Photos: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove— Burbank

Photo 11/01/09: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove —Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters where the flags are flying at half-staff in remembrance of Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn, Sr.

The Burbank Police Department has taken some pretty big hits lately from lawsuits, investigations, low morale, scandal and now the apparent suicide of one of its patrol officers. According to a press release put out by the Burbank PD, 50-year-old Neil T. Gunn died on a residential city street corner of a self-inflicted gunshot wound yesterday morning.

It happened around 11:40 a.m. near the intersection of Sunset Canyon Drive and Harvard Road in the hillside area. Police officers responded to a slew of 9-1-1 calls and found Gunn. A short time later, Gunn was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

At the time of his death, the 22-year veteran patrol officer was apparently on administrative leave after being named in an FBI investigation into police misconduct, according to The Burbank Leader. At least a dozen Burbank police officers are part of that investigation. So far, the FBI has not disclosed the details of the probe.

During his long career, Gunn received a number of awards and commendations including Ministerial Officer of 1992 and department professional esteem awards in 1997 and 2004.

The press release stated: “This incident is a devastating tragedy. The members of the police department and all our city employees share in the grief with his family during this difficult time.”

The investigation into the death of Sgt. Gunn is now being handled by the Glendale Police.

Also, Burbank Blogger Steve Ferguson has a commentary on his site about Gunn’s death. It’s well worth the read.

UPDATE:10/31/09                                                         

Photos 10/30/09: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

A wreath dedicated “In Loving Memory” of Sgt. Neil Gunn was anchored near The Guardians sculpture in front of the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters when I dropped by the site yesterday.

Photo 10/31/09: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Then today, I noticed a second wreath had been added to the flowers, cards, and candles in that memorial to a fallen officer.

Also, I am hearing now that Sgt. Gunn was not on administrative leave when he died. Meanwhile, a lot of unanswered questions and suspicions about Gunn’s death. The press release from the city of Burbank/Burbank PD called the gunshot wound on Gunn’s body self-inflicted. Some, including a resident I spoke to who lives near the scene of the tragedy, doubts the suicide conclusion.

UPDATE 11/01/09

This same resident, who did not want his name used, pointed out to me the spot where Gunn’s body was discovered, beneath some shady trees on a grassy area with blooming pink roses and a large sign for the nearby De Bell Golf Course and some other local attractions. 

Photo 11/01/09: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

 Near the location attractions sign and not far from the street sign identifying this intersection as Sunset Canyon Drive and Harvard Road, flower bouquets were left in sympathy for Sgt. Gunn.

Photos 10/30/09: FLLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

 I e-mailed a copy of that press release to a friend, Ken Bell, who is a retired investigator for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Ken Bell opines “… there must have been some tattoo (gun powder burn) around the wound indicating that it was close range shooting and a check of GSR (gun power residue on the shooting hand) would have {been}strong evidence that he shot himself…..”   Bell suggests the position of the body and other evidence at the scene could have reinforced that conclusion.

We will probably have to wait until the Glendale Police investigation wraps up and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office releases some part of its report before we have a clearer picture of how Sgt. Gunn died. Hopefully, that information will shed some light on the other important question; why did Gunn die?

UPDATE 11/02/09 MAJOR DEVELOPMENT

Tomorrow’s Burbank City Council meeting is shaping up as a major event and perhaps even a turning point for the Burbank Police Department. I got this media advisory a short time ago.

Also, a source tells me a large number of Burbank Police Officers are planning on attending Tuesday’s council meeting to show support for the family of Sgt. Gunn and to show support for the immediate removal of Police Chief Tim Stehr.

Media Advisory

Burbank police Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn Sr. family members

to address the media

BURBANK, Calif., November 2, 2009 - The family members of Burbank police Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn Sr., who died last week will speak to the media following the Burbank City Council meeting tomorrow, November 3, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Sergeant Gunn’s children and other family members will tell the media that Sgt. Gunn’s suicide was motivated, in large part, by the treatment of Sgt. Gunn by the Burbank Police Department .

Sergeant Gunn was a 22-year-veteran and patrol sergeant with the Burbank Police Department. He received numerous commendations for his work, including Ministerial Officer of the Year in 1992, and two departmental Professional Esteem awards.

