School District & City Officials listen to comments at Dedication Cermony (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The long awaited debut of the new Memorial Field premiered for the public on Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m. at a touching dedication ceremony. Many long time residents, military veterans, city officials, school district officials, former athletes and current students gathered to take in a piece of local history.

“Memorial Field” is now officially a stadium after undergoing a 12-million dollar facelift the past two years. It will eventually house football games, soccer matches, track meets, graduations and more in the years ahead. However, Saturday was more about remembering the past.

The dedication honored those who had served in World War II and who the original field had been dedicated to in 1946.

Burbank City Manager Mike Flad makes comments during Dedication of The new Memorial Field.(Photo by Ross A. Benson

Several thousand people gathered in the home stands as the field was dedicated by a panel of honorees that included Chief of the Veterans Commemorative Committee Mickey DePalo, Mayor Jesse Talamantes, City Manager Michael Flad, Board of Education President Ted Bunch and Burbank Unified Schools’ Superintendent Stan Carrizosa.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and a victory lap on the new track. The joint venture between the city and the schools was more than two decades in the making from talk to completion and was the vision of so many over the years.

New Bronze art piece at the entrance of Cusunano Plaza. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Talamantes and Flad both spoke of having played on the field as alumni of Burroughs High. Flad had the line of the morning when speaking of a controversial loss to the Bulldogs during the Big Game of 1984 when Burbank got two chances to kick a game-winning field goal following a penalty.

“I promised then to see the stadium and everything in it torn down, and here we are,” he said to a roar of laughter from the crowd.

Talamantes referenced how many members of his family have participated in athletics and activities on the old Memorial Field.

Presentation of the Colors by The United States Marines. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The ceremony first and foremost honored those who have served this country, including the two teachers and 25 students who the original Memorial Field was dedicated to in 1946. Bunch referenced their stories in his speech.

Starting the Memorial Field Dedication was a flyover by the Areo Squadron (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A flyover began the day, followed by a presentation of the colors by the United States Marines from the Los Angeles Recruiting Station of Eagle Rock. It concluded with an art unveiling of the piece titled “Home” by Sheila Cavalluzzi depicting a soldier home from war.

The new bronze sculpture caeed 'Home' (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

More than anything else the events surrounding the event also reminded the community members who had turned out to see the dedication ceremony what a joint-venture between the schools and city the field truly is. A JV baseball game was being played in the background while tennis lessons took place on the nearby courts.

Former coaches and current coaches could be seen wearing huge grins through the dedication after both the Burbank and Burroughs football teams played all ten of their contests on the road this past season including their rivalry game played at Arcadia High School.

Carrizosa thanked current students and staff for their patience through construction. The stadium will first see action during the upcoming track season. The Burroughs graduation is expected to be held at the stadium this May, after being relocated to the Starlight Bowl last year.

City & School District Officials cut the ribbon on the New Memorial Field's Track. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

New Plaque at the newly built Memorial Field. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Chris Davies had two hits and reached base on a walk for Burroughs, who fell to 0-2. Agoura is 1-0-1 in the Easton Southern California Showdown.

Moorpark 3, Burbank 0:  Sean Berry threw 5 1/3 innings of shutout ball and struck out 13 to lead the Musketeers to a win over host Burbank on February 25. Burbank managed just two hits, one by Dylan Mersola and one by Ricky Perez in the loss.

Los Angeles Police Department detectives came to the 2200 block of W. Olive Ave. in search of a suspect wanted for assault with a deadly weapon.  The crime had occurred earlier in the day in North Hollywood.  The suspect was believed to be living in an apartment located on the north side of Olive Ave. between Myers and Lincoln Streets.   The Burbank Police Department was contacted at 8:40 p.m. to assist the LAPD detectives.

The LAPD SWAT team was called when the detectives believed the suspect was barricaded inside the apartment.  When they knocked on the his door, he did not anser.  Burbank Police assisted by diverting traffic on Olive Ave. away from the area, and evacuate nearby residents.  After numerous attempts were made to contact any occupants of the suspect, SWAT officers made entry, and determined that the suspect had fled prior to the officers’ arrival.

The nearby Buena Vista Library was used for evacuted residents,  and also as the base for their SWAT operations.   A mobile command post was set up in the library’s parking lot.  Per the Burbank Police only a few people were asked to leave the adjoining apartments with four staying at the library and one couple going to a local coffee shop.

