All athletic activities BTAC fundraiser suspended in wake of canceled, but service coronavirus concerns to the public goes on Sports, A4 On the Town, A3 Burbank Leader

WEDNESDAY,MARCH 18,2020 /// Serving the Burbank community since 1901 /// burbankleader.com City shuts down public facilities, orders closures

Officials say steps are tal, with two more cases con- firmed Tuesday by the county. necessary to slow the The public can still attend the spread of the novel March 17 council meeting in per- coronavirus spreading son, however space will be lim- across the state. ited to 50 people. The meeting will be livestreamed on Burbank’s BY ANTHONY CLARK CARPIO website or on the city’s YouTube channel. Burbank officials announced The council meeting scheduled Monday the city will be closing all for March 31 has been canceled. city buildings, libraries and recre- The closures come after the de- ational facilities to the public un- cision made by Burbank officials til April 6 in an effort to slow the on Thursday to cancel or re- spread of the novel coronavirus. schedule several of its events. In addition, meetings of Bur- Members of the public can call bank boards and commissions (818) 238-5564 for a prerecorded have been canceled until April 6. message with an update on the On Tuesday, officials stated the latest information regarding the Raul Roa|Burbank Leader city will be concurring with addi- issue. CUSTOMERS LINE UP outside Guns Direct, a firearms retailer, on Magnolia Avenue on Tuesday. tional precautions mandated by Mayor Sharon Springer said on the County Board of Monday the top priority of the Supervisors in which all bars, city is to keep its residents and clubs, theaters, fitness centers the public safe and to make it Gun sales on the rise and entertainment centers are through the pandemic. closed until further notice. “There’s no reason to panic. We City spokeswoman Simone need to stay home and stay safe BY ANTHONY CLARK CARPIO Firearms and ammunition retailers in Burbank McFarland said in a statement and only go out when we abso- the council’s agenda for March 17 lutely have to,” she said. Just as the novel coronavirus say customers are following a nationwide trend. has been stripped down to in- Springer added that Burbank pandemic has sent people to Ammo & Guns and Gun World would reopen on Tuesday with clude just the consent calendar residents need to “act like the grocery outlets to stockpile —had at least a dozen or so restocked items. and an update to the public on community that it is” — to help household supplies, there has people waiting outside either When news cameras ap- the coronavirus. one another, especially the also been a spike of people wanting to purchase a weapon proached Burbank Ammo & There have been no reported elderly, during times of need. across the country purchasing and ammunition or to pick up a Guns, a store employee told the cases of the novel coronavirus “We need to help each other firearms and ammunition, recent acquisition. people waiting in line to speak that causes COVID-19 in the city. and help our neighbors,” the some of them for the first time. Athird store along Magnolia, to those members of the media The first case of the virus in mayor said. On Monday afternoon, two Guns Direct, had a sign posted they wanted to talk to. After that neighboring Glendale was con- gun retailers on Burbank’s Mag- on its door telling customers it firmed Monday morning by offi- [email protected] nolia Boulevard — Burbank was closed for the day and See Sales, page A2 cials at USC Verdugo Hills Hospi- Twitter: @acocarpio Providence High moves Burbank Police restricts lobby access its classes to an online Department also closes THE BURBANK the Burbank Animal POLICE learning platform Shelter in efforts to Department slow spread of the Headquarters BY VERA CASTANEDA On Tuesday, students began novel coronavirus. has limited using the online learning model lobby access As schools close to slow the scheduled for most of the school BY ANDY NGUYEN due to spread of the coronavirus, Bur- closure — Block Online Learning concerns bank’s Providence High School Days. Students are required to In an effort to stem the spread about the followed suit and switched to an log onto Schoology to complete of the coronavirus, the Burbank novel online learning platform school online classwork with a dead- Police Department said it will coronavirus. officials set into motion years line, and teachers run live class limit who can access its front beforehand. sessions using Microsoft Teams lobby and is closing the animal Raul Roa Providence