Burbank lands another entertainment media whopper
The City of Burbank yesterday welcomed Hallmark Media as the company establishes operations in the Media District at 3300 W. Olive Avenue, bringing with it more than 200 employees to the City’s robust workforce of 166,000, further strengthening Burbank’s position as the media and creative capital of the World.
Hallmark Media is a leading global entertainment company known for its portfolio of television networks and streaming platforms that deliver original movies, scripted series, and year-round programming. Its expansion into Burbank reflects the continued growth of the entertainment industry within the City and the demand for a business-friendly, production-ready environment.
“We are excited to welcome Hallmark Media to our community,” said Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi. “Hallmark’s decision to establish operations in Burbank reinforces our city’s position as the Media and Creative Capital of the World. This move brings new jobs, strengthens our local entertainment economy, and further demonstrates that companies continue to choose Burbank as the place to grow, produce, and create.”
Hallmark Media joins more than 1,000 media and creative companies that call Burbank home. Its arrival further reinforces the City’s ongoing efforts to support growth in the creative industry through initiatives such as Film Burbank, which promotes streamlined permitting, a skilled workforce, and the infrastructure that enables entertainment companies to thrive.
Kamlager-Dove’s plus one to State of the Union is Epstein victim
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA) announced Jena-Lisa Jones, who is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, as her State of the Union guest.
Jones has transformed her pain and trauma into advocacy, campaigning for the full release of the Epstein files, demanding accountability for those responsible, and fighting to provide justice and support for survivors.
“Jena-Lisa Jones is a hero. The fact that she has not only come forward, but continues to speak out and relive her trauma every day to advocate for survivors of sexual assault, is courage. And it’s courage that the president does not have,” said Kamlager-Dove. “I’m deeply grateful that when Trump delivers his address tomorrow night, he will face Jena-Lisa and her fellow survivors and be reminded that his administration continues to fail not only them, but survivors everywhere. I will keep fighting alongside Jena-Lisa to ensure the full Epstein files are released in a way that centers survivors and that delivers real accountability—not just transparency without justice.”
Kamlager-Dove will not attend the State of the Union; Jena-Lisa Jones will attend in her place. Instead, the congressmember will join a bevy of federal lawmakers and speak at the People’s State of the Union organized by MoveOn.
Rivas’s plus one to State of the Union is Pacoima School Principal
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley (portions), including Pacoima, Panorama City) announced that Sylvia Fajardo, executive director and principal of Pacoima Charter Elementary School and a United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran, will be her guest at tonight’s State of the Union address.
“Sylvia Fajardo is an immigrant, a veteran, a fighter, and the embodiment of the American Dream,” said Rivas. “As principal of Pacoima Charter Elementary School and a Marine veteran, Sylvia understands what it truly means to dedicate your life to serving our community and our country with honor.
“Every day, Sylvia shows up to fight to improve the lives of her students and their families. Her resolve and steady leadership have been on full display as Donald Trump unleashed ICE agents into our communities to wreak havoc and chaos. As Donald Trump lays out his vision that prioritizes billionaires over working families and inflicts further harm on our immigrant communities, Sylvia will be my guest to the State of the Union to serve as a powerful reminder of what true leadership, service, and patriotism looks like.”
Fajardo was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of 13. She learned English through courses at San Fernando Middle School and San Fernando High School. After graduating high school, Sylvia became a naturalized citizen.
The honored guest enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for eight years. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Sylvia began a career in education, teaching K-3 classes in the San Fernando Valley. She later received her master’s degree in education administration from California State University, Northridge in 1999.
She became the assistant principal at Pacoima Charter Elementary School in 1999 and has served as the school’s executive director since 2008.
Allen floats bill to safeguard against insurance nonrenewals
State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance) last week introduced legislation (Senate Bill 1301) to safeguard homeowners and renters from insurance nonrenewals that could lead to a loss of coverage.
Allen is term-limited and running for California Insurance Commissioner.
“Property insurance is a foundational pillar that safeguards the wellbeing of residents everywhere,” said Allen. “Too many Californians are losing this critical support system without a proper explanation or opportunity to retain coverage, unnecessarily risking their livelihoods. SB 1301 will put an end to that.”
California policyholders face the fourth-highest rate of nonrenewals in the nation. Meanwhile, the FAIR Plan, which serves as the insurer of last resort, has seen its total exposure increase by 230% since 2022.
To mitigate the risk of nonrenewal, SB 1301 requires property insurers to provide a notice of nonrenewal at least 6 months in advance and to detail specific reasons for nonrenewal. Importantly, the bill provides consumers the opportunity to make necessary repairs or adjustments to their property in order to maintain their coverage
SB 1301 additionally prohibits a nonrenewal specifically because a policyholder inquired about a claim, filed a claim that was not paid or is not payable, or filed a claim that was within their deductible, among other reasons.
The bill will be heard in its respective policy committee in the coming weeks.