Once the LAPD determined that the suspect   was not home,  the streets in the area were re-opened.  Residents were able to return home around 4:00 am.

 UPDATE:   The suspect being sought by the LAPD for assault with a deadly weapon was located by police in a small industrial park located just a block outside of Burbank.  The block-long single story multiple unit industrial building is located on the south side of the Chandler Bikeway, between Biloxi and Strohm Avenues in North Hollywood.  The suspect was spotted in one of the units Saturday afternoon. The LAPD used one of their armored vehicles to drag away a covered carport continaing some recreational vehicles, to get a better view of the unit’s entrance.  Tear gas was used to finally flush the suspect out of the building.   The suspect apparently suffered self-inflicted wounds, and was transported by LAFD ambulance to the hospital.

Board of Directors

Ginny Barnett

President

Ricky Batt

Vice President-Administration

Steven Edward

Vice President-Float

Jon Reeves

Secretary

Robin Hanna

Treasurer

Erik Andersen

Director

Linda Cozakos

Director

Bob Ford

Director

John Hames

Director

Jeff Helgager

Director

Ron Hughes

Director

Dr. Suresh Iyengar

Director

As far as head coaching debuts go, new Burroughs head coach Kiel Holmes drew about as tough an assignment as one could imagine when his Indians opened the 2012 season at home against the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines as a part of the Easton Southern California Showdown Tournament.

The Wolverines not only have the best one-two rotation in the area, but the top pitching prospect in the country in 6-foot-6 Lucas Giolito, in their arsenal and a coach, Matt LaCour, known for showing no mercy.

With scouts lining the back of the backstop at Burroughs High Friday, February 24 Giolito didn’t disappoint working five shutout innings in a 13-5 romp of the Indians.

Giolito, who has been reportedly been clocked as high as 99 miles per hour this winter, made fast work of the Indians for Harvard Westlake, who led 13-0 heading into the sixth inning. However, Burroughs made contact as the senior managed only three strikeouts — none coming before the fourth inning.

Burroughs got a two-run single late from senior Eli Peppmuller and managed five runs in its final six outs of play. The Indians face Agoura at the Chargers’ home field at 11:00 a.m. on February 25.

DOGS FALL TO ECR

Burbank HIgh baseball led 4-1 in the fifth before the host Conquistadors rolled a six-run inning en route to topping Burbank, 7-4, in the season opener for both teams as part of the Easton SCS Tournament.

“We gave one away… too many miscues, too many errors from us when defense has become a real strength,” Coach Bob Hart said.

Burbank had four errors — all in the infield — and several misjudged balls fall in the outfield in defeat.

Leading in the fourth, and with the bases full, Harrison Hernandez lined a ball up the left-center alley only to have it snagged by ECR centerfielder Brian Kewin, who has signed with Azuza-Pacific. Had the ball fallen, the Bulldogs would have cleared the bases.

“Maybe the difference, obviously huge,” Hart said. “But the bottom line is we have to do a better job on defense if we want to beat quality teams.”

Dylan Mersola and Ian McKinnon had two hits each for Burbank — Mersola and Paul Frias had RBIs.

Burbank will host Moorpark tomorrow, February 25, at 11:00 a.m.

HART-ATTACK

It wasn’t all bad news for Coach Hart on Friday as son Kyle Hart threw arguably his best collegiate game going nine innings on 101 pitches and striking out eight for the University of Redlands in a 3-0 win over Claremont.

Hart, a former star at Burroughs High School and a 2008 and 2009 All-Pacific League selection, is a junior coming off a strong sophomore campaign. He helped snapped the Bulldogs’ five-game skid on Friday. Redlands is 4-6 on the season. Hart is 2-1 overall and has 18 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.

