Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

UPDATE: Daily minimum staffing for Burbank firefighters will be reduced from a high of 38 last year to 36 on Monday, July 13. This will not result in any layoffs.

Times are tough. The city of Burbank is tightening its financial belt. I understand all of that, still it doesn’t seem smart to cutback the fire department in the heat of a dry summer. Yet, that is just what’s happening in Burbank.

As part of a city council mandated reduction of 5 percent for every department, two firefighters will be let go on Monday, according to a story on The Burbank Leader website today. The cutback reportedly reduces the fire crew ranks down to 36. It’s a balancing act. I heard some loud grumbling about an earlier decision to take Engine 14 out of service as a way to save money. Bumping two firefighters will now allow Engine 14 to roll back into action.

The fire department is reportedly trying to whack $1.27 million from its budget. Oh, the cutbacks probably look great on paper, but the Burbank Fire Department is already a trim operation.  Now it will be down two firefighters and that makes me wonder if public safety is taking a back seat to balancing the budget.   

Photo: from city of Burbank website

I don’t know if Burbank Mayor Gary Bric plays any street basketball, but it’s pretty clear he can trash talk. Earlier in the week, I popped over to Jim Carlile’s Burbank blog and discovered a post from last Tuesday, June 30 about some caustic e-mails he got from the mayor. The town is abuzz with chatter about these e-mail zingers.

Mayor Bric apparently got steamed under the collar after reading one of Carlile’s letters in the Mailbag section of The Burbank Leader newspaper. Here’s a sampling of the mayor’s e-mails to Carlile.

“Jim or may I call you Jimmy like your mommy probably did. Never heard back from you and even left you a phone message, you do return calls don’t you. I’ll forward this to Chris at the Burbank Leader so next time you submit a letter to the “MAILBAG” they can get additional info on you and we can find out more about you. Look forward to hearing and meeting with you, I won’t need much of your time, trust me.. Have a nice day.”  Your friend Mayor Gary Bric 6/24/09.

“Hope mommy didn’t take your computer away, still haven’t heard back from you. Your quite the letter writer with WORD PRESS.COM. Are you still having problems sleeping at night, please let me help you with your problem (s), I’m their for you pal.” Your friend Gary.

“…  Don’t forget let’s hook up for coffee one morning, I’ll make you some hot chocolate. Don’t know if I told you but I’m learning more and more about you every day, can’t wait till the reader’s at the Leader learn about you, any skeleton’s in your closet old pal, old buddy. Health and happiness always.” Your friend Gary.

You know, it sounds like the Burbank mayor is threatening to “out” this Burbank Blogger. Gee, what happened to free speech? Also, is this really the kind of conduct you expect from a top city official?  The two men have never met face to face. From the vinegar in these e-mails, I guess one can understand why Carlile hasn’t accept the mayor’s invite for a coffee date.

Meanwhile, Carlile tells me he’s taking this e-mail barrage from Bric very seriously:”In all my years of city-watching, this is the first time I have ever heard of a Burbank resident being threatened by the mayor because of protected activities like ‘letters to the editor.’ And threaten me Bric did– he clearly stated that he was going to get the Leader to smear me because of my criticisms, and twice he also physically threatened me. First he claimed that if I was having a hard time sleeping at night, he would help me get to sleep– which sounds like a line in a Humphrey Bogart movie, right before they throw him in the trunk of a car.”

Carlile had a letter to the editor published in The Burbank Leader on June 20, 2009 and that appears to be the one that made Bric flip-out. In his letter, Carlile takes the Burbank City Council to task for its decision to remove newly-appointed police commissioner John Brady, allegedly because Brady is on probation for a DUI. Carlile’s letter dishes out some specific criticisms of Council Members Gary Bric and Anja Reinke for their involvement in Brady’s ouster.

If Bric thought his e-mails would silence Carlile’s well he was wrong. Carlile posted another story about the mayor on Wednesday, July first and it’s a doozy. Carlile points out that Bric’s restaurant doesn’t really have a Burbank address. It’s actually in Sun Valley. The website for Gary Bric’s Ramp claims the restaurant is Burbank’s #1 steakhouse. The site lists the address as 7730 North Hollywood Way, Burbank 91505.

