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

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

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

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

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

Booking photo courtesy Burbank Police Dept. -- 35-year-old Manuel Retana

 Two suspects. Both accused of sexually victimizing a child.  The Burbank Police Department chose to release the mug shot of one suspect — while refusing to do so in the second case. Did the BPD apply its policy fairly?  I don’t think so.

Here are the details. The male suspect is 35-year-old Manuel Retana. He was arrested last Tuesday, September 7,  and accused of  “using his forearm” to brush up against the breast of an 11-year-old girl on a bus.

In a Burbank court last Thursday, Retana pleaded not guilty to committing a lewd act on a child. Retana had been held on $100,00 bail, but was released on his own recognizance, according to an article on the Burbank Leader website.

Retana’s mug shot has been given out to the media, along with a request for more information on the suspect and for any other alleged victims to contact the BPD.

Now the second case involves a female suspect and former teacher at David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank. Oh, and the wife of a Los Angeles Police officer.

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

Last March, Amy Beck shocked a lot of folks when she turned herself into Burbank Police, admitting to having a sexual affair over several months, with a 14-year-old student. Beck and her attorney claimed the 33-year-old mother of three was overcome with guilt and decided to fess-up to the crime.

I requested Beck’s booking photo and was turned down by the BPD at least twice. I first reported this in a blog post on March 11. The reason: the BPD did not consider Beck “… a danger to the community.”  Hmm. You might remember, Beck was originally charged with four counts of unlawful sex with a minor and one count of oral copulation. Beck reportedly volunteered to stay behind bars rather than attempt to post the $175,000 bail.

Thanks to a special deal, Beck was allowed to plead no contest to charges of unlawful sex with a minor and committing a lewd act on a child.  In May, the former Burbank teacher was sentenced to two years in state prison. Also, Beck is required to register as a sex offender. Despite the seriousness of this crime, BPD did not put out a public request for more information on the Beck case nor ask for any other possible victims to come forward.

This is a strange policy being carried out by the BPD. On the surface, it appears to be a double standard, or discriminatory, or worse, racist.  Since both cases occurred on Police Chief Scott LaChasse’s watch, he can’t blame the administration of his predecessor. LaChasse has some explaining to do.

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.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A festive display drew crowds to a National Night Out block party on Chandler Boulevard in Burbank, August 3, 2010

Burbank celebrated National Night Out with around 20 block parties throughout the city earlier this month  on August 3. The nationwide event encourages neighborhood spirit and a strong partnership between the community and police in the fight against crime.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse and Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter show off a $2,500 donation from Target to the BPD, at the NNO Chandler Boulevard block party , August 3, 2010

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A group of children have a friendly exchange with some public servants at the NNO Chandler Boulevard block party in Burbank, August 3, 2010

A block party on Verdugo Avenue

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank firefighters join the chow line at a huge neighborhood party/BBQ on National Night Out, August 3, 2010

Major block party on East Verdugo Avenue in the hillside area of Burbank attracted more than a hundred folks. Long-time Burbank residents/BPD volunteers, Jesse Fox and Judy Andrews, told me this ”let’s get together and party” has been going on for several years on National Night Out. This was my first time attending and I had a terrific time. Along with the personal chatter, I heard quite bit of discussion about the local neighborhood watch and what residents can do to help make their communities safer.

Also dropping by this block party, some Burbank firefighters, Burbank City Councilman, David Gordon, several Burbank Police Commissioners as well as Police Chief LaChasse and his entourage.   

Oh, I gotta give a shout out to Captain BBQ, Franko McGonagle, who not only grilled up some great BBQ, but also dished out some of the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever tasted. No wonder the organizers are thrilled that McGonagle has become a regular at their annual NNO block party.

More photos later.

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.

Two Burbank City Council members speak out on two very different issues

Burbank City Councilman Dr. David Gordon photo from Burbank website

Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski photo from Burbank website

In the past few days, two members of the Burbank City Council have sent letters to two different newspapers about two very different concerns –  producing quite a contrast.

As Dr. Gordon stated in his letter, he began asking questions after”… it was brought to my attention that millions of school bond, state grants and $23 million provided by the city for district-wide modernization of school facilities had been inappropriately used, were not properly account for or simply disappeared.” Gordon criticizes the Leader’s article for its “…distorted and inaccurate..” portrayal of his position.  Here’s the link to Gordon’s letter on the Leader website.

Also, Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski was prompted to write a letter to the Orange County Register for a personal reason — a project in San Clemente where he owns property.  Apparently, Golonski is concerned because he says ”…the project is upside down financially and the City Council is considering bailing it out using taxpayer funds.”

I first saw a post about this letter on the Semichorus blog, where there’s a discussion going on about how Golonski supported a project in Burbank where developer, Michael Cusumano, got a piece of city land for only $100. The property is at Third Street and Olive Avenue. It’s where the $20 million Cusumano Plaza was built.  

Burbank city officials react to yet another lawsuit

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Activist Mike Nolan is a frequent speaker at Burbank Police Commission and Burbank City Council meetings

 In another strange twist in Burbank politics, Activist Mike Nolan has joined forces with Burbank Business Owner, Greg Bedrossian, to try to legally block the development of the 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport Center, at 1903 Empire Avenue.

Nolan and Bedrossian (the owner of the Burbank Athletic Club), have sued the city on the grounds the Burbank City Council’s vote/decision on May 18 approving the controversial project ”… failed to comply with the applicable provisions of the law.”

