Updated:  2/22/2012

Francisco Peres Cano, 48, of Burbank
Reported on February 21, at Hollywood Way & Chandler Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Dustin George Harvey, 27, of Burbank
Reported on February 21, at Victory Blvd. & Chandler Blvd.
On suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon

Brandon Osborne, 19, of Burbank
Reported on: February 21, by LAPD
On suspicion of hit and run

Ejmin Khashakichegani, 29, of Burbank
Reported on: February 21, by LAPD
On suspicion of possession of a controlled substance

Sachae Coleman, 19, of Burbank
Reported on: February 18, in Oakland, Alameda County
On suspicion of prostitution

Dena L Troxell, 60, of Burbank
Reported on: February 18, in Indio, Riverside County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Zeb Samuel Nichols, 32, of Burbank
Reported on February 20, at Naomi St. and Oak St., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Danielle Nalani Peterson, 18, of Burbank
Reported on February 20, at 111 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of theft

Lloyd George Washington, Jr., 52, of Burbank
Reported on February 20, in Burbank
On suspicion of spousal battery

Edgar Zepeda, 24, of Burbank
Reported on: February 20, by LAPD
On suspicion of felony vandalism

Louis Katz, 38, of Burbank
Reported on February 19, at 620 E. Angeleno Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of burglary, vandalism

Roger L Greer, 33, of Burbank
Reported on: February 19, by Glendale PD
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Olmedo Ferro, 28, of Burbank
Reported on February 18, at Burbank Blvd. & Frederic St., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Matthew Thomas King, 42, of Burbank
Reported on February 17, at San Fernando Blvd. & Olive Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia

Tyler James Rose, 33, of Burbank
Reported on February 17, in Burbank
On suspicion of spousal battery

Patrick F Hanna, 22, of Burbank
Reported on: February 17, by Glendale PD
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Gilberto Sandoval, 20, of Burbank
Reported on: February 17, by LAPD
On suspicion of felony resisting arrest

Daniel Nathan Denberg, 26, of Burbank
Reported on February 16, at 1000 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of theft, parole violation

Jordan Welsh of Burbank
Reported on: February 16, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of drugs

Andrew Wood of Burbank
Reported on: February 16, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of narcotics

Steven Ladd of Burbank
Reported on: February 16, in San Bernardino County
On suspicion of public intoxication

Miranda L Reem of Burbank
Reported on: February 15, in Ventura County
On suspicion of drugs

Alfonson S. Mier of Burbank
Reported on: February 14, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of forgery, checks, access cards, driving under the influence

Russell K Curl of Burbank
Reported on: February 13, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of drugs, public intoxication

Jesus Gama of Burbank
Reported on: February 4, in Orange County
On suspicion of public intoxication

Fellix Khosravian, 36, of Burbank
Reported on February 15, at 2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of burglary

Brenda Kay Monaco, 46, of Burbank
Reported on February 15, at the Glendale Jail
On suspicion of theft

Cynthia Kathryne Moran, 18, of Burbank
Reported on February15, at Oak St. and Maple St., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Michael Aziz Mushammel, 23, of Burbank
Reported on February 15, at Ontario St. and Oak St., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Sebastian Tegera, 21, of Burbank
Reported on February 15, in Burbank
On suspicion of spousal battery

Shayna Mathis of Burbank
Reported on: February 15, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Ever Hernandez of Burbank
Reported on: February 15, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of other charges

Carlos Cetina of Burbank
Reported on: February 15, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of felony theft

Quoc Chan Chung, 43, of Burbank
Reported on February 14, at 2200 W. Empire Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of public intoxication

Aaron Michael Collette, 29, of Burbank
Reported on February14, at Hollywood Way and Chandler Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of failure to appear

James Thomas Gilbert, 57, of Burbank
Reported on February 14, at Buena Vista St. and Victory Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of burglary

James Aaron Green, 43, of Burbank
Reported on February 14, at Burbank Blvd. & Victory Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of public intoxication

Guilherme Maranhao, 28, of Burbank
Reported on February 14, at Third Street & Cypress Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Mayra Janeth Medina, 31, of Burbank
Reported on February 14, at 200 E. Cypress Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of burglary