The Burbank City Council meeting begins tomorrow at 6:00 pm at City Hall, 275 E. Olive Avenue.  It is anticipated that the family will talk to the media at 6:30 pm outside of the Council Chambers.   

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove. (From left to right) Commissioner James Etter’s empty chair, Chairman Robert Frutos, Commissioner Claudia Bonis, and Commissioner /Vice-Chairman Nathan Rubinfeld at the October 14 police commission meeting.

There’s a good chance James Etter’s chair will be vacant at this Wednesday’s special Burbank Police Commission Meeting. Commissioner Etter walked out of the police commission meeting on October 14, after complaining loudly about what he considered a lack of progress by his fellow commissioners.

Later on, the commissioners voted to hold a special meeting to draft a letter to the city council asking to “beef up” their responsibilities and become as Commissioner Ray Adams put it:”… more valuable to the community…” during these difficult times. The commissioners decided to hold that special meeting this Wednesday, October 28. There were reports about that special meeting on this blog and elsewhere on the Internet and in the media. However, it seems all the commissioners may not be on the same page when it comes to being more helpful to the public.

Yesterday, I e-mailed Chairman Robert Frutos and asked what he hoped to accomplish at the special meeting and if Etter would be attending. Frutos’ response this morning was:”I will be glad to answer the questions at our Wednesday meeting.”  When I asked for a clarification Frutos wrote:”I would like to give my response in public with the other commissioners present.” Hmm, that’s strange. Does he really mean, to give his response under the watchful eyes of Police Chief Tim Stehr and Assistant City Attorney Juli Scott?

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Assistant City Attorney Juli Scott gives direction to the commissioners during the October 14 meeting.

The purpose of the special meeting was stated publicly by the commissioners at their October 14 meeting. So why can’t Chairman Frutos answer simple questions about that meeting from a Burbank resident and yes, a member of the media?  Also, the word is already out that Commissioner Etter may not show-up for the special meeting because of a medical issue.

Skeptics have called the Burbank Police Commission’s new found “desire” to be more active in the community and responsive to public needs and inquiries as more smoke than fire. Sadly, they may be right, at least in the case of one commissioner.

UPDATE 10/29/09

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove —(from left to right) Commissioners Elise Stearns-Niesen, Claudia Bonis, (Chairman) Robert Frutos, (Vice-Chairman) Nathan Rubinfeld, Ray Adams, and Hagop Hergelian at the October 28, 2009 special police commission meeting.

They did it. The Burbank Police Commission composed and approved a letter last night to be sent to the city council. The letter was drafted by Commissioner/Secretary Elise Stearns-Niesen with the aid of Vice-Chairman Nathan Rubinfeld and input from the rest of the commissioners, including the absent James Etter.

As I reported earlier, Commissioner Etter is dealing with a medical issue, in fact, he had surgery on Monday. However, days before the medical procedure, Etter sent several e-mails to Chairman Frutos: one apologizing for walking out of the previous police commission meeting, another asking for certain issues to be placed on future agendas, and a third offering a suggested letter to the city council.

No action was taken on Etter’s agenda items because he needed to be present to do that, however, his suggested letter to the city council was used as a framework by Stearns-Niesen and Rubinfeld. The draft letter asked for a clarification of the police commission powers and duties as dictated by the Burbank Charter, apparently with the intent of the commission becoming more helpful to the city and its citizens during this troubled period of lawsuits, investigations, and yes, scandal.

That letter is supposed to go out officially to the city council this week. Chairman Frutos stated Etter would be “… up and running…” and able to attend the November meeting. The only problem is there will not be a police commission meeting next month. The commissioners voted to not meet again until Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

The Burbank Police Commission is moving forward, perhaps a lot slower than many would like, but it’s making some progress. We’ll just have to wait and see whether the commission will be able to get up to speed in the next few months and become a real value to the community.

“Paranormal Activity” has become the little movie that could. This weekend, it leaped into the number one spot, leaving a pack of competitors far behind. “Paranormal Activity” rang up an estimated $22 million to become the top movie in the country. In five weeks, the spooky story of a couple haunted in their home by a demonic presence has scored over $60 million. The horror/thriller reportedly was produced for only $15,000.

In second place, the debut of “Saw Vl” with $14.8 million. A disappointing opening for the latest flick in this horror/torture/porn franchise.  Last week’s number one movie, the fantasy/adventure “Where the Wild Things Are” landed in third with $14.4 million.

