Homeless People

To comply with state law, the Burbank City Council on Tuesday changed its zoning code to allow transitional and sober-living housing facilities in residential areas. The move didn't sit well with Councilman David Gordon, who said he felt the modifications could "change the character" of Burbank neighborhoods. The new rules allow care facilities for disabled people, which includes drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, in single-family neighborhoods, unless they accommodate more than six people, in which case they are allowed only in multi-family areas, such as apartments or condominiums, if they obtain a permit from the Planning Board.

BURBANK — Capping off a turbulent month of meetings and political maneuvering, the homeless shelter at the Burbank National Guard Armory opened Wednesday night with a tepid response from the area’s transients. “It’s a relief to get this open,” said Andy Bales, chief executive of Union Rescue Mission, the organization running the facility. “We would have liked it to open on the first [of December], but at least it’s open now.” But their joy was tempered by the lack of people; just six individuals, one from Burbank, showed up. “We expected more people,” Bales said.

BURBANK ? As the winter homeless shelter in Burbank prepares to close, the city continues to ramp up its efforts to provide for the area?s homeless population. The 150-person-capacity shelter, on the 3800 block of Valhalla Drive, plans to close Sunday after more than three months of service and a contentious battle to open the site. The Los Angeles-based Union Rescue Mission volunteered to run the shelter after the Glendale National Guard Armory was forced to close for repairs during the winter.

Yea vote for airport curfew is widespread I would make that an affirmative vote for a curfew at Bob Hope Airport and so would everyone I have spoken to for the last year (“Bob Hope restrictions eyed,” Saturday). Yes on curfew. DODIE SHEPARD Burbank Planes are ‘second nature’ across border I do not live in Burbank, but in North Hollywood, near the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Camarillo Street. Provided such would not interfere with national security or interstate commerce, I would not oppose such a curfew (“Bob Hope restrictions eyed,” Saturday)

You can learn a lot about a person by figuring out what movies and music they like. I’m not sure what you think of my writing style, or me, but I definitely liked “The Soloist.” This new release hit a sour note with some film critics, but it was music to my eyes and ears. “The Soloist” is based on a book about the true story of a homeless man living on skid row named Nathaniel Ayers. During a case of writer’s block, Steve Lopez, a gifted columnist for the Los Angeles Times, goes for a walk outside his office and stumbles upon Ayers in a park playing a broken violin in front of a statue of Beethoven.

Buck Wargo GLENDALE -- With Glendale struggling find a site for a cold weather shelter for the homeless, a City Councilman is calling on Burbank for a little help. The Glendale Housing Authority has yet to commit to one of two alternatives to replace a shelter operated at the National Guard Armory since 1995. Authority members wanted more information about costs since Glendale has budgeted $200,000 in federal grant funds for the project and may need more money.

Volunteer Directory runs periodically. To list volunteer opportunities, mail information to Volunteer Directory, Burbank Leader, 220 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Suite B, Burbank, CA 91502, or fax to 954-9439. PROVIDENCIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Volunteer assistance is needed with everything from reading a book to a child, to running off and counting out copies to go home with students. Time is flexible. For more information, call Dee Call at 238-5370. BURBANK CHORALE The Burbank Chorale seeks volunteers to help at concerts twice a year -- two in December, and two in May. Help is needed ushering, handing out programs, selling raffle tickets and serving refreshments.

Justin Aldi marveled at the frozen turkeys he and his employers helped unload Monday afternoon in front of the Burbank Temporary Aid Center. “This is just such a great cause,” the chief executive of First Security Lending said. “I am fortunate to have food for Thanksgiving, so it’s great that we can provide for so many.” Employees of First Security were joined by workers from Windermere Real Estate and Century 21 as they delivered 150 turkeys and 160 sacks of potatoes to the aid center.