Photo: Scott Smeltzer/Glendale News-Press/Los Angeles Times --Amy Beck, a former Burbank middle school teacher, shown here at an event in April of 2009

Convicted sex offender and former Burbank school teacher, Amy Victoria Beck, is back on the streets again. Beck was paroled on March 20, 2011 after serving “… approximately 8 months in state prison,” according to James W. Symington III, Assistant Regional Administrator, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G-- David Starr Jordan Middle School, 420 South Mariposa Street in Burbank

Beck, a popular teacher at David Starr Jordan Middle School, was convicted of having sex with a 14-year-old male student and sentenced to two years in prison on May 7, 2010.

Beck has five business days from her release date to register as a sex offender. She plans to live not far from Burbank. Symington says: “According to our records she will be residing in Sunland, CA.”

Christina Aguilera jailed for public drunkenness

The pop diva with the big voice, Christina Aguilera, has hit a rough patch. Her movie, “Burlesque,” stumbled at the box office, she botched the national anthem at the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, and then last night, the singer was arrested for being intoxicated in public. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies reportedly pulled over a car in West Hollywood early this morning with the singer’s boyfriend, Matthew Rutler, behind the wheel. He was busted on suspicion of DUI and Aguilera, a passenger in the car, was so out of it — she reportedly was taken into custody for her own safety. People has details including comments from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore.  

Charlie Sheen’s TV show ratings soar

Actor Charlie Sheen is in meltdown, but the ratings on his now canceled-for-the-season TV show are terrific. A repeat of “Two and a Half Men” was the most watched program on television last night. Deadline has the numbers.

Natalie Portman and the designer controversy

Lead actress Academy Award winner on Sunday, Natalie Portman, condemned alleged anti-Semitic remarks by Dior designer, John Galliano. Portman is Jewish and  promoting a perfume for Dior. The company reportedly has begun proceedings to fire Galliano. More on The Wrap.

Photo: Liz.O Baylen/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan arrives at the Airport Courthouse Los Angeles February 9, 2011

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan is back at center stage of a real life drama – one she appears to relish. Today Lohan is out on $40,000 bail after pleading “not guilty’ to a felony grand theft charge for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice boutique last month.

Lohan showed up at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles for her arraignment yesterday in dark sunglasses, wearing a tight white dress and high heel. Yes, Lohan was dressed for the media theater — the role she seems to be playing the most often.

Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Pool/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan talks with her attorney Shawn Chapman Holley during an arraignment on a felony grand theft charge in Los Angeles February 9, 2011

 Lohan is due back in court on February 23. More on Lohan’s latest court appearance and the DNA sample she had to give on the Los Angeles Times website.

Keith Olbermann has a new job

Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann is headed to Current TV – the network co-founded by ex-VP Al Gore. Over on The Wrap Al Gore talks about Current and what Olbermann will do for the fledgling network.

Investigation of fatal crash on TV production set

The victim in that deadly collision on a Santa Clarita TV production set has been identified as Julio Garcia of Reseda, according to The Santa Clarita Signal. Garcia, reportedly a security guard, was struck by a runaway van on the set of the TV drama, “NCIS,” yesterday, shutting down the production. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 799-5111.

“The Green Hornet” opens in theaters today

The new film version of “The Green Hornet” is going to try to make a killing over the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. “The Green Hornet” has appeared in a number of different media including, a radio program, a television series, and comic books.

The 3D film hits domestic theaters today and stars, Seth Rogen as the wealthy playboy, Britt Reid, turned superhero/crime fighter who teams up with trusty sidekick/martial arts expert, Kato, played by Jay Chou. Cameron Diaz stars as Lenore “Casey” Case, Reid’s secretary and love interest.

 ”The Green Hornet” will be trying to topple the number one film, “True Grit.”

The western remake won last weekend’s domestic Box Office race with a tally of $14.6 million. Throughout the week, “True Grit” continue to out pace the competition and to hold on to the title of number one movie in the country.

The comedy “Little Fockers,” got bumped from the top spot to second place with earnings of $13.4 million, last weekend. The new horror flick, “Season of the Witch,” landed in third with $10.6 million. It stars Nicolas Cage and Ron Perlman. The plot revolves around a woman accused of being a witch and causing the Black Plague.

The fantasy, “Tron Legacy,” took four with $10 million and rounding out the top five, the psychological thriller  flick, “Black Swan” with $8.1 million. It’s about to dancers fighting for the top role in a ballet. Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder, Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis are in the cast.