The revenge drama, “Law Abiding Citizen” took fourth with about $12.7 million and rounding out the top five, the relationship comedy, “Couples Retreat” with around $11 million.      

Photo:  FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove. Writers crowd around a table to buy tickets to pitch to representatives for management firms, agencies, and production companies. In the background writers line up and wait for the call into the pitch room.

Some up-and-coming screenwriters are getting Hollywood attention and exposure from the 2009 Screenwriting Expo. Hundreds of scribes pitched their ideas and scripts during the three day Golden Pitch Festival in a huge room at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The tickets were not cheap: $25 for a mere five minutes of face time. It was a gamble, but one worth taking for writers looking for a chance to jump start a Hollywood career or deal.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove. Writers answering the call to file into the pitch waiting room. 

I stood in that pitch line for several hours on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. The blisters are still healing on my toes from the cute shoes I insisted on wearing that weekend. While in line, I listened to the nervous chatter around me. I heard one writer say he had 18 pitches lined up on one day. Wow. That’s a lot of talking and moolah. Another writer in line for his next pitch was asked “How’d it go?”  He didn’t know, but said he was just glad he didn’t faint, throw-up or pee his pants. I’m sure the agent/manager/production company representative he pitched to was pleased about that as well.

A writer from London I met, pitched a romantic comedy and got a script request right on the spot at a pitch meeting on Sunday. I must admit the pitch festival has opened the door for a script opportunity for me as well. Last week, I got an e-mail from a production company representative I pitched to asking to read my romantic comedy screenplay, ”He’s The One.”

My script is listed as one of the semifinalists on the 2009 Screenwriting Expo winners page. This is great exposure for me and the other writers on the list, some of them have had their scripts requested by production companies as well or have meetings set up with agents, managers, and producers. The Los Angeles Chronicle has an article about the early success of some of the winning scripts and screenwriters from this year’s Expo.

Photo: FLLewis/ A Writer’s Groove. Screenplay prize runner-up, Erin Donovan, is congratulated by Creative Screenwriting magazine publisher, Bill Donovan, and Screenwriting Contest Coordinator, Pasha McKenley.

Besides the pitching, script contests, and networking there were a ton of seminars, classes, and panels. I only managed to get to a few and all of them were pretty good.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove. Novelist/Screenwriter James Dalessandro makes a point in one of his classes.

A stand-out was a class from Novelist/Screenwriter James Dalessandro called,”How the Big Dogs Do It.” Dalessandro used video clips from movies like, “Chinatown,” “Unforgiven,” “Fargo,” and “Sling blade,” to show the writing techniques of the pros in the screenwriting biz. Dalessandro was on fire! He lectured, answered questions, and encouraged writers to use what they learn from the pros to elevate their own writing. The room was packed with people standing in back and sitting on the floor. Dalessandro said he asked for a bigger room. Maybe, he’ll get it at next year’s Screenwriting Expo.  

Photos: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Mayor/Councilman Gary Bric & Vice-Mayor/Council Member Anja Reinke

Last Tuesday’s Burbank city council meeting provided a lot of reasons for folks to get riled up.  At the top of the list, the city council’s 3-1 approval of that hotly-debated new film permit ordinance. Gary Bric, Anja Reinke, and Jess Talamantes voted for it. Dr. David Gordon was the lone naysayer. Dave Golonski was absent from the council meeting. A lot of chatter on the blogs about the vote and the film permit ordinance.

I still find it surprising that three city council members put their stamp of approval on the new film permit ordinance, despite its murky and convoluted language, and the controversy clinging to one of the co- authors, Burbank Police Lieutenant J.J. Puglisi. The police lieutenant is accused by some of unfairly targeting freelance photographer Kevin Muldoon by slapping him with a film permit violation last spring. There are indications the Burbank PD has allowed a much larger production to go forward in the city without a film permit. I’ll have more to say about the new film permit ordinance later.

Another hot button issue at the council meeting was the Home Occupation Ordinance, which involves entrepreneurs working out of their homes. Our economy is still struggling and unemployment remains high, therefore, chances are more Burbank residents than ever are working at home. Both Talamantes and Councilman Gordon got that and suggested it was time to review the ordinance.

