Photo: Pete Souza/the White House

Last Friday, President Obama met with a very special  group of visitors at the White House. The guests and their canine companions were from the Helen Keller National Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The center offers intensive rehabilitation training for deaf-blind youngsters and adults. The five students, two staffers, and three volunteers from the center were on tour in Washington, DC.

Last week was Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness week. The Helen Keller National Center was established in the late 1960s by Congress. Helen Keller, a deaf and blind author, political activist, and lecturer died at the age of 87 in 1968. As a child, Keller’s world of isolation was opened up with language by her teacher, Anne Sullivan. That breakthrough is at the heart of the famous play and movie called, “The Miracle Worker.”

Convicted swindler Bernard Madoff will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Today a New York Judge sentenced 71-year-old Madoff to the maximum term, 150 years. Many of Madoff’s victims, who were in court, broke out in applause when the sentence was announced.

Earlier in the proceedings, Madoff apologized to his victims for what is estimated to be at least a $50 billion fraud. Madoff was convicted of running the largest Ponzi scheme ever. In court today, some of his victims spoke bitterly of how the scheme had wiped out their finances and damaged their lives.

Last Friday, in a $170 billion legal judgment against Madoff, the government reportedly seized all of his property, which will now be liquidated and used to pay back some of the money owed to more than a thousand investors.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” seriously cleaned up during its first five days of domestic release. Since opening on Wednesday, the sci-fi action sequel has earned an estimated $201 million, the biggest five day opener behind, “The Dark Knight.” For the weekend, “Transformers 2″ raked in around $112 million. So without a doubt, “Transformers 2″ is the new number one movie in America.

The “Transformers” series is based on a group of novels, toys, and cartoons dating back to 1984.  In “Transformers 2″ alien robot-type creatures that can morph into machines, vehicles, and other mechanical objects battle it out on Earth; caught in the middle are the humans. “Transformers 2″ stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, and Tyrese Gibson.

Last weekend’s top flick, the romantic comedy “The Proposal” still managed to woo enough moviegoers to land in second place with around $18.4 million. Another comedy, “The Hangover” followed in third with about $17.4 million.

The Disney animated 3D film, “Up” came in fourth with an estimated $13 million, followed by the new movie, “My Sister’s Keeper,” in fifth place with around $12 million. This is a family drama about Anna, a young girl who is conceived as the genetic match for her older sister stricken with leukemia. However, when asked to donate a kidney to her sister, Anna sues her parents for medical rights to her own body. The movie stars Alex Baldwin and Cameron Diaz. “My Sister’s Keeper” is based on the 2004 novel of the same title by best selling author, Jodi Picoult.

Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — Fans line up to view Michael Jackson’s star and pay their last respects.

Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — a fan reaches under a barricade to touch the star of Michael Jackson in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Photo: Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times — Fans celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson in the Leimert Park area of L.A.  

 Funeral arrangements are underway for Pop Idol, Michael Jackson. Last night at around 9:30 p.m., the Los Angeles County Coroner released Jackson’s body to a local mortuary. An autopsy was completed yesterday, but L.A. County Coroner’s Office Spokesman Craig Harvey said more tests are needed to determine the exact cause of death. Harvey stated there was no sign of trauma or ”… indication of foul play.”  Those toxicology tests will take an extra 4-to-6 weeks.

The King of Pop died suddenly on Thursday. Jackson was rushed from his rented West Los Angeles home to UCLA Medical Center by paramedics. The 50-year-old singer had apparently stop breathing. Doctors tried to revive him, but failed. Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m.

The reaction to the superstar’s death has been overwhelming. Internet websites crashed from the huge traffic, radio stations have been playing his music nonstop, and fans around the world have gathered to remember the legendary entertainer’s incredible career and body of work. Jackson reportedly sold 750 million albums worldwide, 100 million of those were for “Thriller,” considered the best-selling album of all time. The night before he died, Jackson was working on a spectacular comeback tour and rehearsing in the Los Angeles area.

