Movie star’s poetry book published

The star of the “Matrix”  sci-fi action movie trilogy, Keanu Reeves, is now a published author  or  should I say poet.  The  actor ‘s new book of poetry is called, “Ode to Happiness.”   The  price , 55 bucks.  More on Galleycat.

Rewind! Lindsay Lohan in court again

Living on the edge actress, Lindsay Lohan, gets another break in court today. Lohan tested positive for alcohol, but a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge ruled it was not a violation of her probation. Details on Lohan’s latest court drama over on  the  Los Angeles Times website.

BPD cases and lawsuits

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

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

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

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

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

New Internal Investigation of the BPD

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

City council hires own investigative unit  

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

Appointments & Police Commission Controversy

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

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

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

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

As first reported on this blog, convicted sex offender and former Burbank sixth grade teacher, Amy Victoria Beck, is no longer behind bars. Beck was released from state prison on March 20, 2011 after serving “…approximately 8 months…”according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation official, James W. Symington, III.

Back in March of 2010, the former David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher turned herself in to Burbank Police and admitted to having a sexual affair with a 14-year-old male student. Some sort of “special hold” was placed on Beck’s booking photo. I have made numerous requests to the Burbank Police for that photo — all were turned down. Even CDCR official, Symington, could not get the authorization to release a photo of Beck to me last Friday.

This week, this new photo of Beck appeared in her sex offender profile on the California Megan’s Law website. As part of her two year prison sentence, Beck has to register as a sex offender in the city where she lives. Symington says she now resides in Sunland, California. The 34-year-old Beck is the mother of three and reportedly married to 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

Convicted sex offender and former Burbank school teacher, Amy Victoria Beck, is back on the streets again. Beck was paroled on March 20, 2011 after serving “… approximately 8 months in state prison,” according to James W. Symington III, Assistant Regional Administrator, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

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

Beck, a popular teacher at David Starr Jordan Middle School, was convicted of having sex with a 14-year-old male student and sentenced to two years in prison on May 7, 2010.

Beck has five business days from her release date to register as a sex offender. She plans to live not far from Burbank. Symington says: “According to our records she will be residing in Sunland, CA.”

A Los Angeles judge handed down a legal ruling today that could mean more bad news for the Dodgers. This morning, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon threw out a 2004 marital agreement, between Jamie and Frank  McCourt, that would have given him sole ownership of the team.

Frank is not thrilled with the ruling and has indicated he will continue the court battle with some new strategies — which could tie the Dodgers up in legal limbo for years.

On the other side, Jamie McCourt’s lawyer, Dennis Wasser said in an interview on KNX 1070 newsradio,  that he is pleased with the decision, but a settlement would be in the team’s best interest “… the Dodgers deserve some stability in the front office…”

The battle between the co-owners of the Dodgers has been raging since they filed for divorce back in 2009. This legal fight was a distraction to the Dodgers during the past season and continues to be so in the preps for next year. I think it’s pretty clear that Frank should do what’s best for the team and pay Jamie whatever she wants to get full control of the team — so everyone can move forward.

More on the judge’s decision and McCourts’ battle over the Dodgers on the   Los Angeles Times website.

 Nomination period extended until Wednesday

Today at 5 p.m. was supposed to be the deadline for all nomination documents  for the 2011 Municipal Elections to be turned into the Burbank City Clerk’s Office. However, that deadline has been extended.

A notice of the deadline change to Wednesday, December 1, 2010, appears on the city website. Interestingly, it includes Mayor/City Council member Anja Reinke’s decision not to seek a second term. Reinke reportedly announced her intentions not to run back on November 19. 

Here’s the statement from the Burbank City website.

EXTENDED NOMINATION PERIOD FOR
BURBANK’S 2011 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS!

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Council Member Anja Reinke has announced that she will not seek re-election to the office of City Council Member in the 2011 Municipal Elections. Pursuant to the California Elections Code, voters have until Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. to nominate candidates for this elective office.

