Thread: Burbank Councilwoman arrested ties to Vineland Boys gang

Well if having guns in a storage cabinet will get you charged with child endangerment, then that right to bear arms in the 2nd Amendment just went pee pee out the window, now didn't it?

What does this mean, that Americans have the right to bear arms if they don't have kids?

Or you're supposed to keep them locked up and get gunned down by the intruders while your fumbling with a key if you can find it before they kill your whole family and you?

Hmmmmm.

Found a another article with a little more information.

www.burbankleader.com

Published July 20, 2005
Murphy vows to serve full term
Councilwoman issues apology following arrest on drug charges but intends to finish the job she was elected to do.
By Mark R. Madler, The Leader

DOWNTOWN BURBANK -- City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy apologized Tuesday for the distraction to the city caused by her arrest last week on drug and child endangerment charges.

In a statement read at Tuesday's council meeting, Murphy said she would be absent from the meetings until her Aug. 25 initial court appearance but did intend to fulfill the job she was elected to do.

"I plan on continuing throughout my entire term," Murphy said in the statement.

Murphy, 47, and boyfriend Scott Schaffer were arrested July 13 following an investigation by federal, state and local police agencies into the Vineland Boyz street gang.

Schaffer is alleged to have traded handguns on at least two occasions with members of the Vineland Boyz in exchange for cocaine, police said.

Murphy was arrested at her home on Lima Street for suspicion of possession of cocaine after the drug was found in her bedroom and child endangerment for having three handguns and 900 rounds of ammunition in her garage. The mother of three, including a 12-year-old still living at home, is free after posting $100,000 bond on Thursday.

How Murphy handles her appearances at the council meetings is up to her, Mayor Jef Vander Borght said.

For most of the items the council votes on, it may not matter that she is missing for the next month, he said.

"When you have those contentious and difficult issues that come up, that is when we will miss having that fifth person," Vander Borght said.

Councilman Dave Golonski had no comment on Murphy's statement but said that the council should be able to function fine with just four members.

In her statement, Murphy apologized to her children for subjecting them to the press coverage resulting from her arrest.

"To the many friends that have called to offer me their love, support and prayers, I truly thank them," Murphy said in the statement.

Re-elected to her third term in February, the out-spoken Murphy was never shy about speaking her mind on tough issues facing the city or in voting the opposite of her council colleagues.

"We are really devastated and shocked," said Barry Burnett, a friend of Murphy's. "It seems out of character for her."

Charlie Lombardo, the campaign manager for Murphy's first two runs for a council seat, called Murphy a good mother and one of the most integrity-oriented people he knows.

"The person who is accused isn't the Stacey that I know," Lombardo said. "I'm very supportive and will help her out anyway I can during this ordeal."

But police officials paint a different picture of Murphy, who has been recognized by the city and the Colony Theatre with the Community Spotlight Award and by Rep. Adam Schiff as a Woman of the Year in 2001.

An affidavit from David Torres, a Los Angeles Police officer assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration's Southern California Drug Task Force, filed to obtain search warrants for Schaffer's Glendale home and Murphy's Burbank home included statements from Schaffer that he and Murphy would go to a North Hollywood bar to buy cocaine and that the couple had used the drug together.

Schaffer also said that Murphy was aware that he had dealings with two Vineland Boyz street gang members, Torres said in the affidavit.

Schaffer, 51, remains in federal custody on weapons and drug charges.

He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on July 28.

This is really a big and complicated story when you try and put it all together. Found a lot of articles that should keep anyone interested busy.


www.dailynews.com

Notoriety nothing new at City Hall

By Daily News

BURBANK -- Councilwoman Stacey Murphy isn't the first Burbank city official linked to gangsters or drugs.
In the 1950s, Burbank's police chief was fired and the city manager resigned after the California Crime Commission reported that organized crime's presence in Burbank put citizens at risk.

Noted mobster Mickey Cohen was accused of running a gambling operation busted by Burbank police in 1949 at the Dincara Stock Farm.

"Mickey Cohen had a haberdashery, and the chief always had really beautiful clothes and a big boat and all kinds of things that really weren't too normal," said Mary Jane Strickland, 80, founder of the Burbank Historical Society.

In 1997, Councilwoman Susan Spanos disappeared for two days after her husband took her to an Anaheim medical facility. That followed her absence for weeks from council meetings and her accusation in a lawsuit that a newspaper columnist sexually assaulted her during a late-night interview in his car.

Spanos' husband told police who took a missing person's report that his wife was addicted to cocaine, but he later recanted, saying he had been speculating.

