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Mailbag: It’s time to put a stop to SRIs

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Motorists, pedestrians and beloved pets, including horses, are in grave danger of being needlessly injured or killed by numerous speeding reckless idiots (SRIs) in Burbank who are recklessly driving 10 to 40 mph above posted speed limits on busy and neighborhood side streets. Rare are those who drive the speed limit. The special unrushed ease that one could feel upon entering Burbank no longer exists. Burbank is no longer respected.

Having first invested in a Burbank home in 1998, it has become strikingly apparent that SRIs began descending on Burbank a few years ago and now they are taking over. I have encountered many SRIs who come barreling down on my tail. I tap my brakes and angrily motion for them to come around me. Recklessly and with attitude, they do so and get no farther than the next traffic light. Even a radio station’s van passed me in the equestrian community in a no pass zone, traveling at least 50 mph, and pulled into a car wash. I went inside and questioned the driver’s speed, to which he replied that he was on the phone with his boss and she told him to hurry with what needed to get done.

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There are numerous stories of encounters with, and accidents caused by SRIs in Burbank. Something has to be done. I believe speeding fines should start at $1,000. If an SRI is unable to pay the full fine amount, Burbank could finance payment, and of course, charge interest. An SRIs fund could be set up and used to help struggling longtime middle-class American residents of Burbank. Finally, signs should be erected along the borders of Burbank that read, “Welcome to Burbank, where you WILL PAY for speeding.”

Vondra Porter
Burbank

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Community drove Kettle success

Because of the generous support of the community, the Salvation Army had a successful Red Kettle campaign and was also able to provide Christmas assistance to families in the Burbank area through the Angel Tree program

The annual Red Kettle campaign raises significant funds that support the Salvation Army’s social service efforts throughout the year. Our goal was $60,000 and even with a shorter season, we raised $29,560.53.

The Angel Tree program provided 2,500 toys to kids. In the Burbank area 260 families received Christmas food boxes and toys for their children, totaling about 300 kids.

We appreciate the community’s contribution whether it is time, talent or contributions. In particular, we want to acknowledge and express our gratitude to:

• all the businesses, service organizations, clubs and volunteer bell ringers;

• the 10 locations in the Burbank area that hosted our Red Kettles;

• the Burbank Police Officers’ Assn. that collected 100 toys;

• the City of Burbank, Burbank Water and Power, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ion Media, Burbank Nurse Next Door, Handy Market, Verdugo Boys Scouts Pack 220, and all the businesses and organizations that sponsored food and our Angel Tree;

• the Burbank Leader for its coverage of our Thanksgiving dinner and Red Kettle Kick-off Campaign;

• the hard working and committed volunteers of the Bike Angels, under the leadership of Elaine Pease;

• the dozens of volunteers who helped sort food, toys and helped families during distribution.

We are grateful for the outpouring of community support that makes it possible for the Salvation Army to continue Doing the Most Good throughout the year.

The Salvation Army Burbank Advisory Board

The Salvation Army Burbank Advisory board includes Phyllis Cremer, Janice Lowers, Elaine Paonessa, Elaine Pease, Lee Stacy and Tuany Vo.

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