Foreclosure, bank owned, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 1719 sf home on a 5449 sf lot in Burbank. Gated on a corner lot, brick fireplace in living room, tile floors, spacious kitchen with lots of storage space, converted garage - maybe without permit, needs some TLC.
Call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F655 for more information and pictures.
0 Comments : 04.7.07
Foreclosure, bank owned, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1160 sf condo in Burbank, near downtown. Living room and dining room with fireplace, each bedroom has its own bath, laundry closet upstairs, 2 tandem parking spaces, close to shopping and restaurants.
Call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F655 for more information and pictures.
0 Comments : 04.7.07
This notice arrived in our mailbox:
Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Burbank City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance that would control secondhand smoke in the City of Burbank by prohibiting smoking at certain indoor and outdoor locations. These locations may include but may not be limited to: City parks, outdoor areas at restaurants and bars, common areas of apartment and condominium projects, outdoor service lines, transit stations and stops, outdoor shopping areas, pedestrian gathering areas, and Downtown Burbank.
The City Council public hearing will be held as follows:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
6:30 pm
City Council chamber, Burbank City Hall
275 E. Olive Avenue, Burbank, California
All interested persons are encouraged to provide comments about the proposed ordinance to the City Council at the hearing, or to submit written comments prior to the hearing. Written comments may be submitted via email to planning@ci.burbank.ca.us or mailed to the Burbank Planning office. Copies of the draft ordinance are available for public review at the three branches of the Burbank Public Library, at the Planning office located at 333 E. Olive Avenue, and on the Planning web site (scroll down the page a bit to “Draft Ordinance” and click on “download the draft ordinance”.
For further information, please call the Planning office at 818 238-5250 or visit the Planning web site at http://www.burbankca.org/planning.
0 Comments : 03.25.07
You may have noticed that I’ve been tracking foreclosures in Burbank. As we all must know by now, most of these properties are being foreclosed because of the loose requirements for sub-prime loan applicants and adjustable interest rates. I spoke with a past client yesterday, she told me lenders she worked with two years ago offered to give her twice the loan amount she could actually afford. Good thing she was responsible and took a loan she could sustain.
For those of us who want to know more about mortgage fraud and the law, check out C.A.R’s Legal Department article on mortgage fraud that I have posted on my blog for baby boomers at Beyond50.Stardigs.com.
0 Comments : 03.15.07
There are only two pricing strategies to list a property:
Pricing at market
Pricing over market
Pricing over market tends to result in two factors:
Overpriced listings take longer to sell
Overpriced listings tend to reduce their price to get sold
The question is, how much longer could it take to sell, and how much will I have to reduce my price?
To understand the effect of pricing, let’s look at the numbers.
Here are some key statistical definitions:
Mean = The Average
Median = The Mid Point
Standard Deviation = How far from average
For Burbank, I searched for sold properties that closed between October 1, 2006 and March 15, 2007. Here are the results:
Price range: $500-$600K
56 Burbank properties sold
The Average Sold Price was $558,577 And the Median Sold Price was $564,250
Time On Market
The Average Months on Market was 1.9 months
Properties that took longer than average to sell, on average took an additional 1.9 months!
Reducing Prices to Get Sold
The Average Price Reduction to Get Sold was $29,916
Properties that Reduced More than Average, on Average Reduced an additional $37,060
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Price range: $600-$700K
73 Burbank properties sold
The Average Sold Price was $651,023 And the Median Sold Price was $649,946
Time On Market
The Average Months on Market was 2.1 months
Properties that took longer than average to sell, on average took an additional 2.2 months!
Reducing Prices to Get Sold
The Average Price Reduction to Get Sold was $39,670
Properties that Reduced More than Average, on Average Reduced an additional $44,519
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Price range: $700-$850K
54 Burbank properties sold
The Average Sold Price was $767,934 And the Median Sold Price was $760,000
Time On Market
The Average Months on Market was 3.0 months
Properties that took longer than average to sell, on average took an additional 2.2 months!
