Congresswoman Michele Bachmann August 10, 2011 in Clive, Iowa from Flickr

 Minnesota Congresswoman and GOP presidential hopeful, Michele Bachmann, is celebrating a major victory today.  Bachmann won the first big Republician test of the 2012 campaign for the White House., the Iowa straw poll. 

On the official, Michele Bachmann for President website, the candidate posted this statement: “THANK YOU IOWA! We did it! I am excited to announce our campaign was the winner of this year’s AmesStraw Poll. Iowans delivered a strong message to Washington: America cannot afford four more years of Barack Obama and his failed liberal policies, and our campaign is the right choice to put our nation back on a path to prosperity.”

Michele Bachmann’s photo is from a series on Flickr.

Meanwhile, Texas Governor, Rick Perry, officially jumped into the presidential race today. Reuters has more on both developments, including how the other Republican contenders stacked up in the straw poll.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

 April 20, 2011

Re: 

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

Dear Ms. Campos:

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

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

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

1. The name and address of the voter protesting;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours truly,

George Marciniw

  ###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dirty tricks & a big fundraiser 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The event was hosted by the Burbank Human Relations Council.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do you feel about campaign dirty tricks?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                            ###

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

It’s not over for Burbank City Council candidates Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy. They’re locked in a run-off for a seat on the city council. The voters will decide who gets that vacant seat next month on April 12, in the General Election.

Last week, Frutos picked up a surprise endorsement from newly re-elected council member, Gary Bric. Yesterday, Gabel-Luddy sent me an e-mail announcing she had received the endorsement of “… Jackie Waltman and the Burbank firefighters.”

Also on this blog, last  Friday, I posted comments from Waltman indicating she would be supporting Gabel-Luddy in the General Election.

After receiving Gabel-Luddy’s endorsement announcement, I e-mailed her some questions and she returned the following responses:

What do you think these endorsements will mean to this final leg of your campaign? Also, in my Burbank campaign news post dated March 4, 2011, Jackie Waltman commented on the importance of having a female voice on the Burbank City Council. What are your feelings about this?

These are significant endorsements and I welcome the support of a community leader like Jackie Waltman, and our Firefighters who are a critical element in service to our community. I am proud to have received their endorsements. Yes, I believe it is very important to have women on the City Council; we are 51% of the population and all perspectives should be represented on the City Council. Anja, and Marsha did a great job on the Council and I hope to continue that tradition.

Also, are there other endorsement you would like to mention at this time? What about the endorsement of City Councilman Dave Golonski?

I value Dave Golonski’s support because of his long tenure on the council, his experience and extensive service to the community. His endorsement,  in addition to the Sierra Club, the LA League of Conservation Voters, Burbank Managers Association, Congressman Adam Schiff, Congressman Brad Sherman, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Past Burbank Mayors Ramos, Vander Borght and Wiggins demonstrated a broad consensus that I am best suited to serve on the Burbank City Council.

Also, you have been accused of missing 25 percent of the Burbank Planning Board meetings during the recent fiscal year? The Burbank City Council meets almost weekly — do you think you can handle that kind of responsibility?

I would not have filed for office if there were any question that I could not put my full attention to the Council duties. In the last year, as a working professional there were times when job obligations to my employer created unavoidable scheduling conflicts. I kept them to a minimum, but they occurred. I have since retired and do not see that as an issue.

Also, what are your views on urban planning as it relates to Burbank?  There has been a discussion recently on one of the Burbank blogs about your views.

Since I have been on the Planning Board for a decade, my record is clear: I support appropriate development, compatible with neighborhoods and neighborhood protection.

Also, what is your reaction to the North Screenland Drive sidewalk controversy?  Is there something you would have handled differently?  What about the 4-1 vote in support of the sidewalks for the 1800-1900 section of North Screenland Drive?

One of my issues is the city needs a better public process: informing and listening to community concerns.  Lack of that was amply demonstrated in North Screenland Drive sidewalk issue. Having said that, I commend Gary Bric for his openness to reconsider his original position in light of the prior and new information. His willing approach to consider new information is better than staking out a rigid position. That may sound good on the campaign trail, but is bad government. 

