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.

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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. 

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --Volunteers sort the ballots for the Primary Nominating Election at City Hall in Burbank February 22, 2011

The two candidates remaining in the Burbank City Council race picked up some important endorsements this week. In last month’s Primary Nominating Election, City Councilman Gary Bric won re-election, Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy collected enough votes to move forward to the General Election in a run-off for the one remaining vacant seat on the council.

Final Primary Nominating Election results:

Gary Bric — 4,658 votes

Emily Gabel-Luddy  — 3, 858 votes

Bob Frutos —  3, 085 votes

Jackie Waltman — 2, 140 votes

A few days ago, Bric came out and officially endorsed Frutos. In a March 2 press release, Bric said: “Our City will benefit from the knowledge, expertise and dedication Bob could bring to our council.”

Since Bric ran a campaign promoting the status quo and Frutos is pushing for change in Burbank, the endorsement came out of left field. Alexis Castro, Frutos’ campaign manager, admitted as much in a statement I got from her today: “Police Commission Chair, Bob Frutos, is greatly appreciative and pleasantly surprised of the endorsement received from Council Member Gary Bric.” Perhaps, the clamor for change from some Burbankers has been heard by City Hall insiders.

The fourth council candidate in the Primary Nominating Election, Jackie Waltman, is throwing her support behind Gabel-Luddy. This is a shock to a number of Waltman supporters — who thought she had aligned herself with Frutos. During the primary campaign, I got that impression as well, even though, I never received a joint campaign mailer from Frutos and Waltman nor heard of them campaigning together.

In an e-mail, Waltman told me why she’s backing Gabel-Luddy: “… I think there should be at least one woman on the council for the sake of diversity. I think women bring a different dynamic and she has the credentials.”

Waltman wrapped up her comments by saying: “… I hope whoever gets in will bring a change to the way the residents are treated and that the issues that are facing the city are dealt with responsibly and honestly.”

The Burbank General Election is next month, on April 12. Check out the election countdown in the far right column of this website.

Burbank City Councilman Gary Bric has much to celebrate. Bric easily won re-election in yesterday’s Primary Nomination Election. Here’s the vote count for the two open seats on the city council.

• Gary Bric — 4, 642
• Bob Frutos — 3, 071
• Emily Gabel-Luddy — 3, 845
• Jackie Waltman — 2, 131

Sadly, only 8, 073 Burbank voters cast their ballots in this election. One of the lowest voter turnouts ever for a city with at least 6 times that many registered voters. Bric wins re-election with more than 50 percent of the vote. Frutos and Gabel-Luddy will battle it out, in the coming weeks, for the remaining open seat on the council with a showdown in the April 12, 2011 General  Election. (check out the new election countdown in the far right column of this blog)

Bric’s win is a personal victory and more. It will be seen by many as a public sign of approval for some of the city council’s most controversial decisions: jacking up the cost of utilities, handing out huge raises to Burbank Water and Power honcho, Ron Davis, and his executive posse, and the continued support of those secretive merit-pay bonuses for certain city employees.

In his campaign, Bric did not back away from these decisions — instead — he defended them. And he got re-elected. Also, Bric’s strange involvement in that North Screenland Drive sidewalk vote debacle apparently didn’t hurt his campaign at all.

Oh, and for the diligent staff that comes up with all those budget plans to cut services while keeping the raises and perks for city employees — they’re probably thrilled enough to dance in the streets — knowing it will continue to be business as usual at City Hall.

The Burbank Board of Education

Also, the three incumbents in the school board race won comfortable victories in their bids for re-election, yesterday. Here’s that vote count.

• Ted Bunch — 4,373
• Roberta Grande-Reynolds — 4, 491
• Dave L. Kemp — 5, 041
• Gregory Bragg — 3,318

Yes, there was an election in Burbank on Tuesday, February 22.. The majority of Media City voters blew-it off and by doing so, said “no” to change and “yes” to keeping things the way they are.

The campaigning is over  — for now. Today is Election Day — the crucial Primary Nominating Election in Burbank. It’s up to the voters and their ballots to decide the outcome of the campaigns for two seats on the Burbank City Council and three openings on the Burbank Board of Education.

