Burbank High School Burbank, California Class of 1967

Party Update from Don Ray

2012-01-21T08:37:00.003-06:00

Don's Facebook Update Jan 24, 2012:
"Thanks to Gene Giddings for capturing the moment at Frank's Restaurant when L.A. City Councilman Dennis Zine joined me and my wife, Xiao Mei, for dinner and birthday gathering on Friday, January 20th. Restaurant owner Jose Lopez provided his best Italian dishes from Genio's Restaurant, which closed several years ago. The certificate certifies that I'm old! It's official!"

Original Post

Don wrote: "Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, Private Investigator Cookie Schwartz Diaz and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alan Rosenfield know that Don Ray stands behind them 100%.

"They were among some 40 friends who gave up their busy Friday Night to attend Don Ray's birthday get-together at Frank's Restaurant in Burbank. Others in attendance included Jan B. Tucker, Melanie Paek, Pam and John Kirkland, Tom and Anorene Townsend,Deborah L. Winger, Stephanie Winger, Gene Giddings, Donna Lee Giddings, Dave Lange, Frank Diaz, Addriane Pettinjohn and her son, William, William Prather, John Rocke, Pat Hall, Neal and Layoko Hershinson, Jan and Henry Osborn, Liz Hernandez, Xiao Mei Ray, David Ritchie, Chuck and Karen Campbell, Effrem, Reggie Salazar, Greg Alaimo, Pamela and Melissa Bergman and some others I'll remember in the morning.

"The great news is that everyone enjoyed the food --- especially the wonderful dishes that chef (and owner) Jose Lopez prepared off the menu from the late Genio's Restaurant in Burbank. Cathy Emmett Palmer wasn't there, but I'm sure she'll share this."

Yes, Don I would have loved to have been there! Sounds like it was a BLAST... and now, here are a few pics from your past!

DON RAY... LOOKING BACK...

http://donrayadventures.blogspot.com

http://www.donray.com/donrayworkhistory.htm

Hi Life Assignment

Don Ray with his partner, Ralph, 1969 Vietnam and 2007

Thailand 1992

Armenia 2003

Nigeria 2006

Don Ray's BD Party at Frank's Fri Jan 20th

2012-01-19T19:47:00.002-06:00

COME ONE, COME ALL!

6-9 pm tomorrow night Burbank High Alumni getting together at Franks Restaurant (owner Head Chief Genios) for some good eats and celebrating Don Ray's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DON!!!!

Mike Tideback, BHS '67, 1949-2012

2012-01-12T20:39:00.001-06:00

So sad to report the passing of our classmate and friend...

MICHAEL ALAN TIDEBACK, BHS '67

February 28, 1949 - January 9, 2012

Michael Alan Tideback passed away on Monday, January 9, 2012, at his home in Lake Isabella, CA. He was 62. A friend of Mike's, who had talked to him two days earlier, was not able to reach him on Monday morning. He then went to Mike's home about 10:00 A.M. and discovered that Mike was deceased. The Kern County Coroner's Office believes that Mike passed away earlier the same day that his friend found him, Monday the 9th. The Kern County Coroner was to conclude their testing today, and believes Mike's death to be due to natural causes, probably a heart attack.

Mike Tideback was born in Iowa on February 28, 1949 to George and Frances Tideback. He had one younger brother, Bill Tideback (BHS '68), who was born May 2, 1950. In 1960 the family moved from Iowa to Southern California, first living in Glendale. When the family moved to Burbank Mike was in 8th grade, and Bill was in 7th grade, at John Muir. They lived on Reese Place, between Glenoaks and Tulare. That is where they lived the rest of their years growing up, and where their parents lived until both of their deaths. George Tideback worked for the L.A. Unified School District as the Athletic Director at Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley for many years, and until his retirement. George passed away in 1998.

Soon after Mike finished at BHS he was drafted by the Army and went to Viet Nam in the late 1960's. Once his service was complete he returned to Burbank and began working. He worked for the same company for many, many years in a supervisory position, and continued to live in Burbank through the years. Within the last couple of years Mike retired. In February of 2011 he moved from Burbank to Lake Isabella, and had been very happy living there. Mike never married and did not have children.

Mike was predeceased by his father George; his mother, Frances Tideback, on July 30, 2010 at age 83; and his younger brother, Bill Tideback, on April 13, 2008 at age 57. He is survived by his niece, Alison Tideback Castaneda (Bill's daughter), her husband, Bob Castaneda, BHS '94, and their three children, Joshua, Matthew, and Emily, all of Glendale.

A private memorial will be held for Mike by Alison and her family. Mike's cremated remains will be placed in the family niche at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills to join his father, mother, and brother.

(Thank you Alan Landros for the above)

1967 Ceralbus For Sale $40+Shipping

2012-01-11T19:12:00.001-06:00

Thanks Neal (Hershenson) for the headsup!

Ceralbus 1967 Yearbook

By Burbank High School

Book condition: Good

Book Description

Burbank, CA: Burbank High School, 1967. Burbank High School 1967 yearbook. Yellowish cover has edgewear, bumped corners, and dirt smudges. Pages are clean and tight with no signatures or writing. 224 pages. Most notable graduate is Anson Heimlick - later, the actor Anson Williams. His name and activities are listed with the seniors, but there is no senior portrait. (There is an Anson Hemlick shown in the football team photo, but it's a very small image.). Hard Cover. Good/No Jacket. Folio - over 12... Read More

Bookseller: BarbaraGene Books (New Mexico, United States)

Elaine Burkett Tulipana, BHS '67 (1949-2011)

2012-01-09T19:59:00.000-06:00

Very sad to announce that our class recently lost Elaine Burkett.

We have been told she suffered from multiple myeloma and died shortly after a bone marrow transplant.

Please keep her family and friends in your prayers...

Elaine Tulipana, 62, of Stockton, California, died December 8, 2011.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; mother, Dolores; sister, Gina; niece, Jennifer; nephew, James; great niece Joey, Kansas City, Missouri.

Services were December 19, 2011, at the Cathedral of Aunnciation, (209) 463-1305, Rosary 12-18, Chapel of Palms (209)465-0265.

From the Kansas City Star December 14, 2011 Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=elaine-tulipana&pid=155029823#storylink=cpy

Update from Andrea Moxness' Blog

2012-01-08T16:54:00.000-06:00

Bing, Bang, Boom

Finally -- another dog transport to write about! My computer crashed in late November, and I finally got it replaced, but it's been slow-going -- in more ways than one. Anyway, on to the dogs!

The first bit of great news is that adorable Kelly, the houndog from my last post, was adopted within three weeks by a new family, and is living happily ever after. A perfect ending!

The ending of my current transport story is an unusual one, but we'll get to that. First, meet Casey and Allie. Casey is a sweet-tempered lab mix, and Allie is a rambunctious, but lovable short-haired something-er-other. We met them in the parking lot, where a guy named Steve had brought them. So far so good.

It was a brisk, windy day, and as usual, my friend Carol had accompanied me. We attended an event earlier that day, for which we had worn dressier clothing, not our usual jeans and sneakers. Before we took delivery of the dogs, Steve had several stories to tell us about his transporting experiences. Somehow, I think our day together will be added to his repetoire.

Anyway, he was an interesting, talkative individual, but I started to get cold, so suggested we get on our way. Allie, you will see, wasn't bothered one iota by the cold as she enjoyed her stomach rubs, no matter what!

Steve handed Allie over to Carol, and I took Casey and headed for the trunk of my car to get my leashes. I noticed Allie was yanking on Carol a lot, and I worried if she'd be able to handle that energetic dog. Boy, was I barking up the wrong tree! Next thing I knew, Casey had wrapped his leash around me -- twice -- and had gotten behind me, and simply started walking. Doesn't sound so bad, right? Well, I was trapped by his leash, and before I could bark three times, I was desperately struggling to stay upright. But I was wearing clogs, of all things! And I just couldn't balance myself, and although I put up a hell of a fight, I fell backwards and whacked the back of my head on the pavement. Splat -- or at least that's how it felt to me!

Good ol' Steve raced to my side. Although I thought for sure my head would be bleeding, he checked, and no blood. He then began asking me questions, checking my pupils and color, and announced he thought I'd be okay, but encouraged me to take my sweet old time sitting up. He stayed by my side, made sure I knew who I was and what day it was, while he told me he used to race motorcycles. He'd seen many, many crashes and had experience with injuries in his day. This comforted me as my confidence grew that I might actually survive my crash.

Slowly, but surely, I sat up and finally rose to my feet. Shaky, but up. And cold. Very very cold. All I wanted to do was get inside the car with the dogs, so I could get warmer, and start our hour-long drive. A few minutes later, with me behind the wheel as usual, we were off.

And guess what! At our final destination, Allie's forever family was there to meet her and take her home! That's the first time I've delivered a dog to its family, so I felt elated. They surprised their little boy by waiting to tell him until Allie actually arrived. He was so happy and grinned from ear-to-ear. So did Allie. It was so worth it!

And dear Casey went with Carolyn to be fostered, until he went to his forever home a few weeks later. Yay!

It was not Casey's fault that this happened. I learned a "hard" lesson. Always, always, always wear sneakers! And be more attentive so you don't get wrapped up in a leash. And, although I didn't do the smartest thing the day of my fall, I did see my doctor that Monday, and he sent me for a CT scan, which came back normal. But because I was still experiencing dizziness, he also sent me to a neurologist, who told me that only time and rest will help heal my minor concussion. She was right about that, as I still experience dizziness (well, more dizziness than usual anyway), but I am sure it will eventually disappear. And I'll be up to my old dog tricks as usual. So, look out transport dogs! Here I come!

Happy Days with Anson

2012-01-05T18:38:00.000-06:00

The following post is from the new BHS Class '68 blog: http://burbankhigh1968.net/2012/01/05/happy-days-with-anson-williams/

No, the television star from the 70s hit, Happy Days, Anson Williams wasn’t from the class of 1968 — he was in the class of ’67 at Burbank High. Back then he was known as Anson Heimlick, and indeed, he was related to Dr. Henry Heimlich, who was famous for treating choking victims.

1967 Prom photo of "Potsie" (Anson Williams) with Karen Kunert '68 and Scott Roberts '67.

In the Centennial yearbook, there was a page devoted to Anson Williams, where he said, “It wasn’t until years later that I appreciated the connections of my Burbank High experience. Six years after graduation, I was fortunate in landing a role on a popular television series. The world thought I had it made: fame, money, unlimited opportunity, etc.: everything except for connecting. My life turned into an out of control merry-go-round . . . On a particularly bad day, I veered away from the road home and took another into Burbank. It was late when I stopped in front of Burbank and snuck onto the football field. Connections immediately began flooding back. . . I had a sudden epiphany and realized that Burbank High gave me something that celebrity never could . . . me.”

Perhaps one of those quality BHS experiences happened at the 1967 Senior Prom, attended by Karen Kunert in our class . She went to the Senior Prom with Scott Roberts (’67) and had this photo taken with Anson Williams. It was unfortunately cropped for the Centennial book, so she wanted to share it with everyone.

Jim Ranshaw (left) is shown with other Burbank High alums at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Jim Ranshaw says that Karen’s mother was the neighborhood barber who cut all the kids’ hair in a large, converted closet at her home. She only charged 50¢ and when they got a little older, Jim says they all could get a glass of draught beer from her tap for 25¢! She cut Jim’s hair all through college until his wife, Patti, took over. Karen and Jim both once worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the kitchen — Jim worked as a pot washer and Karen worked on the food line. Other BHS grads who worked at the hospital included Steve McMichael, Jim Hannon, Gary Helmer, and Pat Reynish.

BHS '68 Blog Has a New Face

2012-01-04T13:25:00.003-06:00

Received the following just now:

Dear Folks,

you seem to keep up with happenings with Burbank High, so I would like to share this link with you:

burbankhigh1968.net

I have taken over the Class of 1968 blog from Jim Ranshaw. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I should!

Kathy Au Crosier

Students Learn 'Pumps Your Blood' Song Sung by Potsie

2011-11-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Teri Hill Clark (BHS '68) for this note and for what she does in the classrooms!
And thanks to Anson 'Potsie' Heimlick Williams (BHS '67) for this song...

Burbank High School Class of '67 ...
I was at our local middle school (Carson Valley Middle School) doing my "Nicholas" presentation about understanding not excusing addiction, the ripple effect of decisions, and how methamphetamine affected my family and saw that the kids had an assignment to learn this song ... done by our own Anson Heimlick!!! Anyway, thought I'd share!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_d0ykpzQgY

BHS '67 Girls @ DeBell

2011-11-09T09:59:00.001-06:00

Shari posted this great photo on Facebook last night - ya'll look FABULOUS!

"BHS '67 Leigh Rugee, Dona Foy, Shelly Perez, Nancy Krough, Shari Deuel and Vivian Blum at DeBell"

Sr. Bulldogs 1959 - 1970

2011-11-08T19:00:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Cathy Coyle and Pam Kirkwood for this photo from yesterday's Senior Bulldog Luncheon and for the names - wonderful! Thank you.

Left to right top row:
Gary Marca '69, Randy Ivey '70, Scott Cappiello '59, Alan Landros '70, Dave Starleaf '64, Jon Kirkwood '64.

Left to right middle row:
Annette Dinolfo Bennett '68, Trudie Lombard Hentze '65, Cheryl Sellers Stram '64, Nancy Kilner Varney, '64, Christine Perez Turner '62, Sue Cornick Blumer '62, George Colvin '65, Cathy Nicholls Coyle '67, John Coyle '65, Carol Brown Baker '67

Bottom Row seated left to right:
Rita Cardenas '65, Santa Vessella Calderon '65, Donna Luce Neitman '67, Pam Zipfel Kirkwood '64, Claudia Hoffman '64, Sallie Shelton Thomas '68

Roland 'Pete' Peterson Memorial Photos

2011-10-18T23:08:00.003-05:00

Here are some wonderful photos from this past Saturday, Oct 15, 2011, which was the Memorial Service for former Burbank High Teacher and Coach, Mr. Roland 'Pete' Peterson.

(Many thanks to Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Carol Nicholls Lebrecht and Alan Landros for sending these!)

CLICK HERE to read more about Mr Peterson

Family of Roland "Pete" Peterson, BHS '39 and BHS Teacher, and three of his siblings, Arnold Peterson, BHS '30, Paul Peterson, BHS '35, and Ruth Peterson Finch, BHS '44

Standing, l. to r. - Ron Peterson, Linda Peterson Everett, BHS '67, Pauline Peterson Cozzens, BHS '64, Virginia Peterson, Christy Cozzens Mages, Chris Mages, Bryant Lewis, Frank Koroshec
Seated, l. to r. - Marybeth Finch Anderson, Louanne Peterson, BHS '70, Debbie Peterson Lewis, BHS '69, Sharon Finch Koroshec

Debbie Peterson Lewis, BHS '69, Pauline Peterson Cozzens, BHS '64, Virginia Peterson, Linda Peterson Everett, BHS '67, Louanne Peterson, BHS '70
(Virginia is Pete's sister-in-law, and Pauline and Debbie are her daughters. Their sister, Barbara Peterson, BHS '67, passed away in 1994)

Louanne Peterson and two of her three sons:
Sam Hunzinger, #3 son, Louanne, Peter Hunzinger, #2 son

Some former BHS faculty members at Peterson Memorial were l. to r. - Bill North, Bob Brewer, Ham Lloyd
(others at the service not pictured - Bill Bertrand, Art Cobery, Frank Kallem)

L to R: Ham and Jim Lloyd at Peterson Memorial
(Ham is 22 months older than Jim)

BHS Class '70: Louanne Peterson, Steve Daugherty, Nancy Olsen Barry, Alan Landros, Joyce Starleaf

BHS Class '67: Denny Lombard, Linda Peterson Everett, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Scott Nave, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, John Rocke, Richard Pearson

From Cathy and Carol's cousin Rena Ryde, below is the BHS Class of '39 45th Year Reunion Memory Book with an article on Mr. Peterson

FACEBOOK LINK

http://www.facebook.com/n/?groups%2FBHSmemorial%2F10150880002975322%2F&mid=508cfc9G21e31b3dG86e583cG96&bcode=L3EKQbjK&n_m=cathyjpalmer%40yahoo.com

BHS Hi-Life Newspapers 1964-1967

2011-10-15T20:08:00.005-05:00

Paul Dean Fitzgerald, BHS '67, has uploaded several issues of Burbank High's Hi-Life newspaper for us all to enjoy.

Here is the link and below is her email:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30712359@N08/

Thanks so much, Paula!!!

OK - I uploaded all of what I have for 1964. I'm still back and forth about whether this is the best way to create an archive - I'd so much rather have them as multi-page .pdf files.

But why don't we go public with a link to what I have so far. Maybe someone has a better idea of how to make this archive more user friendly. Even better, maybe some folks have more issues of the newspaper - I'd be happy to scan them and make them available to all. I've got most, but not all, of the issues from our high school years - fall 1964 to spring 1967. It would be great to add other years.

I can be reached, as you know, at paulamdfitzgerald@yahoo.com.

Snail mail, in case anyone has another cache of the newspapers for me to scan is:

4225 Caminito Cassis
San Diego, CA 92122

Andrea's Latest Dog Tale!

2011-10-09T16:07:00.000-05:00

From Andrea Moxness, BHS 67:

Please see my latest dog transport story at: http://www.underdograilroad.blogspot.com
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for your support.
Andrea

Kelly, The Hound of Lickervilles

Is this a beautiful dog, or what? Kelly, a most wonderful hound-mix, was my latest rescue transport. This picture speaks volumes about her.

Yesterday, my friend, Carol, and I traveled to a little town called Bethel, about one hour and 45 minutes away, to meet Kelly behind the Midway Diner -- which was a step back in time. Way back. But that's another story for another time. After all, underdograilroad is about dog transports, not diners.

Kelly, without a doubt, was the quietest of the ten dogs who arrived by three separate cars from Ohio. We were given an excited barking concert when the other nine dogs realized they were about to be released from their taxis for a little walk and drinkie-poo before being loaded into a large van destined for a safe-harbor shelter in Connecticut. Our little Kelly, however, was coming with us as she had a foster family to welcome her in Trooper, PA.

Kelly seemed genuinely happy to meet me and Carol. As you may have guessed, she was very generous with her "lickerville" kisses, and here I am graciously accepting one. The barking symphony continued, while Kelly remained quiet. Carol spent some time admiring the handsomeness and beauty of the other dogs, while I watered and walked Kelly. I was already in love by then.

Finally, we loaded her into the back seat of my car, and we were off. As has happened so many times on previous transports, Kelly wanted to sit in front with us. She was a strong little devil, so after traveling only a mile or two down Route 78, we took an offramp, pulled into a gas station, and transferred Carol into the back seat. I didn't have a towel for Carol to lay on, so she had to share Kelly's. But no one seemed to mind. Kelly settled down then, content to no longer be the only one relegated to the back seat. The rest of the ride was uneventful.

