Sorry Rosemead
I was reviewing a staff report for Rosemead's city council meeting when I came across my name. It looks like each time I call the Rosemead City Attorney Bonifacio Garcia, it comes at a cost. I'm feeling a little guilty now, knowing that my actions come to a $714 cost to Rosemead residents.
Here's how it broke down
Date Description Hours Charge
4/11/2007 Phone conference regarding records request by Trib 1.6 $336
7/20/2007 Phone conference with Trib reporter re: Brown Act violation 0.3 $63
8/22/2007 Phone conference with Jennifer McLain re: Mazone matter 0.6 $126
10/10/2007 Phone conference with Jennifer McLain re: Gary Taylor's 0.9 $189
recommendation to the Grand Jury
Comments
So did you really spend over an hour and half on the phone with the city attorney regarding public records? Knowing the hectic schedule of a reporter, I wonder if this amount of time is accurate? Is it possible that the city attorney is overcharging the city for a brief phone conversation?
Posted by: gilman | February 25, 2008 12:27 PM
Duh??
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2008 7:27 AM
It says "conference," so if there were, for example, three attorneys involved in the conference call (even some of them are just there to review and retrieve documents), then it's just a 30 minute call.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2008 11:39 AM
As a reporter, I think you are right into asking the city attorney these public record questions, but for the city attorney to charge for them is ludicrous. The City of Rosemead is in shambles and unless they get rid of the city attorney, city manager and the three amigos it will only get worse.
I hope you support Gary Taylor.
Posted by: The Truth | February 26, 2008 3:25 PM
OK, now I'm sure of it: "The Truth" is actually Gary Taylor. Hi, Gary!
Posted by: Anonymous | February 27, 2008 10:24 AM