On Monday, a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury ruled in favor of the city of Burbank in the discrimination/retaliation lawsuit trial of Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez. In an article up on the Burbank Leader website, City Attorney Amy Albano is quoted as saying: “We believed that Ms. Guillen had not been discriminated against or retaliated against . We are pleased that the jury system worked for us in this case.” Wait, wait! It may be a little early for city officials to be high-fiving each other. I’m hearing an appeal is being seriously considered.

A well-connected source tells me the jurors were leaning toward ruling in Guillen-Gomez’s favor and giving her a six-figure award, however, the judge’s late decision to toss out most of the officer’s complaints tied their hands. Judges have been wrong, trial verdicts overturned — so this case may not be a closed book just yet.

In the past few months, the city has lost two of these BPD lawsuit cases and won one. Not a great score. The city has spent millions fighting these cases — reportedly as much as $3.4 million on Guillen-Gomez’s case alone. Also, the city has handed over millions for new programs, consultants, and changes in the BPD since a slew of  lawsuits were filed against the department beginning in 2009.  In the Leader article City Attorney Albano addresses this: ”It’s my understanding that the complaints happened before the changes with the current command staff.” You gotta wonder, if Guillen-Gomez’s case and the others were without merit, then why was it necessary to bring in Interim Police Chief Scott LaChasse and his team to make some sweeping and very expensive changes?

Lawsuit trial of Burbank police officer in hands of the jury

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez at Fire Service Day/National Police Week celebration in Burbank May 12, 2012

A Downtown Los Angeles jury is expected to continue deliberating today in the lawsuit trial of Burbank Police Officer Cindy Guillen-Gomez. This is the third trial in the past few months  involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the BPD brought by a current or former member of the force.

Guillen-Gomez’s trial got underway last week. Judge Joanne O’Donnell trimmed the allegations in the suit, originally filed back in May of 2009, to pregnancy discrimination and retaliation, and failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation. After spending the week in court, Guillen-Gomez was out representing the BPD at the Fire Service Day event in Downtown Burbank last Saturday (that’s where the photo with this post was shot). Guillen-Gomez has been the department’s community resources officer since February of 2011. In January of 2000, she became the first Hispanic female to be hired as a police officer by the BPD.

City of Burbank sued over Walmart store

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Site of a future Walmart 1301 North Victory Place at the Empire Center in Burbank

The retail giant Walmart is moving  ahead with plans to occupy  the old Great Indoors site at the Empire Center. Recently, three local residents, Shanna Ingalsbee, Katherine Olson, and Yvette Ziraldo filed a lawsuit to attempt to stop the Walmart store from opening in Burbank, according to this article that appeared on the Burbank Leader website dated May 8, 2012. The article is well written and contains the basic facts, including the attorney filing the suit, Gideon Kracov, who represents the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 770.

The group calling itself  Stop Walmart in Burbank sent out an announcement on Friday May 4 about this lawsuit and it said, “…we wanted to let everyone know the specifics of the case before it became public knowledge.” However, this announcement did not include the simple basic facts of the names of the persons filing the suit nor the attorney involved. I sent an e-mail requesting this information, but no one from the group responded. This is not the first time I have experienced a “no response”  from the Stop Walmart in Burbank  group to a request for additional information. Interesting.

Applications for two top Burbank city positions

Starting today, the Burbank City Council will be accepting applications for the next three weeks for the appointments of City Clerk and City Treasurer. In an odd twist that has fueled quite a bit of chatter in B-town, Margarita Campos resigned her position as City Clerk in a retirement letter dated March 5, 2012 and a few weeks later, in a similar retirement letter dated April 13, 2012, City Treasurer Donna Anderson resigned from her position. Campos will remain on the job until June 1, Anderson until July 7.

I received copies of both resignation letters from the City Attorney’s Office. Both letters were directed to City Manager Mike Flad. Anderson also copied a number of city officials and staff. Strangely, neither letter acknowledged the voters who elected Anderson and Campos to these important positions with six-figure salaries. Another curious twist of events in  Burbank politics.

UPDATE:

City of Burbank sent out a news release on these two positions just before noon today. Here’s the release.

