Dead Burbank High Coach Son Arrested

Teen charged in death of his father

He’s accused of involuntary manslaughter. Dad was an assistant football coach at Burbank High.

By Christopher Cadelago, Burbank Leader, Friday, June 26, 2009

BURBANK — Burbank police officers on Wednesday arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the Nov. 29 death of his father, Timothy Loock, assistant football coach at Burbank High School. Noah Loock faces one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and was released from custody on $25,000 bond. He is due back in Pasadena Superior Court on July 16, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Nov. 29, when police responded to a fight at the family home on the 1800 block of North Avon Street. “After a couple of punches, the father fell to the ground,” Burbank Police Sgt. Robert Quesada said. Timothy Loock, 48, was rendered unconscious and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Noah Loock fled the scene of the fight Nov. 29 and was taken into custody later that day and booked on suspicion of killing his father, Quesada said.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office filed no charges at that time, and the investigation continued until the Los Angeles County coroner’s office ruled the cause of death as homicide.

The Dec. 2 autopsy revealed that Timothy Loock died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and neck, said coroner-investigator Denise Bertone. The county district attorney’s office filed one count of involuntary manslaughter, and an arrest warrant was issued Wednesday. “Because of the unknown nature of the circumstances, the actual length of the sentence varies and depends on what they look at,” Quesada said.The Loock family could not be reached for comment.

Timothy Loock worked in the entertainment industry on post-production for 30 years, according to his profile on the Internet Movie Database. An all-league wide receiver for the class of 1978 at Burbank High, he went on to coach receivers and defensive backs until his death last season. Noah Loock graduated from Burroughs High School in 2008. His Facebook profile was rendered inactive.

Here are updated photos of the Burbank High School field construction as of a few days ago.

In Loving Memory- Helen Sabin

Helen Pearl Sabin, 92, of Chattanooga, died on Sunday, June 7, 2009.

Mrs. Sabin was born in Boulder, Co., to Hiel and Bernice Hull. She graduated from Burbank High School then Life Bible College in 1937. She married Howard V. Sabin on May 12, 1948 in Burbank, Ca.

Mrs. Sabin was a charter member of Burbank Foursquare Church. She taught high school and college Sunday School, served with her husband as church organist and pianist and sang in the choir. She was also active in PTA and Cub Scouts during her children’s school years. She was employed as a security officer for Bendix Industries then as an assistant manager at VandeKamps Credit Union, retiring in 1978.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; son, Dennis Sabin; and two sisters, Dora Eisele and Dorothy James. Surviving are her son, Norm (Pat) Sabin of Chattanooga; five grandchildren, Daris (Kent) Freeman, Kelsey Sabin, Zak (Traci) Sabin, Michael Sabin, and Matt Sabin; four great-grandchildren, Josh Longbrook, Madyson Sabin, Azzeem Sabin, and O’Ryon Sabin.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. There will be additional visitation from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Valley Funeral Home, 2121 West Burbank Boulevard, Burbank, Ca. 91506. Private graveside services will be at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery, Burbank, Ca. Memorial donations may be made to Life Pacific College, 1100 W. Covina Blvd, San Dimas, Ca. 91773.

Barbara P. Hallack - In Memory

July 25, 1926 - May 31,2009 Barbara passed away peacefully Sunday evening from Alzheimer's.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grand and great grandmother. Barbara was a purchasing agent at the SDA Hospital, in Simi Valley, for twenty five years. She loved traveling around the world with her husband and many friends.

She will be missed by her husband Robert Hallack of 64 years and her children Barbara of Quartz Hill, son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Marlene of Thousand Oaks, Daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Bill of Hidden Hills, and her grandchildren, Coleen (Fred), Amanda, Julianne, Bryan and Ashley. Two great grand children, Kristen and Shaun, and one great great-grandchild, Kenny. Brother, Dave Carnes of Anaconda, Montana.