In a Burbank Leader article, Burbank Spokesman, Keith Sterling, would not comment directly on the lawsuit, but is quoted as saying city officials were “vigorously defending our position and the decision that was made.”  Isn’t that the knee jerk reaction of Burbank officials lately? Rather than looking at the merits of a recent slew of  lawsuits involving the police scandal — they are fighting them all by spending thousands and probably millions of dollars of taxpayer funds. Great for the lawyers, not so good for the city and taxpayers paying the bills.

Controversial tape of the BPOA President’s shaky testimony  

You gotta wonder what the fallout will be from that tape up on YouTube of Burbank Police Officers’ Association President, Detective Mike Parrinello.  The tape shows a portion of Parrinello’s deposition given in matters dealing with the Burbank Police Scandal/Corruption/ mess. It’s spliced with snippets of an audio tape and transcriptions, which appear to demonstrate that Parrinello told less than the truth under oath.

The audio tape is hard to understand at times, but Parrinello’s body language speaks volumes. Get the hook up for the tape on the Semichorus blog.

Gripes & complaints

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G — A Burbank city inspector recently checked out the repair work on East Angeleno Avenue in the hillside area

I’m still hearing the unhappy stories from hillside residents about  what they consider as tacky work done by Kalban — a contractor hired by the city of Burbank to repair sidewalks and ramps in the area.

I first reported about the complaints from homeowners in a City Buzz column last month on June 23. And I’m hearing new complaints. Also, the homeowners are apparently doing their own investigating. I’m told the initial inspectors of the project were freelancers hired by Kalban not by the city of Burbank.

I did spot a Burbank inspector recently checking out the repair work done by Kalban on East Angeleno Avenue. The Burbank inspector admitted hearing complaints of so-called substandard work and damage done to some properties by Kalban from homeowners. However, the inspector dismissed those  complaints and told me he approved of Kalban’s work.

Clearly there is a disconnect between the city standards and the expectations of homeowners. The construction project is expected to be completed by the end of August. More details on the Burbank city website.

It might be an ugly sign of the recession, but there have been two violent encounters involving suspected shoplifters at a major Burbank retail store in less than a week. The latest occurred today at around noon in front of the Kmart store at 1000 North San Fernando Road.

The official Burbank police press release says:”Officers had taken the suspect into custody and were outside the store when a struggle began.  During the struggle, shots were fired, leaving both officers with gunshot wounds. The suspect continued fighting with one of the wounded officers, until he was finally placed under control.  Additional officers arrived and assisted in taking the suspect into custody.”  There are conflicting reports over some of the details of what went down.

A shopper/witness at the Kmart was interviewed by a KNX 1070 newsradio reporter and Joseph Hoage claims the unidentified male suspect “… was definitely handcuffed…” but still was able to “… grabbed the police officer’s gun…”  Other witness accounts claim the gun belonged to the suspect!

Burbank Police Spokesman, Robert Quesada, told me in an e-mail:” We don’t know exactly how things transpired until we find witnesses and interview the officers.  They are still at the hospital.  We sure would like to speak to any witness who saw, recorded the incident.”

One of the officers suffered a hand wound and the other was hit in the leg. One of the unidentified officers was shot several times in the chest, but apparently escaped serious injury do to his bulletproof vest. Both officers and the suspect, who had to be tasered, were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect is expected to be booked on two counts of attempted murder and is due to appear in a Burbank Superior court on Wednesday, July 7.

Meanwhile, Burbank PD is investigation another incident that turned violent near the same discount department store, Last Sunday, June 27. A store security officer reportedly got into a ”fight” while trying to stop and detain two women suspected of stealing some clothes. The suspects allegedly attacked the security officer outside the store.

The security officer was able to get handcuffs on one suspect, while the other got away. Burbank PD responded and took the suspect into custody.

Business is booming at one little shop in Burbank

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Customers waiting in line at Yogurtland in Downtown Burbank

While many local businesses are struggling in this tough economy, Yogurtland is packing in the customers and making serious money!  ”Business is very good.” Jamileth Mendoza, a shift leader, told me with a broad smile as she worked behind the counter last Saturday, June 26. I was out in Downtown Burbank when I noticed this crowded little pink shop near North San Fernando Boulevard and East Palm Avenue.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Yogurtland employee, Jamileth Mendoza, counts change for a customer

Mendoza, a mother of three and writer, has been employed at this Yogurtland since it opened 10 months ago. She says she really gets a kick out of watching the kids and the adults pump their own frozen yogurt into hefty cups and then load on toppings like fruit, nuts, cookies, cereal, candy, …etc  You pay according to the weight of your cup. Basic price: 30 cents per ounce.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Part of the Yogurtland experience is pumping your own frozen yogurt from a series of dispensers — offering an assortment of flavors including pistachio, Irish mint creme, Butterfinger, and pumpkin pie

I had to give Yogurtland my personal taste test. I grabbed a yogurt cup, pumped in Dutch chocolate, chocolate coconut truffle, and pecan praline, then topped it off with blueberries, nuts, cookies, candies, and, well, a lot of stuff. While the Pussycat Dolls played on the sound system, I sat down at a corner table and dug into my creation. After a while, Mendoza looked over at me, grinned, and said: “Delicious?” My mouth was so full, I could only nod. Mendoza laughed and went back to ringing up orders. Apparently my non-verbal response is quite common in this little yummy shop.

For more on Yogurtland, check out the company website.