However, Council Member/Vice-Mayor Anja Reinke argued changing the ordinance was not necessary because “…I didn’t get one e-mail…one phone call…” complaining about it. Mayor Gary Bric joined in saying he had not received any e-mails and didn’t see any reason to change it either. On the other hand, Dr. Gordon says he did get e-mails from ”…some people who could not come down…” and speak before the council. After more debate the issue was finally tabled until a full council could review it.

So was Dr. Gordon the only council member to receive an e-mail from a Burbank citizen about the Home Occupation Ordinance? No, he was not. For instance, Producer/Editor Eric Cap e-mailed his comments suggesting changes in the Home Occupation Ordinance and detailing his lingering concerns about the revised Film Permit Ordinance to the entire council. How do I know?

I received a copy of that e-mail, along with a number of others including several people in the media, from Cap. Also, the e-mail shows it was addressed to the City Council and was sent to council members Anja Reinke, Gary Bric, Dave Golonski, David Gordon, Jess Talamantes, and to City Clerk Margarita Campos.

I’m told the procedure in the Burbank City Clerk’s Office for e-mails addressed to the city council is to forward them “right away” as hard copies to all council members. If that is the case,  all the city council members should have at least received a paper copy of Cap’s e-mail by last Tuesday’s council meeting.

Remember, both Reinke and Bric stated during the council meeting that they had not received one e-mail about the Home Occupation Ordinance. I have confirmed with Council members Gordon and Talamantes that they got Cap’s e-mail last Tuesday before the council meeting. So what happened with Reinke and Bric? If for some reason they did not get Cap’s e-mail, both should have received hard copies of it from the City Clerk’s office.

Some Burbank residents have complained that council members do not respond to or ignore e-mails and letters from the public. Several commentators have made those charges on this blog. If Reinke and Bric ignored the Cap e-mail, it’s a serious matter. Why?  Both Reinke and Bric based their opinions for not revising the Home Occupation Ordinance on getting no input from the public about it. Also, it is part of their jobs as council members to consider the opinions, e-mails, and letters of Burbank citizens — the people they are supposed to be representing.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove —Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery  09/20/09

Finally some good news for the beleaguered landmark Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale. I’ve been covering the story on this blog for more than a year. I got an e-mail a short while ago from Attorney Paul Ayers declaring a major legal decision: “Class counsel is pleased to announce a settlement in the Grand View Memorial Park class action lawsuit… The settlement includes compensation to class members and a $500,000.00 fund to be used to help restore the cemetery.”

Also in the notice of class action settlement document from the Los Angeles Superior Court, which was attached to Ayers’ e-mail, the proposed settlement is valued at $3,875,500.00 minus the half million for the cemetery restoration fund.  The lawyers involved in the class action will get a cut for their fees and that is estimated to be around $1,161,750.00.   

All those folks involved in the class action who want a piece of the settlement must file a claim with the Grand View Claims Administrator by December 7, 2009.  A final approval hearing for the settlement has been set for January 14, 2010 in L.A. Superior Court.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

The 125-year-old cemetery was once a lush green place of rest, but not anymore. Grand View fell on hard times a few years ago and most recently, it has been opened only periodically by the order of a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. The most serious problems for the cemetery began in 2005 when a state investigator discovered thousands of human remains that hadn’t been properly handled.

The class action lawsuit alleged a number of charges dealing with grave sites and the mishandling of remains: among them converting single-use graves to multiple graves and selling cemetery plots that did not exit. The settlement is separate from these complaints, the merits of which have yet to be ruled on by the judge in the case, Anthony J. Mohr. 

File photo of Matt Kemp from his blog

A sad day-after for Dodger fans. Last night the guys in Dodger blue were soundly beaten by the Phillies 10-to-4, allowing Philadelphia to win the National League Championship Series. Second year in a row that the Phillies have dusted the Dodgers in the NLCS and moved onto the World Series.

A lot of analyzing and “what ifing” going on today and that will probably be the case for the days, weeks, and perhaps months to come. I have to say I like the insider’s view posted by Dodger Matt Kemp on his blog early this morning: “We just need everyone back, plus anyone who can help us win. We have a good team to win, we just didn’t get it done. We’re definitely closer to Philly this year. We beat them in the season series. They definitely outplayed us in this series. Those boys can hit over there, man.

