Deputies call ‘sickout’ to protest contract CIVIC...

Deputies call ‘sickout’ to protest contract

CIVIC CENTER -- All eight of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s

Department deputies assigned to the Burbank Superior Courthouse

called in sick Tuesday, presumably as part of an action to protest

stalled contract negotiations.

Burbank and Glendale were among 10 courthouses where deputies

staged a sickout. Deputies were transferred from other assignments to

cover the vacancies, and local court officials said the action caused

delays and minor problems in the facility’s lockup for prisoners.

The deputies’ contract with the county expired Jan. 21, and union

officials said the Board of Supervisors has declined to participate

in meaningful negotiations.

Tuesday’s action is part of a slowdown by deputies, union

officials said, adding that though they were not involved in planning

the action, sickouts might continue on a rotating basis at other

county court buildings.

Ben Godar

Donations accepted for tree program

BURBANK -- People who want to support the city’s tree-planting

program are invited to make a donation during March, which is

Plant-a-Tree month.

The program is sponsored by the Burbank Civic Pride Committee.

Donations must be submitted by March 20 to be listed in the

program for a ceremony at 2 p.m. March 27 at Johnny Carson Park, 400

S. Bob Hope Drive, where this year’s trees will be planted.

For contribution information, call 238-5840.

Laura Sturza

Schiff gets funding for teen club

MEDIA DISTRICT NORTH -- Burbank teens will benefit from $80,000 in

federal funds that Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) worked to secure.

The money will go to the Burbank Boys and Girls Club Teen Center

Outreach Project. The program provides mentoring, homework

assistance, tutoring, computer instruction, Internet skills and

career counseling. Youth will also be helped with interview skills

and guidance about attending job fairs and college fairs.

People interested in learning more about the program can call the

Boys and Girls Club at 842-9333.

Laura Sturza