Reducing Prices to Get Sold
The Average Price Reduction to Get Sold was $45,558
Properties that Reduced More than Average, on Average Reduced an additional $48,906
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burbank Sellers - I know it’s tempting to think that you can price your home above market, then just reduce the price when it doesn’t sell. This strategy will end up costing you time and money. Pricing your home at market is more profitable.
Call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 when you are ready to sell your home.
0 Comments : 03.15.07
With Purim and Passover coming this week, we offer our second installment on Burbank Places of Worship with a review of Jewish synagogues. Burbank has a choice of three Jewish centers and “shuls” that range from Reform to Orthodox.
REFORM: TEMPLE BETH EMET OF BURBANK offers Shabbat services in English and Hebrew on Friday evenings, and Saturday religious school for children aged 5 to 15. There are Torah studies, Hebrew and Talmud classes throughout the year. On Sunday, March 19, the temple is hosting a Purim carnival from 9AM - 12PM, with fun, food, and games open to the public. You may find more information on Temple Beth Emet’s activities and religious school on its website: www.templebethemet.com. The synagogue is located on Buena Vista Street, less than a mile north of Disney Studios and south of Magnolia Blvd.
TEMPLE BETH EMET OF BURBANK
600 N. Buena Vista St., south of Magnolia
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 843-4787 (R)
Rabbi Mark Sobel, Gary Bachlund, Cantor; Mark Goodman, Assistant Cantor
Shabbat Services: Fridays @ 7:30pm.
CONSERVATIVE: BURBANK TEMPLE EMANU EL celebrates its 60th anniversary and Shabbaton Family Weekend (March 16-18, 2007) with an evolving, egalitarian congregation that strives to enrich Jewish life for its members by upholding the basic tenets of Conservative Judaism. Services conducted in both Hebrew and in English provide a friendly community for 125 Jewish families who are “haimish mishpocha”, one “nurturing family” comprised of many vibrant generations. The synagogue actively supports Israel and the well-being of Jews everywhere.
A full service synagogue with “a progressive feel”, Burbank Temple Emanu El – or BTEE — offers services, music, and guest speakers every Friday at 7:30PM and Saturday at 9:30AM in its sanctuary at 1302 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
The synagogue also has an award-winning pre-school for children aged 2 to 5, a two-day a week religious school to prepare pre-teens for bar and bat mitzvahs, confirmation classes, and adult education programs. BTEE’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club offer an active social calendar, including volunteer programs for members and all Burbank citizens who wish to help both its shul and Social Action Committee. The synagogue welcomes new members with invitations to meet Rabbi Richard A. Flom and Membership Director, or to visit its website http://www.btee.org to learn more about the BTEE community’s practice of its beliefs, traditions, and culture.
BURBANK TEMPLE EMANU EL
1302 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank
(818) 843-4787 (C)
Friday Night Services: 7:45PM
Torah Learning every morning: 9:00AM
Saturday Morning Service: 9:30AM
Richard A. Flom, Rabbi
Dr. Mervin B. Tomsky, Rabbi Emeritus
Dr. Steven Pearlman, Cantor
Carol Miller, Pre-School Director
Nessim Sibony, Religious School Director
Eve Beatty, Office Manager
ORTHODOX: CHABAD OF BURBANK
Although the Chabad Center has moved from Keystone and Magnolia to just west of Buena Vista and a larger, modern building at 2415 West Magnolia Blvd., the Chabad Jewish Center has served the Jewish Community of Burbank since the Fall of 1999. Its staff of Rabbis and Rebbetzins, guided by Rabbi Shmuly & Elana Kornfeld , offer a warm, non-judgmental environment for Jews from all walks of life.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Kornfeld invite families and singles to join them and their children once a month, Fridays at 6PM, to celebrate Shabbat, with Shabbat cuisine and a program that gives insight into the traditions and customs that have “enriched the lives of Jews for thousands of years”. A brief, joyous prayer service follows with Kiddush & refreshments. Saturday morning services at 10AM are “user friendly”, allowing everyone to participate in Torah readings interspersed with educational, inspiring commentaries. Following the services, there is a Kiddush/Luncheon to nurture both body & soul. The Chabad community invites guests and members back on Sunday at 9Am for services, a bagel breakfast, and video presentation of “The Living Torah”.