Kelly's foster father, Brian, was at the appointed spot to meet us, and Kelly took to him right away. Perhaps she understood she would stay with him and his family for a little while, until she found her forever home. Brian told us that he has fostered 31 dogs over the last two years. That makes Brian pretty darn special in my book. That equals more than one foster dog per month. He spoke about how his family and several neighbors look forward to the arrival of each foster dog, and that his fosters always meet the other dogs in the neighborhood. I'm confident that Kelly will enjoy her temporary life with Brian and his family. Brian works from home, so he's able to spend a lot of time with each dog in his care. So hip, hip hooray for Brian! Now, there's a hero!

So, another successful transport. Brian promises he'll send me an update on Kelly. She is totally adoptable, a real people pleaser who loves anyone and everyone. You may check her out at: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetails/20821987.

I'm home today, nursing my lonely heart, since I loved and lost so quickly. But Kelly is the best, and I just know she'll find her forever home real soon. Or who knows? Maybe she'll even end up with Brian forever. You never can tell.

Lunch with BHS Friends

2011-10-03T05:18:00.001-05:00

Wonderful photo provided by Jennifer Dale Schatz, BHS '66, via Facebook:

"Just got home from taking my buddy Sue Everett Smith to the train. We had a wonderful weekend and NOT much sleep; laughing so long and hard until tears ran down our faces while gasping for air. And, lunch yesterday with Greg Alaimo, Bill Wright, Ron Coen, Bruce Keswick, Mike Hearn, and Owen Newcomer. Such a great group of guys!! Oh, so much fun."
10/2/11

Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony Oct 8

2011-09-30T20:29:00.001-05:00

CITY OF BURBANK 2011 WALK OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

http://www.ci.burbank.ca.us/index.aspx?page=335

Burbank, CA (October 2011) -The City of Burbank along with the Park, Recreation and Community Services Board and the Burbank Athletic Federation are proud to announce this year's induction of individuals into the Burbank Athletics Walk of Fame. The 2011 Burbank Athletics Walk of Fame Inductees are RUSS BURTON, RON GOBBLE, RON ROSSITER, and RICK WILLIAMS. The induction ceremony will honor the outstanding commitment and dedication of the honorees and the contributions that they have made to the City of Burbank Sports Programs. These individuals have furthered the excellence of the sports programs in the City of Burbank through their roles as participants, volunteers or professional staff. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 8^th at 9:00 a.m. at George Izay Park (Bill Burton Field, adjacent to the Olive Recreation Center), 1111 West Olive Avenue.

# # #

The City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department plays an important role in creating a healthy community through diverse and innovative recreation programming. We provide a place to learn and play, a place to be safe and secure, and a place to create and imagine.

If you would like more information or details about this event, please call Cathryn LaBrado at (818) 238-5330 or email clabrado@ci.burbank.ca.us

Mother of Ron Panich Passed Away Yesterday

2011-09-27T19:49:00.000-05:00

Email from Cathy Nicholls Coyle... please keep Ron and his family in your prayers...

Our dear friend, Ron Panich, called us today to inform us that his mother, "Betty" Panich passed away yesterday. The services, for those who would like to attend, will be as follows:

Friday, September 30, 2011
12 noon
MOUNT SINAI HOLLYWOOD HILLS
5950 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068

We were lucky enough to see her last July at her 90th Birthday party. She was a great lady! Our love and prayers go out to the families of Ron & Karen and his sister, Sharilyn & Bob Fields.

Bruckner/Sergent Reunion in Durango, CO

2011-09-25T08:41:00.002-05:00

Sue Sergent, BHS '67, sent this great photo of her with Dona Foy Bruckner, BHS '67 and Scott Bruckner, BHS '66 from yesterday!

Sue wrote, "I got to share a very special time yesterday. Dona and Scott were on their way to Taos and decided to go a bit out of their way to visit Durango. Dona and I had lunch while Scott went off and did his own thing. (Smart man to stay away from two motor mouths.) We had such a good time and hope they come back for a longer stay. Two very sweet people!"

Service Tomorrow for Edward Danks, Former Burbank Pastor

2011-09-21T17:58:00.003-05:00

Edward Royal Danks
1931 - 2011

Received this email today from Cathy Nicholls Coyle...

Hi Cathy:

Just heard the sad news that Pastor Edward R. Danks passed away on August 29, 2011. There will be a Memorial Service for him tomorrow, September 22, at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church on Olive Ave. in Burbank. He was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church from 1963 to 1977.

He served as Moderator of the Presbytery of San Fernando in 1970. In 1977, following his service in Burbank, Rev. Danks was called to Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT where he served until his retirement in 1996. In retirement he served as a volunteer missionary in Kenya, East Africa; as seasonal pastor at St. Timothy’s Chapel in Montana; and as pastor-in-residence at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. In Kenya, where he served for five years, he taught at the Presbyterian Seminary in Kikuyu and developed the seminary library.

Rev. Danks is survived by his wife, Coreen; a son, Edward Stephen; a daughter, Debra Lynn Annin (Scott); his brothers, Howard and Richard; a sister, Marilyn Edleston; six grandsons, two great grandsons and one great granddaughter. His first wife, Barbara, and a son, Tom, predeceased him. Memorial services are being held in North Carolina, Connecticut and California.

Rest in Peace dear Pastor Danks, you will be remembered by the many lives you touched.

Thanks.

BURBANK LEADER NOTICE

The Donas in Paradise

2011-09-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

LOVE THIS!

Cathy,

Here are the "Donas"...Dona Ruth Foy and Dona Leigh Rugee walking down the Coast Highway in Carlsbad tonight. So nice that Scott Bruckner and Charles (Chuck) Crossen are good pals too. (The husbands.)

Just another day in paradise!

The Dona's

Leigh

BHS Class 1967 45th Reunion July 14, 2012

2011-09-16T14:23:00.014-05:00

BHS Class 1967 45th Reunion

Saturday, July 14, 2012

DeBell's Clubhouse Grill

1500 Walnut Avenue
Burbank, CA 91501
Phone: 818.843.8666
Ray and Shelly Perez Lucero

Dress: Casual

Time: 4 pm with Food served at 5:30 pm

Buffett Menu:
B.B.Q.Chicken
Sirloin of Beef
Green Salad
Fresh Vegetables
Garlic Bread

Please bring a dessert.

Also you musicians, please bring your acoustic guitars or other instruments!

Cost $32/person

Please send checks to:
Dona Bruckner
4683 Telescope Ave
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Keep checking back here for updates!

Questions/Suggestions?
cathyjpalmer@yahoo.com
850-481-3879

BHS Class 1979 Senior Photos

2011-09-15T08:33:00.004-05:00

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICS

Many thanks to Cliff Watson (cliffjr@watsonworld.org) for providing these photos from his Ceralbus!

Alunmi Reminders

2011-09-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

Received the following from Trudie this morning...
Just a reminder that due to the holiday last Monday the Sept Sr Bulldog lunch will be next Monday, Sept 12th, at the Elks Lodge in Burbank.

Also, a reminder below for the alumni picnic on Sunday, Sept. 25th. This is a JBHS event, but BHS is invited too. See details below and don't hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions.

Trudie Lombard Hentze
BHS 65 Class Rep
Home: 818-848-6561
Cell: 818-687-7971

From: Grossmand@aol.com
Sent: 9/7/2011 9:07:08 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Reminder for JBHS Car show and Alumni Picnic

All JBHS and BHS Alumni Invited No cost, just come to the Red canopy and sign in so the Alumni can see who is at the picnic and can look them up. Will be a pretty good crowd. They will sign in with school and year so easy to run down someone you know.

Save Sunday, Sept. 25th.from 9am—3:30pm for our JBHS Alumni Picnic and Car Show. This is a super event that Burroughs has had for years. They have over 100 cars in the show and many booths with music, food and a lot going on. It has been hard getting Johnny Carson Park when it is cooler and for sure this will be cooler than our past years and a bigger event that we have been invited to join in. It is a fund raiser for Burroughs Sports and programs so we will be having a good time as well as helping our great school and having our own area and booth.

CAR SHOW ENTRY FORM JBHS Car Show & All School Alumni Picnic, Sunday Sept. 25th. 9 - 3:30. All participants entering cars must arrive between 7 and 9 a.m.

GUIDELINES:
The following is a listing of the Divisions under each class and the guidelines used to place your vehicle in one of them:
1. STOCK
As delivered from the manufacturer.
2. MODIFIED
Non-stock sheet metal, glass, custom paint, graphics, tubs, chop tops, custom engines & running Gear.
3. MUSCLE CAR
1964-1972 such as GTO, GSX, Chargers, Roadrunners, Chevelle & Chevy SS etc.
4. PONY CAR
1964-1970 such as Mustangs, Camaros, Barracudas, Challengers.
5. SPORTS CARS DOMESTIC
Cobra, Corvette, Viper, Fiero, Reatta - Stock/Modified.
6. SPORTS CARS FOREIGN
Ferrari, Pantera, Miata, Lotus, etc. Stock/Modified.
7. TRUCKS
All years, THREE DIVISIONS: Stock, Modified and Sport.
8. MOTORCYCLES
All years, makes, Stock or Modified.
9. UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Must be running
10. SPECIAL INTEREST
Any vehicle NOT fitting in the above class
JUDGING
Judging Will Be Done By You, The Participants
PRE REGISTRATION: $25.00
(Includes Dash Plaque & Goodie Bag)
GATE REGISTRATION: $30.00
BREAKFAST, COFFEE/DRINK: $6.00
( Served 7:30am to 11:00am)
EVENT TEE SHIRTS: $12.00/$14.00 Per Shirt
Please include payment with entry fee
Pre-paid Breakfast Tickets & Tee Shirts
will be located at the Registration Area
NAME:
CLUB AFFILIATION:
ST. ADDRESS:
CITY/STATE:
ZIPCODE:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
VEHICLE MAKE:
YEAR:
MODEL:
INSURANCE CARRIER:
POLICY #:
(Insurance Information MUST be completed. This is a requirement of the City of Burbank)
LIABILITY RELEASE: By execution of this form, I do hereby release and discharge the JB Arrowhead Club and JB High School, The City of Burbank, The Parks Recreation & Community Svcs. Dept., and any
members or employees thereof for any personal injuries to myself, any and all damages to my property that may occur while I am participating in the JB Arrowhead Car Show on September 25, 2011.
Applicant's Signature:
Date:
PLEASEINDICATE YOUR CLASSIFICATION
_____ 100 Stock1900-1934
_____ 200 Modified1900-1934 OPEN
_____ 300 Modified1900-1934 CLOSED
_____ 400 Stock1935-1948
_____ 500 Modified1935-1948
_____ 600 Stock1949-1959
_____ 700 Modified1949-1959
_____ 800 Stock1960-PRESENT
_____ 900 Modified1960-PRESENT
_____ 1000 Sport Car DomesticEARLY-1967
_____ 1100 Sport Car DomesticLATE 1967-PRESENT
_____ 1200 Sport Car ForeignALL
_____ 1300 Trucks StockALL
_____ 1400 Trucks ModifiedALL
_____ 1500 Sport TruckALL
_____ 1600 T-BucketsALL
_____ 1700 Muscle CarALL
_____ 1800 Pony CarALL
_____ 1900 MotorcycleALL
_____ 2000 Special InterestALL
_____ 2100 Custom CarALL
_____ 2200 Under ConstructionALL
SEND ENTRIES& MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
John Burroughs Arrowhead Club
P.O. Box 6692
Burbank, CA 91510-6692
For questions : mds2962@lausd.net
Entry Fee: $25 Pre/$30 at Gate $_______
Tee Shirt: $12 Circle Size: M L XL $_______
Tee Shirt: $14 Circle Size: 2XL 3XL 4XL $_______
Breakfast, Coffee/Drink: #______ x $6 $_______
TOTAL

Mark Pollock (BHS '67) 4th Degree Black Belt

2011-09-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Mark!!

BHS '66 45th Class Reunion

2011-09-01T23:14:00.006-05:00

A few great pics snagged from Bruce Keswick's Facebook wall!

Bob Carter, Kathy Zappia, Mike Collins and Bruce Keswick

Back: Deanne Adams, Christy Seekins, Bob Bauman '64, Jennifer Dale and Joe Baldino
Front: Linda White, Kris Sorenson, Linda Schuster, Jordi Raack, Bruce and Phil Gieselman

Jerry McWilliams

Sharlean Aten, Phil Gieselman

Fiancee of Jim McGillis and Jim McGillis

Mike Ewing and wife, Kathy

Mike Hearne, Greg Alaimo, Bruce, Bill Wright, Owen Newcomer and Paul Bittle

Sue Everett (left after 10th or 11th grade), Jennifer and Jordi

Deanne Adams, Jennifer, Bruce and Janet Prater

Barry Ensminger, Rod Bungay and Bruce

CERALBUS SENIOR PHOTOS CLASS '66

Calling All Former Carriers

2011-08-31T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Daily News is reaching out to the former carriers of the paper and its predecessor, the Valley News and Green Sheet, in the hope that you ll help us celebrate our centennial.

Please drop us a line by Sept. 16, telling us when you delivered the paper and briefly sharing your favorite memory from the experience.

Send it to Daily News Centennial, 21860 Burbank Blvd., Suite 200, Woodland Hills 91367. Be sure to include your name and a daytime phone number.

http://www.dailynews.com/

Great Burbank Leader Article on the Anson Williams Charity Classic

2011-08-30T20:46:00.007-05:00

Local alums link up to raise funds

http://www.burbankleader.com/entertainment/tn-blr-0831-society,0,4828141.story

John Holst, center, with his fiancÃ©e, Tanna Byrne and brother, Eric Holst, were among the honored guests at Friday's charity golf tournament. (Photo by David Laurell)

By David Laurell

August 30, 2011 | 4:45 p.m.

Burbank and Burroughs High School alumni, some who hadn’t seen one another in decades, joined forces on the links of DeBell Golf Course for the Anson Williams Charity Classic to raise funds for the two schools’ alumni associations, Service Dogs for American Veterans and the Davis-Gingell Foundation this past Friday.

“We are very appreciative that Anson Williams, who attended Burbank High School and of course is best known for his role as Potsy on the classic television series ‘Happy Days,’ loaned his name to the tournament to help make it a success,” said the event’s coordinator, Guy Gingell.

The brainchild of Gingell, Friday’s tournament, along with the foundation he oversees with his wife, Allison Davis-Gingell, stemmed from a set of circumstances involving an old Burbank High classmate. “I had heard, through Facebook, that one of my classmates, Bob Holst, was terminally ill,” Gingell said. “He was living in Pittsburgh, and when I called and told him I wanted to fly back and see him, he said not to come because he was too sick.”

Desperately wanting to do something for his old pal, Gingell learned Holst had not seen his two sons, John and Eric Holst, in years, and that they didn’t have the financial resources to fly back and see him. “I put up the money, and the kids went to see him just a few days before he died,” Gingell said.

When word of his act of kindness spread, it sparked a domino effect that saw other Burbank High alumni send checks to repay Gingell. It also caught the attention of a wealthy businessman acquaintance who was so impressed by Gingell’s compassion and generosity that he assisted the Gingells in establishing a foundation to help others in need.

Friday’s tournament, sponsored by Volvo Rents and Community Chevrolet and led by team captains Mike Feix representing Burbank High and actor Clint Howard representing Burroughs, included participation by Burbank Parks Commissioner Mickey DePalo, NBA Hall of Fame player and coach Lenny Wilkens, Randy Wilkens, Brigid and Bob Graham, Betty Worland, Jim Grasse, John Whitt, Barry Erickson, Ron Panich and the Holst boys — John and Eric who were accompanied by John’s fiancée, Tanna Byrne.

Others who enjoyed the day on the links included Tess Apinchapone, Bob Bauman, Chuck Berry, Joe Bronlend, Barry Cadwallader, Sean Ceglinsky, James Chae, Sean Cyphers, Kelsey Danzeisen, Brady Dunayer, Bob Elliot, Matt Flynn, Peter Fong, Bruce Frishette, Joany Gao, Marty Garrison, John and Tony Gofredo, Bob Graham, Steve Hamilton, Allan Hoffmaster, Dave Hourigan, Chris Kesicbasian, Keith Kimura, Lou Lanteri, Patrick Londono, Pavipa Losakul, Al Martens, Tim McGuire, Mark McMillan, Don Melton and Chris Morris.

Also in attendance were Carol Furry Mosher, Alfred Ogas, Bob Pappert, Dennis Pelch, Ed Perez, Larry Phillips, Haley Pirruccello, Gary Richards, Steve Ross, Ruben Santa Cruz, John Schilling, Charley Schultz, Branko Sevic, Gary Sexton, Chuck Visnic, Criag Wilde, Brett Wilson and Chuck Woods.

Burbank's Papoo's Hot Dog Show Closed Sunday

2011-08-30T06:16:00.002-05:00

New owners putting in an Italian restaurant.

Papoo's Hot Dog Show in Toluca Lake is closing

Friday's Golf Tourney Pics

2011-08-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here are just a FEW of the many photos from the Anson Williams Classic Golf Tournament that I found on Facebook via John Whitt and Guy Gingall.

Many thanks to all who made this a fabulous success!

"See you next year at the 2nd Annual Anson Williams Charity Classic in May of 2012." - Guy Gingall

‎1st Place WINNER: Clint Howard JBHS

‎1st Place WINNERS - Tony Goffredo Foursome represented John Burroughs High School, Burbank, CA: Tony goffredo, JBHS 64; John Goffredo, JBHS 69; John Schilling, JBHS 64; and Patrick Londono (Pat's mom was JBHS 73).

"Superhero Mark McMillian speaking at the Davis Gingell Foundation awards ceremony. Castaway, Burbank, CA August 26, 2011. Mark is a retired NFL football player. Played for the 49'ers, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mark played professional football at 5'7" and weighing 148 lbs. He still holds NFL records. AND he was told on many occassion "you are to small to play"......." - Guy

Anson Williams with Jim Grasse

Debi Storm and Mike Feix

Barbara Zelenay with Anson

Guy Gingall and Jim Grasse

Don Melton at podium

Silent Auction

Lenny Wilkens, Randy Wilkens, Brigid Graham, Bob Graham, Guy Gingell and Allison Gingell

BHS Invited to JBHS Alumni Picnic Sept 25th

2011-08-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

~JBHS All Classes Alumni Picnic.~

(Open to BHS & anyone who would like to join us)

Bring your chairs, blankets and picnic, or food is available for purchase. Look for the "RED" Canopy area and sign in there!

"LIVE BAND"

Marilyn Williams Peterson, BHS '67, Ms Senior Nevada Runner-Up!

2011-08-25T06:11:00.012-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS, MARILYN!!!

Marilyn Williams Peterson
Ms Senior Nevada Runner-Up and Talent Award
August 24, 2011

Listen to Marilyn' Music:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/marilyn-peterson/id412665619

AUGUST 26, 2011 UPDATE

New Ms. Nevada Senior crowned

Posted: Aug 24, 2011 9:25 PM CDT
http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/15329038/new-ms-nevada-senior-crowned
Posted By Elizabeth Watts, Anchor/Reporter - email

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The Ms. Nevada Senior Pageant took place at the South Point hotel Wednesday.

Fourteen women competed in the non-profit contest, and Carole Fucillo was named the 2011 MS Senior Nevada.

The contest took place in the South Point showroom, in front of a sold out crowd of 400.