Meanwhile, there continues to be speculation that prescription drugs played a part in Jackson’s death. Police are reportedly trying to reach Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson’s live-in physician. Murray was reportedly at Jackson’s home when he died. Investigators spoke with Murray on Thursday, but want to question him again. Murray’s car, which was parked at Jackson’s home, has been impounded by police because it may contain evidence that could help unravel the mystery of what killed the music icon.

More photos related to the death of Michael Jackson on the Los Angeles Times website.

Photo: Reuters/stringer —Michael Jackson performing in Latin America in 1993

The end of an era. Pop Superstar Michael Jackson died today after suffering what may have been a heart attack. There are reports that the singer was not breathing and without a pulse when paramedics arrived at his West Los Angeles home at 12:30 p.m.

The 50-year-old music legend was rushed to UCLA Medical Center where efforts to revive him failed. Some of Jackson’s family members, along with the media, converged on the hospital. Also, a large crowd of onlookers and distraught fans gathered in front of the facility. Then at 2:26 p.m. this afternoon, the pop star was pronounced dead. Now it’s up to the Los Angeles Coroner to determine the exact cause of death.  

Jackson was reportedly rehearsing for a series of 50 concerts set to kick off in London next month. After years out of the public eye, Jackson announced the series of performances on March 5, 2009 as “… the final curtain.” Thousands of fans bought tickets and were looking forward to seeing a moon-walking Jackson deliver some electrifying performances.

Michael Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958, stepped into the spotlight as an extremely talented child and lead singer of the “Jackson 5.” That group of brothers was successful, but Michael became a superstar after going solo in 1971. Some of his most popular albums are ”Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982), and “Bad.” “Thriller” is considered the best selling album ever. The music video, “Thriller,” was a ground breaker as well. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards. Also, Jackson starred in the movie musical “The Wiz” (1978), a take-off on the classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” story.

Michael Jackson’s career had its ups and down, and so did his personal life, which included bizarre behavior, strange changes in his appearance, the 2005 trial for child molestation in which he was acquitted, and two marriages and two divorces. One of his ex-wives is Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie. Jackson leaves behind three children, millions of fans, and a phenomenal music legacy.   

Los Angeles Times/1978 Publicity Photo

After a courageous battle with cancer, 1970s icon Farrah Fawcett died this morning at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. The actress was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, a year later it spread to her liver. A few weeks ago, a documentary of Fawcett’s personal battle with the disease called “Farrah’s Story” was broadcast on television.

 Fawcett was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 2, 1947. She began modeling as a college student. A 1970s pin-up poster of Fawcett in a red swimsuit has become a classic and made her a sex symbol. The actress became a star after appearing as Jill Munroe on the first year of the television series, “Charlie’s Angels” ( 1976) with Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith. Fawcett sought more serious roles such as that of a battered wife in the TV movie, “The Burning Bed” (1984), which won her critical acclaim.

Fawcett was married to actor Lee Majors from 1973 to 1982. Her long time companion, actor Ryan O’Neal, was at her side when she died. O’Neal and Fawcett have a son, Redmond. Fawcett was 62.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Hall

In the course of business as usual at last night’s meeting, the Burbank City Council made some decisions involving issues which are continuing to generate debate and controversy. During public comments, Jose Sandoval, a volunteer coach for the Burbank Parks & Recreation Department for 16 years, returned to speak to the council members again.

Sandoval coaches five teams and about 80 kids, mostly from low income and single parent homes. Some of the baseball players are physically challenged as well. On May 18, 2009, Sandoval got into an altercation with an umpire and was ejected from a game. Sandoval was suspended for the rest of this season, despite a lot of protest and pleading from parents and his players. Many of the parents claim Sandoval is being treated harsher than other coaches in similar situations. At a hearing on June 8, arranged by the Parks & Recreation Department, that suspension was upheld and extended until next May, according to Sandoval.