# # #

No surprise, Bric running for re-election, Reinke is not

Photo: Burbank city website -- Councilman Gary Bric

 As expected, Councilman Gary Bric has gone public with his desire to keep his job.  On Friday 19, Bric picked up the official nomination papers for the city elections on February 22, and April 12, 2011.

Mayor Anja Reinke made a public announcement on that same day that she would not be running for re-election, according to the Leader. This is no surprise. Reinke and Bric’s intentions have been circulating around town for months and were reported on this blog several weeks ago.

Also, as part of the local election coverage, I’ve been reporting on the nomination period. On November first, Vice-Chair of the Burbank Planning Board, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and Burbank Police Commission Chair, Bob Frutos, pulled nomination papers to run for the two council seats up for grabs in next year’s city elections.

Police make an arrest at Councilman’s home

Photo:Burbank city website -- Councilman Dr. David Gordon

 A lot of chatter on the Internet and in B-town about that alleged domestic violence disturbance and arrest of a female suspect at the home of Councilman David Gordon, Monday, November 15.

Police arrested 58-year-old Barbara Chin for alleged battery against a cohabitant. Chin was later released on $20,000 bail, according to a police report. A recent story about the incident on The Burbank Leader website, claims Chin is scheduled to be arraigned on December 9, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Gordon  acknowledged in the article that Chin is the mother of his son, but ”… declined to elaborate on their relationship.”  

As is the case in all suspected  domestic violence incidents where there is a minor child in the residence, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services was alerted and will be visiting Gordon’s home to check on his son’s welfare.

I spoke with Dr.Gordon briefly after last Tuesday’s city council meeting. The councilman admitted this is “a difficult time,” but added, ”we’ll get through it.”

 Police Chief Scott LaChasse’s relative arrested

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

Police Chief Scott LaChasse has a relative headed for a court appearance.  On Monday, November 22, police were called over to Fry’s Electronics, on North Hollywood Way in Burbank, to take custody of a suspect who reportedly palmed a digital voice recorder and stereo plug and then walked out of the store. He was apprehended in the parking lot by security officers.

The suspect is identified as 58-year-old, Albert W. LaChasse of Canyon Country. LaChasse, who is apparently the chief’s brother, was taken to the Burbank jail where he was booked for petty theft.

LaChasse reportedly received a citation and was released early the next day. He’s due to appear in a Burbank court on December 14.

More changes for the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers. A press release from the organization yesterday announced the departure of Manager Joe Torre and his replacement– another former New York Yankee, Don Mattingly.

In the release, Dodger General Manager, Ned Colletti, praised Torre for his contribution to the team:  ”Joe Torre has been a great friend, a strong leader and an incredible presence for this organization and I cannot thank him enough for his service to the Dodgers. I respect his decision to step aside…”

“It has been an incredible honor to wear the Dodger uniform and I will always carry with me some very special memories from the past three seasons,” Torre is quoted in the release as saying. “This was not a decision I took lightly but I believe it’s the right one for myself and my family…”

Late yesterday at a news conference, The ex-Yankee manager admitted he was retiring from the Dodgers, but not from baseball. Can you really blame him for heading for the door? Late last month, Dodger management dumped Big Time Attendance Draw/Slugger, Manny Ramirez, and pretty much threw in the towel on the season.

Meanwhile team owners, Frank and Jamie McCourt,  are ripping each other apart and dragging the team through the mud in a Los Angeles divorce court. No wonder, there’s growing concern about the McCourts handling of the legendary team and its impact not only on the Dodgers, but on all of Major League Baseball!   

The new manager, Don Mattingly, takes over next season. Mattingly is probably best known for his 14 years as a first baseman for the Yankees. As a player, he won some awards and racked up some pretty good stats.  He’s been a coach for the past seven years — the last three, as the Dodgers’ hitting coach. However, Mattingly has NEVER held a manager’s job. The Los Angeles Times points out that this season Mattingly filled in for Torre a couple of times and the results were not impressive.