05-14-12

BURBANK, Calif. – Burbank’s elected City Clerk and City Treasurer recently announced their retirements, effective June 1, 2012 and July 7, 2012, respectively. Pursuant to California Government Code § 36512, the City Council of the City of Burbank is accepting applications for appointments to the positions of City Clerk and City Treasurer. The appointments will complete the unexpired terms of the current incumbents, which run until May 2013. Pursuant to Charter Sections 800 and 810, applicants must have resided in the City of Burbank for at least 29 days prior to filing nomination papers or declaring their candidacy and must be a registered voter.

The City Clerk’s Office will accept applications for both positions during the three week period of  Monday, May 14, 2012 through Friday, June 1, 2012. The City Clerk’s Office will verify both Burbank residency and voting status for all individuals who submit applications by the closing date.  Applications and job information are available on the City’s website, BurbankUSA.com .

Candidates will have an opportunity to tape a three minute video to discuss their qualifications. This will be available for public viewing on the City’s website and The Burbank Channel. The Council is scheduled to make the appointments on Thursday, June 28, 2012.

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Firefighters demonstrated the technique for extricating victims trapped in vehicle accidents at Fire Service Day in Downtown Burbank May 12, 2012

Fire Service Day was celebrated in Downtown Burbank today with demonstrations, exhibits, displays, and special treats for the kids. In years past, a number of other agencies and groups have participated. This time around, the Burbank Fire Department partnered with only the Burbank Police Department and the California Highway Patrol — in conjunction with National Police Week.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Young potential firefighter is shown how to handle a hose in the kids' obstacle course at the Fire Service Day in Burbank May 12, 2012

Photo:FLLewis/Media City G -- Councilman Dr. David Gordon at Burbank City Council meeting March 20, 2012

A person of interest reportedly has been interviewed in connection with that brick through the window incident at Burbank Councilman David Gordon’s optometry office on Hollywood Way last month. It happened on March 16 at around 10 p.m. and according to Burbank Police Officer, Joshua Kendrick, a suspect “.. was last seen fleeing the scene, southbound on Hollywood Way in a vehicle.” Dr. Gordon say nothing like this has ever happened in his 30 years of business: “the act of violence against my office was shocking and most unfortunate.”

Yesterday I got an update on the investigation from Sergeant Darin Ryburn, over in BPD Media Relations. In an e-mail, Sgt.Ryburn stated a person of interest had been questioned. Also, Ryburn says the investigation is wrapping up and soon the results will be handed over to the City Attorney’s office “… for review of possible misdemeanor charges ..”

The city of Burbank sent out a news release on the court victory of former Burbank PD Deputy Chief Bill Taylor late yesterday. Here it is.

Burbank is Unsuccessful in Bill Taylor Case

Burbank, Calif. - After a lengthy trial, a superior court jury returned a verdict against the City of Burbank in a workplace retaliation lawsuit filed by former Deputy Police Chief William “Bill” Taylor.

From the beginning, the City believed that its actions were justified and in the best interests of the Department and City.  Accordingly, the City vigorously defended this case and is disappointed with the decision.

Burbank’s City Attorney, Amy Albano, responded to the decision by stating, “Although the City is obviously disappointed with the decision, we are confident in our position and will be looking at all appropriate options about how to move forward as a result of this decision.”

The City would like to acknowledge the hard work of its legal defense team, in particular attorneys Ron Frank and Linda Savitt.

Looking toward the future, Burbank’s Mayor, Jess Talamantes, stated, “In consultation with the City’s legal team, we will continue to work for the best interest of the community. Ultimately, the City would like to successfully resolve cases like this and move forward in continuing its mission to ensure the public safety and welfare of our citizens.”

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A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury late today reportedly handed former Burbank PD Deputy Chief Bill Taylor a major court victory. I’m hearing the settlement awarded to Taylor, $1-2 million.  In his lawsuit, Taylor claimed he was demoted and then fired after pointing out a suspected case of sexual harassment in the department to then Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr and Burbank City Manager Mike Flad back in 2009. Also, Taylor says in his lawsuit that he “… repeatedly complained from April 2008 through April 2009..” about mistreatment and discrimination against minority police officers. At the time, Taylor was well respected and considered to be a pillar of integrity and the “moral compass” of the BPD. In May of 2009, Taylor was demoted to captain and eventually fired.

Taylor filed his lawsuit September 22, 2009, joining at the time, four Burbank police officers, a lieutenant, and a former detective who were suing the city of Burbank for alleged misconduct and mistreatment in the BPD. In May of 2009,  I began asking questions and reporting on what has become known as the “mess” in the BPD.   More on Taylor’s lawsuit in this previous post.