Updated:  2/24/2012

Fareed Hazim Aljibouri, 54, of Burbank
Reported on February 23, at Olive Ave. & Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of drug possession

Steven Carl Moorehead, 45, of Burbank
Reported on February 23, at Cordova St. & Burbank Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of possession of an opium pipe

Robert Rostomian, 24, of Burbank
Reported on: February 23, by Glendale PD
On suspicion of forgery, driving with a suspended license

Jason Baghdassrian, 34, of Burbank
Reported on: February 20, by Glendale PD
On suspicion of assault and battery, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving

Martha Bradley, 60, of Burbank
Reported on February 22, in Burbank
On suspicion of domestic violence

Daniel Joseph Elson, 32, of Burbank
Reported on February 22, at 266 W. Tujunga Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence

Katherine Elizabeth Keklak, 29, of Burbank
Reported on February 22, at Lake Ave. & Tujunga Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of driving under the influence, hit and run

Stephen James McDermott, 34, of Burbank
Reported on February 22, at 2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank
On suspicion of burglary

Justin Bennett Olsen, 32, of Burbank
Reported on February 22, in Burbank
On suspicion of domestic violence

Donald Paul Wood, 36, of Burbank
Reported on February 22, at 1005 W. Verudgo Ave., Burbank
On suspicion of threatening great bodily injury

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

The season can’t get here soon enough for two teams coming off disappointing 2011 campaigns for two very different reasons. Burbank High struggled in transitioning to a new program philosophy, while Burroughs High made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Things will be different this season and so without further ado, here is a snapshot of what to look for on the baseball diamond this season.

BURBANK

Burbank High Head Coach Bob Hart

Last season, the Bulldogs went 12-15 overall and 6-8 in the Pacific League, finishing fifth and missing out on the postseason after two consecutive seasons of participating in the playoffs. Coach Bob Hart feels a little bit like Goldilocks heading into the 2012 season with the thoughts that things are finally, “just right.”

“I just feel the program is healthier than it has ever been from top-to-bottom,” he says. “The guys have really bought into the changes we’ve tried to make and I feel like we have committed kids, the right guys in place and that we lack any drama — which is a good thing.”

Specifically, he credits an emphasis on defense, improved practice routines and a deeper coaching staff that includes Craig Sherwood, Tommy Perez and Tony Sandoval — all names that crosstown rival Burroughs is very familiar with.

Sherwood, although best known for his days coaching alongside Scott Muckey at Crespi was also a longtime assistant for the Indians. Perez holds nearly every Burroughs offensive record and Sandoval was the No. 2 starter on the 1997 Foothill League championship Burroughs team.

Dylan Mersola

Hart also saw Sherwood recruit assistant Dean Benevidez, a former Celts’ standout who grew up in the Burbank area then won a CIF Championship in his time at Crespi where he was a star.

“My ego is not big, I can give credit where credit is do,” Hart said. “Craig has brought in his system and made some real positive changes to the way we do things and he brought in some staff to help with that.”

Paul Frias

Hart is equally excited about what he has returning on his squad. Dylan Mersola, a 2nd team All-Pacific League selection who plays shortstop, showcases one of the best swings in the Pacific League. Also back is catcher Paul Frias, who Hart says is currently showing a consistent sub 2.0 pop-time and who hit close to .450 between summer and winter league games this off-season.

“I realize numbers in the off-season don’t mean a thing, “Hart said. “However, we were really excited with the consistency from Paul. He has a chance to be pretty special.”

Senior pitchers Andrew Hernandez, a submariner, and Daniel Starkand figure to the 1-2 in the rotation for the Bulldogs. Newcomers Angel Villagran, a transfer from Burroughs who is also a third basemen, and Harrison Hernandez, a corner guy, will also pitch. Hart believes Hernandez could close.

The Bulldogs kick-off their season in the Easton Tournament and will see El Camino Real and Moorpark in their first two games. They open league with a tough week at Pasadena and at Crescenta Valley the final week of March.

Hart acknowledges that CV will be the odds on favorite in the Pacific League.

“Two guys throwing above 90 (miles per hour), they’ve gotta be,” he said. “After that it is simply survival of the fittest, several teams could surprise and every team can be beat.” His team belongs in both those categories too, he says.

BURROUGHS

Burroughs Head Varsity Coach Kiel Holmes

Kiel Holmes picked a challenge for his first coaching gig, a Burroughs team healing from a forgettable 2011 season in which its season cut short. The Indians forfeited their last nine games following an incident on a Spring Break Trip in Arizona. However, many feel the Burroughs-alum is the right guy to return the program to better times, Holmes included.

“I just feel like there is a right way to do it in high school baseball and that I played in a program that did it the right way,” he said. “We have emphasized this again because it is really the only way to win games.”