At that Dodger Stadium news conference, Mattingly tried to generate some confidence: “I’m excited about this opportunity… I feel like I’m ready.” I hope he is. Mattingly has an incredibly difficult job ahead of him and huge shoes to fill.

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.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank

The 33-year-old David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher who reportedly confessed to Burbank police that she had a seven-month long sexual affair with one of her 14-year-old male students last year, entered a plea in Burbank Superior Court today.

 Amy Beck pleaded “no contest” to two counts of having sexual contact with a minor. Originally Beck faced at least four charges, but she reportedly got a plea deal. That’s no surprise. Beck’s case has had some strange twists from the get-go, which have suggested some sort of deal was in the works. On March 8, Beck turned herself in to Burbank Police. Her attorney, Michael Williamson, says she did it because, “…she was filled with guilt.” Then the ex-English and social science teacher refused to post bail, opting to stay behind bars so she could reportedly help detectives with the investigation.

KNX-1070 newsradio reported today that Beck could have faced a sentence of up to 18 years behind bars. Under the plea deal, she could get two years in state prison. One thing the deal could not change, when Beck gets out of prison she’ll have to register as a sex offender. Beck is the mother of three children and is married to a Los Angeles Police Officer.

Beck is due to be sentenced on May 7.

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?  

Photo: Jim Young/Reuters

It’s official. Judge Sonia Sotomayor is now an associate justice of the 220-year-old U.S. Supreme Court. Sotomayor went through two swearing-in ceremonies this morning, one private and one public, at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath.

After the public ceremony, Sotomayor is shown in the photo above being congratulated by Chief Justice Roberts while her mother, Celina, and brother, Juan Luis Sotomayor, look on.

On Thursday, Sotomayor, a federal appeals court judge, easily won confirmation from the U.S. Senate. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic and only the third female to become a justice on the nation’s highest court.

Photo: Jason Reed/Reuters

 Judgment Day turned into a shining moment for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Today Judge Sotomayor won confirmation from the U.S. Senate on a sweeping 68-31 vote. Nine Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the 55-year-old federal appeals court judge. Sotomayor will be the first Hispanic and only the third female to sit on the nation’s highest court.

Republican opponents insisted Sotomayor was too liberal. Supporters defended her as an impartial jurist who would be an asset to the U.S. Supreme Court. In his remarks after the confirmation, President Obama praised his nominee and the Senate’s decision: “And with this historic vote, the Senate has affirmed that Judge Sotomayor has the intellect, the temperament, the history, the integrity and the independence of mind to ably serve on our nation’s highest court.”

“These core American ideals — justice, equality, and opportunity — are the very ideals that have made Judge Sotomayor’s own uniquely American journey possible.  They’re ideals she’s fought for throughout her career, and the ideals the Senate has upheld today in breaking yet another barrier and moving us yet another step closer to a more perfect union.”

 Sotomayor will be sworn in as the 111th U.S. Supreme Court justice by Chief Justice John Roberts on Saturday.

Photo: Jason Reed/Reuters

More hard hitting questions today for U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. The Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for the New York federal appeals judge kicked off yesterday.  At the hearing, senators have called upon Sotomayor to express her views on a number of controversial issues, including abortion, gun rights, and race.

Today, Sotomayor was quizzed on a statement made in a 2001 speech, in which she said “a wise Latina” might make a better legal decision than a white male. Sotomayor explained she was trying to be encouraging to Hispanics and women when she made that remark. Some Republicans have leaped on the comment as racist. “I do not believe that any ethnic, racial or gender group has an advantage in sound judgment,” Sotomayor explained.

