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Burbank Burgers, Medical Miracles & a Face-Scanning Ballpark?

Big bites, big wins, and some vintage market energy.

Author

Adam Kruze
June 19, 2025

This week in The SFV 101, we’re diving into Burbank’s burger scene, breaking down LA’s massive medical debt relief effort, and eyeing a new NoHo restaurant. Plus: paintable utility boxes, Dodger Stadium’s new face-scan tech, dog-friendly soccer nights, and a vintage market with serious treasure-hunting vibes.

Did You Know? The Hollywood Burbank Airport (formerly Bob Hope Airport) has appeared in more films and TV shows than many actors. It’s been a go-to filming location thanks to its classic mid-century look and easy permitting.

🍔 Burbank Burgers: Past, Present & Patty Perfection

In the latest Down the Rabbit Hole from myBurbank, Mayor Nikki Perez (off-duty and very pregnant) who, in case you didn’t know, is a lifelong Burbank resident, joined Craig and Ross to talk all things Burbank burgers. They dove into the greasy, glorious burger history of Burbank. From the iconic Bob’s Big Boy to sleeper hits like BB’s Cafe and $30 Gucci burgers at Morrison. Plus they called out two local flops which we won’t give away, you’ll have to watch/listen here.

🔥 Highlights

🏆 The Top Picks (Current)

  1. BB’s Cafe (Pass Ave) – Underrated, known for breakfast, but burgers are a surprise hit.

  2. Granville (Stylish, elevated burgers)

  3. Olive’s Bistro (inside Coast Hotel)

  4. The New Deal

  5. Morrison – Home of the “Gucci Burger” ($30, Wagyu-style luxe)

  6. Finn’s Craft House

  7. Story Tavern – Also famous for tater tots

🎯 Must-Try Local Legends

  • Larry’s Chili Dog – Revered chili. Mayor wants them open at 3am.

  • Handles Ice Cream – Black cherry flavor = childhood Thrifty’s nostalgia.

  • Apollo – Known for burritos, burger may be slipping with new ownership.

  • CourtSide Cafe – A hidden gem inside the tennis center.

  • Sliders – Killer dessert right next to Larry’s (and down the street from the Coral Cafe where I had an excellent Teriyaki burger)

💥 Nostalgic Flashbacks (Closed But Beloved)

  • Clint’s – Tiny burger counter from the ’70s.

  • Sardos, Dalts, Better Fresh Burger, Steve’s Charbroiled, Frank’s (now a film set!), and the OG Bob’s Big Boy locations all get shoutouts.

🚨 Burger PSA
They’re calling on residents to email MyBurbank with:

  • Best hidden burger spots

  • Breakfast burrito recs

  • Dessert follow-ups (hello, sliders & ice cream!)

Mayor Nikki even challenged residents to mention their burger pick during public comment at city meetings—first person gets a free chili dog from Larry’s.

🎨 Call for Artists: Paint the Town (Literally)

Burbank’s Cultural Arts Commission is looking for six local artists to transform utility boxes into public art! As part of the Arts Beautification Program, artists will be selected to paint original designs inspired by the theme “Back to Our Future.”

🗓️ Deadline to apply: Friday, June 27 at 5:00pm
📬 Submit via email or mail (no late entries accepted!)

This is your chance to bring color and creativity to the streets of Burbank—no gallery required. Check out the application and supplemental materials here.

And if that’s not enough canvas for you, Imelda Padilla of Council District 6 (which covers Lake Balboa, Panorama City, Arleta and Sun Valley) is looking for aerosol artists to liven up the streets with beautified utility boxes that will spark conversation and inspire residents. The application and design template can be found here.

📬 Big News: Medical Debt Relief in LA — And It Might Help You, Even If You’re Not in Debt

Starting May 19, more than 134,000 LA County residents got a life-changing letter in the mail: their medical debt—gone. Wiped clean. Canceled. $183.6 million in total, and there’s more coming.

✅ You don’t need to apply
📬 If you qualify, you’ll just get a letter in the mail
🛑 It’s real. Open it. Seriously.

🧮 The Bigger Picture (Why This Helps Everyone)

Even if you don’t have medical debt, chances are someone in your family, on your street, or in your community does—and when people are drowning in debt:

  • They skip checkups, prescriptions, and mental health care

  • They cut back on food and rent just to pay bills

  • They delay seeking help until they’re sicker (and more expensive to treat)

All of that puts more pressure on our hospitals, insurance premiums, and public services. Removing this burden improves health outcomes, family stability, and even job productivity—which benefits all of us.

