This website provides the following articles relating to the City of Rosemead, California:
1. Rosemead working on balanced budget
2. Bills almost double city legal budget
3. Council race will be heated
4. Sorry, is that an apology?
5. Rosemead councilman apologizes for his "old-school" ways
6. Rosemead's city attorney already $43,000 over his budget
7. Tran to stay on as mayor; Nunez turns down Rosemead position
8. Council asks for Garcia's legal bills; City attorney said to be four months behind
9. City plan scrutinized; High-density projects, too many developers draw residents' ire
10. Casting a pall over Rosemead
10. Harassment suit over; accusations still linger
11. Rosemead officials deny Nunez harassment charges covered up
12. Notes detail alleged misconduct; Investigator: More than 20 report Nunez involved
13. Nunez asked to step down; Residents upset over harassment suit settlement
14. $330K settlement looms in suit against Rosemead councilman
15. Nearby construction worries mobile home park residents
16. Mayor asks for mailers probe' Councilwoman calls request `totally bogus'
17. Rosemead residents flock to meeting
18. As city's legal fees rise, confusion persists; Rosemead reviews law firms' contracts
19. City's views on new Wal-Mart improve
20. Rosemead warms up to projects; Changes to city code allows for mixed-use development
21. Travel tally; City expense budgets range from frugal to generous
22. Workers claim City Hall is hostile to employees
23. Council votes to report member
24. Report: Workers in hostile setting; Councilman calling for expanded inquiry
25. Wal-Mart supporters to stay active; Group getting early start on '09 elections
26. Claremont loses two staff members
27. City Hall roll call continues to change
28. Attorney fees remain high
29. Council to get reports in sex harassment case 4
30. Mayor criticized on agenda request; Discussion on final discretion for Tran postponed
31. Conflict of interest in school deal?
32. Sexual harassment report could be released
33. Community counted on to help reduce crime
34. Rosemead puts cap on legal fees; Move comes after city billed $100,000 in 3 months
35. Rosemead council reins in city attorney's fees
36. Bridge project manager replaced
37. Rosemead appoints city manager
38. Council to vote on construction management company
39. New firm could oversee projects
40. Taylor seeks details in lawsuit; Councilman Nunez accused of harassment
41. Council decides on law firm
42. A political issue
43. Rosemead nears call on bridge project
44. Power struggle over project; Firefighters oppose development plans
45. Job shuffle continues at Rosemead City Hall
46. Rosemead steps up attorney search
47. Attorney's bills prompt review
48. Rosemead lawyers raked in the money in May
49. Rosemead, B.P. resolving tax flap; Dispute grew out of motorcycle shop's move
50. Rosemead lacks traditional grocery stores
51. Harassment suit against Nunez fuels arguments For earlier articles regarding the City of Rosemead, see page 2 of Rosemead-Info.4t.com and page 3 of Rosemead-Info.4t.com.
Rosemead working on balanced budget
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Amid budget cuts and deficits across the state, the city expects to have a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Anticipated increases in sales and property tax revenues, as well as additional one-time revenues from county funds and back sales-tax dollars have resulted in the increase in the city's coffers.
"We are extremely excited to be able to present the city council with an operating budget that is balanced for the first time in several years," said City Manager Oliver Chi.
The City Council will discuss the proposed 2008-09 budget at tonight's council meeting.
More money will be applied to public safety, economic development, public affairs and public works than in previous years, Chi said.
Unlike last year, where the city was facing a $350,000 deficit, the city has been able to keep the budget balanced by drawing on one-time windfall, totalling nearly $1.1 million.
But Chi realizes that the city may not have such luck in the future.
"The challenge that we will have in ongoing years is putting together spending plans that are balanced," Chi said.
Councilwoman Margaret Clark said that she is upset with the proposed budget, and believes that the current council is overspending.
"(The existing staff) inherited a healthy budget and reserve, and now they are spending it down like there is no tomorrow," Clark said.
The operating revenues are projected at $18.3 million, and the expenses are at $17.8 million.
Changes in the budget include spending $83,500 for the city's 50th anniversary celebration, enhancing the public affairs program to $61,000, and more than doubling the anticipated cost for the city attorney to $364,000.
"I think that overall, it is a good budget," said Councilwoman Polly Low. "I am very pleased that it is balanced, and now we have a formal reserve policy."
Clark said she is concerned that this budget will deplete the reserves.
Recently, the city changed its reserve policy. Instead of one account for unallocated funds, the council divided its $21 million reserve pot into three categories.
One is a equipment and computer funding reserve, another is for capital improvements, and the third is for unallocated funds.
The unallocated funds pot currently has $11 million.
Whittier Daily News, June 10, 2008
Bills almost double city legal budget
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - The city attorney has so far charged the city nearly double the amount budgeted for legal fees.
Bonifacio Garcia and his law firm, Garcia, Calderon and Ruiz, have charged $276,000 for legal services from July through mid-March. The city's budget for the entire year is $162,000.
"It is just too high, and there is no excuse for it as far as I am concerned," Councilman Gary Taylor said. "His fees will have to be discussed at the budget review."
Garcia did not return calls for comment.
The City Council will discuss the 2008-09 budget at its June 10 meeting, City Manager Oliver Chi said. Staff will propose more than doubling the city attorney's budget, increasing it to $364,000, Chi said.
As the city prepares for next year's budget, some council members are concerned over the high fees that have trailed Garcia.
"I'm wondering whether they are charging us for their research," said Councilwoman Margaret Clark. "This is just outrageous because we are not facing very many lawsuits."
In addition to the $15,000 a month retainer fee and nearly $31,000 worth of work on two lawsuits, Garcia has charged the city nearly $10,000 in two months to examine alleged misconduct by Clark and Taylor.
Earlier this year, the council recommended that Taylor be investigated by the grand jury for allegedly releasing confidential information in public, and Clark is being referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission for sending
mailers that allegedly had misinformation.
"It is unfortunate to have these additional costs to the city," Councilwoman Polly Low said. "But (Garcia) is willing to reduce the costs to the city."
In April, the city reduced the amount budgeted per month to $20,000 from $30,000. The action came after the City Council tried to curb costs by putting a maximum on his fees, which reached as high as $58,000 in November.
The cap does does not include "extraordinary circumstances" such as litigation, court proceedings or investigations.
"If you look at it, it is higher because of situations that we have had to deal with," Low said. "If it weren't for all the additional items, then the costs would be much lower."
Since Garcia was hired nearly one year ago, he has charged $395,000 for his services.
"In my opinion, (the cap) hasn't done anything to control the costs," Taylor said. "There are three council members that don't see anything wrong with what he does."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, June 3, 2008
Council race will be heated
by Jennifer McLain and Tania Chatila
Tomorrow is the primary election.
But in eyes of some local leaders, there are more important elections to focus on - even if those elections are more than a year away.
In Rosemead, the next election is in March 2009.
But ask anyone who attends the council meetings, and it appears as though Mayor John Tran and council members Margaret Clark and John Nunez have been on the campaign trail for months.
It is still unclear who will be running for re-election, but community members seem to think that Clark, Nunez and Tran will all be trying to win their seats back.
First, there's Clark, who has sent out several fliers during the past several months opposing proposed city ordinances.
Then, there's Nunez, who was the center of a sexual harassment lawsuit, which was settled earlier this year. Last month, it looked like a damage control move when he sent out letters apologizing if he ever made employees uncomfortable.
Finally, there is Tran, who will be riding into the election on a second consecutive term as mayor.
Rosemead's elected aren't the only city officials that have the election in mind.
El Monte City Manager Jim Mussenden said recent allegations accusing Mayor Ernie Gutierrez of being drunk in public are "political."
Other city officials have said they wouldn't be surprised to see Henry August's name on the ballot - and their city election isn't until November 2009.
August was the man who lambasted Gutierrez for allegedly groping his girlfriend and shouting out vulgarities while drunk at a public event.
August, a former police officer, did not return calls for comment.
Gutierrez, Art Barrios and Juventino Gomez's terms will expire in 2009.
In South El Monte, conflict over travel budgets have some council members wondering whether that means their political futures in the city will be stifled.
Mayor Blanca Figueroa, who has spent thousands of dollars more than her colleagues in meeting and travel expenses, will be up for re-election in November 2009. Angelica Garcia and Joseph Gonzales will also be up for re-election.
Recently, some council members have been more heated than ever as Figueroa continues to go over her spending budget.
El Monte is one of the few technologically-friendly cities in the San Gabriel Valley that actually posts City Council agendas and streaming videos of council meetings online.
It's no wonder than that a reader so furiously complained on Monday when the May 20 council meeting was still not up on the city's Web site to view.
The reader pointed to possible conspiracies, and questioned the city's motives.
A staff member in the City Clerk's Office said she "forgot" to put it up - nearly a week after the meeting was held.
The meeting was up and running on the Web site within about 30 minutes later. A day after the conversation with the staffer, city spokesman Matthew Weintraub called with some concerns.
Apparently, the city employee was "distressed" over the post on the Leftovers from City Hall blog, detailing why the video wasn't posted.
Weintraub said he didn't want people in the community to think the city was trying to hide something.
Apparently, the female staffer who spoke about the council meeting video does not usually do that job. The office is understaffed and it was just an honest mistake.
We did not mean to suggest there was some mysterious reason behind the missing video. We're just happy the city posts the meetings online in the first place - unlike others who don't even make it easy to pick up a printed agenda.
Pasadena Star News, June 3, 2008
Sorry, is that an apology?
APOLOGIES from politicians are becoming as commonplace as celebrities checking into rehab.
It seems as if the public apology is now a kind of rite of passage for a mayor, council member, state legislator or governor. With few exceptions, being caught in a scandal and saying you're sorry is no longer the death knell for a public career. On the contrary, it can be a career booster.
Bill Clinton, after being exposed as a liar when he told Americans he "did not have sexual relations with that woman," continued to be popular both in and out of public office. L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, after admitting to cheating on his wife with a Los Angeles TV anchorwoman, didn't miss a beat. He's still atop the largest city in California and could easily wind up head honcho of the state of California someday.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "groping problem" never cost him the election. If it cost him a few nights sleeping on the couch that would surprise us.
Don't get us wrong. There's nothing wrong with the act of contrition, saying the words "I am sorry," nor the response, forgiveness. But that process only works to the fullest when the apology is clear, specific and heartfelt.
All things that the recent apology Rosemead Councilman John Nunez offered up to city employees were not.
Nunez was accused of sexually harassing a former city employee. As a result, he was sued by city finance worker Valerie Mazone for what she said was inappropriate talk and touching that went on at City Hall for two years. That lawsuit was settled by the city for $330,000 earlier this year.
