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.

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.

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.

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?