Burbank City Council makes a controversial decision

A public hearing on a redevelopment project drew a crowd at last night’s Burbank City Council meeting. Actually, the public hearing began last April, but was postponed to allow more time for input from local businesses. The project centers on a proposal by Westwind Properties to create a “campus-like environment” in a Burbank industrial area by closing off parts of Spazier Avenue and Varney Street — between Flower Street and Elm Court. As part of the deal, Westwind gets to purchase the vacated city property for $67,000.

Many of Westwind’s neighbors, small business owners, fought the deal bitterly, but lost. Last night, the council voted 4-to-1 to approve the project with the dissenting vote coming from City Councilman Dave Golonski. This time around, the city council just didn’t rubber stamp the staff’s recommendation of approval.  For that, the council members should be applauded.

Mayor Anja Reinke insisted and got support from other council members to add a condition, which would require Westwind to open the proposed gate at Spazier Street should there be a need for large trucks to use that exit. It was a compromise. A way to move forward on the development of an area city officials consider “blighted” and to give some concession to nearby businesses. 

Burbank Leader reporter heading south

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Reporter Christopher Cadelago outside the Burbank City Council chambers where he covered many issues, debates, and controversies over the past 16 months

Reporter Christopher Cadelago has handed in his resignation at The Burbank Leader and is going to work for the San Diego Union-Tribune starting July 12. Cadelago began his newspaper career as an intern at the San Francisco Chronicle in 2007. The U-C Berkeley graduate arrived at the Leader in March of 2009 and quickly made his mark as a talented hard working journalist.

Cadelago, 25, has covered all sorts of stories for the Leader as well as the nearby Glendale News-Press: from the Burbank Police scandal, to city hall politics, the crime beat, and an occasional feature like that cute story, back in May, about a family of ducks delighting visitors and staff at Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Oh, and I gotta mention that really good report a few weeks ago Cadelago did on the 500-plus Burbank city employees who are earning six-figure salaries. Folks are still talking about that article.

 ”I really enjoyed my time here. Burbank politics –public safety –never boring. I think we were able to get a lot of people, through both the Leader and your blog, talking about the issues.” Cadelago told me last week, when I congratulated him on his new gig as a beat reporter on the Union-Tribune’s metro desk. Definitely a plus for the Union-Tribune and, sadly, another minus for the Burbank Leader/News-Press. Happy Trails, Chris!

Kicking off the long July 4th holiday weekend with a warning

Go ahead, wave the flag, fire-up the BBQ grill, but don’t include fireworks in your personal celebration for the 4th of July holiday weekend. It’s illegal to manufacture, sell, possess, or shoot-off fireworks in B-Town and the cops will be out to enforce the law.

Here’s the word from a Burbank PD press release:

“Beginning Friday, July 2^nd, 2010, and through the weekend, the police department will have active patrols specifically assigned to the enforcement of firework violations.  The police department’s number one priority is to protect the safety of our citizens.  

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) estimates that fireworks are responsible for 30,000 fires totaling over $34,000,000 damage.  At this time of year nationwide, fireworks are causing 7000 injuries and 7 deaths.  The injuries sustained are fairly evenly divided between “safe and sane” (legal in certain municipalities) and illegal fireworks (illegal statewide). 

The police department is asking the public to report any violations by calling the police desk at 818-238-3000.” 

Voters head to the polls on Election Tuesday

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A Burbank pollworker prepares to insert a voter’s ballot into the Inkavote machine to check for errors on Election Day,  November 4,  2008.

Jobs are hard to come by these days, but Los Angeles County officials are still finding it difficult to attract enough pollworkers for the Primary Election, this Tuesday, June 8.  As of last Tuesday, June first, The L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office was scrambling to fill about 200 pollworker positions at various locations.

Pollworkers get paid $80 a day, plus $25 for attending a two-hour training session. There still might be some openings at this late date — call the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County  Clerk’s office at 1-800-815-2666 option 7 or visit their website  lavote.net.

Also, now is the time to pull out your sample ballot and begin to seriously consider the candidates and issues. Remember, there are two races in the 43rd State Assembly District. In the front of the ballot, the primary –candidates are vying for the chance to run in the November election for a full two-year term. At the back of the ballot, the special election in the 43rd State Assembly District to finish out the term of Paul Krekorian, who won a seat on the Los Angeles City Council last fall.  Krekorian’s term ends in November. Only two candidates are still in the running: Democrat Mike Gatto and Republican Sunder Ramani. I believe Gatto is the stronger candidate and he’ll get my vote.

There are a number of other races, along with several important ballot measures.  You’re snail mailbox probably has been stuffed with campaign literature recently. Oh, and those phone endorsements, my favorite (not); more than likely you’ve received a few of those as well. Still, have some questions and decisions to make?  Check out the local newspaper endorsements.

For the Los Angeles Times endorsements, check its website. The Los Angeles Daily news endorsements are here.  Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Tuesday.

Tension and tempers rise again in the Burbank PD

A stinging letter from the big honchos in the Burbank Police Officers Association, posted over on Jim Carlile’s Blog. You really have to wonder if those guys are part of the solution or the problems that are dragging down the Burbank PD. 

The Burbank Police Commissioners should take a gander at the letter and read the comments. Some commissioners seem to think the BPOA would be the first place officers take their complaints. Hmm, don’t think so. The commissioners should seek information from the officers themselves.

More celebrity farewells

 ”A Golden Girl” makes a sudden exit. Seventy-six-year-old Rue McClanahan had some health issues, but appeared to be on the mend. Then last week, she suffered a massive stroke and passed away on Thursday. More on People Magazine website.

