Caltrans

Laura Sturza BURBANK -- In an effort to improve the look of Burbank's freeway onramps and offramps, the Public Works Department will add $10,000 to support the business sponsored Adopt-a-Highway program. Currently, businesses and organizations that have adopted sections of the Golden State (5) or Ventura (134) freeways are responsible for cleaning their areas four times a year. The program was recently instituted, because the ramps are owned and controlled by Caltrans, which is "strapped for resources," City Engineer Bonnie Teaford said.

o7Here are a few of the issues the council will consider Tuesday night. f7 ENGINEERING AGREEMENT The City Council will consider approving a $74,000 professional services agreement with Orsa Consulting Engineers for engineering and consultant services to relocate electrical utilities at the Hollywood Way, Alameda Avenue and Pass Avenue bridges over the Ventura (134) Freeway. The work is being done to reduce congestion. The city will be reimbursed the cost of the agreement by CalTrans.

State transportation officials on Thursday announced a slate of ramp and lane closures on the Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways starting Friday as crews continue work on new carpool lanes. Both projects combined carry a price tag of nearly $179 million and are expected to be completed in late 2014, according to the California Department of Transportation. For a list of all the lane and ramp closures, visit the Caltrans information page for the I-5 corridor improvements.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism Nov.3 after detectives found nearly 100 pieces of evidence at their residences, police said. Devin Dickey, 20, and a 16 year-old female, both of Burbank, were arrested in connection with a tagging crew that has been vandalizing locations in Burbank, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Arleta, San Fernando and Toluca Lake, police said. Burbank's Gang Enforcement Team has been investigating the crew, who also vandalized numerous areas of Caltrans property along the I-5 and the Ventura (134)

The northbound Golden State (5) Freeway will be closed overnight Monday at Lankershim Boulevard as crews continue work on new carpool lanes. The closure will be in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, according to the California Department of Transportation. Traffic will be diverted off the freeway at Lankershim Boulevard for a detour. Vehicles will be allowed back on the I-5 at Paxton Street. Crews will be removing temporary construction supports on the section of freeway during the closure, according to Caltrans.

Laura Sturza MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Commuters might not be waiting as long at a congested intersection now that the City Council has approved a property swap that takes a big step toward building new freeway ramps. The council's unanimous vote to exchange properties owned by the Redevelopment Agency and the city means the necessary land will be freed for construction of a new on/off-ramp at Hollywood Way and Alameda Avenue. In addition, two apartments will be relocated and an electrical substation will be moved and modernized.

REWARD POLICY The City Council unanimously adopted a policy to provide guidance on offering monetary rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in high profile crimes. WHAT IT MEANS In the past, the city has offered monetary rewards for information leading to arrests or convictions in high-profile crimes, but it had no written policy. City staff members developed a policy to provide guidance to the council and ensure that each situation that warrants a reward is handled appropriately.

Darleene Barrientos Flashing red lights confused a driver and led to the Jan. 6 train wreck in which several people were injured and two people were killed, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board. The crash at a Metrolink railroad crossing near North Buena Vista Street and San Fernando Boulevard could have been avoided if the red arrow -- signaling that drivers were allowed to turn left into the intersection if it was safe -- was not flashing, according to the report.

Mark R. Madler For residents in this neighborhood, a sound wall along the freeway was meant to separate their homes from the noise and exhaust of passing vehicles. But taggers armed with spray paint have turned the sound wall along the Ventura (134) Freeway into their own personal canvas, much to the dismay of homeowners such as Shannon Meyer. "It's a tagging war," Meyer said. "They are crossing off each other's names on the wall and retagging it."

The year 2013 is already shaping up to be a busy year, with several issues rooted in the past expected to come to fruition. While the year ahead will no doubt unleash its own bounty of surprises, here are some issues we can all count on happening in 2013. Citywide elections Six candidates will be vying for three seats on the Burbank City Council in the February primary. Incumbents Jess Talamantes, David Gordon and Dave Golonski will face three challengers - Juan Guillen, David Nos and Robert Frutos.