Barbara was born in Riverside, Ca. and graduated from Burbank High. Robert and Barbara lived in Simi Valley for many years, where they raised their family. They retired to Lake Isabella, and eventually moving back to Newbury Park for the last six years.
A service was held on Thursday, June 4, at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills, where she is laid to rest.

Local high school alumni reunite

Event committee members, from left, Pam Kirkwood, Trudie Hentze, Linda Damarjian and Patti Hallowes welcome former Bulldogs and Indians to Johnny Carson Park for Saturday's reunion.

By DAVID LAURELL
Published: Burbank Leader, Tuesday, June 23, 2009

While the gloom of June brought gray skies, Johnny Carson Park was transformed into a bright sea of vivid blue and red as proud Burbank and John Burroughs High School alumni gathered at the venue Saturday for the ninth annual All Class Reunion Picnic and Car Show. Welcomed by reunion committee members Linda Damarjian, Trudi Hentze, Patti Hallowes and Pam Kirkwood, the event was officially kicked off with “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by vocalist Mallory Maisner, a junior at Burbank High School, who has been chosen to audition for next season’s “American Idol.”

Among the hundreds of former Burbank Bulldogs and Burroughs Indians who braved the intermittent drizzle to catch up with old friends, enjoy a picnic lunch and admire the classic cars on display were Burbank Mayor Gary Bric, Councilman David Gordon, Denny Grossman, Lou and Judy Bartoletti, Bill Hormuth, Gerald Gaughen, Darrell and Nancy Golnick, Bud and Joyce Nelson, Ashley Lopez, Stan Lynch, Natalie Villalpando, Nancy Ward, Karl and Marianne Grossman, Sally Geraci, Ed and Charmaine Sandors, A.J. and Dee Dee Culotta, Dick Benno, Bob and Virginia Wirffel, John and Mary Jo Hjelmstrom, and Diane and Harry Campbell.Also caught mingling throughout the day were Ron and Jane Cooper, Tom Treloggen, William and Amanda Kaufmann, Brian Church, Charlotte McCaskey, Jerry Crimeni, Mark Vargas, Steve Ceniceros, Adriana DeMattia, Darlene Kroah, Jorge de los Reyes, Kevin Hobson, Carole Collins, Leigh Hilt, Larry O’Brien, John and Cathy Coyle, Linda Mustion, Tom Branca, Carol Schmidt and Jan Williams.

Others in attendance were Mary Flavin, Bob Bauman, John and Marilyn Peterson, Joe Baldino, Eddie Levitt, Don Ray, Skip Higgins, David Ingram Symonds, Dean Chetkovich, Bill Murray, Jim Peet, Jerry Carson, Paula Roth, Janet Goldwater, Gerald Gaughen, George Damarjian, Lenore Stein, Mike Mendoza, Jon Walters, Lonnie Melton, Janet Knight, Ted Bregman, Larry Beck, Mary Nay, Frank McGuire, Cliff Slike, Irene Sandoval, Tim and Sue Norwalk,and Marci Brewer.

Opened in 1908, Burbank High School marked its centennial celebration this past year. Across town, 1928 saw the opening of John Burroughs as a junior high school before it made the transition to a high school in 1948. Among the well-known names who owe their high school educations to either Burbank or Burroughs are Mayor Gary Bric, former Mayors Bob Kramer and Marsha Ramos, Councilman Jess Talamantes, actors Clint Howard, Rene Russo, Anson Williams, Debbie Reynolds and Dan Haggerty, Golden Globe-winning director Tim Burton, and Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard.

This annual reunion that welcomes all alumni of the two high schools has become a Burbank tradition over the past decade. As Saturday’s picnic drifted into the history books, event Chairwoman Linda Damarjian commented that the attendance for this year’s reunion was down slightly from previous years. “The turnout was a little lower than in the past,” said Linda Damarjian said. “But it was a very good time, and the alumni classic car show was a big hit as usual. Having the mayor and a City Council member here was a nice addition, and people truly enjoyed themselves — many remarking that Burbank was such a wonderful place to grow up.”