Carlile is not the only one who has noticed this discrepancy. Apparently some city business owners have been complaining for a while, because Bric’s restaurant has been allowed to enter The Burbank Leader’s “Best of Burbank” contest. The Ramp restaurant is not the only business pretending to be in Burbank, but it’s probably the most high profile offender because, you guessed it, the owner is the mayor of Burbank!  

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

In the course of business as usual at last night’s meeting, the Burbank City Council made some decisions involving issues which are continuing to generate debate and controversy. During public comments, Jose Sandoval, a volunteer coach for the Burbank Parks & Recreation Department for 16 years, returned to speak to the council members again.

Sandoval coaches five teams and about 80 kids, mostly from low income and single parent homes. Some of the baseball players are physically challenged as well. On May 18, 2009, Sandoval got into an altercation with an umpire and was ejected from a game. Sandoval was suspended for the rest of this season, despite a lot of protest and pleading from parents and his players. Many of the parents claim Sandoval is being treated harsher than other coaches in similar situations. At a hearing on June 8, arranged by the Parks & Recreation Department, that suspension was upheld and extended until next May, according to Sandoval.

Sandoval asked for the council’s help in getting documents from that hearing before his day in court. That’s right, a dispute with a baseball umpire has become a criminal matter. Sandoval got a letter on Monday, June 22 ordering him to appear in Burbank Superior Court on July 2, 2009 to answer to a misdemeanor charge of battery, Section 242 of the Penal Code.

The city council members and City Attorney Dennis Barlow said they were unaware that Sandoval was being prosecuted for his involvement in that altercation. Still, the beleaguered coach was assured he would receive the documents he requested by tomorrow.

Also, speaking during public comments, long time Burbank resident Mike Nolan, who demanded to know, “how much money,” is being spent on lawyers and investigations and “how many claims” are there against the city. Nolan has asked these questions before. However this time, after some discussion about  ”preserving the integrity” of the investigations, the council and city attorney grudgingly agreed to provide Nolan with some information.

Later in the meeting, the council voted 4-to-1 to include an addendum to the police commission application. That addendum would include three items requiring applicants to reveal if they have been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude or have been on probation. Councilman Gordon, who voted against the addendum, pointed out the police commission application never asked these sort of questions before and, “… I don’t think the city has suffered for it.”

Council Member Anja Reinke argued the addendum would help  ”… protect the city.” When Gordon suggested the answers to the questions by the candidates could taint “…their reputations.” Reinke led the charge to have the addendum classified as confidential, something the city attorney said he would have to check to see if they could do legally.

Gordon opposed the confidentially, saying it sends the wrong message when the council should be about providing transparency, especially in light of the council’s controversial removal of John Brady from the police commission. Council Member/Mayor Gary Bric countered by saying he has received, “…very positive feedback” to the way the council ousted Brady from the police commission. Applicants are now being sought for consideration to fill that vacant seat. It will be interesting to see who steps forward and volunteers to go through this dubious process.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove —Burbank City Council, David Gordon, Dave Golonski,  Anja Reinke, Jess Talamantes, and sitting, Gary Bric

 There were speeches. There was debate. Still, it came as no surprise that four members of the Burbank City Council chose to oust newly-appointed Police Commissioner, John Brady, at their meeting last night.  Again, Council member David Gordon tried various tactics to persuade his fellow council members to allow the civil rights activist to serve out his four year term. Nevertheless, the vote was four-to-one in favor of kicking Brady off the police commission and opening up a 30 day application period to fill the seat. Gordon was the lone dissenter.

During public comments, a number of people stepped to the podium to praise Brady’s character, experience, dedication to human rights, and commitment to the Burbank community. They included former city council candidate, Garen Yegparian and Burbank School Board Member, Larry Applebaum. Brady’s supporters pleaded with the council to keep him on the police commission. Also, Brady delivered a passionate defense, in which he declared the DUI the best thing that could have happened to him, because he got treatment and has not had a drink in two years.

