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Back to School. BHS Vocal. Burbank Measure QS.

 

South Hills Burbank – Teacher Appreciation & Love-The-818

FACEBOOK Photos | YouTube Song Video

#SHB Serving @ Miller

#SHB Serving @ Miller

#SHB @ Providencia

BHS Vocal – BBQ Show

FACEBOOK Photos + Videos | FLICKR Photo Album

Burbank / BUSD – Measure QS

Property Parcel TAX = 10¢/SqFt (+$170/1,700 SqFt Home)

As many of you know, I’m a Parent of a Burbank High School Jr and was part of the successful YES On Measure S campaign. I/We also own property in the Hillside area adj. John Muir. It might surprise you to know that Gloria & I are Voting NO on Measure QS, as are many other Parents, Property Owners & Measure S Supporters, incl. former BUSD President Larry Applebaum who lead the Bond campaign. Here’s just a few reasons why we can’t support this Parcel Tax increase at this time:

1. This Tax is not needed at this time; The BUSD Budget is Balanced for the next 3 years.

“THE SCHOOL DISTRICT CURRENTLY HAS A BALANCED THREE-YEAR BUDGET THAT PROVIDES FOR INCREASES IN PENSION OBLIGATIONS” – MATT HILL, BURBANK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINDENDENT (BURBANK LEADER)

File Photo. * BUSD Superintendent Matt Hill does NOT Endorse or Oppose Measure QS.

“HOWEVER, WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FUNDING TO PROVIDE FOR A COST OF LIVING WAGE INCREASE OR ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS FOR OUR STUDENTS.” – MATT HILL

2. The Tax places an unfair burden on Burbank Property Owners & Renters who are still paying for previous School Bonds (until 2032), while approx 1300 Students who live outside the district pay nothing. Businesses with larger footprints are also disproportionally hit.

3. This Tax will exist in Perpetuity (FOREVER), highly unusual for Parcel Taxes which typically have sunset clauses and need to be reconsidered by voters every 4 -7 years.

4. The Tax does not address future Maintenance needs or extra Classrooms needed to accommodate anticipated demand from Planned Development (1200 Units @ old Ikea site adj. BHS etc.), requiring yet another Bond in a few years.

5. The Funding is NOT SUSTAINABLE & most of the money will be used to augment Salaries/Benefits. Having $9M/year that can be re-assigned to any goal “pot” will lead to more BTA demands for Salary/benefit increases, resulting in less money available for Student programs over time. For example, the promised 3% Salary Increase, given annually, would mean that by Year 3, the whole $9M raised would be spent.

6. Obscures the real problem – mandatory Pension obligations imposed by the State. Unlike our City, the School District has always dutifully paid its share of Pension contributions. But because of poor management by the State, our contribution to fund Pensions is increasing to 19-26¢ per Dollar of Payroll; taking money from current students to pay past obligations. Cost-of-Living-adjustments that previously provided money for modest salary/benefit increases are now being used entirely to Fund Pensions.

In conclusion, the proposed Parcel Tax is a band-aid approach to a STATE issue. Political pressure must be brought to bear at the State level to either provide More Funding to the district or Relax the onerous Mandatory Pension payments. #NOonQS #NOmoreTaxes #iLuvBurbank

LINKS: BurbankMeasureQS.com | Official Argument Against Measure QS | Rebuttal To Argument In Favor Of Measure QS | BUSD Teacher Salaries + Benefits (2013-16) CalMatters.org Story: California Teacher Pension Debt Swamps School Budgets |  Official BUSD Measure QS webpage

Larry Applebaum Commentary @ NoOnMeasureQS.com (scroll down)

Mike & Roy Show on Measures P & QS

Local TAX Hikes: Just VOTE NO in November on P

Just months after pleading with Voters to Pass Measure T: “To maintain essential City services/infrastructure like police, fire, parks, libraries…”, Burbank wants to increase our Sales Tax by a massive 0.75¢ to 10.25¢, to essentially do the exact same thing.

An honest Ballot statement would read: “To pay for our Unfunded Pensions because previous Council’s took a Pension Holiday (now Illegal) and did not contribute what they should have for 6 consecutive years; and our highly paid City Staff Salaries + generous Benefits; future Infrastructure Maintenance needs because we don’t make Developers Pay their Fair Share in Fees; shall Burbank Taxpayers Bailout the City (again), even though we just passed Measure T, by raising our Sales Tax 0.75¢ Forever (no Sunset), giving Burbank the dubious honor of having the Co-Highest Sales Tax in the USA”?

The City has basically cut-&-paste their Ballot language from Measure T and will no doubt engage in a similar “fear-based” campaign threatening Service Cuts if this massive Sales Tax Hike doesn’t pass. What about Pay Cuts? What about Living Within Your Means like the rest of us? What about getting back to focusing on providing the best Municipal & Public Safety Services instead of wasting time on non-essentials like banning Columbus Day!