High closed its for video conferencing. From shelter, which it oversees for the Burbank campus to students, faculty and home, students follow a set city, to the public. Leader staff starting March 16 and run- schedule for the day. Schoology The police department’s lobby ning through April 17. Depend- also allows for online grading. will remain open for essential yers and bail bond agents. vandalism. An online report can ing on how the coronavirus un- “We did a trial last week that and emergency business until The restrictions follow Mon- only be submitted if the crime is folds over the upcoming weeks, really blew us away. We saw further notice, but the public is day’s announcement from Bur- not an emergency, happened the school plans to resume in- amazing things happening on- being asked to report most bank officials that all city build- within city limits, did not occur person classes on April 20. The line with our students and facul- crimes on the department’s web- ings, libraries and recreational on a freeway and if the suspects only exception to the school clo- ty collaborating in ways that I site, according to a statement facilities will be closed until April are unknown. sure is for the science depart- think will affect the way we do from Burbank Police Sgt. Derek 6. Situations that do not fall ment chair to feed the animals Green. In addition, the depart- Crimes that can be reported kept in a science classroom. See Classes, page A2 ment is limiting jail visits to law- online include theft, graffiti and See Access, page A2 Hollywood Burbank nearly empty in midst of coronavirus scare

BY ANTHONY CLARK CARPIO After having a record-breaking number of passengers in 2019, airport sees few travelers this month. Hollywood Burbank Airport tion of the facility, which usually some wore masks and gloves. fornia since March 12 visiting his tions go down during the first had its best performing year with has at least 30 vehicles queued Concerns over the novel co- daughter, who lives in Carpin- week of March or will be cutting nearly 6 million passengers in and waiting, was completely ronavirus have many would-be teria. back on the number of flights by 2019, but the scene at the facility empty. travelers staying at home and Despite warnings from health April, it was reported. Tuesday morning suggests this The restaurants within Termi- practicing social distancing. officials to avoid traveling unless Although there has been a sig- year’s stats will look entirely dif- nal A were without customers, But some are still braving the necessary, Morse said he isn’t nificant dip in the number of pas- ferent. with only a handful of people get- airports and taking flights. Robert afraid of the coronavirus, al- sengers, airport staff said sales at Airline employees stood behind ting drinks at a bar. Most of the Morse of Tucson, Ariz., was at the though he noted his grandfather the airport’s news and gift stands their ticket counters, but there passengers who were there wait- Burbank airport Tuesday awaiting died in 1918 from the Spanish flu were up by 3% due to people pur- were few passengers waiting to ing for their flights kept their dis- his flight back home. pandemic. chasing health and sanitation check in. The valet parking sec- tance from one another, and He had been in Southern Cali- “I’ve lived through the swine products. flu, so I think I might make it Also during the first week of the through this one,” Morse said month, hand sanitizer dispensers with a chuckle. were installed in nearly every cor- On Monday, the Burbank-Glen- ner and walkway of the terminals. dale-Pasadena Airport Authority Additionally, the janitorial staff held a regularly scheduled meet- has been using a new cleaning ing at the Skyroom at the airport, product that is believed to be bet- but commissioners Don Brown, ter at sanitizing all surfaces. Vrej Agajanian and Ray Adams Travelers Mark Johnson, his were the only ones there in per- wife Angela and their three son — commissioners Steve Mad- daughters were some of the many ison, Bill Wiggins, Ross Selvidge passengers Tuesday morning and Paula Devine phoned in; Var- found utilizing the hand sanitizer tan Gharpetian was absent and dispensers as they waited for their was in Africa on city flight back home to Minnesota. business for Pasadena. The Johnsons spent 10 days in Airport staff advised the com- Ventura County visiting family missioners that business at Holly- and said concerns about the co- wood Burbank is and will contin- ronavirus never really crossed ue to be taking a major hit due to their minds. the coronavirus pandemic. “I think a lot of this is Tim Berger | Burbank Leader Each of the seven airlines op- overblown by the media in gen- A FAMILY COMPLETES their self-check-in while nearly all lines are empty at the Hollywood Burbank Airport erating at the Burbank airport ei- on Tuesday. The number of passengers at the airport were diminished by public reaction to the coronavirus. ther saw its number of reserva- See Empty, page A2 A2 WEDNESDAY,MARCH 18,2020 BURBANK LEADER WWW.BURBANKLEADER.COM

PETS OF THE DAY THE DAILY COMMUTER PUZZLE Sammy and Delilah are lovely 12-month- old German shepherds. They are silly, fun By Jacqueline E. 59 Misrepresent and playful. These sweet siblings are very Mathews 60 2nd Amendment bonded to each other, so they need to be subject adopted together. ACROSS 61 Effortless They are highly intelligent and curious 1Tear to __; shred 62 Like a chimney and can’t wait to join you on walks, play 5__ point; center of 63 Secretary's boo-boo and other activities. They’ll absolutely attention need a yard to play in. They are quite 10 Curved lines DOWN strong, but kids who are experienced with 14 Yodeling effect 1Alpha's follower large dogs should have no problem inter- The shelter is currently closed due to con- 15 Bakery allure 2Treated a sprain 16 Begin a card game 3Blood clot formation acting with them. cerns about the coronavirus epidemic. 17 Harbor bird 4Male delivery Drop by and meet Sammy and Delilah Adoption fees: dogs, $125/$90; cats, 18 __ cherry; mai tai 5Widespread food (A089958 and A089959). $85/$50; bunnies, $30. Prices include spay- garnish shortage To view pets, visit thevbas.org. ing or neutering, vaccinations and mi- 20 "Without further 6Doctorate exams The Burbank Animal Shelter is located at crochip. Lower prices apply to previously __…" 7Drape puller 1150 N. Victory Place. Call (818) 238-3340. altered animals. 21 Not at all harsh 8"I __ Rock"; Simon & 22 Refresh Garfunkel hit 23 Sounds of pain 9Notes of the scale SALES scared (expletive),” he said. led the public to feel the 25 Not up to __; Answer to previous puzzle 10 Stick firmly “I just don’t know what’s need to purchase addi- substandard 11 Bridle strap Continued from page A1 going on. I’ve never had a tional ammunition. 26 Reprimand 38 Wraparound dress 46 Game of chance 12 Mr. Peanut's prop gun and never felt like I “The Burbank Police De- 28 Most recent news 39 Part of the Greek 47 Thread holder 13 As __ as molasses announcement, none of needed one, but now I feel partment is confident in its 31 Began the day alphabet 50 Brooches 19 Wooden box the customers were willing like not having one is al- ability to continue serving 32 Tranquillity 40 Way to go 51 Org. for Raptors & 21 __ up; reconcile 34 Waiter's hope 41 Traveler's stop Rockets 24 Remove from to participate in an inter- most negligent. People are our community and keep- 36 Nearly all 42 Respect greatly 54 Wakener power view. acting crazy.” ing citizens safe during the 37 Flower, shrub or 44 Taunt; laugh at 57 Rough up 25 Treaty Down the street at Gun Unless a person is pro- novel coronavirus pan- tree 45 Pink meat 58 Bouquet greenery World, Burbank resident hibited from owning or demic,” Green wrote. “We 26 Freeway entrance David Damiani was plan- possessing a firearm, it is strongly discourage anyone 27 Uneven ning to purchase his first legal for a private citizen to from taking matters into 28 The Beatles' "Penny firearm, saying that he own a gun and purchase their own hands and en- __" 29 Standing still needed something to pro- ammunition if they are al- courage people to call the 30 Exhausted tect himself and his family lowed to do so, Burbank police if they are having an 32 Little Jack Horner's should someone try to Police Sgt. Derek Green issue or need assistance.” prize break into their house and wrote in an email on Mon- 33 Munch on steal their valuables and day. anthonyclark.carpio 35 __ up; accumulate other goods. However, he continued, @latimes.com 37 "The Raven" or "To a “I’m here because I’m he does not know what has Twitter: @acocarpio Mouse" 38 Kind; variety CUSTOMERS 40 Royal domain LINE UP 41 Team from New York outside Gun CLASSES 43 Like a rose stem World on Continued from pageA1 44 Beast of burden Magnolia 46 Permissible Avenue in things around here for a 47 Out of harm's way Burbank on very long time even when 48 Earnest request Tuesday. we go back to normal oper- 49 Rowers' needs ations,” said Head of School 50 Horseback sport 52 __ into; meet Scott McLarty. unexpectedly For a few years, the 53 Part of AKA Raul Roa school had implemented 55 NBC rival Burbank Online Learning Days in 56 Name for 13 popes Leader which teachers assign work 57 Front porch item for students to complete at their own pace remotely. It Tribune Media was an effort to prepare Services students for long-term suc- Name Change cess in a technology-based ORDER TO SHOW life and future workplace. states. The school’s primary mal Shelter, Green said in a CAUSE FOR A CHANGE McLarty said school ad- sources of funding come ACCESS second statement the facil- OF NAME ministrators have assessed from tuition and philan- Continued from page A1 ity will be closed until April CASE NO. the needs of the Providence thropy. 