Hands Across Burbank? City Takes Charity’s Goal to Heart

Not quite from the same people who brought us Hands Across America comes a dream of “Hands Across Burbank.”

The national communal clasp to benefit the hungry and homeless didn’t wind through beautiful downtown Burbank, but it did inspire a city official to take matters into his own hands.

“It’s now time for every community to take care of itself,” said Councilman Michael R. Hastings, who bears no resemblance to Hands Across America promoter Ken Kragen. “I want to have something just for the needy in Burbank and surrounding areas. If every community did this, we wouldn’t need a Hands Across America.”

Hastings’ proposal drew immediate support from members of the City Council. Mayor Mary E. Kelsey said she believes a hand-holding event would be a good project if Hastings can get it off the ground. Councilwoman Mary Lou Howard called it a “super idea.”

Idea in ‘Birthing Stages’

Hastings, who stood in line Sunday along Cahuenga Pass between North Hollywood and Hollywood along with other Burbank residents pledged to the national movement, maintains that his concept is only in the “birthing stages.”

Hastings said he envisions “organized, structured fund-raisers once or twice a year, maybe a concert, and give money to the local Salvation Army or the Burbank Temporary Aid shelter. Maybe we could even build our own shelter.

“I don’t know how it would work out, but the city or another organization would maintain the funds to spend on groceries or for meals at local restaurants.”

Hastings said he was planning to meet with Tim Pinch, the operator of the Starlight Amphitheatre in Burbank, to discuss the possibility of a concert there.

“I have to brainstorm with people, see how much we want to spend,” Hastings said.

Hastings said he was not upset that the national line did not wind through Burbank.

He said he and other participants “had always intended to plug up gaps wherever we were needed.”