Vandalism called a hate crime MEDIA DISTRICT...

Vandalism called a hate crime

MEDIA DISTRICT NORTH -- A recent act of vandalism is being

investigated by Burbank Police as a hate crime.

The incident occurred late Sunday or early Monday morning outside

a home in the 1900 block of Church Street. The victim, a woman with

two black sons, reported someone had scratched a racial slur into the

paint on the right side of her car, police said.

As of late Friday, no arrests had been made, but police said

because the vandalism was classified as a hate crime, officers were

giving additional attention to the investigation. The victims have

only lived in the neighborhood for a few months, and police said

there have been no similar incidents in the area.

Ben Godar

Faulty refrigerator caused house fire

NORTHWEST DISTRICT -- A two-alarm fire this week caused an

estimated $250,000 damage to a Burbank home.

The fire at 1058 Lamer St. broke out about 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, fire

officials said. Six Burbank Fire companies arrived and reported heavy

smoke and fire from a carport and the back of the house, prompting

more companies from Burbank and Glendale to be dispatched at 5:27

p.m.

Fire crews reported a knockdown of the fire at 5:38 p.m., but

firefighters remained at the home for more than an hour to complete

an extensive overhaul of the densely packed garage where the fire

began, fire officials said. The fire started when a refrigerator in

the garage malfunctioned, investigators said.

Ben Godar

Shakespeare performed at library

MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Shakespeare at Play will stage “A Midsummer

Night’s Dream,” at 2 p.m. today at the Buena Vista Branch Library,

300 N. Buena Vista St.

Eight actors and one percussionist will perform in Comedia D’El

Arte style, a type of slapstick comedy.

Following the play, members of the acting troupe will be available

to talk to community members about beginning acting and swordfighting

classes that the group teaches to adults and children.

The play is free. For more information, call 238-5620.

Molly Shore

Earthquake safety valves available

BURBANK -- Eligible single-family homeowners can request free

earthquake safety valves, which automatically shut off the gas when a

substantial earthquake occurs.

To qualify, one’s yearly income must not exceed $30,850 per

individual or $35,250 per couple. Homes with above-ground meters

within two feet of the house, garage or an outside wall are eligible.

The city of Burbank will pay for the installation, but a $20

application fee is required. For more information, call the Home

Secure Program at 762-5892.

Laura Sturza

School transfer enrollment opens

BURBANK -- Open enrollment applications for intra-district pupil

transfers between Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School

are being accepted through May 14 by the school district’s pupil

services office. The procedure is in compliance with California

Interscholastic Federation regulations.

A random lottery process, assuring all applicants an equal chance

of having their application drawn, will be conducted during the week

of May 19. A waiting list will be established, if necessary.

Parents or guardians will be notified, in writing by May 28, of

the student’s transfer or placement on a waiting list.

Applicants should be dropped off at the district office, 1900 W.

Olive Ave.

For more information, call the pupil services office at 729-4467.

Molly Shore