                                                             ###

Next Tuesday is Election Day in Burbank,  but there will be no polling places. City Hall staffers sent out a press release yesterday about the Primary Nominating Election. It was a reminder that if you want your vote to count in this election you have to mail it in or drop off your ballot at City Hall or other designated places.

Also, the release announced that the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall is  “…accepting voted ballots weekdays between 8.a.m.and 5 p.m.”  On Saturday, February 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Election Day, February 22, from 7 a.m. to  7 p.m.,  you can deliver your ballots to these drop-centers.

• Burbank City Hall – 275 E. Olive Avenue
• Joslyn Center – 1301 W. Olive Avenue
• Tuttle Center – 1731 N. Ontario Street
• Buena Vista Library – 300 N. Buena Vista Street
• McCambridge Recreation Center – 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd

 All voted ballots must be handed over to the City Clerk’s Office by  7 p.m. Election Day. Registered voters who have not received a ballot in the mail are advised to call the City Clerk’s Office at (818) 238-5851.

Gary Bric and the Screenland Drive sidewalk flap

Councilman Gary Bric got his wish for a second vote on sidewalks for the 1800-1900 block of North Screenland Drive at last Tuesday’s council meeting.  In the first vote last December, Councilmen David Gordon and Jess Talamantes joined Bric in opposing sidewalks there. The reason: the majority of residents who live there are against them and signed a petition saying so.

Shortly after the vote, Councilman Bric changed his mind and set the wheels in motion for a re-vote. Last Tuesday, only Dr. Gordon opposed the re-vote — now set for March 8. Also, only Dr. Gordon seemed to be concerned that the sidewalk proposal from City staffers had some outright fabrications in it. Apparently this is business as usual at City Hall.

The experience has many who live on that section of  Screenland Drive calling for a change in Burbank and showing their support for city council candidates Bob Frutos and Jackie Waltman.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- 1800-1900 North Screenland Drive February 5, 2011

Media City Groove Endorsements

I’ve talked a lot about the need for new leadership on the Burbank City Council to bring about the necessary changes in the city. It’s time to put that talk into action. That’s why I’m endorsing city council candidates, Bob Frutos and Jackie Waltman.

The Leader sues the city of Burbank

This is a big weekend for the Burbank Leader. If you check its website — you’ll quickly realize why. Two major developments. The new Sunday edition of the Burbank leader/Glendale News- Press comes out today. The other actually happened last Friday. The lawyers for the Los Angeles Times, the Burbank Leader’s parent company, sued the city of Burbank for the release of those individual employee merit-pay amounts.

On December, 20, 2010, I delivered a letter to the Burbank City Attorney’s Office, supporting the Leader’s public records request for that merit-pay information and making my own request for the same data. The media, the residents — we all have a right to know how public money is being spent.

In my letter to City Attorney Dennis Barlow I asked that his staff comply with the Leader request — and not allow the matter to become yet another lawsuit against the city. There is a long list of suits against Burbank — mostly related to the police mess — that are costing the citizens a bundle of dough to fight.

The bottom line is the city’s argument that merit-pay is based on an employee’s performance evaluation — and since that is private –  the amount of that bonus should be protected, too. Well, Burbank Management Services Director, Judie Wilke, has admitted that merit-pay dollars are paid out at “…management’s discretion.”

I know a 30-year Burbank employee who got a merit-bonus last year. She has received the required exceptional performance rating before  — but that has not always resulted in a merit-pay bonus. She is curious — like a lot of folks in this town –about the REAL criteria for the merit pay bonuses and who REALLY gets the biggest chunk of this fund –budgeted last year at $1.87 million.

A lawyer for the L.A. Times put it this way: “I think the bonus structure that Burbank has is very unusual in its generosity and very unusual in its secrecy.” I’ll say right on to that. More on the Leader’s lawsuit here.

The Burbank Primary Election ballots are out

The campaigns for the two seats on the Burbank City Council are in full swing. Political functions, campaign signs going up, and campaign pitches arriving in the mail along with the ballots for the upcoming Primary Nomination Election.I got my ballot last week, but I haven’t  mailed it off  — and probably will not do so for a while. Ballots are due by 7 p.m. Election Day, February 22, 2011. Check out the countdown to Election Day in the far right column of this website.