Jerome Kimes, 30, of Burbank
Reported on February13, at Olive Ave. & Fifth St.
On suspicion of driving without a license, vehile registration violations

Renato Lattanzi, 46, of Burbank
Reported on February 13, in Burbank
On suspicion of spousal battery

Myles Joseph McMurray, 19, of Burbank
Reported on February 13, at 200 E. Cypress Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of burglary

Nikita Kogay, 26, of Burbank
Reported on February 12, at Orange Grove Ave. & Sixth St., Burbank
On suspicion of battery against a peace officer

Vicente Aguilar, 36, of Burbank
Reported on February 11, in Burbank
On suspicion of spousal battery

Raul Bermudez III, 36, of Burbank
Reported on February 11, at 1233 N. Orchard Dr., Burbank
On suspicion of carjacking

Gary Edward Wicker, 57, of Burbank
Reported on February 11, at Kenwood St. & Pacific Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of drug possession

Joseph Alexander D’Alessio, 62, of Burbank
Reported on February 10, in Burbank
On suspicion of domestic violence

Scott Michael Swan, 33, of Burbank
Reported on February 10, at Vanowen St. & Naomi St., Burbank
On suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia

Sona Angela Vardapetyan, 34, of Burbank
Reported on February 10, at 151 E. Verdugo Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of trespassing

Christian Michael Heath, 20, of Burbank
Reported on February 9, at 123 N. Griffith Park Dr., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Marcus Klemp, 37, of Burbank
Reported on February 9, at 620 E. Angeleno Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Lilia Martinez, 40, of Burbank
Reported on February 9, at Bonnywood & Providencia, Burbank
On suspicion of driving without a license

Hakop Papazyan, 21, of Burbank
Reported on February 9, at 630 S. Lake St., Burbank
On suspicion of marijuana possession, possession of a controlled substance

Ayman Khalil of Burbank
Reported on February 9, by Lancaster Sheriff’s Station
On suspicion of marijuana cultivation

Vage Akopyan of Burbank
Reported on February 9, by Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station
On suspicion of parole violation

Michael A Dean of Burbank
Reported on February 3, in Beverly Hills
On suspicion of driving with a suspended license

Cinthia Haaz, 41, of Burbank
Reported on February 9, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of forgery, driving with a suspended license

Dahji Taylor, 20, of Burbank
Reported on February 9, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of failure to appear

Timothy Joseph Boyle, 49, of Burbank
Reported on February 8, at 2230 N. Sixth St., Burbank
On suspicion of possesson of an opium pipe

Luis Castaneda, 39, of Burbank
Reported on February 8, at 2704 Thornton Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of theft, receiving stolen property

Armando Rodriguez, 42, of Burbank
Reported on February 8, at 2706 Thornton Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia

Kenny Mark Cousens, 45, of Burbank
Reported on February 7, at 539 N. Fairview, Burbank
On suspicion of firearms violation

Ronald Alexander Guzman, 27, of Burbank
Reported on February 7, at 900 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Arshaval Saghin, 49, of Burbank
Reported on February 7, at 113 E. Alameda Ave., Burbank
On suspoicion of battery on an officer

Walter Michael Sosaya, 49, of Burbank
Reported on February 7, at San Fernando & Providencia, Burbank
On suspicion of parole violation, failure to appear

Alexander Navor Zagala, 19, of Burbank
Reported on February 7, at Alameda & Victory, Burbank
On suspicion of driving without a license, possession of vandalism tools

Sarkis Karageozyan of Burbank
Reported on: February 8, by Temple City Sheriff’s Station
On suspicion of motor vehicle theft (stolen vehicle chop shop)

Deborah Hairston, 42, of Burbank
Reported on: February 8, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Craig Smith, 44, of Burbank
Reported on: February 8, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Tyler Vinci, 29, of Burbank
Reported on: February 8, by Lemoore Police Dept., Kings County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Elizabeth Morabi, 22 of Burbank
Reported on: February 7, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of assault and battery

Mehrab Morabi, 20, of Burbank
Reported on: February 7, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of assault and battery

Brittany Fesperman, 19,  of Burbank
Reported on: February 7, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of burglary