This year we were definitely ready to do something big, I think. They just outplayed us. Did everything better than us. All it comes down to. Our team was better prepared this year, we knew what we needed to do, we just didn’t do it. We got to play good when it comes down to it. The last two years they outplayed us.”

You know, I think I can hear the faint whisper and wish of the loyal Dodger fans, “wait ’til next year.”

A crucial game for the guys in Dodger blue in Philadelphia tonight. The Dodgers are down 3-1 games in the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers must win tonight to keep their dreams of playing in the 2009 World Series alive. No doubt, some folks in Philly are thinking the L.A. team should be packing its bags and getting ready to head for home today. On the other hand, Southland fans are still rooting for the homeboys to win tonight’s game and the NLCS series.

Here’s what Dodger Matt Kemp posted on his blog yesterday about the team’s present situation: “Everybody has faith in us. My friends tell me to keep your head up. This is the right team to come back from 3 to 1. I’m good. I’d be way more looser if it was 2-2 going into tomorrow, because we hit Cole pretty good the first time we played him. But this is just something we have to deal with and fight through it. ”

Go Dodgers!

The 2009 Screenwriting Expo in Downtown Los Angeles is history. What a wild, roller coaster ride it was, providing this writer with some exciting moments and a thrill or two. I joined hundreds of eager screenwriters or aspiring screenwriters at the Wilshire Grand hotel from October 15-to-18 for seminars, pitch meetings, and the all important, networking.

Writers came from places like China, Canada, London, Washington D. C., Chicago, West Palm Beach, Canoga Park, and oh yes, Burbank. They got the chance to pitch their scripts to heavy hitters like DreamWorks, Benderspink, CAA, Warner Bros., and the Gersh Agency. They got to listen to screenwriting legend William Goldman and highly successful Producer Mike Medavoy.  Despite all of what’s been said about the low status of writers in Tinseltown, Medavory says, “…you have the power…” and it’s on the page. Nice to hear.

In another seminar, San Francisco screenwriter/lecturer James Dalessandro described a recent trip to the Southland to sell a project this way, I had… “$430 in the bank… came back with a half million dollars.”  Hey, now that’s the stuff that Hollywood dreams are made of.

Oh, speaking of scripts, my romantic comedy, “He’s The One,” was in the 2009 Screenwriting Expo screenplay competition. They got nearly two thousand entries! I did not win the big prize, but did reach the short list of semifinalists. More on my adventures at the Screenwriting Expo later.

Movie audiences were doing the”wild thing” at domestic theaters this past weekend. The new Spike Jonze directed, “Where the Wild Things Are,” exceeded expectations and earned an estimated $32 million to debut as the number one movie in the country.

“Where the Wild Things Are” is a live-action adaptation of the 1963 children’s book by Maurice Sendak. It’s the fantasy story of a young boy who runs away from home to an island where strange giant creatures roam. In second place, another new film, but with a very different tone.  “Law Abiding Citizen,” is a drama/thriller, and it racked up around $21 million dollars in theaters. Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler star in a movie about an ordinary guy who seeks justice after a plea bargain frees the killer of his family. It’s directed by F. Gary Gray.

“Paranormal Activity” continued to scare up plenty of business with a weekend take of $20 million for third place. Following in fourth, last week’s number one film the relationship/comedy, “Couples Retreat”  with nearly $18 million. Rounding out the top five, another new film, the remake of the 1987 horror/thriller “The Stepfather” with around $12 million. The movie is about a stepfather who appears to be nearly perfect, but is far from it. The cast includes Sela Ward, Dylan Walsh, and Penn Badgley.

Photo: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 10/10/09

The Los Angeles Dodgers breezed by the St. Louis Cardinals last Saturday to win the National League West Division Series with a three game sweep. After a lot of champagne celebrating and several days off, some are wondering if the Dodgers will still have that winning spark tonight, when they play game one of the National League Champion Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

I think Dodger Matt Kemp has the best answer to that on his blog:”It’s time to play baseball. We had four days off to get our legs under us. We were still working hard, lifting weights, taking batting practice in the cage, watching video. Everything we had to do to prepare for the games. We’re excited and ready to go.”

This is the second straight year that the Dodgers and Phillies will be battling it out for the National League Pennant. Game one is 5 p.m this evening at Dodger Stadium. Also, Game two is tomorrow, 1 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. The Dodger organization is encouraging fans to arrive early and carpool when they can.  Go Dodgers!!!