A lot of tributes out there for legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, who died late Friday of natural causes at the age of 99. A good selection of stories, photos, memories, and reactions on the  L.A. Times site. 

Lakers and Celtics battle in game 2 of the NBA finals

Lakers go for a repeat at Staples Center this afternoon. Kobe and company beat the Boston Celtics in game one of the NBA finals on Thursday, 102-89. A lot of talk about a sweep. Kobe’s not dealing with that. The Laker star is quoted as saying: “We just want to win the series.”  More on the Lakers and the NBA finals here.

City Cruiser

 Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A cyclist takes it slow and easy along West Verdugo Avenue in Burbank. Nice way to avoid the high gas prices and enjoy the city view.

Catching up on some items from the past few days.

Fire Service Day in Burbank

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Crowds turned out for the salute to Burbank Fire and Police Departments on Saturday, May 8, 2010

The streets surrounding the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters in Downtown Burbank were blocked off for the ”Fire Service Day” celebration from around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. yesterday.  Burbank Police joined in the festivities in honor of National Police Week, which kicks-off today.

I dropped by just before noon and discovered a colorful street festival at Third Street and Orange Grove Avenue. There were fire and police vehicles on display, along with a helicopter, demonstrations, information booths, a rocking band, fire house tours, food, and free balloons for the kids.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — The Burbank and Glendale Police helicopter was a favorite stop at yesterday’s “Fire Service Day” event in Downtown Burbank.

Mingling in the crowds, Burbank Police Commissioner Claudia Bonis, 43rd State Assembly Democratic Candidate Mike Gatto, and 43rd District Field Representative Suzy Jacobs. They were smiling and greeting folks; so were Burbank firefighters and police personnel. It was nice to see considering all the tension, turmoil, and controversy rolling through Burbank these days.

I missed the pancake breakfast, but caught Santoro’s submarine sandwich lunch. It took some patience to buy one of their famous sandwiches. I think I was in line for 20 minutes. Despite the wait, Santoro’s pastrami sandwich (yikes, I had it with onions) was quite tasty. Definitely, I would recommend trying one of their subs. Santoro’s is located at 1423 West Burbank Blvd, in Burbank  91506.  Check out their cool website santorossubs.com

The Burbank Leader calls out city council for snub of Gordon

Photo from Burbank city website: Councilman Dr. David Gordon

In an editorial published late Friday night on its website, The Burbank Leader took some Burbank City Council members to task for repeatedly, and most recently on Monday, May 3, passing over their colleague Dr. David Gordon for mayor or vice-mayor. The Leader did this in a backhanded manner with a few jabs at Gordon, but I believe it’s the overall message that counts here – and that was straight-on target.

Also, what about the well-known criticism of some of the other council members, such as inattentiveness in council meetings, insensitivity toward the public, inexperience …etc  None of these shortcomings stopped the present mayor and vice-mayor from being elected, so why the double standard for Gordon?

Earlier in the week, the council’s snub of Gordon created a storm of protest and condemnation on Jim Carlile’s site and on this blog as well. I’m glad the Leader decided to take a strong stand and join us in calling out the city council on this matter. Read the Leader editorial here.  

One more thing. Why is Gordon the only council member without a bio on the city website? What’s up with that? It’s not like he’s new in the position.

UPDATE: I’ve heard Gordon’s bio will be posted on the city website soon, perhaps by the end of the week.

Sex offender Burbank teacher sentenced

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank courts building on Olive Avenue in Downtown Burbank

The strange saga of that Burbank middle school teacher, who confessed to having sexual affair with one of her male students, came to an end in a Burbank court last Friday. In March, 33-year-old Amy Beck pleaded no contest to charges of having unlawful sex with a minor for several months last year. The victim was 14 at the time.

On Friday, Judge Patrick J. Hegarty sentenced Beck to two years in prison. Beck has been in jail since quitting her job at David Starr Jordan Middle School, and walking into the Burbank Police Department where she reportedly confessed to the crime. Beck’s attorney, Michael Williamson, says she could get out of prison in as little as 10 months. However for the rest of her life, Beck must register as a sex offender. Beck, who has three children, is married to a Los Angeles police officer.

Another grand slam for Dodger Slugger Andre Ethier  

Photo: Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers — Slugger Andre Ethier arrives at home plate to a crush of happy Dodgers who were there to celebrate his walkoff grand slam and 7-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Dodger Stadium.

Andre Ethier’s bat is red hot!  Last Thursday, the Dodger outfielder belted his second career grand slam this season and it’s only May.  Also, it was the first game ending walkoff grand slam for the guys in L.A. blue since Russell Martin hit one in the win against Pittsburgh, back on April 21, 2007.  Coincidentally, the score of that game, Dodgers 7 and Pirates 3.

Springtime treatment for roses 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Nursery Professional Emilio Telles trudges out a rose bush for the show-and-tell portion of the “Rose Care for Beginners” class at Armstrong Garden Center in Glendale on Saturday, May 8, 2010

In my pursuit of gardening and yard care tips, I attended the “Rose Care for Beginners” class at the Armstrong Garden Center at 5816 San Fernando Road, Glendale 91202. Nursery Professional Emilio Telles explained and then demonstrated the proper technique for giving rose bushes a light pruning in the spring. Telles gave the group a lesson in fertilizers, soil amendments, regular and organic,  as well as instructions on how to handle bad bugs and disease.