Earlier this month, Nunez drew up an apology letter that he had placed inside Rosemead city employee paychecks in which he addressed his name being "associated with allegations of harassment against an employee of the City of Rosemead" but in which he never admitted guilt. It's hard to be sorry for something if you never admit it happened, only that you were "associated" with it.
In the letter, Nunez said he was sorry for his conduct that "has resulted in hurt feelings and disappointment for some people in Rosemead."
As if that's not wishy-washy, look at what Nunez went on to say. Not even saying he was the one who harassed Mazone, he excused this kind of behavior by pawning it off as being "affectionate" and "of the `old school."' There's something off-kilter about a council member saying he can't help but hug and pat employees on the back because he was raised to be a friendly person. This shows a lack of self-discipline and self-control. Not everyone in a workplace wants to be hugged or touched. Nunez, who is an adult, should realize that.
In fact, if he can't practice the qualities that come with leadership, then he should resign from office.
It sure looks like his intent is the opposite, despite what many Rosemead residents want. We agree with Rosemead Councilwoman Margaret Clark that the letter appears to be "an election ploy" designed to prepare Nunez for his re-election bid in March 2009.
If so, the letter stunt goes along with the adage that says there is no such thing as bad publicity when it comes to politicians. We would think Rosemead residents are proving that maxim wrong.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, May 21, 2008
Rosemead councilman apologizes for his "old-school" ways
Rosemead city employees received a little extra something in their May 8 paycheck. A letter of apology. Saying he was sorry if his manners might have offended, Councilman John Nunez wrote the one-page letter in response to a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a female city employee, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. The lawsuit, which was settled earlier this year, accused him of inappropriate touching and crude comments, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
"Those of you who know me also know that I'm an affectionate person of the 'old-school,'" Nunez wrote. "As many of you know, when I see friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, I often give them a warm hug, a pat on the back, or make what I consider to be a friendly comment."
Some of Nunez' political opponents said the letter is not an apology, including fellow council member Margaret Clark, who has called for his resignation.
"This letter does not apologize for anything, it just says that he was a touchy-feely guy."
-- Jesus Sanchez
Los Angeles Times, May 20, 2008
Rosemead's city attorney already $43,000 over his budget
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - The city attorney is over his legal budget by $43,000, with six months remaining in the billing cycle, records show.
Rosemead City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia of Garcia, Calderon and Ruiz has charged the city $205,000 since July, the start of the fiscal year. The legal budget for the firm's services in 2007-08 is nearly $162,000.
Garcia did not return calls.
"That is outrageous," said Councilwoman Margaret Clark. "If we are overbudget, we are going to dip into our reserves. This is the wrong time to be overspending on anything."
The City Council on Tuesday will discuss Garcia's billing practices. This is after some council members last month questioned why he had not submitted four months' worth of bills.
Since Garcia was hired nearly one year ago on the recommendation of Councilman John Nunez, the council has adjusted its policies and taken steps to lower the city attorney's bills, which reached as much as $58,000 in November.
"I find that (Garcia) gives us great and sound advice, but in terms of cost, obviously I am very concerned about the bills," said Mayor John Tran. "I've asked staff to closely monitor the bills."
Since Garcia was hired a year ago, he has charged $323,785 for his services.
"There was one month where a bill was $56,000," said Rosemead City Manager Oliver Chi. "That type of situation can't happen anymore."
The bills prompted the city to place a $30,000 cap effective September 2007.
The cap does does not include "extraordinary circumstances" such as litigation, court proceedings or investigations.
Garcia's $205,000 in fees since July include work on a pending personnel lawsuit against the city, and a city legal dispute against Councilman Gary Taylor that was referred to the grand jury.
"During the last few months," Chi said, "we have taken on extraordinary circumstances, and there is an additional cost for those services."
Legal costs vary among San Gabriel Valley cities.
In Baldwin Park, home to more than 80,000 residents, city attorney fees range between $10,000 and $20,000 a month. Invoices show the city spent about $17,000 in November, $17,000 in October and $12,000 in December for work performed by former City Attorney Stephanie Scher.
In South El Monte, which has 21,400 residents, city attorney fees averaged $31,000 a month last year, records show.
In Rosemead, a city of nearly 53,000, Garcia's bills average $36,300 a month.
Officials said they expect to present the council with a balanced budget, but legal costs could be an obstacle.
"At some point, if we exceed the appropriated amount, a budget amendment has to be executed," Chi said. "This is one of these areas where we will have to bring back some sort of budget amendment to be able to continue to pay for this service."
Pasadena Star News, April 4, 2008
Tran to stay on as mayor
Nunez turns down Rosemead position
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - A councilman who was next in line to become mayor refused the appointment on Tuesday.
Councilman John Nunez, who was expected to be selected for the mayoral seat, said that he would not accept, for personal reasons.
"There's a couple of things I need to do in my personal life," Nunez said. "Really, I'd like to renominate John Tran."
The council voted 3-2 to reappoint Tran as mayor.
Rosemead City Council members rotate into the mayor position. Last year, Nunez was slated to become mayor but instead passed that title to Tran.
Nuñez said last year that he would rather be mayor when he ran for re-election in 2009. Tran and Councilwoman Margaret Clark will also be up for re-election.
Critics believe that Nunez's decision to pass this year was because of a recently settled sexual harassment lawsuit against him.
The lawsuit alleged that Nunez sexually harassed a former finance employee over a two year period. The lawsuit was settled in January for nearly $330,000.
Others think the decision was made to help keep the momentum rolling under the leadership of Tran.
In the past year, Rosemead has dealt with staff turnover, a shift in the council majority, the hiring of a new city attorney, nearly a dozen new development projects and a change in the city's residential and commercial guidelines.
"Rosemead has been known to be a quiet city, and city of constants," said Steve Ly, president of
political action committee Rosemead Partners. "People know they could go there, raise a family, and have a good, quiet life. A lot of the recent changes have disrupted that cycle of life."
Tran's return as mayor will likely mean development in the city, more activities, more community involvement and more positive growth, Councilwoman Polly Low countered.
"He has really promoted a team spirit," Low said on Wednesday. "He took the lead on the Fourth of July event and Oktoberfest. He has done a lot for this city."
But some believe that Tran, Low and Nunez have been too supportive of development and are trying to take away the rights of residents and property owners.
"I am happy that Mr. Nunez won't be mayor," Ly said. "But we were hoping there would be some sort of change."
Rosemead Partners has called for Nunez to resign for his involvement in the lawsuit.
Clark and Councilman Gary Taylor voted against the appointment of Tran and the reappointment of Nunez as mayor pro tem.
"It's been probably two decades since we've had anyone keep the mayorship two years in a row," Clark said on Wednesday.
The nomination of Tran drew applause from the crowd, and Low said that looking at the support from the residents she felt it was appropriate for her to support Tran to be mayor.
The position of mayor is largely ceremonial, city officials said, including attending ribbon cuttings and presiding at meetings.
"I know this has been a very, very challenging year," Tran said moments before the vote. "But hopefully, it's been a successful year."
Pasadena Star News, March 27, 2008
Council asks for Garcia's legal bills
City attorney said to be four months behind
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Officials are wondering why they haven't seen a bill from the city attorney since November.
Since April, legal fees from three separate law firms representing the city reached about $300,000, records show. Of that, $233,414 has gone to City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia.
Some elected officials are concerned about how high fees will spike because Garcia has only billed them from April through October.
"I want to find out why he is four months behind," Councilman Gary Taylor said, who called Garcia's billing habits, "very unusual," and alleges the city attorney is finding ways to milk the city.
Garcia did not returns calls seeking comment.
The city hired Garcia, whose firm, Garcia, Calderon and Ruiz also represents the Garvey School District, on April 3. Since then, the city has seen legal fees that have been unmatched in previous years.
City Manager Oliver Chi expects the bills to be around $150,000, which is about $37,500 a month.
"Clearly something is wrong here," said Robert Stern, president for the Center for Governmental Studies. "Normally, if you do work, you submit bills."
Rosemead has budgeted legal fees at $265,000 for the 2007-08 fiscal year, and Chi expects the fees to exceed the budget. The projected cost for the city attorney costs in 2006-07 had been $159,735.
Attorney's fees were lower in the past, Mayor John Tran said, because city development was stagnant.
"Of course the legal fees will be higher than in the past, especially with the fact that the city is finally providing better services," Tran said.
Garcia's high bills prompted the city to place a cap on his contract, limiting him to $30,000 a month. The retainer does not include additional legal work such as lawsuits.
"Most of these are legal expenses which are an exception to his retainer," Taylor said. "He brings in these extra cases, and gets more money."
Among the cases are a lawsuit filed by a former employee Randy Haro, which cost $4,893 in October, the recommendation of Taylor to the Grand Jury over possible leaking of confidential material, which cost $7,370 in October, and a lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice against Rosemead, which cost $5,880 in September. The DOJ lawsuit preceded Garcia's arrival and deals with voting rights.
These are not attorney initiated causes that Garcia is taking up, Tran said.
"He takes direction from the council," he said.
The City Council also hired a separate law firm, Burke, Williams and Sorensen, to represent the city's redevelopment agency. Since Burke, Williams and Sorensen was hired in September as the city's redevelopment agency attorney, it has charged the city $28,315, or about $7,000 a month.
"Just because a number is budgeted, doesn't mean that we are held to that account," Tran said. "In the past, we have exceeded the budget."
Pasadena Star News, March 13, 2008
City plan scrutinized High-density projects, too many developers draw residents' ire
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Proposed changes for the city's General Plan have elicited little praise from residents.
Tonight, the City Council will listen to residents before voting to alter the plan used as a blueprint for future development. The General Plan has not been updated since 1987.
Residents have complained about an increase in high-density, mixed-use projects as well as an influx of developers, especially Asian developers, who allegedly have political connections with council members.
Among the biggest proposals is to double the size of dwellings allowed per acre to 45 units from 14 units. Critics of the plan said this will bring an
increase in traffic and population.
"The General Plan will have a major impact on the city, and I believe it is a positive impact," Mayor John Tran said. "Every resident that lives in Rosemead should come," to the study session tonight, he said.
A total of 120 residents attended three recent workshops. Most speakers at the sessions said they don't want more development, said City Planner Matt Everling.
"Mostly, people have been concerned about three issues: density,
traffic and parking," Everling said.
The plan is intended to enhance the commercial areas along Garvey Avenue and Valley Boulevard, protect homeowner investments, create an economically viable downtown and minimize traffic impacts, officials said.
Everling said that some of the comments have referred to not wanting Asian developers to build in the city.
The city is 49 percent Asian and 41 percent Latino, according to city documents.
"They majority of the residents who were there at the meetings are really against change," he said. "They see that this will make it worse."
Councilwoman Polly Low said that people need to open their eyes, realize that the city has changed
and it that it didn't happen in the last six months.