Competitors just had to be over 60 and a resident of Nevada.

Contestants are judged in four categories: talent, evening gown, philosophy, and judge's interview.

Fucillo now goes on to the Ms. Senior America competition. That will be held in Atlantic City this year.

Besides the big winner, there were also runners up, Miss Congeniality and Talent awards.

--- end ---

MORE PHOTOS FROM MARILYN

Did You Be-Bop at the Park Yesterday?

2011-08-21T10:38:00.002-05:00

Looks like lots of folks did!

Looking at a '29 Ford Woodie are Jack Jennings, 5, left, and his sister Lottie, 7, of Burbank, at the Fifth Annual Be-Boppin in the Park on the Magnolia Park area of Burbank on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Liz of Burbank (no last name given) reflects on this shinny 1938 Buick Century at the Fifth Annual Be-Boppin in the Park on the Magnolia Park area of Burbank on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

While waiting for friends, Al Newton of Canyon Country checks out a 1956 Ford T-Bird at the Fifth Annual Be-Boppin in the Park on the Magnolia Park area of Burbank on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Detail shot of a red 1962 Chevy Impala being shown at the Fifth Annual Be-Boppin in the Park on the Magnolia Park area of Burbank on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Large crowds gathered to see and photograph classic vehicles like this 1950 Chevy 3180 pick up at the Fifth Annual Be-Boppin in the Park on the Magnolia Park area of Burbank on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

All photos by Raul Roa/Burbank Leader Staff Photographer

source: http://www.burbankleader.com/the818now/tn-gnp-0821-beboppin-pg,0,4603799.photogallery

The 818 Now: http://www.burbankleader.com/the818now/

Washington Elementary 1955-1961

2011-08-20T23:03:00.002-05:00

Thanks John Whitt, BHS '67, for these FABULOUS FOTOS!!!

Kindergarten 1955

1st Grade 1956

2nd Grade 1957

3rd Grade 1958

4th Grade 1959

5th Grade 1960

6th Grade 1961

A Labor of Love by Linda Mustion, BHS '67

2011-08-18T18:35:00.001-05:00

Hi Guys! ....last Sunday I fullfilled two find a grave photo requests @ Grand View Cemetery in Glendale and my friend Lisa Burks made a You Tube Video of me cleaning up one off the headstones. Thought you might enjoy this.

http://youtu.be/C0oxN-Qi5gQ

Linda Mustion

Memorial Service for Pete Peterson Oct 15, 2011

2011-08-16T21:05:00.001-05:00

Hi Cathy..............

I just wanted to let you know that we have scheduled the memorial service and celebration of Dad's life for Saturday, October 15th at 11:00 A.M. It will be at Emmanuel Church, 5th and Harvard in Burbank. There will also be a reception following the service in Elizabeth Hall at the church.

Those former BHS students, basketball players, Tahquitz Pines Camp alumni, paddle ball competitors and any and all of the special people who loved my Dad would be welcome to attend if they are able to. It would be wonderful to see everyone......kind of like a mini-reunion. I know so many of our former classmates and Dad's students live far away from Burbank (including you, my dear friend!) and would not be able to make the trip so I would just ask that you all maybe take a minute that day and think of my Dad. I hope that would put a smile on your face..................nothing would make him happier!

If you could pass this on, Cathy, that would be great. If anyone has any questions about the service they can contact me directly at leverett963@yahoo.com My family and I so appreciate the cards and e-mails we have received. It is such a comfort to know how many people loved Dad and how many lives he touched with his humor and his love of history. I am one of them!

I have also attached a couple of pictures of Dad as I like to remember him................teaching, active, and one with my Mom at the house they loved in Balboa Island.

Much love,

Linda

EMAIL REMINDER SENT OUT BY ALAN LANDROS

ROLAND JOHN "PETE" PETERSON

1921 - 2011

MEMORIAL SERVICE AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, October 15, 2011

11:00 A.M.

Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church

corner of Harvard Rd. & Fifth St.

Burbank

Luncheon Reception following at the church in Elizabeth Hall

(Emmanuel Church was founded by Pete's father ("Pa"), Emmanuel Peterson.

"Elizabeth Hall" at the church is named in memory of Pete's mother ("Ma"), Elizabeth Peterson.)

Pete's daughters, Linda and Louanne, wish to extend this invitation to the service to any and all who are able to attend who knew their dad as a friend, colleague, BHS teacher, coach, camp counselor, and to their friends and former classmates as well. All are welcome.

Alan Landros
September 25, 2011

Be-Boppin' in the Park - August 20

2011-08-12T17:49:00.000-05:00

15,000 Vintage Car Enthusiasts Expected at Be-Boppin' in the Park

MAGNOLIA PARK BURBANK Calif. -- Marvel at hundreds of custom, vintage and pre '75 classic cars on Saturday, August 20 from 3:00 to 9:00 PM in the Magnolia Park District on Magnolia Boulevard between Hollywood Way and California Street in Burbank.

Join in this free, fun-filled community experience -- see live bands, dance in the street, discover new shops and eateries and have some good old fashioned, high-octane fun!

Now in its fifth year, the event is a car lover's dream. Included will be all-American classics Ford Model Ts, Studebakers, Indian Motorcycles and Shelbys, among many others.

Plus, at the Main Stage (Magnolia Boulevard and California Street) from 4 :30 to 6 :30 P.M., dance to The Painkillers, a five-piece R&B band that plays standards from the 50s and 60s. Then from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., enjoy The Amazing Wildcats playing upbeat traditional blues influenced by the sounds of Chicago ,Texas, West Coast Jump and the Mississippi Delta.

Prizes for best automobiles will be given at 6:30 P.M. with prize categories such as the Burbank Mayor Award for most All-American car, Police Chief Award for the coolest car, Fire Chief Award for the hottest car, Magnolia Park Partnership Award for the most "vintage" car and the Jay Leno Award for the funniest car.

Be-Boppin in the Park is presented by Magnolia Park Partnership. For more information, please call 818.238.5180 or visit www.facebook.com/magnoliaparkburbank

Magnolia Park is home to an eclectic mix of emerging and distinctive shops and eateries. Celebrated for its vintage, re-sale, collectible and antique stores, this Burbank neighborhood is rapidly evolving into a regional shopping destination renowned for its attractive, pedestrian-scale streets and diverse retail market. www.magnoliaparkburbank.org

To: All BHS Alumni

2011-08-12T11:39:00.003-05:00

To: All BHS Alumni:

After many years of publishing the "Sr. Bulldog News" newsletter, Herb Vincent has decided to retire. We are in the process of putting together a committee of Burbank High School Alumni to redesign the newsletter and include some of the innovative ideas that have been proposed.

This is a great opportunity for alumni to get involved in the Sr. Bulldogs Foundation. In this cyber world it is no longer necessary to live in Burbank. Everything can be sent electronically so that anyone can become involved.

One of our alumni has already volunteered to design a new masthead so we are quickly moving forward. Your contribution can be as little as sending in photos and/or articles that you may have found or written that would be of interest to our alumni.

The committee is looking for people that have one or more of the following skills:

Writing
Excel
Graphic Design

We are also looking for someone to take on the role of Editor. If you would like to be part of this new and exciting change to the newsletter please contact us at BurbankSrBulldogs@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

Carol Brown Baker ('67)
President, Sr. Bulldogs Foundation

The Class Reunion by Author Unknown

2011-08-09T23:37:00.001-05:00

Fun poem sent by class '67 alumni, Luana Scott... Thanks Luana!

Cathy: Thought you might enjoy this.
Cheers, ^jj^ ;o)) Luana Scott

THE CLASS REUNION

Every five years, as summertime nears,
An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met;
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
We tried so hard to impress.
And wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.

The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.

The boy we'd decreed 'most apt to succeed'
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted 'least' now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.

They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least..
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.

They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.

At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.

It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.

By the fiftieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.

And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our sixtieth is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.

Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.

I'm feeling quite hearty, I'm ready to party
gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
Would be such a shame if I'm the only "surviver" who came
To our class reunion that night.

Author Unknown.

Life is Wonderful.

Dear Diary by Dave LeSueur

2011-08-08T23:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks Dave for another FUN column!!

http://lesueur926.blogspot.com/2011/08/dear-diary-june-21-2011-today-is-first.html

Monday, August 08, 2011

DEAR DIARY

JUNE 21, 2011 - Today is the first day of spring. Like every year my wife, Mary, and I make plans to clean out our Master Bedroom closet.

JUNE 22, 2011 - Today is the second day of spring. Like every year, we decide our resolution from the day before was a stupid idea.

It's not that the closet couldn't use some pruning. It is completely full now. But I don't care because I don't need much space. I only have three pairs of pants and eight shirts (one for each day of the week and one "wild card" shirt). Mary will soon have to do something though. I suggested that she get rid of two items of clothing for each new one she buys but that hasn't happened yet.

JULY 6, 2011 - I wear my wild card shirt instead of my Wednesday shirt. I was becoming too predictable.

JULY 12, 2011 - I decided to look in the closet again and noticed Mary has a huge section devoted to purses. I counted them. There were 47. I don't understand her reluctance to throw away old purses. She never uses anything except the newest ones. In most cases she rationalized buying the new one because the old one didn't work for some reason (the zipper is broken, it doesn't have enough inside pockets, it has too many inside pockets, it is too big, it is too small, etc.). There is zero chance she will use the old purses. Maybe she is planning to donate them to a museum some day.

In fairness to women, it is much easier for men to carry a wallet than it is to carry a purse. All our wallet has to accommodate is a driver's license, a few credit cards and a $20 bill. Wallets never wear out. I don't know exactly when I bought mine, but I cleaned it out recently and it still had a 1977 Dodger schedule in it. Women's purses have to carry everything a wallet has plus keys, makeup, a hair brush, extra glasses, pictures of the kids, a wash cloth, gift cards, a $2 off coupon for Cheerios, receipts for the stuff she needs to return, letters to mail, and a book in case she has to wait somewhere. As all of you know, this only scratches the surface (in fact, women have to carry something to scratch surfaces with too).

Purses also have to carry the things that probably should go in men's wallets but we don't want to be bothered with. For example, I hate loose change. I would rather throw coins in the trash than to put them in my pocket or wallet. Mary is too frugal so she keeps all of our change in her purse.

July 23, 2011 - We went out to eat tonight. We ordered one of those flaming desserts and the tablecloth caught on fire. Mary calmly pulled a fire extinguisher out of her purse and put out the fire. I was really impressed with her preparedness until I noticed that three women at tables near us also had pulled fire extinguishers from their purses. The meal cost about $50, which Mary paid for with quarters from her purse.

AUGUST 5, 2011 - Some experts suggest putting clothes in the closet with the hangar facing the wrong way. Then if you haven't worn something in two years you should get rid of it. I think that two years is too short a time period. I read somewhere that fashion repeats itself on average every 40 years. So if an item of clothing hasn't gotten back in style in 40 years, it is safe to get rid of it. We celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary next month so now is a perfect time to see if Mary still has anything from when we were first married. I found a white sweater on a shelf which I recognized right away. She wore it on our first date (to see "Love Story"), so it would be a shame to throw it away. In the back of the closet was an old robe. She wore it a lot that first year lounging around our apartment while we watched reruns of Perry Mason on our black and white television. Have to keep that. I also found the swimsuit and cover-up she wore on our honeymoon. There is no way I could throw them away either. We didn't go anywhere glamorous - we stayed in San Clemente, a beach town half way between Los Angeles and San Diego. It was a great way to start our marriage. We each had a lot to learn. In the first month I learned to wring out the wash cloth after a shower; she learned to love Vin Sculley (the Dodger's announcer). I made a note to remind me to look again at these clothes when we will have been married 80 years. I put the note in my wallet, since I probably will still be using it 40 years from now.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2011 - Today is a great day. We are celebrating 40 years of marriage. Has every day been great? Of course not. Has every year been wonderful? Absolutely!

David and Mary LeSueur live in Littleton, CO.

Burroughs Powerhouse Choir on "America's Got Talent" Aug 9th

2011-08-07T14:24:00.004-05:00

From Deanna Lloyd Jennings, BHS '67... very exciting!

Dear Family and Friends,

Just thought you might want to know that the John Burroughs choir, "Powerhouse" will be performing on the TV show, "America's Got Talent" this Tuesday night, August 9th on NBC from 9:00-11:00 PM. (at least that's the time according to my TV listing).

They will be a part of the online competition groups. Unfortunately, the show will only allow Brendan to use 30 of his 50 students on the program. Three days later a smaller group of 15 students has been invited to Beijing, China to be a part of the International Children's Festival a cultural/artistic exchange program (all expenses paid). If the America's Got Talent group gets voted through to the next level they would perform on Tuesday, August 30 after the smaller group has returned from China.

Yes, this is really exciting and so unexpected...we're still pinching ourselves! I'm such a proud Mom and I think all of you will be surprised at how talented these kids are! They work so hard and are such great people.

I hope all of you are happy and healthy and enjoying your summer.

Take care,
Deanna Jennings :-)

Where to Retire???

2011-08-05T06:26:00.003-05:00

Received the following humerous email today from Cynthia McCarthy's, BHS '67, husband Wally Hirsch - lol!

You can retire to Phoenix , Arizona where...
1. You are willing to park 3 blocks away because you found shade.
2. You've experienced condensation on your hiney from the hot water in the toilet bowl.
3. You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave town.
4. You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food.
5. You know that "dry heat" is comparable to what hits you in the face when you open your oven door.
6. The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!

OR

You can retire to California where...
1. You make over $250,000 and you still can't afford to buy a house.
2. The fastest part of your commute is going down your driveway.
3. You know how to eat an artichoke.
4. You drive your rented Mercedes to your neighborhood block party.
5. When someone asks you how far something is, you tell them how long it will take to get there rather than how many miles away it is.
6. The 4 seasons are: Fire, Flood, Mud, and Drought.

OR

You can retire to New York City where...
1. You say "the city" and expect everyone to know you mean Manhattan ..
2. You can get into a four-hour argument about how to get from Columbus Circle to Battery Park, but can't find Wisconsin on a map.
3. You think Central Park is "nature."
4. You believe that being able to swear at people in their own language makes you multi-lingual.
5. You've worn out a car horn. (Ed. Note if you have a car).
6. You think eye contact is an act of aggression.

OR

You can retire to Minnesota where...
1. You only have four spices: salt, pepper, ketchup, and Tabasco .
2. Halloween costumes fit over parkas.
3. You have more than one recipe for casserole.
4. Sexy lingerie is anything flannel with less than eight buttons.
5. The four seasons are: winter, still winter, almost winter, and construction.

OR

You can retire to the Deep South where...
1. You can rent a movie and buy bait in the same store.
2. "Y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is plural.
3. "He needed killin" is a valid defense.
4. Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob, Jimmy Bob, Mary Ellen, Betty Jean, Mary Beth, etc.
5. Everything is either "in yonder," "over yonder" or "out yonder." It's important to know the difference, too.

OR

You can retire to Colorado where...
1. You carry your $3,000 mountain bike atop your $500 car.
2. You tell your husband to pick up Granola on his way home and so he stops at the day care center.
3. A pass does not involve a football or dating.
4. The top of your head is bald, but you still have a pony tail.

OR

You can retire to the Midwest where...
1. You've never met any celebrities, but the mayor knows your name.
2. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor.
3. You have had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" on the same day.
4. You end sentences with a preposition: "Where's my coat at?"
5. When asked how your trip was to any exotic place, you say, "It was different!"

OR

FINALLY You can retire to Florida where.
1. You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon.
2.. All purchases include a coupon of some kind -- even houses and cars.
3. Everyone can recommend an excellent dermatologist.
4. Road construction never ends anywhere in the state.
5. Cars in front of you often appear to be driven by headless people.

KBLA Rocked!

2011-08-03T19:02:00.000-05:00

From Neal Hershenson, BHS '67... Thanks for memories!

You still know the tunes and lyrics to a lot of these songs - and I mean perfectly. *grin*

Neal

Bruce Gatton BHS '71 Passed Away July 31, 2011

2011-08-02T18:54:00.002-05:00

Email from Cathy Nicholls Coyle BHS '67 today - he was too young... praying for Greg and the family...

Hi Alan, Linda & Cathy: Just heard more sad news today when Greg Gatton, from our class ('67), called to inform us of his brother, Bruce Gatton's ('71) passing on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Bruce had been suffering for several years with pancreatic cancer.

John & I have known Bruce since he helped coach our youngest son on the Burbank High football team in the late '80's. Bruce was always the first one to help out no matter what was needed. He was a giant of a man and very intimidating in appearance, yet had a heart of gold. We will miss him dearly. He leaves behind his father; brother, Greg; and two sons, Mitchell and Paul.

Funeral Services:

Viewing:
Friday, August 5, 2011
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Forest Lawn Hollywood HIlls

Services:
Saturday, August 6, 2011
2:30 pm
Old North Church
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills

Former BHS Teacher Roland 'Pete' Peterson Passed Away Yesterday

2011-08-01T18:48:00.012-05:00

Sending our deepest condolances with prayers to the Peterson family...

Hi Cathy.................

I wanted to let you know that my Dad passed away yesterday afternoon. He went peacefully to be with his Lord and to join my sweet Mom, his precious Kiva. He had been completely bedridden for several months and recently had trouble communicating with us although I know he loved seeing us when we would visit him every other day. I feel comfort knowing he was ready, so ready to leave this world and journey to that Other, Better Place.

I would so appreciate it if you could let our Burbank alumni contacts know of his passing----those special "kids" that my Dad loved so much over the years that he taught and coached at Burbank High.

We will be planning a memorial service and celebration of Dad's life to be held sometime in the fall and I will let you know the details when we get it organized in the event anyone would like to come.

Thank you so much, my dear friend....................

Love,
Linda

Back Row: Ray Turner (Tennis), Maurice Wiley (JV Football), Pete Peterson (B Basketball), Les Bruckner (Varsity Football), Roy Lockwood (Varsity Basketball). Front Row: Ray Trainer (Rifle Team), Bob Brewer (B Football), Don McMurry (Track & Cross Country), Richard "Dick" Minasian (Baseball & Athletic Director).

AUGUST 2, 2011 UPDATE

Received the following this morning from Alan Landros...

ROLAND "PETE" PETERSON

Home In Heaven - July 31, 2011

Mr. Roland "Pete" Peterson, much loved BHS teacher for decades, passed away on Sunday afternoon, July 31. He was 89. His 90th birthday would have been later this year. Mr. Peterson had been living in Thousand Oaks for the past two to three years, near his older daughter, Linda Peterson Everett. His health had continued to decline during that time.

Roland Peterson was born the end of 1921 to Emanuel and Elizabeth Peterson. Both of his parents were originally from Sweden. He was the fifth of six children, four older brothers, Harold, Arnold, Reinold, and Paul, and a younger sister, Ruth. All of them pre-decease Roland. His loving wife, Kiva, passed away on February 17, 2005, after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Roland and Kiva and their family moved into the Peterson Family home at Sixth St. and Walnut Ave. in Burbank in 1961. Roland's father, a building contractor, had built that home, which Roland had also grown up in. He lived there for about 47 years as an adult until moving to Thousand Oaks. Roland's "Pa", Emanuel Peterson, was the founder of Emanuel Evangelical Free Church in Burbank in 1941, located at Harvard Rd. and Fifth St. The family would walk to church each Sunday from their home at Sixth and Walnut. Many of the Peterson Family were still involved in that church until recent years.

