Dimples

Mark R. Madler Councilwoman Stacey Murphy visited a quiet residential neighborhood near Alameda and Olive avenues in January to meet with residents opposed to a mixed-use development proposed to be built nearby. Now that same neighborhood is abuzz with talk of Murphy's arrest last week on charges of cocaine possession and child endangerment. "They don't know what to think," resident Rolf Darbo said of his neighbors. "This all came out of the blue."

JOYCE RUDOLPH Yes. That recliner looks comfy, beckoning to you as well as that new DVD you got for Christmas. But hey, 2003 was a rough year, and you deserve a night of celebration. Here are several reasons why you shouldn't stay home this New Year's Eve. Genio's Restaurant will greet 2004 with entertainment by the three-piece combo Jimmy Jammers, playing from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the bar. There is no cover. Dinner will be served until 10:30 p.m. and the holiday menu features steaks, fresh scallops, lobster, shrimp, pork tenderloins and pasta.

After four decades of entertaining late-night TV viewers from its studio in Burbank, "The Tonight Show" might be returning to its birthplace on the East Coast, which could be bad news for local businesses that have counted on the show's staff and audiences. NBC is considering handing over the 11:35 p.m. time slot to Jimmy Fallon, who tapes his “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” in New York City. Host Jay Leno's contract for “The Tonight Show” ends in September 2014, but there have been suggestions that the change may happen earlier.

The following incidents were taken from police reports. AIRPORT DISTRICT 3400 block of North San Fernando Boulevard: A 27-year-old Sun Valley woman was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possession of narcotics and driving under the influence. Police found a bottle of pills with no prescription. 2627 Hollywood Way: Police are investigating the theft Wednesday of a compact disc player, book bag, books and a cellular phone from a Ford Aerostar minivan parked at the airport.

Laura Sturza BURBANK -- Local store owners and child-care workers, joined by throngs of others, have been singing the blues in increasing numbers. They have been belting out blues, rock and just about any other type of song imaginable during karaoke performances at local venues. Karaoke Scene Magazine lists Burbank as having the most karaoke offerings of any San Fernando Valley city. The magazine's publisher, Peter Parker, said the movement is catching on for a variety of reasons.

Mark R. Madler The City Council is looking to outside legal help to determine what kind of control it has over future use of a nine-acre parcel NBC Universal has on the market. The council agreed on Tuesday to have an outside attorney review a development agreement between the city and the entertainment company outlining the size and use of the property at Alameda Avenue and Bob Hope Drive. The city needs a second opinion on interpretation of the 1997 agreement because sale of the property could mean the city would end up with a project different from that originally envisioned for the site, Mayor Jef Vander Borght said.

Walk the LineIf you like the music of Johnny Cash, you will thoroughly enjoy "Walk The Line." Not a fan of country music? Avoid this movie and finish your holiday shopping. I'll send you my Christmas list. You're welcome. "Walk The Line" is based on Johnny Cash's autobiography and stars Joaquin Phoenix as the legendary musician. Reese Witherspoon plays June Carter Cash. The film chronicles Cash's rise to fame and his love affair with June. I'll take the cheap and easy way out to describe this movie.

'Twas the day before Christmas, the last week of the year, and folks throughout Burbank have been spreading the cheer, at holiday parties with friends new and old, so go on, keep reading, as their stories are told. While the chill of recession has America in its grips, Burbankers found warmth and respite from the financial storm by gathering with friends, family and colleagues for holiday parties. The name Cusumano is well-known to anyone who has spent any time in Burbank.

Joyce Rudolph BURBANK -- Friends of master belly dancer Anisa are gathering for a benefit dance concert and silent auction titled "Hollywood Babylon" presented by Iamed on Sunday at the Burbank Center Stage. Anisa, owner of Anisa's School of Middle Eastern Dance in Sherman Oaks, suffered a heart attack in January, and is recuperating, said her friend and colleague Suzy Evans, who is organizing the entertainment for the benefit. "She's doing fine medically and is back to running her studio, but she has incurred a lot of medical bills," she said.