The episode prompted council members to consider subjecting themselves and the elected city clerk and treasurer to voluntary random drug and alcohol tests.

The proposal was defeated 3-2 in July 1997. Murphy, who had recently replaced Spanos on the council, was among the three opponents.

"I don't think there is any reason for it," she said at the time.







burbankleader.com

The impacts of an arrest
By Mark R. Madler, The Leader

BURBANK -- For some political figures an arrest has meant the end of their career, while for others it served as merely a big, ugly bump in the road.

While Burbank City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy waits to see which it will be for her, she can draw both hope and worry from past examples.

There are several hopeful stories to focus on.

Voters in Washington, D.C., welcomed Marion Barry back to the city council in 2004 following his prison stint for drug possession. Former Assemblyman and Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alatorre became a political consultant following house arrest for tax evasion in 2001. He most recently advised Antonio Villaraigosa in his successful campaign for L.A. mayor.

But the grim counterparts to those successes can't be ignored.

Former Huntington Beach Mayor Dave Garofalo stepped down following one felony and 15 misdemeanor conflict of interest charges. His conviction means he will never hold public office again.

Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards was sentenced in 2001 to 10 years in prison for racketeering charges.

Pat Nolan, an assemblyman from Glendale, ended his political career with racketeering conviction.

He served 33 months in federal prison. His political career is no more.

Voters' response to a public official who gets into legal trouble depends on the type of crime, the context of the arrest and the make up of the community, said Joel Aberbach, a professor in political science at UCLA and director of the school's Center for American Politics and Public Policy

"If the public thinks you are a straight character, and by your actions you prove you are, it's probably more damaging than if you are the governor of Louisiana and you are expected to be a bit of a character," Aberbach said.

When it comes to the Burbank political scene perhaps no one knows better of the intensity of that spotlight than former Councilwoman Susan Spanos who served from 1993 to 1997.

In the final year of her one term on the council, Spanos faced what she believes was a politically motivated campaign to discredit her and exploit her depressive condition with innuendo of bizarre behavior.

The lowest point was reached in January 1997 when she had been missing for two days. In discussing with police where she might be, her husband made a comment about Spanos and cocaine use, a comment she said that he later retracted.

But the mere connection of her name and cocaine use stuck and was resurrected when Murphy -- who replaced Spanos on the council in 1997 -- was arrested July 13 after cocaine was found in her home.

"I absolutely deny that prior to and after those two days I ever took an illegal substance," said Spanos, who moved out of Burbank in 2000.

Murphy, 47, is free on $100,000 bond and scheduled to appear in Burbank Superior Court on Aug. 25.

Also arrested was Glendale resident Scott Schaffer, Murphy's boyfriend, who is in federal custody on drugs and weapons charges.

Schaffer is alleged to have traded handguns with members of the Vineland Boyz street gang in exchange for cocaine, police said.

Unlike in her situation, Spanos said there seems to be no rush judgment of Murphy taking place and there appears to be willingness on the part of the public and city officials to wait for more facts on Murphy's case to come out.

She hopes that residents who disliked or disagreed with Murphy are not dancing on her political grave, Spanos said.

"What she is going through is painful enough but it is too soon to count her out," Spanos added. "I hope the people afford her the courtesy that was not given to me."

Resident Kevin McKenna, a supporter of Murphy, was willing to give that courtesy.

"I can forgive her," McKenna said. "For all the good she's done I can give her one mistake, if she even made one. We won't know until all the facts come out."

That a person can make a bad choice doesn't mean that they are a bad person, McKenna added.

In a statement released Tuesday, Murphy said she would not attend council meetings until after her court appearance. And she intends to serve her full term to which she was re-elected in February, Murphy said.

Not running for re-election was a decision Spanos made just weeks after she took her council seat and was not related to the scrutiny she faced later on, she said.

Despite her experience, Spanos holds a soft spot for her hometown Burbank and is convinced that the residents deserve leaders they can trust.

"The people deserve to have confidence that their public officials will live their lives to discourage criminal activity and not do anything to encourage it," Spanos said. "I'm not saying that Mrs. Murphy has done that but the perception with the residents that she may have done that is serious."




www.burbankleader.com

Community stands behind Murphy
Councilwoman still well respected among residents, officials despite her recent arrest.
By Mark R. Madler, The Leader

BURBANK -- Councilwoman Stacey Murphy visited a quiet residential neighborhood near Alameda and Olive avenues in January to meet with residents opposed to a mixed-use development proposed to be built nearby.

Now that same neighborhood is abuzz with talk of Murphy's arrest last week on charges of cocaine possession and child endangerment.