"There are other developers that have developed in the city," Low said, "and the fact that they point out Asian developers is very unfair."
Other nearby cities have had issues in the past with similar sentiments.
Lisa Yang, a developer and real estate broker based in Alhambra, said she felt unwelcome when she tried to develop a commercial property at the corner of Huntington Drive and Fremont Avenue in South Pasadena nearly 25 years ago.
"I designed everything within the zoning code, but I got this huge reaction against my project," Yang said. "The underlying issue is that I was somehow not in their circle, and that I was a newcomer."
Councilwoman Margaret Clark, who recently sent out fliers protesting some of the changes, said race has nothing to do with it.
"Does it matter that the developer is Asian? No," Clark said. "I don't think that anyone cares who develops it as long
as they do it right."
In recent months, there have been several projects approved by the City Council and the Planning Commission. The approval of these mixed-use projects - which include condos, retail and office space - all came with conditions that amended the existing general plan.
"Rather than bringing more people and then fix the problem, we should fix the problem and then bring more people," said Rosemead resident Gary Metz at a council meeting early this month.
Yang, who served on a task force to study mixed-use developments in Monterey Park, said they could be a good solution, "If the city doesn't have much land and has very limited land to develop," she said.
Some residents, so far, aren't convinced.
"We don't want to be a mini-New York or a mini-Chicago," Metz said. "We are losing the small-town feeling that Rosemead has had for at least 40 years."
Pasadena Star News, February 26, 2008
Casting a pall over Rosemead
THERE are plenty of troubling aspects to the settlement of a sexual harassment claim brought by a female city employee against Rosemead Councilman John Nunez.
Ina rush to settle, the case never went to trial, leaving the councilman's guilt or innocence unresolved. Instead, in what was billed as a money-saving move, the city will pay $330,000 through its insurance to former finance employee Valerie Mazone for alleged actions taking place over two years that included: hugging, kissing, touching, making crude comments and looking down her blouse. Nunez has denied any wrongdoing and in August called the lawsuit "frivolous" and "unfounded." However, more recently, he did tell our reporter, "I have been guilty of trying to be friendly with people. ... Have I touched (Mazone)? Yes. Have I touched her sexually? No."
Clearly, Nunez is walking a fine line. And it's unfortunate that the public won't know whether or not he crossed it. Cities must find ways to save taxpayer dollars whenever possible. But when issues of justice are involved, getting to the truth is more important than saving a few bucks. Ask any of the women employees in City Hall or any city hall in our region. In this case, they've been cheated.
Second, while claims like this come up more often in an increasingly litigious environment, every workplace must increase efforts to ensure that women can work free of harassment from male supervisors and to defuse tensions associated with a hostile work environment.
Once again, the council majority in Rosemead is not working toward these goals. Nunez leaves a cloud over City Hall by remaining in his post and by making statements that his touchy-feely behavior - which an investigator says involved at least four other women - is just him being "friendly." Resigning would be best for the employees and the residents of Rosemead.
While the city has promised it will provide its staff with anti-sexual harassment training in February, City Council members are excluded from that requirement. The normally reliable League of California Cities was of no help in this matter when its spokesman cited chapter and verse as to why city council members are "not employees" and therefore exempt from training. Legally exempt? Perhaps. But what about ethically? We encourage the state Legislature to change that requirement. We would support such a bill. In this case, all council members should attend the training, especially Nunez, should he decide to stay on.
Finally, the city's attorney has refused to give copies of a city investigator's interview notes to the City Council, citing claims of confidentiality. While the city hides behind legal issues, there is a greater one exposed: the possibility of additional sexual harassment claims surfacing against Nunez and the city. This could result in further settlement payments and legal costs born by taxpayers.
To ignore this possibility by not examining the investigator's notes or by not requiring council members to attend additional training sessions is a breech in the City Council's fiduciary responsibility. And a show of disrespect against the city's hard-working female employees.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, January 29, 2008
Harassment suit over; accusations still linger
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - As the city moves past a settlement of sexual harassment allegations, questions remain over investigative interview notes and the effect of additional harassment training.
Experts say the notes, which detail other accounts of alleged harassment by Councilman John Nunez, should be made public, contrary to the city attorney's stance.
City officials also said training will prevent any potential problems in the future, although council members are not obligated to attend.
Nunez, who declined to comment for this story, earlier this week said the allegations were about money and politics.
"It is appalling to me that one person can go out there and demoralize (me)," Nunez said Tuesday.
Former city employee Valerie Mazone filed a lawsuit against the councilman and claimed he sexually harassed her over a two-year period. The lawsuit was settled earlier this month for $330,000. Nunez continues to deny wrongdoing.
Since the settlement, Rosemead officials said they will be providing staff members with additional sexual harassment training.
"We have taken the necessary steps we can to provide a workplace free of harassment," City Manager Oliver Chi said.
But California elected officials are not required to receive sexual harassment training, said Eva Spiegel, spokeswoman for the League of California Cities.
City employees must read and abide by a nearly 50-page employee handbook, part of which addresses sexual harassment, but city council members do not because they are not considered employees, Chi said. The city will have training in February and council members will have the option to attend, he said.
Rosemead officials said they are pleased with the settlement so they can move on to city business.
There are some who wonder how the city can move away from the issue with allegations recently surfacing of other women who reported being victims of Nunez's harassment. Council members have been denied a private investigator's notes, in which she interviewed nearly 20 employees who detailed accounts of other incidents of harassment by Nunez involving at least four other women. The investigator was hired to review Mazone's claims.
Jim Ewert, counsel for the California Newspaper Association and a public records expert, said he is "mystified" as to how a council could be prevented from reviewing information that contains "potential claims that are lying in the weeds."
"If they are going to claim, `We don't know anything,' then they have given up on their duty to adequately govern the public," Ewert said.
Councilman Gary Taylor has long asked for information about the case and has accused other city officials of withholding crucial information.
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia previously has denied releasing the information to the council, citing confidentiality.
But with the settlement over, Ewert said this information should be available to council members and the public.
"According to the city attorney, they don't have to be released," Chi said. "We haven't received those notes, we don't have a copy of those notes and we haven't read the contents."
Some city officials, say others have misinterpreted Nunez's behavior and doubt the claims. Councilwoman Polly Low described Nunez as a friendly man.
"My question to Valerie is why did she settle?" Low said.
Mazone said in an interview that she wonders if she did the right thing by settling the lawsuit instead of going to trial.
"People think I won the lottery," Mazone said. "But this was never about the money."
Mazone said she initially asked for her pay for the time she was out on unpaid administrative leave after she lodged the complaints, for her job back and for Nunez to resign.
"I did nothing wrong," she said, "and I lost my job."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, January 28, 2008
Rosemead officials deny Nunez harassment charges covered up
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - City officials denied Tuesday night they covered up sexual harassment allegations against Councilman John Nunez.
Political opponent Councilman Gary Taylor accused Nunez and City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia of trying to prevent City Council members from reading dozens of pages of notes from an investigator who was hired after a finance employee lodged complaints against Nunez.
Interviews conducted by private investigator Tess Elconin revealed several allegations of "inappropriate" behavior by Nunez against female employees.
"I continue to deny any wrongdoing," Nunez said during Tuesday's council meeting. "Since when does putting my hand on someone's shoulder considered sexual?"
The city hired Elconin after former finance employee Valerie Mazone filed a lawsuit against Nunez. A $330,000 settlement was reached earlier this month.
In her notes, employees detail accounts where they witnessed, experienced or were aware of inappropriate interactions Nunez had with female staff members, including hugging, touching, kissing and crude comments.
Nunez described his actions as ways of demonstrating friendship and camaraderie.
"I have been guilty of trying to be friendly with people," Nunez said. "Have I touched (Mazone)? Yes. Have I touched her sexually? No."
City Manager Oliver Chi said when Elconin was hired, it was to prepare a report regarding only interactions between Mazone and Nunez. A six-page report was read to the council members, but Elconin's notes were not, officials said.
"There are no plans to come up with a separate report," Chi said.
Taylor kept asking for the notes and referred to them as a second report.
"You keep trying to cover this up," Taylor said to other city officials at the meeting.
Mayor John Tran called Taylor's cover-up accusations "ridiculous."
"He's mentioned it many, many times, and I don't see how it is a cover-up," Tran said on Friday. "Anytime there is a pending lawsuit or litigation, any information we receive must remain confidential."
On Tuesday, Nunez said Mazone's lawsuit "was simply a monetary issue."
"These charges are all political," he added.
Chi said "no one in City Hall" has read Elconin's notes because they are considered privileged information.
According to the notes, Nunez said he doesn't "recall ever hugging. (I) will touch - but only to touch shoulders or shake hands."
Nunez would not comment on whether he read the notes, citing confidentiality.
"Is this true and were those people under oath?" Nunez said of the people who were interviewed by the private investigator. "I would have loved to have gone to trial."
A handful of protesters stood outside City Hall on Tuesday night holding signs that read: "Resign now Nunez," "Sexual harassment is wrong, say no to Nunez," and "A step down for Nunez is a step up for women."
Chi said the city will provide additional sexual harassment training to staff members next month and council members will be invited to attend.
"We haven't had any other employees come forward and say that they feel harassed," Chi said.
Whittier Daily News, January 24, 2008
Notes detail alleged misconduct
Investigator: More than 20 report Nunez involved
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - More than 20 city employees reported inappropriate contact or comments by Councilman John Nunez, according to the notes of an investigator hired by the city in response to a sexual harassment lawsuit.
Interviews by private investigator Tess Elconin show four female city employees said they chose not to report Nunez's conduct because they feared for their jobs.
Other employees reported that Nunez gave shoulder massages, hugs and kisses to female employees.
"She was afraid to rock the boat," Elconin wrote in an interview with one an employee. "People are worried about jobs."
Elconin declined to be interviewed for this report. Rosemead hired her in March to interview current and former city employees after finance employee Valerie Mazone filed a sexual harassment complaint. The lawsuit was settled for $330,000 early this month. Nunez has denied any wrongdoing.
At the time of the settlement, the city's insurance company said it was cheaper for Rosemead to settle the lawsuit than to fight it.
Elconin concluded Mazone was subject to unwelcome physical, verbal and visual conduct by Nunez, the report states.
Nunez declined comment on Elconin's notes, saying that it was confidential information.
Elconin would not discuss the contents of her notes, which comprised of dozens of pages. Elconin's report to the city was six pages.
"We've never heard any of this," Councilman Gary Taylor said of Elconin's notes. "Where do we go from here? I am not looking for another lawsuit. But who protects the employees?"
Councilwoman Polly Low said the council has not read the notes.
"I think that in general, (Nunez) is a very friendly, very warm person," Low said. "Sometimes, people misinterpret his friendliness."