In this vote- by-mail election, those who have not mailed their ballots in yet, have only the option of using one of the drop-off centers. They opened at 7 a.m. and will close this evening at 7 p.m. A short time later, the ballot counting process will begin at Burbank City Hall.

Here’s the list of drop-off centers opened today:

• Buena Vista Branch Library — 300 North Buena Vista Street
• Joslyn Center — 1301 West Olive Avenue
• McCambridge Recreation Center — 1515 North Glenoaks Boulevard
• Tuttle Center — 1731 North Ontario Street
• City Clerk’s Office in City Hall — 275 Olive Avenue

Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in an important aspect of our democratic process. Let your voice be heard — vote!

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.

This morning, Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos, put out the list of candidates who have been nominated and qualified for the ballot for Burbank’s Primary Nominating Election on Tuesday, February 22, 2011.

Here’s the list as it appears in the city clerk’s news release:

City Council Candidates (2 seats)

• Gary Bric
• Robert “Bob” Frutos
• Emily Gabel-Luddy
• Jacqueline “Jackie” Waltman

School Board Candidates (3 seats)

• Gregory Bragg
• Ted Bunch
• Dave L. Kemp
• Roberta Grande Reynolds

There is a countdown for the exact number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds to this important election in the far right column of this blog.

The week began windy and very cold, but  by Wednesday, December 1, the temperature warmed up and the winds died down — just in time for the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on the steps of City Hall on East Olive Avenue in Burbank.  

Hundreds turned out for the festive holiday occasion that included performances by both a children’s and adult choir, and visits from Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus and Disney characters, Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Disney characters Minnie and Mickey Mouse at the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall in Burbank, December 1, 2010

After the tree lighting event, many folks walked over to San Fernando Boulevard for Santa’s Downtown Wonderland – where there was more entertainment, holiday decorations, and shops and stores open for business as well.

The extended nomination period for the Burbank Municipal Elections 2011 ended last Wednesday. On Friday, I spoke with Burbank City Clerk, Margarita Campos, who said that the extension was due to Mayor Anja Reinke’s decision not to run for re-election.

Campos read about Reinke’s decision in the Leader. Then Campos phoned the mayor and “…she did confirm…” it. Campos says the California Elections Code requires the nomination period be extended three days when an incumbent declares he or she will not run for another term.

The way it stands now, there are four candidates running for two seats on the Burbank City Council. Incumbent, Gary Bric, Planning Board member, Emily Gabel-Luddy, Police Commissioner, Bob Frutos, and Landlord-Tenant Commissioner, Jacqueline Waltman.

For the three seats on the Board of Education: the incumbents Roberta Reynolds, Ted Bunch, Dave Kemp, and Traffic Commissioner, Gregory Bragg.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Visitors spruce-up a gravesite at Grand View Memoral Park cemetery in Glendale during a public visitation November 21, 2010

Tomorrow, will be the last public visitation at Grand View Memorial Park cemetery in Glendale until after the restoration, set to get underway in the next few weeks. Grand View will be open from noon to 4 p.m on Sunday, December 5.

Lisa Burks has more on her site about the opening tomorrow and what to expect during the coming weeks of renovation at Grand View.

 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.

Photo: www.whitehouse.gov -- President Obama holds news conference today to discuss yesterday's midterm election, November 3, 2010

Reflecting on the returns from yesterday’s mid-term election, President Barack Obama admitted today that he received a  ”shellacking” from the voters.

At a White House news conference, the president blamed the sluggish economy for voter dissatisfaction and frustration, which resulted in the Republicans gaining a majority in the House and whittling down the Democratic majority in the Senate.

Also, the president says he takes responsibility for Tuesday’s disappointing election results:

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama spoke to reporters during a news conference at the White House November 3, 2010

“After what I’m sure was a long night for a lot of you — and needless to say it was for me — I can tell you that some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating; some are humbling. But every election, regardless of who wins and who loses, is a reminder that in our democracy, power rests not with those of us in elected office, but with the people we have the privilege to serve.

Over the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the country and meet people where they live and where they work, from backyards to factory floors. I did some talking, but mostly I did a lot of listening. And yesterday’s vote confirmed what I’ve heard from folks all across America: People are frustrated — they’re deeply frustrated — with the pace of our economic recovery and the opportunities that they hope for their children and their grandchildren. They want jobs to come back faster, they want paychecks to go further, and they want the ability to give their children the same chances and opportunities as they’ve had in life.