"They don't know what to think," resident Rolf Darbo said of his neighbors. "This all came out of the blue."

The Burbank Media Center project was eventually approved by the City Council in early February -- but not with Murphy's support. She cast the sole dissenting vote.

"She was one of the few who listened to the citizens on a regular basis," said Darbo, an opponent to the Media Center project. "She seemed to be her own person and was not swayed by others."

Murphy's public career has now been potentially derailed by her arrest July 13 which stemmed from a multi-agency investigation into the Vineland Boyz street gang. The 47-year-old mother of three is free on $100,000 bond.

Also arrested was Scott Schaffer, Murphy's boyfriend, who was taken into federal custody on weapons and drug charges. He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on July 28.

Murphy would not comment Wednesday on the case, on the advice of her attorney, Rickard Santwier, but released a statement Tuesday indicating she would be absent from the weekly council meetings until her Aug. 25 court date. She did intend to serve her four-year term, Murphy said.

Attempts to reach Santwier were unsuccessful.

Glendale City Councilman Bob Yousefian called his dealings with Murphy positive over the years.

The pair were part of a delegation from Burbank and Glendale who went to Washington, D.C., in 2003, to meet with Federal Aviation Administration officials on issues relating to the Bob Hope Airport.

Murphy was a straight shooter, Yousefian said.

"She was very highly respected in her city," he added. "I still don't believe it. I will wait to see what the evidence is to see if she is a victim of circumstance or if there is something more to it."

Glendale resident Carl Raggio would often come to loggerheads with Murphy when he served as a commissioner for the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority because of their differing opinions on how the airport should develop.

"I hate to see anything like this happen to anyone, especially those in a position of leadership," Raggio said. "Leadership comes with a responsibility."

Phil Berlin, a regular at the council meetings for years, called Murphy's absence significant to how the council would work.

"Stacey's input is one of great value," Berlin said. "She's always been outspoken in her opinion and at times could control the debate to go one way or another."

Reelected to her third term in February, Murphy was never shy about speaking her mind on tough issues facing the city or in voting the opposite of her council colleagues.

During the election, she identified increasing traffic and revitalizing the city's neighborhoods as priorities she wanted to focus on. A proponent of mass transit, Murphy showed a personal commitment to clean air by driving a hybrid vehicle.

She has also come out against the proposal to turn the old Buena Vista branch library into a day care center, believing the building should become a community center instead.

When the council looked at Dimples karaoke club's potential move to a residential neighborhood, Murphy insisted that free valet parking be offered at the club to prevent potential parking problems.

Although Murphy did not always vote the way Berlin would have preferred, his opinion of Murphy's affect on the council was not based on any one vote, he said.

Berlin represented residents opposed to the Dimples move and was against a development agreement between the city and the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority that Murphy supported.

"Even if she is out a short time, her presence could be persuasive," Berlin said.

Murphy first joined the council in May 1997 to take the seat of Susan Spanos, who was alleged to have had a drug problem of her own.

Spanos was reported missing by her husband in January 1997. He reportedly told police at the time that she was addicted to cocaine. Spanos reportedly checked into a substance abuse center for treatment.

Although there were reports city officials reviewed whether to remove Spanos from her council seat, she returned to the council and served the remainder of her term.




www.dailynews.com

Schaffer free with donations
L.A., Burbank, Glendale politicians aided

By Alex Dobuzinskis, Staff Writer

Scott Schaffer, the former cab company operator arrested last week on suspicion of trading guns for drugs, made more than $25,000 in contributions to city officials and candidates in Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale over the last six years.
In Los Angeles city government, recipients of Schaffer's contributions included Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa when he made his first mayoral run against James Hahn, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and City Controller Laura Chick.

"This is a striking example of how the campaign finance system must be reformed and full public financing be put in place," Chick said in an e-mail statement.

"This is just one case of someone who does business with the city of Los Angeles and felt it was necessary to infuse the system with almost $25,000 to 26 individual candidates for office," Chick said.

Schaffer, 51, a former co-owner of Sun Valley-based City Cab, was arrested at his Glendale home Wednesday on suspicion of violating federal firearm and drug laws. Police believe Schaffer, who is in federal custody, traded guns for cocaine with the Vineland Boys street gang.

Burbank City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy, who Burbank police described as a longtime companion of Schaffer's, was arrested the same day when police allegedly found drugs and guns at her home.

Schaffer made $2,000 in donations to Villaraigosa during his campaign in 2000. He also contributed $1,000 to Delgadillo's campaign the same year.