Catching up on other entertainment news…

Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Conrad Murray, has been ordered to stand trial in connection with the pop superstar’s death in June of 2009. Last Wednesday, after a six-day hearing, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled there was sufficient enough evidence to try Dr. Murray for manslaughter. An arraignment has been set for January 25.

Also, the judge revoked Dr. Murray’s license to practice in California. Murray could lose his medical licenses in two other states as well. Details here.

DGA feature film nominations for 2010

Earlier this week, the Directors Guild of America released the names of the five nominees for outstanding directorial achievement in feature films for 2010. No real surprises on the list. All of the directors and their films have been getting a lot of awards buzz lately.  

Here are the nominees:

• Darren Aronofsky  “Black Swan”
• David Fincher “The Social Network”
• Tom Hooper “The King’s Speech”
• Christopher Nolan “Inception”
• David O. Russell “The Fighter”

The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 29 at a ceremony and dinner in Hollywood. For more on the nominees, the DGA Awards, and the ceremony go here.

 First Lady Michelle Obama advises parents on what to say to their kids about the Tucson mass shooting

Photo: from the White House Blog -- First Lady Michelle Obama sat between President Obama and Astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at the memorial for the mass shooting victims January 12, 2011

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama released an open letter to parents on what to say to their kids about that mass shooting in Arizona last Saturday, that killed six, wounded more than a dozen others — including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Dear parents,

Like so many Americans all across the country, Barack and I were shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act of violence committed in Arizona this past weekend.  Yesterday, we had the chance to attend a memorial service and meet with some of the families of those who lost their lives, and both of us were deeply moved by their strength and resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy. 

As parents, an event like this hits home especially hard.  It makes our hearts ache for those who lost loved ones.  It makes us want to hug our own families a little tighter.  And it makes us think about what an event like this says about the world we live in – and the world in which our children will grow up.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we struggle with these issues ourselves, many of us will find that our children are struggling with them as well.  The questions my daughters have asked are the same ones that many of your children will have – and they don’t lend themselves to easy answers.  But they will provide an opportunity for us as parents to teach some valuable lessons – about the character of our country, about the values we hold dear, and about finding hope at a time when it seems far away.

We can teach our children that here in America, we embrace each other, and support each other, in times of crisis.  And we can help them do that in their own small way – whether it’s by sending a letter, or saying a prayer, or just keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts.

Read the rest of First Lady Michelle Obama’s open letter here on the White House website.

President Obama speaks at memorial for Arizona shooting victims

Photo: RSchumacher/The Arizona Republic -- President Obama makes a point during his speech at a memorial for victims of that rampage shooting in Arizona January 12, 2011

 President Obama’s emotionally charged and inspirational speech at the “Together We Thrive: Tucson and America” memorial for victims of the shooting rampage in Arizona last Saturday, is still being talked about today.

The president spoke before thousands at the University of Arizona and he began his remarks this way:

PRESIDENT OBAMA: To the families of those we’ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona:  I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow.  (Applause.)

There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts.  But know this:  The hopes of a nation are here tonight.  We mourn with you for the fallen.  We join you in your grief.  And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy will pull through.  (Applause.)

The full text of the president’s speech here on the White House website.

 The Los Angeles Dodgers announced some special arrangements today for the grieving family of  the youngest Arizona mass shooting victim, Christina Taylor Green. The 9-year-0ld nicknamed, “Princess,” by her father, is the daughter of Dodgers scout, John Green, and the granddaughter of Dallas Green, a major league executive who’s a former pitcher and manager as well. 

Photo: The Arizona Republic/The Los Angeles Times -- A victim of that mass shooting in Arizona on January 8, 2011, 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green. Her father is a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

When a gunman sprayed a political gathering with bullets last Saturday, young Christina was hit in the chest. She died later at a hospital. Five others were killed in that deadly attack, more than a dozen wounded, including the alleged  target, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head. Giffords is recovering, but is still in critical condition.

In a press release today, the Dodger organization revealed it had received “… overwhelming offers of support for the family of Los Angeles Dodgers scout John Green.” So today the club announced several developments. First, the creation of an e-mail address “…where family, friends, and members of the community can share their thoughts and feelings on the tragic passing of  Christina Taylor Green.”

Condolences, thoughts, and memories can be sent to greenfamily@dodgers.com  Those e-mails will be compiled into a memorial book for the family. Instead of e-mails, you can send letters to: Dodger Stadium c/o the Green Family, 1000 Elysian Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90090.