Current and past employees said Nunez "bear hugs" female employees, that they are uncomfortable when Nunez touches them, and that he has kissed at least one of them on the lips, according to the notes.
City Manager Oliver Chi declined to comment on the information in the notes.
"The one thing that I am pleased with is that since this Mazone situation," Chi said, "we haven't had any other instances of employees coming forward."
He also would not comment on whether that is because employees are afraid to come forward or if that is because there are no incidents to report.
"As an employer, our obligation is to provide a workplace free of harassment," Chi said. "We have reminded everyone that ... if it needs to be brought to their attention, please notify a supervisor."
According to the investigative report, during the interview with Elconin, Chi said that Nunez "hugs people," and is "inappropriate towards women in the workplace."
One employee in an interview March 19 told Elconin that she heard Nunez say that "he was aroused by the way (two female employees) were dressed."
Nunez told Elconin he doesn't "recall ever hugging. (I) will touch - but only to touch shoulders or shake hands."
Another eyewitness told Elconin "Nunez approached me from behind, put his arms around me, around my waist. (He) wrapped (his) arms around (my) middle area and our bodies touched. It was really a squeeze, very tight hug."
The woman called the incident "very weird." This was "not usual in the workplace, but (I was) reluctant to say anything," she told Elconin.
According to the report, former City Manager Bill Crowe told Elconin on March 22 that it came to his attention, "that Nunez's character-based matters could be an issue."
One of the items noted in Elconin's report was that Mazone did not notify her supervisor.
Former Finance Director Karen Ogawa was told by Mazone how Nunez made her feel uncomfortable, but Ogawa considered that conversation "girl talk," not a formal complaint, records show.
Low could not comment on what was in the notes because it was part of a confidential report.
"John is just a very friendly type of person. He goes up, gives you a hug. That's part of the culture," Low said. "He doesn't think of it as a sexual thing."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, January 22, 2008
Nunez asked to step down
Residents upset over harassment suit settlement
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Residents are asking that a councilman who was cleared of sexual harassment allegations step down.
A $330,000 settlement was reached last week in a sexual harassment lawsuit against Councilman John Nunez and the city.
A finance employee alleged that Nunez harassed Valerie Mazone over a two-year period from summer 2005 to January 2007. Mazone has been on administrative leave since filing the suit.
Nunez said that on the advice of his lawyer, he's remained silent since the lawsuit was filed in April. But with the settlement just about finalized, the councilman made his first public comment about the allegations on Tuesday during a City Council meeting.
"The penalty for my silence is I've been not able to defend myself," said Nunez, adding that these charges did not appear until two years after the alleged conduct. "I deny and continue to strongly deny all allegations."
After reading a prepared speech on Tuesday, some residents called for Nunez - who joined the council in 2005 - to resign.
"Our city leaders should step up and insist Nunez step down and do the right thing for a change," said Rosemead resident Jean Hall.
"It is my opinion that the city councilman should step down," said Victor Ruiz, a Rosemead resident who has run two unsuccessful campaigns to serve on the city council.
"When one is innocent you must go all the way and fight for what is right and clear your name," Ruiz said. "In this case the easy way out was to pay the person who was right."
The proposed settlement with Mazone is $330,000, and will be paid through Rosemead's liability insurance policy, not by the city or Nunez.
City officials said of that amount, an estimated $110,000 would go to Mazone's attorney's fees, and the remaining $220,000 would be awarded to Mazone.
"I continue to remain appalled at the total cost of the settlement," Nunez said.
The insurance would also pay an estimated $40,000 in defense attorney fees.
That cost, however, continued to increase after each time Councilman Gary Taylor discussed confidential information in open meetings, Nunez said.
"This undermined the (Joint Powers Insurance Authority) and its effort to solve the case," Nunez said.
A complaint was submitted to the Los Angeles County grand jury for an alleged open meeting violation by Taylor, who has for months requested a confidential investigative report be made available.
"This has been a cover up from the beginning," Taylor said.
All parties have agreed to the settlement, although it must still be signed, said John Bolin, liability claims manager for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. The JPIA organized and paid for the defense.
"The JPIA feels it is done," City Manager Oliver Chi said. "We haven't gotten a copy of the signed settlement agreement, but once our attorney's review it, it will be finalized."
Bolin said that settling is a cheaper way out.
Some audience members supported Nunez.
"All these people clapping (for those calling for Nunez's resignation) should go to another county where they are presumed guilty," said Rosemead resident Jim Flournoy.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, January 10, 2007
$330K settlement looms in suit against Rosemead councilman
By Alison Hewitt, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - A city employee who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Councilman John Nunez stands to gain $330,000 as part of a pending settlement, officials said.
The proposed settlement with Valerie Mazone would be paid through Rosemead's liability insurance policy, not by the city or Nunez. The insurance also would pay an estimated $40,000 in defense attorney fees.
Mazone sued Nunez and the city in April, alleging that the councilman had harassed her for more than a year. She accused the councilman of grabbing her, kissing her and looking down her blouse.
Nunez denied the accusations.
All parties have agreed to the settlement, although it must still be signed, said John Bolin, liability claims manager for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. The JPIA organized and paid for the defense.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's a done deal," Bolin said.
The settlement requires Mazone, who has been on administrative leave, to release Nunez and the city from liability, Bolin said.
"Neither the city nor John Nunez are admitting any responsibility," he said. "They are both denying any responsibility."
Mazone's attorney, Gregory Smith, said it was a good settlement for his client.
"She will not be returning to the city," he said. "She has decided to seek employment elsewhere."
Nunez declined to comment, saying he had yet to hear from his attorney that the settlement had been finalized.
His attorney, Ed Richards, said the JPIA's decision to settle was in the best economic interest of the city and his client.
"I'm confident it would have cost them more than ($330,000) simply to defend the case if they'd gone to trial," Richards said. "Even if we prevailed with a defense verdict, which we believed we would be able to do, it would have cost them more than they were able to settle for."
If Rosemead and Nunez had gone to trial instead of settled, the JPIA's attorney's fees alone would have totaled $250,000 to $350,000, Bolin said.
"If we won, (Mazone) would not have any responsibility for paying us back for any of our attorney fees and costs. We would just be out the money," Bolin said. "With all that in mind, it makes sense to reach some sort of compromise, because arguably, we got out for less money than we would have paid had we gone to trial and won."
But Councilwoman Margaret Clark, who said she believes the allegations, criticized the settlement.
"I think it's just outrageous what he did, and that there's no consequences for him," Clark said.
"He should do the honorable thing and resign," she added. "If he can get away with this with no consequences and he stays in office, what does that say to our employees?"
The settlement also will increase the city's JPIA membership fees, Clark said.
Bolin confirmed that the annual fees are directly based on the JPIA's costs, which are divided among all of the JPIA's more than 100 members. Those members include Irwindale, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, South El Monte and other local entities.
Councilman Gary Taylor, who has been demanding a copy of a private investigator's report about this and other complaints about Nunez, blamed his colleague for getting the city involved in the suit.
"It's just very frustrating that we get sued for his misconduct," Taylor said. "(Paying) $330,000 is a lot of money for him disrespecting employees."
Mayor John Tran and Councilwoman Polly Low could not be reached for comment.
Whittier Daily News, January 4, 2008
Nearby construction worries mobile home park residents
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Mobile home park residents continue to feel slighted as their homes are threatened to be taken from them to make way for new shops and condos.
Nearly 20 Rosemead residents attended a public hearing last week to discuss a development that could call for the destruction of a mobile home park at Prospect and Garvey avenues.
"I am sorry we are mobile home residents, but we are still residents of Rosemead," said Elizabeth Kjartanson, who has lived in the park for 15 years.
She is one of the several occupants who will eventually have to relocate because of a combined condominium and commercial project.
But the relocation phase of the mobile park will not come until much later, which means that the residents will have to stay there as construction continues on the first phase, which includes commercial and residential development.
"We are very concerned that we'll have to live through all this construction," said Anna Torres, a mobile home park resident.
The residents have not been officially notified of the changes at their park because development is still unknown.
"This uncertainty has been going on for years, and they are putting our lives in limbo," said James Kjartanson, a mobile home park resident.
City officials tried to assuage their concerns on Tuesday and added that state law protects these residents and ensures that they will be provided with adequate relocation costs.
"You guys are as important to us as everyone in the city, and that is not lip service," Brian Saeki, Rosemead assistant city manager, told the residents.
In South El Monte, mobile home park residents can relate to the feelings that some of these Rosemead residents are experiencing.
In South El Monte, just a few residents remain now at the Avalon Trailer Park, a 70-year-old park that once housed 20 families.
Residents of the park were informed almost two years ago that they would be forced from their homes, which prompted questions, worry and anxiety about their next move. Today, all but five have relocated.
The South El Monte City Council on Tuesday extended the move out date for those remaining residents. They have until the end of April to relocate.
The City Council-approved closure was expected to happen in May.
Since then, however, the relocation plan has expired and the remaining residents have not received the required six-month notice of closure, records show.
In the trailer park's place will be a future redevelopment project, Plaza Del Sol. It will have a national retail clothing store, grocery store, a nationally known restaurant and several smaller local retail shops, records show.
City officials said this development will help remove blight from the city.
The South El Monte plan calls for a baseline fee of $2,250. Families would also get $60 for every year they lived in the park and also could receive a $4,000 bonus if they move before Feb. 28. If they move before April 30, they will get a $1,000 incentive. If they move after that date they will not receive anything.
Rosemead residents have not yet seen a relocation plan.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, December 16, 2007
Mayor asks for mailers probe
Councilwoman calls request `totally bogus'
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Mayor John Tran wants a fellow City Council member investigated in connection with a series of political mailers.
The complaint stems from Tran's frustration with four mailers initiated by Councilwoman Margaret Clark and paid for by a political action committee, Rosemead Partners.
Each of the mailers prompted hundreds of upset residents to go to city meetings and complain. Tran said the fliers cost the city money to clarify inaccuracies in them.
Clark called Tran's request "totally bogus."
"It is a free-speech issue," Clark said of the mailers. "(Tran) just doesn't like the opposition."
The fliers were addressed to thousands of residents throughout the city on such topics as fence heights, property rights and development guidelines.
On Tuesday, Tran asked the city attorney to draft a complaint to the state Attorney General's Office, the California Fair Political Practices Commission, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Tran said that Clark is distributing "false and misleading information to invoke fear into the residents of Rosemead.
"Council member Clark has continued to incite fear and invoke panic by sending out postcards with information that borders on lies," Tran said.
Dave Demerjian, head of the district attorney's public integrity unit, said the office has not yet received the complaint. He said the office would handle such a complaint if "the mailers violate the law in some manner." Printing false information is not a crime, he said.
"The content, you can't really restrict it," he said. "But there are certain technicalities that could make it illegal."
