The fact that Atherton's officials, such as Mr. Gruber, suddenly appear to have turned about and become conciliatory and "open" does little to explain why they didn't simply offer these explanations in the first place. Why did Mr. Gruber read from a prepared statement (in the video) that didn't even answer the questions being asked on the day of confrontation instead of being open and honest then? I smell a new angle in the old obstructionism game which will end in non-compliance. Much of what you are seeking has already and deliberately been destroyed. Too much incriminating evidence there and they knew it. Remember the Nixon tapes? Don't hold your breath Johns and Sweidy; this is just a stall. I believe you're still being "had". It's nice that you are willing to believe their story, but watch your back! The rest of us are.

Who is in charge here? Is it Johns? Is it Buckheit? Is it McKeithen? It sure doesn't appear as though Mr Gruber has any control over what is going on in Town Hall.

McKeithen and Johns work for Buckheit. If you don't support the cops, this is going to continue and get worse.

The best way to support the cops is to give Guerra a free hand in clearing out the dead wood and getting rid of the bad actors.

Most officers are hard working and honest. Unfortunately some don't belong in a uniform. Guerra desparately needs help if the Atherton PD is going to survive.

That's all utter nonsense (Alexander Haig, Power behind the throne, and especially Broomstick). Buckheit and McKeithen already offered to give Guerra the tool he needed to clean house, the civillian police review board. The police department lobbied various council members to turn this down, and Guerra needs to take responsibility for this. The department is going to get shut down. Face it. They deserve it. They had their chance. Now it's too late. Don't blame Buckheit. Don't blame McKeithen. It's the fault of Guerra and the cops for not acting on what they offered when they had the chance.

I anticipate the usual wait,
for the predictable newspaper article,
with the inevitable announcment that the latest (of many) investigation into Atherton police misconduct (and how the Bld Dept problems might be connected),
will be UNavailable to all council members and the public as determined by some future city attorney because;
A) If the the council is known to be aware of the truth, they would be in the uncomfortable position of being expected to correct it. They prefer to demure.
B) Questions might be asked about why the council has learned nothing at all from the last three investigations or the last several grand jury reports, or any of the personnel disasters.
C) How would the overly fortunate continue to feel special and important if they don't receive special treatment, creatively bent rules or kept secrets.
D) We are going to need to stall just a few years longer to have enough time to spend a seizable fortune on a new deluxe police headquarters--several million on this monument and then, for sure! no council person will ever admit that it might have been a mistake to build it to begin with, this will insure permanent job security for APOA pension mill.

But sincerest Good luck to Chief Guerra in all of this. He has a lot to navigate here--the famously dysfunctional Atherton council, MacGruber--that big fat "Blue Line"--and too many retired puppet masters with strings left all over town.

I do not live in Atherton currently - but I did. I am not a lawyer, but I do run a large business.

I read the story, then the postings that follow (as I do weekly with most Atherton stories. It is very clear to me that a few people have issues with the police department ande Chief Guerra. From what I have read in THIS story - it has nothing at all to do with the police department nor the Chief.

What is clear is that certain people choose this forum to bloviate about subjects not even related for pure personal reasons. I would guess either former employees or those who have been arrested. Either way, stand-up, use your real name and stay on topic.