BHS/JBHS Picnic Photos

Photo by Cathy Nicholls Coyle- BHS1967


Linda Mustion yours truly, BHS 1967 indulging eating a pink cotton Candy!
Hadn't had one in years.

Later in the day they started making blue cotton candy and I just had to have a blue one as Burbank High colors are Blue and White.


Every year I have the honor of holding the American flag, while Mallory sang the national anthem.

Mallory singing some songs. She is a student at Burbank High School and next week she is trying out for American Idol. Good Luck! Mallory!


Some Burbank High Class of 1967 looking at our 67 yearbooks and talking about old times.


Some other Burbank High Alumni!


Cathy Palmer BHS 1967 chatting with other BHS alumni.


Cool Wagon! Dig the surf board on top!


Because of the early morning rain, we had fewer cars for the car show as a lot of the guys don't like to take their nice shiny and polished cars out in the rain.


The picnic makes a large circle around the large grassy area, so this is only one side of the picnic with the sign in area and food area.

Cheryl McMillian a JBHS grad was manning the JBHS/BHS Alumni Band booth along with a CSUN Alumni flyers for any alumni who graduated freom CSUN.


Burbank High School sign-in booth.


Alumni getting caught up with old friends and meeting new ones.



Pam Kirkwood - BHS 1964 working at the BHS sign-in booth.


More BHS Class of 1967 looking through the 65, 66, 67 yearbooks.

Burbank High - Class of 1967 Group Photo

Front Row: Marilyn Williams Peterson, Cathy Palmer, Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Flora Angel Ferrens

Back Row: Deanna Lloyd Jennings, Leigh Rugee Taylor, Ellisa Dibble Weekley, Dona Foy Bruckner, Linda Peterson Everett, Al Thoutte, Chris Peterson, Don Ray, Linda Mustion, John Johnson, Mary Flavin Durrer, Vicki Peters Stigile. Classmates not in photo: Dennis Lombard, Diana Ziegler Larson.

Burbank Mayor Gary Bric, BHS 1970 interviews Don Ray, BHS 1967 about Gary's brother Bill Bric, BHS 1967 who was killed in action in Vietnam. Don was good friend of the Mayor's brother.

Road Kings roll out chariots for charity

During the opening ceremonies, from left, Gino Gaudio, Don Baldaseroni (BHS 1967) and Mayor Gary Bric (BHS 1970) kick off The Road Kings 20th annual Picnic and Car Show.

By David Laurell
Published: Burbank Leader, June 16, 2009

Burbank, like every other American city, is an ever-changing place. Some changes are great — like the revitalization of Downtown Burbank, while some we mourn — like the loss of those great chile rellenos at El Chiquito and the late night jazz and nightcaps at Chadney’s.

One other thing that has stood the test of time in our city is the camaraderie and charitable contributions of the Road Kings of Burbank.

Established in 1952 as a racing club, the Road Kings membership has included some of drag racing’s most famous such as Don Prudhomme, Tommy Ivo, Ken Safford, George Sakora, Owen Engle, Denny Cross, Nick Sfetsku, Joel Embick, Ed Drugmond, Bill Loven, Don “The Beachcoomer” Johnson and Frank Ney.

As they have done for the past two decades, the Road Kings of Burbank rolled into Johnny Carson Park for their 20th annual Picnic and Car Show on Sunday.

Staged as a fundraiser to benefit the local high school auto shop programs and numerous Burbank-based charitable organizations, the past decade alone has seen the Road Kings raise and contribute much more than $300,000.