These include items such as not stating the responsible party of the mailer, or forging a signature, as was done in a political hit piece against Monterey Park Councilman Benjamin "Frank" Venti in the March election.
"We're not doing anything illegal, and I don't think Maggie is doing anything illegal either," said Steven Ly, president of Rosemead Partners. "We have nothing to hide."
Ly said that he was waiting for this type of response from Tran.
"I find it very frustrating that the mayor is trying to suppress dissent," Ly said.
This is the second time in recent months that a Rosemead council member has requested an outside agency review another member for possible illegal activity.
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia said on Tuesday night that he filed a complaint with the Grand Jury and the District Attorney's Office related to complaints against Councilman Gary Taylor.
Taylor is accused of violating the state's open-meeting laws by releasing confidential information.
Demerjian confirmed that his office did receive that complaint, but the District Attorney's Office cannot act on it unless it is directed to do so by the Grand Jury.
"If the Grand Jury issued an accusation, which is the removal of someone from office, it would be our agency that would possibly prosecute," Demerjian said.
Clark said she believes Tran's actions on Tuesday were politically motivated.
Demerjian acknowledged that many of the complaints his office receives are politically motivated.
"There is nothing we could do about it," Demerjian said. "But just because it is politically motivated does not mean it is not a crime."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, December 13, 2007
Rosemead residents flock to meeting
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - A meeting expected to draw only a handful of people last week brought in nearly 100 residents concerned about development in the city.
The turnout was prompted by a mailer that stated proposed changes to Rosemead's general plan would allow bigger buildings, more condos, reduced parking requirements and more retail square footage.
It also stated that the changes could result in "blocked skyline views for adjacent homeowners, shadows across backyards, fees to park on your street."
The flier was paid for by a political-action committee, Rosemead Partners, and was sent to nearly 1,300 residents.
City officials said the Thursday meeting, at which redrafting the general plan was discussed, was not designed to address specific development plans.
"It seems that the flier was really focused on specific types of developments," said City Manager Oliver Chi.
The meeting was intended to give residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed general plan and an environmental-review process. Many attendees held the flier in their hands.
Comments made at the meeting ranged from traffic to safety and overpopulation concerns.
The flier was initiated by Councilwoman Margaret Clark.
"I am very concerned about the development," Clark said. "If you change the general plan, you give carte blanche to the developers."
The City Council recently approved a change to the general plan for one development, allowing high-density commercial and retail construction. The council will vote on a similar project - which is located within 500 feet of Clark's home - on Dec. 11.
Clark will have to recuse herself because she lives within 500 feet of the project. She said that project is not behind her opposition to mixed-use projects in the city, and was not the reason for the flier.
"They are going in everywhere in the city, and will affect everyone in one way or another," Clark said. "I think that they will greatly impact traffic, parking issues and the privacy of people living around them."
Mayor John Tran said the flier is a often-used scare tactic by Clark.
"She continues to do this," Tran said. "I'm fed up."
Chi said that he expected a "difficult and controversial" meeting similar to past meetings where fliers opposing ordinances had been distributed by Rosemead Partners.
This is the fourth time the group has distributed fliers. Each flier has helped attract nearly 100 people to meetings.
Two fliers were distributed in May regarding fence-height requirements found in the city's proposed residential guidelines. Another flier in September regarded a proposed property- upkeep law that was discussed at a redevelopment agency meeting.
Some council members have questioned the accuracy of the fliers. The city has spend thousands of dollars to send its own fliers in response to Rosemead Partners' mailers.
Steven Ly, president of Rosemead Partners, said that the group is doing the best it can to get the information correct.
"The real worry seems to be that some members see that we are able to generate civil action," Ly said. "Our mailers are pretty honest and our information is backed up."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, December 2, 2007
As city's legal fees rise, confusion persists
Rosemead reviews law firms' contracts
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - The decision to hire two law firms for municipal work is proving costly and confusing, city officials said.
The law firm Garcia, Calderon and Ruiz was hired in April to take over as the city's and redevelopment agency's attorney. But half of the firm's work was taken away in September when Burke, Williams and Sorensen was hired to represent the redevelopment agency.
City officials said the move would help reduce attorney's fees. But since then, attorney's bills are higher than in past years, and officials can't agree on how to divvy up the responsibilities.
"As of today, there still needs to be more clarification," Mayor John Tran said.
Confusion remains on whether Garcia's firm will be representing the Planning Commission or if that duty should be passed on to Burke, Williams and Sorensen. The City Council on Tuesday requested to review both firms' contracts and to discuss it at a future meeting.
The Planning Commission handles issues related to land use, and Burke, Williams and Sorensen was hired to represent the city on those matters. But Garcia's firm is still representing the commission.
Councilwoman Margaret Clark is concerned the city is being overcharged by Garcia's firm.
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia has charged the city nearly $164,000 for five months of work, including an August bill for $17,622, and a May bill for $56,440.
Burke, Williams and Sorensen charged $5,612 for the month of September.
"I've been disappointed in the billing and the performance," Clark said referring to Garcia's firm.
In the meantime, the city is also paying its former law firm, Wallin, Cress, Reisman and Kranitz, for several cases it is handling. During six months, the firm has charged nearly $30,000, including $1,862 a month for health insurance.
City Manager Oliver Chi said the council has addressed ways to control Garcia's attorney's fees, and they are beginning to see the effects now.
"We are at a better place today at our legal costs than several months ago," he said.
Garcia's high bills prompted the city to place a cap on his contract, limiting him to $30,000 a month.
"I am satisfied with the type of work and legal advice that his firm has provided," Tran said.
Rosemead has budgeted legal fees at $265,000 for the 2007-08 fiscal year, and Chi expects the fees to exceed the budget.
"It falls in line with what we have already set aside for what we've budgeted," Tran said. "We took action to decrease our legal bills, and I think that it is working."
Whittier Daily News, November 26, 2007
City's views on new Wal-Mart improve
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - It's been a little more than a year since the store that was the source of debates, lawsuits and a recall effort opened in the city.
But a topic that once drew hundreds of upset opponents only drew a handful of residents on Monday, who attended a meeting to complain about the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Walnut Grove Avenue.
Residents said at a Wal-Mart building review Monday that noise, run-away shopping carts and increased traffic are continual problems.
"The fact that people aren't here tonight is not an indication that all is well," said Yuki Fukumoto, a Wal-Mart neighbor and Rosemead resident. "We've gone from a quiet, residential neighborhood to a noisy street."
But officials say that business at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 1827 Walnut Grove Ave. is meeting all expectations.
"It is doing better than I anticipated," Store Manager Jorge Lopez said.
Whether it was the dozens of satisfied building requirements or the promise of delivering groceries at low prices, Lopez said the store has "lived up to our end."
City records show that Wal-Mart has satisfied nearly all of its required conditions for approval. There are three outstanding conditions: electrical transformers need to go underground and there is confusion whether an existing sound wall is satisfactory.
Planning Administrator Matt Everling said the staff will follow up with these concerns and report the information back to the planning commission at a future date.
In Wal-Mart on Tuesday, women got their nails done, kids ate at the McDonald's, and shoppers walked out of the store, their carts full of groceries, baby clothes and toilet paper.
"I think that the community response has been overwhelmingly positive," Lopez said.
Monterey Park resident Betty Sarvegna shops at the Rosemead store about once a month.
"The prices for groceries are more affordable than compared to other stores," she said.
Financial targets have been hit, city building conditions have been met, and customers seem to be happy, Lopez said.
Tiffany Moffatt, community spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, said that the company "typically doesn't release specific sales and performance numbers."
"But I can tell you we are extremely pleased with the fact that it has been very well received in the market," Moffatt said. "It's exceeded our expectations."
City Manager Oliver Chi did not release how much money in sales-tax revenue has been produced from Wal-Mart because that information is "privileged and confidential."
The Singtao Daily reported on Sept. 9, that Councilman John Nunez released a "classified document" stating that the first quarter of the year Wal-Mart paid $160,000 in sales-tax revenue, which is $60,000 more than expected.
On Monday, about six residents voiced their concerns.
"For some of the residents that live close by, there is still a concern, especially with noise," said Mayor John Tran.
Tran, who voted against the approval of Wal-Mart, said the store has become more integral to the community. The store has sponsored several schools, city events and local clubs.
"I think that people have a little bit different perception of the Wal-Mart today," Lopez said.
Marlene Shinen, a San Gabriel resident, said she was upset that Wal-Mart shopping carts can be spotted throughout the city.
Councilwoman Margaret Clark said that problem is not unique to the city or the store.
"We have shopping cart problems everywhere," Clark said. "And we have an ordinance for fixing that."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, November 25, 2007
Rosemead warms up to projects
Changes to city code allows for mixed-use development
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - The city is moving forward with its second major retail and commercial development project, officials said Wednesday.
At a council meeting this week, council members approved a change in the city code that will allow for housing and commercial projects on Del Mar Avenue.
"This property has been vacant for many, many years," said Mayor John Tran. "One of my campaign platforms was to clean up the city, and this will clean up blight and provide more added revenue."
Finance records show that the property owner, Jenny Yam, and the project's architectural firm contributed a combined $5,000 to Tran's 2005 campaign.
"Just because an individual supports me doesn't guarantee that I will support the project," Tran said. "Political contributions do not affect my decision. If it is going to be a good project, I will support it 100 percent."
Mixed-use developments - which combine retail, housing and restaurant space - have become more popular in the San Gabriel Valley, as well as up and down the state, city officials said.
"This type of development is a trend that we've seen statewide," said City Manager Oliver Chi. "Communities are starting to take a look at developments that are getting a little more vertical and a little denser."
Patrick Yang submitted applications to develop the project, which includes 36 residential units, which will be located on about 11,500-square-feet of commercial space.
He is also proposing a four-story mixed-use project that will have 127 condominium units, and 160,434 square feet of retail and restaurant space at 7419-7459 Garvey Ave.
Yang could not be reached for comment.
And city officials expect to see even more from other developers.
"We are getting inundated with the mixed-use projects," said Assistant City Manager Brian Saeki. "It is kind of the trend right now."
Chi said developers have shown an increased interest in pushing these types of projects in the city. The city is in the process of updating the General Plan to be more mixed-use friendly.
But not everyone has embraced these projects. Councilwoman Margaret Clark said that she does not support such a dense project. Clark and Councilman Gary Taylor opposed the project.
"If you look at Alhambra or Monterey Park," Saeki said, "they maybe didn't have these several years ago, but now they do and it has changed the look of their downtowns."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, November 22, 2007
Travel tally City expense budgets range from frugal to generous
By Tania Chatila and Jennifer McLain, Staff Writers
Local cities expect to spend nearly a half-million dollars this year to send officials to conferences across the country.
