During a recent city council meeting in Burbank, Vice Mayor Nikki Perez announced the city's official recognition of the \"16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,\" which runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day. This proclamation aims to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, which affects millions of women and girls globally.

The Vice Mayor highlighted a recent UN report indicating a troubling rise in domestic violence against women, emphasizing the need for community action. She encouraged residents to join the Zonta Club of Burbank, an organization dedicated to empowering women and advocating for gender equity since 1919.

In a call to action, Perez urged attendees to contact their newly elected assemblyman, Nicholas Schultz, to advocate for legislation that would set the minimum marriage age at 18 in California, addressing concerns about child marriage laws that currently allow minors as young as 11 to marry with parental or judicial consent.

The meeting also included a brief report from the city attorney regarding a closed session discussing existing litigation, specifically the case of Kazaris versus the City of Burbank, with no reportable action taken.

Public comments followed, with residents raising various concerns, including traffic impacts from a proposed safety and mobility project on Forest Lawn Drive, which aims to reduce lanes to accommodate dedicated bike lanes. Speakers expressed worries about potential traffic diversion to Burbank's Riverside Drive and its implications for local residents.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for community engagement and participation in addressing these pressing issues.