David Vincent McLaughlin, 53, of Burbank
Reported on February 6, at Burbank & Reese, Burbank
On suspicion of public intoxication

Anna Muradyan, 22, of Burbank
Reported on February 6, at the Glendale Jail
On suspicion of trespassing

Guadalupe Pascual, 28, of Burbank
Reported on: February 6, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of hit and run

Heozimath Argotty, 21, of Burbank
Reported on: February 6, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of possession

Vahem Mardian, 28, of Burbank
Reported on: February 4, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Meghi Avakians, 27, of Burbank
Reported on February 5, at San Fernando & Alameda, Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence, suspended license

Ernesto Antionio Jovel, 53, of Burbank
Reported on February 5, in Burbank
On suspicion of domestic violence

Elvis Romikovich Kazaryan, 26, of Burbank
Reported on February 5, at Buena Vista & Alameda, Burbank
On suspicion of drug possession

Carlos Alberto Mijares, 38, of Burbank
Reported on February 5, in Burbank
On suspicion of domestic violence

Iliana Morejon, 31, of Burbank
Reported on Febrary 5, at Magnolia & Brighton, Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

James David Trantham, 45, of Burbank
Reported on February 5, at Victory & Chandler, Burbank
On suspicion of public intoxication

Donald Alvarado, 45, of Burbank
Reported on February 4, at Buena Vista & Thornton, Burbank
On suspicion of violating a protective order, vandalism, failure to appear

Charissa Marie Bodtcher, 23, of Burbank
Reported on February 4, at 239 E. Cedar, Burbank
On suspicion of animal cruelty

Timo Adam Bodtcher, 18, of Burbank
Reported on Febrary 4, at 239 E. Cedar, Burbank
On suspicion of animal cruelty

Jose Luis Davila, 51, of Burbank
Reported on February 4, at San Fernando & Buena Vista, Burbank
On suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, battery, public intoxication

Kelli Provart of Burbank
Reported on: February 4 in Ventura County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Michelle C Badrian, 42, of Burbank
Reported on: February 3 in Ventura County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Daniel Sanchez of Burbank
Reported on: February 3 in West Hollywood
On suspicion of possession of an illegal weapon

Alexis Christine Black, 25, of Burbank
Reported on February 2, at 200 E. Cypress, Burbank
On suspicion of burglary

Ryan John Davis, 32, of Burbank
Reported on February 2, at 937 E. Bethany, Burbank
On suspicion of violating a court order

Vincent Miglins, 27, of Burbank
Reported on February 2, at Keystone & Victory, Burbank
On suspicion of drug possession

Julio Cesar Rivera, 18, of Burbank
Reported on February 2, at 2430 N. Naomi, Burbank
On suspicion of criminal gang activity, vandalism

Jarett Jakarr Waddell, 36, of Burbnk
Reported on February 2, at Alameda & Gateway, Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Llusdivia Maldonado, 37, of Burbank
Reported on: February 2, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Jesus Santiago, 26, of Burbank
Reported on: February 2, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of prostitution

Yvonne Contreras, 34, of Burbank
Reported on: February 2, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon

Juan Rosales, 30, of Burbank
Reported on: February 2, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of prostitution

Elias Dawood, 54, of Burbank
Reported on: February 2, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of prostitution

Hakop Papazyan of Burbank
Reported on: February 2, in Los Angeles County
On suspicion of possession of narcotics, hit and run

Elizabeth Ludwick Bax, 49, of Burbank
Reported on February 1, at 1150 Victory Place, Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury

Curtis Michael Sherrer, 29, of Burrbank
Reported on February 1, at San Fernando & Palm, Burbank
On suspicion of identity theft

This lovely couple donate their time, funds and love to help charities such as www.cupcakesforcancer.com (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

As I walked into the lovely home of Monique and David Stamps, the sweet scent of freshly baked chocolate cupcakes still lingered in the air.  I began the interview as David frosted the tiny treats with his own concoction of peanut butter and cream cheese.  Being a novice to the wonderful world of cupcakes, I was quite interested in how his organization came into fruition.  These particular mini cupcakes were going to be gobbled up at a Burbank High event, in just a few hours.