Taxpayer money covers nearly all the costs associated with these trips, including air fare, hotel stays and meals.
But where these elected officials go, what they spend and how often they travel differs from city to city.
A review of travel expenses for council members in 17 cities show some municipalities budget as little as $5,000 for travel and have strict policies that curb expenses. Other cities, however, give their councils up to $60,000 a year - split equally among members - to cover costs like $75 seafood plates, stays at posh hotels and beers ordered at pool-side bars.
"We've never needed (limits)," La Puente Councilman Louie Lujan said. "All of our council members have always acted professionally, always submitted receipts. We've never had any issues."
La Puente, which has 43,000 residents, and South El Monte, with 22,500 residents, have the largest budgets of all 17 cities, at $60,000 a year each.
South El Monte did not respond timely to a public records request made in July. Late Friday, the city released some documents that are being reviewed.
South El Monte Councilman Louie Aguinaga said their expense budget is justified because of the amount of commercial development occurring in the city.
"Because of the conferences we go to," Aguinaga said, "we are getting the money we deserve, and it has paid off."
Other cities with double, triple or even five times the number of residents have smaller budgets.
But Lujan said those numbers alone are difficult to compare.
"For each council in their respective cities, of course they vote on what works for them," Lujan said. "This works for us."
West Covina, Pasadena and El Monte all have populations of more than 100,000. West Covina's budget is $39,000, El Monte's is $30,000 and Pasadena's is $27,000. Whittier, with a population of 83,700, budgets $17,200 for meetings and travel.
"Considering we're not financially strapped ... we're pretty frugal," Whittier City Controller Rod Hill said. "It's not like they are just going to travel for the heck of it."
La Verne had the lowest travel budget reviewed with a total of $5,000 a year. Last year, council members spent $3,000 more than what was budgeted, but that number is still lower than all other cities.
"Some people would say that is exorbitantly cheap," said La Verne City Manager Martin Lomeli. "We have a city council who gets out to a lot of regional activities, but they just don't tend to travel a lot."
Not all cities follow that trend.
While most local council members travel to between three to five conferences a year, Rosemead Councilman John Nunez attended 22 conferences in two years.
"The way I see it is that I have a unique opportunity to attend conferences," he said. "I don't have small kids, I don't have a 60-hour job. I'm just trying to be a better city councilman."
The total cost of Nunez's trips could not be calculated due to the way Rosemead files expenses.
Nunez said the conferences allow him to network and learn about complex issues such as redevelopment.
"Sure, I could read a book about some of these things," he said. "But that would take me seven years."
These conferences are "extremely valuable," said Eva Speigel, spokeswoman for the League of California Cities.
"They have an opportunity to learn from experts, learn new ideas, hear from legislators, hear what is happening in the Capitol, and have the opportunity to network," Speigel said. "That is very important because they aren't able to do that just staying in their cities."
But attending conferences does not always come with a high price tag, according to officials.
Baldwin Park, Diamond Bar, West Covina, El Monte and Industry are a few of the cities that have daily meal limit.
"In some instances, obviously you look and see there are those politicians that abuse the system," Baldwin Park Mayor Manuel Lozano said. "Personally, I think it's good for us to have this system in place. It not only monitors but reminds you this is public money."
Meal caps range from about $50 to $100 a day in the municipalities that have them.
Some policies allow for a slightly larger allowance in what are considered "high-cost cities."
"The meal limits establish a cost associated with those expenses and cap those costs at which the city will reimburse," Diamond Bar City Manager James DeStefano said.
In most cities, if council members go over their limit, they must pay for it. With these caps, municipalities take into consideration that food is often served free of charge to members attending conferences.
In West Covina, Councilman Mike Touhey was denied reimbursement for a $21 breakfast and a $23 lunch while at a conference in Monterey last year. The reason: those meals were "included in seminar itinerary," records show.
But such policies are not always followed.
While it has a $65-a-day limit for food, Rosemead paid for a $243.29 bill from Les Artise Steakhouse that was found on the invoice of Councilman John Nunez's bill while he stayed at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas in 2006.
Officials could not explain the expense.
"I think you'd go on what's sensible and reasonable," said Martin Saiz, a professor of political science at Cal State Northridge. "Certainly steak and lobster every night is a little excessive."
While at a conference in Las Vegas in May, a group of La Puente officials - including Lujan, Mayor Lou Perez, Councilwoman Renee Chavez, City Manager Carol Cowley and Assistant City Manager Gregg Yamachika - used about $700 of taxpayer money for dinner at Ceasars Palace.
Some of the meals purchased included a $46 lamb chop plate, a $45 lobster plate and a $42 prime rib plate, receipts show.
"I had never been to Vegas before," Cowley said. "It was my first time so I had no clue of what restaurants were good ... I tried to look for restaurants with medium range so that we didn't go overboard and then I made the reservation at Nero's."
Cowley said she was floored by the menu prices and had not expected to pay that much.
La Puente has no meal limits. Lujan said they are too restrictive, considering council members are adults and should be trusted to use public funds accordingly.
If La Puente council members choose, they can spend $70 on organic greens, steak, sorbet and iced tea for dinner, as Mayor Perez did while at a conference in Indian Wells last year, receipts show.
Earlier that day, while visiting the Hadley Fruit Orchard in Cabazon, he spent an additional $20 on a hot dog, a shake, one pound of peaches and 12 ounces of apricots, records show.
Lujan said he purposely books his hotels on discount travel sites like priceline.com so that he can spend a little extra on entrees like ahi tuna, salmon, vegetarian pizza and red snapper, as seen in his receipts.
He encourages council members in all cities to take advantage of every penny of their expense budgets.
"I know some council members (in general) that don't use their full budget for fear of scrutiny," Lujan said. "I wish they would just get over it."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, October 28, 2007
Workers claim City Hall is hostile to employees
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD -- Two men who are suing Rosemead for unpaid wages said "intimidation" and "fear" pervade City Hall.
Longtime Rosemead employees Randy Haro, who quit in May, and Robert Ballin, who is on disability, filed a lawsuit against the city nearly three weeks ago.
In the lawsuit, Haro and Ballin allege that the city failed to pay them -- as well as up to 40 other employees -- in both regular and overtime wages.
"I want what I deserve," said Ballin, a Baldwin Park resident. "This city was a beautiful city to work for. Now, forget it."
The city is investigating the allegations, said City Manager Oliver Chi.
"We've referred this over to the (Joint Powers Insurance Authority) and our legal counsel," Chi said Friday. "And we're auditing our financial records."
Haro, 46, said he believes the city owes him at least $40,000.
"But it isn't about the money, it's the principle," Haro said.
In the last two years, both employees, who have worked nearly 30 years combined, said that after an upheaval among the staff and city council, they were encouraged to quit, did not receive raises and took a cut in benefits.
"I feel there is a hostile work environment," Haro said. "It is very uncomfortable, and people are very afraid to say anything because they think they'll get fired."
Similar claims surfaced recently from Councilman Gary Taylor, who alleges that a private investigator reported city employees were exposed to a hostile work environment and stayed silent in fear of getting fired.
Mayor John Tran said he thinks Haro is just "jumping on the bandwagon with Gary, which is a shame."
Tran added that since the staff is not hired by the council, there is no direct authority over the employees.
Councilwoman Margaret Clark, who has been on the council for nearly 17 years, disagrees.
"The hostile work environment is definitely there," Clark said. "Maybe a change in the council would solve it."
The city received the lawsuit Oct. 3. It was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Sept. 25.
It alleges employees were asked to work "off-the-clock." On other occasions they were paid "straight-time instead of time and one-half their regular rates of pay when performing work in excess of 40 hours per week -- or not paid at all," the lawsuit states.
City Manager Chi said there was never any indication during prior discussions with Haro or Ballin that they were not being paid.
"Employees generally know if they are not being compensated," Chi said. "If this would have been happening, I am sure we would have heard about it sooner."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, October 14, 2007
Council votes to report member
ROSEMEAD - A councilman could be ousted from office if a grand jury finds that he was violating the state's open-meeting laws, experts said Wednesday.
The City Council voted 3-1-1 Tuesday to report Gary Taylor to the Los Angeles County grand jury for releasing confidential information about sexual harassment allegations against Councilman John Nunez.
Terry Francke, general counsel of Californians Aware, a nonprofit, open-government organization, said if Taylor is found guilty of violating the Ralph M. Brown Act, he could lose his seat.
"It is a little like a local impeachment," Francke said.
The Brown Act is the state's open-meeting law.
Nunez joined Mayor John Tran and City Councilwoman Polly Low in voting to send the case to the grand jury. City Councilwoman Margaret Clark voted against the move. Taylor abstained.
Council members allege Taylor leaked private information to the public during repeated verbal and written requests for an investigative sexual harassment report. The report was presented during a closed-door meeting in April.
"I'd like to refer Gary Taylor to the grand jury for criminal prosecution for violating the Brown Act," Low said.
The confidential report included comments from staff members who were interviewed by a private investigator hired after a finance employee accused Nunez of sexual harassment. Nunez denies the claim.
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia said releasing such confidential information is a violation of the Brown Act and could be punished as a misdemeanor.
Garcia said the city will file a complaint with both the District Attorney's Office and the grand jury.
Deputy District Attorney Dave Demerjian, head of the public integrity division, said that while the City Council could report Taylor to the grand jury, Taylor can't be criminally prosecuted.
"Releasing confidential information is not a crime," said Demerjian, who added he has not received a complaint from Rosemead against Taylor.
According the Brown Act, a person may not disclose information presented and discussed during a closed-session meeting. Punishments for violating the prohibition include injunctive relief, disciplinary action or referral to the county grand jury.
The council's action Tuesday satisfies requests by Taylor, who previously challenged the council to report him the grand jury with the hope that information released in the investigative report would be made public.
"You have jeopardized all the employees of Rosemead," Taylor said on Tuesday. "The truth is going to come out now or later."
Taylor thanked the council for its decision.
"Thank you, Mrs. Low," Taylor said. "The grand jury is on its way."
Francke said if the case goes forward, a prosecutor would have to lay out what was reported during closed session and what was disclosed by Taylor.
"Ultimately, if this were to be tried, they would have to be very specific," Francke said, "and have to disclose what was learned in closed session."
During open meetings in recent months, Taylor alleged that an investigator, Tess Elconin, reported during a closed-session meeting that the city employees were exposed to a hostile work environment and stayed silent for fear of being fired.
In an Oct. 2 letter to the City Council, Taylor requested that the council authorize Elconin to complete the report.
"If the City Council agrees to completing the report it will protect your integrity and honesty," he wrote.
Low, who made the motion to recommend Taylor to the grand jury, said she was frustrated and disappointed with his repeated violations of the law.
"We had to put a stop to this," Low said after the meeting Tuesday night.
Tran admonished Taylor Tuesday night.