Sunday’s event was officially kicked off with Gino Gaudio’s rendition of the national anthem and welcoming comments by longtime Road Kings member Don Baldaseroni and Burbank Mayor Gary Bric. Among the rodders and racers in attendance were Don Siglar, Richard Radd, Chuck Hanson, Rick Kalisz, Chuck Stein, Lou Bartoletti and Jim Gascoigne, along with two of the club’s charter members, Jim Miles and Kenny Safford.

Among the most notable of those on hand was Burbank resident Bob Muravez, who behind the wheel of the twin-engine “Freight Train” dragster was a legendary racer of the 1960s and ’70s.

Muravez, better known to race fans as Floyd Lippencott Jr., the alias he raced under after his father ordered him to give up the dangerous sport, piloted the “Freight Train” that had been designed and built by John Peters.

Revered as the top duel-engine gas dragster of the 1960s, it is considered to be one of the most famous Chevrolet dragsters of all time and to this day still holds track records at some venues.

Muravez, the longtime owner of Ralph’s Maytag Shop on Victory Boulevard, was joined at Sunday’s event by his wife, Sharon Muravez.

Others who enjoyed the day that included the music of Joe Finkle and the 7-10 Splits were Ginny Hanson, Pat Astamendi, Marcia Mueller, Diane Sfetku, Tony Wade, Brooke, Carley and Louise Bisordi, Ray Tocchio, Brooke Dickerman, Kathryn Davis, Bob Overstreet, Dean and Lynn Shelby, Michael Roberson, and Joe Sprosty, who was accompanied by his 3-month-old opossum, Stacey. Also on hand was Scott Scozzola of DeBell Golf Club with his wife, Heather, and the couple’s children, Isabella and Jake.

Among the numerous local organizations that have benefited from the Road King’s generosity over the years are Burbank Priority in Education, the Burbank Police and Fire Museum, the Burbank Police Mounted Unit, the Parks, Recreation and Community Service Department’s Summer Youth Program, the Burbank Historical Society, the Burbank Aviation Museum, the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank, the Joslyn Adult Center, Terra Del Sol and the Dog Tags for Soldiers Kids Project.

BHS/JBHS Picnic Reminder

There has been an All Classes Reunion Picnic going on since 2000. This is an informal setting where you can bring the whole family and catch up with old friends. It is for ALL graduating classes from JBHS & BHS.

The 2009 Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank.

Attention all BHS Bulldog and all JBHS Indian Alumni:

Saturday, June 20th, 2009 the Annual BHS/JBHS Alumni Picnic will be held at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank. Time: 11AM-5PMCost: Free (we just ask a $2 donation which includes a door prize ticket)Cold drinks available for purchaseAlumni Classic Car Show (contact Denny Grossman JBHS '55 at grossmand@aol.com to enter your car)

Entertainment: Nostalgic Music provided by DJ Tony Geraci from Westco SoundSome of your favorite tunes performed by Dee Dee Daugharty Culotta BHS '66Opening ceremony songs performed by Mallory Maisner (current Burbank High singing sensation)Door PrizesFree Parking at the Providence High Parking lot adjacent to parkBring your Picnic Lunch, folding chairs/blankets and get set for a wonderful day of re-connecting and reminiscing with old friends...

BHS Field Construction

In an earlier post in March, I posted about the ground breaking of the Burbank High School field and replacing it with artifical grass. I took some pictures back then, but since my computer was out for repairs I was never able to upload them. So here they are:

In Memory of Betty Steinkolk

BETTY STEINKOLK

Betty Steinkolk, a retired teacher, administrator and principal at Jordan Middle School and Burbank High School, died June 6, 2009. She was 81. Steinkolk first taught in Redondo Beach for a year, before applying for a teaching job within the Burbank Unified School District, where she worked from 1970 to 1988. Steinkolk continued to work as a substitute teacher after retiring as a temporary acting principal for various schools, including a yearlong stint as principal of Burbank High School.

