Downtown Burbank

While the “Taste of Downtown Burbank” was staged to benefit the Burbank Community YMCA, it was more than apparent during Thursday evening’s food fest that the event’s participants were also benefiting. Whether one’s culinary preferences were as simple as an All-American burger or as adventurous as Japanese fusion, it was impossible to take 10 steps in any direction without succumbing to some sort of tasty temptation. Three-year-old Isabella Scozzola was so tempted by a huge chocolate chip cookie that once it was in her possession, she gave little care to the fact that she was getting as much of the gooey goodness on her cheeks as into her mouth.

CIVIC CENTER ? San Fernando Boulevard between Orange Grove Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard swarmed with more than 1,000 people on Thursday, who sampled the offerings of downtown restaurants during the third annual Taste of Downtown Burbank. "I can't even see the other end of the street," Mayor Todd Campbell said, standing feet away from Orange Grove. "This is a fabulous event and I think it'll be even better next year. It's a great opportunity for the community to get together and taste the great restaurants downtown, as well as help out a community group."

As Joey Gonzalez handed out cookies and hamburgers, he marveled at the long lines on San Fernando Boulevard. “I just love Burbank” the Fuddruckers general manager said. “And I love this festival. It seems to get bigger every year.” While dozens crowded around the Fuddruckers booth, thousands crammed Downtown on Thursday night for the fourth annual Taste of Downtown Burbank. The festival offered residents the opportunity to sample food from more than 30 restaurants, sip drinks and even find a place to live.

Bundled-up revelers slid and played in nearly 15 tons of snow brought into Downtown Burbank on Sunday. At the tail end of the shopping area’s 12 Days of Holiday Cheer events — a stretch of 12 days that included a holiday parade, tree lighting, free food and refreshments — people took advantage of one of the most visible happenings. “Oh man,” said Gail Stewart, manager of downtown activities and events. “We had like 1,000 people [at the snow day]

Downtown receives marketing awards Downtown Burbank received three marketing awards at the annual California Festivals and Events Assn. Celebration Awards held Feb. 19. Downtown Burbank secured first place for "Best New Idea" and took first and second place for Best Festival Brochures. The "Best New Idea" award went to Downtown Burbank for "12 Days of Holiday Cheer," Downtown Burbank's holiday collaboration with Burbank's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Radio Disney, Ikea and Burbank Town Center.

Send DATEBOOK items to Burbank Leader, 221 N. Brand Blvd., 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91203 or fax to (818) 241-1975. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication. ? THURSDAY Downtown Burbank Free Summer Concert series starts today and continues every Thursday night thereafter in July and August on the AMC Walkway at Palm Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard in Downtown Burbank. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with dance lessons by Francisco and Stacey of the Dance Family Studio, then a two-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. .For more information, visit http://www.

Beach Party Nights to begin DOWNTOWN BURBANK -- The music will continue in Downtown Burbank with Beach Party Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays in September in the AMC Plaza. California beach music will be performed by top bands with the final act in the series being Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries on Sept. 30. The other bands will be announced later. Free dance lessons begin at 6 p.m. followed by the free concert at 7. Also on Sept.

Burbank chamber to host luncheon The Burbank Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Connection Luncheon the second Thursday of every month at The Castaway restaurant, 1250 Harvard Road in Burbank. Sponsored by the Burbank Leader. This luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Cost is $22 per member, $27 for prospective members. For reservations, call the chamber at (818) 846-3111. Downtown Burbank hosts trick-or-treat alternative Downtown Burbank presents Booo-tiful Downtown Burbank from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 on the AMC Walkway at Palm Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard.

Rima Shah The five new stores that celebrated their grand openings Saturday on San Fernando Boulevard are a vital part of a big dream. They are a part of Burbank's Downtown revitalization plan, which aims to give local residents a place to have a good time and help the area's economic development, city officials said. The new stores are Chadaka Thai, a Thai food restaurant; the confectionary store Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; Quiznos; O' My Sole, a shoe store; and Active, a sportswear store.

