Political Gadfly Charged in Threatening Phone Call

A political gadfly was charged with two misdemeanors Monday in connection with an allegedly threatening telephone call he made to a councilwoman last week.

At an appearance in Newhall Municipal Court in which he elected to represent himself, John Steffen, 71, was charged with one count each of threatening a public official and making an annoying phone call.

Steffen was arrested by Santa Clarita sheriff’s deputies early Thursday morning and held on $100,000 bail after Councilwoman Jill Klajic turned over an answering machine tape in which Steffen reportedly warned her to call him before he “got a gun.”

Following the arraignment, Steffen was ordered released on his own recognizance by Judge Alan S. Rosenfield. As a condition of his release, Steffen agreed to refrain from contacting Klajic or attending City Council meetings until the matter is resolved.

Although he was not required to enter a plea to the charges during Monday’s hearing, Steffen told Rosenfield that he “would never cause any physical harm to Miss Klajic or make any threats against her.”

His voice breaking, Steffen said “I have nothing but the highest regard for her. I am a confirmed pacifist and I have never hurt anyone in my life.”

Friends of Steffen--who is well known in Santa Clarita for his strong opinions and occasionally abrasive commentary about council members and their decisions--said that his comments were taken out of context and that he considers Klajic a friend.

Klajic called the incident “very upsetting.”

“I feel very bad for Mr. Steffen,” Klajic said. “He obviously has emotional problems and I don’t think he meant me any harm.”