Born Elizabeth Jean Ohs in Owatonna, Minn., on March 18, 1928, she had naturally bright red hair and a personality to match. Betty never preferred the name Elizabeth and renamed herself Betty Jean Ohs. Steinkolk is survived by her brother, Donald, of Occoquan, Va., and numerous nephews and nieces throughout the country. A memorial Mass is planned for 10 a.m. June 20 at Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church, 31020 Cole Grade Road in Valley Center in San Diego County.

Locals earn league honors

Lonnie Kauppila was one of 18 local baseball players to earn all-league honors this past season.

BASEBALL: The four area schools have 18 players recognized for fine season exploits.
By Jeff Tully
Friday, June 12, 2009
BURBANK — There were some impressive numbers put up this past season by the area’s high school baseball players. In addition, the local teams also enjoyed some shining moments, as three of the four — Burbank, Burroughs and Bellarmine- Jefferson highs — were able to make the postseason. Only Providence didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

With successful athletes and teams, the locals were recognized with 18 all-league selections.

Perhaps the best season performance was turned in by Burbank junior shortstop Lonnie Kauppila. However, instead of earning Pacific League Player of the Year honors, Kauppila was selected on the first team. Bulldogs Coach Bob Hart thought that Kauppila deserved to win the player-of-the-year award. “I think he definitely deserved it,” Hart said. “He was the best player in the area this year, and that comes from a guy whose kid plays in the area. I just think it’s unfair that he wasn’t voted the MVP. ”Hart’s son, Kyle, is a senior pitcher at Burroughs.

Kauppila had a wildly successful season after transferring to Burbank from Crescenta Valley. Along with a .508 (30 for 77) batting average, he also had 25 runs batted in, scored 27 runs and belted 12 home runs for a 1.169 slugging percentage. In addition, he had 15 walks and only struck out five times. “Lonnie was such a big boost for our team this season,” Hart said. “He is a player who just makes everyone around him better.”

Burbank’s other first-team honoree was junior pitcher McCauley Taylor. Taylor was 4-4 with a 3.08 ERA and 44 strikeouts and 18 walks in 54 1/3 innings. He also batted .270 (16 for 78).

Today Was Flag Day!

My 60th Birthday!

Well yesterday I hit a new milestone in my life and had my 60th birthday yesterday June 13th. WOW! Unlike most people I am happy that I turned 60 as my father died at a very young age of 35 and as a kid growing up I always wondered if I would die young or live past 35 and here I am at the age of 60. It was really just another day for me as I stopped celebrating my birthday years ago.

IN MEMORY OF........

I'm sadden to report the lost of several Burbank High Alumni:

Jean Maurice Montandon - BHS 1945 passed away May 16, 2009 in Bakersfield, CA

Jorma Kalervo Hiltunen - BHS 1959 passed away on Feb 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV and is buried in the Southern Nevada Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.

Don Schlicker - BHS 194? passed away on April 2009

Gene Shultz - BHS 1946 passed away on May 10, 2009 in Sedona, AZ

Steve Poggione - BHS 1964 passed away on Memorial May 2009

Late Night On Computer Is Killing Me!

The late nights on the computer putting entries into "Find A Grave.com" is killing me.

BHS 1960 Grad Oldest To Climb Mt. Everest

William "Bill" Burke, Burbank High School 1960 is believed to be oldest man to climb Mt. Everest.

LOS ANGELES -- A 67-year-old man from Costa Mesa who reached the summit of Mount Everest last month is back at home with his family. Bill Burke arrived at Los Angeles International Airport Sunday evening. "It's great to be back. I love it in America, sea level and everything," Burke said about his homecoming.