6like all other city build- 20GDCP00120 High community to antici- “[Sponsors] know that we under the lobby restric- ings and is asking pet own- Petitioner or Attorney pate what they could need still have needs. In the com- tions include impound re- ers to refrain from giving (name, state, bar, and address): like enhanced Wi-Fi and ing weeks as the economy leases, legally mandated up their animals during Emiko Jane Kawasaki digital devices. The school is impacted, we might have check-ins with law en- this time. 686 Plateau Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755 is prepared to financially families who have unfore- forcement and whenever “In the event you are no TO ALL PERSONS assist families and faculty seen financial needs, and police presence is immedi- longer able to care for your INTERESTED: that don’t have the re- we need to have those re- ately needed. People are animal, we suggest first Petitioner Emiko Jane Kawasaki filed a petition sources for online educa- sources at the ready so that still encouraged to dial 911 reaching out to friends and with this court for a tion. we can support our em- in the event of an emer- family for alternative decree changing names as follows: “We’re really proud of the ployees and families.” gency. placement,” he said. Present Name fact that we’ve been able to With that in mind, Provi- Green said if a member Stray animals will still be Emiko Jane Kawasaki make this transition with- dence High redesigned a of the public is at the de- allowed to be dropped off Proposed Name Jane Emiko Kuroki out a single day lost of in- gala scheduled for April 4 to partment’s headquarters at the shelter, but residents THE COURT ORDERS struction,” said McLarty. be virtual. The purpose of on Third Street and re- are advised to call the facil- that all persons interested in this matter He added that employees the gala is to raise funds for quires assistance, they will ity first to arrange a appear before this court who aren’t on campus serv- the school community. be asked to use an inter- pickup. at the hearing indicated ing the students directly are “We are really coming at com next to the main en- Despite the closure, below to show cause, if any, why the petition being paid their regular this from a position of trance doors in order to be Green said animals already for change of name wages and he doesn’t antic- strength being a ministry of connected to an operator. at the shelter will continue should not be granted. Any person objecting ipate a scenario where the Providence St. Joseph He added that a caller to be cared for and staff to the name changes school can’t continue to do Health. We have access to should notify the depart- members will be available described above must so. incredible expertise and ad- ment’s communications by phone Tuesdays file a written objection that includes the reasons Providence High is a pri- vice ... and that really set us operator if police are being through Saturdays from 10 for the objection at least vate Catholic school gov- up to create proactive, not called to respond to an in- a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelter two days before the matter is scheduled to be erned by Providence St. Jo- overreactive, responses to cident where someone is can be reached at (818) heard and must appear seph Health, a healthcare the situation,” said McLarty. suffering from flu-like 238-3000. at the hearing to show system that operates hospi- symptoms, fevers or respi- cause why the petition should not be granted. tals and clinics across six [email protected] ratory distress. [email protected] If no written objection As for the Burbank Ani- Twitter: @Andy_Truc is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING “I’ve taken the same pre- DATE: May 26, 2020 EMPTY TIME: 8:30 AM Peter A. LiPera cautions I do for flu season DEPT: E Continued from page A1 with my girls for what’s ROOM: January 27, 1930 - January 19, 2020 The address of the court happening now,” she