Valentina Orellana Peralta Civil Trial Opens in Burbank
Opening statements began in the civil trial over the 2021 death of 14-year-old Valentina Orellana Peralta, killed by an LAPD bullet in North Hollywood.
Elena Vargas
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Burbank native and UCLA journalism graduate. Covers city hall, local government, and community issues with 15 years of experience in local journalism across the San Fernando Valley. Elena holds a B.A. in Journalism from San Francisco State University.
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Articles by Elena (44 articles)
Burbank Baseball Beats Glendale 16-11, Ends 5-Game Skid
Burbank High baseball snapped a five-game losing streak with a 16-11 Pacific League win over Glendale, fueled by Julian Recinos' two triples and three RBIs.
Burbank Airport Traffic Delays: What Drivers Need to Know
Construction on Hollywood Way near Burbank Airport begins soon. Travelers should arrive two hours early and consider alternate routes like Empire Avenue.
Burbank Noon Rotary Casino Night Fundraiser April 18
Burbank Noon Rotary Club hosts Casino Night on April 18 at 2006 W. Magnolia Blvd. Tickets are $150, with proceeds benefiting scholarships and literacy programs.
LA Approves 125 Speed Cameras Across the City
Los Angeles City Council approved a speed camera pilot program with 125 cameras citywide. Enforcement begins after a 60-day warning period this fall.
FAA Investigates United Airlines Near-Miss With Military Helicopter
A United Airlines flight and an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter had a close call near John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, prompting an FAA investigation.
Vote Now in the 2026 myBurbank's Best Contest
Burbank residents can vote through April 30 in the 2026 myBurbank's Best Contest, celebrating top local businesses, restaurants, and service providers.
Sinners Exhibit at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Burbank
The Sinners exhibit at Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank runs through April 30, featuring costumes, props, and prosthetics from the Oscar-winning film.
Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting at Rihanna's Home
Ivanna Ortiz, 35, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder after allegedly firing an AR-15 at Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Beverly Crest home while the family was inside.
Woman Arrested for Arson at Burbank Target Empire Center
Stephanie Irene Mendoza, 27, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the Burbank Target at Empire Center, causing millions in damage and closing the store.
Huerta Middle School Performs Midsummer Night's Dream in Burbank
Dolores Huerta Middle School's Drama Program brings a 1950s rock and roll twist on Shakespeare's comedy to The Colony Theatre on April 7 at 6 p.m.
Burbank High School Evacuated After Swatting Threat
Burbank High School was evacuated Wednesday after a phone threat triggered a police response. Officers cleared the campus and confirmed it was a swatting incident.
myBurbank's Best 2026 Contest: 200+ Categories Open Now
myBurbank's 16th annual Best Contest runs April 1-30 with 200+ categories. Winners announced May 8 on myBurbank.com and social media.
Courtney Padgett: Burbank's Assistant City Manager
Burbank Assistant City Manager Courtney Padgett shares the leadership philosophy guiding her decisions at City Hall and shaping the community she serves.
USC Cancels California Gubernatorial Debate After Diversity Backlash
USC canceled its California gubernatorial debate after widespread criticism over excluding four candidates of color using its candidate viability formula.
No Kings Protests Planned Across Southern California
Dozens of No Kings protests are set for March 28 across LA County, with a Burbank rally at Abraham Lincoln Park and a major march at Grand Park.
Rebecca Haro Murder Case Moves Toward Trial in Riverside County
Rebecca Haro appeared in Riverside County court as her murder case advances, over seven months after infant Emmanuel Haro vanished and was never found.
Jayden De La Rosa Makes History at State Wrestling Tournament
Burbank High senior Jayden De La Rosa finished in the top 16 at the California state wrestling tournament, the deepest run in school history.
Burbank Library Celebrates National Library Week with Taylor Jenkins Reid
Burbank Public Library hosts a new Bookmobile debut and a conversation with bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid for National Library Week.
Burroughs High School Choir Makes California History
John Burroughs High School's VMA made California history with two Grand Champion wins at a prestigious national choral competition in Illinois.
LAPD Weighs Permanent Ban on Pretext Traffic Stops
LA Police Commissioners heard arguments over permanently restricting pretext traffic stops, which data shows disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic drivers.
St. Finbar Parish School Celebrates International Day
St. Finbar Parish School in Burbank held its annual International Day, featuring student performances, traditional dress, and a multicultural potluck lunch.