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters at Third Street & Orange Grove Avenue.

Burbank Police Commission meetings at police headquarters are getting more and more interesting. Last night’s meeting brimmed with drama including verbal fireworks and one commissioner abruptly walking out in a huff. The way I see it, these are the growing pains of commissioners who are struggling to break out of an old sedentary model and leave a “do nothing” reputation behind, or as new Commissioner Ray Adams put it,”… beef up our strength…be more valuable to the community.” To this I say, right on!

This kind of change isn’t going to come without heated debate and ah, plenty of drama. The first one to get pumped up last night was James Etter, who quickly lost patience with his fellow commissioners and the meeting procedures. Etter pleaded for a period of discussion before an item could be voted on for a future agenda. The Boy Scout leader/entertainment industry pro, was upset that it appeared commissioners were voting down certain agenda items he suggested without a clear understanding of the issues involved.   

Assistant City Attorney/Police Department Counsel Juli Scott kept interrupting to remind the commissioners they could not discuss new issues unless they had been “agendized.” This Catch 22 frustrated Etter to the point he scooped up his laptop computer and other belongings and headed for the door, threatening to make his exit permanent. Etter charged the commission was stuck in the past and “… going nowhere.”

Scott, who tries to control the commission meetings with long rambling and often confusing legal explanations or opinions, probably thought things would settle down after the renegade Etter left. No way. Gutsy Commissioner Elise Stearns-Nisesen stepped up next to ask a series of probing questions about a new controversy over single officer patrol units, as well as those lawsuits and investigations swirling around the city.

Oddly, sometimes when Police Chief Tim Stehr would attempt to answer a question posed to him by Commissioner Stearns-Niesen or one of the other commissioners, Scott would explode with some long-winded response. A couple of times, I saw the chief’s mouth open to speak, but the words we heard were from Scott. It was a strange sort of ventriloquist act that was annoying rather than amusing. Why is Scott talking so much at these commission meetings? It’s like Scott views the commissioners as jurors in a trial she is trying to win.

No matter, these commissioners appear to be determined to move away from business as usual. Commissioner Ray Adams commented that he “…could relate to the frustration of Mr. Etter.” Adams said the commission needs to become more involved and relevant so it can “…help the police department … help the community.” The other commissioners, Stearns-Niesen, Robert Frutos, Nathan Rubinfeld, Claudia Bonis, and Hagop Hergelian agreed.

Those commissioners voted unanmously to meet on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, for the specific purpose of drafting a letter to the city council requesting new powers and responsibilities. This is a welcome surprise and I applaud their efforts.

Halloween is around the corner, but most moviegoers this weekend passed on horror and went for the relationship comedy about four couples on a tropical getaway. Despite a lot of negative reviews, “Couples Retreat” made buckets of money, an estimated $35 million, to become the number one movie in the country.

 ”Couples Retreat” is a Vince Vaughn project. Vaughn co-wrote the script and stars with Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman and Jean Reno. The story revolves around the antics of four couples during relationship therapy sessions at a resort on Bora Bora.

Last week’s top flick, the horror comedy ”Zombieland” placed a distant second with around $15 million. The family animation, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” is still doing pretty good business and earned in the neighborhood of $12 million for third, followed by another family film, the double feature “Toy Story/Toy Story 2 (3D)” in fourth with an estimated $7.6 million.

In fifth, “Paranormal Activity,” a low budget horror thriller, which managed to score around $7 million on just 156 screens!  After three weeks in limited release, the picture cracked the top five and is expected to go wide next weekend. There is already buzz that it could become another phenomenon like “The Blair Witch Project.” The story revolves around a couple moving into a new home and being terrorized by a demonic presence.

Photo: file picture of the White House

A few minutes ago, I got an e-mail from President Barack Obama about the Nobel Peace Prize. I’m on an e-mail list handled by the Democratic National Committee. Here is the president’s e-mail, which is similar in tone and text to his comments earlier at the White House.

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I’d been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize — men and women who’ve inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it’s also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I’ve said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won’t all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it’s recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award — and the call to action that comes with it — does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we’ve begun together. I’m grateful that you’ve stood with me thus far, and I’m honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Here we go again, another President Obama controversy.  This morning, the Norwegian Nobel Committee surprised many by announcing Obama had won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Obama has been in office less than a year and while dealing with huge domestic problems, he’s managed to confront some major global issues as well.  The Nobel Committee noted Obama’s international impact in its press release today.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009

The Norwegian Nobel Committeehas decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.