"Outside of the contribution ... there's been no interaction" between Schaffer and Delgadillo, said Roger Salazar, spokesman for Californians for Rocky.

The Mayor's Office did not immediately comment on the contributions.

"You can't keep track of all your donors, obviously, and you do the best you can in terms of determining who they are so they don't embarrass you," said Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies.

"When somebody has received a contribution from someone who gets in trouble, occasionally they'll return the money or they'll turn it over to the city or state," Stern said. "If it's four years ago, then usually there's no money to give back."

Schaffer, a former Glendale Water and Power commissioner, spent $1,000 on a fundraiser for Glendale City Councilman Bob Yousefian's campaign in 2004, according to campaign finance statements.

"We didn't really talk about taxi business," Yousefian said. "We mostly -- if it was any talk -- it was just during the election time and it was just usual election gossip that goes around."

Schaffer made a $2,500 in-kind contribution to Glendale City Councilman Dave Weaver's campaign in July 2004. And he wrote Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian two checks earlier this year, one for $500 and another for $1,500 that bounced, Najarian said.

Najarian said he has known Schaffer since 1997, and that when he spoke to him earlier this year, Schaffer said his relationship with Murphy had ended and that he was out of the taxi business.

"He never asked for anything, and I didn't think there was anything he needed assistance with," Najarian said. "Because I think he was in a state of transition to maybe get involved in another business venture of some sort."

Schaffer also contributed $500 to Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski's campaign in March under the company name Schaffer Business Group.





www.dailynews.com

Task force deals gang 2nd blow

By Josh Kleinbaum and Jason Kandel, Staff Writers

BURBANK -- A series of pre-dawn raids dealt a serious blow to a San Fernando Valley-based cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking ring, as authorities arrested 21 people they said are connected to the infamous Vineland Boys street gang.
More than 600 local and federal law enforcement officials participated in the raids. The federal indictment stemmed from a similar raid June 21 when the task force arrested 38 people suspected of being members of the Vineland Boys, a gang believed to be responsible for killing two police officers and numerous other crimes.

"These were midlevel distributors that had access to high-level importers," said Briane Grey, associate special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency's Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area division. "They're at the same level (as the Vineland Boys). They shared some of the same sources of supply."

The crackdown by the Vineland Boys Task Force seems to have slowed down gang activity in the Valley. In the monthlong period since the June 21 raid, the Los Angeles Police Department has reported 63 serious gang-related crimes. During an average summer month, the LAPD records as many as 100 gang crimes in the Valley.

"The Vineland Boys might as well get used to the idea that we'll be a constant presence in their lives," LAPD Chief William Bratton said.

Both the Vineland Boys and the gang targeted Tuesday bought large quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexican suppliers, officials said, and distributed the drugs to dealers in Southern California and Hawaii.

"They're living in a community, buying the nice house and nice cars, and that's all dirty money," Sgt. Derek Yoshino of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. "Even their neighbors would not have a clue. They're living the upper-middle-class lifestyle."

Police believe that information gathered in searches and interrogations during Tuesday's raids could lead to more arrests.

"The investigation will continue as we continue to identify additional narcotics sources, as well as gang affiliations that are mingled with them," LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Hillmann said. "Dismantling a group is a long process. We're not done. We're committed to seeing it through. We're going to make this particular county a much safer place."

Officials from nine local, state and federal law enforcement agencies formed the Vineland Boys Task Force after Burbank Police Department Officer Matthew Pavelka was killed in a November 2003 shootout with a suspected Vineland Boys member.

The gang is believed to be responsible for the 1988 death of LAPD Officer James Beyea and Martha Puebla, who was killed in May 2003 at age 16 after testifying in a murder case.

Last week, the task force arrested Burbank Councilwoman Stacey Murphy on suspicion of cocaine possession and child endangerment. Scott Schaffer, Murphy's longtime boyfriend, was arrested on suspicion of trading guns for cocaine with Vineland Boys members.

In all, the task force has made 326 arrests, and 62 people have been indicted under federal racketeering charges.

"The totals speak for themselves, proving this task force has been very effective in its mission," LAPD Detective Mike Pavelka, Matthew's father, said in a written statement.

"Them guys are getting beat to a pulp," said William 'Blinky' Rodriguez, an anti-gang activist and executive director of Communities in Schools. "That's what happens when you're involved in cop killing."

Rodriguez questioned whether other gangs will fill a power vacuum after the dismantling of the Vineland Boys.

