Open letter to the Mayor, City Council Members, City Manager Michael Beck and City Staff

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I must say from start to finish the handling of the Barnes killing leaves much to be desired of our Representatives of the City both Public and Private.

The circumstances surrounding the Chief ‘s call to the family and then the community to give a briefing on the findings in the Barnes case  is ample proof that there are two Pasadena’s, the NorthWest and then the rest.

First the community and family were told that they would be briefed before anyone else.  But on the day of the briefing the front page of the Star News already showed the results of the investigation.  How disrespectful once again.

To add insult to injury our own chief of police stated that an independent investigation had been started by the LAOIR (Los Angeles Office of Independent Review) as had been requested by a coalition of agencies including the local chapter of the ACLU.  What is of concern is that he also stated that the independent investigation had been underway since the 2nd week after the killing.   What?  If that is so then why did the Mayor, Jacque Robinson and Chris Holden send a letter to the Community stating no Independent investigation until the police investigation was completed?  What?  Why didn’t the Mayor, Council and City manager make us aware of this when asked about it at Council?  Could it be that the Chief and the City do not want witnesses to come forward in an independent investigation?

Who is running the store in Pasadena?  Does Chief Melekian have the ability to make policy on the Independent Investigation and not tell the Community or the City Council until he feels like it.  Either the Mayor and City Council openly lied to the community or no one knows what Chief Melekian is doing.   Or is it just that Chief Melekian is continuing his reign as quasi-city manager and informs the city and the community at his leisure.   Someone has to take responsibility for yet another mistake.

I find it puzzling that the chief is so concerned about the release of the names of the officers involved in the shooting, when they have guns, a uniform, badge and a gang of other officers to protect them but, when witness want to be anonymous out of fear of the police he has no concern for those witnesses.  The independent investigators need to send a message to the community that they are open for business and ready to hear from witnesses not comfortable with the police and how their identity will be protected until their testimony in the public eye is needed.  There is already one documented report of intimidation (that person is now represented by Council).

The issues involved in this case are not just about Mr. Barnes and his killing.  The changes that need to take place are systemic and will protect any person who is involved in a police shooting, beating etc. under color of authority.   All City Council must get involved in what is happening in our city.  Think hard about the Barnes case in terms of what you would expect if this happened in Hastings Ranch and your son or daughter had been killed.  Would you want an independent investigation and transparency that you could trust??   Of course!!

Since there is only one Pasadena (at least in my mind), I wondered why the Open letter from the Mayor did not come from the Mayor, all City Council and the City Manager.  You other Council Members should be glad you were not asked.  But, now you need to stand up and prove there is one Pasadena.   If there is not transparency between the Chief and City Council how can you expect the community to trust any investigation results.

Some one needs to answer for Chief Melekians Actions or ratify them and let the chips fall where they may.

Mr. Mayor, City Council, Mr. Beck, why was the community misinformed by you?  Does the Chief currently have an obligation to report to the City Manager/City Council?  What will be done so this does not happen in the future?

These are not rhetorical questions, but a lack of a response will further confirm there are two Pasadena’s one that gets answers and one that is ignored.

M.A. Gordon

Note:  If you have information pertinent to the Barnes case and would like to speak with the LAOIR (Los Angeles Office of Independent Review) please contact:  Mike Gennaco @ 323 890-5360.  If you have other questions or concerns, contact your local ACLU office @ (626) 389-4107.