Sandoval asked for the council’s help in getting documents from that hearing before his day in court. That’s right, a dispute with a baseball umpire has become a criminal matter. Sandoval got a letter on Monday, June 22 ordering him to appear in Burbank Superior Court on July 2, 2009 to answer to a misdemeanor charge of battery, Section 242 of the Penal Code.

The city council members and City Attorney Dennis Barlow said they were unaware that Sandoval was being prosecuted for his involvement in that altercation. Still, the beleaguered coach was assured he would receive the documents he requested by tomorrow.

Also, speaking during public comments, long time Burbank resident Mike Nolan, who demanded to know, “how much money,” is being spent on lawyers and investigations and “how many claims” are there against the city. Nolan has asked these questions before. However this time, after some discussion about  ”preserving the integrity” of the investigations, the council and city attorney grudgingly agreed to provide Nolan with some information.

Later in the meeting, the council voted 4-to-1 to include an addendum to the police commission application. That addendum would include three items requiring applicants to reveal if they have been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude or have been on probation. Councilman Gordon, who voted against the addendum, pointed out the police commission application never asked these sort of questions before and, “… I don’t think the city has suffered for it.”

Council Member Anja Reinke argued the addendum would help  ”… protect the city.” When Gordon suggested the answers to the questions by the candidates could taint “…their reputations.” Reinke led the charge to have the addendum classified as confidential, something the city attorney said he would have to check to see if they could do legally.

Gordon opposed the confidentially, saying it sends the wrong message when the council should be about providing transparency, especially in light of the council’s controversial removal of John Brady from the police commission. Council Member/Mayor Gary Bric countered by saying he has received, “…very positive feedback” to the way the council ousted Brady from the police commission. Applicants are now being sought for consideration to fill that vacant seat. It will be interesting to see who steps forward and volunteers to go through this dubious process.

Photo: Wikipedia — Ed McMahon in November of 2005

“Heeeere’s Johnny!” The booming voice that made this introduction for “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson thousands of times has been silenced. Famous announcer/talk show sidekick Ed McMahon  died today, reportedly after a battle with cancer. He was 86.

He was born Edward Leo Peter McMahon in Detroit on March 6, 1923. McMahon and Johnny Carson first worked together on the TV game show “Who Do You Trust?” (1957-1962). After Jack Paar retired, Carson and McMahon moved onto the “Tonight Show” in 1962 and soon became a popular late night duo for 30 years.

Also, McMahon was a pitchman for commercials as well as the host for a number of TV programs including,  “Star Search” (1983-1995) and “TV Bloopers And Practical Jokes” (1982-1998). McMahon appeared in several movies like, “Bewitched” (2005). 

McMahon is survived by his third wife, Pam Hurn, and six children.

File Photo: TV Guide/Frank Micelotta/Getty Image–Rihanna & Chris Brown

Shortly before a preliminary hearing was set to get underway in a Downtown Los Angeles courtroom this afternoon, singer Chris Brown accepted a plea deal in his domestic violence case. Brown is accused of beating up long time girlfriend/singer/model, Rihanna, in a sports car on a Los Angeles street, following a pre-Grammy Awards party February 8, 2009.

Today Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury. The plea agreement calls for the 20-year-old entertainer to be sentenced to 180 days of community labor, which means it has to be something like trash clean-up or graffiti removal not handing out cookies to needy kids. Brown will be on probation for five years and must complete a year-long domestic violence program as well. The singer will be formally sentenced in August.

Apparently Rihanna’s appearance at the court and readiness to take the stand to detail the vicious attack, prompted Brown to take the deal. Also, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg ordered Brown to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna, unless it’s at a public event and then it’s 10 yards.

The question being asked by a lot of folks now is will this couple get back together as so many others involved in domestic violence do? There’s been an incredible amount of publicity and attention focused on this incident, complete with publicized photos of 21-year-old Rihanna’s bloody and bruised face. Still, the statistics show that domestic violence victims frequently forgive their attackers and go back to them again and again. Rihanna has received a ton of advice from fans, experts, and even Oprah to dump Brown and move on. It’s her decision to make. We will have to wait and see what she decides.