The men and women who sent us here don’t expect Washington to solve all their problems.  But they do expect Washington to work for them, not against them.  They want to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, not wasted, and that we’re not going to leave our children a legacy of debt.  They want to know that their voices aren’t being drowned out by a sea of lobbyists and special interests and partisan bickering.  They want business to be done here openly and honestly.

Now, I ran for this office to tackle these challenges and give voice to the concerns of everyday people.  Over the last two years, we’ve made progress.  But, clearly, too many Americans haven’t felt that progress yet, and they told us that yesterday. And as President, I take responsibility for that.

What yesterday also told us is that no one party will be able to dictate where we go from here, that we must find common ground in order to set — in order to make progress on some uncommonly difficult challenges.  And I told John Boehner and Mitch McConnell last night I am very eager to sit down with members of both parties and figure out how we can move forward together.

I’m not suggesting this will be easy.  I won’t pretend that we will be able to bridge every difference or solve every disagreement.  There’s a reason we have two parties in this country, and both Democrats and Republicans have certain beliefs and certain principles that each feels cannot be compromised.  But what I think the American people are expecting, and what we owe them, is to focus on those issues that affect their jobs, their security, and their future:  reducing our deficit, promoting a clean energy economy, making sure that our children are the best educated in the world, making sure that we’re making the investments in technology that will allow us to keep our competitive edge in the global economy.

Because the most important contest we face is not the contest between Democrats and Republicans.  In this century, the most important competition we face is between America and our economic competitors around the world.  To win that competition, and to continue our economic leadership, we’re going to need to be strong and we’re going to need to be united.

None of the challenges we face lend themselves to simple solutions or bumper-sticker slogans.  Nor are the answers found in any one particular philosophy or ideology.  As I’ve said before, no person, no party, has a monopoly on wisdom.  And that’s why I’m eager to hear good ideas wherever they come from, whoever proposes them. And that’s why I believe it’s important to have an honest and civil debate about the choices that we face.  That’s why I want to engage both Democrats and Republicans in serious conversations about where we’re going as a nation.”

More of President Obama’s comments and a Q&A with reporters on the White House website here.

Attorney General Jerry Brown will be moving to the governor’s office very soon. Brown has been declared the winner over his strong Republican and big-money challenger, Meg Whitman, in yesterday’s General Election.

The latest figures from the Secretary of State’s Office give Brown 53.7 percent of the vote and and Whitman 41.3 percent. A check of the statewide voting map shows Whitman won in the most counties — but the counties that Brown carried gave him the most votes.

Democrat/San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, is the next Lieutenant Governor. Newsom received 50.1 percent of the vote, while his nearest challenger, Republican, Abel Maldonado got 39.4 per cent.

Locally, in the 43rd State Assembly District race, Incumbent and Democrat Mike Gatto trounced his Republican opponent, Sunder Ramani, 66.2 percent to 33.8 percent.  

In the U.S. Congressional 27th District, Incumbent and Democrat, Brad Sherman, soundly defeated Repubican contender, Mark Reed, 65.2 percent to 34.8 percent.

In the U.S. Congressional 29th District,  Incumbent and Democrat Adam Shiff held onto his seat with 65.2 percent of the vote. His Republican challenger, John  Colbert won 31.7 percent and Libertarian, William Cushing, got 3.1 percent.

The state measure, Proposition 19, that would have legalized marijuana failed 53.9 percent to 46.1 percent.

These are semi-official results. The counties have until December 3, 2010 to report their final tallies including mail-by-mail and provisional ballots to the Secretary of State’s Office.

For more election results go here.

It’s your right. Vote!

The candidates have had their say, now it’s time for the voters to speak. The polls opened for the November 2 General Election at 7 a.m. this morning and close at 8 p.m. tonight. If you still have your mail-in ballot, don’t worry. You can drop it off at any polling place or surrender that ballot and step into a voting booth and make your choices.

If you can’t find your polling place or will not be able to get there before the polls close, remember, registered voters can cast their ballots provisionally at any polling place in Los Angeles County. If you have election or voter questions, check out the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk site http://www.lavote.net/ for some answers.