 Later during the discussion of the issue, Anja Reinke, Dave Golonski, Gary Bric, and Jess Talamantes all insisted it was not Brady’s DUI that’s the problem. They claimed the fact that Brady is on probation is the reason he would not display the right image on the police commission. Reinke said it “…sends the wrong message…”

Even though, the police commission application did not ask about criminal background, these council members chastised Brady for not alerting them to his probation and causing the controversy about it.  The most adamant, Talamantes, slammed Brady repeatedly with statements like, “…you didn’t put it on your application…” and ”…you did it to us…” and ” …you’ve put us in this position…”

These four council members did not question the motives of Police Chief Tim Stehr for bringing forward the information about the DUI and probation after the council had appointed Brady to the police commission. No, these council members were narrowly focused on blaming the victim for the situation they found themselves in. Did they do the right thing? I don’t think so. I believe the council’s handling of the Brady controversy has done more damage to the police commission and the city than whatever difficulties his probation may have presented to his position as police commissioner.

In another controversy, Amy and Jim Roach, the owners of that now famous Himalayan cat, “Kitty Pants,” asked for the council’s help in getting their pet back. Recently during a mix-up at the Burbank Animal Shelter, “Kitty Pants,” who had been reported missing, was adopted by a new family. Once the mistake was discovered, city officials tried to get the new family to return “Kitty Pants.” In a callous and heartbreaking decision, the new family has refused to give up ”Kitty Pants,” even in exchange for $650 and a new kitten.

The city council members Reinke and Golonski offered their help, but said the city could not go in with a SWAT team and retrieve “Kitty Pants.” Okay, the SWAT team might be a bit much. However, the city should join with the Roaches in a legal battle to get their pet back. I know there are lawsuits and investigations hanging over the city of Burbank. If there are settlements for these cases, more than likely they will be in the millions of dollars.

Yet, I think the city needs to do the right thing in the “Kitty Pants” matter. The right thing is to take whatever legal action is necessary now to get that beloved pet back to its rightful owners.

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

The controversy surrounding the new Burbank Police Commissioners is about to come up again at tomorrow’s city council meeting. Today the issue is listed as item 13 on the agenda and is described as “Reconsideration of the Police Commission Applicants,” according to the agenda forecast posted on the city of Burbank website.

At the center of this stormy drama is newly appointed Police Commissioner and civil rights activist, John Brady. Two weeks ago on June 2, the council voted 4-to-1 to reconsider the appointments of one or more commissioners after a “secret document” made them aware of Brady’s probation in connection with a DUI conviction. Since then, the council’s decision has been a popular topic of debate all over town and beyond; including on this and other blogs.

You would think an issue that a lot of people are eager to hear about would be closer to the top of the agenda, rather than hanging down at the bottom. More than likely it will be brought up by citizens during public comments, which occurs early in the meeting.  

Tomorrow’s meeting is set to get underway at 6 p.m. in the council chamber at city hall. City council meetings are televised on Charter Communications channel 6 in Burbank and some other local channels as well. 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Ex-Burbank City Council Member/Mayor, Marsha Ramos

A few weeks ago, Marsha Ramos stepped out of the public spotlight and back into private life after two terms on the Burbank City Council and twice serving as mayor. Also, Ramos has worked on numerous city committees, boards, and panels, including the police commission, over the years.

So it should come as no surprise to anyone that Ramos has been watching the dramas and controversies swirling around Burbank with particular interest.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday June 9, Ramos answered some questions for me via e-mail.

1. What do you think of the decision to re-vote the police commission vacancies? What do you think of the decision to do background checks on police commissioners? 

I acknowledge that all board and commission members serve at the pleasure of the City Council, and can be removed for no reason at all.  However, in this case both the timing and the questionable procedures have created a perception that is damaging. The decision to conduct a background investigation after the appointment was made is troubling to me. The City Council and Burbank Police Department had never indicated or even implied that a background check was necessary or considered. In my opinion isolating this commissioner and conducting a background check after his appointment was a discriminatory decision.

It is especially troubling because this is the type of decision making process that lends support to the allegations the 5 police officers are citing in their lawsuit. And now, at the direction of the City Council last Tuesday, all the police commission appointees must file additional paperwork and submit to a background check after they’ve been appointed. This is a procedural nightmare.

