.

Lew's story takes an interesting turn when a teacher strike led him to pivot from coaching to firefighting, a decision influenced by his father-in-law's suggestion to take a firefighter test. In our conversation, Lew fondly recalls his return to the world of coaching through his daughter's basketball team and heartwarming moments at Verdugo Park. We delve into the nuances of different coaching styles, the camaraderie built over years of shared sports experiences, and the significant impact of mentorship. Whether it’s discussing how competing against older athletes molded their competitive spirits or the unique dynamics of coaching girls' teams, Lew’s insights are both enlightening and inspiring.

In our final chapter, we explore the evolving landscape of youth sports and the profound changes Lew has witnessed over the years. From the influence of social media on player attitudes to the increasing specialization and pressures faced by young athletes today, Lew provides a thought-provoking analysis. He also shares the joys of his fulfilling retirement, his active lifestyle, and the cherished moments spent with his family. As we wrap up, Lew reflects on the lasting importance of supportive relationships and the possibility of rekindling his passion for coaching in the future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the values of mentorship, community, and lifelong learning.

Support the show

myBurbank reporter, Ashley Erikson, sits down with the creators of Dark & Dirty Hearts, that shares all things love and books. Jackie Remery-Pearson and Colleen Harris are friends, girl moms, and avid readers, that have built a business around dark and dirty romance books. They share all the juicy details of the book tok world, book boyfriends, kinks, and how their honest reviews have helped to uplift and grow indie authors and support local bookstores. They also share how they launched their Fantasy Book Boyfriend League with 260 book characters that could be drafted onto teams.  Listen as Ashley, Jackie and Colleen talk about their favorite books and genres, and how they are building a business one dark and dirty review at a time.

Learn more about the Fantasy Book Boyfriend League: https://bit.ly/ddh-fbbl

Follow Dark & Dirty Hearst on Instagram to see their reviews: www.instagram.com/darkdirtyhearts

Visit their Bookshop to shop by category: https://bookshop.org/shop/darkdirtyhearts

Burbank Mommies Holiday Gift Giving: bit.ly/BurbankGiveBack

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

Support the show

What if you had the power to influence the future of education in your community? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Emily Weisberg, the unopposed candidate for the Burbank Board of Education District 2, as she takes us on a fascinating journey from her early days in Chicago and Cincinnati to her influential role in Burbank. Discover how a passion for education at 16 set her on a path to becoming an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. With academic achievements that include a doctorate from USC, Dr. Weisberg’s story is not just inspiring but a call to action for those looking to make a difference.

Dr. Weisberg opens up about her motivations for stepping into the political arena, inspired by her grandfather's union activism and her own experiences as a K-12 teacher. We explore her innovative approach to teaching history, where she connects past events to the lives of her middle school students, fostering a deep and engaging learning environment. Listen to her heartfelt recount of protesting against gun control inaction, providing a powerful insider perspective on the emotional decisions educators face.

As we look towards the future, Dr. Weisberg shares her visionary plans for the next four years, focusing on securing adequate state funding and bolstering financial support for students. She discusses the controversial changes in voting districts and the critical need for transparency and community engagement in district finances. If you're interested in the intricacies of educational policy or are contemplating running for office yourself, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice. Don’t miss out on this candid conversation with a dedicated educator committed to transformative change in Burbank schools.

Support the show

What if the future of Burbank hinged on the visions of local leaders? We'll highlight the Rent Control Study Meeting video, debate the City Council's new public comment rules, and explore the contentious topic of banning gas-powered equipment in the city. And don't miss "The Civility of Albert Cashier," the latest musical sensation hitting the Colony Theater.

But that's not all—our community spotlight shines on the dedication of the "Community in Action" mural at McCambridge Recreation Center, a milestone in Burbank's Art in Public Places program. We'll bring you highlights from the Sustainable Burbank Commission's latest meeting and James Ingram's insightful presentation from the Livable Communities Initiative. As we look ahead to the weekend, we'll preview exciting events like the Kids Community Dental Clinic's fundraiser at Nickelodeon Studios and more. Your support keeps us going, so tune in and stay connected with Burbank's vibrant community!

Support the show

What does it take to transform from a war refugee to a dedicated public servant and education advocate? Join us on "My Burbank Talks" as we sit down with Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, the incumbent candidate for the Burbank Unified School District's Board of Education. Dr. Aghakhanian opens up about his inspirational journey, districting changes, and the challenges of transitioning to district-based elections. This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities faced by the district, including communication issues and financial constraints.

We tackle the critical topic of affordable housing and its impact on school funding in Burbank. With the addition of 7,000 new homes, the strain on local infrastructure and the necessity of a new bond measure for maintenance become apparent. The conversation shifts to the rising costs post-pandemic and the importance of community advocacy in supporting education and teachers. Dr. Aghakhanian emphasizes the need for honest discussions about the district's budget and proactive engagement with state legislators to secure better funding.

In the final segments, we delve into the importance of community engagement and the pivotal role of extracurricular activities. We spotlight dedicated community members like Cindy and Kimberly, who tirelessly support the schools despite budget constraints. The episode also explores innovative solutions for bullying prevention and the significance of Career Technical Education (CareerTech) in preparing students for the workforce. Dr. Aghakhanian's personal story of resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the power of education and community involvement, culminating in a heartfelt appeal for his re-election.

Support the show

Ever wondered how a game show producer transitions into a bakery owner and then a city council candidate? Join us for a compelling conversation with Eddy Polon on My Burbank Talks: Meet the Candidate. Eddy brings his rich, multifaceted background to the table, sharing stories from his days as a head writer and judge on Tic-Tac-Toe, to pioneering online versions of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, to ultimately buying the Continental Kosher Bakery with his wife. His deep-rooted connection to Burbank and passion for community service shine through in every anecdote and insight.

We tackle some of Burbank’s most pressing issues, starting with transportation and homelessness. Eddy critiques the limitations of the current bus system and proposes innovative solutions for better connectivity and infrastructure improvements. From the structural challenges of the Olive Avenue Bridge to the potential for securing federal and state funds for upgrades, Eddy’s vision for a modernized, more efficient transportation network is both practical and inspiring. We also delve into affordable housing, exploring ideas like "gentle density development" and rent control to make Burbank more livable for all residents.

The conversation then navigates through community resources and local issues, such as the enhancement of the Starlight Bowl and the implications of introducing parking meters downtown. Eddie offers practical solutions and thoughtful perspectives, whether discussing public-private partnerships to improve community venues or balancing public safety resources. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of Burbank, as we also highlight the importance of getting to know all candidates running for office, encouraging them to share their stories and platforms with the community.

Support the show

myBurbank reporter Ashley Erikson sits down with Lisa Dyson and Andrea Daveline to talk about their roles in the new Colony Theatre musical, “The Civility of Albert Cashier.”  The powerful and moving new musical tells the true-story of a Civil War soldier whose life defied definition and who served his country all while keeping the secret that he was born Jennifer Hodgers.

Lisa who is currently the Huerta Middle School Librarian, shares her journey bringing theatre into Burbank schools over the years and exposing kids to Shakespeare and arts education. Andrea recently moved to Burbank and shares how her and her family have adapted to the city, and have been so impressed by the school’s show choir and arts choices.  The two discuss their roles in the new musical, and how their characters go head-to-head on stage doing what they believe to be best for Albert in his older years.  The three women talk about the importance of the story in today’s climate and how the creative team has put together something that appeals to the modern times but feels completely enveloped in the era of the Civil War and post years.

To learn more about “The Civility of Albert Cashier” and get tickert during it’s run through September 22, 2024, visit www.colonytheatre.org.

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

Support the show