 Movie audiences were in the mood for a little romance over the weekend. The new romantic comedy “The Proposal ” dished it up with humor and a bit of drama. ”The Proposal” easily debuted as the number one movie in the country with a haul of $33.6 million. 

“The Proposal” stars Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Bullock plays a ruthless publishing executive who convinces her hunky assistant to accept her marriage proposal so she can avoid being deported to Canada. In exchange, the Reynolds’ character gets promoted to editor. Of course, all kinds of high jinks ensue and soon their business relationship turns into one of the romantic kind.

After two weeks in the top spot, the comedy “The Hangover” landed in second with $26.8 million. Disney’s high flying 3D animation, “Up” floated into third place with $23.4 million. “Year One,” a new prehistoric comedy starring Jack Black and Michael Cera debuted in fourth with $19.6 million and rounding out the top five the hijack thriller, “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ with $12 million.

The Dodgers are hosting their Sixth Annual Father’s Day Catch at Dodger Stadium tomorrow. Families are invited to come out and spend some of the Father’s Day holiday out on the playing field.  As part of the free event, Dodger legends Tommy Davis, “Sweet Lou” Johnson, Ken Landreaux, Rudy Law, Al Downing, Bobby Castillo, and Jimmy Campanis will be there to ”… offer Father’s Day wishes, pose for photographs, and sign autographs,”according to a press release sent out by the ball club. By the way, the Dodgers are playing the Los Angeles Angels down in Anaheim this weekend.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Father’s Day, Sunday June 21. Fans and their families can enter the baseball field at Dodger Stadium through the center field gates. Parking is free. Macy’s, a co-presenter with the Dodgers, is sending over a load of soft souvenir baseballs to be handed out to the crowd.

Oh, my dad would have been thrilled to walk out on the field at Dodger Stadium where the Major League Baseball players compete. To stand on the pitcher’s mound. To check out the bases up close. Maybe even kick the dirt at home plate and take a swing or two with an imaginary bat.

In 2003, my dad passed away. We didn’t get a chance to go to a Dodgers’ game together. Still, I  am hoping somewhere on a heavenly field of dreams, my dad is getting the chance to talk the game and maybe even toss a baseball with some of the legendary players of yesterday.

 Happy Father’s Day! 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

A sure sign of summer, rising gas prices. Wait a minute. Prices at the pumps have been climbing for a while. In fact, a gas spike has been underway for the past seven weeks with “no end in sight”, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Weekend Gas Watch dated June 18, 2009.

Locally, the price of gasoline is hovering around $3 a gallon. Last night, I gassed up at a station in Burbank and paid $2.99 a gallon for self-serve regular. I was ticked off and bummed by the high price. The stats on the AAA website indicates drivers all over Southern California are feeling the same gas pains. The average price of regular is $3 a gallon from San Diego to Orange County to Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to Bakersfield. By the way, this time last year the average price was around $4.50 a gallon in the Southland.

It’s a good bet, that with the 4th of July holiday around the corner gas prices will continue to go up. Experts say the economy is in the process of recovering from the recession. The federal government has shored up the banks and the auto industry with billions of taxpayer dollars. Now would be a good time to help the rest of us by pressuring the oil industry to put the brakes on gas prices.

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House

It’s harvest time at the White House. Earlier this spring, First Lady Michelle Obama and a team of young gardeners planted tons of fruits, veggies, and flowers in a plot on the White House grounds. This organic kitchen garden is now providing a serious haul of healthy eats. More than 90 pounds of produce has been harvested from this garden so far, according to the White House blog. Some of it has been used in the White House kitchen, but most has gone to nearby soup kitchens that serve the needy.

Yesterday, Wednesday, June 17, the fifth-grade garden planters from local Bancroft Elementary got to enjoy some of the benefits of their labor. The students harvested lettuce and sugar snap peas from the White House garden. Then with an assist from the first lady, they used those ingredients to whip up salads for lunch. Also, the student gardeners helped prepare the rest of the lunch as well, which included baked chicken, brown rice, and cupcakes with fresh berries on top.