"Once they stop putting the resources in there, then what happens? That question has to be answered."




www.dailynews.com

Memorial to officer defaced
Gang-related graffiti found on road dedication markers

By Jason Kandel, Staff Writer

BURBANK -- Police took down two Interstate 5 Freeway signs commemorating slain Burbank police Officer Matthew Pavelka after they were scrawled with a spray-painted "187" and a gang nickname.
In gang graffiti parlance, "187" -- the California penal code section for murder -- is a death threat. For Burbank police, who are investigating the case as vandalism, the graffiti opens an old wound.

"What you have here is an individual who has given his life to a particular cause, and people just vandalize it," said Burbank police Sgt. Jay Jette. "It gets to be a little bit emotional.

"Our office will pursue this to see if we can identify the person responsible."

The memorial signs were put up last Nov. 15, the first anniversary of the death of Pavelka, a rookie who died during a shootout with purported members of the Vineland Boys gang outside a hotel.

Pavelka's slaying spurred crackdowns by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. A federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act indictment against some 64 members and associates of the northeast San Fernando Valley gang alleged more than a decade of violence and the slayings of two officers, including Pavelka.

Pavelka's name was back in the news last week after the Vineland Boys police task force arrested Burbank Councilwoman Stacey Murphy on suspicion of cocaine possession and child endangerment, and her longtime boyfriend Scott Schaffer on suspicion of trading guns for cocaine with Vineland Boys members.

Police were notified about the memorial signs' vandalism about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, just as authorities launched a second set of raids on 21 people accused of being midlevel methamphetamine and cocaine dealers working with the Vineland Boys gang.

The signs were about 8 feet above the roadway off the shoulders of the north- and southbound sides of Interstate 5 between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street. Police took the signs down, booked them into evidence and took a vandalism report.

City officials regard the graffiti as a threat.

"I think it's a threat. Why else would you put that on that sign?" said Burbank Councilwoman Marsha Ramos. "You know what it means, and it's a police officer. It's absolutely awful."

City Manager Mary Alvord said the crime opens a fresh wound.

"All too recently we lived through what happens when an officer is shot," she said. "It makes our stomach sink. It's more than just graffiti. It's more than just a threat."

Brian...good articles...Burbanks all a buzz. I guess the Vineland Boyz have been operating there for a long time. I wonder how they got such a strong-hold? Maybe the Council Woman's arrest will bring the needed attention and action?

Lets hope anyway.

"Vineland"...such an odd name for a gang. There is a Vineland, New Jersey. Wonder if there is any connection?

www.mercurynews.com


Burbank councilwoman's companion charged with weapons and drug violations

Associated Press


LOS ANGELES - The longtime boyfriend of a Burbank city councilwoman has been charged with weapons and drug violations in connection with a notorious street gang.

Scott Schaffer, companion of Burbank Councilwoman Stacey Jo Murphy, was charged Wednesday and is being held on suspicion of trading guns to a gang member for cocaine. Schaffer's attorney said his client would plead not guilty at his arraignment Monday.

Schaffer was arrested July 13 after authorities found a gun registered in his name at the home of a San Fernando Valley gang member. Authorities said Schaffer traded two guns for cocaine.

Court papers filed by prosecutors state that Schaffer told authorities he stored firearms at Murphy's home where police found a small quantity of cocaine, three loaded handguns and 900 rounds of ammunition.

The councilwoman was arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession and child endangerment and was released on bail.

Murphy told authorities that she knew Schaffer was addicted to cocaine and possessed firearms, court papers showed.

Roger Rosen, Schaffer's attorney, said his client's statements to law enforcement officials were taken out of context in the court filings.

He said Schaffer had had a problem with alcohol and had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and undergoing therapy since November. Rosen said he would not comment on the drug allegations.

A task force has been targeting the gang that is suspected of widespread narcotics and firearms trafficking. Seventeen people have been charged in a federal indictment, including one who is awaiting trial in connection with the November 2003 fatal shooting of rookie Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka, 26.



www.burbankleader.com


READERS RESPOND
Stacey Murphy should step aside

Innocent or guilty, Councilwoman Murphy has shown poor judgment and a lack of responsibility. Either way, I wouldn't feel comfortable having her as a neighbor, let alone as a representative making decisions for my community. Stacey Murphy must step aside as soon as possible. She is unfit to hold her position.

JULIE D'ANGELO

Burbank

Murphy arrest a sad state of affairs

I just cannot believe what I read in the paper! We truly are the Modern Romans. That a former mayor and active councilwoman is arrested on weapons and narcotics charges shows the sad state of affairs in government and the decadence of Hollywood, long known as a cocaine-using community.... After all Burbank is a "media center," as stated on the official website.

