Drayman back in court in May
Former Glendale city councilman John Drayman was in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday for a preliminary trial. The pretrial was extended to May 14 when a trial date is expected to be set.

Drayman is facing alleged embezzlement of funds from the Montrose Shopping Park Association. Drayman faces 28 felony charges including embezzlement, filing false tax returns and money laundering.  MSPA board contacted the Glendale police in 2011 with their concerns of the embezzlement. After an investigation, charges were brought against Drayman in May 2012.

Nomination Period Extended
The City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women is extending the nomination period for the Jewel & Gem Awards to Friday, Feb. 22.

The 2013 Jewels of Glendale: Women of Courage Award honors outstanding women from the community at the Annual Jewels of Glendale Award Luncheon. These are women who work, live, or study in Glendale that have overcome obstacles, serve as role models in the community, and demonstrate exceptional strength, courage, and perseverance.

One student will also be honored with the 2013 Gem of Glendale Award. This award is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to one outstanding student (male or female) who is engaged in community service that benefits women and/or girls, and reflects the core values and mission of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Nominations for each award can also be obtained on the commission’s website at www.ci.glendale.ca.us/women.

Questions can be directed to (818) 548-4844.

GEF Hosting Dancing With
Diamonds
The Glendale Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Dancing With Diamonds gala on Friday, Feb. 8 at the Glendale Hilton. The highly anticipated event celebrates the accomplishments of three GUSD graduates. This year, recognized for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts is Patrick McClenahan, Hoover High School class of 1976; for Distinguished Achievement in Science and Technology is Dr. Donald Prothero, Glendale High School class of 1972; and for Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness is Paul Fejtek, Hoover High School class of 1988.

For ticket information, contact Susan Hunt (818) 247-0466.

Plastic Carryout Bag Ban Ordinance Adopted
In January, the City of Glendale adopted an ordinance banning the issuance of plastic carryout bags and imposing a 10-cent charge on recyclable paper carryout bags. Beginning July 1, 2013 plastic carryout bags will no longer be available at farmer’s markets, larger grocers and food marts with gross annual sales of $2,000,000 or more and stores of at least 10,000 square feet of retail space that have a licensed pharmacy. Shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags, or they will be charged 10 cents for each recyclable paper carryout bag, with some exceptions.

On Jan. 1, 2014 the smaller grocers, food markets, liquor stores, convenience stores, drug stores, pharmacies and vendors at city sponsored events, city facilities or city property must be in compliance.

A copy of the ordinance is available online on the City of Glendale website and available for public inspection in the office of the city clerk.

For more information and exemptions regarding the Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance, visit: ci.glendale.ca.us/public_works/city_plastic_bag_ordinance.aspx or contact Alina Morshidian in the Public Works Dept. at (818) 548-3900.

Public Urged to Attend
710 Forum
A 710 Community Forum to address Metro and Caltrans plans to close the 710-210 Freeways gap will be held Feb. 27 at Rosemont Middle School in La Crescenta. The Crescenta Valley Town Council is sponsoring the forum and is urging attendance by the public.

This forum is supported by the city councils of Glendale and La Cañada Flintridge and the No 710 Action Committee.

Rosemont Middle School is located at 4725 Rosemont Ave., La Crescenta.

CVCA HOSTING FORUM
The Crescenta Valley Community Assn. is hosting a Glendale City Council candidates forum on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library at 2809 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.
The public is invited for an informal discussion with the candidates running for Glendale City Council.

Burbank Reviews Sale of Dogs, Cats
The Burbank City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance that will prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.

The city council must hear the ordinance in a second reading in the next few weeks which will include amendments endorsed by Best Friends Animal Society before granting final approval. When passed, it will go into immediate effect with no exemption for existing pet stores. However, there will be a six-month grace period allowed so that stores can phase out the sale of commercially-bred animals.

Burbank will join a group of 30 other cities in North America that has banned the retail sale of commercially-bred animals. Los Angeles passed a similar pet sales ordinance last October.