Its doors open for all to come and explore their Jewish history, religion, culture, and heritage “at their own pace”, Burbank’s Chabad Center also offers daily prayer, social, educational, and religious programs for children, teens, adults, and senior citizens.
Rabbi Shmuly and Rebbeztin Elana Kornfeld invite new Jewish residents of Burbank to visit their “warm, fun-loving and stimulating environment”, or to visit their website: www.chabadburbank.com for more information on the Chabad Center
Chabad of Burbank
2415 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
Tel: 818-954-0070
0 Comments : 03.15.07
Foreclosure, bank owned, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 907 sf home on a 6600 sf lot in Burbank. Remodeled house 1/2 block from Pacific Park with attached garage, copper plumbing, picture windows.
You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F609 for more information and pictures.
0 Comments : 03.15.07
Foreclosure, bank owned, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1347 sf home on a 7150 sf lot in the Rancho Equestrian neighborhood of Burbank. This fixer has a fireplace, hardwood floors, 2 horse stables, kitchen with granite counters.
You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F608 for more information and pictures.
0 Comments : 03.15.07
We like to take walks down Burbank’s Magnolia Boulevard to make sure we’re not missing any of the new restaurants and cafés in the neighborhood, and this week we came across two surprises – two small restaurants that place the word healthy in both their names and nibbles.
HEALTHY BITES
One is the year-old HEALTHY BITES delicatessen at 3511 West Magnolia Blvd., just a few doors east of Washington Mutual. And within minutes, you can bank on an Armenian lunch to go or to stay. Beef, chicken, or lamb come wrapped in wheat, low-carb pita bread, lavosh bread, or crispy wheat buns, with tabouleh, toushi (mixed pickles), and grape leaves as side dishes. We ordered two sandwiches to go, five grape leaves (a sixth one as an on-the-house gift), two cans of soda, and our bill came to $12.36. Our soojoukh sandwich (Armenian spiced dry sausage) had a subtle nutmeg flavor lacing the sautéed onions – no kissing this afternoon – but a big hug for the owners’ young son who suggested the menu and rang up our affordable and healthy bites on the cash register.
HEALTHY BITES
3511 W Magnolia Blvd,
Burbank, CA 91505
Phone: (818) 848-1878
BURNING BONZAI
Our charming waiter this past week at the new BURNING BONZAI at 4408 West Magnolia Blvd. made us feel welcome and relaxed as we studied the Japanese menu that reads like a Chinese menu. It’s not a confused kitchen by any means, but one with a chef who follows the tradition of restaurants that offer rich, ethnic culinary traditions in our nation’s capitol – something delicious for everyone. As our waiter Lenin – or perhaps spelled Lennon (we prefer the poet to the revolutionary) explained, Burning Bonzai’s subtitle is Healthy Asian Cuisine.
Burning Bonzai has been open for just one month, replacing the former Chinese restaurant Yen Ching with new décor of polished wood and subtle but shiny surfaces. The Miso Soup, sushi rolls, Chinese Chicken and Avocado Tuna Salads are on the scale of those you find at Matsuhisa on the Westside. Prices are moderate to expensive, but every healthy morsel is worth it. If you have a tricky tummy, the menu alerts you to the avoidable spicy, and offers soy paper and mild ponzu sauce upon request. The restaurant is so new that only one review has come in along with its phone and address listing and, like us, it gave Burning Bonzai top stars for its creators’ fresh ingredients, array of choices, and enjoyment of the “love they put into their food”.