Councilwoman Stacey Murphy is well attached to people who can help her but I really do hope she gets full treatment by the law without any backroom help.

If she gets special treatment, politicians are helping crime. This is why crime is so hard to stop.

If guilty, her penalty should be even more severe than the average citizen as she is a public official elected to protect the public from such things that she and her boyfriend seem implicated with.

A charge like this erodes the public confidence in government and flags decadence in our society as a whole. Of course she hasn't been proven guilty but much damage is already done. From newspaper reports it seems her boyfriend has already stated his implication and turned her in. He was also politically involved in the town. I think she should be banned from any and all political activities forever. Even though the crime is alleged at this point and she hasn't had a hearing, how can someone explain having cocaine, three guns, and 900 rounds (that's 900 rounds) of ammunition in their home? Each round can kill one person, Did two policemen have to die before crimes like these are ferreted out?

Norman Tempia

Woodland Hills

Murphy has very bad judgment

I can't believe Stacey Murphy would have the audacity to plan to return to being a member of City Council after being involved with such sleazy allegations. Even if she is cleared of charges, why would we want someone who allegedly had all that in her house representing us? Not me, that's for sure.

Am I the only one?I mean I've seen "movies of the week" that didn't have plots as crazy as this story. Well, of course, if she apologizes, that makes everything better. Wrong! Are we that desperate for people serving on City Council?If just any citizen had been arrested for this, they would have thrown away the key by now. But heaven forbid, we humiliate our ex-mayor.

I haven't seen her at the local grocery store, but if I were her, I wouldn't have the guts to show my face around town, let alone a council meeting once this is over. Give me a break.

I've known Stacey Murphy for 16 years. My daughter went to school with her son all the way from kindergarten through 12th grade here in our wonderful Burbank school system.

But I surely think somewhere along the way, her sense of good judgment took a turn for the worse. . I admire all the people who wish her well and pray for her acquittal of these charges.

But I personally think, all this didn't just happen overnight. There wasn't some mysterious elf that marched into her house the day before she was arrested and planted all this cocaine and guns and ammunition. If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd love to sell you.

Believe me, I am by no means a saint. I don't even go to church. But, give me a break.

How could anyone trust her decisions as a member of City Council, after knowing what poor decisions she made in her personal life. I'm not saying she necessarily needs to go to jail for such transgressions, but she doesn't need to be handed a free pass either. What kind of example does that set for all of our children?

I'll answer that question, no example at all. In fact, a really, really bad example. She can still live in Burbank, but do we need to reward her bad behavior and decisions, by letting her back on City Council. If I have to tell you the answer to that, it's indeed a sad statement about our society.

DORATHY HAVERTY

Burbank



www.burbankleader.comp


READERS RESPOND
AT ISSUE: Do you agree with Councilwoman Stacey Murphy's decision to return to the dais after Aug. 26?

I don't see any other way for Stacey Murphy to have handled this difficult situation. If she was at the meeting, nothing would get done as the gadflies would have spent hours lecturing her. If she didn't show up, people would assume her guilty.

I presume her to be innocent, but I also believe her to be wise enough to want the city to be able to conduct business. I think she is handling a difficult situation as graciously as possible.

LYNNE GERRED

Burbank

As a Burbank resident who voted for Councilwoman Stacey Murphy, who was recently arrested on cocaine possession and child endangerment charges, I am appalled and angered that she has chosen to retain her position pending her Aug. 25 court date.

A letter from Murphy, read at Tuesday night's City Council meeting, stated she would continue to serve but not attend meetings and therefore face residents. How brave of her.

Murphy's alleged crime is tied to a gang police say is responsible for the murder of Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka. And now she's going to keep her position, making decisions that would affect the Burbank Police Department, the same department which arrested her?

Though innocent until proven guilty, at worst Murphy would be a felon, at best she is a person of poor character judgment to keep the company of Scott Schaffer, who allegedly traded guns to the gang in exchange for cocaine. Clearly this is not someone capable of making decisions for the residents of Burbank.

The other four City Council members' silence on the matter at Tuesday's City Council meeting is unacceptable. They were elected to be leaders in the community, and at a time when leadership is needed, no one has stepped forward to call for Murphy's resignation.

Just because Murphy has been a good listener of residents' concerns and has served the city, doesn't mean she should continue to do so. I ask Murphy to muster any remaining dignity she has and do the right thing for the city of Burbank, resign immediately.

THERESA SHAW

Burbank

Why is this even a question?