In an article posted on the Burbank Leader website this evening Taylor’s attorney, Gregory W. Smith, is quoted as saying “… “I always believed his story. I have great faith in the justice system and I knew people would see that as well.”

The Leader indicated Smith might ask for Taylor to be re-instated as deputy chief or at least be given the opportunity to retire” honorably.”

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: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank

Burbank Police are calling last Saturday’s drug-take back event “…a huge success!” The public was asked to drop off unwanted prescription drugs at the Burbank PD headquarters on October 29. This is the first time this department has joined forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration for this type of event.

The Burbank round-up collected approximately 250 pounds of drugs. The DEA took charge of the drugs, which were later destroyed.  Burbank Police officials say last Saturday’s event helps keep drugs out of the hands of children and reduces “… prescription drug abuse.”

Got some expired or unwanted prescription drugs you want to toss out? Don’t dump them in the trash. Not good for the environment. You can take them to the Burbank Police Department, 200 North Third Street, tomorrow October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Burbank Police are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to conduct a drug take- back on Saturday, in the rear parking lot “… free of charge, no questions asked.” 

Officials are hoping the drug round-up will prevent the abuse and theft of dangerous prescription drugs. More details on the city of Burbank website here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank

Burbank Police sent out a community alert today about  a second reported mountain lion sighting in less than a month in the Media City. The first occurred back on August 4, near Kenneth Road and Brown Drive. The second sighting late yesterday, was once again in the hillside area — this time, residents reported seeing the wild cat in the 900 block of Country Club Drive, according to the Burbank PD.

In both cases, the mountain lion sauntered back up into the hills without causing a problem, except rattling some nerves. But what about the next time? Are these predators, who are supposed to avoid humans, getting bolder? These are the logical questions that come to mind.

The Burbank PD’s community alert on this mountain lion sighting is posted on the Burbank City website here. It includes advice and precautions for dealing with mountain lions.

The price of copper is on the rise and so apparently is copper wire theft.  Today Burbank Police announced the arrest of three suspects in what appears to be a very creative copper wire theft ring.

Last Friday, the suspects reportedly showed up at a home in Burbank claiming to be with the local cable company, Charter Communications. They were wearing “..hard hits, utility belts, and orange vests…” according to a Burbank PD press release.

The suspects told the resident they were there to “…cut old wire down from the utility pole.” The suspects completed the job and then left. However, “a concerned neighbor” wrote down the suspects’ vehicle license plate number and called police.

Investigators later tracked down the suspects through the address registered to the vehicle. In a search, authorities say they discovered “numerous hard hats, utility belts, orange reflector vests, and cutting tools.”

The male suspects reportedly admitted to stealing copper wire and selling it for profit. They have been identified as 29-year-old Jesus Arreguin-Lopez of Panorama City, 26-year-old Jose Esparza of Van Nuys, and 30-year-old Juan Lopez of Los Angeles.

This incident is part of a growing problem in the Media City. Burbank Police: “During the past few months there has been an increase in the theft of metal from power sub-stations, parks, and local businesses. The thefts are taking place at all hours of the day and night.  These thefts typically involve the theft of wiring or piping.  Thieves are using different types of tools to remove the metals.  There have been additional thefts of aluminum support bars from bleachers at our local parks.”

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

 Burbank Police announced the arrest of a suspected child predator late today. Burbank PD was alerted to the suspicious activities of the alleged predator by the Lake Havasu Police Department, according to a press release.

An investigation by the Burbank PD resulted in search warrants being served at the home and place of employment of 48-year-old Stephen Fowlow. Investigators reportedly found evidence that Fowlow had been “sexting” over the Internet with “..a 15-year-old female.” Also, they discovered Fowlow had allegedly been involved with “sexting” with other minors and that he was in possession of child pornography as well.

Fowlow was arrested at his home in the 21-hundred block of North Lincoln in Burbank today, according to Burbank Police Sergeant Darrin Ryburn.  Fowlow is now being held at the Los Angeles County jail on $160,000 bail.

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

 Lately it seems, Burbank has become a favorite target of thieves and criminals — especially when it comes to cars, trucks, and bicycles. In last week’s crime report, put out by the Burbank Police Department, there were three cases involving stolen 3rd row seats.