Burke is believed to be the oldest American to successfully climb Everest. Burke climbed through a Himalayan ice storm to reach the top of the world's highest mountain -- which stands at an estimated altitude of 29,035 feet above sea level. "I've never been in a storm like that in the mountains," Burke said in a call to his wife Sharon after accomplishing the climbing feat on May 22. "Snow, freezing, freezing cold, high winds, it was quite a wild ride.""It was really difficult, a very hard mountain. There is nothing about it that is easy. But, thank God we made it and we made it back safely. "Jetstream-force winds pounded Burke so hard that snow particles felt like metal pellets on his face when he removed his goggles. Sharon Burke said she was confident in her husband's abilities, but still she waited anxiously to learn the outcome of his final summit push.

This was Bill Burke's third attempt on Everest. In 2007, he stopped about 100 yards below the summit, fearing he would not have strength to get back down after making the final push to the top. He tried again in 2008 but had to be evacuated by helicopter after he began suffering from pulmonary edema. Burke's family says they're not sure what lies ahead for the adventurer.

BHS 2009 - 100th Graduating Class

Graduates pose for photos with friends before the Burbank High School graduation at the Starlight Bowl Friday. (Alex Collins/ Leader)

By Zain Shauk- Burbank Leader
Friday, June 5, 2009

Burbank High School’s 100th senior class went out in style Friday during a graduation ceremony that featured rousing musical performances at the Starlight Bowl. The school’s orchestra and award-winning choir performed sets that stirred excitement among graduates, including one that combined the sounds of “Somethin’s Comin’” from West Side Story and rapper Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The musical exhibition showcased just part of the talent that Burbank High’s centennial class brought to the school, said Tessa Register, the senior speaker.“As a class, we are so much more than just the 100th group of kids to walk across this stage,” she said.

The school’s sports teams, clubs and student activities, including the first-ever class to host a prom on a yacht, put the group in a category of its own, she said. Technology and diversity had also made the group’s high school experience unique, transforming it from what other generations might have gone through, students said, citing Burbank High’s array of cultural groups and the class’ affinity for text messaging and YouTube. “We know streaming videos of ‘Charlie the Unicorn’ is as educational as it is entertaining,” said Nicole Battaglia, one of the school’s two valedictorians, drawing applause from the audience.

Students said they were excited to move on from high school, but reflected on simple parts of their routines that they would miss. While some were sad to leave the school, others said they were still taking in the weight of the day. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” said Ani Zarian. Zarian talked of her goal of becoming a forensic scientist, one that grew out of a crime lab exercise organized by her science teacher, Rebecca Cooper. She said she will remember Burbank High for giving her inspiration.

Principal Bruce Osgood, reflecting on the thousands of students who had graduated from the school during its 100 years, discussed the commitment to public service that has been displayed by former students. More than 90 graduates had gone on to serve in the armed forces, he said, and hundreds had volunteered for service groups and organizations and even joined the Peace Corps. Now the weight of contributing to society would fall to the latest group of graduates, he said. “You’re not graduating from any high school. You’re graduating from Burbank High School,” he said, his voice trembling.

Although the world’s problems would make it easy for students to feel discouraged from striving to make a difference, this group had a unique source of inspiration, said Yihwan Kim, also a valedictorian. Kim talked about a hopeful politician who had tried to run for office and personally funded his own campaign, but lost in a primary election, gaining half the votes of his opponent. Defeated, he was encouraged to visit his party’s convention and attended only to realize that he had used all his money campaigning and his credit card was declined when he attempted to rent a car. When he eventually arrived at the convention, he was denied a credential.That man was future President Barack Obama, and an important example for the class of 2009, Kim said. “Never forget the power that you have, and never forget what you can do,” he said.

BHS CLASS OF 2009

The Burbank High Class of 2009 is having their graduation early this year. It will be this Friday on June 5, at the Starlight Bowl with 618 graduates. Next years graduation will be even earlier as it will be on May 28, 2010. Why so early, well the students will be now starting school in August as they will be taking tests. The school now works on only getting the students to be able to pass the Exit Test in the end of their senior year so they can graduate. Also in order for the school to get money they must have a certain percentage of students who graduate. So now at the beginning of each school year they must do testing to see where each student is at.