I was a police commissioner, at no time during my service, or as a participant of the police community academy was I informed that a background check had been conducted as a condition of service or required for a police ride-along. The role of a police commissioner is very different than that of a Police Department volunteer. The two should not be confused. Volunteers are provided training and regular office hours and have access to more confidential information than any Council member. The Police Commission, an advisory body to the Council, meets only four times per year and had very limited access to confidential information. 

In the future if the majority of the Council chooses to remove a commissioner or board member they have a responsibility to act appropriately, and a duty to be fair and respectful to those in our community willing to serve.

2. What do you think about the discrimination lawsuit filed by five members of the Burbank Police Department?

I’m saddened, because I think this should have been avoided. Leadership is critical. That said, I recognize first hand, that hands are tied by a dysfunctional system that escalates conflicts to a point of no return. Already the divisive rhetoric has surfaced, and one hopes that the morale of a department that has had a stellar reputation will not erode. Ultimately, protecting the financial interests of the City is the primary consideration. The adversarial positions crafted by the city attorney’s office will be carefully molded with very little room to move toward an expedient resolution. Sadly, it is the nature of the legal system.

3. What about those “internal and external investigations” going on?

These are very complex conditions in a climate that is clearly tense. There are and have been multiple investigations and allegations. The courts will sort through some of them, outside eyes will make other determinations and findings, and the court of public opinion is more engaged than usual.

4. What course of action should city officials take to deal with the current situation with both the media and residents demanding answers and action?

Proceed with great care.

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

More fuel got tossed onto the controversy burning around the Burbank Police Commission at last night’s city council meeting.  First up, Councilman David Gordon made a passionate plea to his fellow council members to release that confidential memo that prompted their decision last week to re-consider at least one appointment to the police commission.

Dr. Gordon said it was in the “…interest of fairness and due process…” that the memo be made available “…to the individual and to the public…”  Ah, but the four other members did not see it that way. They decided to keep the memo shrouded in secrecy. Dr. Gordon made a motion to release the memo, but because no other council member would second it the motion died.

Last week, the council did not mention the name of the newly elected commissioner who’s DUI was reported on in that memo from the City Attorney, Dennis Barlow. However last night, Councilman/ Mayor Gary Bric referred to the commissioner as ”Brady” at least twice. Apparently, some council members felt it was okay to mention civil rights activist John Brady by name, since the Burbank Leader had recently used his name in a story about background checks being required of all police commissioners as a result of that memo.

During public comments, long time Burbank resident David Piroli observed that a large number of comments on a Daily News blog and A Writer’s Groove  were from people confused about what the police commission does, when it meets, and where to find information about it. In response, City Manager Mike Flad noted the  police commission meets quarterly and the announcements are posted at city hall and the library. Still, Flad offered to do “a better job” in the future of getting the word out about the police commission and when and where it meets.

Then, there was the appearance by former Burbank Police Commission Chair Joe Gunn. During public comments, Gunn went into a rant about his eight years on the police commission, 50-year record in law enforcement, and called Councilman Gordon a “bully” for “…publicly accusing me of committing a crime.”  Gunn was so upset that he stormed out of the council chamber immediatedly after speaking.

Later, Councilman Gordon said he had made reference to an “apparent violation of the Brown Act” in connection with Gunn’s infamous May 13 e-mail sent out to all the police commissioners asking them to “… refrain from asking City Council members and the City Manager…” about “… a major investigation going on within the Burbank Police Department.” Basically, the California Brown Act states that public bodies must hold public meetings and they are not allowed to take actions in secret.  

By the way, the next Burbank Police Commission meeting is this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the community room of the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters at 200 North First Street.

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

That discrimination lawsuit filed by five members of the Burbank PD last Thursday, popped up several times at the Burbank City Council meeting last night. First, it was on the written agenda as having been discussed with legal counsel earlier in the afternoon during the council’s closed session. Also seven, yes that’s right,  potential cases against the city were brought up in that behind-closed-doors discussion as well.

The present lawsuit alleges a pattern of discriminatory hiring and promotional practices, harassment, retaliation and other offenses in the Burbank PD. It was brought up or alluded to by several speakers during the public comments. Both City Manager Mike Flad and Councilman Dave Golonski reiterated Burbank’s policy for zero-tolerance when it comes to discrimination. Neither spoke directly about the allegations.