You know, some local officials and politicians think that because voters in Burbank aren’t protesting in the streets, they are not concerned about government. They are so wrong. Last Wednesday, an overflow crowd packed the Burbank City Council Chambers to listen to the views of a group of local candidates at the League of Women Voters Glendale/Burbank Forum. I was not able to go to that forum, but I have attended others sponsored by the same group and they all drew a crowd. I hear politics discussed  in the chatter around the Media City all the time.  Folks here care about the issues and what’s going on government.

Looking ahead to the Burbank Municipal Elections of 2011, two seats on the city council, held by Anja Reinke and Gary Bric, are up for re-election. There’s a lot of talk about who might run and who might not. Mayor Reinke reportedly has put out the word that she’ll not seek another term. Bric on the other hand, is laying low, probably hoping to get another term in office without anyone really noticing. Fat chance.

Other names as possible city council candidates are being tossed around as well. As I’ve said on this blog, the upcoming 2011 local elections on February 22 and April 12, offer an opportunity to make significant change in the direction of the city. However, I’m opposed to the kind of mudslinging, harassment, and ugliness that marred the 43rd District Assembly race.

The wife of Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Danielle Gatto, wrote about some of the tactics she called “over-the-top” in a letter published in the Saturday, October 30 Burbank Leader and on the newspaper’s website.   

I’m not going to get into the charges and counter charges by Gatto and his detractors. However, if as Mrs. Gatto says in her letter that their family car was  ”..smashed up with a baseball bat and paint poured all over it..”  that is outrageous and the perpetrators should be prosecuted. Also, let me include other kinds of vandalism like the stealing or damaging candidates’ signs.  This kind of thuggery and attempt at intimidation should not be condoned in any Burbank political campaign.

Some details on the upcoming Municipal Elections from the Burbank City Clerk’s Office here.

Vice-Mayor Talamantes and the nepotism controversy

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank City Hall and City Council chambers at 275 East Olive Avenue.

Nepotism is one of the potentially explosive issues simmering right below the surface in Burbank city government. I’ve heard about it and wrote about it on this blog. Nepotism in city government got a public airing at last Tuesday’s joint meeting of the Burbank City Council and Burbank Civil Service Board.

The joint meeting was a study session to discuss various standards, rules, and regulations dealing city jobs and employees. The discussion was pretty routine and polite until the subject of nepotism came up. CSB Chair Nathan Schlossman said some board members were “…made aware that nepotism was rampant in the city of Burbank.”

In November 2009, Schlossman says he requested a list of employees who are related from Management Services. That department refused to provide the information declaring it was not in the board’s jurisdiction.

Rather than give up, Schlossman found another way to get the information. In March of this year, through a California Public Records Act request, Schlossman got a list of Burbank employees with their titles and departments. He analyzed the list by dismissing almost all common names and then looked for matches. “I was astounded by what I saw,” Schlossman said. “…I found a striking just a huge number of relatives.”

Schlossman used the Burbank Police Department as an example: “Now this is as of March 2010. I don’t know if things have changed. But to have a department with 165 sworn officers and support staff, I don’t know how many there are of those. But to have 29 relatives working there is astounding… and frankly I found it in every department… some more concentrated than others.”

I was at this meeting and I was shocked and disturbed by this revelation.  Now Vice-Mayor Jess Talamantes, he took offense, especially when it was suggested relatives of council members should not work for the city: “You know, that’s what the city of Burbank was built on –family. I mean after 30 years on the fire department, there were several dads and sons that came on board. Because they followed their Dad’s footsteps. Just like the police department. Followed their Dad’s footsteps. There’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t want to paint this negative. No, there’s a positive to that.”

“So when it comes to, you know, city employees and family members, I don’t like some of this conversation because it goes against the core of what we the city of Burbank is all about.”

“Just because I wanted to run for council so I can do the best thing I can for the community, for the future of the community, my kids are being deprived of a future, a career with the city of Burbank. I don’t feel that’s right at all.”

“And I don’t see any corruption here, you know, we’ve had our problems, definitely every family has their problems. We are a family, We are going through a problem. We’re trying to manage them, Just like any family. You face your problems and you try to manage your problems. Work with them. Find resources to make you better, that’s what we’re going through right now.”