This morning, President Obama sent out a glowing e-mail about Sotomayor and her appearance before the senate committee: “In Judge Sotomayor, our nation will have a Justice who will never forget her humble beginnings, will always apply the rule of law, and will be a protector of the Constitution that made her American dream and the dreams of millions of others possible. As she said so clearly yesterday, Judge Sotomayor’s decisions on the bench ‘have been made not to serve the interests of any one litigant, but always to serve the larger interest of impartial justice.’ ”

If confirmed, Sotomayor would become the U.S. Supreme Court’s first Hispanic and only its third female justice. 

File Photo: TV Guide/Frank Micelotta/Getty Image–Rihanna & Chris Brown

Shortly before a preliminary hearing was set to get underway in a Downtown Los Angeles courtroom this afternoon, singer Chris Brown accepted a plea deal in his domestic violence case. Brown is accused of beating up long time girlfriend/singer/model, Rihanna, in a sports car on a Los Angeles street, following a pre-Grammy Awards party February 8, 2009.

Today Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury. The plea agreement calls for the 20-year-old entertainer to be sentenced to 180 days of community labor, which means it has to be something like trash clean-up or graffiti removal not handing out cookies to needy kids. Brown will be on probation for five years and must complete a year-long domestic violence program as well. The singer will be formally sentenced in August.

Apparently Rihanna’s appearance at the court and readiness to take the stand to detail the vicious attack, prompted Brown to take the deal. Also, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg ordered Brown to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna, unless it’s at a public event and then it’s 10 yards.

The question being asked by a lot of folks now is will this couple get back together as so many others involved in domestic violence do? There’s been an incredible amount of publicity and attention focused on this incident, complete with publicized photos of 21-year-old Rihanna’s bloody and bruised face. Still, the statistics show that domestic violence victims frequently forgive their attackers and go back to them again and again. Rihanna has received a ton of advice from fans, experts, and even Oprah to dump Brown and move on. It’s her decision to make. We will have to wait and see what she decides.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge threw the book at convicted murderer and music legend, Phil Spector, today. Judge Larry Paul Fidler sentenced the 69-year-old Spector to 19 years-to-life, the maximum term. Last month, a jury convicted the eccentric music producer of second-degree murder in the death of 40-year-old Lana Clarkson.

The B-Movie actress of such films as “Barbarian Queen” (1985) was found shot to death in the foyer of Spector’s Alhambra mansion in 2003. Spector’s first trial ended in a mistrial when the jurors were not able to reach a verdict, after deadlocking 10-to-2 in favor of conviction.

Spector will not be eligible for parole until age 88. During today’s hearing, Spector’s lawyers reportedly gave Clarkson’s mother a check for $17,000 to pay for the actress’ funeral, which was part of the sentence. A sad end for all concerned. Clarkson’s life was cut short by an act of senseless violence; Spector’s fame and image forever tarnished by the crime.

Back in the 1960s, Spector created the landmark recording technique of layering multi-instrumental tracks to produce what has come to be known as the ”wall of sound” effect. Spector used it on such rock hits as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes and “You’ve Lost that Loving Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers. Spector was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

The battle over same-sex marriage has been long and contentious in California. Today the state supreme court ruled the ban on gay marriage, Proposition 8, is constitutional, but that doesn’t appear to settle the debate. That’s because the high court’s ruling allows 18,000 gay marriages, that occurred before the proposition was approved by the voters, to stand. It’s a partial victory for both sides, but not a clear cut ruling on the issue.

Last November, the controversial ban on gay marriage passed on a 52 percent vote. Proposition 8 amends the state constitution to allow marriage only between a man and a woman. The ballot measure overturned a ruling by the state supreme court last spring, which legalized same-sex marriage.

Several states have wrangled with this issue. Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont, and Maine have legalized same-sex marriage. More than likely, voters in California will be faced with a new ballot measure on gay rights and the definition of marriage very soon. 

The way I see it, the issue could easily be settled if those who believe in traditional marriage exchange wedding vows with someone of the opposite sex; and those who believe in same-sex marriages, well, they should tie-the-knot with someone of their own gender. That’s a live and let live solution, which would resolve all this controversy. Too bad it’s not that easy.  So get ready for more protests, election campaigns, and probably court cases involving the issue.