Although the council would not discuss the lawsuit pubicly, it was definitely at the core of a new controversy that flared up at the meeting. The council decided to reconsider its vote of four applicants to fill vacancies on the Burbank Police Commission. A visibly upset Councilman David Gordon was the only  “no” vote out of five, and he called the action  “wrong,” and “a reshuffling of the democratic process.”  Even though none of the applicants were mentioned by name, it was clear during the heated debate who was the target of the re-vote campaign.

The unidentified applicant is apparently on some form of probation from a DUI. The police commission application did not ask about criminal background, so how did this become an issue? Police Chief Tim Stehr admitted at the council meeting that someone in his department brought it to his attention. Stehr passed on the information to the city staff and the city attorney then informed council members.

Chief Stehr is one of the defendants specifically named in that Burbank Police discrimination lawsuit. The unidentified applicant reportedly has stellar credentials for fighting racism — one of the main accusations in that suit. You gotta wonder, if Stehr and his sources in the police department came up with that DUI information in an attempt to get the unidentified applicant removed from the police commission.

Councilman Gordon was clearly uncomfortable with the timing of the DUI revelation and how the information came to the council. However, other council members appeared to be more concerned with creating a police commission with a certain image, during what they frequently referred to as this “sensitive” time. By the way, Mayor/City Council member Gary Bric has disclosed in the past and did so again at last night’s meeting, that he got a DUI, 13 years ago.  

So who would the proponents of the re-vote campaign like to see on the police commission? Well, probably Joe Gunn, the chairman of the police commission, who did not get a seat on the panel during the first vote. Gunn wrote that infamous e-mail to fellow police commissioners dated May 13, 2009.

In the e-mail, Gunn asked police commissioners not to talk to certain city officials about, “…a major investigation going on within the Burbank Police Department.” Also, Gunn wrote: “Please refrain from asking city council members and the city manager about this investigation. They also do not have all the facts at this time and repeated requests for information keeps stirring the controversy and gives ammunition to those who wish to do the Department harm.”

This Gunn e-mail outraged some locals who feel the police commission’s job is to provide oversight for the police department and to be first and foremost, looking out for the best interest of the residents of Burbank. I agree with that, but believe the police commission’s effectiveness in carrying out its duties is now hampered by its own controversy.

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

A controversial lawsuit filed by a Burbank police Lieutenant and four officers last Thursday is the talk of the town. In fact, the story is still getting a lot of exposure across the Internet and in the media. Today, the lead lawyer, whose firm filed the lawsuit, reiterated the allegations of widespread discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other misconduct in the Burbank PD at a news conference. 

Attorney Solomon E. Gresen accused the Burbank PD of giving preferential treatment to white males and utilizing flawed hiring practices, “…. all minority officers must be quote, unquote white enough to be hired.” On KNX 1070 newsradio today, Burbank City Attorney, Dennis Barlow, responded to the suit by saying in an interview: “… we don’t like to try our cases in the press. We like to try them in the courtroom.”

Well, Attorney Barlow may be looking forward to taking this case to trial, but that’s not what some Burbank residents want to hear. If the allegations are true, some feel the city should settle now, rather than go through a long drawn out trial. No doubt a settlement will be expensive now, but a court decision that favors the defendants could be even more so later. Also, the way I see it,  when you weigh the damage to the image of city, the morale of the Burbank PD, and public confidence, a quick settlement makes better sense than a lengthy court battle.

The lawsuit was filed by Burbank Lieutenant Omar Rodriguez, police officers Jamal Childs, Elfego Rodriguez, Steve Karagiosian, and Cindy Guillen-Gomez.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

The economy is still struggling. Job layoffs by the thousands continue. Gasoline prices at the pumps are up. On Thursday, May 21, I paid $2.60 a gallon at a gas station in Burbank. A month ago at the same station, I paid $2.30 a gallon.  And food prices are still outrageously high; why is that the case?