Also, the family has created a charitable memorial fund to honor the life and memory of a spunky little girl, who played baseball and was interested in politics. The fund will be held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

You can make a donation by doing the following:

• Logging on to the website of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona at www.cfsoaz.org and clicking on the link to the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund

• Contacting the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona by e-mail at christinataylorgreenmemorial@cfsoaz.org or by calling (520) 545-0313

• Checks may be sent to: The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, In Memory of Christina Taylor Green, 2250 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ  85719

 A public memorial service for Christina is scheduled for 1 p.m. this Thursday, January 13, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 8650 North Shannon Road in Tucson, AZ.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- A moment of silence observed at the White House for Arizona shooting victims January 10, 2011

President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and the White House staff stood outside in freezing temperatures at 11 a.m. Eastern Time today — to honor the innocent victims of last Saturday’s shooting rampage in Arizona. They were joined in that moment of silence by Americans across the nation.

Photo: Jack Kurtz/Arizona Republic -- Nancy Platt adds a bouquet of flowers to a makeshift memorial outside University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona January 9, 2011

In a terrific article by Richard Ruelas of the Arizona Republic, Nancy Platt, an instructor at the community college where the alleged gunman, Jared Loughner, once attended, is quoted as saying: “We always look for the perpetrators outside of us, different nationalities, or different religions,” she said. ”Turns out its just one of us.”

Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, who remains in critical condition after brain surgery and the other wounded victims of yesterday’s shooting rampage outside Tucson are being treated at the local University Medical Center. People are coming to the memorial there to show support for the victims who survived and for the six who died.

Several good articles on this site, including one about the new intern whose quick action may have helped save the congresswoman’s life. Also, there are photos and a link to a guest book where visitors can leave condolences for the families of the victims.

More shocking developments in the investigation surrounding the brutal killing of Hollywood publicist, Ronni Chasen. Beverly Hills Police revealed some details and the direction of their investigation at a news conference this afternoon.

Beverly Hills Police Chief, David Snowden, admitted what many in the media have been saying, suicide victim, Harold Martin Smith, was more than a “person of interest” as the BHPD repeatedly described him — he was and is a “suspect.”

Smith, a 43-year-old long-time criminal, was confronted by Beverly Hills cops at the Harvey apartments in Los Angeles on December first. As the detectives attempted to serve a search warrant on him, Smith reportedly pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head.

Snowden says “…preliminary ballistics..” on that gun show that it was “…used to shoot Ms.Chasen…”  The indepth analysis on that gun should be complete in the “…next two weeks..” according to Snowden.

Beverly Hills police claim their investigation is 60-70 percent done and it indicates Smith more than likely rode a bicycle to the scene of the crime. Beverly Hills Police Sergeant, Michael Publicker, says it “…was a random act of violence, most likely a robbery gone bad.”

Photo: mediabistro.com -- Publicist Ronni Chasen

About three weeks ago, the entertainment industry was rocked by the shooting death of well-known press agent Chasen. Early in the morning on November 16, Chasen was gunned down on Whittier Drive, just south of Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

A short time before the shooting, Chasen had been mingling with partygoers at a function following the premiere of the movie musical, “Burlesque,” in nearby Hollywood.

Snowden told reporters at the news conference, there’s a lot of  “erroneous information” about that shooting scene in the media — but he would not give details.

However, Snowden confirmed the tip that led investigators to Smith came from the TV show, “America’s Most Wanted.” What is the connection between Smith and the tipster? Snowden didn’t talk about that.

Snowden says police believe, “… Mister Smith acted alone…” and “… don’t believe it was a professional hit.” Beverly Hills Police say Smith was just a “desperate” man out to rob Chasen. At this point, that sounds like a convenient rap to hang on a dead man.

Photo: Jay Clendenin/Los Angeles Times -- A body is removed from a Los Angeles apartment building where a man reportedly connected to the killing of publicist Ronni Chasen allegedly committed suicide December 2, 2010

UPDATED: 4:39 p.m.  A report on deadline.com claims the dead man has been identified as Harold Smith. Also, it says the hit on PR maven, Ronni Chasen, was the result of a business deal gone bad.

 A bizarre and deadly twist in the killing of well-known Hollywood publicist, Ronni Chasen. Late yesterday at the Harvey Apartments, 5640 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, a man the Beverly Hills Police are calling “a person of interest” reportedly committed suicide in the lobby of the complex.