At the Glendale Church of Christ this morning, I took an informal poll among some Burbank residents. Out of seven, only two had mailed in their ballots so far.  Others were still studying the candidates.

Also, this past week, I spotted signs for Burbank City Councilman Gary Bric and council candidate, Jackie Waltman in the hillside area. The Bric and Waltman signs are joining the ones already up for candidates, Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Porto's Bakery & Cafe 3614 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank

On Wednesday evening, January 26, a fundraiser and meet & greet was held for Bob Frutos at Porto’s in Burbank. The affair ran only a couple of hours or so, but more than 100 folks dropped by to graze on the tasty Porto’s treats, to show support or to meet the candidate. Among the movers and shakers I saw there, former Burbank Mayors, Marsha Ramos and Michael Hastings, Burbank City Councilman Dr. David Gordon,  Burbank Police Commissioners, Nate Rubinfeld, Jim Etter,  and Hagop Hergelian.

Police Commission Chair Frutos gave a rousing speech to the crowd about the need for change in Burbank and his desire to be the people’s representative on the city council. At the Women’s League of Voters Candidates Forum on January 19, in the Burbank City Council Chambers, Frutos came across as the strongest candidate, followed by Burbank Landlord-Tenant Commissioner, Jackie Waltman, Planning Board Vice-Chair, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and in fourth, Councilman Gary Bric.

Interestingly, after listening to the city council candidates’ statements, I rated them the same:  (1) Frutos, (2) Waltman, (3) Gabel-Luddy, and (4) Bric.  I’m giving the best ratings to the candidates grounded in their desire and determination to put the interest of the citizens of Burbank first.

Bric is last on my list because he defends the status quo — including the raises given to Burbank Water and Power honcho, Ron Davis and his top executives — while also voting to jack-up utility rates.  We need change in Burbank and it’s not going to come with voting Bric onto the city council for a second term.

To listen to the Candidates Forum or to the brief statements from each candidate, click over to the Burbank city website.

The very important Burbank Primary Nominating Election is next month, February 22 and the candidates are stepping up their campaigns. Lately, I’ve seen more and more campaign signs in various neighborhoods. Also, the candidates are holding meet and greet sessions with voters.

Last Saturday, I attended a get together for city council candidate, Emily Gable-Luddy, in the Rancho area. Around 20 or so residents shared their concerns and views with Luddy.

Voters have several chances to check out the candidates before marking their mail -in ballots.  Tomorrow night, Wednesday January 19,  in the  Burbank City Council chambers, beginning at 7 p.m., the League of Women voters of Glendale/Burbank is hosting a candidates forum. There are four contenders running for two seats on the Burbank City Council: Jackie Waltman, Emily Gabel-Luddy, Bob Frutos, and Gary Bric.

Four candidates are on the ballot for three open seats on the Board of Education: Ted Bunch, Roberta Grande-Reynolds, Dave L. Kemp, and Gregory Bragg.  You may submit questions for the candidates to the league in advance by email or phone. Details here.

Also, you can click over to the Burbank city website and view the candidates’ video statements and get a feel for where they stand on the issues and concerns of this community.

The last day to register to vote in this primary election is Monday, February 7, 2011. Also, there is countdown to that Tuesday, February 22 election in the far right column of this website.

A candidate in the 43rd State Assembly race bows out

Days after a poor showing in that special election for the chance to finish the 43rd State Assembly term of Paul Krekorian, Nayiri Nahabedian has officially dropped out of the race for that seat. Nahabedian’s political consultant Paul Mitchell announced the end of her campaign in an article on The Burbank Leader website. However, when I got an e-mail from Nahabedian last Saturday, April 17, I had the feeling something was up. There’s a certain finality in this message from the Democratic contender.

Dear Friends,

When we began our work months ago, we were against the odds – against an opponent with a lot of money and institutional support. What we built in the weeks and months that followed was a broad base of support and strength. We built a grassroots coalition of individuals and groups whose paths would otherwise might not have crossed. They came together at our campaign headquarters because of shared values and a common cause – to make California a better place to live and to work – to make our state government work for the people again.

I want to thank each of you for your involvement in our campaign. Many of you gave your time and your energy – you were in our office calling voters, labeling addresses and walking precincts. Many of you gave your financial support. Some of you opened your homes to neighborhood coffees, and many of you attended our events and activities. All of you gave your good will and support. Thank you!