"You should be ashamed of yourself," Tran said. "You broke the law and compromised the taxpayers."
City Manager Oliver Chi said he expects the complaints to be filed by the end of the next week.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, October 11, 2007
Report: Workers in hostile setting
Councilman calling for expanded inquiry
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - An investigator found that city employees were exposed to a hostile work environment and stayed silent for fears of getting fired, a councilman claims.
Rosemead Councilman Gary Taylor, in a letter to the council, said Tess Elconin was concerned about statements employees made during her investigation into a sexual harassment claim lodged against Councilman John Nunez. Taylor said "many of the 22 employees gave information of a hostile work environment."
Taylor has requested a public copy of Elconin's findings. He now wants her to expand her investigation.
"(Elconin) is concerned about items above and beyond Nunez," he said Monday.
Nunez declined to comment on Taylor's request.
"That is something my lawyers are working with," he said.
Elconin started the review in March. Nunez denies all the allegations.
The City Council is expected to vote today on whether the investigator should expand her inquiry.
"I believe the entire City Council is guilty of misfeasance by not taking actions to protect the Rosemead employees," Taylor wrote in an Oct. 2 letter to the council.
City Clerk Nina Castruita said no claims related to harassment or a hostile work environment have been filed within the past six months.
Councilwoman Polly Low said Taylor can have access to the information in closed-session meetings.
"There is no cover-up," Low said. "My problem is that he doesn't have all the information and is making assumptions."
At a Sept. 25 meeting, Elconin presented council members with a report in a closed-door meeting. Taylor refused to attend, saying he wants the information made public. At an earlier meeting, he said the findings should be sent to the District Attorney's Office or another law enforcement agency. That request was denied.
"I've exhausted my avenues in the city of Rosemead," Taylor said. "I'll ask (the city attorney) what he recommends."
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia previously accused Taylor of violating state law by releasing private information.
The councilman challenged the city to file a complaint with the DA if they believed he broke the law.
"I'm hoping to get this straightened out so employees aren't fearful of talking about anything," Taylor said. "I'm trying to find out what they're doing to our employees."
Pasadena Star News, October 9, 2007
Wal-Mart supporters to stay active
Group getting early start on '09 elections
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Jean Hall arrived at a Denny's early Tuesday morning, with a Rosemead Partners sign in one hand and a plastic bag from Wal-Mart stuffed with papers in the other.
The Rosemead resident is a regular at the meetings for the group, a political-action committee whose stated aim is "To support quality candidates in elections affecting Rosemead citizens."
Even if that election is nearly two years away.
When Hall stepped into a reserved room at 5:45 a.m., she was greeted by Les Gentry, who prepared for the meeting by pouring pretzels into bowls.
Nearly 30 longtime residents, including council members Gary Taylor and Margaret Clark, attended and said hello to old friends, ordered their coffee, iced teas or raspberry lemonades, and waited for the bi-weekly meeting to kick off.
"We started coming here for Wal-Mart," said Mary Ellen Dundas, who has lived in the city for 37 years. "And then we kept on coming."
For nearly five years, members from the Rosemead Partners, an offshoot of the former Rosemead Pride group, have met at the Denny's at 3643 Rosemead Blvd.
Their efforts started as a way to support bringing in the Wal-Mart Supercenter. But since the construction of the store - an issue that nearly divided the city - their mission has shifted.
Now, the latest in Rosemead Partners' activism has focused on getting the attention of residents by sending out fliers that discuss proposed city ordinances and developments.
They mailed fliers to hundreds of residents, which prompted people to show up at council meetings.
But the fliers also sparked criticism from the city.
City Manager Oliver Chi said the city spent nearly $7,000 sending letters to residents to clarify certain information on the fliers. Mayor John Tran and Councilwoman Polly Low have called Rosemead Partners irresponsible.
But some residents disagreed.
"If I didn't get this sent to my house," Katrina Padilla-Sornoso said about information on one flier, "I wouldn't have known about it."
Now Rosemead Partners is gearing up for an election that is still two years away. The terms for Tran and Councilman John Nunez expire in 2009.
On Tuesday, members of the group Partners discussed ways to suspend Nunez, who is being sued for sexual harassment, and how to stop Tran and Nunez from being re-elected.
Ly on Tuesday announced they would soon be filing for a tax-exempt status from the IRS. They would also start distributing a quarterly newsletter as soon as they could raise more money.
Wal-Mart - the business that first motivated them to organize and support - is also one of the contributors that has kept Rosemead Partners alive today.
In March, Wal-Mart contributed $4,000 to the political- action group. In February, it received $4,300 from Rosemead Pride, a Rosemead political action group that received $55,000 from Wal-Mart in 2005, according to finance documents.
Tran said the group shows that the democratic system works.
"We live in a country where there is freedom of speech," Tran said. "It is unfortunate that they have to stoop very low and distribute misinformation and scare people."
Todd Kunioka, a Rosemead planning commissioner and community activist, has sat on another political action group, Save Our Community.
"To the extent that Rosemead Partners is trying to increase participation in government is a good thing," he said. "But they shouldn't be trying to run an election this early. We have a new council majority, and we should let them govern."
"We will consistently be going toward doing this until election day itself," said Rosemead Partners President Steven Ly.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, October 7, 2007
Claremont loses two staff members
Will Bigham
CLAREMONT - Two staff members at Claremont City Hall have signed on to work for the city of Rosemead, where former Claremont staff member Oliver Chi was recently named city manager.
Matt Hawkesworth, Claremont's treasurer, has been hired as one of Rosemead's two assistant city managers. His last day in Claremont will be Oct. 5.
Aileen Flores, who served as Claremont's community information coordinator, has already begun working in Rosemead as the city's public affairs manager.
"There's only two, so it's not an incredibly high number (of Claremont staff members)," Chi said. "But the reason both Matt and Aileen are here is that they're talented people."
"During your career, if you're smart you'll keep a notebook of people who get it, who buy into a philosophy that you believe in," Chi added.
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, September 28, 2007
City Hall roll call continues to change
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Promotions, resignations and depleted departments continue to remake City Hall.
A new Rosemead top executive was hired in August to replace fired City Manager Andrew Lazzaretto, two department heads recently quit and temporary employees have been called upon to fill positions opened due to staff departures.
The employee shifts come after the March elections that resulted in a new City Council majority. And according to City Manager Oliver Chi, 27, who was appointed last month, more changes are on the way.
Chi was hired by Lazzaretto more than a year ago as deputy city manager and was interim city manager for two months before his recent appointment.
"For politicians, when that type of upheaval happens, it's viewed as a bad thing," Chi said. "But this is a necessary growth, and the organization is becoming leaner and stronger."
Departments are operating without directors and with fewer staff, while employees are taking on multiple roles, he said.
"We are stretched thin," Chi said.
Councilwoman Margaret Clark and some residents said the number of staff changes in such a short time is concerning, but Councilwoman Polly Low said it is positive for the community.
"Many people are uncomfortable with the change," Low said. "But I encourage staff and residents to see that we are doing the best we can to improve the city and City Hall."
One promotion recently finalized is the appointment of Brian Saeki to assistant city manager.
Saeki formerly served as the redevelopment agency's deputy executive director. He will also serve as the community development director.
Chi on Friday announced the hiring of Matt Everling to take the position of the planning services administrator, and Aileen Flores will serve as the city's public affairs manager.
The addition of Everling comes after Brad Johnson, who served as the city's planning director, resigned. His last day with Rosemead was Sept. 3. Johnson has refused comment on his resignation.
As for the director of finance department, that position is still not filled. The finance department has seen continual changes since the resignation in December of Karen Ogawa, who served as the director for 16 years. Since then, the department has seen two interim directors.
Lisa Pedote, the interim finance director, resigned Aug. 6. Her position was filled by Mike Yelton for just five days before he said family problems prevented him from returning to work.
Temporary employee Steve Brisco is performing the duties of the director, Chi said.
"I've been impressed with Steve," Chi said. "He's done everything he could to help us during this transitional period."
Brisco could be considered for the department head position, Chi said.
Brisco served as Placentia's finance director for nearly five years. He resigned from the position in 2005 after the city was audited for amending a gasoline tax report that hid a $1.2 million deficit and that recorded a $2.3million rail projects loan that belonged elsewhere, according to the Orange County Register.
Brisco reported the corrected accounting to the state in October, and the state accepted Brisco's reasoning that the money was correctly spent on part of the rail project, according to the Register. Two city employees were later indicted in connection with the rail projects, according to the Register.
Chi said he knew about the situation but noted Brisco was not involved.
"If there was any malfeasance," Chi said, "Steve would have been the one indicted, not the one testifying against the ones being indicted."
A vacancy in Rosemead's finance department was also created a few months ago by employee Valerie Mazone, who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city and Councilman John Nunez. Mazone has been on a leave of absence since April.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, September 23, 2007
Attorney fees remain high
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - City attorney fees remain high despite shifts in billing practices and the hiring of a new lawyer.
Bonifacio Garcia of Garcia, Calderon and Ruiz was hired in April to represent Rosemead and its redevelopment agency. In four months, he has charged the city nearly $137,000. This includes an invoice dated Sept. 3 for $37,286, and a $52,677 bill for work done in May.
Rosemead has budgeted legal fees at $265,000 for the 2007-08 fiscal year. If Garcia's billing trend continues, fees could cost the city as much as $500,000 dollars for one year, starting from the attorney's hiring date.
Garcia did not return phone calls for comment.
In part because of the high fees, the City Council decided to cap Garcia's monthly bill at $30,000, and as of Sept. 1, a new law firm was taking over duties for the redevelopment agency.
But city officials now can't seem to agree just where Garcia's responsibilities end.
City Manager Oliver Chi said Burke, Williams and Sorensen was hired last month, replacing Garcia, to represent the city on all land use, housing and redevelopment issues.
"The planning commission handles land-use related issues," Chi said.
But Garcia's firm has continued to provide legal advice at the planning commission meetings. His contract required that he attend all planning commission meetings. In a revised contract, effective Sept. 1, that was redacted.
Mayor John Tran and Councilman John Nunez said they intend for Garcia to remain as attorney of the planning commission.
"As far as I understand, he will continue to represent the planning commission," Nunez said. "The redevelopment agency is separate from the planning commission."
Joe Montes, an attorney from Burke, Williams and Sorensen, will soon be representing the city's planning commission meetings, Chi said.
Montes did not return calls.
"We are in the process of transferring all of the planning commission related items to Joe Montes," Chi said. "This should be done by the next planning commission meeting."
Councilwoman Margaret Clark said she thinks Garcia is milking the city's coffers.
"I would like Burke, Williams and Sorensen to take over all of the attorney representation for the city," Clark said. Now, "we would be paying double for some of the same research on the same issues."
