If there is a Good Guy in the raggedy, humbling Case of Mistaken Identity embarrassment that has been brought upon the Culver City Police Dept., it is Chief Scott Bixby. The inside story of handing a botched red-light camera ticket to actor Steve Tom earlier this summer, is being patiently related to the community by Mr. Bixby. It can be … Read More
Bixby Admits Error in Red-Light Camera Gaffe
How could this happen? The normally placid police chief of Culver City, Scott Bixby, said this morning that “we dropped the ball.” A belatedly corrected case of mistaken identity — involving a television actor – dealt still another blow to the controversial red light camera system – loved by law enforcement, loathed by everyone else. Because of carelessness by a … Read More
82 Is Magic Number for Nachbar Assistant
Ms. Serena Wright-Black
Eighty-two men and women from around the country have applied to be the first assistant to the city manager that City Hall ever has hired, says Serena Wright Black, Human Resources director. Applicants stormed in with a rush at the end. As recently as last Wednesday, two days before the deadline, there were but 35 candidates. As City Manager John … Read More
Make Room for Granny – Really?
Nearing the end of the legislative session, a hearing is scheduled tomorrow in Sacramento for Senate Bill 1069, authorizing home additions commonly known as “granny units.” With few partners, the Culver City Chamber of Commerce has taken a lonely stand against the cinch-to-pass bill on the grounds of potential abuse. The concern is granny units will lead to new problems, … Read More
Rock Sounds You Remember
If you are in the Dale Jones Courtyard at City Hall this evening, sniff deeply and treat yourself to a whiff of nostalgia. Rock ‘n roll the way it sounded and smelled in the early days. When the second half of the Summer Music Festival gets under way at 7 o’clock, Big Daddy will be on the stage, introduced by … Read More
True Meaning of a Genuine Staycation
Dateline Boston — I’m in the middle of my second staycation this summer, and I’m having fun! I’m in between gigs right now. My last day of being a nanny to three was a week ago. Next week I will be taking care of a different three, here and there. As long as I get to be with kids at … Read More
Why Charter Change Group Rejected One Change
In the tradition of politicians fighting to retain power over a shrinking domain, a minority of City Council members has resisted surrendering its authority over the police and fire departments to the city manager this summer. Trying to block the power transfer to the (unelected) executive who has control over all other City Hall departments is an old story. As … Read More
Gutierrez Leaves Department in Good Hands
Asst. Chief Gutierrez
Third in a series. Re: “Take My Hand, and I Will Take Yours” Asst. Chief Chris Gutierrez’s nearly 30 years with the Culver City Police Dept. is down to hours. Tomorrow is Closing Day. As time grew near, Mr. Gutierrez was asked if, when he started in January 1987, he could have envisioned today’s wide-open, sympathy-seeking attacks on uniformed police … Read More
Strong Reasons Behind Small’s ‘No’ Vote
Thomas Small
First of two parts. For 10 years, the matter of who is the Official Overseer of the police and fire departments laid dormant. From the time of the earthquake-sized revision of the City Charter in 2006 it was talked about less than the late President Millard Fillmore’s millinery habits. Until this past spring. That was when a City Council subcommittee … Read More
Clarke: City Hall Fighting a National Trend?
Mayor Clarke
Of the four City Council members at Monday night’s meeting, there was no doubt that Meghan Sahli-Wells held the sternest views on the most animating issue: Whether governing power over the police and fire departments should be changed from the City Council to the city manager. Ms. Sahli-Wells holds that both agencies, but especially the police, should be answerable only … Read More