Hollywood Burbank Airport New Terminal Safety Explained
Burbank Airport's $1.3B replacement terminal opens October 2026, eliminating FAA-designated runway hot spots tied to the airport's 1930-era building.
Burbank DUI Patrols Increase on St. Patrick's Day
Burbank Police will deploy extra officers St. Patrick's Day evening to catch impaired drivers as part of a regionwide LA and Orange County enforcement push.
Man Arrested in 2 Unprovoked Burbank Assaults on Glenoaks
Avery Talley, 44, was arrested after two strangers were punched in unprovoked attacks minutes apart along Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank, police say.
Burbank Airport Officers Fundraise for Unpaid TSA Agents
Firefighters and police at Hollywood Burbank Airport are collecting donations in boots to help TSA officers working without pay during the federal shutdown.
LAUSD Reviews César Chávez Programs After Assault Allegations
LAUSD is reviewing educational programs tied to César Chávez after sexual assault allegations, including an accusation from co-founder Dolores Huerta.
Southern California March Heat Wave Smashes Records in 2026
Southern California's March heat wave shattered decades-old records, with Burbank hitting 98°F, Woodland Hills reaching 102°F, and more cities breaking all-time highs.
Why Is Southern California So Hot in March 2026?
A record-breaking heat wave has gripped Southern California, with Burbank hitting 97°F in March. Here's what's driving the extreme temperatures.
Burbank Family Service Agency: Who Qualifies and What It Offers
Burbank's Family Service Agency has served residents since 1953, offering counseling, crisis support, and school-based services open to the entire community.
Burbank Police Log: Feb 23, March 1 Arrests
Burbank Police made 12 arrests between February 23 and March 1, with drug-related charges accounting for the majority of cases citywide.
Burbank Resident Blasts SB-79 and Metro BRT in Poem
Burbank resident Richard Cathcart uses verse and sharp criticism to challenge SB-79 legislation and Metro's proposed Olive Avenue Bus Rapid Transit line.
Best AC Companies in Temecula, CA (2026)
Temecula summers hit 100°F+ regularly. Here are the five most trusted AC companies for repairs, installations, and maintenance in the area.
Hollywood Arson Suspect Charged With Murder of Two Sisters
Jovan Lamar Duverne faces murder and arson charges after two elderly sisters died when their Hollywood home was set ablaze on February 4.
Boys and Girls Club Employee Arrested for Lewd Acts with Child
Elizabeth Eiizarraraz, 32, a Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita employee, was arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with a child under 14.
Randall Michael Tobin: Burbank Baker With a Musical Past
Randall Michael Tobin runs a small Burbank bakery built on decades of craftsmanship, music, and a childhood friendship with Danny Elfman.
Burroughs Softball Falls 2-1 to Crescenta Valley in Walk-Off
Burroughs High softball dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Crescenta Valley on a walk-off single in the seventh inning, falling to 1-1 in Pacific League play.
Jennifer Runyon, 'Ghostbusters' Actress, Dies at 65
Jennifer Runyon, known for her roles in 'Ghostbusters' and 'Charles in Charge,' has died at 65, her family confirmed, citing a long journey.
Heat Advisory Issued for Los Angeles County This Week
A Heat Advisory covers Burbank and most of LA County Thursday and Friday, with temps hitting 90-100°F in a historically early March heat event.
Burbank Resident Questions Paramo Resignation-to-Retirement Change
A Burbank grandparent demands answers after BUSD quietly reclassified ex-Superintendent John Paramo's resignation as retirement, potentially costing taxpayers thousands.
Most Anticipated LA Restaurant Openings Spring 2026
From Duke's Malibu's comeback to Badmaash's Venice expansion, here are the most exciting Los Angeles restaurant openings to watch in spring 2026.
Burbank Police Log: February 16-22 Arrests & Charges
Burbank police made over a dozen arrests from Feb. 16-22, including DUI stops, drug possession charges, and outstanding warrant apprehensions citywide.
Loreto Frogtown: Best Mexican Seafood Restaurant in LA
Loreto in Frogtown serves bold Mexican seafood with standout ceviche, scallop tostadas, and soft shell crab tacos on a romantic LA River patio.
Crescenta Valley Dominates Pacific League Track Tri-Meet
Crescenta Valley swept boys' and girls' varsity track at Burroughs' Memorial Field in the Pacific League's opening tri-meet over Glendale and Burroughs.