Latest News Archives

RELAY FOR LIFE:  The City of Burbank is Lighting the Path to a Cure
Can you believe that more than 1.3 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year?  This is an alarming statistic, but there is hope!  Each of us can do something to save lives and help those already fighting the disease.  That’s why the City of Burbank has decided to take action against cancer by participating in the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour Relay for Life in Burbank on June 21-22 at Robert Gross Park. 

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at Robert Gross Park in Burbank and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. 

We hope that you can be a part of the City of Burbank Team and help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.  If you have any questions about the event, donating, participating on the City of Burbank Team, purchasing a luminaria, or the Survivors Ceremony, please take a look at the Team Burbank webpage.  Remember, it’s with all of your support that the CITY OF BURBANK IS…..LIGHTING THE PATH TO A CURE!  

Lawnmower Exchange Program
Once again, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is pleased to offer to AQMD residents an opportunity to help cleaning the air by exchanging an old, operable gasoline-powered lawn mower for a new Neuton™ cordless rechargeable electric mower($399 value) for only $100 (sales tax included).  Using a typical gas mower for one year can pollute as much as 43 new cars driven for a year.  You must pre-register to receive a discounted electric mower.  Residents must show proof of residency within AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction, and can register for any event regardless of where they reside in the region. All events will take place on Saturday mornings. Here is the schedule:

• Saturday, April 5 - Palm Springs
• Saturday, April 19 -- Long Beach
• Saturday, April 26 -- Anaheim
• Saturday, May 3 -- Pasadena
• Saturday, May 10 -- Rancho Cucamonga
• Saturday, May 17 -- Inglewood
• Saturday, May 31 -- Riverside 

You must pre-register (beginning March 18 at 9 a.m.) and you can do that either online at www.aqmd.gov or via telephone at (888) 425-6247.

New Earlier Start Time for Council Meetings
As of August 2007, please note that the City Council meetings are now beginning at 6:00 p.m. --- that’s a new start time, a half hour earlier than before. Meetings are still on Tuesdays at City Hall, 275 E. Olive Avenue, in Burbank.

Burbank Senior Games
In the spirit of participation and competition, the 2008 Burbank Senior Games Committee is inviting individuals, 55 years and over, to become part of the 14th Annual Burbank Senior Games.  Games include golf, softball, cribbage, bowling, tennis, horseshoes, fun walk, pool, skip-bo and party bridge. Further information and an entry form are available here. (in PDF)

Burbank Boulevard Beautification
As we work on sprucing up Burbank Boulevard between July 2007 and March 2008, please be aware of construction activities occurring from Clybourn Avenue to Victory Boulevard, restricting traffic to one lane in each direction for most of the time.  Motorist are advised to expect delays along this route.  Access to businesses in the area remains open, and as much on-street parking as construction allows is available.

Burbank On Parade -- April 26 
The annual Burbank On Parade will take place Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m. on Olive Avenue from Keystone to Lomita.  For further information, check their website at www.BurbankonParade.com   

On-Line Application Is Here 
The Management Services Department unveiled their department's new web pages on Friday, June 1, 2007.  The City's job descriptions, salaries, and benefits can be viewed there.  Current employment opportunities will be posted and you will be able to submit your application on-line.  Interest cards for future job openings can also be submitted on-line after June 1st. Information regarding other departmental services can also be accessed through this website. 

Emergency Response Classes
Learn how to help yourself and your family in the event of an emergency. The Burbank Fire Department is offering classes in important disaster preparedness training. The Community Emergency Response Team (or CERT) classes will train you in disaster awareness, fire safety, light search and rescue, and the chance to take part in a mock disaster exercise. Classes will be held at the Burbank Fire Training Center. For the $50 registration cost, you will receive a CERT backpack, personal protective equipment, basic CERT equipment and your training. The classes will be held over a series of several Saturdays, beginning March 29th. For more information, check this PDF flyer, or to register send an e-mail to: cert@BurbankCDV.org

Library Survey
What do you think of when you think " library?"   Books? Information?  The California Public Libraries want to continue to improve and develop services that meet your information needs.  Please take a few moments to complete a simple survey and express your needs and opinions.  Go to the Burbank Public Library's Web site @ www.burbanklibrary.com and click on the link.    Your input will be anonymous. Thank you for helping the California Public Libraries serve you better!