Homemade peanut butter/cream cheese frosting will top off these delicious mini cupcakes

DD:      When did your love of cupcakes begin?

DS:      I wish I could pinpoint the date, but I can’t.  I have always loved them, even as a kid.  I have loved them so much, that I started a blog about them.  That’s when baking lead me to the path of helping others.

DD:      So, tell me how baking cupcakes helps to raise money for charity?

DS:       Two years ago, I was surfing the web and I stumbled upon the website, www.CupcakesForCancer.com.  It was started by a Santa Barbara girl named, Blake and her mother, Stephanie.  After reading up on Blake, I learned that she was diagnosed with cancer at age 12.   During her own recovery, Blake noticed that other children didn’t have the resources she did.  Being a very special and selfless child, she started baking and selling cupcakes in order to raise money to purchase games and toys for the other children in the cancer ward.  She’s now in high school and her charity has grown tremendously.  I became a Cupcake Angel, which is someone who helps to bake, sell and raise money for Blake’s charity.  I feel it’s the right thing to do.  My wife and I have been very fortunate.  We both have good jobs and we love what we do.  I work in marketing and my wife is 1^st grade teacher.  We might not have millions to give away, but it’s just as valuable if you can use your talent and skills to help other people.  So, this is my way of making a difference.  And I am glad to tell you that Blake is cancer-free.

David is just about to frost his fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate cupcakes (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

DD:      What an amazing kid.  I think it’s great what you’re doing.   Tell the readers how you got involved with helping fundraise for Burbank High School?

DS:       We are partnering with Burbank N’ Beyond.com, the Burbank High baseball team and the high school to help raise money for student organizations.   Craig Sherwood, is a coach for the baseball team, as you know.. so that is how our partnership came together.  My wife and I started the our website in September of 2011 and in the past three or four months we have raised over 5,000 dollars for about seven different charities.  I really wanted to be a part of the community and do what I could to help.

David has baked thousands of cupcakes to raise money for various charities (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

DD:      Which charities have you helped recently? 

DS:         Just to name a few, we’ve helped; The National Breast Cancer Association,  Moovember.org, Sheppard’s Pantry, Toys For Tots, The Peacock Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade, which is another foundation for children with cancer.  Our website is: www.CupcakesEverywhere.com and 100% of the money raised goes to charity. 

DD:      What a beautiful way to do what you love and help others in-need.  

DS:       I told my wife, ‘We live in Burbank.  This is where we want to start our family.  What can we do in our own hometown?’  I went to Craig and he mentioned the

Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter cream cheese frosting. What a delicious treat!! (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

baseball team and introduced me to the booster club.  While talking to the baseball team, we discovered that we could help other organizations at Burbank High.  I realized that we could make our upcoming dessert festival into a fundraising opportunity for the dance team, the vocals, student government, etc..  I played the violin for 10 years.  I was a jazz and hip-hop dancer for 15 years.  When I was going to school in Chicago I danced with two different companies….while going to school full-time.  The arts are very important in a child’s development. 

DD:      You’re a lover of the arts, obviously. 

DS:       Yes. 

DD:      Tell me about college. 

DS:       I went to Columbia in Chicago and my undergrad was in Non-Profit Administration; writing grants, fundraising….. 

DD:      So you’ve always had a heart for charities?  

DS:       Yes.  There were people along the way who cared for me and went out of their way, when they didn’t have to.   I am the first generation to graduate from college.  My parents didn’t go to college.  No one had experienced the transition from high

Finished and about ready to head out to a Burbank High School fundraiser. There were three cupcakes missing.. Hmmmm.... (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

school to college.  People helped me out of the kindness of their hearts.  They gave their time, talent, energy and their funds to make it possible for me to go to college.  I always knew it was MY JOB, to do the same thing for others; to help someone else. My wife and I have made it our mission to help other people.  I believe that arts are important.  I believe students being involved in athletics is important.  It builds teamwork and social skills. 

DD:      Where are you from originally?

DS:      St. Louis, Missouri and my wife is from Glendale, California. 

DD:      A local girl!  Does she cook? 

DS:      Nope!  I am the cook of the house. 