said. is: SUPERIOR COURT OF eral, so if I’m not really The only worries that County of Due to the current Global Health Crisis, Peter LiPera’s concerned about the flu the Johnsons had before Los Angeles 600 East Memorial Mass scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2020 has then I’m not really worried their flight was choosing Broadway, Glendale, been canceled until further notice. CA 91206 A copy of this about COVID-19,” Mark which of the vacant rows Order to Show Cause shall be published at This will be held at a later date when it is safe for all of us to Johnson said. they wanted to occupy on least once each week for come together and celebrate Peter’s life. We will announce a While they weren’t con- their flight. four successive weeks new date at a later time. cerned about contracting “Everyone should relax prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in Thank you for your understanding. God Bless. the novel coronavirus, An- and enjoy the slowed- the following newspaper gela Johnson said they’ve down pace of life right of general circulation, printed in this county. taken precautionary mea- now,” Mark Johnson said. Dated: March 4, 2020 sures like most travelers — “It’ll all work out.” Sherri R. Carter, Executive wiping down all surfaces Officer/Clerk Sandra Alarcon, Deputy with disinfectant wipes anthonyclark.carpio Published in the The and keeping their hands @latimes.com Burbank Leader 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, & 4/1/2020 clean. Twitter: @acocarpio CLASSIFIEDS Burbank Leader

Mark Kellam Saturdays and is available in JanetSusan Libby City Editor Burbank only by subscribing [email protected] to the . To June 20, 1953 -March 7, 2020 (818) 637-3238 subscribe, call (800) 252-9141. Our address is 453 S. Spring Janet wasthe second of three children borntoJacoband Marissa Contreras St., Suite 308, L.A., CA 90013. DoloresLibby.She attended public schools in Burbank, Advertising Director graduating from John Burroughs HighSchool in 1972. She HOW TO REACH US wasalife-longmember of St. Finbar Catholic Church. Janet (714) 966-5726 worked at St. Joseph Medical Center foranumberofyears. Main Office (818) 637-3200 Though shelived her entirelifeinBurbank,Janet loved EDITING STAFF Circulation (800) LA-TIMES traveling with familyand friends: visiting relatives,seeing new Carol Cormaci Classified/Service places,and trying newfoods.Cruises,trips to Disneyland, Managing Editor Directory (800) 234-4444 and casino outings were special favorites—and she was [email protected] Legals (888) 881-6181 reallylucky at the casinos! Display Advertising Janet enjoyedmusic,soap operas, and wasafanof Jeff Tully (818) 637-3202 Nicholas Sparks:she watched everymovie and collectedhis Obituaries (818) 637-3200 books.She excelled at word search puzzles and in recent Sports Editor yearshad takenupcoloring.Her pictures,posters, cards [email protected] Editorial and bookmarks were oftenpresentedasgifts to friends, News (818) 637-3222 caregivers, and family. Janet made friends wherever she was, Roger Wilson Sports (818) 637-3245 and kept in touch through phone calls,cards,and texting. Photo Editor Photo (818) 637-3256 Her last fewyearswerespent at Skyline Healthcarein [email protected] Email burbankleader SilverLakeand Camellia Gardens Care Center in Pasadena. on the web! Predeceased by her mother,Janet is survived by her father @latimes.com Jacob J. Libby,Jr. of Burbank; brother Jacob J. Libby III, his FYI wife Debbi, and son Jason of Valencia; brother Josephand The Burbank Leader is www.glendalenewspress.com ©2020 Times Community www.burbankleader.com his wifeLisa of Fresno;and manycousins. published by Times Janet’surn willbeplaced in the familyniche at Forest Community News. The News, a division of the Los Lawn, Hollywood Hills.Therewillbenoservices.Inlieuof Leader (ISSN 1071-3476) is Angeles Times. All rights To advertise go to flowers, remembrances can be made to Huntington Hospital’s published Wednesdays and reserved. timescommunityadvertising.com Volunteer Services: https://giving.huntingtonhospital.com. Put a few words to work for you. WWW.BURBANKLEADER.COM BURBANK LEADER WEDNESDAY, MARCH18, 2020 A3

ON THE TOWN | DAVID LAURELL BTAC pivots from gala in time of crisis

Photos by David Laurell IT IS BUSINESS as usual, albeit with a precautionary shift in operations, for longtime BTAC CATHERINE BOURGEOIS of BTAC says that by implementing various safety precautions volunteer Bunny Vitale and Edward Stapleton who oversees the pantry and facilities. the organization is up and ready to serve the needs of clients.