After our very rainy winter, a big problem is that white stuff on rose bushes — powdery mildew.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Armstrong Gardens Rose Expert Emilio Telles points out powdery mildew and then gives the class some tips on how to get rid of it.

The one-hour class whizzed by very quickly. A lot of really good information for growing everything from your roses to trees, lawns, and whatever.  Another plus — the class is free.  If you’re an orchid grower — on Saturday, May 22 at  9 a.m. there’s a class on repotting at the Glendale Armstrong Garden Center. Also, there are a lot of great tips and guides for all levels of gardeners on the company website. Or you can drop by the Glendale location, which has been expanded and looks terrific, and ask Telles or any of the staff for advice.

A new Burbank mayor, but will it mean real change?   

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — (L-R) Vice-Mayor Jess Talamantes, Councilmen David Gordon, Gary Bric, Dave Golonski, and in the center, Burbank Mayor Anja Reinke             

Burbank has a new mayor and a new vice-mayor. Yesterday, the Burbank City Council selected Anja Reinke as mayor and Jess Talamantes as vice-mayor. I must say, Reinke smiled and bubbled at this city council meeting more than at any other I’ve seen her attend in the past year. However, the big story is who did not get picked for one of these high profile positions — long time council member, Dr. David Gordon.

In a rare consensus, both The Burbank Leader and Jim Carlile’s popular blog reported on the Gordon snub. Ah, Carlile’s post has a lot more punch and vigor than the Leader story.  Carlile calls the council action against Dr. Gordon discriminatory — and I agree. 

The Leader reports that some Burbank council members have said privately “… they wouldn’t support him (Dr. Gordon) based on his never voting to approve a budget and his earlier call for then-Chief Tim Stehr to step down.” Who made that rule that certain decisions by a council member means he or she gets disqualified from holding the office of mayor or vice-mayor? Is that in the city charter?

Some tough issues facing the city and the council in the coming weeks and months. How much confidence can the public really have in the council’s handling of these issues on its behalf — when council members can be so blatantly unfair to one of their own. 

Secret tapes, lies, and conspirators

Photo of Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn Sr.

Another hot topic on Carlile’s blog — alleged secret tape recordings made by Sergeant Neil Thomas Gunn Sr.,  the Burbank police officer who committed suicide last fall. I have heard many rumors about Gunn leaving behind a clever trail of evidence accusing ex-Police Chief Tim Stehr and others of complicity in the Burbank Police mess.

Carlile reports that Gunn made some secret tapes, which his wife and her lawyers are going to use in a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. Read about it here.

Controversial changes on Verdugo Avenue

 Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A cyclist rolls along in the new jumbo bicycle lane on a section of Verdugo Avenue in Burbank May 3, 2010

Before the city council reorganization meeting kicked off, I had a brief chat with Burbank Public Works Director Bonnie Teaford about the Verdugo Avenue project. I’ve heard quite a bit of grumbling and complaining about the changes (some of the gripes are in the comment sections of this blog).

Bike lanes have been added to a stretch of Verdugo Avenue from Olive Avenue to Hollywood Way, reducing traffic lanes to one in each direction with a  yellowed turn section in the middle. I occasionally drive this section of Verdugo Avenue. Yesterday afternoon at around 5 p.m. I drove it again.  I spotted several, perhaps 5 or 6, cyclists riding in the bike lane during a 20 minute period.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — A cyclist shares the road with traffic on Verdugo Avenue in Burbank May 3, 2010

Teaford says her department is monitoring the project and collecting data from the community – now  through October — then will report the findings to the city council for a decision on whether it gets a thumbs up or thumbs down verdict. Teaford summed up many of the claims about traffic hassles to simply, “…change is hard for people.”

Major “Honey Bee” sighting in Downtown Burbank

 Plenty of hot looking cars in the Southland — many in Burbank. I scoped on Chevy Jim aka Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter cruising down Olive Avenue yesterday, in his very cool fully restored 1956 Chevy Bel Air convertible called “Honey Bee.”  Etter was behind the wheel, the top was down, and the ”Bee” was turning heads and getting stares.

Check out the before and after photos of this award-winning classic car on chevyjim.com  

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

A death in the Burbank city jail

More strange events in Burbank. First, over the weekend, an inmate reportedly was found hanging in his jail cell. It was reported on Jim Carlile’s blog and then on The Burbank Leader website that 60-year-old John Alfred Flores’ body was discovered on Easter.

Flores, a domestic violence suspect, was jailed after an incident Sunday morning. Early reports are calling it a suicide. The Los Angeles Coroner will release the official cause of death after its investigation.

I went looking for a press release about the inmate death on the Burbank city website, but couldn’t find one as of Tuesday morning.  Gee, what’s with that?  It’s not like a death in a Burbank jail cell is routine or business as usual.

Suspicious bus accident prompts investigation by city officials

Add another probe to the list of investigations going on in Burbank. Last month on March 20, it was first reported here about talk around town, particularly among city employees, about a strange bus accident in Burbank involving a city bus and a bunch of school children.

The accident happened back on January 15, 2010 at Olive Avenue and Orchard Drive. It was a minor collision between a bus and another vehicle. No injuries. The thing that sparked the talk is that the bus was apparently a regular city bus, not one designated to carry school children. From what I heard, the California Highway Patrol, which handles all school bus accidents, refused to touch this one because of the type of bus involved. So is this some kind of cost cutting measure by the city that’s putting children’s lives at risk? 