 Mrs. Obama says the organic garden is one of the first White House projects she wanted to complete: “… if it’s fresh and grown locally, it’s probably going to taste better. That’s what I learned.  And that’s how I’ve been able to get my children to try different things, and in particular fruits and vegetables.  By making this small change in our family’s diet and adding more fresh produce for my family, Barack, the girls, me, we all started to notice over a very short period of time that we felt much better and we had more energy, right?  And so I wanted to share this little piece of experience that I had with the rest of the nation…”

“…I also thought that this would be a fun and interesting way to talk to kids about healthy eating and nutrition.  The President and Congress are going to begin to address health care reform, and these issues of nutrition and wellness and preventative care is going to be the focus of a lot of conversation coming up in the weeks and months to come.  And these are issues that I care deeply about, especially when they affect America’s children.”

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove —Burbank City Council, David Gordon, Dave Golonski,  Anja Reinke, Jess Talamantes, and sitting, Gary Bric

 There were speeches. There was debate. Still, it came as no surprise that four members of the Burbank City Council chose to oust newly-appointed Police Commissioner, John Brady, at their meeting last night.  Again, Council member David Gordon tried various tactics to persuade his fellow council members to allow the civil rights activist to serve out his four year term. Nevertheless, the vote was four-to-one in favor of kicking Brady off the police commission and opening up a 30 day application period to fill the seat. Gordon was the lone dissenter.

During public comments, a number of people stepped to the podium to praise Brady’s character, experience, dedication to human rights, and commitment to the Burbank community. They included former city council candidate, Garen Yegparian and Burbank School Board Member, Larry Applebaum. Brady’s supporters pleaded with the council to keep him on the police commission. Also, Brady delivered a passionate defense, in which he declared the DUI the best thing that could have happened to him, because he got treatment and has not had a drink in two years.

 Later during the discussion of the issue, Anja Reinke, Dave Golonski, Gary Bric, and Jess Talamantes all insisted it was not Brady’s DUI that’s the problem. They claimed the fact that Brady is on probation is the reason he would not display the right image on the police commission. Reinke said it “…sends the wrong message…”

Even though, the police commission application did not ask about criminal background, these council members chastised Brady for not alerting them to his probation and causing the controversy about it.  The most adamant, Talamantes, slammed Brady repeatedly with statements like, “…you didn’t put it on your application…” and ”…you did it to us…” and ” …you’ve put us in this position…”

These four council members did not question the motives of Police Chief Tim Stehr for bringing forward the information about the DUI and probation after the council had appointed Brady to the police commission. No, these council members were narrowly focused on blaming the victim for the situation they found themselves in. Did they do the right thing? I don’t think so. I believe the council’s handling of the Brady controversy has done more damage to the police commission and the city than whatever difficulties his probation may have presented to his position as police commissioner.

In another controversy, Amy and Jim Roach, the owners of that now famous Himalayan cat, “Kitty Pants,” asked for the council’s help in getting their pet back. Recently during a mix-up at the Burbank Animal Shelter, “Kitty Pants,” who had been reported missing, was adopted by a new family. Once the mistake was discovered, city officials tried to get the new family to return “Kitty Pants.” In a callous and heartbreaking decision, the new family has refused to give up ”Kitty Pants,” even in exchange for $650 and a new kitten.

The city council members Reinke and Golonski offered their help, but said the city could not go in with a SWAT team and retrieve “Kitty Pants.” Okay, the SWAT team might be a bit much. However, the city should join with the Roaches in a legal battle to get their pet back. I know there are lawsuits and investigations hanging over the city of Burbank. If there are settlements for these cases, more than likely they will be in the millions of dollars.