Monique cuddles her adorable yet feisty rescue dog, Olive. She is small but powerful (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

DD:      What’s your specialty?

 (Monique walks into the kitchen and stands back while David continues frosting the cakes.  She joins the conversation)

 MS:      His specialty is mac & cheese.  But he can make anything and everything.

DD:      Mac & cheese?  A far cry from cupcakes.  What makes it so special?

 DS:      I use five kinds of cheeses… It’s delicious.

 MS:      I didn’t even like mac & cheese until I tasted his. 

DD:      (To Monique) Do you do any of the cooking?  

MS:      No, the kitchen is his.  (Smiles)

DD:      With a personal gourmet chef in the house, how do you two stay trim and slim?  THAT is what I want to know.

MS:      We try to eat everything in moderation. 

DS:      We TRY…  (laughs)  I also have asthma and in order to keep it under control, I run three to four miles a day.  That is also how I started running in 5 and 10k’s for charity.  We just did one last weekend. 

DD:      Is there anything you can’t do? (Joking) 

DS:      Well, we do what we can.  We just want to help other so much.

DD:      You’re too modest.   Tell me more about the upcoming Dessert Festival at Burbank High School. 

DS:       This festival is very turn-key although it’s very elaborate.  Patrons pay ten dollars to come into a festival where there’s over 15 booths including; cheesecake, cupcakes, cake pops, and brownies.  We will have face painters and magicians.  You just go around the booths and have fun.  There is a performance stage and for 90 minutes you get to watch performances from the Burbank High Dance Team, The

David shows off his three-tiered cupcake transporter as he sports the apron his wife had custom-made for him (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

Phoenix Belly Dancers, and Amy Krebs, who is an amazingly talented, new artist.  So, for 10 dollars you can take part in all of this amazingness and your money goes back into the school.  You can make sure a baseball player can afford his cleats, or an violinist can afford to have their violin restrung.  We want to make sure these kids have an amazing high school year.  We don’t want them to have just books.  We want them to have diversity in their education.  I think it’s a no-brainer……  Bakers are giving their time and talent and in-return are getting publicity in a double-dip recession.  If you bake 300 little cupcakes you get access to 1,000 people who may be able to help support your store front.  Likewise, if you’re performing you will be in front of people who might “like” you on Facebook or follow you on Twitter.  They can help you build that social media presence.  We what we all get in return is, to help our community.  This dessert festival and website were created because there is a need.  I feel like we were put on this earth to fill that need in any way, shape or form.   Monique and I are very excited about this weekend’s festival.

DD:      Where did you and your wife meet?

DS:       Church.  

MS:      We were both on the dance team.

DD:      That’s wonderful!  How cute is that?  Well, you both seem to have a lot in common.

(Pointing to a framed picture of the young couple donning flower leis while sitting on a golden beach at sunset, lead me to my next question…….)

DD:      Was this picture taken at your wedding?

Just shy of their two-year anniversary, Monique and David love doing charity work in-between their two full-time careers and spending time with family and friends (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

DS:      Yes, we had a very small, intimate wedding in Hawaii.  When we got back, we had a big reception.  We didn’t want the traditional money dance or money tree, so we had a fundraiser for Blake’s charity.  We realized that we have enough and wanted to help CupcakesForCancer.com.

DD:      You are an incredible couple.  Burbank is so lucky to have you both.  Thank you for everything you do for this community and thank you for your time today.

DS:       Thank you so much.  We love Burbank.

They might be young, but they’re a force to be reckoned with.  This dynamic duo continues to find creative ways to help out local charities and they completely enjoy the process.  Monique and David will soon be celebrating their 2^nd wedding anniversary.  Benevolence seems to be at the heart of their every decision.  The day following their wedding reception, they drove to Santa Barbara and delivered a check for Cupcakes for Cancer.   I seldom hear of people like the Stamps.  Not only have they been blessed with all-American good looks, intelligence, discipline, gregariousness, and a great sense of humor, they have been blessed with kind, gracious and generous hearts.  Burbank is so fortunate to be the place where the Stamps plan to create their own little family.