The numbers on Tuesday did not go our way. However, the issues we care about transcend any one election result. We will stay engaged and active on the issues that matter to California – getting the economy moving, attracting good jobs, and preparing all children to have a path to a college or a path to a career.

Your dedication for a better California inspires me. Together, we continue the work.

With Gratitude,

Nayiri Nahabedian

For the second time in a week, I’m disappointed. First, with the Tuesday April 13 election results in which Nahabedian finished third in the ballot count. And again today with the news that Nahabedian has called it quits. I voted for her. I still believe she has great potential as candidate. So I hope this is merely a setback and not the end of her political aspirations.

In the Leader article, Mitchell says “… we were willing to do the right thing and step out.” The political consultant cites the confusion of the upcoming elections dealing with this Assembly seat as the major reason for Nahabedian’s withdrawal. On June 8, there will be a run-off between Democrat Mike Gatto and Republican Sunder Ramani for the right to finish out Krekorian’s term, which expires in November. Also on June 8, there’s a primary election for a full two-year term for the same seat. It will probably still be somewhat confusing to voters because, among other things, Nahabedian’s name will appear on the primary ballot.

Burbank City council votes to expand the ban on secondhand smoke

It was well after midnight when the Burbank City Council voted 3-to-1 to amend the Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance to include aeas of multi-family dwellings like private balconies, private patios, children’s play areas, and swimming pools when kids are present. Councilman Dave Golonski decided to skip the vote because he owns apartment units. Councilman David Gordon voted “no” claiming he has doubts about the enforcement of the ordinance, which has been law in Burbank since April of 2007.

The amended ordinance must come back to the city council for a final vote.

BUS ACCIDENT UPDATE

A controversial bus accident and my reporting of it came up at that Burbank City Council meeting last night. During the first public comments, Activist Mike Nolan called for an investigation by the City Manager Mike Flad on the bus accident and Community Development Director Greg Herrmann’s e-mails to me about the matter. Nolan began asking questions about the bus accident controversy at the April 6 Burbank City Council meeting. Last night, Flad agreed to look into the matter and report back on what he finds out.

Public hearing on water, refuse, and sewer rate increases!

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

It’s hard to believe, but Burbank City officials want to squeeze more money out of residents for the essentials like water, refuse, and sewer services. I got the notice of an upcoming public hearing about the proposed rate hikes in my snail mail box this week. The notice included the new fee schedule. I get the feeling this is already a done deal.

The public is offered the opportunity to speak out about the fee increases at the hearing, June 1, 2010, 6 p.m. before the Burbank City Council. Written protests must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on that day. If approved, these new rates will take effect in July — just in time for the summer heat when our yards need water the most.  How fair is that?

“Sex and the City 2″ a hot selling movie ticket weeks before debut

Fans of the “Sex and the City”  movie/cable series are snatching up tickets for the latest flick more than a month before it opens.  “Sex and the City 2″ is scheduled to hit theaters on May 27. Advance tickets are hot sellers according to The Hollywood Reporter. Read about it here.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank 

Judgment in the Burbank PD

For several days, I’ve been hearing about some ominous letters handed out to some members of the Burbank PD, the result of information gathered during those hush-hush investigations for alleged misconduct in the department. A source tells me that those who have received letters include Sergeant Chris Canales, Officer Nick Nichols, Detective Mike Reyes, Officer Elfuego Rodriguez, Lieutenant Omar Rodriguez, and Officer Tommy Perez.

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

Apparently these letters put the recipients on administrative leave. I’m told all of those listed above are in jeopardy of being fired. The word is Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse has issued a warning that more judgment letters are expected to go out to certain department personnel this week. I’ll have more on this later. Also, check out Jim Carlile’s post on his blog about the BPD letters.

UPDATE:  A response from the city posted on its website at 3:30 p.m. today.  Read it here.

City Statement on Burbank PD Independent Investigation Concluding
Burbank, Calif. (March 29, 2010) 

In April of 2009, the City retained retired police Chief Jim Gardiner to conduct an independent investigation into serious allegations that had been made against certain police officers in the Burbank Police Department.

