Traffic Signals

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Burbank) banning the public sale of devices that can change traffic lights has been signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The mobile infrared transmitters are capable of changing traffic signals from red to green, according to a news release. Under the proposed legislation, anyone not working as a firefighter, police officer or a paramedic would be fined if found with a transmitter or selling one. Any person caught selling or purchasing two or more devices would be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $3,000.

Karen S. Kim MEDIA DISTRICT NORTH -- The City Council was to vote Tuesday on a proposal partnering Burbank with the Metropolitan Transit Authority in funding a transit project designed to ease traffic in the Burbank Media District. The project, called the Media District Intelligent Transportation System, will install cameras and other equipment in the area to monitor traffic conditions, message boards on local streets informing drivers of congested conditions and timed traffic signals at Hollywood Way and Olive Avenue to improve traffic flow.

Jackson Bell A Burbank without its Public Works Department would be a city in a grim state. Trash would pile up in front of homes, potholes would overtake the streets, raw sewage would back up in toilets and car collisions would happen in every intersection without working traffic signals. Public Works, at 333 E. Olive Ave., is the behind-the-scenes department that quietly maintains the city's infrastructure projects, deals with traffic, controls water quality, and collects and disposes of solid wastes and recyclables.

Nearly 2,000 residents were expected to be without power for at least two hours Thursday evening after heavy gusts at about 4:55 p.m. brought down a wire in the 1400 block of West Victory Boulevard, officials said. Crews were dispatched to the area of West Victory Boulevard and North Hollywood Way where about 1,800 homes and business are without power, city spokesman Keith Sterling said. The wire came down amid gusts of 20 mph, triggering alarms, shutting down traffic signals in the area and tying up intersections along North Keystone Street, North Lamer Street and North Reese Place, residents reported.

MTA PROJECTS The council will consider a request from the Community Development Department to submit grant applications to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for five transportation-related projects. City staffers have already prepared application papers, targeting potential programs that align with long-term transportation goals of the city. WHAT TO EXPECT If city officials were awarded grant proceeds, the funds would be put toward several projects, including plans to upgrade traffic signals on four main streets in Burbank, constructing a 3-mile bike path on San Fernando Boulevard and purchasing additional vehicles for the Burbank Bus fleet.

Traffic delays on surface roads Morning travelers might have experienced a longer commute than usual Friday near San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street. A private engineering firm, Boster, Kobayaski and Associates, surveyed signage and traffic patterns near the Metrolink track, police said. Police held back traffic on adjacent streets while investigators monitored traffic patterns in the intersection when a train passed through the intersection at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The San Fernando-Buena Vista intersection has been the site of nine accidents in the past 10 years.

Gary Moskowitz BURBANK -- The Burbank Unified School District issued a statement last week encouraging parents, students and the public to remember how to be safe when going to and from school during the 2001-02 school year. Parents of students who walk to and from school are encouraged to practice walking routes with their child and teach their child to obey and recognize traffic signals. Sue Boegh, director of career education for the school district, said it is important for the public to be aware of the number of children who are now walking or riding bikes to school and to exercise additional caution when driving.

POLICE RECRUITMENT The council received an update on the recruitment to fill 10 vacant positions in the police department. WHAT IT MEANS Burbank Police Lt. David Gabriel reported that the department spent $7,000 in 10 months to attract qualified candidates for the police officer positions through advertisements, the city website and job fairs. Finances, work history and deceptive behavior were reasons the department has had to reject applicants, Gabriel said.

ARCHITECTS APPROVED FOR NEW PROJECT WHAT HAPPENED An agreement with Leo A. Daily Architects will provide architectural design, specialty consultants and engineering services to complete the design for the Development and Community Services Building project. WHAT IT MEANS The action resumes the design process. The city had placed the project on hold in January in response to the need to cut costs due to the state's budget crisis. VOTE The council voted 4-0 to approve the professional services agreement.