Like three of his older brothers and his younger sister, Roland was a graduate of Burbank High School. He graduated in 1939. Then after college he returned to BHS as a teacher and coach, where he remained for over thirty years until his retirement. In the 1940's and 1950's besides teaching he was also a BHS football coach. Throughout all of his years at BHS he was a history teacher, loved and admired by countless of his students over the decades. His sense of humor always came through in his classes, too. Every year of his thirty plus years at BHS he was always one of the most loved, if not the most in some years, of the entire faculty. His students loved to be in his class.

Roland Peterson is survived by his children, Linda (BHS '67), Louanne (BHS '70), and Dan, four grandsons, a granddaughter, a great-grandson, son-in-law, Bob Everett, two sisters-in-law, Mary Peterson of Visalia and Virginia Peterson of San Marcos, and a number of nieces and nephews and their families.

The family is planning to have a Memorial Service sometime this Fall.

Alan Landros, BHS '70

AUGUST 3, 2011 UPDATE

Senior photo BHS Class '39

From Linda Mustion's website: http://bhsinmemoriam.blogspot.com/2011/08/roland-pete-peterson-bhs-1939.html

AUGUST 6, 2011 UPDATE

Cards and notes can be sent here:

Linda Everett
963 Ranch House Rd.
Westlake Village, CA 91361

Email: leverett963@yahoo.com

AUGUST 16, 2011 UPDATE

Received word today from Linda Peterson that Pete's Memorial Service will be on October 15, 2011.

Please read more here: http://bhsclass67.blogspot.com/2011/08/memorial-service-for-pete-peterson-oct.html

OCTOBER 27, 2011 UPDATE

From the Oct 13, 2011 Burbank Leader

http://www.burbankleader.com/news/obituaries/tn-gnp-roland-pete-peterson-20111013,0,545022.story

Roland "Pete" Peterson

Roland “Pete” Peterson
1921-2011

Mr. Roland “Pete” Peterson, much loved Burbank High School teacher for decades, passed away on Sunday afternoon, July 31. He was 89 years old.

Pete was born in 1921 to Swedish immigrants. He was the fifth of Emmanuel and Elizabeth Peterson’s five boys and one girl. Pete was the last of these to pass on. Pete’s beloved wife, Kiva, passed away in 2005, after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Pete and his siblings largely grew up in Burbank, at the family home on the corner of Sixth Street and Walnut Ave. His father had built the family home as well as founding Emmanuel Church in Burbank.

Pete graduated from Burbank High School in 1939, went to college, then came back to BHS to coach tennis, football, basketball and teach history for the next 30 years. Pete’s great sense of humor and love of teaching came through and so over the decades he was much-beloved by thousands of students and colleagues.

In addition to teaching, Pete spent many summers as Camp Director for Viking Kids Club in Burbank, and the mountain Christian Camps at Tahquitz Pines and Forest Home. He loved to travel and took his family all over the United States and Europe. Pete loved sports and his passion was playing (and usually winning) paddleball.

Pete, Kiva and their family moved into the Peterson family home at Sixth Street and Walnut Ave in 1961. He lived there for about 47 years as an adult until moving to Thousand Oaks, near his daughter, Linda.

Pete is survived by his children, Linda, Louanne and Dan; son-in-law, Bob Everett; four grandsons, two granddaughters; and a great-grandson.

He was an inspiration to so many.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 15^th at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Church

August 26th SAVE THE DATE

2011-07-17T16:01:00.001-05:00

We have added a Live Auction to be held at the conclusion (about 5:30pm) of the Golf Tournament. We have reserved the Starlight Room at the Castaway Restaurant.

Open to the public. Tickets at the door $29. Golfers, volunteers and spouse tickets included in registration price.

Hors D'oeuvres:
Walnut Crusted Chicken Tenders with Pineapple Horseradish Dip
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Buffalo Wings
Cheeseboard Selection with Fruit and Crackers
Baby Vegetable Basket
Smoked Salmon Canapes
Cookies & Brownies
Coffee Station

Cash Bar

See our website below for more postings.
www.burbankburroughsalumni.com

Guy Gingell CEO
Davis Gingell Foundation
Direct Line: 206 459-8864

Kent Barcus (BHS '67) Performs in The Singing Flag July 4, 2011

2011-07-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Over the past several years on July 4th, Kent has performed as Uncle Sam in 'The Singing Flag' at his church in Concord, CA.

Thanks for sending this GREAT photo, Kent!

And here is the hyperlink from Kent's comment below:
http://concord-ca.patch.com/articles/singing-flag-offers-3-days-of-patriotism-fireworks

Clifford Travis Bean (BHS '65) 1947-2011

2011-07-15T21:20:00.009-05:00

Travis Bean dies at 63; innovative guitar-maker

Jerry Garcia and the Rolling Stones are among the fans of Travis Bean's electric guitars, made with a solid aluminum neck and headstock. He came up with the design in a Burbank shop in the 1970s and quit making them after five years rather than compromise quality

Guitar maker Travis Bean is shown in 1977 at the National Assn. of Music Merchants trade show.
Photographer Rick Oblinger / Travis Bean Guitars

By Valerie J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times

July 16, 2011

In a Burbank shop in the 1970s, Travis Bean reinvented the electric guitar.
To enhance string vibration, he suggested making the instrument's neck and headstock out of solid aluminum instead of wood. The resulting guitars, manufactured for only five years, remain prized for their unique tone and durability.

Among the famous who have strummed them are Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead – whose Travis Bean guitar was auctioned for $312,000 in 2007 – and many of the Rolling Stones.

Bean died Sunday in Burbank after a long battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 63.

"He came along when there was not much of anything in terms of fresh ideas when it came to making guitars," Jim Washburn, a music writer who has curated guitar exhibits, told The Times. "Then he revolutionized things a bit. He made a pretty good mark for making them for such a short period of time."

Guitar Player magazine has compared Bean to maverick automaker John DeLorean because both "pushed the envelope by doing something radically different with a familiar product."

Other guitar makers had tried using aluminum to improve neck stability and vibration but Bean and his two partners – Marc McElwee and Gary Kramer – "took the concept to prime time," the magazine said in 2005. Kramer later founded his own company that made aluminum-necked guitars.

Manufactured from 1974 to 1979, Travis Bean guitars were also known for their exotic hardwood bodies and a high-end price tag that could top $1,000.

When company investors called for prices to be lowered, Bean decided to stop production instead of compromising quality, according to the magazine.

He was born Aug. 21, 1947, in San Fernando and was adopted by Raymond and Betty Bean, who named their only child Clifford Travis Bean. His father worked for Shell Oil Co.

A 1965 graduate of Burbank High, Bean was a woodworker with a penchant for redesigning objects when he turned toward the guitar.

When employees and guests at the guitar shop would jam in a back room, "there was always a ton of guitarists and bass players but never any drummers," so Bean took up the drums, said his friend Philip Culp.

"That was the essence of Travis," Culp said. "He could teach himself how to do anything."

Bean is survived by his wife, Rita; son Darren Miller; daughter Dawn Norvel; and four grandchildren.

Article: http://www.burbankleader.com/news/la-me-travis-bean-20110716,0,1065785.story

--- end ---

Photo of Cliff Bean from 9th grade John Muir Jr High School yearbook

Listen to a little bit of a Travis Bean guitar - very cool!

Saturday at DeBell

2011-07-14T21:52:00.000-05:00

What a GREAT time we had up at DeBell's Clubhouse Grill last Saturday!

The Class of '67 is talking about doing it again next year maybe in August for their 45th reunion.

Carol Nicholls Lebrecht, Mike McDaniel, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Wes Clark, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, John Coyle, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Greg Van Der Werff, Diane McCall Ward, Alan Singer, Ellisa Dibble Weekly, Neal Hershenson, Duane Thaxton, Madelaine Zelenay Whiteman, Dona Foy Bruckner, Don Ray, Linda Mustion, Flora Angel Ferrens, Guy Gingell, Cathy Palmer, Allison Gingell, John Whitt, Nancy Krough Brez and Vivian Blum Gillette

Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Greg Van Der Werff, Alan Singer, Dona Foy Bruckner, Neal Hershenson, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Cathy Palmer, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Carol Nicholls Lebrecht, Madelaine Zelelay Whiteman, Nancy Krough Brez, Jeanne Barron Aikman, Diane McCall Ward, Vivian Blum Gillette and Joan Nobile Ortega

Greg Van Der Werff, Alan Singer, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Dona Foy Bruckner, Neal Hershenson, Cathy Palmer, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Don Ray, Ellisa Dibble Weekly, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Carol Nicholls Lebrecht, Madeaine Zelenay Whiteman, Linda Mustion, Nancy Krough Brez, Jeanne Barron Aikman, Diane McCall Ward, Vivian Blum Gillette and Joan Nobile Ortega

Nancy Krough Brez, Joan Nobile Orgeta, Vivlan Blum Gillette, Cathy Palmer, Ellisa Dibble Weekly, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Dona Foy Bruckner, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Carol Nicholls Lebrecht, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Jeanne Barron Aikman and Madelaine Zelenay Whiteman

Vivian Blum Gillette, Ellisa Dibble Weekly, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Dona Foy Bruckner, Nanacy Krough Brez, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Joan Nobile Ortega, Linda Mustion, Carol Nicholls Lebrecht, Jeanne Barron Aikman, Cathy Palmer, Diane McCall Ward and Shelly Perez Lucero (BHS '67 classmate and owner of Clubhouse Grill)

Alan Singer, John Coyle and Fred Ortega

Pics from Burbank's Centennial

2011-07-14T21:42:00.002-05:00

Dona Foy Bruckner & Cathy Palmer

Cathy, Mike Feix, John Whitt, Dona and Greg Alaimo

Dona, Don Balderseroni & Cathy

Linda Mustion - Be sure to check out Linda's great blogs! http://lindasburbankhighschool.blogspot.com/ and http://bhsinmemoriam.blogspot.com/

Deanna Lloyd Jennings

Wes & Cari Clark and Mike McDaniel - Check out their fabulous website, Burbankia! http://wesclark.com/burbank/

Cathy, Ellisa Dibble Weekley & Dona

Caroleen Ventimeglia Cleveland

John Boylan - Check out some of John's photography at Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/neocon_from_hell/sets/

Nancy Krough Brez & Vivian Blum Gillette

Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Nancy, Vivian, Dona & Carol Nicholls Lebrecht

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

A Glimpse of Burbank's Birthday Fireworks

2011-07-13T17:52:00.000-05:00

Fun Times in SoCal

2011-07-12T01:59:00.001-05:00

Cathy Palmer, Vivian Blum Gillette, Leigh Rugee Crossen, Nancy Krogh Brez, Dona Foy Bruckner & Madelaine Zelenay Whiteman

Flying home to Florida in the morning.

Many thanks and much love to the BEST hosts ever, Scott and Dona Foy Bruckner!!!

MORE PICS
https://picasaweb.google.com/111771835852506139426/VisitingDonaAndScott?authkey=Gv1sRgCILiteOxjO3DiQE#

Saturday at DeBell Clubhouse Grill

2011-07-10T02:03:00.004-05:00

Carol Nicholls Lebrecht, Mike McDaniel, Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Wes Clark, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, John Coyle, Joanne Yoffee Furer, Greg Van Der Werff, Diane McCall Ward, Alan Singer, Ellisa Dibble Weekly, Neal Hershenson, Duane Thaxton, Madelaine Zelenay Whiteman, Dona Foy Bruckner, Don Ray, Linda Mustion, Flora Angel Ferrens, Guy Gingell, Cathy Palmer, Allison Gingell, John Whitt, Nancy Krough Brez and Vivian Blum Gillette

MORE PHOTOS HERE

A Fun Day in Burbank Friday!

2011-07-09T03:49:00.001-05:00

Dona Foy Bruckner and Cathy Palmer having fun in Beautiful Downtown Burbank July 8 2011 celebrating its 100th birthday!

So GREAT seeing so many friends from school and family too!

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

Happy Birthday, Burbank!

2011-07-08T08:28:00.002-05:00

History | LA as Subject

Burbank at 100: From Sheep Ranch to Media Capital

by Nathan Masters

on July 7, 2011 3:00 PM

Burbank in 1939. Courtesy of the 'Dick' Whittington Photography Collection, USC Libraries.

This Friday, Burbank celebrates its centennial. The city ambitiously billed as the media and entertainment capital of the world—and which, for much of its history, also served as a major hub of the aviation industry—hardly betrays today its humble origins as a dentist's sheep ranch.

The city is named after David Burbank, a New Hampshire-born dentist who came to California in a covered wagon in 1850. After the Civil War, Burbank moved to Southern California and purchased a 9,000-acre ranch that included all of the Mexican-era land grants of Rancho Providencia and Rancho Cahuenga, as well as part of Rancho San Rafael. His new fiefdom, situated at the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley, cost him only $1 per acre.

Burbank at first populated his ranch with sheep. But in 1884 a land boom, fueled by an influx of migrants from the Midwest, gripped Los Angeles County. Over the next four years, this speculative bubble would spawn more than one hundred new towns across the county, many of them in the San Fernando Valley. Burbank capitalized on the boom and in 1886 formed the Providencia Land and Water Development Company with a group of Los Angeles-based investors with the goal of subdividing and developing Burbank's sprawling sheep ranch.

Dentist David Burbank owned the sheep ranch that later became the city of Burbank. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photograph Collection.

Drawing of Rancho Providencia, which later became Burbank, circa 1840. Courtesy of the Landcase Maps Collection, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Providencia Land and Water Development Company collage showing plans for the town of Burbank, circa 1886-1887. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photograph Collection.

House of David Burbank, the city's founder, circa 1910. Dr. Burbank's homestead is now the site of the Warner Bros. Studios. Courtesy of the Title Insurance and Trust / C.C. Pierce Photography Collection, USC Libraries.

On May 1, 1887, the new town of Burbank opened with a $30,000 hotel and a one and a half mile-long, horse-powered street railway. An irrigation system transported water from nearby Toluca Lake to the fledgling community, and a depot along the Southern Pacific Railroad brought freight and new residents.

At first the town flourished, but by 1889 the land boom had turned to bust, and many of the new towns failed, but the strongest of the new communities—which included Burbank—emerged intact if hobbled. The resulting regional depression coincided with years of unusually dry weather, constraining further development of the town. Some farmers planted vineyards and drought-resistant crops and thrived, but for years Burbank's growth would not exceed what its natural resources could sustain.

View southeast down Olive Avenue, circa 1887, showing the fledgling town of Burbank in the distance. Streetcar tracks run down the middle of the road. Courtesy of the Title Insurance and Trust / C.C. Pierce Photography Collection, USC Libraries.

Olive Avenue in Burbank, circa 1889. Courtesy of the Title Insurance and Trust / C.C. Pierce Photography Collection, USC Libraries.

San Fernando Boulevard at Olive Avenue, circa 1910. Courtesy of the Title Insurance and Trust / C.C. Pierce Photography Collection, USC Libraries.

That changed late in the first decade of the twentieth century, when two developments resurrected the Valley land boom.

First, 1905 brought plans for a massive and controversial water project. The Los Angeles Aqueduct would transport snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada's eastern slope out of the Owens Valley, across the Mojave Desert, over the San Gabriel Mountains, and into the San Fernando Valley, essentially watering one valley at the expense of another.

Construction began in 1909 and in 1913 water once bound for Owens Lake flowed into the San Fernando Valley and through the taps of Burbank homes and businesses.
Second, Southern California's interurban rail network, the Pacific Electric Railway, began to expand into the San Fernando Valley and connect the mostly-undeveloped plain with downtown Los Angeles and other regional population centers.

With a modest population, Burbank residents had some trouble convincing the Pacific Electric to bring its streetcars to the town. The railway only agreed to extend its Glendale-Los Angeles line into Burbank after extracting a subsidy of $48,000 from residents.

Like the aqueduct, the arrival of the Pacific Electric was not without controversy. Burbank resident J.W. Fawkes had patented the nation's first monorail, a suspended car that he dubbed the Aerial Swallow. Fawkes built a prototype along a short segment of Olive Avenue and planned, after securing the right-of-way, to extend the line to Glendale. He urged his fellow residents to reject the Pacific Electric's demands and instead adopt his own experimental concept. In the end, Burbank chose the Pacific Electric's more conventional option. The Aerial Swallow became known as "Fawkes' Folly," and the first Pacific Electric streetcar from Los Angeles rolled into Burbank on September 6, 1911.

'Fawkes' Folly,' an experimental monorail that operated briefly in Burbank in 1911. Courtesy of the Title Insurance and Trust / C.C. Pierce Photography Collection, USC Libraries.

The first electric streetcar arrived in Burbank in 1911. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photograph Collection.

The last Pacific Electric car to service Burbank arrived in 1955. Photo by Alan K. Weeks, courtesy of the Metro Transportation Library and Archive. Used under a Creative Commons license.

With much of the now rapidly-developing Valley being swallowed up by the City of Los Angeles, residents of Burbank petitioned the state legislature to allow the town to incorporate as its own city. On July 8, 1911, the City of Burbank came into being.

In the succeeding years, independent Burbank became a major center for two industries that would dominate Southern California.

First National Studios in Burbank, circa 1927-1931. The studio facility is today the home to Warner Bros. Pictures. Courtesy of the California Historical Society Collection, USC Libraries.

NBC television studios in Burbank, 1952. Since NBC's corporate merger with Universal, the network has announced a relocation of its production facilities to nearby Universal City. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Examiner Collection, USC Libraries.

The filmed entertainment business, nominally headquartered in Hollywood, came to Burbank in the 1920s when First National Pictures built a film studio on Olive Avenue. Following the success of First National's 1929 talkie film, The Jazz Singer, Warner Brothers Pictures acquired the studio and moved from its Hollywood home to the Burbank lot. Other production companies would soon follow: Columbia Pictures purchased land in the city for use as a backlot and, in 1939, Walt Disney Productions moved into its new home on Buena Vista Street. (Next year, KCET will follow in their footsteps when it moves into its new Burbank facility.)

Lockheed assembly plant in Burbank, circa 1940. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Collection, USC Libraries.

Burbank's Union Air Terminal, circa 1934-1940. Lockheed owned and operated the airport from 1940 to 1978, when it sold it to the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena. Today it is named Bob Hope Airport. Courtesy of the Werner Von Boltenstern Postcard Collection, Department of Archives and Special Collections, Loyola Marymount University Library.

In 1928, another transplant from Hollywood, the Lockheed Aircraft Company, settled down in Burbank. An early leader in the fledgling aviation industry, Lockheed became a crucial supplier of Allied warplanes during World War II—and a major attractor of new workers and residents.

As Burbank celebrates its 100th birthday, you can learn more about the city's history with the help of L.A. as Subject members and other institutions. Explore the San Fernando Valley History Digital Library, maintained by CSUN's Oviatt Library, for archived images from Burbank's past, or visit the Burbank Central Library from August 1 through October 14 for its "Snapshots of Burbank" photo exhibit.

