Hermosa Beach City Manager Tom Bakaly is launching an investigation into  the events of March 3, when anti-oil activist Chris Miller was accused of inciting obscene chants against the Hermosa Beach Police Department, costing Miller her spot on the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Bakaly told the Hermosa Beach City Council on Tuesday night he will gather facts about what happened that night around 10 p.m. at the Standing Room on Hermosa Avenue — the events of that night have been a source of dispute between the police department and Miller’s supporters for nearly two months.
By the police’s account, Miller called officers that night “losers” and encouraged other anti-oil activists to chant “F… the police,” amidst the celebration. Police Chief Sharon Papa told that to Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ken Hartley in a March 23 letter, adding that Miller’s conduct could singlehandedly undermine the police department’s relationship with the chamber of commerce unless Miller apologized to the department.
Miller was subsequently removed from the chamber’s board of directors.
Bakaly is now investigating whether the officer’s account of the incident that night was accurate, and also whether Papa acted appropriately.
“The allegation that’s been made is that the officer was not being truthful and that the chief misrepresented what happened in her letter,” Bakaly said. “We’re going to look at that and we’re going to interview people who were there.”
City Councilman Hany Fangary on Tuesday night scrutinized Papa’s handling of the incident.
“The letter [to the chamber] was a bit much and too pushy,” Fangary said. “The police chief should not be in the business of demanding apologies. The city intervened in a very unfortunate way for Chris Miller.”
Bakaly is working on the investigation with Assistant to the City Manager Diane Strickfaden, City Attorney Michael Jenkins and Donna Evans, a Redondo Beach attorney who specializes in allegations of workplace misconduct and is acting as an outside factfinder.
Bakaly said he hopes to interview Chris Miller, witnesses from the celebration, Chief Papa and the two police officers who witnessed the events.
The investigation comes as many residents have criticized the city for failing to make any progress on an investigation.
“We’re asking that there be a full investigation. I’m asking you all to do your job,” Barbara Ellman told the council Tuesday night.
By Miller’s account, she yelled, “You’re not getting a raise tonight!” at an officer — a jab at how the Hermosa Beach Police Officers Association had supported the failed proposal to drill for oil as a way to increase the police department budget. Anti-oil activists also said there were chants of “No on O.”
But Miller and her supporters said no obscenities were yelled at officers. As a result, Miller rejected Papa’s demand for a written apology to the police department. Miller said she has apologized verbally to Papa for any misunderstanding and to the officer she yelled at, George Brunn, for any hurt feelings.
Previously, the incident was to be investigated by the police department, but the city manager’s office took over as Papa’s own conduct has come under review. The police department handed over the logbook and video of the incident to Bakaly, who is currently deciding whether to release those materials to the public.
Residents spoke on Tuesday night of the need for full transparency as to the events of that night.
“It’s an issue of respect and justice for the citizens,” said Jose Bacallao, who attended the March 3 celebration at the Standing Room. “We need to be able to trust our police … I still want a public apology and a public retraction.”
“I want real accountability when police officers lie,” said Katrina Bacallao.
Bakaly said he hopes to conclude the investigation within a month, at which time Bakaly will decide if any disciplinary action will be taken against members of the police department.
“I’m hoping we can complete the investigation quickly and move forward,” he said.