Yet, I think the city needs to do the right thing in the “Kitty Pants” matter. The right thing is to take whatever legal action is necessary now to get that beloved pet back to its rightful owners.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Hall

The controversy surrounding the new Burbank Police Commissioners is about to come up again at tomorrow’s city council meeting. Today the issue is listed as item 13 on the agenda and is described as “Reconsideration of the Police Commission Applicants,” according to the agenda forecast posted on the city of Burbank website.

At the center of this stormy drama is newly appointed Police Commissioner and civil rights activist, John Brady. Two weeks ago on June 2, the council voted 4-to-1 to reconsider the appointments of one or more commissioners after a “secret document” made them aware of Brady’s probation in connection with a DUI conviction. Since then, the council’s decision has been a popular topic of debate all over town and beyond; including on this and other blogs.

You would think an issue that a lot of people are eager to hear about would be closer to the top of the agenda, rather than hanging down at the bottom. More than likely it will be brought up by citizens during public comments, which occurs early in the meeting.  

Tomorrow’s meeting is set to get underway at 6 p.m. in the council chamber at city hall. City council meetings are televised on Charter Communications channel 6 in Burbank and some other local channels as well. 

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Victory is sweet. I don’t think anyone needs to tell hard charging, hoop shooting, Kobe Bryant that tonight. Bryant led the Lakers to the NBA championship title tonight, beating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in the fifth game of the NBA finals.

Bryant scored 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the title clincher. Along with the title, Bryant won the MVP trophy for the NBA Finals. This is the 15th NBA championship for the Lakers. The fourth for Bryant and probably best of all, his first without center Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant has silenced the naysayers. He has proven he can win the big one without Shaq.   

The R-rated comedy, “The Hangover” hangs tough in the number one spot at the Box Office for the second straight week. “The Hangover” raked in an estimated $33.4 million this weekend to hold on to bragging rights as the most popular movie in the country.

The Disney 3D animation “Up” is still floating around in second place with $30.5 million. In third the debut of the remake of the 1974 film, ”The Taking of Pelham 123,” with $25 million. This version stars Denzel Washington and John Travolta in an action thriller about the hijacking for ransom of a New York subway car by armed men.

The family fantasy/comedy “Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian” latched onto fourth with $9.6 million, and rounding out the top five, the sci-fi comedy/adventure  ”Land of the Lost” with around $9 million. 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Ex-Burbank City Council Member/Mayor, Marsha Ramos

A few weeks ago, Marsha Ramos stepped out of the public spotlight and back into private life after two terms on the Burbank City Council and twice serving as mayor. Also, Ramos has worked on numerous city committees, boards, and panels, including the police commission, over the years.

So it should come as no surprise to anyone that Ramos has been watching the dramas and controversies swirling around Burbank with particular interest.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday June 9, Ramos answered some questions for me via e-mail.

1. What do you think of the decision to re-vote the police commission vacancies? What do you think of the decision to do background checks on police commissioners? 

I acknowledge that all board and commission members serve at the pleasure of the City Council, and can be removed for no reason at all.  However, in this case both the timing and the questionable procedures have created a perception that is damaging. The decision to conduct a background investigation after the appointment was made is troubling to me. The City Council and Burbank Police Department had never indicated or even implied that a background check was necessary or considered. In my opinion isolating this commissioner and conducting a background check after his appointment was a discriminatory decision.

It is especially troubling because this is the type of decision making process that lends support to the allegations the 5 police officers are citing in their lawsuit. And now, at the direction of the City Council last Tuesday, all the police commission appointees must file additional paperwork and submit to a background check after they’ve been appointed. This is a procedural nightmare.

I was a police commissioner, at no time during my service, or as a participant of the police community academy was I informed that a background check had been conducted as a condition of service or required for a police ride-along. The role of a police commissioner is very different than that of a Police Department volunteer. The two should not be confused. Volunteers are provided training and regular office hours and have access to more confidential information than any Council member. The Police Commission, an advisory body to the Council, meets only four times per year and had very limited access to confidential information. 