SOURCE: http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/history/la-as-subject/burbank-at-100-from-sheep-ranch-to-media-capital-34994.html

Happy Birthday, Burbank!

2011-07-04T23:48:00.000-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Anson Williams Charity Classic

2011-07-04T23:33:00.002-05:00

Another Don Ray Adventure!

2011-07-04T17:03:00.009-05:00

The post below is from Don Ray's (BHS '67) blog. This is GREAT!!! Thanks Don

I finally learned the name of my early -- unlikely -- hero -- 49 years later

http://donrayadventures.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-finally-learned-name-of-my-early.html

If only I could have found a more productive outlet for my creative juices.

Today, I finally learned the name of a man who was my inspiration. For a while, I wondered if maybe I hadn't really seen him --- that maybe it was something I had conjured up in a dream. But thanks to YouTube, today I was the 94th person to view the proof that he existed.

I wasn't dreaming.

I saw him on the evening of February 12, 1962, live on the television program, "I've Got a Secret!" I had just turned 13 the month before. It's a well-know fact among members of my family that I didn't take good notes in school -- and not at all while watching television. So I didn't remember his name. Today, I learned it: Stan Berman.

Why would I be inspired by a Brooklyn cab driver? It was because of his secret: --- he was a gatecrasher. I'd never heard the term before, but by the end of that TV program, I was already dreaming of the day I could be one.

I didn't remember the long, gatecrashing resume he had displayed in photographs that evening, except for one. I'll never forget seeing him sit with the Kennedy Family at the Inaugural Ball for President John F. Kennedy the year before on my 12th birthday, 1961.

That's Stan Berman seated three seats to JFK's right (your left). I don't know who the woman is seated to the right of the applauding Stan Berman, but to his left is the President's father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Sr. The President's mother is between him and his father.

No, I didn't make a career out of being a gatecrasher, but I never stopped thinking about pulling such a clever, albeit harmless prank. I will confess that, as a journalist, there were times when I used some of Stan Berman's inspiration to help me get closer to people I needed to interview, but I only did it recreationally one time.

And I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments.

It was at Burbank High School on a Saturday evening, when I was an 11th grader. As usual, I showed up early to an event -- this time earlier than anyone else, it turns out. It was in the auditorium. and it was slated to be a collection of musical performances by some popular music personalities. Most were probably on the downward side of their careers, but they were at least once-popular. The person I was bent on seeing live was a young folksinger who was very popular in Southern California, Tim Morgan.

I don't remember exactly when I decided to attempt the crashing of the gate, but I know when the action started. I was the only person standing in line at the ticket window. Nobody was even inside the booth yet. The custodian walked up with a set of keys and asked me if I was the ticket seller. I responded with a single word -- a word that would launch my own inauguration to gatecrashing.

"Yes!"

A moment later, I was alone in the ticket booth and was able to "sell" myself a front-row, center seat. A moment after I placed the ticket in my shirt pocket, a pretty girl (who was pretty concerned) was knocking on the door to the booth. I opened it and she said, "What are you doing here?" Someone had once told me two rules to follow when caught red-handed: 1). Don't flinch. 2) Always answer a question with another question.

"What are YOU doing here?"

She said she was supposed to be selling the tickets. I said the same thing back to her, but I quickly suggested we split up the task. I allowed her to take the first shift. I'd come back later to relieve her, I lied. I knew I would never come back. Instead, I walked to one of the three or four entry doors to the auditorium. I almost handed off my ticket, but I started thinking that it had been too easy. I didn't want it to end that quickly.

I noticed that there was a second attendant at the door. He was handing out the program booklets.

"Excuse me," I told him. "We've run out of programs at the side door. Could I please take some of yours?" I took my half-stack to the side door and told the person there that he was to go cover one of the other doors. I was supposed to work this door now. Then I handed out the programs until I was down to just one. I carried it inside and took my seat.

Still too easy! I was front-row, center, but there were people with a better view: they were backstage. I watched one official walk through a door that led backstage, so I waited a couple of minutes, got up and walked backstage. I hadn't thought about what I would say if someone asked. They didn't, however.

Then I saw Tim Morgan sitting on a stool, warming up with his beautiful guitar. I had to talk to him. I walked up to him and said, "Hi, I'm with the school paper. May I interview you please?" He was happy to oblige me. Afterwards, I asked him if I could play his guitar. After all, the first four chords I had learned on my $7, used Sears Silvertone guitar were the chords to his cult-favorite song, "The Cat Came Back" (E-minor, D, C, B7 -- a most difficult chord to play). He handed me his guitar and I nailed the B7! He was impressed.

Then I wandered over near the light and curtain cage -- just off stage left. Nearby, the designated student "introducers" were reviewing the 5x7" cards someone had handed them --- cards with the introduction information for each artist.

At that moment, there was a crisis at the light and curtain cage. It seems that the custodian who had opened the ticket booth door for me was working the lights, but he was apparently drunk. I think he had just walked away, so there was nobody there to work the lights.

I volunteered and took over. It was a stupid thing to do because I didn't know the first thing about the lights or the curtains. The drama teacher, a former Marine named Miss Wolfson had been barking orders from the projection booth behind the balcony. I'd listen to the intercom and then look for something with a label that matched what she was saying.

Apparently I failed, because a few moments later, she was there at the cage and was chewing me out for screwing up the lights. "You were on the stage crew! You should know how to do this," she said. I didn't think it was a good time to volunteer the information that I had only been a volunteer for one production, "My Fair Lady," the prior year --- and, no, I never learned the lights. Anyway, she kicked me out of the cage.

That left me without a job, so I went up to the person handing out the "introduction" cards and asked for mine. Whoever it was giving them out didn't question my credentials, so I took my card and waited my turn.

Two performances later, I walked out onto the stage and did a pretty darned good job introducing singer Bobby Day singing his hit song, "Rockin' Robbin."

Then I retired as a gatecrasher. It's always good to undefeated -- sort of.

A postscript: After posting this, I found out that Stan Berman died at age 41. How sad.

Died. Stanley Berman, 41, Brooklyn cab driver and self-proclaimed "World's Greatest Gate-Crasher"; of a blood infection; in Brooklyn. No occasion was too exclusive, no dignitary too aloof for Berman, who posed as a waiter to demand Queen Elizabeth II's autograph during her 1957 visit, crashed J.F.K.'s Inaugural Ball in 1961, and had his finest moment in 1962 when he charged onstage to hand Bob Hope an Oscar in front of 100 million TV watchers.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900024,00.html#ixzz1R6rWJf52

--- end ---

Just found this about Stan Berman - lol!

1962: Comedian Bob Hope hosts the Oscars from the Santa Monica Civic Center. As the cinematography award is about to be announced, a strange man suddenly rushes the podium and grabs the mike. Calling himself Stan Berman, he declares: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm the world's greatest gatecrasher and I just came here to present Bob Hope with his 1938 trophy." Handing a miniature statuette to actress Shelley Winters, he says "This is for Bob" and splits. Hope later quips, "Who needs Price Waterhouse? All we need is a doorman."

1962: The most memorable event of the night was when Stan Berman, a New York City cabdriver, awarded Bob Hopes a homemade Oscar after he had slipped through security and made his way to the stage.
http://classicmovieguide.com/content/view/445/69/

Burbank has given $4 million in city bonuses since 2007

2011-07-01T22:12:00.008-05:00

YIKES!!!

Thought this comment pretty right on:
"Bonuses for public servants! Unbelievable . . . now I have heard everything. No wonder our local, State and Federal government is failing. How can these people believe they deserve "bonus's" with tax dollars. That is some logic. We are doomed if that is the level of thinking in our political institutions. If you want a bonus you go into the private sector where the purpose is to make money . . . not use tax dollars. This is "fuzzy thinking" and lack of integrity in our public officials. I am stunned at this revelation. This is criminal! "

Burbank has given $4 million in city bonuses since 2007

Documents the city fought in court to keep out of public view show a work culture built around the bonus system. One hundred employees got an extra $10,000 or more during the four-year period.

By Gretchen Meier and Maria Hsin, Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0702-burbank-bonus-20110702,0,7586037.story

July 2, 2011
Hundreds of Burbank city employees have received a collective $4 million in bonuses since July 2007, according to documents the city fought in court to keep out of public view.

The records released by city officials reveal a work culture built around that bonus system, which for some employees has amounted to tens of thousands of dollars in the last four years alone. It dwarfs a bonus program in Glendale, a city nearly twice as large, which distributed $1 million during a 10-year period to top managers.

Burbank city executives have defended the bonuses as an important tool in retaining top talent, but records show that the annual payouts extend to hundreds of rank-and-file employees each year. Over time, the bonuses — which range from $30 to $22,000 at a time — can accumulate and add significantly to their salaries, and the city's pension obligations.

The employee at the top of the list, Burbank Water and Power General Manager Ron Davis, pulled in $79,000 in bonus pay during the four-year period. Davis' total salary in 2010 was $263,028.

Public Works Director Bonnie Teaford, who made $207,176 last year, was paid $55,000 in bonuses during the last four years. Other department directors — Management Services, Information Technology and Library Services — each accumulated $31,500 to $40,000 in bonus pay during the same period, according to the records.

City Council members noted Thursday that they had suspended bonuses for mostly executive-level employees for the coming fiscal year, given a budget in which library upgrades were put off, fire services were reduced and fees were raised.

"As a result of that, we are returning that money to city services, which is important," said Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy. "Frankly, it was a very important step to take. Actually, it was critical. And we took it."

The release of the records ends a months-long fight between the city and the Burbank Leader, which filed a public records request seeking information about bonus amounts given to individual employees. Burbank denied the request in January, arguing that it would harm employee morale and violate workplace privacy rules.

But the newspaper, which is owned by the same parent company as the Los Angeles Times, filed a lawsuit. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in May sided with the paper, ordering city officials to release the information.

In the weeks leading up to the documents being released, residents had been critical of the city's decision to bail out a fledgling municipal golf course while trimming fire and youth job services and putting off library upgrades to close an $8.7-million budget gap. But when told of the total bonus amounts — and that they extended to hundreds of employees — residents were incensed.

"That's outrageous!" said Emily Lindwood, 56. "Families are losing their jobs, insurance and homes in record number and they are giving themselves bonuses? What is our world coming to? How can I get a job with them?"

Patricia Garcia, 38, agreed: "Things like this just stink of corruption, even if there isn't any going on. After Bell, I think everything needs to be scrutinized, especially people getting these huge bonuses."

But the majority of employees who received bonuses this past year will continue to be eligible because the payouts are written into their union contracts. The City Council would have to renegotiate those terms to completely suspend the system.

A $7-million increase in pension costs was singled out as the main contributor to Burbank's $8.7-million budget gap for this fiscal year.

In the fiscal year 2009-10 alone, the city doled out $1.16 million in bonuses for 527 city employees, or about 43% of the of 1,214 eligible workers. One hundred employees earned $10,000 or more in bonuses during the four-year period.

The data also show that 19% of those who received a bonus did so four years in a row.

Even as tax revenues have been hit by the recession, the cumulative amount of bonus pay has increased. In the fiscal year 2007-08, the city distributed $1.07 million. In 2008-09, that amount increased to $1.11 million, and in 2009-10 it rose to $1.16 million as the City Council continued to expand the program for some unions.

To earn a bonus, employees must meet specific goals and objectives established at the start of the fiscal year, although oversight of how they are divvied up varies by department and depends on the management structure, officials said.

Former Burbank City Manager Mary Alvord said the bonuses were an important tool to reward hard-working employees, but agreed that the amounts should be public.

"You are paid by taxpayers' money," Alvord said. "As a taxpayer, you have the right to know. And you can't play hide-and-seek with that."

gretchen.meier@latimes.com

--- end ---

Residents 'blown away' by bonus amounts

By Gretchen Meier, gretchen.meier@latimes.com

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/tn-gnp-0703-bonussidebar,0,7547023.story

July 1, 2011 | 12:41 p.m.
The public reacts to information recently released by Burbank officials that shows city employees have recieved $4 million in bonus pay since 2007.

“I’m blown away by that amount of money. That’s incredible — I want to work for Burbank.”

— Jerad Moreno, 28, outside of Porto’s Bakery in Burbank

“That’s outrageous! Families are losing their jobs, insurance and homes in record number and they are giving themselves bonuses? What is our world coming to? How can I get a job with them?”

— Emily Lindwood, 56, Porto’s Bakery in Burbank

“I don’t know, it’s fair because there’s the possibility and these people are actually doing a really good job. On the other hand, $22,000 or even $5,000 is a lot of money for ‘a really good job’ every year.”

— Paul Ivanov, 31, outside of Starbucks, Empire Center

“Things like this just stink of corruption, even if there isn’t any going on. After Bell, I think everything needs to be scrutinized, especially people getting these huge bonuses....”

— Patricia Garcia, 38, Starbucks, Empire Center

“That’s scary. I live on the border between Burbank and Glendale, but I come to Burbank for the services. Just in the past few years I’ve noticed less librarians and the children’s department seems to be okay, but I haven’t gotten as many books. It’s everywhere, seems like there’s less police and fire on the street and times are tough for everyone. They’re city employees and we all have to take a cut. I’d even be happy with a $30 bonus.”

— Sarah Garcia, 30, outside of Burbank Central Library

“They are making cuts from regular working people. Instead they should use the money to open up more jobs. They’re just burning the money and if they open more work places, there are not going to be as many problems with families.”

— Mike Matvosyan, 46, Burbank Central Library

--- end ---

Bonus payouts to city employees totals $4M

Documents show the city has paid out $4 million collectively since July 2007.

http://www.burbankleader.com/news/tn-gnp-0703-bonuses,0,4566838.story
Comments

Burbank City Hall. (File photo)

By Gretchen Meier and Maria Hsin, maria.hsin@latimes.com

July 1, 2011 | 12:17 p.m.

Hundreds of Burbank city employees have received a collective $4 million in bonuses since July 2007, according to documents the city fought in court to keep out of public view.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in May ordered city officials to release bonus pay amounts for individual employees to the Burbank Leader, which sued to obtain the information after its public records request was denied under the auspice that it would harm employee morale and violate workplace privacy rules.

On Thursday, City Council members noted that they had suspended bonuses for mostly executive-level employees for the coming fiscal year, given a budget in which library upgrades were put off, fire services were reduced and fees were raised.

“As a result of that, we are returning that money to city services which is important,” said Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy said. “Frankly, it was a very important step to take. Actually, it was critical. And we took it.”

But the majority of employees who received bonuses this past year will continue to be eligible because the pay outs are written into their union contracts. The City Council would have to renegotiate those terms to completely suspend the system.

The records released by city officials reveal a work culture built around that bonus system, which for some employees has amounted to tens of thousands of dollars in the past four years alone.

Burbank Water and Power General Manager Ron Davis pulled in $79,000 in bonus pay during the four-year period, putting him at the top of the list. Davis’ total salary in 2010 was $263,028.

Public Works Director Bonnie Teaford, who made $207,176 last year, was paid $55,000 in bonuses during the past four years. The directors of Management Services, Information Technology and Library Services each accumulated between $31,500 and $40,000 in bonus pay during the same period, according to the records.

City executives have defended the bonuses as an important tool in retaining top talent, but records show that the annual payouts extend to hundreds of employees, many of them rank-and-file, each year. Over time, the bonuses — which range from $30 to $22,000 at a time — can accumulate and add significantly to their salaries, and the city’s pension obligations.

A $7-million increase in pension costs was singled out as the main contributor to Burbank’s $8.7-million budget gap for this fiscal year.

In fiscal year 2009-10 alone, the city doled out $1.16 million in bonuses for 527 city employees, or about 43% of the of 1,214 eligible workers. One hundred employees earned $10,000 or more in bonuses during the four-year period.

The data also shows that 19% of those who received a bonus did so four years in a row.

“Most of your top performers will continue to be your top performers each year, typically, unless something drastic [occurs],” said Management Services Director Judie Wilke, who earned a $12,000-bonus this year. “If you are a competent employee, you remain so.”

Even as tax revenues have been hit by the recession, the cumulative amount of bonus pay has increased. In fiscal year 2007-08, the city distributed $1.07 million. In 2008-09, that amount increased to $1.11 million, and then to $1.16 million in 2009-10 as the City Council continued to expand the program for some unions.

To earn a bonus, employees must meet specific goals and objectives established at the start of the fiscal year, although oversight of how they’re divvied up varies by department and depends on the management structure, officials said.

“We trust the department directors to review what’s brought to their desks,” said city spokesman Keith Sterling, who earned a $5,500 bonus this year.

Approval of a bonus may pass through three people before reaching a department chief. Amounts can be a percentage of a salary — such as the $123.71 listed for a Park, Recreation and Community Services employee — or a flat figure, like the $5,000 awarded to a city attorney.

City Manager Mike Flad, whose contract does not allow for a bonus, approves merit payments for executives.

Burbank’s employee bonus program dwarfs its counterpart in Glendale, a city nearly twice as large where only executives are eligible for the payouts.

Glendale, which suspended bonuses in 2008 due to mounting budget problems, distributed $1 million during a 10-year period to its upper management. The highest payout — $10,765.20 in 2007 — went to disgraced former Police Chief Randy Adams, who is now embroiled in a corruption scandal in the city of Bell. It was one of only three individual payouts of more than $10,000 since 1999 in that city.

But Burbank officials argue an “apples to apples comparison” isn’t possible with Glendale.

Former Burbank City Manager Mary Alvord, who teaches a management training course at Woodbury University for Glendale and Burbank employees, said the bonuses were an important tool to reward those “who work their butts off for the city.”

She cautioned that workplace morale would suffer after the Burbank disclosure because she saw it happen among Glendale employees after bonus pay figures there were made public.

Still, she said, “I agree it should be out there. You are paid by taxpayers’ money. As a taxpayer, you have the right to know. And you can’t play hide-and-seek with that.”

Melanie Hicken contributed to this report.

COMMENTS:

ecarle at 8:08 PM July 1, 2011 On December 15, 2010 The Leader reported: “...employees made more than $1 million in bonuses last year.” Then they sued, cost the city another $37,000 or so and found out what earth-shattering information? Read today's headline: “Hundreds of Burbank city employees have received a collective $4 million in bonuses since July 2007...In fiscal year 2009-10 alone, the city doled out $1.16 million in bonuses.” Yeah, you told us exactly that way back in December! Did you get $37,000 worth, Burbank Leader? Because as far as I can see, we learned absolutely nothing we didn’t already know.

lightnapper at 4:35 PM July 1, 2011 Donate those bonuses to the "Debell-- "We Ain't Bell-- bailout." Cocktails anyone?

tomdavis at 2:47 PM July 1, 2011 Another public employee free-for-all with the taxpayers' money.
What do they care? It's not their money... until they take it from you.

Cutspendingnow at 4:08 PM July 1, 2011 Government employees should not receive bonuses. No one person goes above and beyond that of another employee in their same classification. If that is happening on a regular basis, than the lower performer should be addressed. The answer is not to increase the other employee's pay via a bonus. Every employee receives a salary to perform their job. Bonuses are favoritism at its best. No one employee goes beyond the expectations of their job function. If they are, than promote them. An example would be a firefighter or police officer who saves a life. That is their job! Are you telling me the taxpayers should further reward them with a bonus that keeps on giving? It doesn’t matter how much you produce or the quality of your work, you won’t get a bonus or a big bonus if you are not well-liked. All cities within California do not give bonuses. Why should one city receive bonuses over another. After all, all the jobs are comparable and are paid good wages. If you want a job that gives bonuses, go into sales or join Wall Street.