Beverly Hills Police, who are handling the investigation into the shooting death of Chasen on November 16, continued to be tightlipped about their investigation. Los Angeles Police say Beverly Hills detectives attempted to serve the man with a search warrant in the lobby — that is when the man pulled out a handgun and shot himself in the head. It happened around 6 p.m. yesterday.

The Los Angeles Times called the man a “suspect’ and said he was “believed to be in his 40s” and residents at the complex “knew him only as Harold.”  The Wrap added to the description by saying the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office had confirmed the man was “African American.”

On KNX 1070 newsradio this morning, some Harvey Apartment tenants said the man bragged about being involved in the Chasen killing and that he was about to get paid $10,000. Also, the man admitted to being an ex-convict and vowed never to go back to the ”pen.”

A little over two weeks ago, Chasen was gunned down in her Mercedes on Whittier Drive, south of Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, shortly after attending an after party for the movie premiere of  “Burlesque” in Hollywood.

The 64-year-old press agent was shot several times. Recently, a report came out describing one of the bullets as a hollow point – which is designed to expand once inside the body– causing more damage than a regular bullet. The shooter reportedly had “a steady hand,” according to Hollywood journalist, Allison Hope Weiner, on deadline.com.

The killer’s ability to shoot through a passenger window and hit the victim in the chest area repeatedly, indicates a high skill with firearms. That’s one of the reason there is so much speculation that the killing was a professional hit.  Yet, who would want to pay to have a popular publicist kill? One of the answers, the Beverly Hills police are probably hoping the dead man will not take with him to the grave.

Photo: mediabistro.com -- Publicist Ronni Chasen

The murder of Hollywood publicist,  Ronni Chasen, is looking more and more like a professional hit. Two weeks ago today, Chasen was gunned down in her Mercedes on Whittier Drive, south of Sunset Boulevard, in Beverly Hills at around 12:30 a.m.  A short time earlier, Chasen had attended a Hollywood party celebrating a the movie premiere of the musical, “Burlesque.”

Several gunshots hit the 64-year-old press agent and according to The Wrap, a leaked coroner’s report says at least one of those was a hollow-point bullet. That type of bullet is designed to expand once inside the body- - causing more damage than a normal bullet. The coroner’s report was obtained  by local station KTTV Fox 11.

So far, no information on the murder investigation from the Beverly Hills Police. A check of its website today — shows a couple of recent press releases from the BHPD — but none deal with the Chasen case.

This brutal murder has shocked and frightened many in the entertainment industry. Hopefully, the BH Police investigators are running down some hot leads and are not allowing the trail of killer or killers to grow cold.

 Nomination period extended until Wednesday

Today at 5 p.m. was supposed to be the deadline for all nomination documents  for the 2011 Municipal Elections to be turned into the Burbank City Clerk’s Office. However, that deadline has been extended.

A notice of the deadline change to Wednesday, December 1, 2010, appears on the city website. Interestingly, it includes Mayor/City Council member Anja Reinke’s decision not to seek a second term. Reinke reportedly announced her intentions not to run back on November 19. 

Here’s the statement from the Burbank City website.

EXTENDED NOMINATION PERIOD FOR
BURBANK’S 2011 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS!

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Council Member Anja Reinke has announced that she will not seek re-election to the office of City Council Member in the 2011 Municipal Elections. Pursuant to the California Elections Code, voters have until Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. to nominate candidates for this elective office.

# # #

No surprise, Bric running for re-election, Reinke is not

Photo: Burbank city website -- Councilman Gary Bric

 As expected, Councilman Gary Bric has gone public with his desire to keep his job.  On Friday 19, Bric picked up the official nomination papers for the city elections on February 22, and April 12, 2011.

Mayor Anja Reinke made a public announcement on that same day that she would not be running for re-election, according to the Leader. This is no surprise. Reinke and Bric’s intentions have been circulating around town for months and were reported on this blog several weeks ago.

Also, as part of the local election coverage, I’ve been reporting on the nomination period. On November first, Vice-Chair of the Burbank Planning Board, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and Burbank Police Commission Chair, Bob Frutos, pulled nomination papers to run for the two council seats up for grabs in next year’s city elections.

Police make an arrest at Councilman’s home

Photo:Burbank city website -- Councilman Dr. David Gordon

 A lot of chatter on the Internet and in B-town about that alleged domestic violence disturbance and arrest of a female suspect at the home of Councilman David Gordon, Monday, November 15.