In the future if the majority of the Council chooses to remove a commissioner or board member they have a responsibility to act appropriately, and a duty to be fair and respectful to those in our community willing to serve.

2. What do you think about the discrimination lawsuit filed by five members of the Burbank Police Department?

I’m saddened, because I think this should have been avoided. Leadership is critical. That said, I recognize first hand, that hands are tied by a dysfunctional system that escalates conflicts to a point of no return. Already the divisive rhetoric has surfaced, and one hopes that the morale of a department that has had a stellar reputation will not erode. Ultimately, protecting the financial interests of the City is the primary consideration. The adversarial positions crafted by the city attorney’s office will be carefully molded with very little room to move toward an expedient resolution. Sadly, it is the nature of the legal system.

3. What about those “internal and external investigations” going on?

These are very complex conditions in a climate that is clearly tense. There are and have been multiple investigations and allegations. The courts will sort through some of them, outside eyes will make other determinations and findings, and the court of public opinion is more engaged than usual.

4. What course of action should city officials take to deal with the current situation with both the media and residents demanding answers and action?

Proceed with great care.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove  — Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters

The Burbank Police Commission meeting yesterday ended a few minutes after it started. The meeting got underway shortly after 5:30 p.m. in the community room at the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters. The first act of business was a motion by Commissioner Claudia Bonis to postpone the meeting due to the uncertainty created by the city council’s decision to review appointments to the panel.

During the discussion of the motion, newly appointed commissioners John Brady and James Etter were the most enthusiastic about going ahead with the meeting. However, others expressed concerns that the city council could remove and replace one or more commissioners at its meeting next Tuesday, June 16. So with a show of hands, the commissioners voted 4-to-3 to adjourn the meeting until mid-July. No doubt, the commissioners are hoping that by then the controversy surrounding the appointment of Brady will be over and they can get down to business.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Hall

More fuel got tossed onto the controversy burning around the Burbank Police Commission at last night’s city council meeting.  First up, Councilman David Gordon made a passionate plea to his fellow council members to release that confidential memo that prompted their decision last week to re-consider at least one appointment to the police commission.

Dr. Gordon said it was in the “…interest of fairness and due process…” that the memo be made available “…to the individual and to the public…”  Ah, but the four other members did not see it that way. They decided to keep the memo shrouded in secrecy. Dr. Gordon made a motion to release the memo, but because no other council member would second it the motion died.

Last week, the council did not mention the name of the newly elected commissioner who’s DUI was reported on in that memo from the City Attorney, Dennis Barlow. However last night, Councilman/ Mayor Gary Bric referred to the commissioner as ”Brady” at least twice. Apparently, some council members felt it was okay to mention civil rights activist John Brady by name, since the Burbank Leader had recently used his name in a story about background checks being required of all police commissioners as a result of that memo.

During public comments, long time Burbank resident David Piroli observed that a large number of comments on a Daily News blog and A Writer’s Groove  were from people confused about what the police commission does, when it meets, and where to find information about it. In response, City Manager Mike Flad noted the  police commission meets quarterly and the announcements are posted at city hall and the library. Still, Flad offered to do “a better job” in the future of getting the word out about the police commission and when and where it meets.

Then, there was the appearance by former Burbank Police Commission Chair Joe Gunn. During public comments, Gunn went into a rant about his eight years on the police commission, 50-year record in law enforcement, and called Councilman Gordon a “bully” for “…publicly accusing me of committing a crime.”  Gunn was so upset that he stormed out of the council chamber immediatedly after speaking.

Later, Councilman Gordon said he had made reference to an “apparent violation of the Brown Act” in connection with Gunn’s infamous May 13 e-mail sent out to all the police commissioners asking them to “… refrain from asking City Council members and the City Manager…” about “… a major investigation going on within the Burbank Police Department.” Basically, the California Brown Act states that public bodies must hold public meetings and they are not allowed to take actions in secret.  

By the way, the next Burbank Police Commission meeting is this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the community room of the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters at 200 North First Street.