New operator for Burbank Recycle Center

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Recycle Center 500 South Flower Street Burbank

After heated debate at its meeting Tuesday, December 6, the Burbank City Council voted to assign the operating agreement for the controversial  Burbank Recycle Center to Burrtec Waste Industries. The vote was 4-1 with Councilman, Dr. David Gordon, strongly opposing the arrangement.

The operation of the Burbank Recycle Center has been under scrutiny for some time and most recently when city officials decided to drop private contractor, Burbank  Recycling, Inc (BRI).  BRI is facing allegations from the state for allegedly cashing in out-of-state beverage containers under the California recycling plan. It was BRI that requested Burrtec take over it’s contract with the Burbank Recycle Center – that produced a lot of questions and suspicions among some Burbankers.

The council majority appeared to be swayed by the staff report, which suggested it would be cheaper to hook up with Burrtec rather than to go out for bids. Hopefully, the council’s decision will improve public confidence in the Burbank Recycle Center and not make a bad situation worse.

Anti-Walmart protesters plan new action

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Stop Walmart in Burbank protesters out front of the site of a planned Walmart at 1301 North victory Place in Burbank October 19, 2011

The “Stop Walmart in Burbank” group is gearing up for an appearance at the city council meeting next Tuesday, December 13.  Walmart moving into Burbank is pretty much a done deal. However, this group is still determined to make city officials “… feel the pressure…” from “… their constituents…” who are against the giant retailer opening a store in the Empire Center.

Wind storm clean-up: It’s a wrap

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A pile of tree limbs on East Providencia Avenue in Burbank December 1, 2011

The clean-up following last week’s powerful wind storm was a huge effort. Cheers for residents, Burbank city crews, and Burbank PD.

More car thefts and burglaries in Burbank

In the latest crime report from Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick, only a handful of residential and business burglaries are listed for the past couple of weeks, the bad news — a lot of vehicle thefts and break-ins.

The report, released yesterday, mentioned some 21 vehicle crimes — all happened between November 11 and 21, 2011. During that time, thieves made-off with electronics, work tools, money, 3rd row seats, tailgates, and assorted other items. We’re heading into the holiday season when criminals hit store and shopping center parking lots with gusto. What can you do to minimize your chances of becoming a victim? Keep those packages and gifts out of sight and remember to lock your vehicle!

Update on the smart meter controversy

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Action member Kiku Lani Iwata spoke out in opposition to the smart meters at the Burbank City Council meeting November 15, 2011

Some local residents opposed to the smart meters are planning to meet after Thanksgiving to discuss their victory at the Tuesday, November 15 Burbank City Council meeting and to plot their next move.

At the November 15 city council meeting, a number of residents from Burbank and Glendale spoke about what they say are hazards, illnesses, and privacy violations associated with the smart meters. These new devices are being installed at homes, apartment buildings, and businesses throughout the Media City in a smart grid project estimated at $60 million. The new meters reportedly will relay user data to a central utility site. That’s right, meter readers will become obsolete.

In the past, the city council majority has pretty much ignored the complaints of residents and accepted Burbank Water and Power officials’ assessment that the smart meters pose no health risks or privacy invasion.  However, Councilman Dr. David Gordon wasn’t so quick to reject the claims of residents and called for a first step report on an opt out program for the smart meters.

After the testimony of residents on November 15, the Burbank City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a second step report, which would research options to the new smart meters.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Water and Power General Manager Ron Davis took notes during the testimony of residents opposed to the smart meters at the Burbank City Council meeting November 15, 2011

Thanksgiving benefit at Flappers Comedy Club

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Flappers Comedy Club at the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and First Street in Burbank

The Burbank City Council has declared November “Burbank Temporary Aid Center” month. BTAC is involved in a number of food drives, services, and events to help the working poor, seniors and the homeless in B-town.

Tonight a dinner and show for BTAC is being hosted at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank. Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 each.  The event starts at 8 p.m.

Photo: BurbankAction.com -- Folks from the audience stepped to the microphone to ask questions of a guest panel of experts at the So Cal Smart Meter Public Forum in Glendale November 10, 2011

Coming off a successful public forum in Glendale, local smart meter opponents are turning their attention to tonight’s Burbank City Council meeting. Last Thursday, the Southern California Smart Meter Public Forum at the Glendale Moose Lodge drew 175-200 people, according to one of the organizers and Burbank resident, Kiku Lani Iwata. Also, Iwata is a member of  Burbank Action,  a group that has been very vocal in its opposition to the smart meters.

Burbank Leader column, Ron Kaye, emceed the event which included a panel of guest speakers: health expert Cindy Sage, consumer advocate Mindy Spatt, and author Orlean Koehle. In his column last Sunday, Kaye shared his impressions of the event and the smart meter controversy. Also, a good article about the public forum appeared on the LA Weekly site.

Tonight, the Burbank City Council is set to consider a first step report on a smart meter alternative program. Councilman David Gordon requested the report back in September after hearing complaints about the smart meters. As of October 12, 2011, around 70 thousand of the devices, which are designed to relay user data  to a main utility center, have been installed in the Media City according to  Burbank officials. Installation has been delayed for some who have vigorously opposed the smart meters — due to health and privacy concerns. However at this point, there is no alternative plan in place for those who opted out of the smart meter expansion in Burbank.

No Wal-Mart forces take the fight to City Hall

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The former site of The Great Indoors at 1301 North Victory Place in the Empire Center Burbank

 In the past few days, a number of media reports have come out about Wal-Mart finally fessing up to plans to move into the site once occupied by The Great Indoors, at the Empire Center over on North Victory Place. Wal-Mart owns the site now — but anti-Wal-Mart forces in B-town aren’t giving up the fight just yet.

The No Wal-Mart on Facebook group has organized a rally for today, on the steps of Burbank City Hall at 5:30 p.m. The small but vocal group is being joined by the politically savvy Burbank Democratic Club, which has urged its members to support the rally and speak out against Wal-Mart at the city council meeting at 6 p.m.

At last Tuesday’s city council meeting, Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes revealed Wal-Mart executives “… want to do a community forum… ” at the site sometime in mid-to-late-October. Well, the site is more appropriate for a P.R. event than a community forum to hear the concerns of  residents.