For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world’s leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama’s appeal that “Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.”

Oslo, October 9, 2009

Obama critics quickly screamed unfair, they say the prize should have gone to someone else. Sure there are other dedicated individuals around the world who deserve to be honored for their achievements. This year’s nominees included more than 150 people and organizations. Nevertheless at this point in time, Obama was the right choice.  If you read the press release carefully, the Nobel Committee lays out its case, and a pretty good one I think, for selecting Obama.  Clearly, the changes in American foreign policy and world view from the past eight years of the George Bush administration are being recognized and appreciated.

This morning at the White House, the president reacted to the announcement  with mixed emotions:

 I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee.  Let me be clear:  I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations. To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize — men and women who’ve inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women, and all Americans, want to build — a world that gives life to the promise of our founding documents.  And I know that throughout history, the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it’s also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.  And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action — a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.
    
These challenges can’t be met by any one leader or any one nation.  And that’s why my administration has worked to establish a new era of engagement in which all nations must take responsibility for the world we seek.  We cannot tolerate a world in which nuclear weapons spread to more nations and in which the terror of a nuclear holocaust endangers more people.  And that’s why we’ve begun to take concrete steps to pursue a world without nuclear weapons, because all nations have the right to pursue peaceful nuclear power, but all nations have the responsibility to demonstrate their peaceful intentions.

We cannot accept the growing threat posed by climate change, which could forever damage the world that we pass on to our children — sowing conflict and famine; destroying coastlines and emptying cities.  And that’s why all nations must now accept their share of responsibility for transforming the way that we use energy.

We can’t allow the differences between peoples to define the way that we see one another, and that’s why we must pursue a new beginning among people of different faiths and races and religions; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.

And we must all do our part to resolve those conflicts that have caused so much pain and hardship over so many years, and that effort must include an unwavering commitment that finally realizes that the rights of all Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security in nations of their own.

We can’t accept a world in which more people are denied opportunity and dignity that all people yearn for — the ability to get an education and make a decent living; the security that you won’t have to live in fear of disease or violence without hope for the future.

And even as we strive to seek a world in which conflicts are resolved peacefully and prosperity is widely shared, we have to confront the world as we know it today.  I am the Commander-in-Chief of a country that’s responsible for ending a war and working in another theater to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies.  I’m also aware that we are dealing with the impact of a global economic crisis that has left millions of Americans looking for work.  These are concerns that I confront every day on behalf of the American people. 

Some of the work confronting us will not be completed during my presidency.  Some, like the elimination of nuclear weapons, may not be completed in my lifetime.  But I know these challenges can be met so long as it’s recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.  This award is not simply about the efforts of my administration — it’s about the courageous efforts of people around the world. 

And that’s why this award must be shared with everyone who strives for justice and dignity — for the young woman who marches silently in the streets on behalf of her right to be heard even in the face of beatings and bullets; for the leader imprisoned in her own home because she refuses to abandon her commitment to democracy; for the soldier who sacrificed through tour after tour of duty on behalf of someone half a world away; and for all those men and women across the world who sacrifice their safety and their freedom and sometime their lives for the cause of peace. 

That has always been the cause of America.  That’s why the world has always looked to America.  And that’s why I believe America will continue to lead.

 Obama’s full speech is on the White House Blog. The Nobel Prize includes a huge chunk of money, about $1.4 million, which the president reportedly will donate to charity. President Obama is only the fourth U.S. president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Photos from 10/03/09: Courtesy Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting ready to play some serious October baseball. The guys in blue clinched the National League West Division title for the second straight season on Saturday, by beating the Colorado Rockies 5-zip. Manny Ramirez and crew ended the regular season with a 5-3 victory over the Rockies last night. The Dodgers will swing into the play-offs on Wednesday, at Dodger Stadium, against the St. Louis Cardinals.  Go Dodgers!!!

Movie audiences were up for something creepy and funny and apparently the new flick, “Zombieland” filled the bill. “Zombieland ” stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin as survivors trying to stay ahead of the zombies who have become a worldwide plague. The horror/comedy raked in an estimated $25 million to easily win the Box Office race and to become the number one movie in the country.