Police arrested 58-year-old Barbara Chin for alleged battery against a cohabitant. Chin was later released on $20,000 bail, according to a police report. A recent story about the incident on The Burbank Leader website, claims Chin is scheduled to be arraigned on December 9, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Gordon  acknowledged in the article that Chin is the mother of his son, but ”… declined to elaborate on their relationship.”  

As is the case in all suspected  domestic violence incidents where there is a minor child in the residence, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services was alerted and will be visiting Gordon’s home to check on his son’s welfare.

I spoke with Dr.Gordon briefly after last Tuesday’s city council meeting. The councilman admitted this is “a difficult time,” but added, ”we’ll get through it.”

 Police Chief Scott LaChasse’s relative arrested

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police unit

Police Chief Scott LaChasse has a relative headed for a court appearance.  On Monday, November 22, police were called over to Fry’s Electronics, on North Hollywood Way in Burbank, to take custody of a suspect who reportedly palmed a digital voice recorder and stereo plug and then walked out of the store. He was apprehended in the parking lot by security officers.

The suspect is identified as 58-year-old, Albert W. LaChasse of Canyon Country. LaChasse, who is apparently the chief’s brother, was taken to the Burbank jail where he was booked for petty theft.

LaChasse reportedly received a citation and was released early the next day. He’s due to appear in a Burbank court on December 14.

Photo: mediabistro.com -- Publicist Ronni Chasen

Beverly Hills Police reportedly have a ”working theory” about the murder mystery surrounding the death of well-known Hollywood Publicist, Ronni Chasen.  The Hollywood Reporter posted an article on its website today saying investigators believe the fatal shooting of Chasen was planned and not “the result of road rage or a carjacking gone awry.” This fuels speculation that the attack was a professional hit.

The Hollywood Reporter attributed its information to a “Beverly Hills city official” who was allegedly briefed on the case by Beverly Hills Police Chief, David Snowden.  Also, THR is reporting investigators are reviewing video from a security camera at the Whittier Drive home of the late comedian, Buddy Hackett and are “actively” hunting for other video that might provide clues to what happened in the fatal assault on Chasen early Tuesday morning.

Chasen reportedly attended an after-party in Hollywood for the movie premiere of, “Burlesque,” before calling it a night and heading for home. The 64 -year-old press agent was apparently taking a shortcut to her Westside condo when she was gunned down. Chasen’s late model Mercedes-Benz crashed into a light pole on Whittier Drive just south of  Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, at around 12:30 a.m. on November 16. Chasen was shot five times in the chest and was pronounced dead at Cedars Sinai Medical Center a short time later.

Since the murder, police have searched Chasen’s home and her West Hollywood business, Chasen & Company, for potential evidence.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. Meanwhile, a funeral for Chasen is set for 11 a.m. this Sunday, November 21, at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Culver City. It will be followed by a private reception.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police unit

In Burbank, auto burglaries have become more than a nuisance. The problem is starting to tarnish the city’s already battered reputation. Not only are the locals talking about “all those auto burglaries,” but so are folks who come into the Media City for entertainment or to work.

A friend of mine who lives in Pasadena, sometimes drives to town to see a movie at the AMC. She has heard about the auto thefts and no longer parks in the lot near the Island’s restaurant for that reason. I live here — and I’m getting apprehensive about parking in certain places — especially in the downtown area.

On the weekly crime log issued by the Burbank Police yesterday, there were a number of auto burglaries. Four of the auto break-ins happened at the Sears and Ikea parking structures during the past few days. The items ripped off  included GPS systems, an IPod, and the 3rd row seats from an SUV.

Also last weekend, a string of auto burglaries occurred in the 4400 block of Sarah Street with more GPS systems and another IPod stolen. Also, yesterday the BPD sent out  a crime alert about these crimes.

String of Auto

Burglaries

Area of 4400 block Sarah Street

This residential area of Burbank experienced a total of 5 auto burglaries over the last weekend of November 6th and 7th. The burglaries have occurred during the late night to early morning hours. The losses range from GPS systems, sunglasses, IPod, and other personal items. This Crime Alert is to inform the Burbank community of this crime trend and to remind vehicle owners to take valuable items with them or keep them out of view.

If you see any suspicious activity, please obtain as much information as possible about the individuals and contact the Burbank Police Department directly at 1-818-238-3000.

######

This crime alert is posted on the city of Burbank website, too.