On the plus side, President Obama signed sweeping credit card reform into law yesterday. You can still catch a flick for around 10 bucks or so.  Some big movies playing this weekend include “Star Trek,” “Angels & Demons,” and the new arrivals “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Simthsonian,” and “Terminator Salvation.” This holiday weekend is still a great time to connect with the people we care about, hang out at our favorite joints, parks, and shopping places, or just do nothing but kick back and relax.

At the top of my to-do list this weekend, being grateful for the choices we have in this country. First, I’ll give thanks to a higher power. Then for the next few days, I’ll join my neighbors and people across our nation and fly the stars and stripes to say thanks to our military, especially to those who have died in that service, for protecting our values and freedoms.  

 Photo: Lawrence Jackson/White House — President Obama shares a fistbump with a proud young graduating Midshipman at the U.S. Navy Academy commencement today.

President Obama kicked off the long Memorial Day holiday weekend today with a speech to the graduating class of 2009 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland: “After an era when so many institutions and individuals acted with such greed and recklessness, it’s no wonder that our military remains the most trusted institution in our nation. (Applause)

And in a world when so many forces and voices seek to divide us, it inspires us that this class came together and succeeded together, from every state and every corner of the world. By building an institution that’s more diverse than ever — more women, more Hispanics, more African Americans — the Naval Academy has reaffirmed a fundamental American truth: that out of many, we are one.”  (Applause)

More of the president’s speech and photos of the event on the White House blog.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank City Council  (from left to right) Dr. David Gordon, Dave Golonski, Anja Reinke, Jess Talamantes and seated, council member/Mayor Gary Bric

Suspicions are growing that something troubling is brewing behind the scenes in Burbank that involves the police department and legal matters. Officials are trying to keep it hush-hush, but all that has done is fuel rumors and concerns among residents as well as city employees.

Last Tuesday, May 19, at the city council meeting, long-time resident Mike Nolan encouraged council members to address a number of issues including rumors about a controversial e-mail floating around from a member of the police commission. More on that later.

Also, Nolan alluded to lawsuits going on and asked, “how many law firms” are involved? Nolan put it most succinctly when he demanded to know: “What is going on here?” City Councilman Dave Golonski spoke up and admitted, “…there are internal and external investigations going on…” Ex-Mayor Golonski explained,  …”we are not at liberty…” to discuss them because we do not comment on “…ongoing investigations.” Hmm, hasn’t the Burbank City Council heard that we are now in the era of transparency.

If President Obama can face the American people and answer difficult and sometimes sensitive questions, so can the city officials in Burbank. Who’s funding these investigations? If taxpayer money is being spent on law firms and investigations, residents deserve to know the why and the what, not every detail, but something to justify the expense and the secrecy. The way I see it, far better for city officials to make a disclosure now, rather than be forced later on to explain these legal matters as well as the long delay in informing the public about them.

As for that provocative police commission e-mail, after much discussion among the council members and staff, it was decided that the council needed to see it. Burbank City Manager, Mike Flad, has taken up the search for the e-mail and from what I am hearing, once it is found, it will be made public.  Stay tuned.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank Polling Place/Joaquin Miller Elementary School

California voters didn’t just reject five of the propositions championed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other legislators as fixes for the financially-strapped state budget, they slammed them to the mat in yesterday’s special election. Propositions 1A through 1E were soundly defeated by huge margins.

STATEWIDE RESULTS

Proposition 1A  “Rainy Day” Budget Stabilization Fund          34.1% Yes   65.9% No

Proposition 1B   Education Funding Payment Plan                37.4% Yes    62.6% No   

Proposition 1C   Lottery Modernization Act                           35.4% Yes    64.6% No

Proposition 1D   Children’s Services Fund                             34.2% Yes    65.8% No       

Proposition 1E   Mental Health Funding Temporary Reallocation 33.6% Yes  66.4% No       

The only measure passed by the voters yesterday is 1F, which would prevent state officials from pocketing salary increases in years when there’s a budget deficit. That measure won by a landslide statewide, 73.9% Yes to 26.1% No. In Los Angeles County, voters overwhelmingly supported the measure by more than two-to-one with 69 % Yes to 31% No.