“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” dropped to second place, after two weeks in the top spot. The 3D animated film earned an estimated $16.7 million to bring its three week total to around $82 million. The re-release of ”Toy Story/Toy Story 2 3D” played well enough as a double-feature to land in third place with an estimated $12.5 million.

Another new arrival, “The Invention of Lying,” pulled in around $7.4 million for fourth place. The comedy is set in an alternate reality where everyone speaks the truth until one guy tells the first fib. It stars Jennifer Garner and Ricky Gervais who co-directed and co-wrote the film as well. Also very close behind in fifth with around $7.3 million, the Bruce Wills sci-fi/drama, “Surrogates.”

Photo: Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski from Burbank city website

Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski is not happy with the way the Burbank Leader newspaper reported on that statement read by Mayor Gary Bric at last Tuesday’s city council meeting. The much-talked-about and reported-on statement is the first official public reaction from the entire city council to a slew of police lawsuits and a number of investigations going on in Burbank. The complete statement is posted on this blog.

Today I was over on the Leader website and read an opinion piece by Councilman Golonski. He claims the newspaper’s story, “FBI probes Police Dept., “ about that statement last Wednesday, “… omitted some important facts, so I’d like to clarify the important points that I believe were inaccurately portrayed in the article.”

One of the points Golonski makes is that the story  ”…  reported that the mayor “blew the lid off the investigations” after the council had remained silent on the legal action building against the city. While our statement contained more detailed information on the investigations, the fact that there are both internal and external investigations looking into issues at the police department was disclosed publicly in response to oral communications at a council meeting as far back as May.”

In fact, it was Golonski who made the revelation about those “… internal and external investigations…” at a city council meeting on May 19, 2009. Golonski’s disclosure was mentioned in a story on this blog back in May as well.

The councilman has a few other issues with that newspaper article. Here’s the link to Golonski’s response,  which also appears in today’s print edition of the Leader.  

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

In a recent Los Angeles Times story about the FBI probe and those lawsuits filed by former and current members of the Burbank Police Force, Burbank City Attorney Dennis Barlow had very little to say. City Attorney Barlow is quoted as saying he “… was unable to comment on the FBI investigation or the lawsuits against the city and Police Department, citing pending litigation.” Barlow may be mum, but another major player in the Burbank City Attorney’s Office has had plenty to say about those lawsuits which allege a pattern of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and misconduct in the BPD.

On this blog last Wednesday, we first heard about Assistant City Attorney Juli Scott’s harangue from one of our regular commenters. “Stretch” said, “… Juli Scott was recently giving “sexual harrasment” training at the police department. In front of 75 or so officers she starts to talk about the lawsuits and how they are all BS. It is reported that Scott continues her rant and says the city will fight these suits and if they lose they will appeal them at all cost. Then they will seek damages against the complaining officers. Cost to who…not you Juli..just the taxpayers.” Burbank blogger Jim Carlile picked up the story as well.

I have confirmed from a Burbank police employee who was at that training session, on Monday, September 28, that Attorney Scott put on quite a performance. The employee might become a target of retaliation, so I’m not going to include a name or gender. The employee described the tirade by Scott as being filled with “cheap shots.”  According to the employee, Scott said, “… they don’t settle frivolous lawsuits that they will fight cases and have them overturned on appeal and then make the plaintiffs pay for their legal fees, etc.”  Also, my source confirmed an officer who has filed one of those lawsuits was in the audience and was possibly the main target of Scott’s verbal assault.

In the statement read by Mayor Gary Bric at the City Council meeting last Tuesday, with the approval of his fellow council members, Bric referred to the lawsuits and claims as “… very serious allegations and I think it is clear to everyone that the police department is facing some major challenges.”  A very different tone from that of a lawyer in the City Attorney’s Office who called the lawsuits frivolous and threatened the officers who filed them with reprisals. Interestingly, the official city statement from the Burbank Public Information Office described the lawsuit filed by Former Deputy Police Chief Bill Taylor as “frivolous,” too.

All of this makes you wonder who really speaks for the city of Burbank and who is in charge of the direction it is taking with these lawsuits and investigations. The mixed signals from city officials suggest a crisis in leadership along with the other problems now facing Burbank and its citizens.