he plans for lunch providers during this time of quaran- this column are operating on a tine, and plan on staying T were to docu- day-to-day basis,” open unless otherwise ment a festive eve- Bourgeois added. directed by the county or ning of fundraising at Edward Staple- city. VOLUNTEER TONI the Castaway restau- ton, who has been “We will definitely be MONTGOMERY is a rant during which the working at BTAC since seeing a higher demand part of the dedicated Burbank Temporary Aid 2001 as the pantry and due to business closures, volunteer staff that is Center, or BTAC, would facilities manager, super- which will have an impact making sure BTAC can honor the Hollywood Bur- vises the organization’s on those who need our run as seamlessly as bank Airport and Alyson part-time staff and team of services and also on our possible during this Westfall, who is a volunteer volunteers. operation,” said Stapleton. time of uncertainty. coordinator for the non- “Many of our volunteers “But everyone here is dedi- profit organization. are seniors who are staying cated to our mission, and That fundraiser, which home, which is the right we are all adapting rapidly had been scheduled for thing for them to do during to the shifts in operation last Friday, was canceled this time,” said Stapleton. and making whatever due to the concerns of the “But we are operating by changes need to be made which financially helps the novel coronavirus disease implementing new pro- very quickly to serve those center serve more than that can lead to COVID-19. cedures. We only allow who need us.” 9,000 people annually, That cancellation, of three clients into the facil- Founded in 1974 by the providing food, utility course, did nothing to ity at a time and maintain Burbank Ministerial Assn. payments, laundry and cancel the needs of the a6-foot perimeter between and the Burbank Coor- shower facilities, financial homeless and those who them and any staff mem- dinating Council, BTAC has assistance, job placement are in need in our commu- ber they interact with. We served as a centralized and case-management nity and rely on the vital are all wearing gloves and source of services for the help. services BTAC offers them. not touching items we homeless, the less fortu- If you or someone you “We are still open and normally would such as nate and those in financial know is in need of BTAC’s serving our community,” IDs or paperwork,” Staple- and employment transition services, or if you would said BTAC staff member ton explained. in the community. like to volunteer, call (818) Catherine Bourgeois. Both Stapleton and The Burbank Temporary 848-2822. “We have had to cut our Bourgeois said they are Aid Center has tentatively laundry service, but we are relying on guidance from rescheduled its fundraiser DAVID LAURELL writes still offering showers, per- the L.A. Food Bank and at the Castaway for June 12. about the social scene in sonal hygiene items and various government and That event is of vital im- Burbank. He can be reached STEVEN SCHMIDT, who has been a BTAC volunteer for food and lunches, al- health agencies for guide- portance to the organiza- by email at [email protected] three years, is on the job making sure BTAC is ready to serve though, as of now, our lines in how to operate tion’s fundraising efforts or (818) 563-1007. those in need. City planners to review Complete Streets Plan

Public hearing Additionally, the plan ad- Bonnywood is a side dresses various areas in the street that runs parallel regarding plan city where sidewalks can be with Olive that many mo- integrating different widened or added to in- torists use to hop onto the modes of transit is crease accessibility. onramp for the north- scheduled for April. The transit policy focuses bound 5 Freeway. on improving access to However, Woo said the BY ANTHONY buses for passengers of all intersection is an issue for CLARK CARPIO types, as well as amenities pedestrians because of how such as lighting, seating narrow and small the side- After about 15 months of and trash cans. walk is along Olive Bridge community engagement Bicycle safety has been and people are often con- and analyzing traffic data, an important topic for the fused on how and when Burbank planning staff are City Council as of late, and they should cross Bonny- ready to receive input from the Complete Streets Plan wood. officials regarding the city’s addresses which types of The proposed plan Complete Streets Plan. bikeways are best, depend- would install high-visibility Discover On Monday, the Burbank ing on the neighborhood or crosswalks, a larger pedes- Planning Board had its first street. trian curb at Olive and bet- crack at the final draft of There are four types of ter ADA ramps. the document, which is a bikeways the city can build: Another proposed proj- TheHeights. collection of policies relat- bike routes that share a ect involves converting San ing to bicycle, motorist, pe- travel lane with vehicles, Fernando Boulevard from destrian and transit safety bike lanes that are dedi- Olive to Magnolia Boule- for people of all ages, users cated for bicycle