Catherine in Hollywood at 2:36 PM July 1, 2011 As a public employee whose salary is locked in once you hit the top range, not working in Burbank, I think bonuses are a good idea on the surface. My government employer can not give out bonuses and sometimes can barely offer a lame thank you despite working long thankless hours on behalf of the public. People do leave for higher paid jobs and bonuses...that's a fact of life. BUT bonuses can't be given to everyone there needs to be standards and documentation to prove they deserve them. And I'm not sorry to say this but no government employee deserves thousands in bonuses. These bonuses need to be looked at to be made FAIR based on their salaries and to ensure there is no favoritism. BUT before these are given out again..the City Council needs to explain to its citizens WHY they allow BWP to raise its fees. This has become a yearly event and even Seniors on fixed incomes aren't exempt. What rationale is used for that when bonuses are given out...bonuses that WE pay for in these and other fees? I'd give the head of BWP a bonus too, only IF he reduced fees!

LAProphet at 12:42 PM July 1, 2011 Can residents get bonuses, too??? I guess not.... All we get are annoying letters from BWP chastising us for our energy use as compared to "green" residents, whoever they are....

Bob, is that You??

2011-07-01T21:41:00.004-05:00

Just received this funny photo... thanks LeAnne!

Cathy - I took this picture last week. I can't drive past (I don't think it is possible to drive "through") Sardis, Texas without smiling because of this little cafe.

Thanks for everything you do.

LeAnne (Benedict) Dann '67

Here's a closeup... yep, that's him alright! Wonder where they got him??

Location:
653 Sardis
Midlothian, TX 76065
Phone: 972-923-2155

These folks like the food:
4/13/2011

We just finished. I had sautéed tilapia with sautéed potatoes and green beans, Susan had grilled tuna steak, assorted vegetables and sautéed potatoes. Mine was delicious as expected and Susan says it was the best food she has eaten in a long while. It is THAT good. We are sharing a chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Need I say more? Try it for yourselves. You will not be disappointed!!!!!!!!"

In the meantime, be sure to check out Burbank Bob's Website: http://www.bobs.net/

Class of '66 Lunch July 16 @ Sunset Beach

2011-06-21T20:45:00.004-05:00

July 16, 12:00
Harbor House Cafe, Sunset Beach
Class of 1966 Lunch
RSVP
Greg Alaimo
gregjalaimo@gmail.com

PS Any year from Burbank is a Classmate. All are welcome!

View Larger Map

UPDATE: Toluca Lake Bob's Does Not Honor Corporate Coupons BUT They Do Have a Cool Website!

2011-06-21T08:03:00.015-05:00

June 30 2011 Update

Received today a reply from Bob's on Facebook in regards to why they don't honor the coupons.

"That is corporate big boy, we have nothing to do with them. We are our own seperate Big Boy, the one and only. We have our own website bobs.net !"

Be sure to check out their very cool website!

June 25 2011 UPDATE

Barbara Zelenay tried to redeem the Bob's coupons and was refused (see comment below), so I just now called and asked the manager why. He told me the owner, Steve Fundhauser (or something like that), didn't want to. I asked if he was there as I wanted to talk to him but was told he lives in Michigan. TL Bob's is the ONLY Bob's that does not honor the website coupons. Oh brother.

ORIGINAL POST

Big thanks to Greg Alaimo (BHS '66) for this link - I'll be there in July!

*+*
http://bigboy.com/coupons.html
You can down load coupons. If your going to Bobs at the 100th.
Take Care,
Greg

Class '65 Has New Website

2011-06-14T06:16:00.000-05:00

Stam Hill emailed the link to the new website so check it out! http://www.burbankhigh65.com/

FROM THE NEW BHS CLASS 1965 WEBSITE:

After 12 years, the Class of '65 website has been given a new and easier to use make-over. It also now has it's own domain name: www.burbankhigh65.com.So please add it to your Favorites on your web browser.

It also has a Class of '65 Only Section, so if you're a member of the Class of '65 please register. Registered members can change their contact information, have their own blog and wall so other classmates can know what you're up to. You can also participate in forums, and chat with other classmates who are online. If you have ideas on how to make this section more useful, let us know and we'll try to accommodate your suggestions.

Laura Ziskin (BHS '68) 1950 - 2011

2011-06-13T05:30:00.006-05:00

Received the very sad and shocking news this morning that Laura passed away yesterday. We do pray to the Lord for her family and close friends...

Producer Laura Ziskin dies at 61
'Spider-Man' maven was an advocate for health, environmental issues
By Cynthia Littleton

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118038459

Laura Ziskin, a trailblazer among femme film producers and a forceful advocate for health and environmental issues, died Sunday of breast cancer at her home in Santa Monica, Calif. She was 61.

Ziskin fought a seven-year battle with the disease, yet remained one of the biz's busiest producers and a champion of causes close to her heart, including Stand Up 2 Cancer, the non-profit org she helped launch in 2008. The org wrangled dozens of stars to participate in telethons in 2008 and 2010 that ran across multiple networks and generated $180 million in donations for cancer research.

Earlier this year, she was honored by the Producers Guild of America with its Visionary Award. She earned the PGA's David O. Selznick life achievement kudo in 2005.

On the big screen, Ziskin steered one of the most successful film franchises in B.O. history as the producer of Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man" series. The first three pics in the series that began in 2002 broke B.O. records around the globe, with "Spider-Man 3" ranking as the highest-grossing pic in the history of Sony Pictures.

The fourth installment, a reboot with a new cast, wrapped production last month.

Ziskin was working on "Spider-Man 2" in 2004 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which had been overlooked by mammograms. "I was a lucky girl: Nothing bad ever happened to me, and then it did," Ziskin told Variety in January.

Friends and colleagues admired her determination not to let the illness slow her down.

Along with contemporaries that included the late Dawn Steel and Sherry Lansing, Ziskin was part of a generation of showbiz women who braved gender bias to rise to prominence as execs and producers in the 1980s and 1990s. During her long career, Ziskin segued easily between roles as an exec and as a producer. She produced or exec produced such notable pics as "Pretty Woman," "What About Bob?," "Hero," "To Die For" and "As Good As it Gets." She exec produced the Oscarcast in 2002, marking the first time a solo femme took the reins of the live telecast, and again in 2007.

In the mid-1980s, she partnered with Sally Field in the Fogwood Films banner, which yielded such pics as the 1985 James Garner starrer "Murphy's Romance."

After graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts in 1973, Ziskin's earliest days in the biz included a stint working for producer Jon Peters and as a veep at Kings Road Prods.

Ziskin was named prexy of 20th Century Fox's Fox 2000 division at its founding in 1994 through 2000. On her watch, the unit released such titles as "Courage Under Fire," "One Fine Day," "Inventing the Abbotts," "Soul Food," "Never Been Kissed," "Fight Club," and "The Thin Red Line."

After leaving Fox 2000, she partnered with George Clooney to produce CBS' live telecast of the drama "Fail Safe." She teamed with helmer Norman Jewison for the 2001 HBO telepic "Dinner With Friends."

Ziskin was active in numerous social and philanthropic initiatives, having served on the board of Americans for a Safe Future, the National Council of Jewish Women and Education First.

Ziskin's survivors include her husband, Alvin, and daughter, Julia.

A memorial is being planned. The family requests that donations be made to Stand Up 2 Cancer through the org's website, standup2cancer.org.

--- end ---

UPDATE
Just found this recent sweet interview of Laura by 8 year old actress, Madison Moellers.

-------------------

NEW YORK TIMES

Laura Ziskin, Producer of ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Pretty Woman,’ Dies at 61

By ALJEAN HARMETZ

Published: June 13, 2011

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/14/movies/laura-ziskin-behind-spider-man-films-dies-at-61.html

LOS ANGELES — Laura Ziskin, a prominent Hollywood producer who ventured into the largely male world of special-effects movies to become a shaping force behind the blockbuster “Spider-Man” franchise, died on Sunday at her home in Santa Monica, Calif. She was 61.

Laura Ziskin in 2006 (J. Emilio Flores for The New York Times)

The cause was complications of breast cancer, said Steve Elzer, a spokesman for Sony Pictures. After receiving a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer seven years ago, she became an advocate of cancer research and helped raise money for it.

In a field where women are a minority, Ms. Ziskin had a number of commercial and artistic successes, including “No Way Out” (1987), the taut melodrama that helped make Kevin Costner a star; “What About Bob?,” a 1991 comedy with Bill Murray that she also helped write; “To Die For” (1995), a black comedy starring Nicole Kidman; and “As Good as It Gets,” a 1997 romance with Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt that earned best-acting Oscars for both.

As executive producer of “Pretty Woman” (1990), the megahit fairy tale about a romance between a prostitute and a business tycoon, Ms Ziskin insisted on an ending in which Julia Roberts has changed Richard Gere as fully as he has changed her.

“I didn’t want a movie whose message would be that some nice guy will come along and give you nice clothes and lots of money and make you happy,” Ms. Ziskin told People magazine.

“Pretty Woman” established Julia Roberts as a superstar and stands among the most successful box-office romances of all time.

Ms. Ziskin had never produced a special-effects movie when she took on “Spider-Man” (2002), based on the Marvel Comics superhero, but it became a box-office juggernaut, earning almost $115 million its opening weekend, a record then. With Tobey Maguire as a socially awkward superhero who can swing from buildings, the movie offered both dazzling digital effects and teenage angst, a combination that proved irresistible to audiences.

Ms. Ziskin went on to help produce its two sequels as well as a third, the “The Amazing Spider-Man,” which is scheduled to open in 2012.

Though she succeeded handsomely in Hollywood, she did so initially feeling like an outsider. “Historically, the movie business has been a young white man’s business, and there is an ease of men amongst each other because they think alike,” Ms. Ziskin told The Hollywood Reporter in 1996. “When you come into that as a woman, you are an alien to some degree because you think differently.”

Ms. Ziskin broke one barrier in 2002 when she became the first woman to produce the annual Academy Awards show (the 74th) on her own. She produced the show again in 2007.

A native of Southern California, Laura Ellen Ziskin was born on March 3, 1950, and graduated from the University of Southern California film school in 1973. Her first job was writing for “The Newlywed Game” and “The Dating Game.” As an assistant to Jon Peters at Barbra Streisand’s Barwood Films, she got her first screen credit in 1978 as associate producer of “Eyes of Laura Mars,” starring Faye Dunaway.

When her marriage to the screenwriter Julian Barry ended in divorce, leaving her with a young daughter, Julia, Ms. Ziskin became a full-time producer and for a time dragged the girl from location to location.

In 1994, Ms. Ziskin became president of Fox 2000 Pictures, a newly created film division of 20th Century Fox. During her five years there she oversaw movies like “Courage Under Fire” (1996), a military drama with Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan; “Volcano” (1997), a disaster film with Tommy Lee Jones; Terence Malick’s 1998 film adaptation of James Jones’s “Thin Red Line”; and the Brad Pitt vehicle “Fight Club” (1999), a box-office failure that became a success on DVD.

In 2008 she produced an hourlong telethon, “Stand Up to Cancer,” which raised nearly $100 million for cancer research. It was broadcast live on ABC, CBS and NBC simultaneously.

“I got a bad case of cancer in 2004,” Ms. Ziskin told Variety at the time. “When you’re diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you want to do is join a movement. You kind of just want to crawl in a hole.”
But after watching former Vice President Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” she realized, she said, “the power of the medium in which I work to affect how people think.”

She had touched on the subject of cancer in 1991, when she produced “The Doctor,” with William Hurt as a doctor who learns he has throat cancer.

Ms. Ziskin’s survivors include her husband, the screenwriter Alvin Sargent, who wrote a number of films she produced, including three “Spider-Man” movies; her daughter, Julia Barry; her brothers Ken and Randy; a sister, Nina Ziskin; and her mother, Elaine Edelman.

Ms. Ziskin said film producing was a constant balancing of artistic and commercial concerns. “Every day you make compromises when making movies,” she told a reporter. “You hope you don’t make one that sinks you.”

She was disappointed that Hollywood studios had become less willing to take artistic risks. When The Hollywood Reporter asked her which of her movies she thought would not get made today, she answered: “All of them. ‘No Way Out,’ ‘To Die For,’ ‘The Doctor,’ even ‘Pretty Woman.’ The mainstream movie business has become increasingly narrow.”

Email from Jim McKenzie (BHS '62)

2011-06-12T19:05:00.002-05:00

Thanks Jim for the great photo! I recognize a few others as well like Vince Goddard, Ted Goldstone and Vern Olson all class '67 (2nd row l-r 1, 2 & 4).

Top row, L-R: Kevin ?, Randy Cotter, Bill Boomsma, Mike Light (JBHS 65), ?, Randy Ziglar, Ken Powers, Jim McKenzie, Emil Evanko.
2nd row, L-R: Vince Goddard, Ted Goldstone, Eldon Fuller, Vern Olson, ?, Richard Moll, Mark Bowler (younger brother of Paul BHS 64), John Ferguson, Chris Smith (JBHS 65).
Front row, L-R: Tim Murphy, Robert Meade, Randy Wood, Al Pinson, Pat Fligg, David Pinson, ? Smith (younger brother of Chris).

Cathy

I periodically check your blog for BHS info and was truly shocked to learn Pat passed away back in January. Around Centennial time in '08 Pat and I reconnected via Facebook or some other social media venue. At the time, I did not realize that Pat attended USMA and graduated in 1971 or John Ferguson in 1972. I left Burbank right after graduation and never really kept in touch with folks. My ties to Burbank were limited since BHS was my third high school. Anyway, I had the pleasure of being on the USMA faculty 81-84. Pat and I emailed back and forth a few times but I never hooked up with John Ferguson or Ken Powers. All three were good guys when I knew them. Well as good as 10 and 11 year old boys can be.

I have attached a photo taken probably around 1961 at the Burbank YMCA. In the photo is a tall teenager in a black shirt your far right....yours truly (BHS '62). I coached the boys Y swim team for a couple years and lettered swimming a couple years at BHS. Directly to my right is Ken Powers (67), directly below Ken is John Ferguson (68) and bottom row third from your right Pat (67). In addition, to Ken's right Randy Ziglar (64) and bottom row second from your left Rob Meade (66). Thought maybe the picture may draw some interest from your readers.

Don't make it to Burbank much. Last trip was June '08 to visit my cousin Tom Turner (BHS 71, he play QB in those days) and his lovely bride, Pat Dalton Turner (72). They reside in Valencia, CA.

Good job on the blog by the way. Enjoy reading it from time to time. Have fun at Panama City.....went there many times when I was stationed (75-78) up the road at Fort Rucker, AL.

Again sadden by Pat's passing.

Warm Regards,

Jim McKenzie

2021 Harris Drive
Possum Kingdom Lake, TX 76449-4329

940-779-2265

Aloha Donna Luce Neitman (BHS '67)!

2011-06-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Received the following email from Donna and here is the link to see all her great photos of her Hawaiian cruise - thanks Donna!

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=b5e4ff6252ba49ec&sid=0QYt2jVyzZMn9Q

Hi Cathy, Thought maybe you could post these pics from our cruise in Hawaii we took in May. My Mom, bless her heart, treated us all for her 25th cruise. As you know she is undergoing chemo again as her cancer came back after 16 years in remission. She wanted to take a cruise before she had her treatments, so here we are. She is doing well for what she is going through and is an amazing woman. Carol, my daughter, her husband Andrew, my granddaughters, Avery (5), Taylor (4), me, Larry, brother Don and of course Mom all met in Hawaii then boarded the cruise ship. We sailed to Maui first where we met up with Joelle Morton and went to the Haleakala Crater 10,000 feet up. From there we sailed to Hilo, Kona & Kauai. It was a beautiful and relaxing trip. Enjoy the pics. Aloha, Donna

Alumni Updates: Dave & Betsy Nash and Neal Hershenson

2011-06-09T20:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Neal Hershenson (BHS '67) who connected with Betsy (BHS '68) and got permission to post this wonderful photo of her with brother Dave (BHS '67)... the 2 on the left!

By the way, Neal is a proud papa as his one daughter and her husband both sing opera in New York City and the other daughter will be dancing in an upcoming performance!

More info at http://launbound.com/

Road Kings Car Show & Picnic June 12 2011

2011-06-09T19:51:00.002-05:00

Party of the Century -- July 8

2011-06-07T13:50:00.007-05:00

Hot off the press from Burbank! I'll be there... will you? Hope so.

The Party of the Century -- July 8
Burbank Celebrates its Centennial in Style
Friday, July 8 from 5:00 to 10:00 P.M.

FREE

Websites:
www.burbankusa.com

www.facebook.com/downtownburbank

Phone: 818.238.5180

JUNE 24 UPDATE

Party of the Century - July 8th

Posted Date: 6/22/2011 9:00 AM

Party of the Century to include Air Parade, Music, Fireworks and more!

** Free shuttles courtesy of SuperShuttle will be running continuously from 4:00 to 11:00 P.M. with stops at McCambridge Park Recreation Center (Glenoaks Boulevard and Amherst Drive) and the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station (201 N Front Street)**

On the anniversary of its incorporation in 1911, the City of Burbank will celebrate its 100th year with the Party of the Century in Downtown Burbank, Friday, July 8 from 5:00 to 10:00 P.M.

A supersized festivity with flybys, parades, multiple stages, memorabilia, mascots, children's entertainers, stilt walkers, awesome food from Downtown Burbank restaurants, community booths and more, the Party of the Century will be the ultimate night on the town for kids and families alike.

Encompassing six city blocks including San Fernando Boulevard, Palm Avenue, AMC Walkway, Orange Grove and Olive Avenue, it will express the civic pride and community spirit that have defined Burbank’s first 100 years.

Things will really heat up when the sun goes down. That's when the grand finale with a stunningly choreographed firework show will cap festivities in a profusion of light and sound.

PARTY HIGHLIGHTS

It all starts at 5:00 P.M. with the national anthem and live broadcast in front of City Hall (275 E Olive Avenue) featuring KNBC Weatherman Fritz Coleman, civic dignitaries, former Mayors and a host of celebrities from Burbank’s rich film and television production history.

During the ceremony, the contents of a time capsule will be revealed at Angeleno Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard. A new capsule filled with mementos from the Centennial will be buried later in the year for the benefit of future generations.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will present one of the largest cupcake displays ever! Big enough to feed 2,000 people, this super-sized confection made from thousands of regular-sized cakes stacked high on a custom-built stand, will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Concocted by a dream-team of master bakers from Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, Martino’s Bakery and Yummy Cupcakes, this tasty tower of flour is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Following the ceremony at approximately 5:45 P.M. will be the Air Parade, an awe-inspiring pageant in the sky that honors Bob Hope Airport and pays homage to Burbank’s close ties to aviation. Included will be McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets. B-25 Mitchell bombers, Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Police Notar helicopters, Aero Squadron World War II planes, helicopters from Los Angeles County Sheriff “Air 5” Rescue, Los Angeles County Fire, Long Beach Police and the Orange County Sheriff departments and more.