Burbank Police Captain Mike Albanese has reacted to this ongoing crime wave by saying it’s happening all over Southern California. So what.  Burbank is a small city — stolen 3rd row seats should not be as rampant here as in say, Los Angeles. In past weeks, catalytic converters and tailgates have been ripped-off as well.

Also, last week three vehicles stolen: 200 Cadillac Escalade, 2007 Chevy Silverado, and 2003 Toyota Runner. Oh, and two very expensive bicycle valued at $1500-$2200.

At police commission meetings, Police Chief Scott LaChasse does quite a bit of pontificating about out-of- town-seminars and this program and that program. Enough already, chief.  What we need in Burbank is some good old fashion policing — meaning, more patrol units on the streets and more officers out there cracking down on these crooks. A stronger police presence will have the bad guys looking over their shoulders and thinking twice about pulling “a job” in this town.

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

A history making promotion in the Burbank Police Department. Veteran  police officer, Jamal Childs, has been upped from school resources officer to detective.  This is the first time in 100 years — that’s right — that an African American cop has been promoted in the BPD.

In the past, black officers were ignored or the rules of promotion changed once they were in line to move up to the next level.  For too long, police brass  and city officials made  flimsy excuses  for the discrimination and  pretended there were no qualified  black candidates.

 I doubt this promotion has occurred because of  a sudden desire in City Hall  to do what is right and fair.  I suspect it’s fallout from  those lawsuits charging  discrimination, harassment, and misconduct in the BPD and that probe by the U.S. Justice Department into what is now known as “the police mess.”

Burbank is throwing a huge party on July 8, 2011 to celebrate the city’s centennial. Now if  discrimination and racism were  completely and totally eradicated from all aspects of  Burbank city government  –  that would be reason for some serious  partying.

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.

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 -- Woman on the Chandler Bike Path in Burbank

Late today, Burbank Police issued a warning about a predator who’s stalking women on the Chandler Bike Path. The suspect targets women — walking or jogging — during the morning hours on that path, which is a popular place for exercise enthuses. 

There have been three separate incidents of women being accosted by the suspect in the past month, according to the community alert/public service message put out by the Burbank PD. The suspect reportedly f0llows his victims, attempts to strike up a conversation, makes sexual comments, and in one case, groped a woman. The incidents occurred between Clybourn Avenue and Keystone Street on the two-mile stretch of the bikeway in Burbank.

The suspect is described as male Hispanic, mid-20s, 5-7, thin build, shaved head, and has been seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue sweatpants, or baggy/blousy “workout” pants.

Women are urged to take precautions like jogging or walking with a dog or a partner and to carry a cell phone with the Burbank Police number listed. The direct number of the BPD (818) 238-3000.  For more information on this crime series and additional safety tips go here on the Burbank city website.

Photo: Megan's Law/Media City Groove -- New photo of Amy Victoria Beck March 2011

The California Megan’s Law website profile of ex- Burbank teacher/convicted sex offender, Amy Victoria Beck, has been updated. The story broke here first on this blog that Beck was released from state prison last month, on March 20.

Beck served about 8 months in state prison. In a strange twist, the former David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher turned herself into the Burbank Police back in March of 2010 and reportedly confessed to having a sexual affair with a 14-year-old  male student. Beck was convicted and sentenced to two years in state prison on May 7, 2010. Beck’s fall from popular school teacher to convicted sex offender was covered in the media nationwide.

Burbank Police have refused to release to the media Beck’s booking photo. As part of her sentence, Beck is required to register as a sex offender. By law, Beck was given five days after her release to register in the city where she lives. Beck did so in Sunland, California. Beck’s photo was added to her profile on the Megan’s Law website and appeared here, on this blog, March 30.

Despite being updated with a recent picture, Beck’s Megan’s Law profile still had “Incarcerated” stamped on it last week. I e-mailed the State Department of Justice and asked about the discrepancy. Today when I checked Beck’s profile, I saw the “Incarcerated” stamp had been removed. Beck’s complete Sunland address is on this profile.

California Megan’s Law website  has information on  ”… more than 63,000 persons required to register in California as sex offenders.” Also according to the website: “California’s Megan’s Law provides the public with certain information on the whereabouts of sex offenders so that members of our local communities may protect themselves and their children.”