David is the cook of the family and Monique is just fine with that. She loves everything he makes! One of his specialties: Mac & Cheese. Yum! (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

As I was about say my goodbyes to the sweetest people I have met in a long time, David handed me a ticket to the event for the Sweet Success Dessert Festival.  I offered to pay the ten dollars but he insisted on comping the ticket.   In return, I told him I would be thrilled to go to the event and shoot photos for his website www.CupcakesEverywhere.com and for www.BurbanknBeyond.com.  I want our fellow Burbank residents to see the follow-up on the fundraising of the Sweet Success Dessert Festival.  Before David packed up his cupcakes for the evening’s event, we each ate one.  The delicious tiny cake melted in my mouth.  The decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter cream cheese frosting would awake any tastebuds.   My afternoon with Monique and David, put me in the best of spirits and for that, I am thankful.

  Sweet Success will be held at Burbank High,  in the small gym on

Sunday February 26^th, 2012 from 1pm – 4pm.

Tickets are 10.00 and all proceeds benefit Burbank High School’s student organizations.

For more information on this Sunday’s dessert festival, “Sweet Success”,

please visit: www.sweetsuccessla.blogspot.com   

and you can follow the official Twitter of Sweet Success LA @sweetsuccessla.

If you’d like more information on David and Monique’s website, please visit: www.CupcakesEverywhere.com

 If you know anyone, or group in Burbank that you feel would make a great ‘Spotlight’ candidate, please feel to nominate them.

You can send all inquiries and requests to:  DDodge@BurbankNBeyond.com

I promise to read every letter.

What a sweet way to raise money for charity! (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

NASA science has succeeded when it has maintained a balanced portfolio committed to strong partnerships with universities and its national centers and laboratories — allowing each discipline to plan missions and nurturing successive generations of scientists. The space spectaculars of the past 15 years were the result of two decades of investment.

President Barack Obama’s proposed NASA budget would dramatically cut funding for planetary science, and with it, groundbreaking missions to Mars and outer planetary bodies like Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. Congress committed our nation to carry out these missions by including a provision in last year’s appropriations bill requiring NASA to fund and fly the top priority missions recommended by the National Academy of Sciences’ decadal survey, which has always been a roadmap for NASA’s planetary program.

This nation must set priorities and make difficult choices if we are to maintain our scientific leadership in an age of fiscal austerity. But even as we struggle to set America on a more fiscally responsible path, we must invest in those scientific and technological endeavors that promise the greatest return. America’s unique expertise in designing and flying deep-space missions is a priceless asset. NASA’s missions to our planetary neighbors have always provided an enormous return on investment by advancing modern technical marvels like digital photography, cellular communications and advanced robotics. The technologies required for these missions help keep America on the leading edge of innovation. Investments in planetary programs preserve and expand the nation’s unique skills in entry, descent and landing on another planet, a vital precursor to NASA’s long-term strategy of sending astronauts out into the solar system.

The president’s 2013 budget makes important investments in cutting-edge space technologies that will fund important missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope and new launch systems for our manned space program. But without congressional action, the administration’s cuts to planetary science would devastate America’s planetary program.

The robotic Mars program, one of our nation’s science jewels, faces the most severe cuts, including a rover mission to Mars in 2018 identified as the highest priority in planetary science in the most recent decadal survey. This would be a tragic loss for a program that has made major scientific discoveries and captured the interest of people around the world. In the three days after the Mars Spirit rover landed in 2004, the mission’s website received nearly 1 billion hits. NASA still operates Spirit’s twin, Opportunity, almost eight years beyond its expected lifetime, and is preparing for the landing of the most ambitious surface explorer ever sent to another planet — the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity, which is due to touch down on Aug. 6.

Another of the decadal survey’s top priorities is a mission to Europa, which is thought to have saltwater oceans 10 times deeper and far larger than Earth’s. Europa’s icy crust also shows evidence of volcanic hot spots on the sea bed created by tidal flexing as the moon orbits in Jupiter’s immense gravity field. A huge saltwater ocean that has been oxygenated for eons combined with endless heat sources on the sea bed create ideal conditions for life forms like those we have discovered near undersea volcanic vents at the mid-ocean ridges here on Earth. Congress must prevent this vital mission from being shelved.