Specifically, Holmes preaches an emphasis on small-ball, base running, getting a guy to second and bringing him home and playing pitch and catch — all things that had been forgotten the last two seasons but points of emphasis when the Indians had their best teams 2007-2009 and 1996-2002 averaging nearly 17 wins per season in each of those eras.

Burroughs was 6-8-1 when its season was cut short last season and 12-15 the prior year when it got away from those basics. So despite a senior heavy team, few will recognize these Indians as they get their identity back this season under a former Indian.

“We’ve had talent, but it just didn’t work” Holmes said. “I like my team a lot and I give the guys all the credit for standing tall after what they went through. I also give them a lot of credit for buying into what we want them to do — they are going to surprise people this season.”

Dylan Goldsack

Position battles and competition has been the theme since Holmes accepted the position in November after Coach Eddie Alvarez came and went like a meteorite — fired for inconsistent leadership. Holmes feels six players are competing for three spots — Ryan Gordon, Stewart Alexander, Eli Peppmuller, Matt Kelsey, Dylan Goldsack and Zander Anding.

Each bring something different to the table with Gordon showing the best arm, Anding and Peppmuller the best range. The infield is also a logjam, but in a good way. Brian Pozos, Luis Pereya and Myles Haddad play-up the middle and can rotate around as necessary when Pereya pitches — which he will do plenty of.

Christian Garia

Dillon Disiere will likely also see plenty of innings on the mound, and will also play third base. Nate Borgard has plenty of upside and Daniel Baraza, a lengthy lefty, has established himself in Holmes eyes in recent months.

“I like how he has learned to hold runners and how he can throw three pitches anywhere in the count,” Holmes said.

A now healthy Christian Garia should provide plenty of offense and play first base while Chris Davies and Chris Peale compete for time at catcher. Peale’s bat also makes him a candidate for the designated hitter role.

“I feel like I am still getting caught-up to speed after coming in late, but I also really like what we have here,” Holmes said. “I have enough depth that I can play the hot bat and not lose anything on the other end.”

PREDICTIONS

Really tough reads for both teams, even as familiar as I am with most of the names on the field and the coaching staffs. Burbank and Burroughs both make the playoffs this season with 13-16 wins overall and 10 league wins. Who finishes ahead of who comes down to the season series played on April 20 and May 11 this season. Like I said, I know too many guys in each dugout to make that prediction.

Around 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Burbank Police officers responded to the 2000 block of Parkside Ave.  A man reported that he and other family members had found the devices while cleaning out a relative’s garage.  They had found five hand grenades, and three apparent rocket-type explosive devices.

Neighbors were evacuated from the area, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad was called.  Sheriff’s Arson/Explosive personnel were on scene within 20 minutes. They visually inspected the devices, and determined that they were inoperable and not in danger of exploding.   The devices were removed for disposal.

Once the “all clear” was given, residents in the area were able to return to their homes.

Congressman Adam Schiff visited John Burroughs High School on Thursday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

United States Representative Adam Schiff, who represents Burbank in Congress, spoke to students on Thursday at John Burroughs High School.

The Congressman me with students  who are taking part in the Junior State of America.   The school’s library was packed, as Schiff answered questions from students  regarding everything from the budget defiicit to the future of higher education.  He taked as well about his experiences in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Adam Schiff hold a certificate of appreciation presented to him by students at John Burroughs High. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The City is about to unveil it's newest jewel, Memorial Field, during ceremonies Saturday Morning at 11:00 am. The public is invited. (Photo By Ross A. Benson)

The City of Burbank and the Burbank Unified School District will hold the Memorial Field dedication ceremony on Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. on the corner of Verdugo Avenue and Parish Place.

This event will include a military flyover, Presentation of Colors by the United States Marine Corps, remarks by City and School District officials, a victory lap around the new track and entertainment from our local high school bands and choirs. In keeping with the military history of the field, a sculpture titled “Home” by local artist Shiela Cavalluzzi will be unveiled in the Cusumano Plaza, located at the Parish entrance to the stadium.

The free event is open to the public.  The old grandstands, track, and playing field at Memorial Field were torn down, dug up, and replaced with the new facility.  The new stadium has everything except parking.  The parking lot at John Burroughs High School is located on Clark Ave., across the street from the school’s main campus.