As a resident of Burbank since 1972, my feeling is why would this even be a possibility. She has discredited her position in the City Council and allegedly involved herself with criminals.

Are we that desperate to have criminals and dishonest people running our city? The integrity and independence that our fair city has from the city of Los Angeles is what sets us apart. I am disgusted and appalled at the nerve she has to even suggest that she return. I would think that the city would have enough common sense to recommend her immediate resignation and vow to investigate all money associated with her boyfriend who generously contributed to the campaigns of some of the other council members.

She is not an upstanding citizen or council member and should be dealt with accordingly. As a parent, I hope she has plenty to answer to with child services officials and look forward to seeing justice served. I hope the city of Burbank will see the simplicity in doing the right thing for the city and it's constituents by not allowing her to return to her seat on the council.

On another note, I applaud the Burbank Police Department in joining our neighboring law enforcement agencies on the recent crackdown of the Vineland Boyz gang and other drug and gun trafficking criminals! It's about time!

CINDY GREGOS

Burbank

I feel that Stacey Murphy is making the right decision in this matter and should remain on the City Council until a conclusion is reached either way.

People need to remember that these are charges based on the evidence available to law enforcement officials. A criminal charge is not in itself a guarantee of a verdict either way. The preliminary trial may even determine that there is insufficient evidence to continue. While I wholeheartedly encourage people to monitor the case, please allow the system to work and keep in mind that is why we have it in the first place. Guilt or innocence is something that will be and needs to be determined in a court of law, not decided in the media.

While I have my own opinion in the matter, it is not my duty or position to decide as there may be additional evidence that is not being made available to the media or public at this point in the investigation.

I will say that I feel Murphy has been one of the best council members we have ever had. I see her as an honest person that has gone beyond the norm in support of her constituents and the city. Obviously her credibility will come into play throughout this matter and I feel that is one of her strong points. We all make bad decisions and mistakes in life and this is definitely up at the top no matter how you try to look at it. For anyone to stand on their personal soapbox and declare guilt at this point is just wrong.

Should the outcome be against Murphy, then I would hope that the city look back at all agenda items having to do with the type of business Scott Schaffer is involved in and reevaluate the decision. If any such item passed or was denied unanimously, fine. If there was a split in the vote then the item should be brought back to avoid any accusation of conflict of interest. I will continue to monitor the news reports.

MARK KNIGHT

Burbank

I have read what has been written here. I KNOW that the council woman is a good person but has been using drugs for a long time. My husband has known them for many years. It was her boyfriend who got her involved in these things, but you have to remember that she did go knowingly. The guns in her garage are probably not hers as to the drugs in her home I do believe they were. The child endagerment issue is that the guns were in her garage and not locked up and in easy access to her young 12 yr old son. The gun was loaded and there was 900 ammo with the gun. She IS a good Mom and Person. But she is not COMPLETELY innocent of everything. We make choices in life and she made some poor ones. It truly is mostly her boyfriend that has gotten her into the AMOUNT of trouble she is in, but she carries some of the responsibilty.

Welcome to Alipac emnemme! Thanks for the information. I know Stacey Murphy said she was not going to quit her position on the city council, but do you think she should resign over this incident? I personally believe she should step down and clean herself up.

I agree she is not innocent but wonder how much she knows about what her boyfriend was doing. She could be in bigger trouble if there is any evidence showing she had anything to do with the other activities with the guns and gangs. Anyway it is an interesting story that really has a lot of strange twists to it. I'm waiting to hear how it turns out.

http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3768337

Burbank councilwoman pleads not guilty to drug charge


PASADENA, Calif. A Burbank councilwoman pleads not guilty to drug charges.

Stacey Jo Murphy entered pleas today. She's charged with felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor child endangerment.

She was released without bail and told to return to court next month.

The 47-year-old Murphy is a former Burbank mayor. She was arrested in July during a probe of a local street gang suspected of killing a policeman.

Authorities who raided her home said they found a small quantity of cocaine, three loaded handguns and 900 rounds of ammunition.

Authorities allege that Murphy's boyfriend, Scott Schaffer, sold guns to gang members in exchange for drugs. He's awaiting trial on federal charges.

http://www.burbankleader.com/front/stor ... 2460c.html

Councilwoman resigns from council
Stacey Murphy steps down from the City Council, ending a more than eight-year career on the board. A special election is in the works.
By Mark R. Madler, The Leader

DOWNTOWN BURBANK -- Citing potential "distractions" stemming from her arrest on suspicion of cocaine possession and child endangerment, City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy resigned from the City Council Tuesday, ending a more than eight-year run on the dais and setting the stage for a special election to fill her seat.