BURNING BONZAI
4408 West Magnolia
Burbank, CA 91503
Phone: (818) 848-3769
0 Comments : 03.14.07
If you plan to move to
From two graduates of Saint Finbar School, adjacent to St. Finbar Catholic Church, we learned that they relished their education from the school’s nuns, and watched the “beautiful new church” being built next door at the corner of
Saint Finbar Catholic Church (named for the Irish patron saint of immigrants) is located at
North of St. Finbar is St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church (named for the Italian Jesuit theologian), with emphasis on pro-life teachings in its K through Middle School at
One mile farther north, the mission of the school and
Mass is in both English and Spanish at the El Sembrador Ministries (translated “The Sower” in Spanish) at
THE VATICAN
If you want to organize a tour of spiritual enrichment to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Catholic Travel Centre (CTC) in Burbank is here to help. Since 1980, CTC has provided travel service to Burbank’s Catholic community, creating itineraries and journeys to Rome and Vatican City for religious groups that include parish priests, sisters, brothers, deacons, lay leaders, and other devoted pilgrims. For more information on a special tour for your families and parishioners, you can stop in at Catholic Travel Centre in Burbank at 4444 Riverside Drive, Suite 301, Burbank, CA 91505, or by contacting CTC at the its toll free number: (800) 553 5233.
Our production company in
It is the most visited place in the world. It stands atop the simple grave of a martyr. And for 26 years it had one spiritual leader. From the things you’ve never heard or would least expect, we take you Inside Pope John Paul II’s Vatican for a rare visit and a unique look at the sacred site where saints are named, priests are ordained, and where much of history finds its soul.
It is the world’s smallest sovereign nation, yet one of the most powerful. Its new leader, Pope Benedict XVI is
Inside the
0 Comments : 03.2.07
If you’re an editor or other artist who works at a Burbank studio, you know what a stiff neck can feel like at the end of a day. So, take it from our friends who sneak off for relaxation, justifying their afternoon truancy as a lonnnnnnng lunch. Never mind that you come back at 3 PM.… your supervisor will be happy when you make up the lost hours, refreshed from the massage of a lifetime at Burbank Spa and Garden.
The spa, just one mile from Disney and Warner Bros, was founded in 1964, and, like a good foreign film, has kept to European and Eastern traditions ever since.
Finnish-born owner Jouni Bassi tries to keep his Burbank massage fees “middle of the road “affordable”, which is to say, lower than most in L.A. or Beverly Hills. A deep tissue massage costs $95.00, with $10.00 off before 3 PM during week days.
Jouni, a third-generation masseur, was raised in the art of massage by his “mom and grandma”. Now, he trains all of his masseurs in Finland’s tradition of deep-therapeutic techniques. “We often feel a massage during the time we’re getting it at most spas. But at our spa, you feel different afterwards and long after you leave here. We’re result-oriented, and teach our therapists to look for specific problems that the client has and wants to correct”.
Burbank Spa and Gardens
2115 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91506
Phone (818) 845-1251
Fax (818) 563-9623
Enter through the rustic iron gate, step into a garden with a central fountain and cozy seats. Once you go inside, here are some of the treatments that the spa offers: Finnish Sauna, Women’s Facials, Men’s Facials, Manicures / Pedicures, Reflexology, Chinese Herbal Glow, Mud Detoxifying Body Masque, Spa Packages, and many other amenities for men and women. We recommend you call for an appointment. And, you can stay the entire day. The spa will order lunch in for you.
Our friends tell us that at Burbank Spa and Garden they’ve had the best massage anywhere, and that the spa also has the best saunas, modeled from those in Finland.
So, we’re going off to find out for ourselves…. before our own neck muscles need a break from bending over the computer keys.
NEW SPA IN BURBANK
Meanwhile, we’re waiting to see if Burbank Spa and Garden gets a run for its money from rA Organic Spa (that’s no typo) — opening shortly a mile north of it. Billed as “a one-stop body shop” that offers “an organic experience to serve the whole person”, it may just be that now we will have two neighborhood treasures.
Scheduled to open in mid-February, rA Organic Spa will use only massage and beauty products that have organic ingredients. And the organic rule extends to the eco-friendly construction materials and paint that designers are using to create the new space. The spa will also feature local sculptors and painters’ works that reflect and complement its earth tones and bamboo massage suites.
rA Organic Spa takes over a cell phone store on San Fernando Blvd – a cool, not-very-interesting space that is being transformed into a long, cream-colored hallway with wood doors. In the heart of downtown Burbank’s restaurant, mall, and AMC movie district, the spa will offer Shiatsu, Swedish and Thai Yoga massage, waxing, body scrubs and wraps, spa packages and private party services, along with reflexology treatments for your entire body.