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

When I voted at Joaquin Miller Elementary Tuesday afternoon, I saw mostly grim faced voters in line and a couple of harried pollworkers trying to process them. Later, I walked into Burbank City Hall for a city council meeting and found a table of smiling and cheerful pollworkers. The voters here didn’t look any happier about the task at hand, but the pollworkers were in a great mood, even though most of them had been on the job since early that morning.

Election Inspector, Silva Kechichian, told me voters had come in a “steady” trickle all day long. Kerchichian rated the turnout “good” for a special election. She admitted Tuesday’s turnout was nothing like the long lines and crowds that showed up for last November’s presidential election.

Burbank city hall pollworkers, Lilian Avila, Narcisco Dulao, Melina Alaka, and high school junior Brooke Johnson expressed excitement about the voting process and their part in it. They said they want to do it all again –together– the next election. Three cheers for the pollworkers!

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House

Spectators at a town hall meeting in Rancho Rio, New Mexico yesterday eagerly reach out to shake President Obama’s hand or to snap a photo of the Commander-in-Chief.  At the meeting, inside a packed high school gym, the president recounted some horror stories of abuse by credit card companies who have been jacking up rates and raising fees on struggling Americans during these tough economic times.

Obama said, “Enough is enough.  It’s time for strong, reliable protections for our consumers. It’s time for reform …”  The president declared his commitment to sign the Credit Card Bill of Rights into law by Memorial Day. More of the president’s comments from this town hall meeting are on the White House blog.

Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr  Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

A cloud of uncertainty is hanging over the city of Burbank, the “Media Capital of the World.” The uncertainty is not linked to the prominent entertainment industry in town nor is it fallout from the sluggish economy. No, it’s the city’s police department, which is the focus of this negative energy.

For weeks now the rumors and suspicions about allegations of police misconduct, lawsuits, indictments, and other police issues have been swirling around this San Fernando Valley city of 100,000 residents. Earlier this month, the Burbank Leader published an article about a private meeting on May 4 attended by rank-and-file union police officers to discuss their concerns.

Also, the Leader printed an internal police union memo about an April session between Chief Stehr and two officials of the Burbank Police Officers’ Association to discuss a number of pressing topics including: “morale, division among the members, lack of confidence in the Chief and administration, racial discrimination, rumors, perceptions, anonymous letters, lawsuits, inequities, current criminal cases, and negative events believed to be coming.”  

At the May meeting, police union members reportedly decided to try to work through these issues with the chief rather than take a no-confidence vote. Last night, during a break in the proceeding at the city council meeting I talked briefly with Chief Stehr who said he was confident he could lead the Burbank police department through this difficult period. Still, Stehr admitted, “… there are some issues…” but insisted “… (we will ) work together to fix them.”

Last week, I got an e-mail response from the Chairman of the Burbank Police Commission, Joe Gunn, about the situation: “The Chief had informed me of the issues before I left on a three week vacation and I am confident that he is taking all of the necessary steps to alleviate the problem. He maintains our trust and respect relative to his professional duties.”

 Meanwhile, listed on last night’s printed city council agenda, a closed session item involving litigation and a case of  “alleged violation of civil rights arising out of claimed wrongful and prolonged detention.” Is this one of the cases that has the Burbank police department in turmoil?

Clearly, there are some behind the scenes activities and negotiations going on in Burbank. Nevertheless, residents deserve to know what is happening; and how the police problems will be solved as well as how all of this will affect city services. At his first council meeting as an elected official, new Councilman Jess Talamantes explained he would rather be “proactive than reactive.” I think this is the position city officials should take with the police department problems. Don’t wait until it all explodes into a full blown controversy, but step forward now and explain the situation to residents. 

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House

First Lady Michelle Obama shared a group hug with some students during a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Monday, May 4, at the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Charter School in Washington, D.C.

Later that evening at a White House Cinco de Mayo event attended by Mexican Ambassador Arturo Saruklan, President Obama spoke about the significance of the holiday: “Nearly 150 years ago, a ragtag band of soldiers and citizens, badly outnumbered and facing impossible odds, held their ground on a muddy hill to defend their nation from what was at the time the most fearsome fighting force in the world. That decisive victory at what became known as the Battle of Puebla ignited a pride in country and culture that Mexican Americans feel to this day.” 