The excitement of these missions to Mars and Europa will motivate a new generation of American students to choose technical careers — essential to the nation’s economic well-being and our national security. As the Congress and the president work to resolve our budgetary challenges, we cannot forget that today’s decisions will have consequences far beyond the Mars and Europa missions. If the nation’s young people are not attracted to science and technology, NASA’s overall capabilities will be severely diminished and our competitiveness undermined. The administration’s proposal would compromise a program painstakingly built up over decades and jeopardize a work force that, once dissolved, would be difficult, if not impossible, to reconstitute.

Slashing NASA’s budget for exploring the solar system would be a serious mistake that would threaten our nation’s hard-won and long-held leadership role, and would come at a terrible time, now that China and other nations are rising to challenge American primacy in space. Meeting that test is good for science and good for America; by exploring other worlds, we remain competitive on our own.

U.S. Rep. Adam B. Schiff serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.

If you love desserts, and everyone love desserts, you will love this big time event that has come to Burbank this Sunday and the best of it all is that all of the proceeds go back into Burbank High School.

Sweet Success is a delicious dessert festival featuring goodies from Snookie’s Cookies, Goodie Girls Cupcakery, Pacific Cheesecake Factory, Nothing Bundt Cake and many more! Sweet Success LA will also have a performance stage featuring Phoenyx Belly Dancers, Velvet Nation, the BHS dance team: Unleashed and many others! This is the biggest dessert festival ever; you don’t want to miss out!

Ten lucky winners will receive two passes to Sweet Success LA happening Feb. 26 at Burbank High School from 1pm – 4pm.

To enter-to-win follow Sweet Success LA @sweetsuccessLA and send your name, e-mail and twitter name to David@CupcakesEverywhere.com and start tweeting that you’ve entered the @SweetSuccessLA Sweepstakes! 10 Lucky winners will be chosen from a drawing on Thursday, Feb 23 and announced on Feb 24. And we will see you at Sweet Success LA!

To learn more visit www.sweetsuccessla.blogspot.com!

“This legislation falls into the category of eliminating one of the small hassles in life,” said Assemblyman Gatto, “and it brings a couple of out-dated state laws into the electronic age.”

Under this measure, auto-insurance providers would be authorized to issue proof of insurance documentation in electronic form, if requested by a consumer. Similarly, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would also provide electronic versions of registration documents when requested. The final aspect of the bill clarifies to law enforcement officials that electronic documentation is equivalent to the paper form.

“It only makes sense for the state where the iPad was designed to remain on the technological forefront,” concluded Gatto.

Why are some folks so opposed to having a Walmart in Burbank?  Their vehement hatred for the retail giant seems to be way overblown.

When other big retailers, like Target, IKEA, Costco, Kmart, Sears, Macy’s, or Mervyns came to town in the past, I don’t recall any opposition.  If there were folks opposed to any of those stores, they were nothing like the “Anti-Walmart Crazies” we see today.  I’m sure there may have been Burbankers who didn’t want to see Zody’s become a Kmart, or the old J.C. Penny’s at San Fernando and Magnolia turn into a Ross, but they managed to contain their “rage.”

There are all kinds of reasons some folks don’t like Walmart.  Most of those reasons are unfounded.  The company is non-union.  So are a lot of other big stores in this town.  Walmart doesn’t pay their employees well.  Their pay is comparable to most other big retailers.  A Walmart in Burbank will put all the local small businesses out of business.  What small businesses, Target, Kmart, Ralphs, Office Depot?   Last time I checked, Walmart doesn’t sell antiques, vintage clothing, or Swedish furniture.

The number one complaint I hear about Walmart is that “EVERYTHING” they sell is made in China.  Certainly, they do sell things made in China, as well as the USA, and other countries — just like most other stores.  Just go into Target, Kmart, or any other large retailer and look.  You will see “Made in China” pretty much everywhere.

I was in IKEA recently.  It’s my little granddaughter’s favorite place to go for lunch.  Since kids eat free on weekdays, it’s one of my favorite places to take her after she gets out of kindergarten.  We go there about once a week with some of her classmates and their parents.  One day we checked out the IKEA Marketplace.  IKEA may be a Swedish company, but that stuff they sell doesn’t all come from Sweden.