The cost of an hour-long Thai or Shiatsu massage will is $85. A 60-minute herbal foot care and massage session is $60, as is an hour-long face massage. A membership program will offer clients discounted rates.
rA Organic Spa is located at 119 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank
Telephone: 818-848-4772
We tried calling today, but got no answer. We’ll try again tomorrow and update you on the grand opening date.
Until then, Finnish sauna, anyone?
1 Comment : 02.13.07
In Burbank, we keep looking for a good old-fashioned restaurant that will take the place of the recently closed, family-run GENIO’s up the street from NBC, or our favorite steak house, CHADNEY’s, that strut its stuff just across the street from the Peacock until it was forced by flames into retirement, just a few years ago.
Where, oh, where, can we go now when the mood strikes for a slim tea, fat steak, and hearty conversation? Well, today we found our new haunt with circular booths and soft lighting at The Valley Inn in Sherman Oaks. Described as “the meeting place for commuters breaking freeway monotony”, the Valley Inn sits just off the 101’s Sepulveda exit and a block past the Sherman Oaks Galleria.
The Valley Inn is located at 4557 Sherman Oaks Ave. in Sherman Oaks. You will find The Valley Inn with 2-hour metered parking at the front door, or residential (free) parking on the side streets (but watch out for the meter maids!). The restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, with dinner beginning one hour later, at 5 PM.
The Valley Inn was conceived by restaurateur Jim Otto shortly after World War II. Since 1947 – and without ever closing – owners Sophia and Boris Brodetsky and those before them (Josephine Kumpula, Jack Gold, and Chef Peter Trump) – have maintained the excellence of service and choice foods for lunch and dinner. Salads, steaks, pasta, and attendant celebrations – even with the Los Angeles Fire Department – will be the mainstay throughout 2007, the Valley Inn’s 60th anniversary year.
At the mahogany bar – shipped around Cape Horn more than 100 years ago – National Hall of Fame bar tender Bob Freen will both serve and regale you with the “Saloon’s” favorite Sports’ stories from today and yesterday, as you take in the bar’s inscribed photos of Jack Dempsey, Babe Ruth, Bob Waterfield, Sandy Koufax, County Bill Varga, Alice Marble, and Sugar Ray Robinson. For antique lovers, there’s’ the outstanding picture collection in the “Rumble Seat” and owner Sophia is finding new treasures in the restaurant’s attic, including a Who’s Who of film legends from the 50s.
While we lunched on a salmon and fruit plate, Sand Dabs, a yummy vegetarian Boca sandwich, penne pasta with basil, and a rich-rare hamburger, we listened in on the hilarious conversations among eight writers who lunch at The Valley Inn twice a month, same time, same booth. And we tipped our hats to Coach John Wooden and friends, one of whom promised a photo of the basketball great will soon be gracing the Inn’s walls. Nearby, we watched a guest of honor blow out her birthday candles with a group of six actress friends – two of them Burbank residents!
Taking in all the fun around us, we skipped some beats of our own interesting conversations, but that’s the beauty of our new find: The Valley Inn invites both privacy and community. And what better reason is there to make the trip from Burbank for a new lunch adventure?
THE VALLEY INN
4557 Sherman Oaks Avenue
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Reservations:
818-784-1163
Lunch: Monday-Friday
Dinner: Monday-Sunday
The Valley Inn has a private room available for private parties, entertaining, office meetings, wine tasting and charity fund raising dinners.
The Valley Inn is just 6 exits past Burbank’s Pass Avenue on ramp, going north on the 134 to the 101. Count them: Cahuenga next, then Laurel Canyon Blvd., Coldwater, Woodman Avenue, Van Nuys Blvd., and, finally, Sepulveda. Turn left off the Sepulveda exit, go South to Ventura Blvd., turn right (West) onto Ventura and left (South again) on Sherman Oaks Avenue. You’ll see the iron horse heads at the entrance. Buon Appetit!