Trail User Survey
Do you use the Verdugo Mountains Trails?  Then we need your input! You can print out a survey form here or fill out a Trail User Survey at the Stough Canyon Nature Center.  The form should be returned to the Nature Center located at the top of Walnut Avenue in Burbank or mailed to:   Stough Canyon Nature Center, P.O. Box 6459, Burbank, CA 91510. For more information, please call (818) 238-5440.  

On-Street Parking of Recreational Vehicles
At the direction of the City Council, the Traffic & Transportation Committee appointed a sub-committee to assist in developing a City-wide ordinance for on-street parking of recreational vehicles.  Public input will be taken. The committee will be meeting on the following dates:

Recreational Vehicle Parking Sub-Committee Formed
A special subcommittee of the Traffic & Transportation Committee may be formed consisting of T & T committee members and Burbank citizens.  This subcommittee is intended to gather input so that an appropriate management scheme can be d eve loped that will consider all sides of on-street parking for recreational vehicles and other large vehicles. If you should have any questions or want to express interest, please contact Ken Johnson at (818) 238-3965 or email him at kjohnson@ci.burbank.ca.us .  

Looking for Outstanding Older American Volunteers
The City of Burbank's Joslyn Adult Center is looking for nominations for the 2008 Older American Volunteer Service Award. Nominees must be 60 years of age or older. Here is a link to the Nomination Form.  The official form must be used and the deadline is March 7, 2008. If you have any questions, please call the Joslyn Adult Center at (818) 238-5370. 

Student Ambassadors and Host Families Sought
The Burbank Sister City Committee is offering Burbank families two opportunities to participate in the 2008 Summer Student Exchange Program.  High school students are invited to apply to be Student Ambassadors and travel to Incheon, Korea.  Burbank families are also needed to host students arriving from Sister City Ota, Japan.  For additional information, contact Library Services Director Sharon Cohen at 818-248-5551.

Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest 
The Burbank Civic Pride Committee announces the winners in the City’s 25th annual Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest.  A printable list of the winners and entrants is available here.

Volunteers Needed for Burbank's Rose Float 
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association is building the City's 76th entry -- titled "Oktoberfest."  It will  be entered in the Pasadena Rose Parade to be held on January 1, 2008.  This year's theme is "Passport to the World's Celebrations."  Your help is needed.  The City of Burbank entry is one of 6 "self-built" floats in the parade. Volunteers are needed to decorate the float with flowers December 26-31 (9 am. to 9 pm) at the Float Barn.  The Float Barn construction and decoration site is located at the BWP Yard, under the Olive Avenue overpass. Enter from Olive Avenue and park at the Metrolink Station parking lot.  For more information, you can call  (818) 840-0060 or visit the website at www.burbankrosefloat.com .  

Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest 
The Burbank Civic Pride Committee invites all local residents and businesses to enter the City’s 25th annual Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest.  Only locations which have submitted entries will be judged. This year the categories are residential, commercial, and youth (age 16 and under).

Entry forms are being sent out in all City utility bills during November. Forms are also available at all City libraries and at City Hall in the City Clerk’s office and the Public Information Office.  You can also access an entry form here.  Entries can also be submitted on a plain sheet of paper with the entrant’s name, address, phone number and category, to Civic Pride, Public Information Office, Burbank City Hall, 275 E. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91502. Deadline for entries is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 11. The Civic Pride Committee will do the judging on Thursday, December 13.  For further information, contact the City of Burbank Public Information Office at 238-5840.

      DATE                         EVENT                                  Sponsor/Host

Nov. 13, 11:00am      Check Presentation                         Keller Williams, Burbank

                                                                                                                 Burbank Assoc. of Realtors

Nov. 13,  6:30pm       Proclamation                                  Burbank City Hall

Nov. 13 - 14             Turkey Drive                                   Yahoo! Employees

Nov. 13 - Dec. 24     Holiday Book Drive                         Barnes & Noble

                                                                                        731 N San Fernando Blvd.

Nov. 17                   Food drive                                        Boy Scouts, citywide

                               “Operation Gobbler”                        Burbank Jaycees

                                                      Pavilions, 1110 Alameda Ave.

Nov. 18, 9am - 4pm   Food Drive                                   Nat. Charity League

                                                                                         Pavilions, 1110 Alameda Ave.

Nov. 18, 7pm            Collection and Food Drive                  Burbank Ministerial Assoc.