Clearly, these Wal-Mart suits aren’t really taking the community very seriously. They’re reportedly considering options like including a restaurant or nail salon in that 120,000 square foot building. Hey, there are already plenty of restaurants in the Empire Center and a lot of nail salons in Burbank. I guess the Wal-Mart bigwigs do not need to be very creative, when most of their customers only care about how many cheap products they can stuff into a shopping cart. That location at the Empire Center needs some imagination. Wal-Mart needs to add something different to the mix of  restaurants and retail.  However, that kind of  progressive thinking may be beyond the comprehension of the Wal-Mart executives.

A new Burbank Police Commissioner

The city council majority snubbed former Chair of the Burbank Police Commission, Bob Frutos, once again last Tuesday. Right after Frutos lost a close run-off for a city council seat against Emily Gabel-Luddy — the CCM refused to re-appoint him to his seat on the police commission.

Recently, Frutos tossed his hat in the ring for the commission seat vacated by Jim Etter, who moved on to the Los Angeles County Fish and Game Commission. Frutos got only two votes, Dr. David Gordon and Gary Bric. The CCM voted for former Paramount executive, Tom Bruehl, who has been kicking around in local political circles for a while.

But the CCM is not rid of Frutos just yet. A few weeks back, each council member made an appointment to the Citizens’ Charter Committee. This group will decide if changes are necessary for the city charter, which could open the door for a charter review committee to be set up.

Here’s how the appointments went down: Dr. Gordon named Bob Frutos, Gary Bric — Jackie Waltman, Emily Gabel-Luddy — Carolyn Jackson, Dave Golonski — Lee Wochner, and Mayor Jess Talamantes appointed Victor Georgino.

It has been rumored about for weeks now.  Then, late today the official announcement came from Burbank City Hall in the form of a news release — naming the replacement for retiring Burbank City Attorney, Dennis Barlow. She is Amy Albano who is now the city attorney out in Thousand Oaks.

Photo: City of Burbank -- Amy Albano new Burbank City Attorney

Next Tuesday, the city council will consider appointing Albano to the position — but at this point, that’s merely a formality.  It’s a done deal.

Here’s the news release from Public Information Officer, Keith Sterling:

Burbank City Council to Consider Appointment of New City Attorney

Item on September 20th Agenda

BURBANK, Calif. (September 15, 2011) – After an extensive and competitive recruitment process, Amy Albano has been identified as the Burbank City Council’s lead candidate for the position of City Attorney.  Albano currently serves as City Attorney for the City of Thousand Oaks, California.

“Amy brings 20 years of municipal law experience to Burbank,” says Mayor Jess Talamantes.  “The council is very impressed with her knowledge and understanding of complex legal issues and believes she will be a great addition to our community and the executive team.”

Albano was selected after a nationwide search and thorough interviews with three panels comprised of law professionals, community leaders and city executives.  Albano joined the City of Thousand Oaks in 2005 as City Attorney after spending 14 years in the City Attorney’s Office at the City of Ventura.  She is an honor graduate of Albany Law School of Union University and received her undergraduate degree from State College of New York Plattsburg.  Albano is the immediate past president of the League of California Cities City Attorneys’ Department.

“I am honored to be considered for this opportunity,” says Albano.  “Burbank is a world-renowned community and this position will allow me the potential for tremendous professional growth.”  Albano intends to live in Burbank and become an integral member of the community.

The City Council will vote on the appointment at the meeting of September 20th and, if approved, Albano is expected to begin duties next month.  The City Attorney and City Manager are appointed positions, reporting directly to the City Council.

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Water and Power General Manager Ron Davis had to defend the new smart meters at last Tuesday's Burbank City Council meeting August 30, 2011

A lot of complaints and grumbling about, and verbal attacks on, the new smart meters in Burbank.  Officials at Burbank Water and Power are raving about the new water and electric meters — but many of the residents aren’t buying the hype. Some of the public suspicion, disapproval, and down right hostility for the meters was heard during public comments at last Tuesday’s Burbank City Council meeting on August 30. 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --An electric smart meter in Burbank

Most of the carping is about the electric smart meter and its environmental, health, and privacy issues. BWP honcho, Ron Davis, stepped to the podium at last Tuesday’s city council meeting and proclaimed the ”.. meters are incredibly safe..” and “… do not pose a health concern…”

In terms of privacy, Davis says the meters “..do not broadcast inside the home”… instead “..broadcast out to a data reader.”  Well, that may be the ultimate plan, but right now the newly installed electric meters are not communication with the outside data reader, according to my source at the BWP.

I’m told the new meters are working, but meter reader personnel have to go out to homes and businesses and collect the data — just like they did before the Smart Grid Program started. Installation of the smart meters began in June and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. However, the system will most likely not be fully operational until sometime in 2012.

Davis says that so far “…51 people …” have asked that their smart meter installation be “… put on hold.” He admits that part of the problem with convincing the public to get on board with the new system is a matter of trust. Well, it’s hard to trust Davis and his BWP top executives who have jacked up our utility rates, while pocketing salary raises and hefty bonuses. That sort of conduct does not build trust.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Recycle Center 500 South Flower Street Burbank

Lately, the Burbank City Council has been peppered with tough questions from residents about the status and alleged mismanagement of the Burbank Recycle Center over on South Flower Street. This is not the first time rumors have been flying about something “not right” going on at the center.

Yesterday, the City of Burbank put out a statement about the center and its involvement in the operation.

City Statement on Burbank Recycle Center

BURBANK, Calif. (August 22, 2011) – On January 29, 2010, the State of California denied the City’s Application for Renewal of its Curbside Registration (Application), which allows the City to receive revenue from the State’s beverage containers recycling fund (CRV Fund).  The State denied the City’s Application because it accused the operator of the City’s Recycle Center, Burbank Recycling, Inc. (BRI) and Geoff Folsom, of failing to comply with State law and regulations dealing with the recycling of beverage containers at another recycling facility.  A hearing on the accusation against Mr. Folsom is still pending.

The City appealed the State’s denial of its Application because we believed that the City had acted fairly by waiting for the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to provide a hearing on the allegations to BRI.  It needs to be emphasized that the City has not been accused of any wrongdoing by the State.  The reason the City’s curbside certification was denied was simply because it uses BRI to operate the Recycle Center and to process the curbside materials.

The appeal hearing was held on March 29 and 30, 2011 and on May 13, 2011 the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) affirmed the denial of the City’s Application on the basis that Mr. Folsom had failed to comply with the State law and regulations. The ALJ did not find any wrongdoing on the part of the City of Burbank and found that the City had acted reasonably in waiting for CalRecycle to provide a hearing to Mr. Folsom. CalRecycle adopted the ALJ’s decision as its final decision on May 24, 2011. On June 7, the City Council decided not to appeal the decision.  The decision took effect on June 25, 2011.

While the denial of the curbside registration affects the City’s ability to collect CRV revenues, which totaled $20,432.23 in fiscal year 2010/11, it does not affect the City’s ability to continue operating its highly effective curbside recycling program that diverts about 40 tons per day of material from landfill disposal.  This program is part of the City’s comprehensive source reduction and recycling efforts to reduce land filling by at least 50 percent as required by Assembly Bill 939 (AB 939), which became law in 1989, and the City’s sustainability efforts to reach zero waste by 2040.  BRI is continuing to operate the Recycle Center on an interim basis while the City pursues its options.  The City of Burbank is committed to delivering excellent, uninterrupted curbside recycling services while an operational transition is completed at the Burbank Recycle Center. Residents and businesses should continue to place their recyclables in the proper carts and bins for collection and processing.

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

New developments in that series of residential burglaries in Burbank.  Last Friday, Burbank Police announced the arrest of a suspect, 37-year-old Ericka Valladares of Los Angeles, and the recovery of some of the stolen items.

Hillside resident Yvonne Smith’s home was burglarized last December. She went down to the BPD headquarters a few days ago and “was delighted” that some of her possessions had been recovered; among them a kitchen clock, which had been in her late husband, Chuck Smith’s, family for years.

Smith says she does not know Valladares, who’s being held on $165, 000 bail. Burbank  Police say the investigation is on-going — therefore, more arrests are possible.

Burbank Shame — Golf course over needy kids

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- DeBell Golf Course and Club at 1500 East Walnut Avenue in Burbank

 This Burbank City Council is really showing its true colors and priorities. Last week, the council-majority bailed out the city’s financially-struggling DeBell Golf Club with a package deal estimated at about two million big ones. This is the same bunch of council members who have rallied around cuts in city services and will most likely be slapping residents with higher rates in city fees very soon as well.

While this council-majority supports the fat cats who have time to putter around on the 18-hole DeBell course — it has turned its back on some underprivileged kids who desperately need a few thousand dollars to go to summer camp. I first reported on the plight of these local kids and the snub they got from the Burbank City Council in a City Buzz column earlier this month.

Here’s the update I got yesterday from Burbank Coordinating Council organizer, Janet Diel: “… we did hear from 2 lovely ladies who donated some money, enough to send one child to camp. One karate studio said they would donate a class for the kids, but one class will not fill the void. Another, Golden State Gymnastics, said she would donate spaces in her daycamp for some of the children, so I am trying to book them now. Otherwise, we are still over $2,000 overspent and more bills to come.”

I got an idea. Why not set up a summer camp for these much deserving kids at DeBell golf course? There’s not much business at the golf course right now –  so that would not be a problem. Or, the council-majority could do what it should have done weeks ago, pay for these kids to go to camp somewhere else. Whatever the choice — it needs to be made soon.

B-Town weather heats up

Finally, you can ditch the jacket and umbrella. A warming trend is underway .  We’ll  still have the  patchy morning clouds  and fog  — but the sun should break-out in the afternoons — with the high in the upper 70s — maybe even mid-80s. Summer is coming.

Photo: Mike Gatto Website -- Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) Assemblyman , 43rd District

 Local Assemblyman Mike Gatto  (D-Los Angeles) is very busy these days championing various legislation up in Sacramento.  Yesterday, the California State Assembly passed AB 1369, authored by Gatto. This measure, reportedly passed by a 62-0 vote, would stop criminals from using illegal tax deductions.

Recently, Gatto authored ACA 11 which would raise the threshold for amending the state constitution. And he co-authored ACA 6, which would require any ballot initiative that proposes a new program explain how the program is going to be paid for.

Then on June first, the California State Assembly reportedly passed, by two thirds vote, AB 1184  authored by Gatto. The measure would discourage pension spiking by forcing cities that recruit staff by offering huge salaries to bear the burden for the increased pension costs. Right now, the taxpayers of the previous city where the employee worked picks up more than 90% of the pension costs. More on Gatto measures on his website www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Contrast this with what the Burbank City Council did last month on a proposal from the City Manager that would have halted the merit-pay bonus plan for city executives and unrepresented managers; while also requiring these employees to begin making contributions to their pension plan. This is a way to start reducing Burbank’s reported $8.7 million budget deficit.  Three of the City Council members, Dr. David Gordon, Gary Bric, and Emily Gabel-Luddy, supported Mike Flad’s proposal  – however, Vice-Mayor Dave Golonski’s opposition prompted the others to back-off and and ask staff to seek alternatives to the proposal. Yeah, Golonski is the real power on that city council.

While  trying to create cushy deals for the most highly paid staff –  this same council-majority has left some underpriviledged kids hanging out on a limb. When the council divvied up $300,000 for some nonprofits last month – the camperships for needy kids did not get one dollar.

Here’s a letter I received from camp organizer Janet Diel this week.

Camperships are a long time tradition since 1936 with Burbank Coordinating Council. We request donations from local organizations, schools, church groups, businesses, and individuals each year to finance camp for our low income children in Burbank Unified Schools. Whatever amount we receive is used to pay for either one week at a resident camp or a week at day camp. Camps run from $135-$450 per child. This year we have applications from over 55 students and money to send less than half that many to camp.

Children learn so many things at camp…..outdoor skills, leadership skills and how to build their own self confidence and self esteem. They come back hot, tired, dirty and smiling, with stories of their fun at camp and new friendships. One girl  was helping her father care for younger siblings following a mother’s untimely death. She went away to camp and came back feeling so much better about herself and her life at home. The counselor said she had visibly changed during the week….walked taller now, spoke louder, and generally looked happier. Camp makes a difference to children who need a break or respite from difficult family circumstances and you can help…..please consider sending a donation to Burbank Coordinating Council, P.O.Box 10126, Burbank, CA 91510 … call (818) 843-3699 or email jrdiel@aol.com
Thank you!

Grand View Memorial Park opens after five month restoration

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- New volunteer who gives his name as only Carter greets a visitor to Grand View in Glendale on Memorial Day May 30, 2011

After five months of much needed restoration, Grand View Memorial Park opened its gates to the public on Sunday, May 29 and May 30, Memorial Day.  I was told around a thousand folks visited on Sunday and several hundred more on Memorial Day.

Grand View was shut down and caught up in legal hassles for several years, but now seems to be on the road to recovery. The cemetery will now be open every Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.  Apparently three buyers are negotiating to purchase the cemetery. More on this later

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Newly restored Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale on Memorial Day May 30, 2011

A special tribute over the long Memorial Day holiday weekend. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts placed American flags on the gravesites of veterans at Grand View.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Flowers and a USA flag on a gravesite of a veteran at Grand View in Glendale on Memorial Day May 30, 2011

Bob Frutos plans to stay involved in city matters

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A smiling Bob Frutos says thank you to his supporters for his city council campaign at Caminiti's Restaurant on West Burbank Boulevard in Burbank April 14, 2011

Bob Frutos lost on two fronts recently: a city council seat in a very tight race with Emily Gabel-Luddy and last week, the city council-majority (including Gabel-Luddy) refused to re-appoint him to the Burbank Police Commission.  Nevertheless, Frutos is still smiling and touting the need for change in Burbank.

Frutos provided some details for his sunny viewpoint  in answers to a couple of e-mail questions I sent him over the weekend:

1. Change was at the heart of your city council campaign. You still embraced change even when you were not re-appointed to the Burbank Police Commission this past week. Why do you feel change is so important for Burbank?

I proudly campaigned on positive change for Burbank in the recent election. I continue to believe that such change is a must for our community. Even though I now find myself officially off the Burbank Police Commission, I will continue to be interested and involved in public-safety matters, and always available to help the City Council or Commission in any way I can. In the final analysis, change is always important for people, for a city, for any society. It is through change and growth that we better ourselves and our community, and make a lasting positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors. I will continue to be a agent of change in Burbank.

2. What are your future plans? Will you get involved in Burbank city government/politics anytime soon?

I plan to be actively involved in the future and improvement of Burbank. I am thinking about trying again for the city council race in the March 2013, election. I feel I have much to contribute to the City I love and the people who make it such a fine place to live in, work, and raise families. I am always prepared to lend my expertise and experience to resolve any municipal problems, if called upon before that election. I am staying involved because this is my home, and I want to make a positive difference.

I’m hearing there are at least two other potential city council candidates waiting in the wings. More on that later.

More drama on the police commission

The city council replaced Frutos on the police commission with new arrival to the city, Richard Warmack, who has a lengthy law enforcement and military resume — but what does he know about Burbank, its problems, especially the police mess?

Police commissioners Hagop Hergelian and Nathan Rubinfeld were re-appointed. Also, the city council decided to delay the matter of whether to remove Police Commissioner, Jim Etter, until new member, Gabel-Luddy, could look at city council meeting videotapes from last fall.

Etter’s removal is being pushed by Vice-Mayor Dave Golonski and his friend, tenant or whatever, Brett Loutensock, who shows up at City Hall only to trash Etter.  Last Tuesday, the council gave the impression that Etter’s removal was being considered for a remark he made that was clearly in jest at a city council meeting last fall. The council members at the time did not get outraged by it.

 Oh, Council member Gary Bric made a similar type remark in jest at the same meeting – to make a point– during the discussion of the sidewalk controversy. No one is trying to boot him from the council because of it.

I’ll say it again, there’s a long running nasty feud between Golonski and the Etter family. Last Tuesday, Golonski claimed he saw Jim Etter in court. If that’s the case, I doubt it was because both had been called to serve on jury duty at the same time. I’m told it started with Etter’s brother Bob, who is deceased — but the feud lives on.

Since the council majority seems to be in the dark about the feud, which is well-known by long-time Burbankers, why not have their attorney investigative unit do a probe?  In a short time that unit  most likely would track down a ton of evidence of this feud.

Bottom line, Golonski has a conflict. He should not be allowed to vote on the Jim Etter matter. The city council-majority should have the courage to tell him so.

Police cases and lawsuits  

Ex-Burbank Police officer Omar Rodriguez’s state case of discrimination and retaliation was dismissed last Friday. Meanwhile, the powerful law firm, Brown, White, and Newhouse reportedly has taken on Rodriguez as a client and has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Federal court. Members of the firm include former AUSAs (Assistant U.S. Attorneys) and a retired Federal judge.

Memorial Day events at Valhalla Memorial Park

The long Memorial Day weekend is coming. On Friday, May 27, the Boy Scouts and Ventura Crew 201, along with the American Legion Post  150, plan to place 25 hundred flags on the graves of veterans, to kick-off the Memorial Day weekend events.

The flag laying will be at the Valhalla Memorial Park in the veterans section, 10621 Victory Boulevard, on the border of Burbank and North Hollywood, at 5 p.m.  There will be a ceremony as well. The public is invited.

On May 30, Memorial Day, there will be another ceremony to honor the nation’s war dead at Valhalla Memorial Park. Time: 10 a.m. This event is open to the public as well.

BPD cases and lawsuits

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Tim Stehr at City Hall when he was Burbank Police Chief back in the spring of 2008

Where is ex-Burbank Police Chief, Tim Stehr? Some reports say he’s planning to continue on a loooong European vacation for at least three months, perhaps more. On the other hand, a reliable source tells me Stehr is due back in the Southland next weekend.

Stehr’s vacation has resulted in an expensive delay in the discrimination and retaliation case of Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez. The City Attorney’s Office got a stay order one day before Guillen-Gomez’s trial was to start. I’m hearing Stehr’s getaway cost thousands of dollars –maybe as much as $30,000 in legal and court fees.

Also, get this,  the City Attorney considers Stehr such a valuable witness — he gets paid! Stehr has admitted it. Guillen-Gomez’s case was filed two years ago and the City Attorney’s Office is still using delay tactics to avoid going to trial. And taxpayers are picking up the bill.

About a year and a half ago, former LAPD guy, Scott LaChasse, was brought in to clean-up the department after Stehr resigned. Now LaChasse has been named in some recent lawsuits filed by Chris Canales, Jose Duran, and Omar Rodriguez. All three were among officers fired by LaChasse last year. More lawsuits, more drama.

New Internal Investigation of the BPD

At last week’s city council meeting, City Manager, Mike Flad, announced a new internal investigation of the police department. This was in response to earlier comments that evening from Burbank producer/director, Jerry Day, who said he had observed some BPD officers walking out of a store with items they did not pay for.  Also, Day pointed out he had seen other officers go to the cashier and pay for stuff. Day expressed concerns about the impression this might be giving of some BPD officers getting “freebies.”  

City council hires own investigative unit  

Speaking of investigations, months ago, the Burbank City Council hired a couple of high profile attorneys of its own.They report directly to the council — not the city attorney nor the city manager. Yeah, more lawyers being paid for with taxpayer dollars. So far, very little information has been provided to the public about the law firms getting this money and for what services.

Appointments & Police Commission Controversy

On the city council agenda tonight, the filling of vacancies on various commissions, boards, and committees. Also, the city council is set to discuss a worn-out, but apparently still kicking controversy from last year about Police Commissioner Jim Etter.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- (l-r) Police Commissioner Jim Etter, Chair Bob Frutos, at the Police Commission Community Forum at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank April 20, 2011

The fire that keeps this melodrama going and taking up council time is apparently a long standing feud between Vice-Mayor Dave Golonski and the Etter family. When the matter comes up tonight, Golonski should recuse himself, thereby allowing the rest of the council to finally settle it.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- (l-r) Newly elected Vice-Mayor and Mayor Dave Golonski and Jess Talamantes, joined fellow Council members Dr. David Gordon, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and Gary Bric for photos at the end of the council reorganization meeting at Burbank City Hall May 2, 2011

After a week, some folks are still finding the audacious snub, oh wait, let’s call it what it is, discriminatory selection process of the vice-mayor by four members of the Burbank City Council – a stomach turner. Those that had hoped for an independent female voice on the council got blindsided by Emily Gabel-Luddy who came out publicly as the new member of this “good-old-boys-club” at the council reorganization meeting on May 2, 2011.

When new Mayor Jess Talamantes asked for nominations for vice-mayor, Emily Gabel-Luddy could barely contain herself. With enough enthusiasm to earn a spot on the City Hall cheerleader squad, Gabel-Luddy declared: “I nominate Dave Golonski!” One shocked Gabel-Luddy supporter described the reaction in the city council chamber as “stunned silence.”

Her detractors insist Gabel-Luddy’s payback to Golonski should not have been a surprise. As far back as last December, it was probably a done deal. During the holiday party season, Gabel-Luddy hooked up with Golonski to do the meet and greet. She was his city council candidate from the beginning of the campaign. Nonetheless, in her zeal to reward Golonski, who in 18 years on the council has been mayor three times and vice-mayor three times, she joined in on the discrimination of Dr. David Gordon– who has been on the council five years. Not an admirable way for Gabel-Luddy to begin her tenure.

The position of mayor and vice-mayor are supposed to rotate among the council members. To exclude Gordon because he is AN INDEPENDENT VOICE on the council, is an ugly blatant insult to the voters who support him. Also, it sends a message to the entire world that in Burbank the big “D” is allowed.

 There has been public criticism about this unfair city council practice – but still the discrimination continues. Last year, an editorial in the Leader condemned this mean spirited treatment of Councilman Gordon. What, no editorial in the Leader about it this time around?  Maybe it’s because of the newspaper’s fervent support of Gabel-Luddy.

Remember, the Friday before the Tuesday April 12 General Municipal Election the Leader launched a major assault against Gabel-Luddy’s opponent, Bob Frutos. The Leader attempted to smear Frutos, in three separate pieces, by hammering one of his union supporters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18. The IBEW reportedly sent around $42,000 for mailers backing Frutos and questioning Gabel-Luddy’s support from special interests in Los Angeles. The flyers included this disclaimer: “Not authorized by a candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate.”

In the April 8 Leader article titled, “Union spends big to aid candidate,” Gabel-Luddy said: “I am very disappointed to see IBEW bring Los Angeles-style dirty politics into Burbank.”  Hmm, after Gabel-Luddy’s gift to Golonski, you gotta wonder what kind of “thank you” she’s going to be handing out to those special interest folks she has described as “friends and associates.” Dirty politics is skipping over Gordon to elect Golonski vice-mayor.

Also, this attack on Frutos really ticked off some of the Leader’s readers.  It struck some as hypocritical. On April 3, 2011, in the Burbank Mailbag section of the Leader this announcement ran.

Editor’s Note: Per the paper’s policy, the Burbank Leader will be holding all letters supporting or opposing particular candidates one week prior to the election. Letters addressing more general election issues will be considered.

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To place restrictions like this on the public and then turn around and attack Frutos less than a week before the election, well, it has the appearance of being a double standard. Whatever you want to call it, the attack by the Leader may have had a significant impact in a city council race where Gabel-Luddy won by less than  100 votes.

The newly reorganized Burbank City Council holds it first Tuesday meeting this evening at 6 p.m.

Those Burbank Police lawsuits

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Campaign signs for Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy, in a run-off for a seat on the Burbank City Council. The General Election April 12, 2011

The parties behind the recount of one of the tightest races in Burbank election history — had to jump through a number of hoops tossed up by City Hall officials – not all of them legal. Burbank resident George Marciniw and Judy Alter of  Protect California Ballots, an election watchdog group, were first told by Burbank officials that all of the fee for the recount would have to be paid up front — when the request was made.

Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos, explained to Alter that the full fee was required under the Municipal Election Code. The ex-UCLA professor pointed out that the Burbank code is out of line with the California Election Code, which allows for payments at the beginning of each day of the recount.

Alter and Marciniw agreed to a deposit of $450 with the recount request, but Burbank officials backed down at the last minute — and that requirement was dropped.

Below is the official request for a recount from Burbank resident George Marciniw and the Protect California Ballots organization.

 April 20, 2011

Re: 

Election Protest for the City Council contest of April 12, 2011  Request for a recount by hand of the entire contest

Dear Ms. Campos:

 I write this request for a recount by hand for the entire City Council contest of April 12, 2011 in the City of Burbank in reference to Burbank Municipal Code 2-3-2107 A and B.

“A. Within five (5) days after the results of the election have been posted, any voter of the City may file a verified written protest with the City Clerk contesting the count of the ballots

B. Should the City Clerk have reasonable cause to believe the ballots in a precinct(s) have been miscounted, he or she may order a recount. [Formerly numbered Section 11-236; renumbered by Ord. No. 3058, eff. 2/21/87; Amended by Ord. No. 3787, eff. 9/10/10; 3562.]”

1. The name and address of the voter protesting;

 The voter requesting the recount by hand is George Marciniw, 1521 W. Magnolia,   Suite A, Burbank, CA 91506. 

I have asked the non-partisan election integrity group Protect California Ballots to assist in the recount request and observation of the process.  The group and their logo are registered with the California Secretary of State as an unincorporated unaffiliated citizen association.

2. The name of the person whose right to be nominated or elected to office, stating the office, is being contested; or the proposition being contested;

I am asking for a recount by hand of the City Council Contest of April 12, 2011.

3. The number of the precinct or precincts wherein it is claimed errors in the counting of ballots would give a different result, if corrected.

I am asking that all precincts be included in the recount as provided for in the Burbank Municipal Code 2-3-2107.

4. A statement of particulars as to the errors claimed to have been made in the original count.

The difference between the two candidates in the contest for City Council, Robert “Bob” Frutos and Emily Gabel Luddy, is 1%, 95 votes (1.07%), and the under-vote (the number of voters not voting in that race) is 139 (1.57%).  The 1% difference should automatically trigger an escalation of the 1% manual tally used as an audit from one precinct to at least two precincts. Since Ms Campos has decided not to recount another precinct to double-check that the machine count was accurate, as a concerned citizen, I am requesting that the entire election of all precincts in Burbank be recounted by hand.

5.  A demand for a recount of the ballots cast in the specified precinct or precincts.

I am asking for a recount by hand of all ballots counted and all ballots rejected in the City Council Contest of April 12, 2011.

Additionally I request to examine and review the chain of custody of the distribution, return, and handling of the ballots, as this was an all mail-in election.  Citizens have expressed concern about the delivery of their ballots to the city clerk’s office, how the ballots are stored, how accurately their signatures are matched, as well as the accuracy of the vote count.

6.  A deposit in an amount estimated by the City Clerk to cover the cost of the recount.

I am prepared to deposit $450 toward the cost of the recount by hand for the April 12, 2011 Burbank City Council Election before the recount commences as stipulated in the code.

Ms. Campos has requested $4,500 for the hand recount, as part of the Protest (2-3-2107 (6).  This request for money as part of the request for the recount by hand to cover the cost contrasts with the California Election Code #15624,15625, which specifies that the requester for the recount shall deposit the money before the recount commences and each subsequent day, not on the day the recount request is requested.  The cost specified in CA EC 15625 is for the daily compensation that a poll worker receives.  Therefore, for one recount board of four members, the cost would be approximately $400 or for two recount boards, $800.  I am requesting an itemized list of the costs that make up the $4500. Voters are entitled to this itemized list as spelled out in the Secretary of State’s recount regulations.

Yours truly,

George Marciniw

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Hold on!  The 2011 Burbank General Election is not quite a done deal just yet. Today a statewide election watchdog organization, Protect California Ballots , joined with Burbank resident, George Marciniw, in sending a letter to Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos, requesting a recount in that oh-so close city council run-off between City Planning Board Member, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and Police Commissioner, Bob Frutos. You’re reading about it first on this blog.

 Last Friday, Campos announced the final results showing Gabel-Luddy edged out Frutos by 95 votes. Protect California Ballots founder, Judy Alter, says the only way to really make sure the election machines scanned the ballots accurately is to double-check with a manual count using human, “…eyeballs and hands.” Alter, a retired UCLA professor, says “… most voter fraud occurs in mail-in ballot (elections)… ”

The city of Burbank is charging a steep $4,500 for the ballot recount. Alter believes that “is wrong,” and says under the California State Election Code the fee should be $400-800.  No matter, Alter and her election integrity group plan to collect donations to pay the high fee in order to go ahead with the Burbank City Council race recount.

For more on Protect California Ballots and/or to make a donation for this recount, which is tax deductible, click over to the group’s website here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Campaign sign for Burbank City Council candidate Bob Frutos

This afternoon Media City Groove was sent this press release about the city council race by the Bob Frutos campaign:

BOB FRUTOS CONCEDES BURBANK CITY COUNCIL SEAT TO EMILY GABEL-LUDDY

Bob Frutos, Chair of the Burbank Police Commission, entered the race for Burbank City Council to participate in his civic duty as a contributor to the betterment of the City and its residents.  After a much contested primary election, the voters of Burbank selected Bob and Emily Gabel-Luddy to enter into a runoff election for the privilege of serving the residents of Burbank.

The April 12th runoff election proved to be a contested race as both candidates worked hard to communicate their vision for leadership as future city councilpersons.  In the end, the diligence of both campaigns managed to provide the city with the closest race seen in Burbank.  And after the margin favored candidate Emily Gabel-Luddy, Bob contacted her to congratulate her in a well run race.  Bob also indicated to her that he places his support and disposition to her 110% as our next city council member. 

Bob’s interest will now be to ensure the success of the council in continuing to serve the residents of the city of Burbank.  “This is the first time I run for public office, and it has been a privilege to have received such warm support from many old and new friends from our great city.”  Bob further stated, “I will do everything in my power to help move the City forward.  Emily will be a great council person for Burbank and I want her to know that I will be a contributor to her tenure as she engages in realizing her vision to make Burbank a city we can all be proud of.”

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Burbank’s General Election 2011 is history, but it will be talked about for some time. I joined a small group of election watchers in the lobby of City Hall last night, to wait for the returns to come in. It was a long wait!

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Group of volunteers involved in the various stages of the ballot counting process for the General Municipal Election in the basement of Burbank City Hall April 12, 2011. One of only two media photos of this process on election night.

The deadline for turning in those controversial mail-in ballots was 7 p.m. Despite this early deadline the first return numbers were not posted until after 9 p.m.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police Commissioner Jim Etter, wife Wendy, and City Councilman Dr. David Gordon in the Burbank City Hall lobby for the election returns April 12, 2011

 Measure U sailed to an easy victory with 5, 264 Yes votes against 2, 555 No votes. A City Hall press release says:” Measure U will update the telecommunications language in Burbank’s Utility Users Tax to match current technology, without any change in the tax rate. It will ensure that everyone is treated equally regardless of the telecommunication service or device they choose.”

The real nail biter was the contest between candidates Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy for the remaining one open seat on the city council. Throughout the evening, the candidates traded places leading the returns. By 10:30 p.m. it was over and Gabel-Luddy had the most votes in the preliminary count.

Emily Gabel-Luddy   4,400  votes       

Bob Frutos                  4,314 votes

Gabel-Luddy won a squeaker by a mere 86 votes. Today Frutos, Chair of the Police Commission, indicated he is not quite ready to concede. He issued this statement about the results: “I certainly respect the will of the Burbank voters. Because the election is yet to be certified, I will await the final results.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City Clerk Margarita Campos spoke to reporters at City Hall about the election results April 12, 2011

Burbank City Clerk,  Margarita Campos, is expected to announce the final election results this Friday. Campos told me a week ago, four thousand General Election ballots had been received at City Hall. In the last few days, the ballots came pouring in. Last night, Campos said, “… a lot came in today…” It was not a big turnout, 8, 853 ballots. Still, that’s several hundred more than the 8,073 ballots returned for the February 22 Primary Election. There are around 56,000 registered voters in Burbank.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Campaign signs for Burbank City Council candidates Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy

I have covered numerous campaigns and elections during my many years working  in television news and now as a freelance journalist/blogger. A last minute attack on a candidate is not unusual, especially if the contender is the front runner or has recently gained some serious ground.  Nevertheless, I was surprised to see the Burbank Leader  fire a full-blown assault at City Council candidate Bob Frutos with less than a week to Tuesday’s April 12 General Election. 

The Leader has become known for its rather, ah, fluid style of journalism; even so, this attack seemed to come out of left field.  A series of salvos was launched in three separate pieces: an article by Gretchen Meier “Union spends big to aid candidate,” a column by editor Dan Evans, “Start the Presses: Mail-in ballots and election overtime,” and an editorial, “Union’s support is ironic.” All three appeared on the Leader website with the publishing date of Friday, April 8, 2011.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City Council candidate Bob Frutos spoke to a gathering in Burbank March 23, 2011

The Leader’s pieces zero in on the support city council hopeful Frutos has received from local 18 of the IBEW ( International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). The Leader says the latest campaign disclosure records show the union has shelled out around $42,000 for mailers campaigning for Frutos. The Leader admits this union reps more than 100 Burbank City employees and supported newly re-elected City Councilman, Gary Bric, as well.

Leader reporter Meier’s article points out: “The local chapter of the IBEW also spent $18, 861 on Councilman Gary Bric’s primary reelection campaign — more than five times what he spent. He won reelection outright with more than 50% o the vote.”

The Leader says Frutos campaign receipts amount to around $13,982. So that means the IBEW local has spent about three times as much as Frutos has on his campaign.  Hmmm, proportionally the union spent more on Bric’s campaign. No hit pieces from the Leader about that. Perhaps, this is due to the fact that the newspaper endorsed Bric — just as it has Emily Gabel-Luddy. (disclosure: I have endorsed Frutos on this blog). By the way, Council Members Bric and David Gordon have endorsed Frutos, too.

Also, the union may have spent less on Bric’s campaign because he’s an incumbent and more on Frutos’ campaign, a first-time contender for a city council seat.  A little obvious to some — but apparently not to the Leader staff.

In an e-mail to me, Frutos responded to the Leader’s attack: “The IBEW represents Burbank City Employees and is a part of our community. As a candidate I do not control who they chose to support or what they chose to do. I appreciate their support of my ideas to balance our city budget and I am very happy they joined me in supporting the idea that our employees should pay into their retirement plans and that employee bonuses must come to an end. From what I have seen the IBEW is not engaged in personal attacks but is asking questions about the source of contributions and endorsements.”

In the Meier article, City Council candidate Gabel-Luddy, a retired Los Angeles employee, gave this reaction: “I am very disappointed to see IBEW bring Los Angeles-style dirty politics into Burbank,” she said. “I think when the dust settles, the voters will easily see through this ploy and I will continue to focus on the issues that concern Burbank.” Gabel-Luddy admits to receiving some campaign donations from well-connected friends and associates in Los Angeles.

Dirty politics? I really doubt that the support this IBEW local has demonstrated for Frutos falls into that category. If you want to talk about dirty politics, how’s about the  vandalism against Frutos’ campaign signs? There’s been chatter in B-town about the  disappearing yard signs for weeks. These dirty tricks have been mentioned  in this blog.

I asked Frutos if his opponent, Gabel-Luddy, has reached out to him to denounce or disavow any involvement in the dirty tricks involving the vanishing campaign signs. Frutos said: “No I have not received a phone call from Emily Gabel-Luddy regarding this.”

The Leader suggests voters should question the support Frutos has received from the IBEW. I don’t see anything suspect in the union’s support for this city council candidate.  Yet, I do wonder about the timing and ferocity of this attack against Bob Frutos by the Leader.

UPDATED: Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 – As of today four thousand ballots have been received at City Hall, according to Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Municipal Elections sign

The Burbank General Election is just around the corner — on Tuesday, April 12. In the primary a few weeks ago, I dropped my ballot off at City Hall on Election Day. This time, I decided to handle my mail-in ballot differently.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank General Election mail-in ballot March 23, 2011

My mail-in ballot was little ragged when I retrieved it from my mailbox late last month. Chalk up another negative for this controversial mail-in ballot system . Luckily, most of the damage was to the outside envelope. Yesterday, I marked my ballot, tucked it into the secrecy sleeve, and put that into the yellow return envelope. Oh, I affixed a first class stamp to that return envelope as well.

I dropped my envelope/ballot into the mail slot at the post office on Olive Avenue last night. No, it did not feel the same as dropping my ballot into the ballot box at the polls. At the post office I can only hope that my ballot gets to City Hall by Election Day. We’ve all heard of cases where a postcard or letter has taken years to get to its destination in the U.S. Mail. No such worry or concern at a polling place.

I’ve heard the issue of this controversial mail-in ballot is coming back to the Burbank City Council for a review soon. I say, yippee to that.

Dirty tricks & a big fundraiser 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City Council candidate Bob Frutos gave his pitch to a high-powered crowd at a fundraiser in Burbank March 23, 2011

I got another report of disappearing Bob Frutos campaign signs over the past few days. Janet Strong, a resident in that 1800-1900 block of North Screenland Drive, e-mailed me to say Frutos’ signs were vanishing from the yards there. “It is sad that these type of dirty tricks are being played out. Very sad.” Bob Frutos said in an e-mail response about the stolen campaign signs.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Guests listen as City Council candidate Bob Frutos makes his pitch at a fundraiser in Burbank, March 23, 2011

A fundraiser/meet and greet for Frutos on March 23 drew some of B-town’s movers and shakers. The affair was at the elegant home of Burbank Civil Service Board member, Mary Lou Howard.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Civil Service Board member Mary Lou Howard hosted an affair for City Council candidate Bob Frutos at her Burbank home March 23, 2011

Around 75 or so attended attended the affair on a stormy night; among them: Police Commissioner Hagop Hergelian, Police Commissioner Nate Rubinfeld and wife Alma, Police Commissioner Jim Eitter, Dave and Pat Augustine, ex-State Assembly candidate Sunder Ramani, Bob Hope Airport Commissioners Charles Lombardo & Don Brown, and newly re-elected City Councilman, Gary Bric.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City Councilman Gary Bric urged those at a March 23, 2011 event to support Bob Frutos for City Council

Photo: Janet Strong, North Screenland Drive resident, at a city council meeting in Burbank March 8, 2011

The City Council used to be the judge and jury of fairness for the Burbank community. The neighbors could ask for help with any concern. The council listened and with compassion addressed the issues of everyone fairly. Decisions were made by the council with intelligence. And, careful thought was given to what the people of Burbank needed. People who built this town. It was an honor to live here.

Unlike Today’s council — with self righteousness, personal opinions and lacking in professionalism. The March 08, 2011 council meeting shows the usual condescending attitude prevailed. The inappropriate behavior of the Mayor; laughing at Dr. Gordon standing up for the people of Burbank — showed disregard and disrespect for her fellow council member as well as the people she represents. This was a disgrace. Dr. Gordon is the only one on the council who takes his job seriously and works tirelessly on behalf of this community.

Also, implied in her (Mayor Anja Reinke’s) comments: Majority, majority, we will all be dead one day, we don’t own this street and we are suppose to do withat city and government tell us to do. That certainly was out of line.

It seems now, the council can’t get rid of us fast enough. We can die, so the next group of people can move into the neighborhood and have a sidewalk to walk on. They are trying to speed up the process.

Burbank has always been a family oriented town, with parks and all the reasons people move here, including the best police and fire departments. There is speculation, the current council is trying to change this, and make it into a giant metropolis at taxpayers’ expense.

Gary Bric couldn’t wait to re-vote his change of position. Since the council meeting on December 07, 2010 he has been sitting on a hot poker. Not wanting to lose any voter support — saying : “This is about safety for children.” Why, is the safety issue on Jefferies ignored and the one on North Screenland Drive manufactured?

Saying he is sorry for dragging this out for three months, dragging the neighbors through this again, when he knows 90% of those neighbors object, is a cheap shot! He didn’t have to bring it back. What council wants, council gets.

Vice-Mayor Talamantes said: The city is his concern. Councilman Golonski again cast his vote for the forced installation of sidewalks.

It’s a sad day when neighbors have no voice or recourse and come home from council meetings hanging their heads, having been humiliated by four people, who disrupted their neighborhood and punished those residents –by forcing them to have their property destroyed and raising future taxes.

Footnote:  On December 7, 2010, the Burbank City Council voted 3-to-2 against installing sidewalks in the 18-1900 block of North Screenland Drive, supporting the desires of the majority of residents who live there. 

However, Councilman Gary Bric had a change of heart. The issue was brought back. On March 8, 2011, the Burbank City Council voted 4-to-1 in favor of installing the sidewalks. More details on this blog post on the final vote and the controversy.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Municipal Elections sign

 The ballots for the April 12 Burbank General Elections were mailed out today. Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos, says the ballots were sent to all 55, 975 registered voters in the city. Meanwhile, the two City Council candidates on the ballot are burning up the campaign trail.

Last Sunday, Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy, along with about two dozen other residents, braved the stormy weather to attend the “Police and Human Relations” event at the Buena Vista Library; where Burbank Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, gave a frank and informative presentation about the state of the BPD and how the department is dealing with all those lawsuits and investigations swirling around it.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank City Council candidate Emily Gabel-Luddy (orange sweater) attended the "Police and Human Relations" event Sunday, March 20 at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank

The event was hosted by the Burbank Human Relations Council.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Human Relations Council President John Brady and Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse at the "Police and Human Relations" event, Buena Vista Library in Burbank, March 20, 2011

 This week, Burbank Police Commissioner, Bob Frutos, is in full campaign mode. Last night, Frutos spoke to a group of residents at a “meet and greet” on North Orchard Drive.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank City Council candidate Bob Frutos made a pitch for support at a "meet and greet" on North Orchard Drive in Burbank, March 21, 2011

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City Council candidate Bob Frutos spoke at a "meet and greet" event on North Orchard Drive in Burbank March 21, 2011

Frutos has another get together with voters planned for tomorrow night. Also, he told me he’s door knocking and has volunteers phone banking. Both candidates are in that final push for votes with the ballots out and the deadline to return them, April 12, fast approaching. The candidates are vying for one vacant seat on the city council.

 Earlier this month , I e-mailed Burbank Planning Board member, Emily Gabel-Luddy, five questions and she sent back five responses. I posted my questions and Luddy’s answers on this blog March 11.

Recently, City Council candidate Frutos returned his responses to my five questions. Here are the questions and answers:

You’ve had a number of your campaign signs vandalized or stolen, right? How many signs? When did this start happening?

 Over the last month, I have had over 30 signs stolen from the front lawns of supporters.

How do you feel about campaign dirty tricks?

Campaign dirty tricks display a lack of integrity and a lack of respect for differences in view points. They are childish games that discourage public participation and debate.

You’re a full time Los Angeles police officer. Do you think you can handle the demands of the job as a member of the Burbank City Council?

As a senior officer, I am able to change my work schedule accordingly which will allow me to be able to serve as a council member.  I also have the flexibility to select days off during the month which will allow me to be available to the residents of Burbank. I have served for 9 years on the Police Commission and I also served on the Charter Review Committee. I have never missed any meetings. I take my commitments seriously and will make that same commitment to the residents of Burbank as a council member.

Scott LaChasse and several members of his command staff are from the LAPD. Do you think that will hamper your efforts as a council member in making the tough choices for rebuilding the troubled Burbank P.D.?

Not at all, it will compliment the reform process of the organization to a more transparent and cohesive working relationship between command staff, rank and file and the city council.

What do you think about the handling of the North Screenland Drive sidewalk controversy by the city council and city staff? What would you have done differently?

I believe in neighborhood empowerment. The best solutions to our problems are found when we work with and listen to the voice of the people. The city failed to do this in this case and it caused a lot of deep emotions between neighbors, which concerns me. The neighborhood should have been engaged during the early stages of this discussion and solutions should have been explored to address concerns to reach the best possible consensus.

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