0 Comments : 02.11.07
2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1279 sf on a 7714 sf lot, formal dining room and living room with fireplace. Refinished hardwood floors, kitchen and baths with tile floors. Newer roof. You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F517 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
3 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 1620 sf, 2 story with remodeled kitchen and baths, city and mountain views, big rooms, fireplace, master with balcony, laundry in unit, 2 blocks to Media Center and walking distance to shopping. You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F513 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1015 sf, on a 8492 sf lot, this is a pre-foreclosure fixer. detached garage, carport, possible RV access. Dual pane windows, wood floors (needs TLC). You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F512for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
2 bedroom, 2 baths, 1280 sf luxury flat, built in 2005. Cherry floors, maple and granite kitchen, top of the line stainless appliances, dual fuel, soffits, crowns, recessed lights, fireplace, limestone and maple baths, elevated ceilings, all current trendy stuff, 18 unit building. You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F511 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
2 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 1400 sf townhome built in 2005. Kitchen with granite counter tops and beautiful cabinetry. Tiled bathroom with granite counter tops. Gas burning fireplace in living room, crown molding, recessed lights. You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F510 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
2 bedroom, 1 bath, 744 sf traditional home with hardwood floors throughout. Light, bright spacious kitchen, large grassy front and back yards with fruit trees, 1 car garage. You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F509 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
2 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 1302 sf, 2 car attached garage with a workroom. Formal entrance into living room with fireplace, dining area, powder room, washer and dryer hookups upstairs.
You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F508 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 980 sf, built in 1964, 2 story end unit, wood floors, vaulted ceilings, recessed lights in living room and dining room. Tile floors, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths. Private patio, pool.
You must call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 and reference #F504 for more information.
0 Comments : 02.11.07
I attended my first Burbank City Council meeting Tuesday night, February 6th, I arrived at 5:30 pm and couldn’t get a seat, had to wait outside coucil chambers until someone gave up their seat. It didn’t take long though, I was seated second row for most of the meeting which lasted past 2:00 am.
The Mayor Todd Campbell and Vice Mayor Marsha Ramos reported that this is the most response they have had from Burbank citizens on a single issue in over ten years. I saw camera crews from NBC, KCAL, and KCET (they stayed long enough to hear the first 5 speakers, then they were out of there!) There were over 120 requests to address the council and adjustments to the amount of time allotted for each speaker were made, reducing it to two minutes instead of the normal five minutes (but those who wanted to wait until everyone had a chance to speak could use another three minutes). The oral part of the session ended at 12:25 am.
It was clear that those who were against the project development were not against Whole Foods, most said they loved Whole Foods and shopped there either in Glendale or in Sherman Oaks. However, they made the point that the size of the store would bring too much traffic to the area and would change the character and feel of the Rancho Burbank neighborhood, that horses and traffic don’t mix, it’s not safe.
Those who spoke in favor of the project were just as passionate and made the point that a Whole Foods Market at that location would be an asset to the city of Burbank, that Whole Foods values are consistent with Rancho Burbank neighborhood values, that it would be great to walk to their neighborhood Whole Foods Market with their family.
Some comments in favor:
Whole Foods is a first class market and would increase property values in the Rancho Burbank and surrounding neighborhoods.
Multiple smalll businesses in Burbank would be involved in building the store, creating hundreds of jobs for local residents.
Whole Foods would give Burbank residents a healthy food alternative for parents and their children, senior citizens, etc. and support healthy lifestyles.
And some comments against:
The variances requested by the developer are in violation of the intent of the Rancho Neighborhood Master Plan.
A store of that size would draw too much traffic to the area, perhaps from outside of Burbank, causing increased traffic to side streets.
Horses and traffic don’t mix, 62% chance of a fatality if a car hits a horse at 10 miles per hour (referred to a web site Horse Insurance.)