use, pro- vard into a two-lane, one- and abilities. Board mem- tected bike lanes that use way street to enhance pe- Exceptional Service, Style bers unanimously recom- bollards or raised curbs to destrian and motorist safe- mended approval of the create separation and mul- ty. plan to the City Council. tiuse paths such as those at Traffic would flow toward & PeaceofMind The Complete Streets the Chandler Bikeway. the Burbank Town Center Plan is scheduled to be re- The focal point for the and the parking stalls viewed by council members plan’s motorist policy is would be realigned to fit Discover theconfidence of CARF®accredited during a study session on finding ways to reconfigure the change in the roadway. Tuesday and will then go to streets so that drivers have However, doing so would senior living services at thepremier retirement address the city’s Infrastructure clearer and longer sight- eliminate six parking Oversight Board on March lines, create separation spaces along the street, in Burbank. From abeautiful &vibrant settingand 26 for further analysis. A from pedestrians and bicy- Woo said. public hearing for adoption clists and slowing speeds to Board member Matt spectacularrestaurant-stylediningtoengaging of the policies is scheduled asafer rate. Gamboa asked if city staff for an April 21 City Council The Complete Streets had looked into closing San activities andsupportivecare, imagineall the meeting. Plan also includes a look at Fernando to all vehicle traf- Hannah Woo, a senior ways to enhance safety for fic like how it was when it comforts,servicesand amenitiesofaluxuryresidence transportation planner for those that ride their horses was the Golden Mall, which Burbank, explained to the in the Rancho District of lasted from the mid-1960s combined with attentivesupport when theneedarises. Planning Board the goal of the city. to late-1980s. each policy and proposed With those policies in The residents city staff projects that could help the mind, Woo said city staff talked to during the com- To learnmore,pleasecall818.514.9078 city achieve those goals. looked for projects that munity outreach process Woo said that for pedes- would address one or more did not bring up the idea, or visitour website. trian safety the policy pro- of the goals laid out in the Woo said, but when asked poses the use of high-vis- plan. about it, people either ibility crosswalks, curb ex- One project that has loved or hated the idea. tensions, improved lighting funding but has not been and enhanced walk signals approved is the closure of —such as are used around traffic at Bonnywood Place anthonyclark.carpio Pasadena and downtown at First Street and Olive Av- @latimes.com Los Angeles. enue. Twitter: @acocarpio Independent &Assisted Living •Memory Care the latest in 2721 Willow Street •Burbank • 818.514.9078 *QPQTCNQXGF QPG YKVJ CPQVKEG KP VJG $WTDCPM .GCFGT ARTS TheHeightsatBurbank.com 6Q RNCEG CP QDKVWCT[ QT OGOQTKCN PQVKEG RNGCUG XKUKV www.timescommunityadvertisiNCVKOGUEQORNCEG6%0QDKVng.com burbankleader.com EQUALHOUSING OPPORTUNITY RCFE#197609362 Sports

WEDNESDAY,MARCH 18,2020 A4 Athletics halted amid virus concerns

Most agree with decision to suspend sports, as news cycle that was coming out But we have some very good lead- and how things were changing ership on the team, so I wouldn’t Burbank, Burroughs practices, contests halted until and progressing very rapidly. If be surprised if they took it upon at least April 13, while Providence athletics will be you want to call it an abundance themselves to organize some suspended until April 20 amid COVID-19 outbreak. of caution, or you just want to call things on their own.” it logic, it’s the right thing to do at First-year Burbank softball BY JEFF TULLY Administrators from the city’s this point.” coach Melissa Sanchez said the private school, Providence, also Veteran Burbank baseball suspension of the season has Coach Joel Brinton was walking made a simular decision Thurs- coach Bob Hart said he under- repercussions beyond the games off the court after his Burroughs day to suspend athletic activities. stands the reasons for the precau- themselves. High boys’ volleyball team had Providence’s moratorium will last tions that have been made by the “The No. 1 thing is that we think just defeated Pasadena in a Pacific until April 20 and the situation schools and the districts to pro- about everyone who is affected League match Thursday after- will be reassessed April 13, said tect its athletes. and hope that they will be OK,” noon. Providence athletic director An- “This is a lot bigger than she said. “I went to check my phone and drew Bencze. sports,” Hart said. “We realize that Said Providence softball coach it was blowing up with messages,” “We will take a couple of weeks this is something that has to be Manny Travieso: “I just told the Brinton said. “I didn’t know what off, kind of look around and see done and it’s being done for all girls for now, do what you have to was going on.” what is happening in the world the right reasons. do, spend time with your family, What Brinton discovered was and see what’s going