Records Show Mayor First to Say <i> Apology</i>

City officials considered five versions of a letter of apology to Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block--without ever mentioning the word apology-- before Mayor Jess Hughston stepped in and actually used the “A-word,” city documents show.

A chronology of behind-the-scenes negotiations, made public on Tuesday, shows that the only clear-cut apology considered was in a letter drafted by officials of the Sheriff’s Department itself. Other versions concentrated on the “misinterpretation” by the sheriff of comments by council members.

The chronology was prepared by City Atty. Victor Kaleta, who has been directed by the council to look into allegations that Hughston and other city officials may have violated the City Charter in sending a letter of apology without consulting the rest of the council.

In voting in November on an appropriation to pay 800 sheriff’s deputies to work on New Year’s Day, council members had urged that members of an alleged racist social club operating in the Lynwood sheriff’s station be excluded from duty in Pasadena.

Block and members of his department reacted with outrage, saying there were no neo-Nazis or white supremacists in the department. Block threatened to prevent sheriff’s deputies from providing security for the Rose Parade unless he received an apology.

In subsequent negotiations, members of the sheriff’s staff drafted their own version of an acceptable letter of apology, in which council members would acknowledge that their comments were “totally inappropriate.”

The sheriff’s proposed letter went on: “We do understand your anger! We hope that this unequivocal apology will ease that anger and that your department will continue the fine tradition of service that has been its hallmark over the years.”

Hughston’s letter, sent without the approval of the full council, finally calmed the situation, and about 800 deputies worked on New Year’s Day without incident. The letter said in part: “As mayor of Pasadena, I regret the hard feelings and controversy that has arisen over the provision of sercurity for the 1992 Rose Parade, and I apologize for any offense to you, your deputies or your department.”

But the controversy continues. Some of Hughston’s colleagues have criticized Hughston and City Manager Phil Hawkey, even suggesting they should be removed from office and fired for their roles in writing the letter.

The council has directed Kaleta to determine whether Hughston and other city officials involved in negotiations with Block violated any laws in acting without consulting the rest of the council. Kaleta said Tuesday that he would report back in two weeks.