Also, the Burbank Police is is out to crack down on these persistent thieves with some undercover operations as well: “…we’re putting out unmarked units and plain clothes officers,” according to Burbank Police Spokesman, Sergeant Robert Quesada. Hopefully, Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, is providing these operations with the kind of resources that will produce some results soon.

Two candidates jump into the Burbank City Council race

As of  last Friday morning, two eager candidates, both with experience in city government, are off and running for two seats on the Burbank City Council. The first to sign up on the candidate’s list on Monday, November first, the first official day of the nomination period , Planning Board Vice-Chair,  Emily Gabel-Luddy.

 Burbank Police Commission Chair, Bob Frutos, signed up on the same day right behind Gabel-Luddy. Both Frutos and Gabel-Luddy took home nomination papers, which require the signatures of 50 registered voters supporting their candidacy.

I’ve heard about other contenders preparing for the city council race, too. So expect to see more names mentioned here, on this blog,  as the deadline for pulling and returning nomination papers to the City Clerk’s office nears. The deadline is Monday, November 29, 2010 at 5 p.m.

The Primary Nomination Election is February 22, 2011, followed by the General Municipal Election on April 12, 2011.

For a countdown to the February election check the far right column of this blog.

Controversial bike lane in Burbank gets a reprieve

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A cyclist rolls along in the bike lane on Verdugo Avenue in May of 2010

A hot issue that gets folks in the Media City riled up almost as much as the Burbank Police mess — is the bike lane along a stretch of Verdugo Avenue. This bike lane has a passionate group of haters as well as a peddle-power group that loves it. 

At last Tuesday’s city council meeting, a number of cycling enthusiasts turned out to encourage council members to make the bike lane permanent. The six month project was up for review. Despite the vocal support, council members decided they did not have enough data to fairly access the project, so they voted unanimously for a six-month extension for it.

The vote came as a surprise to the bike lane supporters as well as opponents like Ken Fesperman. A long time Burbank resident, Fesperman lives on a side street near Verdugo Avenue. Fesperman says the outrage over the bike lane from his neighbors and others he knows, prompted him to circulate a petition to have it removed. That’s when he ran into trouble.

Last month, Fesperman was collecting signatures for his petition at the Buena Vista Library when a cyclist confronted him. Fesperman says he was assaulted during the altercation and it left a scar on his face. Fesperman filed a police report, but the incident dampened his spirit for community involvement. However, Fesperman did turn in his petition to city hall, which he says had 330 signatures of folks wanting Verdugo Avenue re-striped back the way it was — two traffic lanes in each direction.  There is now one lane in each direction with a yellow turn section in the middle, from Hollywood Way to Olive Avenue.

Fesperman complains the change never should have been made without informing residents on the side streets. He says that since the bike lane went in, more motorists are zipping down his street –sometimes at “..55 to 60.. ” miles per hour in a zone where children frequently play in the area. “You’re creating more traffic,” Fesperman insists. He believes a powerful few are pushing the bike lane project. “I heard it’s a special interest group. Handful of the city insiders…”

 Maybe that’s why the city survey found little traffic change on Verdugo Avenue  –the overflow is pouring into the side streets. Another survey, with a wider scope, should be done.

Another problem is the alarming number of  bicyclists who ignore traffic rules. The violators got a scolding from outspoken activist, Eden Rosen, at last Tuesday’s council meeting. I’ve seen it myself. Bicyclists blowing through red lights and stop signs,  or riding two or three abreast with a line of traffic behind them.  Even cops I know complain about these arrogant cyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road. Oh, and we’re not talking about school children — most often — the culprits are adults.

In the coming months, city officials have opportunities to work on easing the traffic problems around Verdugo Avenue and to address other concerns of nearby residents. Oh, it wouldn’t hurt to pass out some of those bike safety pamphlets to the cyclists. I hear they have a good supply of the pamphlets over at the Burbank PD.

First flu case confirmed in Los Angeles County

It’s that time of year again. Los Angeles County has its first confirmed case of the seasonal flu. It’s the influenza strain A H3N2, which is rolling across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This year’s flu vaccine will protect against that strain and two others, including H1N1.

In a press release, Los Angeles County Health Official, Jonathan E. Fielding, declared now is an excellent time to get that flu shot: “We cannot predict how severe or how mild a flu season will be. Flu is a serious illness and should be treated as such. Ample vaccine is already available in LA County in a variety of locations, including pharmacies, supermarkets, community clinics and doctor’s offices.”