“…I agree we do direct staff to look at the nepotism policies, strengthen it somewhat, but not to the point of the pendulum swinging the … other way, saying nobody can be related in the city of Burbank anymore.”

This sounds like Talamantes feels the city owes his kids jobs because of his 30 plus years at the fire department. If that is the case, Talamantes has shown himself to be part of the  problem in Burbank.

A chance to make a change in Burbank

Burbank city officials are out to appease voters now that the Primary Nomination Election is coming up soon.  Last week, the Burbank City Council gave final approval to that election set for February 22, 2011 and the General Muncipal Election on April 12, 2011. There is a countdown running on this blog, in the far right column, that gives the exact number of  days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the Burbank Primary Nomination Election. Yes, I think it’s that important.

Burbank city insiders see the 2011 elections as significant as well, and with good reason. Some of those crooks, flakes, and opportunists in Bell would have gotten the boot long ago, if residents had voted them out of office. There is power in the vote. That’s why City Hall officials are taking steps to schmooze the voters, to lull them into thinking things aren’t so bad in Burbank and that they have a real voice in city government.

 Did you get your copy of the new city hall publication, “Burbank USA?”  In his welcome message on the front of the newsletter, Burbank City Manager, Mike Flad, stated: “We strive to be open, accessible and transparent in all aspects of City government and look forward to sharing valuable information through this newsletter.”  Hmm, all of a sudden city officials want to share and be transparent.

I suggest you take a close look at the newsletter, which Flad says will be sent out monthly along with our utility bills. All of it’s fluff: items like free green home house call, city approves regional transit center at the Bob Hope Airport, and the upcoming  “Holiday in the Park.”  Nothing in the newsletter  about the Burbank Police Department scandal/investigation/lawsuits and the millions of dollars being spent for lawyers that city officials are refusing to give the public details on.

There’s a community calendar, but no mention of the November filing date  and deadline for candidates interested in running in the city’s February primary. Three seats on the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education and two on the Burbank City Council will be on the ballot. A major note, up for re-election, Mayor/Council member Anja Reinke and Former Mayor/Council member Gary Bric.

The bottom line, changing the make-up of the city council, would be a giant step toward changing what’s wrong in Burbank. Mayor Reinke and Councilman Bric rubber stamped the recent hike in utility fees for residents and then voted hefty raises for the Burbank Water and Power executives. Despite their claims of being fiscally responsible, Reinke and Bric repeatedly voted outrageous raises for selected Burbank staff in recent weeks. It’s time for a change.

The Burbank City Council needs TWO new members who will actively put the interests of residents first.  It’s up to the voters. If the same decision makers remain on the city council, there is little doubt, the city will continue its bumpy  journey on a path very similar to the one taken by the city of Bell under the guidance of those self-serving officials.

The Leader’s “cozy” and questionable relationship with the BPD

For a long time, The Burbank Leader has been criticized, no slammed, for allegedly being what many consider a cheerleader or mouthpiece  for city government. So you’d think the Leader staff would make an extra effort to deflect this criticism and try to build a reputation of journalistic integrity. Well, maybe not.

Over the weekend in the newspaper and on its website, Editor Dan Evans boasted of a new arrangement with the Burbank Police. Apparently the BPD is going to be feeding certain stories to the Leader. Here’s the link to Evan’s comments (in the middle section of his ”Start the Presses” column). 

The Leader deal got plenty of negative reaction from some Burbank news sites, including this stinging response from BurbankNBeyond Editor, Craig Sherwood, in an opinion piece called, “Outsourcing Burbank Journalism.”

I think this kind of arrangement with one newspaper sends a bad message to ALL media. I guess you can’t fault the Leader editor for asking for special privileges, but Police Chief Scott LaChasse  should have had the smarts to say “no.’

Bees buzzing the flowers in October

During the warm three-day Columbus Day weekend, I noticed quite a few bees fluttering from flower to flower in my Burbank garden.  The bees paid special attention to the colorful geraniums.  Another nice reminder of how lovely fall can be in SoCal.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Voters mark their ballots at a Glendale polling place, November 4, 2008

Go vote. The polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight.  Got questions or need to find your polling place, check the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website, lavote.net.

