Parent Told to Stay Away From School Official

A Pasadena Court commissioner on Thursday ordered an Altadena parent who the school district alleged has harassed its employees to stay away from one of the district’s top managers.

In a temporary restraining order requested by the district, Commissioner Louise Halevy ordered John F. Laraway to stay away from William S. Deeb, business manager of the Pasadena Unified School District.

Deeb said in a signed declaration that Laraway told him last week that bureaucrats “should be taken out and shot,” and that as a result of the comment he fears for his life.

Laraway, 48, whose son attends Charles Eliot Middle School, denied the accusation. He said the district is seeking to prevent him from asking questions about whether it sends too much money on perks.

The restraining order was sought after Laraway and two other activists, Rene Amy and Steve Lamb, were ejected from school district headquarters last week.

Deeb said in court papers that Laraway had an appointment to view documents in the district office, but became upset during the meeting. He alleged the two other activists came into the office and insisted on looking at the documents with Laraway. Deeb told them they had to make a separate request to look at records, the documents said. He then called school police.

“I am sorry that we had to take this step, but Mr. Laraway’s erratic behavior left me no recourse,” said Supt. Vera Vignes. “He threatened members of my staff, which is unacceptable.”