Warrant issued for ‘Transformers’ star An arrest warrant was issued Tuesday for Shia LeBeouf, the 22-year-old actor who starred in last year’s “Transformers,” police said Tuesday. LeBeouf failed to appear in Burbank Superior Court Tuesday morning after police cited him in February for smoking in Downtown Burbank, a misdemeanor offense, under the city’s smoking ordinance passed last year, a court representative said. “He received a smoking citation at 314 N. San Fernando [Blvd.

The eighth annual Taste of Downtown Burbank takes place Thursday evening on San Fernando Road. More than 40 restaurants are slated to take part in the event, which is scheduled from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. between Magnolia Boulevard and Olive Avenue. Motorists, however, should note that street closures on San Fernando begin at 6:30 a.m. Thursday from Magnolia to Palm Avenue, said Gail Stewart, business district manager for the city's redevelopment department. Palm to Orange Grove will close at 10 a.m. The street closures will remain in effect until about midnight, she said.

Complaining about a Dining Out review on March 20 on Lucy’s Pizza Corner, who does Stan Wawer think he is, describing my block as, “Its Burbank Boulevard location is not in the best Burbank neighborhood.” There are signs up and down the street proclaiming how wonderful it is. You tell this guy every neighborhood in Burbank is wonderful. Warren Kleiman Burbank On property taxes and Prop 13 Michael Teahan makes me think of a politician: someone always looking for a lot of easy, quick money they can take from a small group and “buy” popularity by spreading it out to a larger group (“Tropico Perspective: Prop.

Hundreds of people turned out on San Fernando Boulevard in Downtown Burbank Thursday night for an evening of delicious food, celebrity guests, live performances and eco-friendly behavior . The Taste of Downtown Burbank looked much different than in years past. The seventh installment of the culinary event focused on going green and reducing waste. In previous years, the streets were lined with cups, plates and utensils handed out from individual booths. An effort to dramatically reduce the trash, the boulevard was lined with "Zero Waste Stations" manned by volunteers from the Burbank High School Key Club and community members.

DOWNTOWN — In a year marked by sluggish sales and a depressed job market, the city’s two main business districts still attracted new ventures into empty storefronts, according to a year-end report. The Downtown Burbank and Magnolia Park partnerships continued to serve as drivers in the city’s quest to promote economic development, particularly as holiday shopping figures fell again this winter. Fourth-quarter receipts in 2009 were down 12.5% compared with the same period in 2008, but officials said several factors, including refunds of taxes paid over multiyear periods, skewed the data.

DOWNTOWN — Burbank officials on Wednesday unveiled the first plug-in hybrid fuel cell bus in Southern California. The 35-foot-long bus, which emits water as exhaust and uses a hydrogen fuel cell instead of a gas or diesel engine, will be put into service on city routes beginning next week and can travel 250 miles before recharging, tripling the fuel economy of a diesel, officials said. The California Air Resources Board and state Energy Commission awarded the city $1.37 million to fund the roughly $1.7-million program.

DOWNTOWN — Burbank school board members voted unanimously Thursday to appoint a new district superintendent, less than three months after Supt. Kevin Jolly announced his resignation, effective June 30, after just six months on the job. Visalia Unified School District Supt. Stan Carrizosa will take over Burbank Unified on July 1 on a four-year contract after board members approved his $235,000 annual salary. “It wasn’t an opportunity I expected to come up .

DOWNTOWN — Burbank school board members today voted unanimously to appoint a new district superintendent, less than three months after Supt. Kevin Jolly announced his resignation, effective June 30, after just six months on the job. Visalia Unified School District Supt. Stan Carrizosa will take over Burbank Unified July 1 on a four-year contract after board members approved his $235,000 annual salary. Burbank Unified school board members traveled to Visalia, which is at roughly the midpoint between Bakersfield and Fresno in the Central Valley, on Feb. 1, meeting in closed session regarding the possible appointment and contract.

TODAY The Little White Chapel will host the Hip Handmaids handmade gift boutique from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1711 N. Avon St., Burbank, featuring unique wares including kitsch and eco-friendly gifts. For more information, contact hipinfo@hiphandmaids.com. Girl Scout Feed Your Neighbor Food Drive Booths will be set up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at two Vons locations, 1110 W. Alameda Ave., and 301 N. Pass Ave., to help the fight against hunger. Vons shoppers are encouraged to add a few items to their shopping list to donate to local food banks and pantries.