on and we’ll “I just really feel for the players, follow the rules to try and get over what every other Burbank and reassess things on April 13,” said and especially the seniors. this thing. Hopefully we will be Burroughs coach who heads a Bencze, whose teams compete in They have put in a lot of hard able to get out of this like we Tim Berger | Burbank Leader spring sports program learned the Prep League. “I know that ev- work and dedication and I know should as soon as possible and Thursday. A decision was made ery school in the Prep League but ALL THREE local high schools this is tough for them. What will things can get back to normal.” by all but one Pacific League one is ceasing all athletics. have halted all athletic activities. really be missed is the camarade- Another first-year coach, Matt member school to suspend all “Nobody likes this. But it’s really rie that the players have built up Magallon of Burroughs baseball, athletics practices and contests the right thing to do right now. They are just being very protec- and the love they have for one an- said he believes the schools’ ad- until at least April 13. This a plan that we have thought tive. other. That’s the really tough ministrators have done the right The decision stemmed from out and it’s not like we’re sud- “It’s just difficult when you love part.” thing in an attempt to protect the the mounting concern from the denly making changes ... we just sports and know the value that Initially, the BUSD made the young athletes. outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. wanted to make sure we were pre- sports has in the lives of these decision early Thursday to go for- “We have great administrators Ajoint statement from the Bur- pared and that we’re doing things young girls and boys.” ward with spring practices and and we have great people working bank, Glendale and Pasadena the right way. Athletics are impor- Another individual who knows contests, which were to be held this and we are going to do what- school districts read: “In the best tant, but this is much bigger than the value of high school sports is with no spectators. However, later ever they say is best,” he said. interest of student health and athletics.” Burbank Principal Tom Crowther. in the day, the decision was made “The reality of it is this is some- safety, and in light of recent direc- Almost without exception, ad- Crowther was a former baseball to suspend all athletic activities. thing that is unrepresented. It’s tives from state and local health ministrators and coaches from all player and coach at Burroughs. “Because of the rains, we were the smart move. authorities to practice social dis- three local schools agree that sus- “It hurts, obviously,” Crowther holding practice in the gym,” In- “There are people who are tancing, we have made the deci- pending athletic contests and said. “It’s particularly hard for the dians softball coach Doug Nicol making a lot more than we are, in sion to suspend all Pacific League practices is the right decision in seniors when you have to make said. “And the end of practice, a the NBA, Major League Baseball CIF practices and competitions the wake of the coronavirus pan- the decision to postpone and you few girls checked their phones and other organizations, who from March 13 through April 13. demic. don’t have a definite date of when and they were like ‘coach, coach, have some of the best doctors in “This decision has been made “What we’re doing just makes you will be able to resume. But coach.’ That’s how we found out. the world. If they are saying shut in collaboration with our fellow sense. I know what this is all for, these are uncharted waters and I It was a tough way for them to it down, it would be dumb not to CIF Pacific League superintend- they are trying to stop the spread think everyone is figuring it out find out. It was really said, there do it.” ents. We will assess the situation of the virus,” said Steven Hubbell, and seeing how things are chang- were tears and sadness. Brinton hopes that the season in early April and determine the Burroughs assistant principal of ing by the hour and certainly by “We told them we can’t do any- will be able to be resumed next plan for practice and competition athletics and activities. “We are the day. thing with them at all during this month, and he is trying to stay beyond April 13, 2020.” being careful and we don’t want “We recognize the levity with time, nothing organized. But a positive. The statement was signed by all this to get any worse than it al- this decision in that we tried other couple of the girls were like ‘can “Hopefully by April 13 we can three district superintendents, in- ready is, so if we can take these things first. We tried to have we organize our own thing?’ I told get back to it,” Brinton said. “I cluding Burbank Unified School steps to maybe lessen the epi- games with no spectators and we them I can’t tell you what you can think that’s what we all want. That District’s Matt Hill. demic, that’s what we have to do. just couldn’t keep up with the or cannot do on your own time. would be amazing.”