This morning I participated in the Meals on Wheels Program with a fellow Kiwanian. It sounds so cliche, but it is so easy to take something as essential as mobility for granted. There are members of our community who are unable to pick up groceries, go shopping, or even visit a brother who lives on the next block without help; and providing that help was straight-forward, very enjoyable, and easy. How we learn to care for our parents’ generation is going to be a demonstration of what we’re made of.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! …expecting great things in 2009!

The website is out of construction!  I almost chickened out of putting my picture up, but it’s up.   We have a couple more elements to add to the site and hope you enjoy!

Thanks Ashley, Andrew and Sam for bringing it all together so seamlessly!

Thanks Sang for all your hardwork!  The custom logo and design for our stationery are final and went to print.

During the process I recognized the daily challenge of owning and operating your own business.  With a small core of employees, what do you do when one catches the flu or has a family emergency?  In this case, both situations happened to our printer simultaneously.  I know what a small business does for a family and a community, but never underestimate the resilience and dedication it requires.

Burbank elections are conducted entirely by mail.  Tonight staff stayed late to provide us with a comprehensive overview of the election process.   The highlight of the night was when our City Clerk Margarita Campos, surprised the group with a festive Uncle Sam hat to draw names for the ballot order.  My name was drawn 8th!

When you receive your ballot at the beginning of February, don’t forget to:

1. 1.  Mark your vote for Kimberly Jo - the 8th name on the ballot.
2. 2.  Place your ballot in the envelope and sign the envelope
3. 3.  Mail your ballot, or drop it off in person at City Hall

I had a chance to stop in and visit with the 2009 Burbank Tournament of Rose Parade directors.  For those of you that don’t know, this year’s director, John, is the second generation of Burbank Rose Float directors in his family and carries on a tradition and love his father established.

The float is currently constructed and pending inspection by parade officials.  Once they get the okay, the float will start the decoration phase.  Glue and flowers will go flying to get it ready in time for New Year’s.

The “3D-Double Feature” float is a scene of the Dawg Family at a drive-in movie.  Like every year, the float is set atop our City’s own chassis and entirely self-built by volunteers.  This year’s float is taking the tradition to the next level with pyrotechnic special effects for the 3D T-Rex and the fragrance of popcorn.  (…similar to the Soarin’ Over California ride at California Adventure)

The nomination period officially closed today at 5pm.

To get on the ballot, over 85 signatures and $1975 were submitted last week.  I promised the City Clerk’s office I wouldn’t burden them by waiting until the last minute to file.  Keeping my word meant heading over in the middle of the downpour, on the day I was home sick.

I got out of my car, accidentally stepped in the puddle in the tree well, and ran up the steps into City Hall soaked.

It was all worth it to be able to raise my right hand and take the oath of office administered by Margarita Campos, our City Clerk, and respond “I do.”