The independent investigation the City requested is now coming to a close, and will be moving onto the required administrative process. Because of the strict personnel confidentiality requirements, the City is limited in the information it can legally provide to the public.

The City has taken every effort to make sure that the investigation and its results are objective and fair. During this entire process, the consistent direction from the City Council was always to “follow the trail wherever it leads.”

The results have been reviewed by private attorney Rich Kreisler, who has significant expertise in police investigations, multiple members of the City’s legal team, Interim Police Chief Scott LaChasse and his staff and two well-respected outside attorneys (Merrick Bobb who served with the Christopher Commission and former United States Attorney Debra Wong Yang).

Interim Chief LaChasse, a 32-year veteran of the LAPD, will be responsible for issuing any personnel actions.

We urge the public to be patient and allow the process to proceed to its legal completion. Our citizens can be assured that the vast majority of the officers in this department are dedicated public servants committed to the safety of Burbank and have served the community with integrity and courage.         

###

Race for the vacant seat in the 43rd Assembly District

Over the weekend, I got more of those expensive looking campaign flyers in my snail mail box from the Mike Gatto and Nayiri Nahabedian camps and their supporters. Also, at least one candidate phone pitch from the Gatto folks.

 I’m not a fan of political phone calls, but I do read campaign literature. Again, most of what I got concerned the Democratic front runners, Gatto and Nahabedian. I have to mention, both candidates have been criticized for allegedly, ah, embellishing their credentials. This kind of criticism could end-up hurting both candidates.

Last Wednesday during the candidates’ forum for the 43rd Assembly District, sponsored by the Glendale/Burbank League of Women Voters, Gatto made a good showing and Nahabedian did well, too. The third Democratic candidate, Chahe Keuroghelian, was just okay. The fourth candidate, Republican Sunder Ramani, was smooth and articulate in answering questions. Republicans are a minority in this district, but Ramani is still a strong candidate.

I’ve received my sample ballot for the special primary election on Tuesday, April 13. Interestingly, the only candidate statement included is from Ramani who also appears in the top spot on the ballot. By the way, if you want to vote by mail you gotta get your application in by April 6. 

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

To gate or not to gate, that was the question

Meanwhile at last Tuesday’s city council meeting, Republican Assembly candidate Sunder Ramani wore his private consultant hat. Ramani led the charge to try to convince the city council to approve a gate to the entrance of the hillside housing tract, the Burbank Hills Community. They’ve got their own private roads and recreational facilities up there near Brace Park.

In the past, the city council has rejected the gate proposal, saying it would hamper access by emergency vehicles. This time around, the proposal contained new technology to address the old issue of emergency access along with a 24-hour guard. The council still turned thumbs down on the gate as unnecessary in a 4-to-1 vote.

Mayor Gary Bric was the only “yes” vote.  Apparently the other council members did not buy the complaints of crime, fast cars, and safety concerns by some residents/speakers, so they denied the gate request. Check out the discussion about the controversy and some, ah, side issues, over on Jim Carlile’s blog.

Burbank Bargains

I happened to drop by the McDonald’s at Reese Place and Olive Avenue last Friday night. A long line of vehicles stretched from the drive-thru window around the restaurant and nearly into the street. Found out many customers were taking advantage of the fillet-o-fish special. Usually $3.59 each, except on Friday when the price drops to a buck-twenty-nine. This is how the big chains stay in business and make profits during a down turn in the economy. They offer the kind of bargains that draw crowds.

Neighborhood markets

More grocery markets popping up in Media City and that’s a good thing. Magnolia Fresh Market, which is really at 418 Glenoaks Boulevard near Magnolia Boulevard, is opening soon, according to signs plastered on the storefront. 

 Also on Glenoaks, near Providencia Avenue, the old 20/20 Video store is being converted into the Glenoaks/Providencia Grocery Store. Then over in the Rancho area, the new Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market is getting read to open its doors on April 7th, at the location of that old CVS Pharmacy near Verdugo Avenue and Reese Place. This is a perfect place for a market. Plenty of store space and parking.

Hopefully these new markets will take some of the pressure off the Trader Joe’s on Alameda Avenue. It sure would be nice to be able to easily find a parking space and not be bumping carts with shoppers inside the almost always crowded grocery store.