Mailbag: Bag ban would save money, too

Re: “Burbank City Council endorses statewide ban on plastic bags,” Oct. 21. I applaud the leadership of our three council members who voted to endorse Prop. 67, the state ballot measure that allows the statewide ban on plastic bags to take effect.

Since our city agreed to wait for a state ban to be in place, rather than follow the lead of every community that surrounds Burbank and all of Los Angeles County, I think it is more than appropriate that the city tell voters about this important measure.

There are 151 different local measures, and having this statewide law will provide some consistency. Our state passed this law more than two years ago, but four out-of-state plastic companies spent $6 million to try to block the law from taking place by putting it on the ballot.

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The people of California — and Burbank — have spoken. This ban will save our city a lot of money in cleanup costs and machinery repairs based on real-world experience of other cities with bans ($1 million/year in San Jose.) We can use that money for things like senior transportation, parks and other important services.

Don’t be tricked by the giant out-of-state plastic companies who also placed another measure on the ballot to try to confuse voters further. Vote Yes on 67 and No on 65.

Wendy James
Burbank

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Mourning the Leader’s size

I am in favor of many things slimming down. Me, for instance. The amount of clutter in my hall closets. My water and power bill.

But not the Burbank Leader.

Over time, our local newspaper has slimmed down to almost nothing. Whatever happened to the restaurant reviews? Movie critiques? Regular columns? Even the darn In Theory page seems to be missing in action.

I miss the old, weightier Burbank Leader. I know the opposition will say newspapers are a dying art form. Everyone is reading their news online. But in truth, many of us still like (and I mean, really like) the feel of an actual newspaper in our hands and enjoy breaking our fasts reading the paper.

So, please, fatten up. Don’t forget your loyal readers. I’ll bet Handy Market doesn’t want you to, either!

Susan Hodgson
Burbank

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Optimists to host Halloween fun

The Optimist Club of Burbank is hosting a wonderful Halloween Carnival at Vickroy Park, 2300 Monterey Place on Oct. 31(Halloween) and we would love to have Burbank parents and their kids to come and enjoy. There will be free games, prizes, candy and ghoulish fun!

From 6 to 8 p.m. we will play games, give out light stick bracelets and candy, and have a great time.

If you are a teen who needs service-learning hours, call us at (818) 216-9377 or email jrdiel@aol.com to arrange times. Come and help set up, run games, and tear down and earn five hours of credit. It’s easy and fun, too, and you can wear a costume.

Parents, remember this is a safe and fun way to take your youngsters out for the evening. See you at the park!

Janet Diel
Wayne Mathis
Editor’s Note: The writers are both past presidents of the Optimist Club of Burbank.