Interfaith Service

                                                                                                Westminster Presbyterian Church

                                                                                                542 N. Buena Vista St

Nov. 19 – Dec. 24    Food Drive                                      Warner Bros.

Nov. 19 – Dec. 25    Spark of Love Toy Collection             Burbank Fire Department

All locations

Nov. 19, Noon           Delivery of 100 Turkeys !                BTAC, 1304 W. Burbank Blvd.

For further information on these or other events, please contact BTAC Executive Director Barbara Howell at (818) 848-2822.

The City of Burbank & The Veterans Commemorative Committee

proudly present

Veterans Day Ceremony

“Honoring All Who Served”

Monday, November 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.

McCambridge Park War Memorial

(Located at the corner of Amherst Drive and San Fernando Road )

Flyover by the Condor Squadron

A free shuttle for seniors and disabled will be available from

the Burbank Tennis Center parking lot on Amherst Drive , and the

McCambridge Recreation Center parking lots on Andover Drive and

Glenoaks Boulevard . Shuttle service will be available from

10:15 – 11:00 a.m. and will continue after the event for 45 minutes.
For further information, please call (818) 238–5390.  

Fruit Fly Eradication Program
September 20 -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture is conducting a fruit fly eradication program in Glendale and the Southern portion of the City of Burbank.  The program consists of placing bait traps 6 to 8 feet above ground -- well above the reach of children or pets.  State and Federal agencies have determined that use of these traps does not cause any adverse environmental or health risks.  Traps will be in place for two or three months.  For further information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov  

High Wind Warning and Fire Danger in Southern California
A HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PDT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23. DANGEROUS NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS 30 TO 45 MPH WITH LOCAL DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 65 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED BELOW THE FAVORED NORTHEAST PASSES AND CANYONS THROUGH TUESDAY. LOCAL GUSTS PEAKING TO 75 MPH WILL CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DIMINISH SLIGHTLY DURING THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING HOURS...BUT ARE EXPECTED TO INTENSIFY ONCE AGAIN DURING THE OVERNIGHT THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS AND SHIFT MORE EASTERLY. -- according to the National Weather Service.

Due to the high winds and very low humidity, a red flag warning has been issued for the following areas: -Ventura county interior valleys -Ventura county coastal valleys -Los Angeles county valleys -Santa Clarita valley.

Haunted Hike
Join the Halloween fun on a very scary 15 minute tour of the 'haunted' Stough Canyon Nature Center, at the top of Walnut Avenue in Burbank. The docent-led tours will be on Friday, Oct 19 and Saturday, Oct 20, 7-9:30 p.m. -- 2 nights only. Not for children under 6 years old. The frightening fun begins at Stough Park with face painting, games, live animals and more. The tour is $5 per person and there is a fee for refreshments and souvenirs.  For more information, please call (818) 238-5440.  

818 Area Code Public Hearing - October 22
The telecommunications industry has asked the California Public Utilities Commission to divide the 818 area code and add a 747 area code. There is a public hearing explaining the two alternative proposals. Public input will be taken. The meeting is on Monday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Buena Vista Public Library, 300 North Buena Vista St, Burbank.  There is more info here.

Cooling Centers Open During Heat
The City of Burbank is offering relief during heat waves. The 3 Burbank Public Libraries are cool locations where you can beat the heat.  The Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has opened some cooling centers.  Seniors can go to the Joslyn Adult Center (1301 W. Olive Ave.) 7 days a week after 8 a.m. The general public can go to the McCambridge Recreation Center (1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd.) to cool off during the mid-day heat. For more information on the cooling centers, you can call the Park, Recreation and Community Services Dept at 238-5300.

Extreme Heat Advisory
Hot weather is here and you can help us meet the energy demands of every Burbank home and business by using energy wisely. Please conserve by turning off all non-essential appliances and equipment between 4 pm and 6 pm. This is when people get home from work and demand for energy goes up. Also, remember to take heat waves very seriously. Drink plenty of fluids and stay out of the mid-day sun. If it gets uncomfortably warm in your home, consider going somewhere cool, like the mall or movies. Turn off your air conditioning and head out to a cool place where the air conditioning is free to you!  

