Summer

PASADENA — Rep. Adam Schiff on Friday announced the start of the long-awaited study of the region's hillsides, which could lead to federal protection of the local area. The announcement was a major milestone for Schiff (D-Burbank), who began lobbying for the so-called "Rim of the Valley" study in 2001. The study was approved as part of federal legislation signed by President George W. Bush in 2008. Two years later, officials allocated $500,000 to begin the study, which will start with an exhaustive public outreach and exploration process this summer.

First Lutheran School of Burbank will offer "Time in the Son" summer camp program for children ages 5 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 through Aug. 13. An extended day-care program will also be offered to the children attending summer camp from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at no additional charge. Registration is $130, and weekly rates are $90 for three days a week and $130 for five days a week. For more information, call (818) 848-3076 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Activities include daily chapel time, weekly field trips, computers and a talent show.

DOWNTOWN ? Against the backdrop of train crashes that have killed three dozen passengers and injured hundreds more across the San Fernando Valley, Metrolink officials are set to roll out new cars designed to better withstand deadly wrecks on one of the nation?s most perilous rail systems. The new rail cars, designed with ?crush zones? that collapse to absorb impact, will be the first in the nation to use the technology, officials said. A cab and passenger car are expected in mid-January ?

You just have to love summer time. Everything seems more carefree. The days are longer, sometimes meals are simpler and outdoor activities replace sitting under a cozy blanket while watching television. I just picked up my own children from a night of summer fun at our church. They bustled into my car filled with laughter and stories and soaked in shaving cream, yes shaving cream, don?t ask. My clean car was saturated with water and the white, sticky substance usually used for hygiene ?

The Burbank Magnolia Park Optimist Club had a very relaxed and fun first meeting for August. This warm weather made for lazy days so they decided to have fun and games instead of their usual exciting program. After a short business meeting, President Jesse Fox turned the meeting over to Terry Scott . There was a contest to see which person came to Burbank first, graduated from a Burbank school first, was married first and so on. The winners rotated from table to table.

Bits and pieces from the local sports scene.   Burroughs girls’ golfer does well in prestigious events : Burroughs High’s Emily Tubert continues to enjoy a busy, and successful, summer. Two weeks ago, she was part of a Southern California team that won a championship at the 2009 Girls Junior Americas Cup at the Logan Golf and Country Club in Logan Utah. She was one of four girls to represent Southern California and played against teams from the United States, Alberta, British Columbia and Mexico.

Little League team looking for funding The Burbank Major Little League All-Star softball team has been mowing down opponents during the postseason. The District 16 champions are one win away from qualifying for the Western Regionals in Washington. A good showing in that tournament would move the Burbank team on to the World Series in Oregon. Despite its success, the team might not be able to attend the regionals because of a lack of funds. The squad is looking for corporate and individual donations to help it keep playing.

Youngsters in the city’s day camp program received VIP treatment with a tour Thursday of Bob Hope Airport. Summer Daze Express Campers role played in a mock fuel spill with the airport’s fire department members, climbed into the back seat of the police helicopter and got a pilot’s eye view of a private jet cockpit. Their tour was capped off with pizza, sports drinks and a variety of cakes and cookies. The campers are enrolled in the program at Robert Gross Park, which is just down the street.

“O> ne, two step, one, two step, now turn,” instructed dance teacher Francisco Martinez of the Dance Family Studio in Pasadena. He and his wife, Stacey Martinez, gave beginner-friendly dance lessons Thursday evening at the AMC Walkway in Downtown Burbank before the nine-piece band Phat Cat Swinger took the stage under a clear, summer evening sky. For the past six years during the summer, the Downtown Burbank Partnership has hosted...

Online tickets and a new concessionaire are making their debut performance this season at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank. Tickets are now being sold online to make purchases easier, said Cathryn Villalobos, recreation supervisor for the city of Burbank. The tickets can be printed out from a home computer, and use a scannable number that is checked at the gate. “We’ve had shows in the past where everyone is rushing to get there because tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and some shows sell out,” she said.