The first thing that caught my eye was a set of plastic storage containers with lids.  With a very Swedish sounding name of “PRUTA” (all the stuff at IKEA has Swedish names),  it looked like a bargain at just $3.99 for the 17-piece set — until I noticed the fine print on the label, “Made in China.”

As we walked through the maze of aisles I began checking the country of origin on lots of items:  cutting boards from India, pillows from Bulgaria, sheets from Pakistan, blankets from Thailand, and a bag of colored sand from Egypt.  Those big oil paintings, the ones that all look alike, come from Canada.  A large photograph of the New York City skyline was printed in Poland.   Bed pillows, ranging from $6.99 to $39.99 were all from China, but they were no match for the 99 cent pillows from Mexico.  I did manage to find a plastic waste basket for $1.99 that was made in the USA.   There were plenty of fake plants and flowers from China, but I was surprised to find very Chinese-looking real live bamboo plants that were from the USA.   Curiously, I didn’t see anything made in Sweden.

I’m all for a Walmart coming to Burbank.  They may not have Swedish meatballs with Lingonberries like IKEA, or $1.50 hot dogs and a drink like Costco, but they have the potential to bring jobs and a huge amount of sales tax revenue to Burbank.  The increased competition will mean lower prices whether you shop at Walmart or at their competitors.

And just like IKEA, Costco, and all the other big retail stores, Walmart will attract lots of shoppers who will make traffic a mess.  When Walmart comes up at the City Counil meeting Tuesday night, I just hope our councilmembers are smart enough to realize that letting Walmart stay open 24 hours a day will help spread the traffic out.

Pictured in this shot is Burbank Police Officer Roy Meyer rolling along in his golf-cart chatting with a couple of Burbank visitors Ricky & Rosalie Valdez on ‘The Golden Mall’.

Oh those were the days….

Burbank Police Department Mall Officer as he was called back in 1987 was Roy Meyer talking to little Ricky & Rosalie Valdez was patrolling 'The Golden Mall' (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Alec Agana, Anthony Aghajani, Joeal Akobian, Kyle Alvarez, Chris Chunn, Joe Grasse, Dorian Householder, CJ Hunter, Malik Johnson, Anthony Kardosh, Hussein Maaz, Robert Martinez, Malik Moody, Robert O’Brien, Raul Ochoa, Darren Shanian, and James Williams made-up the squad.

Graceffo was assisted by Larry Nelson, Todd Davis, Fred Orr and Varag Zakarian. Congratulations on a fine season.

After regrouping, they eventually went on a 25-8 run over the third quarter to take control en route to a 59-45 win. Burbank will play Upland who defeated Centennial 67-64 on Saturday. The Highlanders are 13-8 on the season.

Burbank was led Saturday by Damarie Gonzalez who scored 17 points and hauled-in seven rebounds. Sister Jamie Gonzalez had nine points and teammate Sylvia Granados had 10 points and five steals.

Burbank is 17-11 on the season and was victories in a playoff game for only the second time in the last ten seasons. Winning in the playoffs was one of Coach Bruce Breeden’s preseason goals.

“You talk about a lot of things, aim big and try to miss small,” he said. “Once you get to the playoffs anything can happen.”

“We looked a little scared, really didn’t play well until the final quarter,” head coach Vicky Oganyan said.

Paloma Valley used a 17-8 opening quarter to take control, then after the Indians closed the gap slightly, Paloma Valley closed the first half with a 13-0 scoring run to lead 35-19 at the half. A 23-point effort in the final quarter made the score look closer than it was.

But for the defending Pacific League champions who graduated most of its key pieces last year, simply making the playoffs this season was a success. Burroughs started two freshmen in Sidney Ortega and Delaney Nicol and its top scorer Aysia Shellmire was a junior. Their taste of the playoffs should play dividends in the years ahead.

Nicol and Shellmire led the Indians with 14 points apiece. Gabby Pineiro, a senior playing in her final game scored 11 points and Davina Del Castillo had a game-high 13 rebounds.