A May billing statement shows that Garcia charged $7,478 for preparation and attendance of two planning commission meetings.
Clark believes that Garcia is being "nitpicky" with his legal fees.
"Where is all the money going?" Clark said.
Nunez attributes the fees to changes in City Hall.
"There's a lot going on in the city," Nunez said. "I think the costs are justified because he is doing a lot of work that is over and above in the last couple of months."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, September 22, 2007
Council to get reports in sex harassment case
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - The City Council on Tuesday night approved a councilman's request to get copies of two sexual harassment investigative reports.
But whether those reports - compiled from testimony from 22 city employees - can be taken out of closed session meetings is yet to be determined.
That decision will be up to attorney Jeffrey Thompson, who was hired to represent the city in a sexual harassment lawsuit against Councilman John Nunez.
Councilman Gary Taylor's ongoing requests for the reports intensified when the city denied all allegations in a lawsuit made by city employee Valerie Mazone, who alleges she was sexually harassed by Nunez for more than one year.
The reports were created by a private investigator hired to interview employees after the sexual harassment claim and lawsuit was filed against Nunez and the city.
Taylor said that information released in a closed session meeting by the private investigator contradicts the city's response to the lawsuit, and that the written reports will further prove that.
"I honestly believe there's a cover-up here," Taylor said Tuesday.
The investigator at a previous closed session meeting read the reports to the council members, but council members have not seen them.
Taylor would not elaborate on what is in the reports, but read a letter Tuesday to the council explaining that the council members have a right to that information.
He also said he believed the city attorney was overstepping his boundaries by not providing the report to them.
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia has said a previous request for a written report was denied because Taylor, as an individual, "wasn't entitled to it."
If the majority of the council decided it wanted a copy of the report, Garcia said, then that could be granted.
Councilwoman Polly Low said she wanted a copy of the report but, in the interest of protecting the case, she would prefer it be released during a closed session meeting.
Taylor has refused to go into closed session meetings on the topic, and said Tuesday he will not go into future closed session meetings.
On Tuesday, Taylor also requested a copy of the reports be sent to the grand jury, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, the state Attorney General's Office, and the state Department of Justice.
His request to send it to other agencies was denied by the council members. Garcia said sending that to those agencies would be a "waiver of privilege."
The City Council approved releasing the reports on a 3-1 vote, with Nunez abstaining. Taylor dissented, however, because he wants the reports made available in open session.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, September 12, 2007
Mayor criticized on agenda request Discussion on final discretion for Tran postponed
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - A proposal to change how the city prepares its agendas was pulled after some complained and called it "undemocratic."
Mayor John Tran wanted to require that items for the agenda be submitted eight days before a meeting. Tran also wanted final discretion on items, along with the city manager.
But after criticism from council members, tonight's scheduled public hearing on the matter was postponed. The council will take up discussion at a later date.
"It wasn't an attempt to give the mayor more control," Tran said. "It was an opportunity to clean up the ordinance."
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia said the "current ordinance is vague," and that a new ordinance would provide clarity.
The current ordinance requires anyone who wishes to bring matters before the council submit it in writing by noon four days before the council meeting.
The City Clerk then places it on the agenda.
"It was not an attempt to silence the residents," Tran said of the proposal. "I think that it was blown out of proportion."
"I have a real problem with this," Councilwoman Margaret Clark said. "I've been the mayor four times, and I never wanted the power to censure." proposed ordinance also states that any item requested by a majority of the council members shall be included on the agenda.
"We're really walking a fine line of censorship," Councilman Gary Taylor said.
Some said they felt this could be a violation of the state open-meeting laws.
"That is in effect silencing anyone with an issue the mayor or city manager don't like," Clark said.
Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, an open meeting watchdog group, said the proposal is not a violation.
"If someone wants an item on the agenda, and he or she is either for something or against something, so what?" Francke said. "That is one member's inclination of his or her disposition."
Besides wanting to give staff more time to collect information to prepare the agenda, Tran said requests to get items on the agenda had previously been stifled, and he wanted to avoid that.
Council members said that was one of the reasons why former City Manager Andrew Lazzaretto was fired.
"We had some issues in the past," Tran said. "Gary Taylor requested that items be placed on the agenda and those were refused."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, September 11, 2007
Conflict of interest in school deal?
By Jennifer Mclain
ROSEMEAD -- A deal that appears to benefit the community, Garvey School District and East Los Angeles College also raises questions about the involvement of the mayor and city attorney.
The city on Tuesday granted permission to the Garvey School District to use Dan T. Williams Elementary School as a satellite campus for ELAC.
The deal came after years of negotiating, said Garvey school board member Bob Bruesch.
It will help Garvey supplement a $512,000 budget shortfall and satisfies ELAC's demand for more classes.
But questions surfaced over the city's and school district's legal representation as well as to a possible $20,000 that Rosemead Mayor John Tran will make from the agreement.
Tran, who served on the Garvey School Board until he left in 2005 to take a seat on the City Council, is a Realtor and served as negotiator between Garvey and ELAC.
"There is nothing wrong with a former trustee acting as a negotiator," said Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies, a watchdog group. "But an attorney can't represent two clients on the same issue. He would have to disqualify himself."
City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia's firm, which represents the Garvey School District, was expected to provide legal counsel for the city's planning commission meeting. But shortly before the meeting, City Manager Oliver Chi said he called another attorney to represent the city on that particular issue. Garcia's firm dealt with the rest of the agenda.
Joe Montes of Burke, Williams and Sorensen was hired last month to take Garcia's place as the city's redevelopment agency lawyer and to be the counsel to the planning commission. However, Montes was not scheduled to start his new position for another two weeks, Chi said.
The potential for conflict of interest could have been there, interim Redevelopment Director Brian Saeki said, but it was avoided by having Montes serve as counsel instead of Garcia's firm.
George Yin, the attorney from Garcia, Calderon and Ruiz, recused himself from the agenda item.
"George Yin made a statement that he has never worked on the project and never provided any opinions on the subject to the (city)staff," Saeki said. "But he did recuse himself, and Joe Montes stepped in and oversaw the proceedings."
Bruesch said the only thing Garcia's firm has done for Garvey in the land deal is, "helping us with dotting all of our 'I's' and crossing all our our 'T's'."
When Garcia was hired in April, council members questioned whether it was a conflict of interest for him to serve as counsel to Garvey School District and the city.
The day that Garcia was hired, Councilwoman Polly Low asked him: "Is there a conflict of interest for you to represent the city of Rosemead as well as the Garvey School District?"
Garcia said there wasn't, and in the event that there was an overlapping issue, "we would step back and .... advise that you bring other counsel to handle your relationship with the school district."
Residents also raised conflict-of-interest questions about the mayor's connection to the lease deal.
Steven Ly, president of a community group, Rosemead Partners, said that he sent out a letter to several hundred neighbors informing them of the possible change in use to Williams School. He also noted Tran's involvement.
"We view what is going on as a conflict of interest," Ly said. "(Tran) will be profiting a large commission."
Tran, who will receive up to 4percent of the $500,000 deal, said that he has been upfront with staff and council members.
"This is another erroneous attempt to mislead and deceive the public once again," Tran said of Rosemead Partners, formerly known as Rosemead Guardians. "The Rosemead Guardians should be ashamed of themselves."
He also said that he plans on recusing himself from the council meeting if this comes.
Stern said as long as Tran doesn't participate in the vote and doesn't tell his colleagues how to vote, he is within the law.
"I told everybody not to mention ELAC in front of me," Tran said. "If it gets approved, I will recuse myself."
Though the mayor said the district contacted him, Bruesch said that Tran approached the district.
"He is a Realtor, and before he went into politics, that is what he did," Bruesch said. "When he said he would negotiate the lease for us it seemed logical because he knew both parties and could work through the issues."
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, September 9, 2007
Sexual harassment report could be released
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - The City Council on Tuesday will consider a councilman's request for a harassment investigative report.
Councilman Gary Taylor has asked City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia for a written report by a private investigator. The report was about sexual harassment claims made by a city employee against Councilman John Nunez.
Valerie Mazone, who filed the lawsuit, alleges she was sexually harassed by Nunez for more than one year. The city and Nunez deny the allegations.
Taylor said the information could help protect Rosemead staff and the city. Garcia discouraged the release, stating it could jeopardize the city's defense.
"The City Council is required by law to protect the rights of employees from abuse due to allowing a hostile work environment," Taylor wrote in a Sept. 4 letter addressed to the council. "This information that the special investigator stated is now being withheld at the expense and possible loss of employees' jobs."
In the letter, Taylor said the council has the right to the information. Garcia has said a previous request for a written report was denied.
Jim Ewert, legal counsel for the California Newspaper Publishers Association, said denial is "strange." "It's quite a position he has taken," Ewert said. "I don't think I have ever heard of this where the city attorney has refused to give information to the city council."
Taylor said he has the right to the information.
"The (investigative report) is not a public record," Taylor said. "The letter is a document that the elected five-member City Council has a responsibility and obligation to review very carefully to decide what actions need to be taken."
The councilman said he is not asking as a member of the public and that he does not understand why no one has a copy. Ewert said council members should have all the information before they take action.
At previous meetings, Taylor said that he believes the information in an oral report given to the council was inconsistent with the city's response to the lawsuit. Once the report is given to all parties, it will become public record, experts said. A final status conference pertaining to the lawsuit is set for May 2, and the trial is scheduled for May 12.
Whittier Daily News, September 8, 2007
Community counted on to help reduce crime
By Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD - Local law enforcement is depending more on volunteers and civilian officers to help reduce crime and graffiti in the city, officials said.
This is one of several changes that have come since public safety director Don Anderson took charge of the Rosemead Public Safety Center.
The $500,000 center on Charlotte Avenue opened a year ago. Five sheriff's deputies, a sergeant and code enforcement representatives work out of the building.
"Use of volunteers and eager young workers have freed up deputy resources," Anderson said.
Citizens have seen faster response times, less graffiti and more deputies, officials said.
Councilwoman Polly Low said she noticed the difference, and some residents said graffiti has decreased significantly in Rosemead.
Bill Ornelas, field services manager for the safety center, said they work with community members to clean graffiti and on Aug. 1 started an "Adopt-A-Wall" program.
"We contact the residents, give them paint, a tray and a brush, and they paint over the graffiti," Ornelas said. "All they have to do is sign up."
Ornelas said calls for graffiti have decreased significantly the past four months. In May, the center was receiving up to 40 calls a day asking for graffiti cleanup.
Now, that number has been reduced to between three and four per day, Ornelas said.
The city performs all of its graffiti services in-house and does not contract with outside companies.
"Most of the residents are glad to see that we are offering this type of program and want to help the city," Ornelas said.
The public safety center serves as a community locale that aims to strengthen communication between residents