Then, there will be the Mascot Parade led by Bugs Bunny and featuring Burbank High’s Bulldog, the John Burroughs Cheer Squad, Hootie the Owl, Domino’s Noid, Geoffrey the Giraffe, the H.T. Bee, Sergeant McGruff the Crime Dog, Burbank Fire Department’s L’il Squirt and many more. Characters will cavort down Olive Avenue to San Fernando Boulevard, where there will be numerous photos ops with the public.

Multiple stages will fill the streets with continuous performances by rock and rollers Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, the Alley Cats, a USO Show by Wartime Radio Revue, DJ Ranney spinning Burbank’s favorite tunes, a Fabulous Fifties bandstand with the retro crooners High Street, celebrity lookalikes, jazz and blues band The Bluez Express, a kids stage featuring Radio Disney’s Street Team and NBT artist Sacha Edwards, 14-year-old pop and rock sensation who has already performed over 100 live shows in some of Los Angeles' hottest venues.

An 18-foot animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex similar to the frightening carnivore in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 classic The Lost World: Jurassic Park will be on display at the Universal City Studios Credit Union (175 E Olive Avenue), along with free screenings of the movie, which was in part filmed in Downtown Burbank.

Downtown eateries Alambres Fresh Mexican Grill, Another Broken Egg Café, Carousel Restaurant at the Holiday Inn, Chadaka Thai, Fuddruckers, Haagen-Dazs, Hooters, Hot Dog on a Stick, IKEA Restaurant, Market City Caffé, Moore’s Delicatessen, Season Thai Cuisine, The Great Grill, Yogurtland and z pizza (the list is growing daily!) will be offering special menus in celebration of the Party.

To finish, there will a stunning Fireworks Grand Finale choreographed to Burbank-related movie and television soundtracks, such as themes from Laugh In, The Tonight Show, Looney Tunes Cartoons, Happy Days and films by Tim Burton and Ron Howard.

For further information, please call 818.238.5180

Source: http://www.ci.burbank.ca.us/index.aspx?recordid=850&page=25

Class of '66 - Emerson 6th Grade

2011-06-07T06:29:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Linda Schuster Mazur ('66) for this great 6th grade photo!

click to enlarge

Mr. Bucklin's 6th grade class, Emerson Elementary, class of BHS '66...

Top Row, l-r: Bob Carter, Cathy Ferguson, John Cowgill, David Bogner, Bruse M., Jack Gibson., Greg Kretchmer, Horace Cook, Linda Schuster
Middle Row, l-r: Tom Bammel, Janice Wood, Betty Jo Walroth, Jacquie Sturla, Phil Young, Linda T., Phyllis Blackwood, Rod Bungay, Christine Miller
Front Row, l-r: Mr. Bucklin, Gloria Battaglia, Steve Gullion, Nancy Chambers, Virginia Ehrlich, Kathy Dupree, Gary B., Roger Marsh, Kathy H., Kenny Jordan

Tim Burton (BHS '76) Signing @ LACMA

2011-05-31T16:05:00.003-05:00

"On May 28, the day before the much-anticipated Tim Burton exhibition opened at LACMA, the famed director appeared at the museum for a signing. Fans lined up overnight for the two-hour event. All photos by Shannon Cottrell."

LINK: http://www.laweekly.com/slideshow/tim-burton-signing-lacma-33427768/

PREVIOUS TIM BURTON POSTS
Notable BHS Alumni - Tim Burton '76
The Work of BHS Alumni Tim Burton at MoMA

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T07:39:00.003-05:00

"I believe the best way to honor those who have died in war, both combatants and civilians, is to work to abolish war. We must end the killing and suffering caused by war."

Quote by Michael T. McPhearson, former field artillery officer in the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, also known as Gulf War I and former executive director of Veterans For Peace

1965

Senior Bulldogs Foundation & Monthly Luncheon

2011-05-29T18:30:00.007-05:00

Senior Bulldogs Foundation

The Senior Bulldogs Foundation is an alumni association consisting of all graduates of every year, from Burbank High School. We are non-profit and each year give several generous scholarships to deserving graduating Burbank High Seniors, who meet our qualifications.

Our meetings (actually casual luncheons) are held on the first Monday of every month at the new Burbank Elks Club located at 2232 North Hollywood Way in Burbank. The meetings begin at 11:30 AM (but most begin to arrive around 11:00AM)

The atmosphere is very casual and friendly and it is a chance to get together with old friends and make new ones.

Lunch is $12.00 (your choice of chicken/beef/or veggie)

Everyone new who attends is encouraged to sign the attendance sheet with name, address, phone and email so they can be added to our alumni roster and receive a free monthly Senior Bulldog Newsletter. Your photo will also be taken and be placed in the next month's Newsletter.

For more information, contact Cathy Nicholls Coyle BHS '67 (Secretary of Senior Bulldogs) at scarleto49@aol.com

Carol Brown Baker '67, President
Ray Brown '47, Vice President
Cathy Nicholls Coyle '67. Secretary
John Coyle '65, Co-Treasurer
Sallie Shelton Thomas '68, Co-Treasurer
Santa Vessella Calderon '65, Chairman of Scholarship Committee
Herb Vincent '46, Editor of Senior Bulldog News
Bill Magee '47, Board Member
Linda Durkee Johnson '59, Board Member

Front row (left to right): Bill Magee, Gus Ghiselli, Nadine Berkland Magee and Ray Brown
Back row (left to right): Herb Vincent, Carol Brown Baker, John Coyle, Santa Vesella Calderon, Cathy Nicholls Coyle and Sallie Sheldon Thomas

BHS '67 Neal Hershenson's Camero Rebirth!

2011-05-27T07:03:00.000-05:00

Neal sold his 76 Camero to the London Motor Museum and look what they did!!

From Facebook:

"Did you see the photos of what the London Motor Museum has done for our former Chevrolet Camaro? Rebirth!

"As it sat here it was fully, but not overly, maintained. Ran full synthetic engine oil, had new shocks, a/c cold, breezed smogs. Also had a new, clear windshield (tree once fell on car - will post photo). My ad copy truthfully stated that with fresh tires cross-continental travel @ 90mph was no sweat."

‎1976 Chevy Camaro sold and shipped to London, England.

LINK: http://www.londonmotormuseum.co.uk/

Listen to Don Ray on the Radio Friday Night May 27, 2011

2011-05-26T08:35:00.004-05:00

Received the following today from our friend and BHS '67 alumni, Don Ray!

Greetings,

I just found out today that an interview I did for “The Story, with Dick Gordon” will air this coming Friday. In the L.A. area, it airs on KPCC-FM, 89.3 F.M. The show starts at 8 p.m. My segment will air sometime around 8:40 p.m.

If you’re not in the L.A. area, here’s a link that will show you where and when the show airs near you: http://thestory.org/Stations. It will also show you how you can listen to it online if you miss it on Friday.

What’s my story about? It’s about a 19-year-old combat dog handler in Vietnam who finds out that they’re taking his faithful dog away and “volunteering” him to be the untrained, unsupervised veterinarian technician. Yikes! As I recall, I tell him about a wild Med Evac helicopter ride in the middle of the night and how I had to practically hijack a gunship helicopter for the send leg of the trip to save a sick dog’s life. But the real story is about the mysterious disease that the American dogs were catching. And they were dying. I tell the story about how the nearest veterinarian (100 miles away) told me that there was nothing that a vet tech could do about it --- and how I proved him wrong.

19 years old? Geez. I can’t believe it’s been that long. I hope you’ll listen to it and that you’ll share it with others.

Oh, and if you have nothing to do tomorrow or this weekend, you can come and watch me move from my new office to an even newer office. You can marvel at how the spirit of the “can do” 19-year-old still lives on in the way I single-handedly turn from journalist/documentary producer into Don the Moving Guy.

Oh, you might want to listen to “The Story” every weeknight. He’s a great interviewer --- not something I often say about my competitors. J

Enjoy,

Don Ray

Ps. I know that you have a wonderful story that you could also tell to Dick Gordon. Go to the website and share your story with him.

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

Don Ray
(818) 237-3728
Click here for my sometimes silly and sometimes awesome blog:
http://donrayadventures.blogspot.com/

--- end ---

PREVIOUS POST

MAY 27, 2010 UPDATE FROM DON
Here’s a link to download the podcast ---- remember that the Don Ray story is about 2/3 (31:20) of the way into the program: http://thestory.org/archive/The_Story_52711.mp3 You can also find a link and a bit more information on my silly blog at http://donrayadventures.blogspot.com/. I hope you enjoy it. They did a pretty good job of editing it.
Thanks.
Don Ray

BHS Class '66 Recent Get-Together

2011-05-23T13:52:00.001-05:00

Big thanks to Scott Bruckner who sent this great photo!

Hi Cathy,
Here is a picture from a recent meeting of the Class of '66 mini group. Greg Alaimo is really terrific in organizing periodic lunches with groups of people from our class. They are all such enjoyable folks, it is always fun to get together.

Take care, and we love the pictures you post on Facebook.
Scott & Dona

L-R: Greg Alaimo, Bruce Keswick, Dona Foy Bruckner ('67), Scott Bruckner, Owen Newcomer, Bill Wright, Chis Seekins

Remember When Laverne and Shirley Moved to Burbank?

2011-05-19T21:34:00.003-05:00

A Father, a Daughter and a Dog

2011-05-18T15:46:00.005-05:00

Received the following via '67 classmates Sue Sergent and Betty Wareham Worland. It's a tearjerker, so have a tissue handy!

A Father, a Daughter and a Dog

"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?"

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.

"I saw the car, Dad . Please don't yell at me when I'm driving."

My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.

Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts.... dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often.. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing.

At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone..

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust.

Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue.

Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad 's troubled mind.

But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain.

Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.."

I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon.. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed.

Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up
tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror.. "You mean you're going to kill him?"

"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.."

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me.. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch... "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad !" I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad . He's staying!"

Dad ignored me.. "Did you hear me, Dad ?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw..

Dad 's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at is feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years.. Dad 's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night.. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad 's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad 's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad 's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."

"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article.. Cheyenne 's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . ...his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. .. and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

My Daughter the Angler on Local TV Show

2011-05-17T18:44:00.003-05:00

posted by proud mom Cathy Palmer (BHS '67)

Another Hilarious Piece by Dave LeSueur (BHS '67)

2011-05-16T21:35:00.000-05:00

Monday, May 16, 2011
Men and MS Spring 2011

Headline: Having Fun with a Mental Cognition Test
By David LeSueur

One of the potential problems caused by MS is impaired thinking; however, how do you know whether any diminished capacity is caused by MS rather than natural aging? When I was growing up, an uncle told me that when men got old, brain cells (which look like hair) start growing out of their ears!

I was always skeptical, but now I think he might have been right. I figure I have trimmed over a foot of brain cells from my ears during the past decade. That would explain a lot.

So when my neurologist offered to send a nurse to my house to give me a "Mental Cognition Test," I readily agreed. I was anxious to see what she thought. The nurse came by the next week. We talked about the weather, and then she got out her notebook and started the test.

"Let's start with an easy question." she said. "What day of the week is it today?"

That isn't such an easy question. I don't work anymore, so every day seems the same. I can't even rely on what television show I watched last night to tell me what day of the week it is because we record everything we want to watch on our DVR and watch it on a different day. But on that day, I did remember watching the Broncos play the day before, which means the day before must have been Sunday, so I answered confidently, "Today is Monday!"

The nurse looked at me and laughed. "It is Tuesday, not Monday!" she said.

"That's right," I replied. "The Broncos played yesterday, but it was on Monday Night Football." I was not off to a good start.

"Let's try another question. I am going to read you three unrelated words and have you repeat them back to me. That should be easy. But remember them, because I will ask you to name them again in a few minutes. Okay, here are the words: tree, ballpoint pen, bank. . . Now what are the three words?"

It will be easy to say them back now, I thought to myself, but remembering them later could be tricky. Fortunately, I have a book called "How You Too Can Develop a Razor-Sharp Mind and a Steel-Trap Memory." It says that to remember unrelated items you need to form a relationship in your mind between the items. The wackier the relationship is, the easier it is to remember the items. There is more to it – but I can't remember where I put the book to check on it.

What trick will I use to remember these words? First I will imagine looking out my window and seeing a grove of trees. Growing on the trees will be a bunch of ballpoint pens. Finally I'll remember that we are growing the pens to replace the ones in the bank that no longer work.

"Tree, ballpoint pen, bank." I said.

"That's right!" she replied. "Now for the next exercise, you will have 60 seconds to name all the animals you can think of. Are you ready? Go!"

She said "Go!" before I could think about my strategy for thinking of animals. I decided to pretend I was at the zoo. "Penguins, elephants, giraffes," I said to begin. "Can I just say ‘deer’ or do I have to be more specific about what kind of deer it is?"

"Deer is fine. Keep going!"

She was writing something down in her book. "Then deer," I said, continuing, "and lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my!" I looked at her but she wasn't laughing. I wonder if I get extra credit for having a sense of humor. Or maybe I get points taken off for telling stupid jokes. I'd better watch myself.

"30 seconds!" she announced.

All of a sudden I couldn't think of any more animals at the zoo, so I shifted to my backyard. "Squirrels, dogs, cats, birds, coyotes, deer - oops, I think I already said ‘deer.’ Does it still count?"

"Yes, I don't keep track of what you have already said."

"You don't keep track?" I answered. "Then deer, deer, deer, deer…." I looked at her. She wasn't laughing.

"Actually, repeating yourself is a sign of senility." She looked at me, and now it was my turn to not laugh.

"Do insects count as animals?" I asked.

"It doesn't really matter. Don't over-analyze this. Ten seconds."

I just gave up at this point. "Time! Now, what are the three words I read to you earlier?"

“Tree, deer, ballpoint pen, deer, bank, deer.”

The nurse wouldn't tell me how I did on the test, but she didn't send me to a retirement home either, so that is good I guess.

David LeSueur lives in Littleton, Colo., a city with many banks, lots of deer and thousands of trees (none of which is growing ballpoint pens). You can read more of David's writing at http://lesueur926.blogspot.com/

http://lesueur926.blogspot.com/2011/05/men-and-ms-spring-2011-headline-having.html

1981 Interview with Dr. Leo Buscaglia by Don Ray (BHS '67)

2011-05-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbxaiR92AII&feature=player_embedded#at=1664

Don writes:
Dr. Leo Buscaglia was a U.S.C. professor who decided to teach a class about love --- about how each person can live a life of love and joy. It's a decision, he would say. In the 1980s, he was one of PBS's most popular lecturer and was soon selling millions of copies of his first book, "Love" and a number of subsequent books. I was lucky enough to interview him in 1981 and ask him the kinds of questions his followers, and critics maybe, wished that they could ask him. Shortly after this interview, Buscaglia went into the hospital for multiple bypass surgery. In 1992, he died of a heart attack. Over the years, I regularly revisit this interview so he can remind me of the principles that have helped me lead a more peaceful and satisfying life. ---Don Ray, donray@donray.com

Leo Buscaglia obituary

Don Ray's Blog

The Green Thing

2011-05-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

Received the following in an email today and it made me chuckle so am posting it...

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bag because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. The former generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right, that generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn't have the green thing back in that customer's day.

In her day, they walked up stairs,because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.

But she was right. They didn't have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby's diapers because they didn't have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts - wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right, they didn't have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house - not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn't have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right, they didn't have the green thing back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful the old folks were just because they didn't have the green thing back then?

Happy Anniversary John and Marilyn Williams Peterson (BHS '65 & 67)!

2011-05-02T20:06:00.000-05:00

Snatched this FABULOUS Foto from Facebook!!!

The Teen-Age Fair (1962 - 1972)

2011-05-02T15:00:00.003-05:00

Here's a fun website!

http://gogonotes.blogspot.com/2008/12/palladium-lawrence-weld-years.html

1966: LA Times photo

In the spring of 1962 the first of 11 consecutive Teen-Age Fairs came to the Los Angeles.

The first Teenage fair was at POP (Pacific Ocean Park). It was held at April 13 - 23. It attracted 250,000 visitors.

The second annual Teen-Age Fair was held at Pickwick Recreation Center in Burbank April 5 - 14, 1963. One highlight of that fair that year was the public demonstration of a rocket belt with which a man could fly more than 100 feet.

In 1964 the Teen-Age Fair moved to the Hollywood Palladium.

The Teen Age Fair was a 10-day long event. It promised hundreds of activities of special interest to teen-agers, including: surfing clinics, hot rod displays, outdoor amusement rides, midway with all the carnival booths, dance contest, a car bash and cramming contest, yo-yo championship, Karate exhibition, skydiving and surfing films upstairs in the balcony. The big highlight of the fair was the annual Miss Teen U.S.A. pageant and the Battle of the Bands competition.

Miss Teen Finalist

CSUN digital archives

This winners of the 1965 Battle of the Bands was Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band.

The fair was from noon to midnight. Admission was $1.50.

Emergence of the Youth Market

In 1960's advertisers and retailers realized that teenagers had large amounts of disposable income to spend. Heavy marketing thinkers came up with their best ideas on how to shape the youth's lifelong consumption patterns and brand identification.

Big advertisers for the fair included Pepsi, Chevrolet, Clairol, Curtiss candy, US Rubber and Coca Cola. Of course they ran contest and games that featured their products.

Start-up companies tested new product ideas at the Teen-Age Fair such as Hobie Surfboards and Yardley of London with it's mod-look makeup.

Kustom Kar artist such as Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth, Dean Jeffries and Van Dutch (Kenny Howard) took the LA car culture to a new level of coolness with artwork. Everyone ran out to customize their cars.

Ed Roth's Rat Fink

Dean Jeffries Monkee Mobile

There was plenty of hi-fi gear and automotive equipment on display. This is where Mattel premiered it's Creepy Crawlers, Incredible Edibles and Thingmakers. Other fun stuff aimed at a kids were Wham-O Frisbees, SuperBalls and Slip 'n' Slides.

Teenagers were a huge market. The Teen-Age Fair displayed booths featuring contemporary fashions, custom cars, musical instruments and interior design. The fair was an important advertising medium for reaching the youth market.

In 1967, the major rock n' roll stations in Los Angeles were KHJ, KRLA and KFWB. They continued to battle it out over the Number 1 position. This competition was played out with an onslaught of publicity and promotion.

KHJ was an RKO station that switched to pop/rock format in 1965. It was home of the fictitious Tina Delgado. KHJ was the Boss Radio - meaning anything fabulously wonderful and it's Boss Jocks such as the Real Don Steele and Gary Mack. KHJ aimed at playing the most music a possible.

KRLA achieved high acclaim for sponsoring the Beatle concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It had the zany and successful disc jockey Dave Hull - the Hullabalooer. KRLA has All Request Radio

KFWB was once the leader of the pack, but by now it's glory days were behind them. It had contests aimed at forcing the listeners to keep tuned to the station.

By 1967 there were Teen Age Fairs springing up all over the country.