📊 The Stats That Might Surprise You

  • 1 in 10 LA adults carry medical debt—that’s over 800,000 people

  • It adds up to $2.6 billion in LA County alone

  • 46% of people with debt can’t afford basic necessities like food or rent

  • Half rack up credit card debt trying to pay it off

  • Even debts under $2,000 can send families into crisis

  • Uninsured residents are 7x more likely to carry medical debt

  • Latino, Black, Native, and multiracial communities are hardest hit

  • People with Medi-Cal or private insurance are still twice as likely to be in medical debt compared to those on Medicare

🩺 What’s Being Done

This is all part of a massive LA County effort, in partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, to retire over $500 million in local medical debt using just $5 million in funding (because debt is sold for pennies on the dollar). The long-term goal? $2 billion in relief.

And beyond canceling debt, the County is working on:

  • Better hospital billing transparency

  • Stronger legal protections for patients

  • Easier access to financial assistance before bills pile up

For more info on medical debt relief or to explore your options:
👉 ph.lacounty.gov/RelieveMedicalDebt

Bottom line? This is a huge win—for individuals, families, and the entire community. Even if your bills are paid, a healthier, less-stressed LA means better care, shorter wait times, and fewer people slipping through the cracks.

📫 So if a strange envelope lands in your mailbox this week—don’t chuck it in the junk pile. It could be your ticket to a debt-free future.

🐶⚽ Pups at the Pitch: Bring Your Dog to an LA Galaxy Match!

LA Galaxy and Purina are inviting fans to enjoy a game day like no other—with your dog! At select 2025 matches, you and your furry friend can sit on the North End grass berm at Dignity Health Sports Park for Pups at the Pitch, complete with water bowls, waste bags, and tail-wagging vibes.

🗓️ 2025 Dates: The website says 4 special matches but only lists three dates - 7/12 @ 7:30pm, 8/10 at 7pm, and 8/30 @ 7:30pm.
📍 Where: Dignity Health Sports Park – Northeast Gate entry only

🐾 What to Know:

  • Waiver required in advance (download at the link below)

  • One dog per person, must be on a leash (no retractables or long leads)

  • No roaming—dogs must stay in the grass berm area

  • DJ sets & fireworks: Skip pre-game if your pup hates loud noises

  • Free dog pass for season ticket holders under “Offers” tab

  • 🧴 Don’t forget a blanket and poop bags (just in case)

All pups must be at least 6 months old, vaccinated, and well-behaved. Aggressive behavior = time to go.

🐕 Get your tickets and pack those treats—it’s time for some goals and belly rubs.

🌼 Come Treasure-Hunt with Us—This Sunday, June 22nd!

Get ready to explore 200+ vintage‑laden tents popping up at Pierce College’s Victory Blvd entrance this Sunday, June 22, 2025—the always-epic 4th Sunday flea in the Valley.

Why It's a Vintage Fiesta:

  • “Vintage Everything” is more than a tagline: from Victorian furniture to punk-rock T-shirts, Civil War currency to vinyl records—you’re bound to stumble on something you didn’t know you needed.

  • A front row (early-bird section) curated with 3 dozen local artisans crafting soaps, candles, jewelry, art, and more.

  • Feast your eyes—and appetite—with food trucks dishing up everything from lobster rolls to Thai‑Mex delights, plus live tunes setting the retro mood.

The Details You Need:

  • ⏰ 7 AM–2 PM (come early or stroll in fashionably late)

  • 💵 $5 entry (kids 12 & under + vets = FREE)

  • 🚗 Free parking, no pets (except service dogs), and guaranteed rain-or-shine adventure

  • 🗺️ Located right off the 101 at Victory & Mason in Woodland Hills

Flea-Market Magic✨

It’s not just about pretty things—it’s about people. Whether it’s vendors banding together to help set up tents, giving water to overheated shoppers, or surprising someone with free chandelier crystals—they call it #fleamarketmagic. It could be your month to find more than just a bargain—it could be your moment.

Plus, June's Secret Password for $1 off is: We Are Family, and they’ll give you an extra dollar off if you sing it!

😆 Comedy

🎭️Theatre and Performing Arts

📽️ Film

🎵 Music

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Friday, June 20, 2025

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Sunday, June 22, 2025

  • Titans of Rock – Classic rock tribute, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM, Sagebrush Cantina, Calabasas

  • Fisher and Thames – 70s-inspired jazz, 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM, Vibrato Grill Jazz, Bel Air

  • Gong – Psychedelic space rock (encore night), 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM, The Baked Potato, Studio City

🤷‍♂️ Other

  • Burbank Art Association Night Art, live music, new beer release, and food trucks! Friday June 20th 7-9pm, Lincoln Beer Company, 3083 Lima St, Burbank

⚠️ BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

  • Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove - 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

  • Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach - 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

  • Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica - 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

  • Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey - Entire swim area.

  • Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro - Entire swim area.

  • The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach - 100 yards up and down coast of the club border fence.

🧹 BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

  • Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

  • Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach