Burbank police commissioner resigns

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police Commissioner Jim Etter at the National Night Out kick-off event in Burbank, August 3, 2010

The Burbank Police Commission’s most controversial and perhaps its most dedicated member is stepping down at the end of tomorrow’s police commission meeting. Jim Etter sent a letter of resignation late yesterday to Police Commission Chair, Elise Stearns-Niesen, Mayor/City Council member, Jess Talamantes, Burbank Police Chief and Deputy Chief, Scott LaChasse and Tom Angel.

 No, Etter is not going into hiding or moving out of town as some of his detractors would prefer. At the request of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Etter has accepted an appointment to the County Fish & Game Commission.

In his resignation letter, Etter explains his decision: “My availability, with a new appointment from Supervisor Mike Antonovich, on a County Commission, which holds regularly Scheduled Meetings, and more widely recognized responsibility, will circumvent my attentiveness to Burbank Police Commission Business.”

The resignation letter comes hours before a planned discussion by the city council this evening, which most likely would have ended with Etter’s removal from the police commission. The reason for the discussion: some comments Etter made at a joint meeting of the city council and police commission last November.

 During the past several months, this issue has been kept alive by Vice-Mayor/City Councilman Dave Golonski who apparently has been involved in a long-running feud with the Etter family. The city council should not be used as a platform for vendettas nor a place to settle old scores. The council should accept Etter’s resignation, thank him for his service, and move on to the process of selecting a new commissioner to replace him.

Since his appointment to the Burbank Police Commission back in 2009, Etter has been a rebel or renegade on the panel. When Etter arrived the commission was on the verge of being obsolete.  It met once every four months and had very little contact with the public it was supposed to represent. Etter was fired-up to change things. He pushed hard, ruffled feathers, and sometimes, resorted to theatrics. However, the major achievement of the police commission in the last year should be credited to Etter.

From his first days on the commission, Etter championed the town hall meetings as a chance to have direct contact with the public and to hear residents’ concerns. Etter “dogged” his fellow commissioners about the town hall meetings until they became a reality. Now that the town hall meetings have revived the public’s awareness of the police commission and  respect for it, many have claimed credit for them — but the real kudos should go to Etter.

During his tenure as police commissioner, Etter tried to be a problem solver who  believed it was his job to stay in contact with residents and to voice their concerns. He made some mistakes — at times he was too quick to act or speak without considering the consequences. Nevertheless in my view, his achievements far outweigh his failings.

Hillside view home debate

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- City council members listened to speakers debate an appeal of a hillside development permit Burbank July 12, 2011

 In a move that shocked many in the audience at last Tuesday’s city council meeting, four city council members voted to uphold an appeal of a development permit for a two-story home development at 1030 Via Alta in the Burbank hills. I was surprised. The city council got it right on this issue.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Homeowners Alice and Daniel Parks (both shown wearing glasses) at a city council meeting during the discussion of the a home development project at 1030 Via Alta Burbank July 12, 2011

 The appeal was filed by homeowners Daniel and Alice Parks and Dave and Alexis Hanson. Both couples spoke passionately about the erosion of their view this project would cause and how it would not fit in with the character of a neighborhood where views are prized above everything else.

The Parks produced excellent visuals/graphics showing how the proposed project would damage their panoramic view. They were supported by a number of residents — over 40 of them signed a petition against the development project.

On the other side, Aram and Marine Papazian, their architect, George Avetisyan,  and their supporters.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Marine Papazian defended project plans as her dream home and asked the council to deny the permit appeal Burbank July 12, 2011

The  Papazians have been through several design changes and will have to now go through more. They have a nice size lot with options.  However, that is not always the case, especially in the hillside areas. Hopefully, this will send a message views are part of the character of the Burbank hillside communities and will be protected.

 Council member Emily Gabel-Luddy left the council chambers and did not hear the debate to avoid a conflict. Luddy once accepted a campaign contribution from the Papazians.

A second chance for a group of camphor trees

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Camphor trees along Keystone Street near Verdugo Avenue adjacent to John Burroughs High school stadium project Burbank July 15, 2011

The camphor trees along Keystone Street next to John Burroughs High School are gorgeous.  Tall and sturdy — creating a huge green canopy.  Despite all the talk of protecting the environment and going green — five of these trees were at risk of being removed. The reason: their berries, branches, and roots might damage a new track being constructed as part of the Memorial Field project.

Last Tuesday night, the city council decided to save the trees. This week, work crew are out trimming these trees, which will be done periodically to reduce the amount of twigs and berries that could fall on the track. A wise decision by the city council.

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 -- Police Chief Scott LaChasse at the podium during the joint meeting of the city council and police commission at Burbank City Hall November 23, 2010

The Burbank Police Commission is under siege. The first target is the outspoken Jim Etter, but it appears to be part of a carefully crafted plan by City Hall insiders and their minions to divide and utimately muzzle the commission. The Semichorus blog has an interesting post about the Etter attack with some background on some of the players involved.

A while back, rumors were flying fast and furious about a “certain” city councilman who wanted to disband the present police commission and install ALL new members of his choosing. Sounds outrageous? Remember, ”certain” members of the city council tried to take over the police commission public forum last August, but when that tactic got panned all over town — they were forced to step back. The outrageous and hard-to-believe frequently happens in Burbank city government these days.

Community reaction to the public forum was overwhelmingly supportive for future forums and for this new more involved police commission. Who championed police commission public forums and kept bugging his fellow commissioners and city council member, Anja Reinke, until they all got on board with the concept? The renegade, Jim Etter. Who has pushed this police commission to move away from the docile do-nothing panel it used to be — to one that’s more relevant and beneficial to the community?  Yup, Etter again.  He is the most forward thinking on the police commission, therefore, the most obvious target for some backward thinking critics. 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police Commissioner Jim Etter at the National Night Out kick-off event in Burbank, August 3, 2010

 A full blown attack on Etter occurred at the recent November 23 joint meeting of the Burbank City Council and the Burbank Police Commission.  City Councilman Dave Golonski demanded some kind of code of conduct for police commissioners, because he had “… gotten some pretty serious complaints…there is some behavior I think is highly inappropriate…”

So what or who had Golonski so riled up? You guessed it, Jim Etter. The renegade had been wearing his police commission shirt at non-events, offering his assistance to residents by passing out business cards or posting the cards in his vehicle.

Etter, who has agreed to stop wearing his shirt without permission or handing out or posting his business cards, defended his actions as a way of letting residents know he’s there to help: “You can’t find me on the website … you won’t give me an e-mail… you won’t give me an address…”

Burbank City Attorney Dennis Barlow was called to the podium at that meeting to give a legal opinion that might support Golonski’s charge of “inappropriate behavior.” Barlow’s response:”… no specific codes of conduct… that would apply to commissioners in the city…’

That was just the first round. Also, Etter was accused of  “interfering” with a police officer during one of those infamous Friday Night Classic Car Shows at Bob’s Big Boy on Riverside Drive. Etter, a car buff,  admitted he asked a Burbank Police officer at the event about a parking/traffic situation that the car show participants did not like.

 Later, Etter passed on a suggestion to Police Chief Scott LaChasse, which was used to resolve the issue. So what was the thanks for Etter –LaChasse joined with Golonski at the meeting in accusing him of “interfering” with a police officer doing his duty.

And there is more. During final public comments, Burbank resident Brett Loutensock accused Etter of perjury in some court case…but then admitted”… I cannot prove any of that ..he was asked a question… he perjured himself, in my opinion. He’s a public figure I’m allowed to make those kinds of statements.”

Also, Loutensock admitted he had taken pictures of vehicles in Etter’s driveway, with business cards in the windows, on more than one occasion. Loutensock said he “…took pictures tonight..” and brought the photos and camera with him. Gee, how did Loutensock know that Golonski was going to bring up the issue of Etter and the police commission business cards? Hmm.

When Etter began responding to his allegations… Loutensock got up and walked out. At the end of his statement Etter said of Loutensock: “He’s dead wrong on what he’s telling the council and the public and he should be admonished for that or (laugh)…slapped around a little bit… I don’t know.  He’s just not telling the truth.”

In round two, Loutensock returned to the city council on Tuesday, December 7, and produced what he said was evidence of court cases involving Etter. In an e-mail to me, Etter admitted he had been involved in some court cases, but his memory was fuzzy on the details:” I can’t remember the birth dates of all my children, however, it doesn’t mean I were not there.” He said.

Also, Loutensock claimed that Etter’s final  comment about him two weeks before amounted to threatening “… a member of the public with violence.”  Loutensock called on the council to remove Etter from the commission.  Oh, before he wrapped up …Loutensock thanked council members Gary Brick, Dave Golonski, and Jess Talamantes for their assistance.

In an article last weekend about the Etter controversy on the Burbank Leader website, Loutensock reportedly said he did not plan to “…press criminal charges” against Etter. Apparently the city council has decided to look into the matter.

Interestingly, none of the council members objected when Etter made the controversial statement last month. Perhaps they felt that it was made in jest — not intended to be taken seriously. Sort of like the remark made by Councilman, Gary Bric, at the December 7 meeting during the discussion of sidewalks on a section of Screenland Drive where most of the residents do not want them.

Reluctantly, Bric said he would vote not to include that area in a sidewalk construction project,  but there were some safety issues with overgrown hedges and something had to be done. He felt strongly enough about it to  go down there himself with hedgers and … “knock it down in the  middle of the night…”  Are we going to see some resident come in later and accuse Bric of  threatening vandalism on their property?

I think not. Bric was just trying to make a point. Perhaps the way Etter was doing earlier with a little drama and some theatrics. Maybe in Etter’s case,  he needs to be “slapped around a bit” by his wife before meetings, to shake up his long term memory and to remind him to cut back on the long winded speeches and drama.  Juuust kidding!

How does the Etter controversy affect the rest of the police commission? After the verbal flogging of Etter at that joint meeting last month, the commissioners were told by the city council to come up with a code of conduct for themselves.

 Also, after witnessing the treatment of Etter it is highly unlikely the commissioners will be adventurous enough to reach out to the citizens of this city in any way other than holding monthly meetings or at a city sponsored event like a public forum. That’s a shame.

A full house at the public forum

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- A big turnout for the Burbank Police Commission's first public forum on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in the Community Services Building

After all the hoopla, debates, agenda re-writes, and months of delays, the first public forum held by the Burbank Police Commission in recent memory went off with only a few minor glitches.

 First, additional chairs had to be brought out to accommodate the crowd that showed up last Wednesday night, August 18, in the Community Room of the Community Services Building on Third Street, across from the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Resident speaks out at Burbank Police Commission public forum on Wednesday, August 18, 2010

More than 100 people were packed into the Community Room. A large number of personnel from the BPD filled the seats around the perimeter or stood along the wall.  That I’m told, along with the location of the forum, created an air of intimidation and tension for many in the audience. All of the Burbank City Council members were there and so were a number of other city officials and staff.

Most of the 13 speakers who stepped to the mike spoke about personal situations, some involved allegations of harassment by BPD or hassles with neighbors. The 800 pound gorilla in the room, aka the police mess, was touched on briefly or alluded to by only a few speakers. Interesting, considering the chatter on the blogs and around the town for the past weeks and months has been about the police corruption, scandal, firings, lawsuits …etc and the need for some direct answers from Interim Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, about what is REALLY going on in the BPD.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse provided some lengthy statements about various projects in the BPD at the public forum, August 18, 2010

If Burbankers came to the public forum to hear about identity theft, crime mapping, and prison reform, well they got an earful from Police Chief LaChasse. As has become his habit, LaChasse danced around, but did not answer, any question related to the police mess.  More and more it seems, the BPD is being run like a secret police in a foreign country where only a privileged few get to know what’s going on — and that does not include the public who’s paying the bills for its operation and its mistakes.  

Word is the Interim Police Chief is lobbying hard for the job permanently. Clearly, LaChasse is not seeking the approval of the public, but of the city government establishment — some of the same officials who may have had a hand in allowing the police mess to get to the point that it’s costing us millions and millions of dollars. Since the forum, I’ve heard more people say “we’re going to have to rely on the Feds” to do the clean-up of the BPD. They just might be right on that.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G- Police Commission Chair Robert Frutos delivers opening remarks and introduces his fellow commissioners at the public forum, August 18, 2010

As for the Burbank Police Commission, it received positive and encouraging comments from many speakers. Chair Robert Frutos introduced his fellow commissioners: James Etter, Hagop Hergelian, Elise Stearns-Niesen, new member Robert Cohen, Vice-Chair Nathan Rubinfeld, and Secretary Ray Adams.

The commissioners appear to have a strong commitment to the community and a new take charge attitude as demonstrated by Commissioner Adams. When he was alerted by a resident that the forum was not following the printed agenda, Adams quickly took action and  got it back on track. Hopefully, the forum is the first step to a stronger relationship between the Burbank Police Commission and the community.

Update on axed after school program   

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

Last Tuesday, I spoke with Julio Herrera of the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley, and he assured me that his organization was starting a new after school program at David Starr Jordan Middle School. However, this new program, unlike the previous one, would require a $75 a year membership in the Boys & Girls Club.

Last Sunday, I blogged about the highly-regarded long-standing free, city funded, after school program at Jordan Middle School getting terminated by the city budget cutting axe. Today, I clicked over to the Burbank Unified School District website and checked under after school programs for Jordan Middle School – and yes, there are now details about the Boys & Girls Club program and study hall in the library option as well.  Also, information on how students can ride the “Got Wheels bus” — something the parent who contacted me was reluctant to allow her child to do because of city officials’ refusal to answer pertinent questions about that supicious city bus accident back in January, involving some students from Jordan and Emerson Elementary.  

I still think the city should pick-up the cost of the Boys & Girls Club program for parents. The cancellation of the previous program has caused problems for parents who found out about it just before the new school year began last Monday. If the city officials can find money in the budget to pay for raises to certain “select” employees, they should be able to find a few dollars to help out some parents and their children.

Gripes & Complaints

Did you hear the heartbreaking story that a homeless woman and her daughter told during public comments at last Tuesday’s city council meeting? The woman complained she could not get help for herself and two children. Yeah, the story was convoluted and difficult to follow, but it was pretty evident the  family is in need of assistance.

Steve Ferguson updated the story on his blog, “Politically Speaking” the next day, when he discovered the family still living in a park. The mother had been injured — but still had enough concern to ask Ferguson’s friend to buy something for her son to eat.

Later at the public forum, I asked Burbank City Manager, Mike Flad,  about the woman’s situation. Flad insisted the woman had been given a voucher for a two day stay in a hotel. That’s it? That family needs at least a two-month or even a six-month place to stay in order to get their lives together. And why are they hungry? Could not one of the charitable organizations that get funds from the city find food for this family? This is a shame. City officials need to do something to help this woman who once owned a home in Burbank. She should be able to benefit from some of the tax dollars she has paid to the city over the years.

City budget cuts terminate after school program 

Monday, August 16, is back to school day for the Burbank Unified School District. For some David Starr Jordan Middle School students and their parents, there might be more than the usual degree of anxiety that goes along with the first week of school.  

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

Recently, I got an e-mail from a very upset parent who felt blindsided, earlier this month, when notified about the dumping of an after school program at Jordan: “I only found out when we picked up the back to school packet. It said due to budget cuts it was canceling the program so I have to assume that it is for the year. This is where the kids hang out in the gym with some supervision from two teachers until 5pm. Most of the kids play basketball and others do homework. It is a blessing for working parents as it gives me a chance to get across town. It said that the kids could catch the Burbank got wheels bus to either Olive or Verdugo. I am not happy about my kid going on the bus (after your reporting of the bus crash and your subsequent receipt of a veiled threat) but I have no choice now.” (more on that controversial bus accident later)

A Burbank school administrator, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, admitted the program filled, “…a huge need in the community.”   If you go to the Burbank Unifed School District website and check under after school programs at Jordan you’ll find a blank page.

This weekend, I’m hearing from two different sources, that efforts are underway to replace the axed after school program with one run by the Boys & Girls Club. One major hitch, the previous program was free — the proposed one is not. The city should pick-up the tab for these parents. If there’s money for “certain” city employees to get raises in this difficult economy – there should be money to help out these Burbank families.

Bus accident flap

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- West Olive Avenue and South Orchard Drive in Burbank

I’m still waiting for a Burbank City Council member to request the police report on that controversial bus accident and answer some important lingering questions about it for the public.

The accident occurred on January 15, 2010 at Orchard Drive and Olive Avenue in Burbank. There were no reports of injuries in that bump-up between a city bus and a vehicle. The passengers were students from Emerson Elementary and Jordan Middle School. I heard about the accident from various sources and posted a story on this blog back in March.

City officials insist it was a “Got Wheels” bus, but my sources tell me the police report suggests otherwise. Also, there MAY BE questions about the bus driver’s qualifications. I got what appeared to be a  threatening e-mail from Interim Community Development Director, Greg Herrmann, when I asked questions about that accident.

The City Attorney, Dennis Barlow, has blocked my request and those of others in the public for copies of that police report. However, Barlow has indicated city council members can see that report. So a Burbank City Council member needs to step-up, view that police report, and clear the air for the public in public!!

That upcoming public forum

For months, Burbank Police Commissioner, Jim Etter, pushed for a town hall meeting to get input from city residents about their concerns and issues as related to the police department. That simple and clearly defined concept, with the guidance of Burbank Mayor Anja Reinke and other city officials, has been reshaped into something called the Police Community Forum as it’s called by the BPD. Or as it’s listed on the City of Burbank website, City Council-Police Commission Community Forum.

The Burbank Leader article on the event skipped the title confusion and just called it a public forum. The Leader article reported that the BPD is still struggling to deal with  allegations of misconduct, discrimination, lawsuits along with probes by outside agencies and at least two high profile controversial officer-involved shooting sin the past few months. The scandal in the Burbank Police Department is the biggest and most controversial story in this city, in the last 15 months or so, and has received nationwide attention.

The lawsuits and the clean-up of the BPD are costing taxpayers millions of dollars — they deserve to know NOW how and where that money is being spent, not later at sometime in the distant future.

If you read the tightly controlled agenda for the forum, the State of the Police Department presentation from Interim Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, is on police service information, prison reform, crime mapping and identity theft. What about an update on the police mess? That was the reason LaChasse got hired –to get the BPD back on the right track.

The public deserves to know what LaChasse is doing to improve the department and a summary of the recent actions taken as a result of the police mess. That’s a no brainer, unless of course you’re trying to distract the public from knowing what is really going on in the BPD.

The forum agenda has been through a lot of re-writes — but it could use some more tweaking.  Oh, and it would be nice to include an introduction of the Burbank Police Commissioners — it’s supposed to be their forum, right?

The forum is this coming Wednesday, August 18, from 7-to-9 p.m. in room 104 of the Community Services Building at 140 North Third Street in Downtown Burbank.

Should you get rid of your lawn? 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank resident on Bel Aire Drive turns front yard into a cactus and rock garden

 Many Burbank residents are re-thinking their lawns in light of the skyrocketing water rates. A few have exchanged sod for cactus and decorative rocks. There are other alternatives as well using wild flowers and native plants.

Last month, I attended a “Take Out Your Lawn with Lili Singer” session  at the Burbank Buena Vista Library. Singer, a native plants expert, gave an overview of the alternatives including more water conserving types of grasses. The next session is at the Buena Vista Library again, this coming Wednesday, August 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Also at the July 28 session, Burbank Recycle Center Specialist, Ferris Kawar,  made a pitch for volunteers and homeowners to take part in a new turf removal program. A few lucky Burbank residents will be selected to have their lawns removed and replaced with water conscious alternatives. The homeowners are required to pay for the plants and design, while the program will supply the labor. For more information contact the Burbank Recycle Center, (818) 238-3908.

Gripes & Complaints 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The pay- to-park machine near the alley gate entrance to the parking lot of the Downtown Burbank Post Office at 125 East Olive Avenue

 I still think that paid parking deal at the Downtown Burbank Post Office is a terrible idea, even with the new rate scale. I first reported on the parking boondoggle here, on this blog, a few weeks ago on June 26. 

Recently, I spotted signs revising the flat $3 parking for all after hours parking at that U.S. Post Office. The new signs say $1 for 0-2 hours and $3 for 2-10 hours.  I guess that means if you want to mail a letter, pick up your mail from a P.O. Box or any other postal business it will only cost you a buck. That’s a bummer. 

That parking lot should be offering free parking to those doing business at the post office and to the folks who come into the downtown area to spend money at local businesses and entertainment venues.

Burbank City Council approves new budget and utility fee hikes

Last night the Burbank City Council green-lighted a $785 million budget for fiscal year 2010-2011. The tally  4-to-1, with only Councilman David Gordon voting against the budget. As with past budget debates, Dr. Gordon was the lone member of the council fighting to try to “keep utility rates down.” 

I have watched this recent debate, week after week, and I do think the four other council members believe they are doing what is in the public interest. I disagree with them, and support Dr. Gordon’s position that with all the millions being spent in this new budget there should have been enough money to cap utility rates in these tough times.

Can you blame staff, many of whom live outside of Burbank, for pushing a budget with no layoffs and plenty of hidden merit raises for themselves, even in this recession battered economy? I guess not, but city council members should be able to see beyond the self-interest, but most do not.   It is up to the voters to send the council members a message they cannot refuse to hear — through the ballot box. Mayor Anja Reinke and Councilman Gary Bric are up for re-election next spring. Bottom line, if the makeup of the council remains the same, the votes on major issues like the budget will probably remain the same.

Under the new budget, water rates will be jacked-up 13.5% and electrical around 2.9%. And that’s not all. Trash and sewer rates will increase, too. By the way, one of the main architects of these fee hikes, Water & Power General Manager, Ron Davis, is up for a huge raise to his six-figure salary. Guess where that money is coming from? The city council is scheduled to formally discuss Davis’ pay hike at its July 6, 2010 meeting.

Burbank Police Commissioner resigns

 Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police Commissioner Claudia Bonis listens to the discussion at a police commission meeting back in fall of 2009

A lot of chatter in Burbank about the unexpected resignation of long-time Burbank Police Commissioner, Claudia Bonis. The phones started ringing and e-mails flying about the surprise decision late Monday. Bonis’ resignation to Mayor Anja Reinke and the Burbank City Council, dated June 21, 2010, cites “personal and private reasons” for stepping down from the commission.

Bonis had been a member of the police commission for 9 years and was very reluctant, at first, to accept the new pro-active agenda pushed for by other members of the body. As one police commission watcher said, Bonis “has come around” in the past few months. She’s become a supporter of the upcoming town hall meeting and now sees there are real problems in the Burbank PD that need solving.

Recently I got a shock, when Bonis told me she reads and follows, “the blogs.”  Wow!  Bonis has been involved in community service for more than 30 years. Perhaps in the future, she might find a way to once again serve the citizens of Burbank.

Burbank residents complain about shoddy repair work

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove – A crew working on a sidewalk repair project in the Burbank hillside area in spring of 2010

Recently a homeowner over on East Angeleno Avenue near South Bel Aire Drive, gave me an earful about what she described as shoddy work and rude behavior by a sub-contractor doing ramp and sidewalk repair in the Burbank hillside area, late this past spring.  The homeowner complained and pointed out to me sub par work done on and near her property and spoke about similar problems over on Orange Grove Avenue. The homeowner wondered why Burbank city inspectors were not out keeping a closer eye on the quality of work. Oh, she railed about the unprofessional attitudes of some of the sub-contractor’s workers as well.

To get some answers, I shot off an e-mail to Burbank Public Works Director, Bonnie Teaford, on June 16, 2010 and got a quick informative response. Teaford identified the sub-contractor as Kalban, Inc. and said the company had completed several projects for the city of Burbank “over the years.”

I asked if Teaford had received any complaints about Kalban’s work from homeowners: “Yes. As with any sidewalk project when we are working directly in front of residents’ properties, issues arise and we do our best to resolve them.”

Clearly, there have been problems with Kalban — then, why keep giving this company city projects? Teaford’s answer: “They were the lowest responsible bidder.” This seems to be a citywide practice — low bidder, poor quality work, and later city pays a bunch of money for additional repairs. You’d think, city officials would have figured out, especially after the millions of dollars of repairs to the Police and Fire Headquarters, that paying a little more to get the job done RIGHT the first time is the prudent way to spend taxpayer dollars.

My adventures in composting

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — My free compost bin from the Burbank Recycle Center

Yesterday I fed my compost bin an assortment of goodies: wilted lettuce, tangerine peels, other fruit and veggie scraps along with pieces of paper, balls of lint from the clothes dryer, and hair clippings from my recent visit to the hair salon. Not my idea of a feast, but the little hungry recycling critters in the bin consider this gourmet faire. I’m pretty sure something is happening in the bin now that I’ve added some important premium players or eaters, red worms.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Master Gardener/Compost Expert,  Jessica Craven, gives instructions with wit and humor to attendees at the June 12, 2010, Burbank Sheridan Gardens Nursery workshop.

I dropped by the two compost workshops at the Sheridan Gardens Nursery on North Hollywood Way in Burbank a few days back. The Sheridan Gardens are lovely to stroll and browse or sit and learn.  Compost Diva, Jessica Craven, taught both workshops. Craven was the instructor for the workshop I took back in May, which got me into the compost groove.

Along with tips on how to build the compost pile and what to dump in it, we got some freebie including little baggies of organic potting soil. Also, I scored some red worms from Burbank Recycle Coordinator, Kreigh Hampel. The red wigglers are voracious processors of organic waste. The worms are supposed to be able to produce pounds of dark, nutrient-rich soil like material called compost in a matter of a few months. We’ll see. I’ll post future updates.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — participants at the June 9, 2010 Burbank Sheridan Gardens Nursery workshop give a plate of compost the sniff and touch test. This is the finished soil amendment waste recyclers hope to harvest from their compost bins.

A final exit for actors Dennis Hopper & Gary Coleman

Photo:  Mark Boster/ Los Angeles Times — A frail Dennis Hopper gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, March 26, 2010

A legendary Hollywood  “Bad Boy”  

 Veteran actor and co-star of the cult classic motorcycle/road film, “Easy Rider” (1969), Dennis Hopper, died last Saturday, May 29, at the age of 74, after a battle with prostate cancer. Hopper reportedly passed away at his home in Venice, California surrounded by family and friends.

Hopper appeared in over 100 films. He lived a life that was, at times, as colorful and wild as some of the characters he played on the big screen.  The Los Angeles Times website has a tribute and extensive photo gallery on the life and talent of Hopper, who was a writer, director, and photographer. as well as a gifted actor.  

Star of TV hit “Diff’rent Strokes” dies

Former-Child Star, Gary Coleman, gained fame for playing the lovable chubby-cheeked kid, Arnold Jackson, in the  TV comedy, “Diff’rent Strokes.” However as an adult, Coleman’s life was filled with drama, mishaps, and misfortune.  He died last Friday, May 28, in a Utah hospital after being taken off life-support. Coleman reportedly suffered an intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding within the skull) and then slipped into a coma last week. Coleman was only 42. People Magazine website has more on the troubled actor’s death and life.

Disney employee arrested and charged with insider trading scheme

A lot of buzz on the Internet and here in the Media City about the arrest of Disney employee, Bonnie Jean Hoxie and her boyfriend, in an FBI sting operation.  Hoxie and Yonni Sebbag were taken into custody last Wednesday in Los Angeles and arraigned in federal court that afternoon. Both were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy.  Each suspect is facing up to 25 years in prison on those charges.

Hoxie is (was) the administrative assistant to Zenia Mucha, Disney’s head of corporate communications. Hoxie and Sebbag reportedly were nabbed trying to sell insider information on Disney’s quarterly earnings to undercover FBI agents.  

The word is this scheme was pretty dumb — with the alleged suspects discussing their game plan in e-mails! Oh, in one e-message, Hoxie reportedly talked about the Stella McCartney handbag and shoes she wanted to buy with the plot-dough. Instead, Hoxie and Sebbag are going to be shelling out a lot of their own money for lawyers.

Hoxie was released on $50,000 bail. Sebbag is considered a flight risk, so he’s still in custody.  More details on the alleged scheme and the undercover operation at L.A. Times and Deadline.com/Hollywood.

More controversy simmering in B-town

Some Burbank city officials probably think their stonewalling will end the inquiries about that suspicious bus accident involving school children last winter. Not a chance.  The first media report of the strange circumstances surrounding that bus vs vehicle accident on January 15, 2010, at Olive Avenue and Orchard Drive, appeared on this blog back on March 20, 2010.

City employees had been talking about that accident for weeks, then I heard about it.  Here’s a quick recap: 21 Burbank school children, from Emerson Elementary and Jordan Middle School, were riding on that bus. It was a minor mishap. I’m told the other vehicle swerved, hit the bus, knocking off the side mirror. No injuries. However, the controversy is over what type of bus was carrying those children. City officials insist it was a Got Wheels bus.

However, my reliable sources tell me the police report states it was not a Got Wheels bus, but a regular Burbank transit bus. This has sparked questions of whether the city is putting children’s safety at risk by side-stepping regulations for buses designated for children, in order to save a buck or two.

At the suggestion of Burbank City Manager Mike Flad, I e-mailed Interim Community Development Director, Greg Herrmann, about the matter for a clarification. However, Hermann did not take kindly to my tough questions and sent me, what came across as, a threatening e-mail. I posted e-mails from that exchange in a blog post on April 6.

Then on April 21,  I posted another story on my blog about Activist Mike Nolan asking Flad for an investigation into the bus accident and the e-mail threat I got from Herrmann. Nolan made his request at the televised city council meeting on April 20. Flad agreed to provide a report on the bus accident.

So here’s the latest. At the May 18 city council meeting, Nolan expressed disappointment that Flad had reneged on his commitment to provide that report. What happened surprised a lot of folks. City Attorney Dennis Barlow declared the bus accident a ”legal matter” saying that was “due to potential litigation.” Barlow explained he had provided the city council members with a summary of the accident, but there would be nothing to report to the public.

 Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Attorney Dennis Barlow 

 After that May 18 city council meeting, I asked City Attorney Barlow what type of bus was involved in that accident. He said quote,” It was a Got Wheels bus.”  When I asked what kind of “potential litigation” would be involved in an accident with no injuries and a busted side mirror — he would not comment.

The day after, I dropped off a formal media request, at BPD Headquarters,  for Burbank Police Records Technician Supervisor, Deborah Wilson,  asking for a copy of the police/traffic report on that bus accident, with the required $15 in cash enclosed.  I got back a rejection, dated May 24,  in the mail with my 15 bucks. Along with the rejection letter, a copy of ”the call for service for this incident” with preliminary information — but no traffic report from the scene of that bus accident.

Mike Nolan is still on the hunt for an unaltered copy of that police report and so am I. Burbank city council members should be demanding to see this police report and not accept some lightweight summary from the City Attorney. Did they not learn anything from the police mess Burbank is attempting to dig its way out of right now. Sooner or later the real facts will come out and if there is “potential litigation” as Barlow stated, council members need to show they did not stick their heads in the sand, but acted decisively in the public interest. 

Another Honeybee sighting

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter’s cool “Honey Bee” — a beautifully restored 1956 Chevy Bel Air parked n the Burbank City Hall parking lot May 19, 2010

This time I had my camera with me and was able to snap a few shots of Chevy Jim’s classic ride. When I drove into the Burbank City parking lot for the Police Commission meeting, Wednesday, May 19,  I caught sight of a couple of young dudes posing and profiling in front of Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter’s 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible.

The “Honey Bee” really grabs attention. After the meeting, I walked out into the parking lot with Commissioner Etter and over to the pretty Chevy. A couple came over and just stared at “Honey Bee” in awe. Etter made their evening, by allowing them to slide into the front seat.

Warning! Don’t try that if Etter is not around. “Honey Bee” is security tight. You can look, admire, and even take photos, but no joyriding without the owner’s permission.

Grand View claims checks in the mail

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A young visitor spends a few moments at a relative’s gravesite at Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale on March 7, 2010

The check is in the mail or has already arrived for more than 14-hundred folks who filed valid claims in the class action lawsuit involving the landmark Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale. That lawsuit alleges a long list of violations including selling non-existing grave plots and the mismanagement of remains and gravesites at the 120-plus-year-old cemetery. Also back in 2005, a state investigator discovered thousands of human remains at Grand View that had been improperly handled.

The defendants, among them the present owner Moshe Goldsman, did not admit guilt, but agreed to settle the class action lawsuit for around $3.8 million last October. The settlement was finalized earlier this year on January 19.  Over a million bucks of that went to the lawyers.  Also, $500,000 was set aside for the restoration of Grand View, which it badly needs. And finally, 1,460 claimants were awarded $1, 296.23 each.

A Burbank resident I know, got one of those checks recently, but still has concerns about the future management of the cemetery, and of course, when it will be open with regular hours.  More than two years ago, at the height of its troubles, Grand View was shut down and has been opened for months now, only occasionally, by the order of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Anthony J. Mohr.  Grand View is scheduled to be opened to the public, noon to 4 p.m. this coming Sunday, June 6, and again on Father’s Day, June 20.

Check out the archives for more Grand View posts and photos.

Million $ plus script deal

Two heavyhitter screenwriters have really scored an out-of-this-world script deal with a ton of zeros attached. Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilli reportedly have sold a movie pitch to Disney and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer in a deal that’s a low-seven figures against $3.5 million payday. Wow!

The Wrap is reporting the pitch, yeah there isn’t even a script yet, is called, “Lightspeed.” The project is described as an epic space adventure about a young hot shot space pilot who must navigate his ship on a dangerous mission through a galaxy on the brink of war. Apparently the buyers see this as a 3D event movie.

Oh, Rossio and Marsilli hold the record for the highest spec sale –a romantic thriller called, “Deja Vu.” Disney and Bruckheimer shelled out somewhere between $5 and $8 million for that spec back in 2004. Nice to see a couple of writers making big money.  

Mega Millions officials looking for owner of valuable ticket

Could you use some extra cash, like around $167, 371?  Well, if you have a lucky lottery ticket that matched five out of six winning numbers in the Mega Millions draw on April 27, 2010, then that money belongs to you!

Mega Millions officials say the ticket has the numbers 50, 41, 37, 23, and 55. The only winning number missing is 6, the Mega Ball. That ticket was bought at the Chevron gas station at 267 South Indian Hill in Claremont.  

Right now the Mega Millions jackpot is at $12 million. The next draw is tomorrow, Tuesday, June first at 8 p.m.

It’s a wrap for Burbank Mayor Gary Bric

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Mayor Gary Bric read a statement about the lawsuits and investigations swirling around the Burbank Police Department at the September 29, 2009 city council meeting. 

Mayor Gary Bric is off the hook… somewhat. Last night, Bric presided over his last Burbank City Council meeting. Over the past months, Bric has improved in his job. The soon-to-be-ex-mayor still needs work in some areas, like when it comes to handling the public comment sections of the meeting. 

The way it’s set up, each person gets five minutes to speak on matters related to Burbank or city business in the first comment section. There were 24 cards from people who wanted to step to the podium last night.  As he has in the past, Bric suggested the speakers be brief and not take all of their allotted time. I think folks who come down to city hall and go before the council with their concerns and issues, should not be discouraged from speaking the entire five minutes. It’s their right. The council members have the responsibility and duty to listen and take those concerns seriously — even if the number of commenters push the meeting to a late hour.

Also, Bric has gained the confidence to stand-up to Councilman/tough guy, Dave Golonski. Last night, Golonski became impatient with Burbank resident Eden Rosen’s explanation of the problems in her apartment building and interrupted her. Golonski claimed Rosen’s complaints did not rise to the level of city business. Rosen insisted it was Burbank business because the building on Olive Avenue was subsidized with taxpayer funds. Bric decided Rosen had a right to speak. Council members Anja Reinke, Jess Talamantes, and Dr. David Gordon refused to get involved — so Bric’s opinion won out.

Over on The Burbank Leader website, there’s a farewell statement from Mayor Gary Bric. The mayor doesn’t mention the Burbank police mess (those lawsuits and investigations), instead focusing on events such as the unveiling of the Dr. David Burbank statue and his trip to South Korea with Vice-Mayor Reinke.

Speaking of Reinke, she has the inside track to become the city’s next mayor. That’s reason to worry. Frequently, Reinke is barely attentive at council meetings and has not shown a lot of sensitivity to the concerns of regular Burbank citizens. 

Example, Reinke has been dancing around scheduling a town hall meeting for the Burbank Police Commission to hear citizen concerns. At the Wednesday, April 21 Burbank Police Commission meeting, the Vice-Mayor did a clumsy tap-dance around why she hadn’t made any progress in scheduling the town hall meeting. Reinke seems more intent on getting “answers” and “plans” together to defend the city rather than giving citizens the opportunity to speak their minds.

Last night Reinke, who is the liaison from the council to the police commission, brought up the town hall meeting, hinting she might have something relevant to say about it at the next police commission meeting, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Reinke is a fast talker. I just wish there was more substance in what she says.

Oh, if Reinke is having trouble figuring out how to organize a town hall meeting, perhaps she should ask those who put together the two city council town hall meetings in 2008, which she attended. Below, are a couple of photos from those town hall gatherings.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Then Mayor Marsha Ramos, Council members Anja Reinke and Dr. David Gordon listen to speakers at a town hall meeting back in the winter of 2008.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A full house at a town hall meeting held at the Burbank Buena Vista Library in the winter of 2008.

Another controversial firing at a top Hollywood agency

 Nikki Finke is reporting on her  Deadline.com Hollywood that another talent agency controversy is brewing involving a minority assistant. This time the assistant, Katrina Lopez, was shown the door by United Talent Agency for a writing a blog or blog post called “Confessions of a Hollywood Serial Dater.”  According to Finke’s sources, Lopez did not mention names or where she worked. However, a UTA executive is quoted in Finke’s post as saying the assistant violated a number of company policies (probably some they are busy creating now) as well as she “…chronicled personal details of a UTA employee she was dating.” The UTA executive thinks the firing puts an “…end to the story.”  No way. It’s being talked about on the Internet, and according to Finke, the assistant is considering legal action.

Burbank student wins major scholarship

 Burbank High School student Heawon Yang is one of the 2010 Gates Millennium Scholars!  One thousand outstanding minority students were selected from 45 states, Washington, DC, and three U.S. territories. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shelled out $1.6 billion for the scholarship program, which is administered by the United Negro College Fund.

Gates Millennium Scholars receive financial assistance, academic support, mentoring and leadership training. The program was established in 1999 by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda. Wow, talking about putting your money to work to help others. These scholars, who come from low-income homes, reportedly have an average graduation rate of almost 80 percent — 45 percent higher than the six year rate for all college students.

“By supporting a diverse cadre of students to earn their degrees, we can help develop the next generation of leaders in communities across the country,” according to Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, Margaret Daniels Tyler.

Bees buzzing Burbank and beyond

I spotted some of those eager pollinators in my flower garden during the past few days. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees — the most prolific pollinators. Bees are being watched very carefully not just by researchers, but by average gardeners. In 2006, millions of bees died or mysteriously disappeared. Some experts have labeled it “Colony Collapse Disorder.”

The phenomenon could be the result of a virus, predatory mites or even pesticide. Scientists haven’t reached a definitive conclusion.  The bee decline continues, but has slowed down some. The other pollinators such as wasps and butterflies have suffered as well — but none has been as hard hit as the bees.

Bees help plants and flowers flourish our gardens, as well as  pollinate one third of the crops in our food supply. Due to the bee die-off and its ramifications, I appreciate bees more when I see them at work in my yard.  

Meanwhile, researchers up north at U.C. Berkeley have been studying the diversity and habits of native bees in the state since 2005. La Canãda Flintridge is a part of that survey, which is an extension of the Urban Bee Project that’s being ongoing since 1987. The other cities in the survey are Ukiah, Sacramento, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara.

So far, La Canãda Flintridge has scored the largest number of bees with 94 species. Probably some of those species go hunting for pollen and nectar in the flower beds and landscaped areas of Burbank as well.  Want to learn more? Loads of bees-in-your-garden tips here.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

Controversial court ruling involving one of the lawsuits swirling around the Burbank PD

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge dismissed Burbank Police Officer Jamal Childs as a plaintiff from that explosive discrimination lawsuit filed against the Burbank PD last May by five of its minority officers. On Thursday, March 18, Judge Joanne O’Donnell ruled the statute of limitations had expired on Childs’ claim. Hmm, Childs has been a Burbank Police officer for five years. It’s not like his complaints date back 20 years or so.

Well no surprise the attorney for the officers, Solomon Gresen, plans to appeal. Here’s the Leader story about it. Also, plenty of chatter and information about the ruling, Judge O’Donnell, what constitutes a hostile workplace, and similar discrimination cases over on Jim Carlile’s blog.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse

LaChasse’s plan of action

While the city attorneys are busy fighting the allegations of misconduct and civil rights violations in the police department, the new Burbank Police Chief, Scott LaChasse, is making changes. On the job since January, LaChasse is wasting no time in shaking up the department.

At last Wednesday’s Burbank Police Commission meeting, LaChasse introduced two new key members of his team, cop psychologist Dr. Larry Blum and Deputy Police Chief Tom Angel, who comes with 30 years of experience at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

LaChasse mentioned improvements were being made in the BPD with the “Department of Justice” in mind. Gee, it sure sounds like LaChasse has discovered there is merit to some of those allegations and complaints against the Burbank Police. I doubt the chief would be trying to fix what wasn’t broken.

What about those town hall meetings?

Vice-Mayor Anja Reinke is a lousy tap dancer from what I can tell. At Wednesday’s meeting, Police Commissioner Jim Etter asked Reinke about the timetable for setting up town hall meetings with the public. Reinke babbled on and on about the problems arranging the meetings and how city officials wanted to have their excuses, ah, responses worked out first, before taking public questions about the police mess. 

Perhaps it was more of a bad case of moonwalking by Reinke. Nevertheless, Etter, the main advocate of the town hall meetings on the commission, listened to her explanation patiently this time. It will be interesting to see if Reinke has the nerve to try to pull the same stunt at next month’s police commission meeting.

State Assembly candidates forum at Burbank City Hall next Wednesday

A televised forum for candidates vying for that vacant seat in the 43rd State Assembly District is set to get underway at the Burbank City Council Chambers next Wednesday, March 24, starting at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The League of Women Voters Glendale/Burbank is sponsoring the event. (Maybe the Vice-Mayor should get some pointers from them on how to put together such an event)

By the way, the League is asking the public to submit questions for the candidates via e-mail or by phone. Details here. The primary special election is April 13, 2010.

Ex-Mayor Marsha Ramos still on the hot seat  

More grief for Former Burbank Mayor/Council Member Marsha Ramos. At that most informative Burbank Police Commission meeting, during oral communications, Activist Mike Nolan indicated Ramos’ deposition about the police mess had prompted threats to subpoena her phone records. According to Nolan, Ramos has hired a lawyer to protect her rights.

A strange accident involving a Burbank city bus filled with school kids

A lot of talk and concern in B-City about a traffic accident involving a school bus — that really wasn’t a school bus. Confused?  Well, wait it gets more complicated and weird.

Sources tell me a Burbank City blue bus, with 21 kids on board (ages 11-14), got into a traffic mishap with another vehicle at Olive Avenue and Orchard Drive around 3:20 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010. The accident was minor — no injuries, but it raises a number of questions about why the city blue bus was being used as a school bus.

The California Highway Patrol handles all school bus accidents, but the agency refused to deal with this accident because the bus was not a state certified school bus. Even the bus driver was not certified to drive a school bus.

What’s going on here?  Is the city trying to save a few bucks by using regular city transit buses as school buses, violating state mandates and putting children’s lives at risk? How many of these not-really school buses are transporting children around town? Do parents know about the situation?  More on this later.

Parking violations at the Downtown Burbank post office

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Downtown Burbank post office

So what’s up with all the folks boldly parking illegally at the Olive Avenue post office after hours? There are only eight spaces, two are for handicapped drivers, on the side of the building. Rarely can you pull into one of those spaces after dark, because they’re filled with the vehicles of people working nearby or shopping or dining or catching a flick at the AMC or whatever.

There are signs posted that clearly state the parking is only for those doing business in the post office. Burbank traffic cops need to crack down on these violators who force others to double park or do some other kind of inventive parking, just to run in to the post office to buy stamps, mail a letter or package, pick up mail from a P.O. Box …etc.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Hall at East Olive Avenue and North Third Street.

Last Tuesday night’s Burbank City Council meeting was like a marathon, it went on and on, but for a good reason. The city council had a busy agenda filled with issues and concerns on December 8 and that packed the chamber at city hall.  The controversy over declawing domestic cats brought out the largest crowd and got the city council bombarded with over 100 e-mails.

During a public hearing on a proposed city ban on the practice, speaker after speaker argued against declawing calling it cruel, even ”inhumane,” and claimed it is primarily being done for the convenience of pet owners. They suggested such simple alternatives as clipping a cat’s nails and providing a scratching post for the feline in order to protect furniture.

A small group of opponents of the ban spoke out as well. Some of them cited pet owners with health issues like “compromised immune systems” as a good reason for declawing. Still others defended declawing as  medically safe, if done properly, and a choice that should be left up to the pet owner and a veterinarian.

Burbank Police Captain Janice Lowers, who supervises the Burbank Animal Shelter, came out in support of the ban. Captain Lowers said the shelter has seen a number of declawed cats with health and behavior problems. After some debate, the city council voted 4-to-1 in favor of banning the declawing of cats only. The lone “no vote” came from Mayor Gary Bric.

Two female Cal State Northridge students sitting next to me were taking diligent notes. One of the journalism students was baffled by Bric’s vote against the ban and asked me about it. Earlier, Bric had stated he couldn’t vote for the ban if it included all animals. Well, Council Member Anja Reinke changed her motion to only cover cats and Bric still voted “no.” I thought that was odd and I couldn’t explain it to the confused student. The way I see it, if you’re going to have a declawing ban it should cover all animals, not just cats. The emergency ordinance takes effect immediately, beating a December 31 deadline for enacting declawing bans. Burbank is now the eighth city in the state to outlaw declawing of cats.

Public comments and the rest of the agenda items followed, so the city council meeting did not wrap until well after midnight. While the rest of us headed for home, the council members went into closed session to deal with more city business.

In retrospect, this was a good council meeting because the council members stayed focused on the issues, this time around, and did not get into petty squabbles. This is something the Burbank Police Commission should try to emulate. At the December 2 meeting, the police commission proceedings were hampered by constant bickering on the panel. There is a huge divide growing between the renegade commissioner, James Etter, and the rest of the panel. How can the police commissioners step up and help solve some of the serious problems in the Burbank Police Department when they can’t seem to stop fighting among themselves? I was very disappointed. I had high hopes for this police commission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

The Burbank Police Commission’s July meeting yesterday at the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters was very difference from the previous month. In June, the commission voted to adjourn before conducting any real business because of a cloud of uncertainty hanging over newly appointed commissioner, John Brady.

In a controversial move, the Burbank City Council voted to remove Brady from the police commission citing his probation for  a DUI as the reason. Nevertheless, the human rights activist showed up at yesterday’s commission meeting and sat with a small group of local citizens.

This time around, a written agenda was handed out to the public and those wanting to speak to the commission were given the chance during oral communications. Oddly, the June commission meeting did not have oral communications, even though the printed copies of the minutes of that meeting stated otherwise. Burbank resident David Piroli pointed this out to the commission, which acknowledged the error and said it would be corrected. The written minutes are the only official records of the police commission meetings.

The commissioners may have been a bit apprehensive when Brady stepped up to speak for five minutes. Brady soon put them at ease. There was no rancor or anger from him. Brady spoke politely about the importance of the commissioners handling their duties responsibly, “…power should not be taken lightly  …” and then, wished the commission well. Burbank resident Ester Espinoza used her five minutes before the commission to lay out some of the long running complaints she has about what she believes is  mistreatment of her family by the Burbank police.

The most hard hitting speaker was long time resident Mike Nolan who began by admitting, “I’m really pissed off.” Nolan proceeded to explain he has been asking a series of questions at Burbank City Council meetings for weeks and so far has not received any answers. Nolan’s questions pertain to the alleged lawsuits and investigations swirling around the city. For the commission, Nolan laid out the questions again, which included: “How many lawyers have been hired” to deal with the investigations? “How many law firms?” “When did you hear about the cowboys or cowgirls?”

Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr responded by saying, “…not to my knowledge —not to my staff knowledge…” to Nolan’s question about a subversive group in his department. Both Chief Stehr and Burbank City Attorney’s Juli Scott attempted to assure Nolan that the information he requested was being gathered. Attorney Scott told Nolan he would probably get the information “… before next Tuesday’s” meeting of the city council.

Next, the commission elected new officers. Only five of seven commissioners were present: Robert Frutos, Hagop Hergelian, Claudia Bonis, Elise Stearns-Niesen, and James Etter. The Burbank City council has not appointed a replacement for Brady. Nathan Rubinfeld was absent, however, that did not stop his fellow commissioners from electing him vice-chairman. An odd decision, since Rubinfeld was not there to either accept nor reject the nomination for office. Also, Stearns-Niesen was elected secretary and Frutos chairman.

It appears the police commission and the police department have heard public concerns about the effectiveness of this board. There was quite a bit of discussion about the duties of the commission and how to stay connected with Burbank residents. Attorney Scott handed out memos on meeting procedures and an overview of the California Brown Act, which requires local government bodies, boards, and commissions to hold open public meetings. Also, Stearns-Niesen introduced a motion to request the city council to change the commission’s quarterly meetings to monthly. That motion passed four-to-one with only Bonis voting against it.

Also, Chief Stehr and members of his staff gave reports on crime statistics, budget, and recent activities in the police department. The most disheartening was an update on the Kitty Pants caper. Stehr reported that the latest efforts to get the adoptive family to give Kitty Pants back to its original owners, Amy and Jim Roach, have failed. So it looks like Kitty Pants will not be coming home any time soon.