I asked the City Manager Mike Flad about this accident and he told me to contact Interim Community Development Director, Greg Herrmann. This is where it really gets interesting. I sent Herrmann an e-mail on March 30, 2010, asking about the bus accident.

My e-mail:

Dear Greg Herrmann,

I have some questions about a traffic accident involving a Burbank city bus. City Manager Mike Flad recommended I contact you. The accident occurred on January 15, 2010 at Olive Avenue and Orchard Drive. There were 21 school children on that bus who were picked up earlier at Emerson Elementary and Jordan Middle School. I am told this was not proper school bus, not a “Got Wheels” bus, not a youth bus, and not a pupil activity bus. That is the reason the California Highway Patrol, called to the scene, refused to write-up the collision. I understand all accidents involving school buses are handled by the CHP. 
 
The driver, Duane Beekman, was not licensed to drive a school bus. First, why was a regular Burbank transit bus being used to carry school children? How often is this happening in the city of Burbank? Are parents aware that their children are riding on a bus that does not qualify as a school bus?
 
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
 
Sincerely yours,
 
Fronnie Lewis
 
writer/blogger
http://mediacitygroove.com/awritersgroove/
 
Greg Herrmann’s e-mail response on March 31, 2010: 

Ms. Lewis,

 My information on this incident is that it was a Got Wheels! bus operating on its normal fixed route, which circles through the city stopping at fixed stops like libraries, parks and recreation facilities and other after-school and weekend destinations.  While it may in fact have picked up a number of kids at the fixed stops near Emerson and Jordon, it was not a “school bus” in the sense that it collected the riders at the schools and delivered them at their residence.  The Got Wheels! system operates the same as any other public transit bus, except that it is only available to youth whose parents have pre-registered for the service.   

You ask below why a regular Burbank transit bus is being used to carry schoolchildren?   Again, my understanding is that it was a Got Wheels! bus that was being used, which is our normal operating vehicle for this youth-dedicated route.  The Got Wheels! buses are the same basic vehicle that is used for the Senior & Disabled service, except that they have the Got Wheels! insignia in addition to the BurbankBus designation that all City transit vehicles display.   

I hope that this information adequately responds to your questions.  Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. 

Greg Herrmann

Community Development Department

City of Burbank

Since Herrmann’s information contradicted what I had heard, I sent a second e-mail on March 31, 2010: 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove –Burbank City Hall

Herrmann’s second response is one we’ve seen all too much of lately by Burbank city officials. It’s the “circle the wagons and go on the attack” reaction, rather than dealing with a problem or situation.  Where is the concern for the community, specifically the children?  I haven’t seen the police report on the accident, but it must really contain some damaging details to prompt the city officials to try to track down and “punish” those who were concerned enough to talk about it.

By the way, according to what I’ve heard, the Burbank City Attorney’s Office has been aware of this accident for some time.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police patrol car

A new controversy is causing more debate and concerns about the Burbank Police Department. This time, the questions are being asked about the actions of Burbank police officers involved in that dramatic pursuit/suspect shooting last Monday, March 29, that ended near Universal City.

Television news video of that incident has focused nationwide attention and more scrutiny on the troubled BPD already reeling from lawsuits and investigations brought on by charges of discrimination, civil rights violations, and excessive-force allegations. Also, the department is struggling to recover from the suicide of Burbank Sergeant Neil Gunn Sr. last fall, which has been linked to the turmoil in the department.

The suspect, 30-year-old Steve Satterly, was on the run in a stolen SUV Monday afternoon. Police say Satterly was wanted in Indiana on suspicion of attacking his pregnant ex-girlfriend. The CHP was in hot pursuit of Satterly on the freeways, but Burbank police took over the chase once the suspect hit city streets.

On Barham Boulevard near Buddy Holly Drive, the suspect reportedly tried to maneuver around traffic and a Burbank police officer fired at the driver’s side window. There’s a lot debate about whether this shooting tactic was necessary and whether it put the lives of nearby motorists and officers at risk.

A short time later, Satterly abandoned the stolen vehicle and tried to make a getaway on foot not far from the entrance to Universal Studios. Several shots were fired at the fleeing suspect by two Burbank police officers. Satterly was wounded, arrested, and taken off to a local hospital where he has been listed as being in stable condition.

In describing the incident before the Burbank City Council on Tuesday night, Police Chief Scott LaChasse says the suspect  was “…hit in the side.” LaChasse declared there would be a lengthy department review of the tactics and the use of force in this incident. Also, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office is investigating the tactics used by the police officers as well.

Burbank Police Spokesman Sergeant Robert Quesada told me the officers involved in that controversial shooting have been “…temporarily re-assigned to desk duty pending a preliminary investigation.” Sergeant Quesada did not identify the officers, but another source did provide me with the names. On this blog, I have mentioned the names of officers connected to the Burbank police scandal or “mess” as it’s become known. So I’m going to use the names of the Burbank police officers involved in this controversial chase/shooting. They are Larry Hill and Kitty McDonald. Their names have appeared on Jim Carlile’s blog, which has some interesting posts and lively debate about the incident.

 The Los Angeles Times has a good write-up about the incident, the investigations, and what some crime experts think about the tactics used by those Burbank police officers.

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.

File Photo from March 2008: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Council Member/Mayor Marsha Ramos 

Former Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos is speaking out again about those allegations of misconduct against the Burbank Police Department. Ramos is interviewed in Today’s Burbank Leader about a deposition she gave last month to attorneys representing five Burbank Police officers, who filed a lawsuit against the department in May of 2009, alleging discrimination, racism, harassment, and other civil rights violations.  