Noise study wasn’t done.
There was much discussion by the council about the Rancho Neighborhood Master Plan which allows for a “food specialty store” as best use for the property on Alameda and Main. Apparently when the planning committee drew up the plan, it was clear that a food specialty store was likened to a smaller scale store like a See’s Candy or a frozen yogurt store and that the intent was to reduce traffic in the Rancho Burbank neighborhood, so the size of the store for that location was very important. The problem is that “food specialty store” was not defined, nor was size indicated, but many believe that the intent was very clear - something small that draws little traffic.
The Mayor, Todd Campbell stated that Rancho Burbank is an oasis, nationally recognized and that he “would preserve the Rancho at all costs”. Vice Mayor Ramos was not in favor of the project at that location, Councilman Gordon wanted the issue of the Rancho Master Plan and “food specialty store” resolved and Councilmen Golonski and Vander Borght both wanted to see a compromise, maybe a smaller store at the location.
There was more discussion, but this amatuer reporter has a real estate business to attend to, so at 2:00 am I left the council chambers to go home for some sleep and an early appointment the next day. If anyone has anything to add to this post, please feel free to leave your comments here.
Here’s an online article by Chris Wiebe from the Burbank Leader with more information.
1 Comment : 02.8.07
Masiela Lusha once lived here in this 1400 square foot, two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath townhome built in 1978 on the Burbank Hill. Everything was redone! New kitchen, granite counters, baths with exciting tile from floor to ceilings, den, fireplace, master suite with vaulted ceilings, great 2-car sub parking. All in a very nice hillside complex.
Priced at $479,000 - for more information on these stardigs and others, call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799 today!
0 Comments : 02.6.07
Come see Burbank resident Karen Knotts in her one woman show, “Tied Up In Knotts“. Karen shares life, love, a nervous breakdown and growing up with a famous father (Don Knotts), all in the name of comedy. In this one-woman show, Karen talks about herself so candidly that you can’t tell if she is the most vulnerable woman in the world or the most psychotically well defended.
Directed by Art Shulman and produced by Jo Shannon, Karen’s show opens on Saturday, February 17 at the Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., No. Hollywood, CA 91601. Shows are Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 7pm. Call in your reservations 818 700-4878 or go to Goldstar Events for discount tickets - half price! (You have to subscribe.) You can learn more about Karen on her web site.
How does this tie in to real estate? I helped Karen purchase her home last year and if her housewarming party is any indication, her show will be VERY entertaining, fun and insightful. Come to the show and have some fun! And if you’re in the market to purchase a home in Burbank or the surrounding area, give me a call, I would love to help you find your own stardigs.
Call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799
REALTOR®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
Graduate REALTOR® Institute
RE/MAX OTB Estates
12532 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
http://sunnyspotrealty.com
http://sunnyspot.stardigs.com
http://beyond50.stardigs.com
http://burbank.stardigs.com
0 Comments : 02.5.07
In Burbank this weekend we were out cruising along Magnolia Blvd. for vintage clothes and stopped in at IT’S A WRAP, known for its bargain finds from film and TV studio wardrobes. We’ll tell you more about this unusual store later.
But first, here’s some news we got between the racks about a front row view that we can all get of the costumes from the feature films of 2006. They are the stunning dresses that Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren, and Lindsay Lohan wore in DREAMGIRLS, THE QUEEN, BOBBY….and many more, right down to their high heels and even loafers.
Did you know that SUPERMAN RETURNS actor Brandon Routh had to wear a ten-pound cape and a body-hugging suit under the famous blue costume with the blazing S in its center? Or that there are dozens of baby S letters embedded in the emblem?
.
And that it took four months and a busy wardrobe team to create just one bejeweled costume for THE CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER?
These are just some of the fascinating facts and details behind the scenes and seams of the 2006 feature film costumes and their designers that visitors are invited to view beginning on January 29 when the 15th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition opens at the FIDM Museum and Galleries in Los Angeles.