The Centers for Disease Control offer information at their website: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp#emerg

Before Exposure
Stay indoors and avoid extreme temperature changes. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or public library -- even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

• If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
• Keep your electric fans running.
• Drink cool liquids often, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty, to help your body stay cool. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which dehydrate the body. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Keep pets indoors; refill their water bowls frequently.

  During Exposure

• If you must go out, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun's energy.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must engage in strenuous activity, limit exposure during mid-day hours.
• Cover all exposed skin with a high SPF sunscreen, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.

  After Exposure

• Continue drinking plenty of water.
• Never take a cool shower immediately after becoming overheated. You may cool too quickly and become ill, nauseous, or dizzy.
• Know the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.

Toxic Round-Up on August 11
Dispose of household hazardous waste (paints, pesticides, solvents, batteries, vehicle fluids, propane tanks, electronics, etc.) and e-waste (computers, TVs, and other electronic equipment) the right way at the Burbank Toxic Round-Up on Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Burbank Fire Training Center, 1845 N. Ontario.  Call the Recycle Center at (818) 238-3900 or call 1-888-CLEANLA or visit www.888CleanLA.com for further information.

July 4th Celebration Features Laser Light Show
Tickets are on sale now for the City of Burbank's annual Independence Day Celebration at the Starlight Bowl on July 4th.  A stunning laser light show and musical finale is planned in place of the usual fireworks. 
(The fireworks have been cancelled; The Fire Department believes that the risk is too great due to this year's extreme drought and highly flammable vegetation on the hillside.)  Entertainment at the Starlight Bowl will still include the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra playing your favorite pops and patriotic music.  Exciting classic rock will be performed by The Answer. The Jokesters will entertain throughout the evening. Guest soloist Dale Kristien will perform the Star Spangled Banner.  Tickets go on sale June 4th. Prices are $8 Adults, $5 Seniors (60+), $5 Children (3-12).  For more information visit the Starlight Bowl webpages. 

RELAY FOR LIFE:  The City of Burbank is Lighting the Path to a Cure
Can you believe that more than 1.3 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year?  This is an alarming statistic, but there is hope!  Each of us can do something to save lives and help those already fighting the disease.  That’s why the City of Burbank has decided to take action against cancer by participating in the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour Relay for Life in Burbank on June 23-24^th at Robert Gross Park. 

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at Robert Gross Park in Burbank and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. 

We hope that you can be a part of the City of Burbank Team and help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 for the American Cancer Society.  If you have any questions about the event, donating, participating on the City of Burbank Team, purchasing a luminaria, or the Survivors Ceremony, please take a look at the Team Burbank webpage.  Remember, it’s with all of your support that the CITY OF BURBANK IS…..LIGHTING THE PATH TO A CURE!  Check out related video here.

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall
The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall is a three-quarter-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  It will be at Valhalla Memorial Park on June 22, 23 and 24.  It will be open for visits round the clock for those three days. The entrance is located just outside Burbank at 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood.  The Vietnam Wall lists the names of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in the Vietnam War and those who remain missing.  
Here is the schedule:
    Tuesday, June 19 - 1:00 p.m. Vietnam Wall to arrive @ Valhalla, escorted by 500 motorcycles. 
    Note: Community assistance is needed during the 24-hour-a-day construction and set-up June 19-22.
    Friday, June 22 -- 10 am - 2 pm - Youth & Schools Visitation
    Friday, June 22 - 7:00 p.m. -- Official Opening Ceremony and Parade
    Saturday, June 23 -- 7:30 a.m. - noon -- Pancake Breakfast
    Saturday, June 23 -- Noon - Band Concert; 12, 2 ,4, 6 - Firing of Civil War Cannon; 6 p.m. Dinner Ceremony 
       and feeding of 300 military vets as honored guests; 8 p.m. --Candle Light Vigil
    Sunday, June 24 -- 10 am church choirs; 1 p.m. All Denominational Worship; afternoon--firing Civic War    
       Cannon, band concerts; 3 p.m. Dismissal of Watch Ceremony.
  

Lawnmower Exchange Program
Trade your old gasoline powered lawn mower for a new electric lawn mower through the AQMD Electric Lawn Mower Exchange program in the Los Angeles Basin. For $100 and the exchange of your old lawn mower, you will receive a new electric mower valued at $399.  Now in its fifth year, the program will exchange 4,000 gasoline mowers this spring.  The electric mowers produce less air pollution, are quieter and cheaper to operate.  Residents must show proof of residency within AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction, and can register for any event regardless of where they reside in the region. All events will take place on Saturdays from approximately 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.  Here is the remaining schedule:

• Saturday, June 16 -- at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita

You must pre-register and you can do that either online at www.aqmd.gov or via telephone at (888) 425-6247.