Last Friday, I stopped in at the CVS Pharmacy on Hollywood Way and got my flu shot. It was a breeze. Only a few people were waiting, including a mother and her two young children, so the process did not take long. The cost around $30 and they accept most insurance plans. For information on free flu shots at single day vaccination clinics and or at Public Health Centers go here. Flu shots are now recommended for everyone six months and older.

Watch out for counterfeit currency

Yesterday, City Hall sent out a crime alert e-mail warning about fake $100 bills being passed in Burbank. Los Angeles County businesses have seen a rise in phony $100 bills, according to the crime alert, which is posted on the city website as well.

The U.S. $100 note is a favorite target of scam artists and counterfeiters around the world. The U.S. Treasury Department tries to stay a step ahead of the crooks with new security measures.  A new C-note with some high-tech features and safeguards, including a 3D security ribbon, was due to be released soon, but production has hit a snag.

A press release from the Federal Reserve earlier this month explained the delay:”The Bureau of Engraving and Printing manufactures Federal Reserve notes and has identified a problem with sporadic creasing of the paper during printing of the new $100 note, which was not apparent during extensive pre-production testing. As a consequence, the Federal Reserve will not have sufficient inventories to begin distributing the new $100 notes as planned.” The new Benjamins were supposed to be available next February.  

The city crime alert is urging everyone to be “cautious” when accepting $100 bills. If you get some suspicious currency, contact the Burbank Police Department at 1-818-238-3000.

A toilet paper bandit on the loose

At the top of the weekly crime log sent out this week by Burbank Police Spokesman, Sergeant Robert Quesada, a case involving a reported toilet paper thief. A few days ago a Burbank woman, who lives in the 1100 block of North Sparks Street, spotted a strange man entering her rear garage. The man was wearing a bike helmet, white tank top, and gray shorts.

According to the crime log, “The woman confronted the man who apologized but not before leaving with a plastic bag containing 36 rolls of toilet paper. The man was last seen fleeing eastbound in the alley. Police searched the area but were unable to locate any possible suspect.”  

Either that was some kind of prank or folks are getting really desperate in this tough economy.

Running the sprinklers in the rain

I know the rain was unexpected, but even on overcast days — you should probably turn off the automatic sprinklers. I saw some sprinklers spraying like mad over the past couple of wet days.

On East Olive Avenue, in front of Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, the sprinklers were going on both Monday and Tuesday evenings. Oh, and it’s supposed to be illegal in Burbank to run the sprinklers on Monday — rain or shine.  I’m not the water police — but some residents, apartment building owners, and school officials need to make some changes fast!

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse

In light of the controversial shooting death of an alleged knife-wheeling suspect, Los Angeles Police Chief, Charlie Beck, made a promise to his community in an opinion piece he wrote that appeared on the Los Angeles Times website today.  In the op-ed piece, Chief Beck says he’s “… committed to providing as much detail as I am able to release about the facts of the investigation, and to providing a sense of understanding of the law and our department policy.”

You might remember, a  Guatemalan day laborer was shot to death by LAPD officers in the Westlake District of Los Angeles back on September 5, 2010. The shooting sparked violent protests and serious accusations against the LAPD. In the op-ed piece, Chief Beck writes “… A thorough and transparent investigation is necessary to build trust in the Police Department …” That is so true. Beck gets it — why doesn’t Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse who spent years in the ranks of the LAPD? LaChasse appears to have discarded quite a bit of what he learned in the LAPD and embraced “the city hall insiders’ philosophy” here in Burbank.

LaChasse needs to step up and make the same pledge to the Burbank community about his firing of some police officers, that officer-involved shooting at the Burbank Kmart Last July, as well as come clean about his department’s policy on releasing mug shots. As I’ve reported on this blog, there seems to be a racist policy in BPD that allows the mug shots of minorities to be released, but not those of white suspects.

No more hiding behind the Police Officers’ Bill of Rights. LaChasse needs to set the record straight. if LaChasse wants to send me an opinion piece, I’ll post it on this blog. So what will it be, Chief LaChasse?

 Lindsay Lohan back on the streets

Photo: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan heading to court in Beverly Hills , September 24, 2010

 After a freaky Friday that included court drama and a short stay in jail, Actress Lindsay Lohan is a free woman once again. After failing a court-ordered drug test, Lohan appeared in a Beverly Hills court yesterday. True to his word, Judge Elden Fox, sent her to the slammer for 30 days without bail.

However within hours, Lohan’s lawyer got another Los Angeles Superior Court judge to reverse the bail ruling. Lohan’s lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, pointed out defendants convicted of misdemeanors are allowed bail under the law. Sometime before midnight, Lohan walked free on $300,000 bond.

