Golf

The following items were taken from Burbank Police Department reports: 2000 block of West Magnolia Boulevard: A 21-year-old Burbank man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of being drunk in public. 1 800 block of Empire Avenue: 1,500 pounds of cardboard that was on its way to be recycled, valued at $300, was stolen from Target on Tuesday. 600 block of North Victory Boulevard : Two locks valued at $200 were destroyed at a local business.

Bits and pieces from the local sports scene :   Guards enjoy some success at Staub Invitational : The Bellarmine-Jefferson High cross-country teams were running short-handed Saturday in the 41st annual event at Crescenta Valley Park. With athletes missing for academic reasons, injuries and other sports commitments, the Guards boys placed fourth and the girls’ team only had two competitors — not enough to score. “I moved a bunch of kids up and we finished fourth, so I’m pretty happy with that,” Bell-Jeff Coach Mike Morgan said.

The stone and wrought-iron archway at the intersection of Sunset Canyon Drive and Olive Avenue is a remnant of Sunset Canyon Country Club, Burbank's premier attraction during the Roaring '20s (1920s). While only a 35-minute drive from Los Angeles in 1921, the Sunset Canyon Country Club was built and advertised as a refuge from the fast-paced and hectic life of the big city. Its location and amenities temporarily transported its members to a mountainous resort far away from their daily worries.

The rest of us would not get this treatment Burbank Costco has long proclaimed company policy against soliciting on the premises with a prominent sign at the front entrance. The sign has disappeared. Did Arnold Schwarzenegger ignore the sign and company policy when he recently solicited support there for a ballot initiative? Or did the company suspend the policy by removing the sign beforehand? Or did the company remove the sign after newspaper stories contained criticisms of the solicitation?

Throughout the past year, the local community experienced its share of important, interesting and tragic sports stories. Some of the stories touched us, some informed us and others just entertained us. Although many of the stories deserve recognition, a select few stood out among the others. Chosen by the Leader, here is a list of the top 10 stories of 2009.   1 Bell-Jeff girls’ basketball team wins stats, CIF titles Bell-Jeff girls’ basketball team wins stats, CIF titles : In March, Bellarmine-Jefferson High defeated Pinewood, 55-47, in the CIF State Basketball Division V Championships at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

Umar Khan isn't the first basketball player to try his luck at golf. There have been plenty (i.e. Jordan, Barkley and just about every other NBA superstar looking to pass time) who have traded in their jerseys for polo shirts and a nine-iron. But how often does that happen in high school? After the season's done, basketball players are usually playing baseball, or are back in the gym competing in volleyball. Heck, they might even be running track.

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL Bellarmine-Jefferson d. Providence, 23-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-22 : The Guards defeated the visiting Pioneers for the first time in a decade Thursday in a nonleague match. "After we lost that first game the guys woke up and just started playing," said Bell-Jeff Coach Miguel Segura, whose team is 16-7. "When they did that they started playing good volleyball." Bell-Jeff was paced by Ramy Garsdean, who had 12 kills and eight blocks and Chris Lopez, who had six kills and 11 blocks.

DeBell Golf Course will offer a holiday junior camp at 1500 Walnut Ave., Burbank. Children ranging in ages 6 to 11 may participate from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 26 to 28 and Jan. 2 to 4. Children between the ages of 12 to 16 may take part in the camp from 1 to 3 p.m. on the same days. The camp package is $99 and includes six days of golf instruction two hours each day, range balls are included, par 3 golf play and a tournament on final day. For more information, call Zach Allen at (714)

A brush fire in the hills above DeBell Golf Club in Burbank has consumed roughly 20 acres, officials said. Water-dropping helicopters were brought in to assist ground crews trying to contain the fire -- first reported shortly after noon Monday -- as it moved through heavy brush in the hills above East Harvard Road and East Walnut Avenue. Stough and Wildwood Canyon parks are also near by. The fire started adjacent to the golf course and moved up the hillside, according to Burbank Fire Battalion Chief David Schmitt.

The Magnolia Park Optimist Club will hold its 26th annual Youth Golf Classic on May 17 at DeBell Gold Club. The tournament raises funds for youth and school programs in Burbank and at the Optimist Youth Homes. Terry Scott, Gary Oseransky and Jim Gascoigne are heading the event committee. Entry fee is $135. For more information, call Scott at (818) 842-7950. Rotary keeps students focused The Burbank Noon Rotary Club made a $2,000 donation to the Burroughs photography department and the funds are covering the costs of printing, mounting, matting and framing photographs, allowing students to have their work displayed like a professional, said Burroughs photography teacher Bonnie Burrow.  "Our Rotarians are to be commended for their generosity," Burrow said.