Flag Day Ceremony
The City of Burbank and Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club invite you to pause to Pledge Allegiance to our Nation's Flag.  Flag Day is Thursday, June 14.  The ceremony is at 3 p.m. at Burbank Tennis Center at McCambridge Park, 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd.  A tribute to our Flag will be preceded by patriotic music by the Burbank Community Band.  For more information, please call (818) 238-5300.    

Glendale-Burbank Interceptor Sewer (GBIS) Stakeholder Meeting
The City of Los Angeles is conducting an Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) Stakeholders Meeting on June 7, 2007, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at 2714 Media Center Drive.  The GBIS project is an element in the IRP. Los Angeles requests that anyone who is planning on attending RSVP to Patti Cruz at (323) 342-6251.
Visit the Public Works webpages for information regarding the Glendale-Burbank Interceptor Sewer.

State Route 134 Ramp Project--Construction Alert
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces that sewer work will be underway from May 14 through May 25, nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., at the Alameda Avenue on-ramp to the westbound Ventura Freeway (SR-134). This is part of the new on-ramp construction at Hollywood Way. There will be certain unavoidable inconveniences during construction, such as noise and street closures. A flyer with this information is downloadable here.  Caltrans thanks the community for their patience and understanding during this freeway improvement project.  To receive weekly updates on this project via e-mail, or for additional information, please contact the Caltrans Public Affairs Office, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (213) 897-3630 or (213) 897-3656.  For additional information, check these City of Burbank webpages.   

Youth Recognition Nominations 
The Burbank Youth Board has developed the Youth Recognition Award Program to recognize outstanding Burbank youth.  Twice a year,  5 individuals will be selected by the Youth Board to be honored at a Burbank City Council meeting. This award program is designed to highlight middle and high school aged youth for an achievement(s) or for actions that have positively contributed to the community.  The Burbank Youth Board is seeking nominations for recognition in May 2007.  To submit a nomination, please complete the nomination form at this link.

Nutrition Program Begins
Learn how to make better food choices, understand the benefits of fruits and veggies and discover how creating simple, healthy meals can be fun!  Come to the free Nutrition Education Program that will be offered by the Burbank Community YMCA at the Mary Alice O'Connor Family Resource Center, 401 N. Buena Vista Street, Burbank.  The 6-week program begins Thursday, April 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.  The general public is invited -- especially children 8-14 and their families.  For questions, please contact, Jodi Reneaud at the Y -- (818) 845-8551, x229. A printable flyer is available here.

Fire Service Day -- May 12
On Saturday, May 12, Burbank Fire Department presents Fire Service Day 2007.  The public is invited to the Burbank Fire Headquarters at Orange Grove Avenue and Third Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.   Come see the displays (hazardous materials unit, paramedic equipment, airport crash units) and live demonstrations (rappelling, vehicle extrication); visit with Lil' Squirt!  Get your picture taken with a Special Guest!  Also at this location on May 12.......
**Burbank Water and Power will also be holding their Water Festival. 
**The Burbank Community YMCA will offer a Pancake Breakfast on the site from 7:30 -10:30 a.m.
**The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter will be holding a Kitten Adoption Fair in the Police Dept. Community Room from 10 am. to 3 p.m.
  See the printable page.

Aquatics Registration Lottery Numbers
To register for swim lessons, Burbank resident parents or guardians must obtain an Aquatic Registration Lottery Number prior to the Aquatic Registration Day for Burbank residents on May 12.  Numbers were given out during April and the order has been drawn.  The list is available here.

Burbank On Parade -- April 28 
The annual Burbank On Parade will take place Saturday, April 28 at 11 a.m.  For further information, check their website at www.BurbankonParade.com   

Earth Day Celebration
On Saturday, April 21, Burbank will celebrate Earth Day at Stough Canyon Nature Center, 2300 Walnut Avenue.  There will be a Stough Canyon clean up at noon.  The activities will be held 1-4 p.m. and include a native plant workshop at 2 p.m. and compost workshop at 3 p.m.  Come for recycling and composting information, water and energy displays, information and interactive activities, live animals, refreshments, and prizes.  The event is free.