Did Lohan get a break because she’s a celebrity? Folks are debating that today. The way I see it, the major difference between Lohan and the average inmate in Los Angeles County jail is the money to pay for lawyers and to post bail.  The Los Angeles Times has more on the debate here.  

Jay-Z’s memoir and hip hop decoder

Business Mogul/Hip Hop Artist, Jay-Z, has a book coming out. It’s a memoir and a decoder for 36 of Jay-Z’s songs — which provide an intimate look at his art, according to the publishing site Galleycat.

The printed and e-book formats of “Decoded” include illustrations and lyric analysis as well as the autobiography content. “Decoded” goes on sale in mid- November, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

 NBC Universal President Jeff Zucker on the way out

No surprise, NBC Universal President Jeff Zucker is leaving the network. Zucker made the announcement himself in a company memo yesterday. NBC is in fourth place and who can forget Zucker’s orchestration of the Conan O’Brien/Jay Leno financial/public relations disaster.

Zucker apparently got the word from Comcast that once it’s deal to buy NBC is official, he would be getting the boot. Unlike most NBC employees who lose their jobs at the network and barely score chump change, Zucker will probably get one of those multi-million-dollar executive parachutes. More on Zucker’s departure at The Wrap.

Photo credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept./L.A. Times -- Mug shot of Bell Mayor Oscar Hernandez September 21, 2010

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is cracking down on corruption in the city of Bell. Yesterday the mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and seven other current and former Bell officials were arrested by police and D.A. investigators.

The Los Angeles Times, which broke the story, reported “…a battering ram” had to be used to break into the home of Mayor Hernandez, in order to arrest him.  Hernandez was taken into custody Tuesday morning along with city council members Teresa Jacobo, Luis Artiga and George Mirabal as well as ex-council members George Cole and Victor Bello, and ex-Assistant City Manager Angela Spaccia and ex-City Manager Robert Rizzo.

The eight defendants are charged with ripping off more than $5.5 million from the city of Bell and its citizens. They are due to appear in court later today. At a news conference yesterday, Los Angeles County District Attorney, Steve Cooley, gave a harsh assessment of their alleged crimes: ”They used the tax dollars collected from the hard-working citizens of Bell as their own piggy bank, which they then looted at will.” The Times has more on the arrests, reaction from Bell residents, and additional photos here.

A similar city government scandal is festering in Media City. I’ve been covering the scandal, on this blog, for more than a year. Elements of the scandal have been picked up by the national media as well. Right now, millions of taxpayer dollars are being used to defend the city and its police department against lawsuits and a long list of alleged crimes and misdeeds. However, the city council and some powerful city hall insiders are refusing to give the public an accounting of this money.

On last night’s city council written agenda, there was a listing of the cases discussed in the secret closed door session by council members and the city attorney. The agenda stated 8 cases involved “existing litigation” and  7 cases “anticipated litigation.” Also, the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department are conducting investigations here in Burbank.

Despite claims of fiscal responsibility and the need for budget cutbacks, the city council is approving big raises for a “select group” of employees – many already bank  six-figure salaries. Recently, the council voted to jack up utility rates, even though, Burbank Water and Power officials admit residents have reached a 20 percent reduction goal several years ahead of schedule. Something is seriously wrong in Burbank.

Photo credit: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Dept. -- Randy Quaid

 A bad turn of events for Actor Randy Quaid and his wife. Both were arrested Saturday evening  for allegedly squatting in a guest home, on a property they once owned, in the upscale community of Montecito, in Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputies reportedly were called to the property in the 13oo block of Mountain Drive to check out possible squatters in a home. When deputies arrived at the scene they discovered 59-year-old Randy Quaid and his 47-year-old wife, Evi.

The Quaids claimed to have owned the property since the 1990s, according to the sheriff’s department. However, the representative for the new owner allegedly produced documents that proved to deputies that the Quaids had sold the property several years ago.

Randy Quaid, a well-known character actor, has appeared on television and in a number films including ”The Last Detail” (1973) , “Midnight Express” (1978), “Independence Day” (1996), and  ”Brokeback Mountain” (2005).  He’s the brother of Actor Dennis Quaid.

Photo credit: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Dept. -- Evegenia "Evi" Helena Quaid

Randy Quaid and his wife were both booked for residential felony burglary. Also, Evi Quaid was slapped with a resisting arrest charge. The bail: $50,000 each.