(July 15, 2008) -- Former LB Vice Mayor/3rd dist. Councilman Doug Drummond was among the 11 voting members of the CA Board of Parole Hearings who today (July 15) unanimously voted to deny convicted Manson Family murderess Susan Atkins (diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor) "compassionate release." (details below)

As previously reported by LBReport.com, CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Drummond to the CA Board of Parole Hearings in mid-June...and today's Sacramento hearing was Drummond's first as a Boardmember, following a period of training/procedural instruction said Board of Parole Hearings spokesman Bill Sessa.

Spokesman Sessa told LBReport.com that during today's proceeding (as with all Board proceedings), Boardmembers take testimony in a public session but say nothing publicly. The Board then retires to a closed Executive Session where it discusses the matter.

During the closed session, the Board typically has a lengthy file that may include confidential material and hence the closed session.

After the Board votes in closed session, its decision is released publicly without comment.

LATimes.com has a very complete report on the Sacramento proceedings, click here.

Spokesman Sessa said the Board is a quasi-judicial body, meaning Boardmembers (like judges) don't comment publicly on their decisions.

Prior to his City Council service, Drummond who served on the LB Police Dept, rising through the ranks from patrol officer to Commander (and was at one time in charge of LB's jail).

The Board of Parole Hearings appointment requires State Senate confirmation...but typically that's not required for about ten months.

The Board convenes once a month to conduct a public business meeting; the includes annual compensation of $111,845.