The first time Ramos shared her concerns in the media about this lawsuit and the city “system” that produced it was last year on this blog: “I’m saddened, because I think this should have been avoided. Leadership is critical. That said, I recognize first hand, that hands are tied by a dysfunctional system that escalates conflicts to a point of no return.” More of Ramos’ comments published here on June 12, 2009.

In the Leader article, Ramos points an accusing finger at certain city officials for questionable handling of the allegations and for keeping city council members in the dark about problems in the city’s police department: “The amount of information that we, as a council, were given about police department issues was very, very limited.”

Also, Ramos blames a system that is broken:”What I really want is for the system to be improved, for the city to look at the hard issues raised through all of this and to fairly address the culture that created this.” 

Meanwhile over on Jim Carlile’s popular  blog, the depositions of Ramos and others have been discussed for several days now. In fact, Carlile published an interesting section from the transcripts of Ramos’ deposition showing the kind of pressure the former mayor/council member was getting from city officials. Details here. 

Ramos returned to private life on April 30, 2009, when her last term on the Burbank City Council ended. During two terms on the council, Ramos served as mayor twice. Before being elected to the city council, she served on numerous city boards and commissions.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Police and Fire Headquarters at 200 North Third Street in Burbank

In the Los Angeles Times print edition and on its website today an extensive report about the troubled Burbank Police Department. The report covers quite a bit of territory from the allegations of suspect beatings, racial discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and those federal investigations into possible misconduct in the Burbank PD.

The allegations, lawsuits, and scandal have taken a heavy toll on the department. The Times says, “The Burbank force has been so bitterly divided by the accusations that newly appointed interim Chief Scott LaChasse, who this year replaced Chief Tim Stehr, asked psychologists to help him sort through the morass and come up with a corrective plan.”

Also in the Times’ report, some new details surrounding the suicide of Burbank Police Sergeant Neil Thomas Gunn Sr. on October 29, 2009. Sgt. Gunn left two notes in his truck before taking his own life, according to the Times. One note from Gunn reportedly said, “This is absolutely work related.” Click here to read the story. 

On this blog, I have been covering the recent problems and controversies plaguing the Burbank Police Department since last spring. Click here for those posts.  

UPDATE: 3/15/10

Over on Jim Carlile’s blog today, a heated discussion about the Times’ article; among the topics, what was left out of the report and speculation the newspaper was pressured to water down its story.

Also, I’m hearing more media reports are in the works about the Burbank PD.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School at 420 South Mariposa Street in Burbank

A well-respected and former Jordan Middle School teacher remains behind bars today, while Burbank Police investigate allegations she had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old male student last year. 33-year-old Amy Beck, wearing handcuffs, appeared in Burbank Superior Court yesterday. Beck was due to be arraigned on charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 16, but the arraignment was postponed until March 25, 2010.

In one of several strange twists to this case, Beck did not attempt to post the $175,000 bail. Her attorney, Michael Williamson, says his client “…thinks it will be best..” that she stays in jail to better cooperate with the police probe into the charges.

Last Friday Beck, a sixth grade teacher, turned in her resignation at Jordan Middle School. The unidentified victim was enrolled at Jordan during the alleged sexual affair that went on for several months. On Monday, Beck surrendered to Burbank police and earlier reports say she confessed to having sexual contact with the minor. Beck is married with children.

If found guilty, Beck faces up to seven years in prison. Oddly, Burbank police will not release Beck’s booking photo. Burbank Police Information Officer, Sergeant Robert Quesada, told me “…we won’t be releasing a photo of Ms. Beck… we don’t consider Ms. Beck a danger to the community.”  I can’t help but wonder if a male suspect were facing the same allegations would his booking photo be released?  

Burbank has not escaped the bumps and bruises of the brutal recession, but yesterday it got some good news from one of the top financial agencies. Standard and Poor’s upgraded Burbank’s credit rating to “AAA,” the highest grade possible.  

S&P credited the Media City with a strong local economy, steady tax base, low debt, high reserve balance, and attractive location in the Southland as reasons for the rate hike, according to a press release on the city’s website.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — East Olive Avenue in Burbank

“The City is pleased that the strength of Burbank’s finances has been recognized at a time when all cities and businesses are struggling with the consequences of a severe recession,” says City Manager Mike Flad in that press release. “Burbank has been more resilient due to the foresight of the current and previous City Councils who have built a strong and diversified economic base and adhered to sound financial policies.”

The higher the bond rating the lower the cost of borrowing for the city, which means “savings of taxpayer dollars,” and that is truly good news for residents.

Nevertheless on other fronts, things are not as glowing for Burbank. At last night’s city council meeting, the list of closed session issues before council members included several legal cases such as, Christopher Lee Dunn vs Burbank Police Department alleging wrongful termination due to discrimination, Omar Rodriguez vs Burbank Police Department, an alleged case of employment discrimination, infliction of emotional distress, and other related causes of action, William Taylor vs City of Burbank, alleged employment discrimination, and Angelo Dahlia vs City of Burbank, a case of alleged civil rights violations.

The entire list of closed session items appeared in Tuesday night’s city council agenda. Clearly, some problems that plagued Burbank in 2009 are not solved, and still deserve serious and transparent attention from city officials.

Photo:Councilman Dave Golonski from Burbank City website.