The president went on to say the celebration of that battle victory as Cinco de Mayo honors “our shared heritage…” and therefore ”… America is a richer and more vibrant place thanks to the contributions of Mexican Americans.” More of the president’s remarks on the White House website.

President Obama has a new challenge to deal in the next 100 days of his administration; a previously unknown flu virus, which has the potential to kill. Last Wednesday night, the president highlighted efforts being made to handle the two wars, the bad economy, and other problems inherited from the Bush years. The president said: “I am pleased with our progress, but I am not satisfied.”

Now we have to add to the country’s list of problems a health issue: a new strain of the swine flu or as it is being called now the H1N1 virus. This week, the flu virus popped up in a number of states and several countries, prompting concern about a pandemic. Today Mexico, ground zero for this flu outbreak, reportedly cut its number of suspected deaths from over 170 to around 101. Only one death in the U.S., a toddler in Texas.

Today in his weekly address, President Obama discussed H1NI and what steps and precautions the government is taking: “The good news is that the current strain of H1N1 can be defeated by a course of antiviral treatment that we already have on hand.  We began this week with 50 million courses of this treatment in the Strategic National Stockpile.  Over the course of the last few days, we have delivered one-quarter of that stockpile to states so that they are prepared to treat anyone who is infected with this virus.  We then purchased an additional thirteen million treatments to refill our strategic stockpile.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, I have also asked Congress for $1.5 billion if it is needed to purchase additional antivirals, emergency equipment, and the development of a vaccine that can prevent this virus as we prepare for the next flu season in the fall.” More of the president’s comments on the White House website.

Meanwhile, in California there are now 17 confirmed cases of H1NI, none of those are in Los Angeles County.

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House

First Lady Michelle Obama had another chat with a queen a few days ago. Mrs. Obama held a get together with Jordan’s Queen Rania in the White House Yellow Oval Room on Thursday, April 23, 2009.  Also this week, Jordan’s King Abdullah met with President Obama.  

Earlier this month, the first lady and the president had a meet and greet with Great Britian’s Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace in London.  

The Burbank Democratic Club threw a backyard BBQ bash with great eats and brew in a neighborhood near the Rancho District, last night. I’m a member and I joined 50 or so other folks for a fun club meeting and social gathering. However, there was a serious message about the state’s budget woes presented by local Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D) 43rd District.

Krekorian had the tough job of trying to rally support for the upcoming State Special Election for six controversial initiatives. In these difficult times, even Democrats aren’t in the mood for more taxes or eager to hear about budget cuts and multi-billion dollar deficits. Krekorian, to his credit, did not shy away from the grim task.

Krekorian, passionate at times and apologetic at others, admitted the initiatives were a bitter pill saying”I don’t love raising people’s taxes … this isn’t the way government should be run.” Still, the man who called himself a grassroots democrat declared the initiatives are the necessary support pillars to the  recent hard fought compromise state budget. He urged a “yes” vote on all six including Proposition 1F, which prohibits pay raises for state legislators in years when there is a state deficit.

Like many frustrated residents, the state lawmakers pay restriction initiative is the one I’m sure will get my approval, the others I’m still debating. The five other initiatives are somewhat confusing, but here’s how the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk’s lavote.net website summarized them up:

1A — “Rainy Day” Budget Stabilization Fund.

1B — Education Funding. Payment Plan.

1C — Lottery Modernization Act.

1D — Children’s Services Funding.

1E — Mental Health Funding. Temporary Reallocation.

 More detailed information about these initiatives is on the California Statewide Special Election voter guide section of the Secretary of State’s web page. Also, voters will be getting information on the election and the initiatives in the mail soon. The election is May 19, 2009.

Photos: Pete Souza/White House

Today President Barack Obama visited Mexico. On his arrival, President Obama received a warm welcome from some of its citizens and Mexican President Felipe Calderon. During the welcoming ceremony, Obama made a pledge: “At a time when the Mexican government has so courageously taken on the drug cartels that have plagued both sides of the borders, it is absolutely critical that the United States joins as a full partner in dealing with this issue…” The White House Blog
 

Later after their meeting, President Obama got a warm send-off from Calderon’s family. Tomorrow, Obama travels to Trinidad and Tobago for the Summit of the Americas.