Voters head to the polls on Election Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tension and tempers rise again in the Burbank PD

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

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

More celebrity farewells

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

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

Lakers and Celtics battle in game 2 of the NBA finals

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

City Cruiser

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

A run-off in the 43rd Assembly District race

It’s Democrat Mike Gatto against the only Republican on the ballot, Sunder Ramani.  

I dropped by a couple of polling places in Burbank on Tuesday evening and was told by the poll workers that the turnout was way better than expected.  A small sampling, but it turned out to be right on the mark. The Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder County Clerk’s office posted the following election results on its website.

April 13, 2010   43rd Assembly Special Election

Mike Gatto  (D)   10,584         32.34%

Sunder Ramani (R)  10,403     31.79%

Nayiri Nahabedian  (D)  7,298  22.30%

Chake Keuroghelian (D)  4,444   13.58%

Total ballots cast     32,912       16.35%

I was disappointed in the showing by Nahabedian, who got drawn into a negative campaign battle with Gatto. Both candidates hammered and jabbed at each other in a mountain of expensive political mailers. The negative campaign hurt both candidates with Nahabedian apparently suffering the most damage.

Sometimes you need to throw a few punches when you’re under attack. I can relate to that. I understand that. Nevertheless, an election is not a boxing match. Voters really don’t want to watch candidates beat-up on each other. We are more interested in candidates talking about the issues; showcasing their ideas and plans for improving our communities.

There is still time for Gatto and Nehabedian to make campaign changes. It ain’t over yet. In a strange political twist, this was the first of four elections for the same office. Gatto and Ramani will square off on June 8 for the right to finish out Paul Krekorian’s term which ends on November 30, 2010. Krekorian left early to campaign and win election to the Los Angeles City Council.

Also on June 8 there will be a primary, which will include candidates running for the next two-year term for the 43rd Assembly District. Gatto, Ramani, Nahabedian, and Keuroghelian, will be on that ballot as well.

Did you have trouble finding your polling place?

I heard some voters showed up at the wrong polling places. Probably because they went back to where they voted in the last election and discovered their names were not on the rosters. They were still able to vote provisionally, but that takes a little longer or they were given directions to the correct polling place.

I was assigned to a new polling site as well. In fact, I passed two polling locations on East Providencia Avenue in route to the First Christian Church on 6th Street where I voted. How smart was that? The folks that draw up these precincts for the elections have a strange logic. No wonder so many voters are skipping the polling places all together. In this Assembly election, 18,989 local voters cast their ballots by mail.

TV late night changes

 New music director for “The Tonight Show”

Recently ”Tonight Show” Music Director Kevin Eubanks has been hinting he might bow out soon and early this week, he did just that. Eubanks announced on Monday’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” that he’s calling it quits after 18 years with the late night talk show.

Stepping in as the new music director the Emmy-nominated and very talented Rickey Minor, who has made guest appearances with the “Tonight Show” band numerous times.  For the past few years, Minor has been the music director over on “American Idol.” Before that the accomplished musician and arranger worked with super-stars like Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé.

Minor debuts as “The Tonight Show” music director on June 7th. Here’s the NBC press release about it.

Conan O’Brien should tape his new late night talker in Burbank

A lot of chatter out there about the new TV deal for talk show host/comic Conan O’Brien. Negotiations were going on with Fox, but Monday TBS announced O’Brien had signed on for an 11 p.m. show on that cable network. No doubt, there was a ton of wheeling and dealing that went on behind the scenes.  

O’Brien’s new one-hour late night show kicks off in November and he will own his new cable talker, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Also, there are reports the new O’Brien show will be based in the Southland. Probably Los Angeles. Hey, why not Burbank?  We have plenty of studio space and talent in Media City to help the former “Tonight Show” host put together a terrific late night program.

Spec script market still hot

Spec scripts are still going out and getting bought! Spec Chaser reports “Romeo’s Redemption” by Dave Lease was snatched up by Gold Circle Films. The crime drama is about mob-enforcer-turned-informant who leaves the safety of the witness protection program to save the only person he’s ever really loved — his ex-wife — from his former mob associates. Nice hook.

More about this script sale and other spec screenplays being shopped here. Good inspiration for the  screenwriters out there and especially the Burbank scribes I know who are writing scripts and pitching projects right now.