I was at last Tuesday’s Burbank City Council meeting and it was truly a disappointment. A couple of actions by  the council are still bugging me. Yeah, there’s some other stuff that I thought was kind of whacked as well, but two decisions at the January 5 meeting stick out the most and are of great concern. I can’t help wondered about the ramifications of those decisions.

First, Councilman Dave Golonski’s attack on two members of the  Burbank Civil Service Board is really disturbing. Golonski targeted Nathan Schlossman and Ex-Burbank Mayor Mary Lou Howard for removal from the board for making what he considered inappropriate comments, while rejecting the temporary appointment to Police Captain of Lieutenant Armen Dermenjian. Hmm, is this a case of the pot calling the kettle black? How many times, have members of this city council, Golonski included, made inappropriate remarks during council meetings in the past year? Has anybody been keeping a count?

During pubic comments, Civil Service Commissioner, Ted Milner, bravely stood before the council and defended the remarks made by his two fellow board members as “courageous” and “honest.”  Very gutsy of Milner to speak up for Howard and Schlossman and risk the wrath of Golonski. But speak up he did.  And I agree with him.

If Howard and Schlossman went too far in scrutinizing Dermenjian’s appointment, from what I’ve read of their comments in the transcripts, it was with good reason. Dermenjian’s name has been mentioned in that ongoing FBI probe of the Burbank PD. We don’t know if he’s considered a witness or something more. The FBI is not giving out details.  

Also, then Police Chief, Tim Stehr, pushed hard for Dermenjian’s appointment, despite being on shaky ground himself. In the wake of all those lawsuits, investigations, low morale in the BPD, and the suicide of Sergeant Neil Thomas Gunn, Stehr decided to retire last November. I think Schlossman and Howard were looking out for the best interest of the city and its citizens when they questioned Dermenjian’s promotion.

Even though the Civil Service Board blocked Dermenjian’s appointment to acting police captain twice, city officials managed to find a way to circumvent the board. Dermenjian got that promotion. Still last Tuesday, the city council voted 3-to-2 ( Dr. David Gordon and Mayor Gary Bric were the “no” votes) to censure or publicly reprimand the two civil service commissioners for their inappropriate comments. I disagree with the decision and consider it, ah, well, inappropriate for the alleged offense.

Photo: Burbank City Attorney Dennis Barlow by FLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Also, I had some difficulty understanding how the city council could quickly vote to hand over $1.2 million of city funds to pay some new high-priced lawyers. A million of that is being set aside for attorneys Merrick Bobb of Police Assessment Resource Center and Debra Wong Yang of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP.  Ironically these lawyers already have been hired. Last Tuesday’s vote apparently was just a formality.

I thought it was interesting when Councilman Gordon questioned Barlow about whether he’d asked for a price break on the steep legal fees. Barlow answered  “no”  because he didn’t want to “nickle and dime” the big time lawyers. I don’t think we’re talking about chump change here. This is serious money!

I’m not sure what kind of advice on improving the BPD these lawyers can give before the results of the investigations are known. So why start hiring expensive lawyers now?  Some believe the real reason these lawyers are being brought on board is to defend the actions of some of THOSE folks who had a hand in causing many of the problems and legal challenges now facing the city and the police department. 

Again, I’m disappointed in the city council. I don’t think these two decisions were in the best interest of the city and its citizens.  Not a good beginning for 2010.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters at 200 North Third Street.

A new interim police chief will be stepping through the doors of the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters soon. Hopefully, he’ll bring with him the kind of new leadership that’s needed for the BPD, in the wake of lawsuits, scandal, the recent suicide of a police office, and oh yes, those investigations.

A news release appeared on the Burbank city website this afternoon announcing that law enforcement veteran Scott LaChasse has accepted the position and would be coming aboard next month.

Here’s the news release:

Burbank Selects Interim Police Chief
Scott LaChasse to assume duties January 7th

BURBANK, Calif. (December 17, 2009) – After a thorough and competitive recruitment process, a leader in Southern California law enforcement has been named Interim Police Chief for the City of Burbank. Scott LaChasse (pronounced La Ch-ahh-s) comes to the City with almost 40 years of experience.

“I look forward to creating an open dialogue with all members of the department, the community and City family,” says LaChasse. “The department is transitioning from a difficult period and there are still tough days ahead but I believe the Burbank Police Department will emerge stronger and well-prepared for the future.”

LaChasse worked for the Los Angeles Police Department from 1970-2002, most recently holding the position of Deputy Chief. In this capacity, he managed almost 1,600 personnel in South Los Angeles.

During his tenure at the LAPD, he held a variety of high-profile positions including Commanding Officer for the Criminal Intelligence, Narcotics, and Uniformed Services Groups. He also served as Assistant Commanding Officer of Operations for the Valley Bureau where he administered the activities of 1,800 personnel in the San Fernando Valley.

“Scott enjoyed a tremendous career with LAPD,” says Burbank City Manager Mike Flad. “His track record of managing complex issues and effective leadership is exactly the fit we were looking for.”

Recently, LaChasse served as Vice President of Security and Emergency Services at Paramount Pictures Corporation. He is a member of several organizations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, and California Peace Officers Association. He is currently Treasurer of the William H. Parker Los Angeles Police Foundation, member of the Homeland Security Board (Los Angeles and Orange Counties) and President of the Chief Special Agents Association. He provides instruction nationally and internationally to public officials and law enforcement officers on the command of critical incidents.

LaChasse earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles, and his Master’s in Public Administration from The University of Southern California.