This annual exhibition at FIDM pays homage to the creativity of the costume designer for feature films with a museum show of outstanding costumes and Oscar nominated designs. On view are 100 actual costumes from over 25 outstanding 2006 motion pictures. Each represents the research, skill, and art of the costume designer in creating the mood and aura of the period in which each film is set. The 2007 exhibit includes costumes from all 5 films nominated for the Academy Award for **Achievement in Costume Design. In an adjoining room trailers of the films are screened, and the careful eye will spot all of the costumes that are on display in the gallery.
In keeping with the museum’s tradition, visitors will see costumes from last year’s Oscar winner for Best Costume Design: MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA. Costume Designer Colleen Atwood created the costumes for this film and not only won the Academy Award for this motion picture, but for CHICAGO, in 2003 as well.
Other exquisite, decorative, and class acts come from costume designer for Milena Canonero MARIE ANTOINETTE; from Julie Weiss for her interpretation of the world and times of BOBBY in 1968, with muted tones reminding us of a time when the silver screen had yet to flood our senses with vivid color; Consolata Boyles’s depiction of THE QUEEN in her casual but elegant attire in her happiest home, Holyrood Palace, in Scotland; Deborah Hopper’s dual masterpieces of 20th Century warriors in LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA and FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS; 
and let us not overlook the satin sensations of DREAMGIRLS, with costume designer Sharen Davis posing in front of her stunning work with actress Anika Noni Rose on opening night.
To see these treasures of visual art, spend a morning or afternoon at the 15th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition from January 29 to April 5: FIDM Museum and Galleries: 919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, Tel: (213) 624-1200. Gallery Hours are 10 - 4 pm daily, including Saturday. Closed Sundays. Parking is under the college building. The entrance is on 9th Street or in surrounding lots. Admission is FREE, and group tours can be arranged by calling 213.624.1200 ext 3367.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.
**Achievement in costume design
“Curse of the Golden Flower” (Sony Pictures Classics) Yee Chung Man
“The Devil Wears Prada” (20th Century Fox) Patricia Field
“Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount) Sharen Davis
“Marie Antoinette” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Milena Canonero
“The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada) Consolata Boyle
The costumes on display at FIDM will be returned to their designers at the end of the exhibition. But if you are inspired to own a dress, suit, hat, or even a t-shirt that a star has worn, you can find that special something at IT’S A WRAP in Burbank, named for the day when a movie or television company WRAPS up filming. Sometimes when a TV series ends, or when a studio is weeding out wardrobe, they also give IT’S A WRAP a call, and the store’s reps will pick up the clothing. Then they re-sell it at reduced prices.
Located just a short distance from the Valley studios, IT’S A WRAP also offers wardrobe items from music videos and New York soap operas at reduced prices. So not only can you dress like a star, or take home a souvenir worn by a star, you can hunt for bargains.
Some of It’s A Wrap’s bargains were spotlighted on Oprah. A Bill Blass dress worn by Susan “Erica” Lucci on All My Children, which retailed for $450 was on sale for $100. Another of Lucci’s dresses from the soap went for $75. Dress shirts from studio wardrobes with Armani and Polo labels have sold for $5 each. You’ll find even better bargains in the back room if you hunt patiently.
IT’S A WRAP is located at 3315 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, California
The store is open 11 AM-8 PM on weekdays, and from 11 AM-6 PM on weekends.
Getting there: The store is located in Burbank, on the east side of the San Fernando Valley, just north of Disney, Warner Bros and NBC Studios. From the Ventura (134) Freeway, take the Pass Avenue off ramp and head north about a mile and a half, to Magnolia Blvd. Turn right (east) on Magnolia and go four blocks east to California Street. The store will be on your left (north) side.
Dress like a star, live like star. We can help you find your own STARDIGS -
Call Maggie Knowles at 818 693-9799
REALTOR®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
Graduate REALTOR® Institute
RE/MAX OTB Estates
12532 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
http://sunnyspotrealty.com
http://sunnyspot.stardigs.com
http://beyond50.stardigs.com
http://burbank.stardigs.com
0 Comments : 01.31.07
Next Page »