The District Weekly's Dave Wielenga reported today that all police records about a confrontation at City Hall last year, first reported by the Press-Telegram, between a member of Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal's staff and the councilwoman's husband, Superior Court Judge Daniel Lowenthal, have disappeared. Wielenga said he had made a public records request for the documents after police were called yet again for another incident at Suja Lowenthal's office last week. In the most recent case, there was an alleged confrontation between two of Lowenthal's staff members, as first reported by the District.
So where are the reports from last year's incident, which police said at the time was under investigation? Police officials told Wielenga that no records exist. That's a bit suspicious, to say the least.
Read the District's report here. Below is the Press-Telegram story about last year's incident, dated July 22, 2008.
Lowenthal dispute at City Hall investigated
By Tracy Manzer and John CanalisStaff WritersLONG BEACH - Police said Monday that a verbal dispute at City Hall involving Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal , her husband and a city staff member is under investigation.Long Beach Police Department sources said officers were called to the 14th floor of City Hall, where the City Council and mayor have offices, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to investigate an argument between Lowenthal and her husband, Superior Court Judge Daniel Lowenthal . The couple began divorce proceedings July 3.Three independent sources within the LBPD, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were told Daniel Lowenthal exchanged words with a member of Suja Lowenthal 's staff. Stories differed about which staff member was involved.
"It sounds like it was getting pretty ugly so (Suja Lowenthal ) came out of her office, and our officers were requested at that time or shortly after that," a police officer said.
No arrests were made.
Daniel Lowenthal , police said, had left before officers arrived.Suja Lowenthal said she did not realize that her husband was on the 14th floor to visit his mother, Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal .
"It was a misunderstanding in that he was there visiting someone else," Suja Lowenthal said.
Daniel Lowenthal declined to comment Monday evening.
Bonnie Lowenthal confirmed that her son was at City Hall that day to meet with her.
"As far as I'm concerned, it was a non-event," Bonnie Lowenthal said.
Police spokeswoman Nancy Pratt confirmed that police were called to City Hall to investigate a "dispute." It was not clear who called police .
"There was an incident involving a city employee and a person that had authorization to be there at City Hall," Pratt said. "That incident is under investigation. We are trying to determine if a crime occurred. We don't know."
Pratt did not say who was involved.
"I don't have all the particulars that would determine what happened," Pratt said.
Staff writers Tiffany Rider and Andy Franks contributed to this report.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
This is a comment I recently posted to both the District Weekly and the Press Telegram:
What is the latest on the INVESTIGATION of the never identified Long Beach police officer involved three-time shooting of a never identified but allegedly well connected unruly window smashing Anaheim man outside Legends in Belmont Shore during the early morning hours last May?
Sometimes, we need to keep asking the same question until we get an answer.
Sounds like the Beachcomber article about Chief Batts beating up his wife. LBPD covers it up and the officers get a "Get out of Jail Free" card.
I HAVE NO EMAIL...VERY INTERESTING ON HOW PEOPLE KNOW OR COME TOO FIND OUT CERTAIN INFORMATION I WOULD LIKE TOO SPEAK W/SUJI MYSELF NOTHING TOO PERSONNEL JUST A FEW CAREER IDEAS I HAVE FOR HURR (SUGGESTIONS)...CONTINUE THE GUD WORK PRO - FOR AMERICA AND ESPIACIALLY THEE EDUCATIONAL ,CHARITY WORK THATS IMPORTANT TOO AMERICANS !!!!!21907 GRACE CARSON CA. 90745 ...PLEASE REPLY!!!!