In 1967 there was a psychedelic fashion show and a hair coloring demonstration by Clairol. Remember Clairol's Endless Summer? It launched Nice 'n Easy product line aimed at a younger market. Even guys would use it.

The Times They Were a Changing

In 1967, much of the youth at this time were engaged in building a new counter-culture that wanted no part of what the establishment was selling them. 1969 was a real turning point for the fair. There was a general feeling the Fair had run it's course.

This was all happening in the mist of and after Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Haight Ashbury, Hendrix the Airplane Joplin, 1967 Summer of Love, the Democratic Convention of 1968, the growth of the counter culture, Woodstock and the generation gap. The Vietnam war was taking its toll on the country. There was the emergence of the civil rights movement. The youth were much more politically aware. They developed new modes of dress and new life styles.

Love by Peter Max, 1968

In the late 1960's Hollywood was a very different place - and the youth were in a very different place than they were in 1961. Most were not buying into the products being marketed at them.

In 1969 the Teen Age Fair became Pop Expo '69. The entrance fee was now $2.00.

There was still the usual bombardment of games, tents, carnival booths and rides. This time there was a psychedelic whale ride, a loud motorcycle pit and a psychedelic light show.

The fair tried to bill itself as a Celebration of Life and Renaissance of the Arts. Amongst all the strobe lights and loud rock music, teenagers could learn about the Peace Corps, watch abstract student films, track their personality, and test their knowledge about VD.

Kim Fowley and Michelle Phillips at the Fair

photo source: KimFowley.net

There was a rock festival featuring Mama Cass, the Flying Burrito Brothers and Dr. John the Night Tripper. There were nightly jam sessions where people like Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa would showed up. The annual Battle of the Bands was now called a Pop Rock Tournament.

Across the street Hair played at the Aquarius Theater (former Earl Carroll's Theater).

This truly was cool

In 1969 the Pop Expo fair attracted 288,635 paying attendees. The record attendance was 301,000 set in 1967. The promoters noticed. But this may be due to the rain on the final two days of the fair.

In 1970 the Fair struggled ahead. But by 1970 the youth market boom was passe. Teens weren't spending like they were before. Even the new owners (Filmways) were in financial trouble.

This time the Palladium was all decked out with a hip, striped psychedelic facade.

This annual teenage spring fling included the usual amusement rides, games, booths and lots of natural and fattening food shops for teens to spend money on. However, the music was now mind blowing and ear piercing. There was the usual carny feel about the whole thing. Or was is just cheesy? Been there done that.

Kids were looking for all things cosmic

Peter Max - CosmicJumper

Now the most popular section of the Fair was the occult section - especially any booth offering free information in astrology or tarot cards.

Time cover: 1972. Photo Credit: Jack and Betty Cheetham

After all, this was the Age of Aquarius.

Another popular area was where were young artisans were selling pottery, multi colored frangrant candles, leather goods and other hand made wares.

Inside the Palladium hall there was highly powered music playing while fashion shows were going on. Amateur films were being shown up in the balcony.

1972 was the 11th and final year of the TeenAge Fair (now called Pop Expo).

This time there was an Environment Center with ecological exhibits and a Health Happening Exhibit that emphasized natural organic foods. Kids weren't buying into it like they did before.

There was the annual Miss Teen USA beauty contest, the carnival style midway, and cosmetic oriented Beauty Clinics. But it was obvious that the Teen-Age Fair was out of style with the interest of the current batch of teenagers.

Woodstock, 1969

source: TimeLife

Presidential Appearances

In December 1961 President Kennedy was a guest at a $100-a-plate Democratic Party dinner at the Hollywood Palladium. The entertainment was by Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra, Nat King Cole and Ralph Bellamy. While in town Kennedy stayed at the Beverly Hilton but spent time with his sister Pat, the wife of actor Peter Lawford.

President Kennedy came again to the Palladium in 1963 for a $1000-a-couple plate dinner.

In January of 1962 former President Eisenhower addressed the L.A. Chamber of Commerce at the Palladium.

1965 photo: LA Times

Alumni Drill Team 2011

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Great pics from Cathy Nicholls Coyle (BHS '67) from the Burbank On Parade!

Burbank Host Families Needed

2011-04-25T20:18:00.001-05:00

When I lived in Rohnert Park, California, I hosted a Japanese girl student one year and a boy the following year. It was a FABULOUS experience!

The Burbank Sister City Committee is looking for families to host exchange students from Ota, Japan, this summer.

The high school students will be in Burbank from July 26 through August 9 and host families are needed to house them during all or part of their stay.

For further information or if you are interested in hosting, please contact Sharon Cohen at the Burbank Public Library, 818-238-5551, or check the Sister Cities' website, http://www.burbanksistercity.org/.

Bill Haley

2011-04-23T23:13:00.002-05:00

Received My Burbank Centennial Book Today

2011-04-23T12:56:00.002-05:00

160+ pages of fabulous fotos... HAPPY BIRTHDAY BURBANK!!

See you in July!

ORDERING INFO: http://www.ci.burbank.ca.us/index.aspx?page=1045

A few sample pages...

Did you know that June Carter (yes, Johnny Cash's wife) was a Comedian??

2011-04-22T00:50:00.001-05:00

BHS & JBHS Show Choirs Finished 1st and 2nd

2011-04-20T20:51:00.001-05:00

BTW... Brendan Jennings, director of Burroughs' Powerhouse group, is the son of friend and classmate, Deanna Lloyd Jennings (BHS '67)!

School show choirs finish on top

http://articles.burbankleader.com/2011-04-19/news/tn-blr-0420-choirs_1_burbank-high-brendan-jennings-mary-rago

District performing arts programs continue to shine despite budget cuts that threaten their existence.

April 19, 2011|By Megan O'Neil, megan.oneil@latimes.com

The show choirs at Burbank and John Burroughs high schools finished first and second, respectively, at a prestigious regional competition on Saturday, the latest in a string of successes that has launched the programs into the national spotlight in recent years.

The 17th Annual Southern California Show Choir Invitational in Chula Vista regularly attracts the region’s elite high school programs. The top Burbank High show choir, known as In Sync, and the top Burroughs High show choir, Powerhouse, regularly compete for the top spots.

Powerhouse had bested Burbank High in two competitions earlier in the season and they were hoping for a season sweep, said Burroughs choir director Brendan Jennings. “Burbank has won the Chula Vista competition for the last seven years,” Jennings said. “But both choirs were absolutely fantastic. I don’t know how [judges] choose, they were flawless. I was proud of my kids. They did a good job, we were happy to participate even though we didn’t win.”

The Burroughs High choir was founded in 1978 by then-choir director Mary Rago. Her former student, Jennings, took over in 2007.

Powerhouse — cited as one of the inspirations for the hit television show “Glee” — has performed alongside Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado, and were featured in a British documentary titled “Gleeful: The Real Show Choirs of America,” and on “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.”

In October, Powerhouse performed on “Dancing with the Stars,” and in February, members traveled to Hong Kong where they were featured as part of the Chinese New Year celebration.

The Burbank High program is younger, but has quickly made up ground. Established in 1997, In Sync won its first national title in 2004 at FAME New York, a major show choir competition. In 2009, the choir appeared in the “Glee” pilot, and last year performed at the “Glee” season premier party.

Peggy Flynn, the district’s visual and performing arts coordinator, said the show choirs are a tremendous source of pride within a community with close ties to the entertainment industry. She likened the dueling choirs to “football in Texas.”

“They are nationally recognized and they are always competing for first or second,” Flynn said. “They are just phenomenal programs…it is like going to a Broadway show.”

Burroughs senior Tyler Mann, 18, is a four-year member of Powerhouse. Participating in show choir enables him the opportunity to not only develop his individual talents, but also to contribute to the larger group, he said.

The cross-town rivalry with Burbank High serves as motivation, he added.

“We love to hate each other, we both respect what the other one does and recognize the other one is really good, but we want to win every time,” Mann said. “I think it has really served this program really well to have a rival as good and strong as Burbank because it has pushed us to get better.”

The two choirs will team up for a performance on June 11 at the Starlight Bowl Amphitheatre in Burbank. Dubbed The All American Show Choir Super Show, the concert will mark the first time the two choirs have performed on the stage together. Tickets go on sale May 1.

Talking with Folks Before Burbank on Parade

2011-04-20T20:44:00.002-05:00

Three Dog Night... Remember Them?

2011-04-19T21:32:00.001-05:00

I have fond memories riding around with Nancy Bridgestock in her car listening to Three Dog Night with an 8 track (or 4 track?) player her dad installed. This was during the time we were roommates living in Studio City and working as carhops at Bob's Toluca Lake!

Happy Days in the News

2011-04-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

Duane Thaxton (BHS '67) sent me this email today with a link to article about friend and classmate Anson Williams (Anson Heimlick in high school) - click link to see videos:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/19/news/companies/happy_days_fraud_claim/index.htm

Cathy, interesting article regarding Anson and other Happy Days actors, actresses – with a few videos.

'Happy Days' actors claim fraud, money owed for merchandising

Former 'Happy Days' cast members from left to right: Anson Williams, Don Most, Marion Ross, Erin Moran.

By CNN's Scott Zamost and CNNMoney's Poppy Harlow

April 19, 2011: 2:04 PM ET

LOS ANGELES -- A CNNMoney and CNN Special Investigations Unit Exclusive report

"Happy Days," one of the most popular shows in television history, faces an unhappy legacy nearly four decades after it first went on the air.

Four cast members, and the estate of Tom Bosley, who died last October, claim CBS (CBS, Fortune 500), which owns the show, has not paid them for merchandising revenues they are owed under their contracts.

The show, which originally aired from 1974 to 1984, "represented to the public what the best of America has to offer," said Anson Williams, who played Potsie. "The friendships, the opportunities, the warmth. Unfortunately, now 'Happy Days' also represents the worst of America -- of what major companies are trying to get from it, trying to use it for, and forgetting the family it created."

In exclusive interviews with CNN, the cast members -- Williams, Don Most, Marion Ross and Erin Moran -- all claim they have been cut out of the merchandising bonanza the show has spawned. Those products includes comic books, t-shirts, scrapbooks, trading cards, games, lunch boxes, dolls, toy cars, magnets, greeting cards and DVDs where their images appear on the box covers.

When the actors learned their images were also put on "Happy Days," slot machines, they said they began wondering where all the money ended up.

"When these slot machines came out, it was like Barnum and Bailey came to town," Williams said. "We were bombarded with, oh look at these pictures, they'd be all over the country."

Under the actors' contracts, they were supposed to be paid 5% from the net proceeds of merchandising if their sole image were used, and 2 1/2% if they were in a group. The studio could deduct 50% off the top as a "handling fee."

"It takes a lot to make me angry because so often my expectations are so low," Ross said. "But the other day someone came up to me and said, 'You must be cleaning up on those casinos.' And I said, 'Well, what are you talking about?' And he said, 'If you get five Marions, you get the jackpot."'

Attorney Jon Pfeiffer represents the actors in their case against CBS, which owns the show. He filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

"The issue is the five cast members of 'Happy Days' were not paid for the royalties for their name and likeness," Pfeiffer told CNN. "That being the use of their picture, use of their name in slot machines, in games, in greeting cards, in t-shirts, anything where you saw a 'Happy Days' face of a character, they were not paid for that."

Ron Howard, who played Richie Cunningham, and Henry Winkler, who played the Fonz, are not part of the lawsuit. Howard, through his publicist, declined to comment. Representatives for Winkler have not returned CNN's calls.

In 1999, Moran did receive $692 for merchandising after she said she pressed the studio, which was then Paramount Pictures. In a document sent to Moran, Paramount said she was previously paid $8,229 for merchandising, but Moran told CNN she had not received that money.

Moran declined to discuss details of her current financial situation but confirmed that last year, she lost her California home to foreclosure after attempts to work out a loan modification with her bank failed.

"It definitely could have made a difference," Most said. "I would think so, and right now it could really make a difference because (Moran) is going through a bit of a hard time."

Unhappy days: The story in pictures
The issue, Pfeiffer said, is that "they (the studio) made a promise to pay, they broke their promise -- that's breach of contract. Number two, they made a promise to pay, they purposefully didn't pay, they broke their promise -- the fraud."

"And here we have iconic actors. I mean, I grew up watching these people. And yet they got stiffed," Pfeiffer said.

He said attempts at mediation to resolve the dispute earlier this year failed.

CBS, in a statement e-mailed to CNN, said, "We agree that funds are owed to the actors and have been working with them for quite some time to resolve the issue."

A CBS consumer products spokesperson said that would be the company's only comment.

In documents provided to the actors, CBS said it only owes them between $8,500 and $9,000 each for the last four years. Most of that money is from slot machine revenues. The actors argue they are owed millions of dollars.

Pfeiffer said Bosley "couldn't believe that they didn't know they owed the money. And instead of paying what a small sliver of what CBS is making on these slot machines, they decided not to pay, and he was upset."

Just two days before Bosley died, Most said he left him a voice message.

"He was upset with what this represented and he wanted to know," Most told CNN. "He called me, and I called him, and he left a message on my machine that said, 'I'm fine, I'm going to be leaving the hospital tomorrow. But I'd really like to hear what's going on.'"

Asked why they didn't raise the merchandising issue earlier, Williams said, "We're actors. We were going through other things. We just thought if there was something to be made, we'd get it in the mail. We didn't think about it. But when those slot machines hit, it just woke us all up to look back and say, 'Wait and minute.'"

The "Happy Days" slot machines were launched in 2008 and have "performed well for the casinos, which in industry vernacular often means coin-in," Mollie Cole, director of communications for WMS Gaming, wrote in an e-mail.

"Happy Days," she wrote, "is a five-level Free Spin Progressive slot machine, where the number of spins increases during play, with three base games -- Cunninghams Go Wild, The Fonz and Richie's Big Night; the latter was a big hit in casinos."

She said the company does not release specific numbers showing how many machines are in casinos.

Asked about the legal battle ahead, Ross said, "I haven't thought about how long this could go because our lawyers will take care of a lot of it. Once we've stated our case, then that's pretty much our story, and the rest is a legal problem, and I think we have some wonderful people working for us, and I think they'll do a great job."

The cast members said their case will be precedent-setting because it's the first time actors from an iconic show have sued over merchandising.

"There's a bigger picture here," Most said. "We're one show, but there's many other shows, and we've spoken to many other actors, and they haven't seen any money for merchandising, so we think this is pervasive. This is just the way that business is done, and we have -- in our original contracts, it says we're supposed to get 'X' amount for merchandising -- it says in our contract. But the fact is, we haven't gotten paid, and many other actors in other shows haven't gotten paid."

In the last several years, CBS Consumer Products has issued news releases about expanding merchandising deals for its most popular shows, including "Happy Days." For example, the company announced deals with a clothing manufacturers in Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, new apparel collections in Canada, and Bluetooth headsets in the U.S.

In addition, plans are in the works for a "Happy Days"-themed lottery game, a spokesman for Alchemy3, which has a licensing deal with CBS to create instant and on-line game tickets for several television shows, told CNN.

"Happy Days is the type of show that represents the best we can be," Williams said. "It's something warm, something tactile when life was good and life was simple. When friends were there and neighbors were neighbors ... I think it's going to ring in peoples' hearts because it's going beyond this show. It's going to go into their world, into how they're being treated in whatever arena they're working or participating in."

But now, "there's a huge juxtaposition for 'Happy Days' to represent the coldness of big business, the wrongdoing of big business and the greed of big business," Williams said. "And the idea that they don't have to abide by contracts, and they can get away with anything as long as they are not caught. And they picked the wrong show."

Lunch with Friends

2011-04-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

Another great photo from Facebook:

l-r: , Nancy Krogh Brez, Vivian Blum Gillette, Donna Luce Neitman, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Joan Nobile Ortega and Carol Brown Baker... all BHS '67!

Cathy Coyle wrote, "Had a very nice lunch with high school friends at Islands Restaurant yesterday. Time always flies when you are having fun!!! So very good to see you gals!!!!! You all look great!!! Looking forward to Burbank's big Centennial bash on July 9th!"

Burbank On Parade 2011

2011-04-10T17:29:00.000-05:00

WATCH THE VIDEO

1961 CBS Television Season Preview

2011-04-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

1905 Trip Down Market Street, San Francisco Before Earthquake/Fire

2011-04-03T20:00:00.001-05:00

http://www.archive.org/details/TripDown1905

More Hobnobbing with the Stars!

2011-04-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

Found this gem on Cathy Nicholls Coyle's Facebook wall - you guys are having TOO MUCH FUN!!

"Had a good time last night at Hot in Cleveland with Donna, Carol and Dave. Got to chat with Valerie Bertinelli & her son, Wolfe's, tea cup pomeranian!"
Cathy Coyle

Warren Patrick Fligg (BHS '67) 1949-2011

2011-04-02T20:58:00.005-05:00

November 17, 1949 - January 24, 2011

I am shocked and saddened to write that classmate and friend, Pat Fligg, died this past January.

Below is the note just received from his daughter - thank you, Wendy. We all loved your dad. He had a great attitude and was always fun to be around. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers...

Hi Cathy,

Thank you for your thoughts!

I don't think there was an obituary because most of his people were around the world and not really in NJ. I'll ask my mom...

He passed away on January 24, 2011 after fighting Luekemia (AML) for 3 months. He had a very successful first round of chemotherapy, but the second round was too much for him. My mom, his brother-Mike, one of his great friends-Bob Weiss, and I were there at the end. It's a moment I wish he never had to experience. We just had his funeral on March 25th at the West Point Military Acadamy in NY. West Point was such a huge part of him and I am glad he can now rest there. He even broke a few speed records in the pool there! He was honored with the 21 gun salute and my mother was given the flag. It was truely beautiful. Afterwards, we had a reception with his friends and family that flew in from around the country. We had a slide show with photos from his entire life... wish he could have seen the turnout! He would have been impressed!

He had a great time seeing everyone at the Burbank Centenial and the pictures of the past were great! I really enjoyed seeing them!

I am so very proud of who he was and miss him so much!!!! I wish he was only just away on a trip to Asia or Hawaii...

~Wendy

Pat along with Ken Powers, Tim Thomas and John Ferguson were honored at Burbank High's Centennial 2008.

Photo posted by Tim Zuma Tolnay on Facebook from BHS Centennial

Tom Holst's Get Together

2011-03-30T20:19:00.001-05:00

So wonderful to reunite with friends! Here are a couple pics from a recent gathering when Tom was in town sent in by Cathy Nicholls Coyle - ya'll look FABULOUS!

We all had a ball with Tom at the DeBell Clubhouse! It was so much fun that when the Clubhouse closed down we continued the party at Starbucks; until they closed down for the night!!

l-r: Jim Grasse, Donna Luce Neitman, Neal Hershenson, Vivian Blum Gillette, Tom Holst, Carol Brown Baker, Scott Nave, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Tom Iverson, Don Melton, John Rocke and John Coyle.

BHS Class '66 Reunion August 28, 2011

2011-03-30T06:38:00.002-05:00

For more into, please contact Linda Schuster Mazur
lindakmazur@gmail.com

Link to Ceralbus Senior Photos
http://bhsclass67.blogspot.com/2009/09/bhs-class-66-ceralbus-senior-photos.html