There’s so much the City can/should do before raising TAXES. 1. City Mgr Ron Davis mentioned $2M in potential savings during Budget discussions via Workers Comp changes & Outsourcing certain new positions where it makes sense (IT?). 2. Raise Development Impact Fees to match Glendale/Pasadena to pay for future infrastructure needs (they charge $18k/unit vs $2k). 3. Re-Negotiate Public Service Employee Union contracts requiring all workers contribute 50/50 towards PERS, not just new employees. 4. Remove Per Employee Biz Tax Caps that give large Employers tax breaks on the minuscule $10/employee they’re suppose to pay vs Gross Receipts other Cities charge. 5. Pay Cuts: 10% for 414 Employees $150k+ & 5% for another 284 Employees making $100-$150k. 6. Close the 1 Wall Remodeling loophole costing us Tax revenue 7. Divest of Assets that are draining City resources like Starlight Bowl, Golf Course, Colony Theatre or explore Public/Pvte. Partnerships, Naming Rights etc. 8. Get Back-to-Basics & focus on providing Municipal Services & Public Safety not Wish-List & Pet-Projects until revenue increases. Then, after you’ve Cut Costs & Re-Focussed on Essential City Services, come back to the Voters for a Temp 0.25¢ Sales Tax increase with a 3-5 year Sunset clause IF NEEDED, & I’m sure the good people of Burbank would be willing to help out.

This $20M Measure is 2x what the City actually needs to balance future Budget deficits, creating an $11M annual Cash Pot. It’s also Bad For Business, esp. those selling higher-ticket items. It takes a just a few minutes more to drive to L.A. for Appliances, Cameras, Computers/Electronics, Cars etc. Local Business are being hit with a double-whammy with the proposed 10¢/sqft BUSD Parcel TAX, meaning additional Taxes or pass-through Rent increases on top of what some have already endured in Magnolia Park. Big Corporations like Ikea & Walmart can afford to absorb the costs, but small Mom-&-Pop stores are going to be hit esp. hard if these new Taxes pass & some will probably go out-of-business.

Before Voting for Measure P, please consider doing the following:

1. Watch this Video explaining Why We’re in this Financial Mess. * (Start @ 5:38min. Apologies 4 “Jack Sprats” annotated comments – just listen to the City Manager’s honest reply to Council)

2. Review the Salaries + Benefits our City Employees’ are being paid.

https://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/2017/burbank/

http://publicpay.ca.gov/Reports/Cities/City.aspx?entityid=170&fiscalyear=2016&rpt=1

3. Compare our Salary + Benefits Costs that account for 80% of the Budget with Glendale (approx $985 vs. $1176 per employee per resident or 20% more).

http://publicpay.ca.gov/Reports/Cities/City.aspx?entityid=186&fiscalyear=2016&rpt=1

4. Read this: Property tax surge reveals the truth: Local tax hikes are all about pensions

https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article220100755.html

I love Burbank and want to see our City prosper, but this Taxpayer Bailout only encourages More Spending & Waste. I urge my fellow Burbank residents to Vote NO in November and send our elected Leaders a loud message: Trim The Fat, Cut Spending & Live Within Your Means!

#ILuvBurbank BurbankMeasureP.com & BurbankMeasureQS.com Web Page links. Please READ Before VOTING & SHARE on your Social Media pages. 👍

BHS Youth Vocal Arts – Night of Magic

Amazing time @ 2017 Night of Magic Fundraising Gala & Dinner @ Pickwick Gardens. Kudos to all the Incredible Performers, BYVAF, Dir. Brett Carroll, MC Sean Holland and everyone who came out to support this wonderful program. FLICKR PHOTO’s | FACEBOOK Album

Burbank Elections – 2017 Primary All Mail Ballot

Primary (Mail-In): February 28th, 2017  – Official City Election Info

Leadership Burbank Forum Video | Save Burbank Candidate Interviews

LWV Candidates Forum YouTube Video | Candidates Video Statements

LWV School Board Candidates Forum | BUSD Candidate Statements

CITY COUNCIL Candidates (3 seats)  * = endorsements (** Full)

David Gordon**: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1–2 | 842-2111

Bob Frutos*: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1–2 | 823-6541

Jess Talamantes*: Website | FaceBk | Email | Finance 1–2 | 478-JESS

Juan Guillen*: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1–2 | 557-7700

Greg Sousa*: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1–2 | 562-3029

Sharon Springer: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1–2 | 388-8483

Richard Carr: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1–2 | 599-8285

Konstantine Anthony: Web | FaceBk | Email | Fin. 1–2 | 323-302-1447

SCHOOL BOARD Candidates (2 seats)  * = endorsements (** Full)

Larry Applebaum**: Web | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1-2 | 371-9904