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Historic Grand View Memorial Park cemetery in Glendale is still struggling under the weight of an uncertain future. The neighborhood cemetery is scheduled to be open today by court order from noon until 4 p.m. On December 8, 2008, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr approved a series of public openings at Grand View through June of this year.

You might remember, the 125-year-old Grand View has been caught up in legal wrangling and management problems since 2005, when a state investigator discovered thousands of human remains at that cemetery that had been mishandled. Caught in the middle are relatives and friends of those buried at Grand View who would like to visit the cemetery, which has been closed for more than a year and a half. The answer: a series of public visitations.

I dropped by Grand View several weeks ago during one of the openings. The grounds were greener; thanks to recent rains and from the use of the cemetery watering system. However, there was only a handful of volunteers trying to supervise the opening and assist visitors. What they need they say are more volunteers.

If you’re interested, talk to one of the volunteers at the Grand View opening today or contact the law office of David Baum (310) 312-9598. Grand View is located at 1341 Glenwood Road in Glendale.

Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times

Both sides in the bitter battle over same-sex marriage have had their say before the California Supreme Court, now it’s up to the justices to rule. While lawyers presented their arguments before the high court in San Francisco yesterday,  demonstrators, for and against, rallied outside with protest signs and chants.

Proposition 8, passed by 52 per cent of the voters last November,  amends the state constitution to allow marriage only between a man and a woman.  That ballot measure overturned an earlier ruling by the state supreme court that legalized same-sex marriage.

The justices were asked to decide if Proposition 8 is valid and to determine how it affects about 18,000 gay marriages performed before the passage of the measure. The court has 90 days to make a decision. 

FLLewis / A Writer’s Groove – Burbank

Today the California Supreme Court handed opponents of Proposition 8 a partial victory. The high court agreed to review several lawsuits that challenge the anti-gay marriage measure, which passed by 52 percent in the General Election earlier this month. A hearing is set for next March.

The proposition amends the state constitution to restrict marriage to “a man and a woman.” Since the November 4 election, angry gay-rights activists have marched in the streets and mounted legal action. Even though the high court will review the appeals, it will not block enforcement of Proposition 8, which outlaws same-sex marriage in the state. Also, it leaves up in the air those same sex couples who tied-the-knot in the past few months.

Both sides are so entrenched in their beliefs, I don’t think a ruling from the California Supreme Court will settle the matter. Last May, the high court struck down Proposition 22, a measure passed by the voters in 2000 that also banned gay marriage. Proponents claim they’re protecting traditional marriage. Gay advocates insist this is a civil rights issue.  

How ever the high court rules, eventually, I see this controversy ending up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision.

FLLewis/ A Writer’s Groove

A gravesite is adorned with flowers during a visitation this past summer at Grand View. 

Grand View Memorial Park cemetery in Glendale will be open to visitors today by order of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mohr.

Judge Mohr issued the order after a hearing last month. The troubled cemetery has been entangled in management and legal problems since the fall of 2005, after an investigator discovered the remains of four thousand bodies that had been mishandled.

This year, Grand View has been open for a few hours on select visitation days.  Future openings will be on October 26, November 9, November 23, November 27 (Thanksgiving), December 7, December 21, December 25 (Christmas), January 1, 2009 (New Years Day), and January 6, 2009  (Armenian Christmas). 

The hours are noon to 4 p.m. During that time, visitors will be able to stroll the grounds, clean markers, hand trim and water the dry grass and leave commemorative items at the gravesites.

An e-mail announcement of the openings from Plantiffs’ Attorney Paul Ayers also reminded visitors to obey the rules, especially those dealing with fires. “Due to the dry grounds it is very important that there be no smoking, fires or use of incense during the opening. Violations of this rule can cause the Glendale Fire Marshall to oppose further openings.”

The dry and sometimes windy weather conditions we are having now make compliance with the no-fires rule doubly important.