Summer Daze Daycamp Pre-Registration 
The Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Dept. has announced Summer Daze camp dates as June 11 to August 24.  To sign up, you must first pre-register (March 19-April 5) and receive a lottery number.  To pre-register and received your lottery number, you must bring: (1) copy of current Burbank utility bill dated February, March or April 2007; copy of birth certificates for each child; copy of school report card or other verification of school grade level for each child.  Pre-register at McCambridge (1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd./(818) 238-5378) or Verdugo Recreation Center (3201 W. Verdugo Avenue/(818) 238-5390), March 19 to April 5 -- Monday-Friday 9 am - 9 pm; Saturday 1 pm - 4:30 pm.  Only one lottery number will be issued per family/address.  Registration times will be mailed to all lottery registrants the week of April 9; the sign-ups will be on Saturday, April 21.  Lottery is open to Burbank residents only.  Open and non-resident registration begins April 23 at McCambridge and Verdugo Recreation Centers, subject to space availability.  Camps are offered for ages 5-11 and 11-14.  Check here for further details on the types of Summer Daze daycamps offered.

State Route 134 Ramp Project
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold a Community Meeting to provide information about construction of a new freeway on-ramp from Alameda Avenue just east of Hollywood Way to the westbound Ventura Freeway (SR-134).  The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8 p.m. at McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, 3500 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank. For additional information, please contact the Caltrans Public Affairs Office, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (213) 897-3630 or (213) 897-3656, or check these webpages.

No Candidate Forum
Although approved in concept at the March 20 City Council meeting, there will be no Candidates Forum held for the four candidates who are running in the General Election.  This is due to illness and scheduling conflicts. The forum was approved on the condition that all four candidates would be available to attend.  However, Candidate Statements are available for viewing here on the website and on Burbank TV6 on the Charter cable system.

TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX BALLOT MEASURE (MEASURE A)
The Burbank City Council has placed a measure on the April 10, 2007 ballot to increase the rate of the Transient Occupancy Tax (“Bed Tax”). The City of Burbank ’s Transient Occupancy Tax is imposed on persons who pay for short-term accommodations at a hotel, motel or other lodging facility in the City.  The tax proceeds are deposited into the City’s General Fund and are used to pay for general City services such as police and fire protection, parks, recreation programs, libraries, street maintenance, and traffic control. The current tax rate is 10% of the room rental charges paid by the guest to the facility operator.  This is the same rate that has been in effect since 1983. This measure would amend the Burbank Municipal Code to allow the City Council, after holding a public hearing, to increase the tax to a maximum rate of 12% of room rental charges.  If the measure passes, the City Council could adjust the rate from time to time but could never raise it above 12% without additional voter approval.  Increasing the tax rate to 12% could generate approximately $1 million per year that could be used for any general city service, such as police and fire protection, parks, recreation programs, libraries, street maintenance, and traffic control.  The measure does not affect any other taxes, including property taxes, paid by Burbank residents and property owners.

California High-Speed Rail Authority Meeting -- April 4 

Emergency Preparedness & Safety Expo
The public is invited to the Emergency Preparedness and Safety Expo conducted by the Area Health Office for the San Fernando Valley in celebration of Public Health Week.  The Expo will take place on Tuesday, April 3 from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Burbank Empire Center, in the parking lot of the Great Indoors, 1301 N. Victory Place, Burbank.  The event focuses on informing the residents of the San Fernando Valley on the importance of being prepared.  It also highlights public health services available to our communities through various programs, departments and organizations. Come for the informational materials, safety demonstrations, games and much more.  Here's a flyer about the event.

Fire in the Los Angeles Hills -- update posted 4:30 p.m. Friday
Los Angeles City fire officials report that the fire that began near the Oakwood Apartments on Barham Blvd. is now mostly contained.  Fire crews will remain on scene all night to watch for hot spots. The fire is not in the city of Burbank , though Burbank fire department units are assisting approximately 200 Los Angeles City and County fire fighters. No structures have been damaged, and there are no reports of any injuries. There were no evacuations.  Health officials advise residents to restrict outdoor activity until the smoke subsides.  Local radio and television stations are on the scene and reporting from the fringe of the fire.  We will update this message as additional information becomes available.

Fire in the Los