In a letter addressed to City Manager Mary Alvord, Murphy said it was with a heavy heart that she was stepping down from the council.

"This is not an easy decision for me personally, however, for the best interests of our city, and my children, it is the right thing to do," she wrote.

"Our council has many important issues facing it at this time," Murphy continued. "The distractions caused by my personal issues should not be a factor that the council should have to deal with." Alvord read the letter at the beginning of Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Murphy, 47, who was reelected in February to a third term that expires in 2009, also thanked residents for their "support, compassion, and carrying comments during this period."

Attempts to reach Murphy were not successful.

Murphy was charged Aug. 23 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with misdemeanor child endangerment and felony possession of cocaine. She pleaded not guilty to the charges on Aug. 25 in Pasadena Superior Court.

She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 28.

Mayor Jef Vander Borght expressed sadness over Murphy's resignation and said the council would miss her.

"I recognize that she has to do what is best for her and her family," Vander Borght said before Tuesday's meeting. "I wish her well with her case."

The three other council members -- Marsha Ramos, Todd Campbell and Dave Golonski -- did not comment on the matter during the meeting.

Vander Borght was confident that council business could continue with only four members, but a special election to fill Murphy's seat is on the horizon.

The city charter requires that a special election take place to fill Murphy's seat.

First, the council will have to declare Murphy's seat to be vacant, which is expected to take place at the Sept. 13 meeting. A call for an election could come then, with an election required to follow within 120 days, City Clerk Margarita Campos said.

At Tuesday's meeting, the council continued the city's business as it has for the past six weeks -- with only four members participating and Murphy's seat empty at the far left side of the dais.

The former mayor was arrested July 13 after police found cocaine, three handguns -- registered to her boyfriend, Glendale resident Scott Schaffer -- and 900 rounds of ammunition in her Burbank home on Lima Street, where she lives with her 12-year-old son.

Schaffer's alleged involvement with the Vineland Boyz street gang led investigators to Murphy. Her arrest came the same day Schaffer, 51, was taken into federal custody after police found a Vineland Boyz gang member in possession of a handgun registered to Schaffer, which was not reported stolen.

Schaffer has been released on $1-million bond and is now living at a drug treatment facility. He awaits an Oct. 25 trial date and is accused of trading handguns to the gang members in exchange for cocaine.

If convicted, Murphy could face three years in state prison.

Mark Barton, a Murphy supporter, expressed shock upon hearing that Murphy stepped down.

"She said she's not guilty, so why resign if she isn't?" Barton said. "I think there is more distraction by not showing up. This is too



http://www.burbankleader.com/publicsafe ... 2463c.html


Schaffer's family posts $1M bond
By Mark R. Madler, The Leader

LOS ANGELES -- Glendale resident Scott Schaffer is in a court-ordered drug treatment facility after posting $1-million bond to be released from federal custody on charges of selling handguns to a gang member.

Schaffer's family put up the money that will assure that he will continue to make his court appearances, one of his attorney's, Steven L. Szocs, said on Monday.

Schaffer was released Aug. 19 after more than a month in federal custody following his arrest at his Glendale home.

"He apparently is in an in-patient, quasi-house arrest type environment," U.S. Attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek said.

A federal grand jury handed down a four-count indictment against Schaffer on July 28 charging him with selling two handguns to a known felon, possessing a handgun while selling cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and owning 10 firearms at a time when he was regularly using cocaine.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on Oct. 25.

Going to a drug treatment facility was a condition set by a judge in the event that Schaffer posted bond. The facility is located in Southern California, and while there Schaffer must wear an ankle monitor, Szocs said.

"We initially suggested the Betty Ford Center but the court was not inclined to do that," Szocs said. "The judge had discussions with pre-trial services and thought it was more conducive to have him closer."

Schaffer spent a weekend at the Betty Ford Center, located in Rancho Mirage, in May, Szocs said.

Local police and federal investigators were led to Schaffer after a search in June of a Granada Hills home of a Vineland Boyz member turned up a gun registered to Schaffer that had not been reported stolen.

Also arrested as part of the probe into the street gang's illegal activities was Burbank City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy. She pleaded not guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor child endangerment charge and a felony possession of cocaine charge.

In July, police found cocaine, three handguns -- registered to Schaffer -- and 900 rounds of ammunition in Murphy's Burbank home on Lima Street, where she lives with her 12-year-old son.

Murphy has been released on her own recognizance.

If convicted, Murphy could face three years in state prison. She would also be removed from the Burbank City Council, where she has served for more than eight years.

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