Char Tabet*: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1-2 | 468-6066

Steve Frintner: Website | FaceBook | Email | Finance 1-2 | 381-7640

CITY CLERK (1 seat)

Zizette Mullins** (running unopposed): Email | 438-7554

CITY TREASURER (1 seat)

Debbie Kukta** (running unopposed): Email | 238-5880

PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS: * FINAL * | City webpage

Ballot’s Cast = 10,902 (16% of 67K Registered Voters)

CITY COUNCIL (3 seats)  * = April General Election

Jess Talamantes: 5,485 votes (50.9%) * ELECTED *
Bob Frutos: 5,320 votes (49.3%) * runoff
David Gordon: 4,799 votes (44.5%) * runoff
Sharon Springer: 3,914 votes (36.3%) * runoff
Juan Guillen: 3,176 votes (29.5%) * runoff
Greg Sousa: 2,465 votes (22.9%)
Konstantine Anthony: 2,117 votes (19.6%)
Bob Carr: 1,429 votes (13.3%)

SCHOOL BOARD (2 seats)

Steve Frintner: 5,745 votes (59.4%) * ELECTED *
Char Tabet: 5,510 votes (57.0%) * ELECTED *
Larry Applebaum: 5,398 votes (55.9%)

CITY CLERK (1 seat) 

Zizette Mullins: 7,946 votes (100%) * ELECTED *

CITY TREASURER (1 seat)

Debbie Kukta: 7,972 votes (100%) * ELECTED *

JMMS VMA Pop Show 2016

It was Pop Show week @ John Muir & John Burroughs. Kudos to all the performers/choirs, teachers/choreographers & parent volunteers who put on 2 incredible shows. Enjoy a few photos & video from the JMMS show below.

FLICKR PHOTO Album | FACEBOOK PHOTO Album | YouTube Vid1 | V2

Mid-Term Election Day: Faith, Family & Freedom

We’re voting for Faith, Family & Freedom today. # Vote your Values!

Links: Craig Huey website | Robyn Nordell website | SaveCalifornia.com

Our Recommendations: Todd Royal* (State Assembly), Steve Stokes (US Representative), Ashley Swearengin (Controller), Pete Peterson (Secretary of State), Marshall Tuck* (Schools), Jim McDonnell (Sheriff), Proposition 1 – NO.   [* denotes opposes AB 1266 – Co-Ed Transgender Bathroom/Shower Bill ]

Senate Election Watch: [@ 8:45pm] 6 Down 0 to Go! REPUBLICANS take the SENATE! (+9) Congrat’s to Rep Tom Cotton (AR), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Mike Rounds (SD), Cory Gardner (CO), Steve Daines (MT), Joni Ernst (IA), Thom Tillis (NC), Dan Sullivan (AK) & Bill Cassidy (LA_ on their wins, as well as Senate GOP Minority Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY). House Gains = + 13 Republicans. Governor Races: Greg Abbott (TX) & Scott Walker (WI) have both won easily! Rick Scott (FL) narrowly defeats Crist (D). Bruce Rauner ousts Pat Quinn (IL) & Nathan Deal wins Georgia! (+3 Gain)

In Memory: Christopher Wilke

Our condolences and prayers to the Wilke family. May God wrap his arms around you as he embraces your Son in Heaven. – Eric, Gloria & Jasmine.

Links: FaceBook Pic/Comments | Team Christopher FaceBook page | Tribute Album | Donations (via Talbert Family Foundation) | Wilke Walk Fundraiser @ Jordan | Burbank Leader story 2 – story 1

Services: see below Announcement c/o Team Christopher

Everyone is invited to join us in the celebration of Christopher’s life. We are requesting that NO BLACK is worn at the services. Please wear attire of how you knew Christopher; baseball uniform, Scout uniform, school colors, train shirt, or something from one of his favorite activities. A Rosary and Vigil will be held on Thursday, March 27 @ 7pm. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 28 @ 1pm. There will be a reception at the conclusion of the mass in the courtyard across the street. Both services will be held at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 133 N. Fifth Street, Burbank, CA 91501. Parking will be limited, so please use the public lots below Glenoaks Blvd. and around City Hall.

YES on Measure S School Bond Passes – 61%

BUSD School Bond Measure S has been approved by Burbank Voters 4,053 (61%) to 2,542 (39%). Congratulations to Campaign Chair Marsha Ramos and her team of dedicated volunteers including all 5 School Board Candidates for their hard work. Our children, schools & community all won last night.

Links: BurbankNBeyond story | Burbank Leader story | FaceBook campaign
Post-Measure S Flappers Celebration Photos: PHOTOBUCKET | FACEBOOK

Burbank School Bond – Measure S Presentation

PHOTOBUCKET PHOTOS Link | FACEBOOK PHOTOS Link

For more information, please call 818-253-1997 or email BetterBurbankSchools@gmail.com or visit: http://www.BurbankUSD.org or the Facebook Support page.