Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

"The Education Mayor Antonio Villar mixing it up with Roosevelt Teachers".

For Mayor Antonio Villar and his education surrogate at LAUSD, School Board President Monica Garcia, the lack of progress at the high school of graduation for the City Terrace native turned "Education Mayor", is prompting community activists to call for a Townhall Meeting on the future of Roosevelt High School. This after meeting with LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia and other district/ school officials. Longtime Boyle Heights Community Member Teresa Marquez posted these comments at the Eastern Group Publications Website after the meeting with School Board President Garcia.

Tragic story about Roosevelt High School, Yes they took some of the worst schools in the East Side, but not all, and others are doing much better without PLAS. At RHS all parents meetings are only in Spanish, closing the door on only English speakers. The one school RHS was divided into seven schools, with each a principal, dividing the parents involvement. Divide and Conquer. At RHS Director has order some parents to leave the school, this are active and volunteer(s) parent, but quetion some of the activities in school, There is more incidents at RHS with the students that should have been reported, yet they are not reporting, hiding and destroying records according to some parents.Special Ed students are not being identify and care for as the school should. Children with Autism or ADHD are not identify, so teachers just think they are problems kids. Numbers and percentages can be reported in a way that it does not look so bad, or make it look better than what it is. basically 4% of the students at RHS barely passed the Math test, not acceptable, if last year was 3% but now 4%, it might have increase but not to a level of accepting education in USA. 66% drop out = to out of every 100 students 66 drop out, leaving 24 students to graduate, and 1.4 students barely passed the math test. there is approximately 3800 students at Roosevelt High School, divided into seven smaller schools, with their own principal. Do this principal have Principal credentials???????????? 

More news after the Jump.

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The Coming Battle for CD 4 in 2015 thanks to 2012 Redistricting

Blogger's note: Somewhere in the early minutes of Thursday, February 17, 2012, City of  Los Angeles Redistricting Executive Director Andrew Westhall, received the "political paycheck" he had been waiting for since being entrusted with the committee assignment by his ex. boss City Council President Herb Wesson. For his role in the political retaliations against Councilpersons Jan Perry and Bernard Parks and turning over a  majority of Downtown LA to CD 14 Councilperson Jose Huizar and his "future outreach team" of Gustavo Valdivia and Samuel In, Westall saw his Toluca Lake Neighborhood moved into CD 4.---Scott Johnson   

 Its no secret that Westhall craves some sort of political title to go along with his name. Recently, he pondered a run for the 43rd Assembly District Seat that was eventually won by  Silver Lake Resident now Assemblyman Mike Gatto..

 ......but guess who is not too happy about Toluca lake being joined to his CD 4 Council District?

There is a certain"Live with Mommy" Assemblyman residing in CD 4 who wants to become a member of the City Council once his Sacramento days are over. But with a staffer in search of political title, carving his neighborhood into the council election of choice, expect a battle in 2015 between "mommy's stay at home assemblyman" and City Council President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson's  "staffer".

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14.. 

Are Greuel, Perry, Garcetti and Beutner Afraid to Debate Kevin James?

Kevin James, photo by Gary Aminoff

Back in early January, we reported that Mayoral candidate Kevin James had raised enough money to qualify for matching campaign funds from the City. Quite often, this is the threshold that many organizations set for candidates to appear in various debates.

As such, James was invited to appear with the other candidates in a series of events covering a number of important topics, hosted by an organization called Talking About Los Angeles. The events have several sponsors such as Microsoft, AOL Patch and Time-Warner Cable where the events would air.

However, following the announcement that James had been invited to participate in the first of the events, that was to be held on February 23rd at LA Trade Tech College, James' fellow candidates City Controller Wendy Greuel, City Councilmember Jan Perry, former City Council President Eric James and financier Austin Beutner, all mysteriously dropped out from the event.

Kevin James' opponents for Mayor

The campaigns have not made it clear why they will not participate in the debates, but many have their suspicions.

They are afraid to debate James, former host of a popular talk radio show, first on KABC and then on KRLA radio. James, has spent the last few years speaking with individuals, neighborhood councils and other organizations and has developed a deep understanding of a wide number of issues facing the city and has proposed significant plans to address local problems. James is articulate and convincing; certainly the other candidates should be concerned.

James spoke with Frank Sheftel and myself on our show on LATalkRadio Saturday night and said he'll be working to bring this issue to the attention of the press over the next several days. At press time, Talking About Los Angeles has not issued a statement as to the future of their events.

Stay tuned!

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Councilman Bernard Parks and Councilwoman Jan Perry.

Late Uganda Dictator Idi Amin Da Da.

CD 10 Strongman and City Council President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson. Finding trouble and backlash in Koreatown misadventures.

** Blogger's note: Light blogging today through holiday weekend due to eye doctor, work, LA-32 NC Townhall Meeting and trip to Anza-Borrego Desert for long holiday weekend---Scott Johnson. 

As the Redistricting Committee worked late into the evening, CD 8 and 9 were ground zero for the vindictive actions of City Council President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson. Working through his former staffer, turned Executive Director of the Redistricting Committee Andrew Westall, the committee took the following actions last evening as noted by the LA Times.

the panel took Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Vista and a portion of Leimert Park out of Councilman Bernard Parks' district, turning it over to Council President Herb Wesson. Parks lives in Baldwin Hills and has been at odds with Wesson for months. 

...... and not forgetting Perry.

  the commission moved all of downtown except for L.A. Live, Staples Center and the Convention Center out of Perry's district into the district represented by Councilman Jose Huizar. Perry is a longtime Parks ally.

But while "Mini Amin Wesson" plays payback against Parks and Perry, the exploited Koreans are raging a surprising political insurrection which may cancel out all of the "Mini Amin Wesson's" political favors.

Korean American activists warned commissioners that they were willing to sue to ensure that their neighborhood was taken entirely out of Wesson's district and placed into one currently represented by Councilman Eric Garcetti. Such a move would greatly increase the concentration of Asian American voters in Garcetti's district, which already has Thai Town.

To be continue ............

Your thoughts ...............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

The "Failure Mayor" Goes National and Some don't forget

 A local political failure morphs into the Court Jester Chairperson for the Democratic National Convention. 

Every prominent Democrat needs the "other woman" as part of national political resume enhancement.

Note the cat running out towards end of video.

From the hills of City Terrace, through the gang lands of Hazard, and on wards to the People's School of Law. The former Tony Villar, currently Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and someday Citizen Villar, will get to the national stage as the Chairperson of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in September. 

First thought on this latest folly via the Democrat National Committee, is one of shock considering the insight of some within the Beltway that I converse with regularly. They state that the Obama Administration views the Mayor as a useful tool, nothing more than that and for four days in September, Villar will be the LAtino tool used by the Democratic Party in search of a surge of Antonio inspired voters in November.

But left on the sidelines with the Antonio selection as the Latino Political Showman for the Democrats are other worthy local Latinos ..... and Latina Democrats who have been loyal not only to the party, but to President Barack "H" Obama. County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Congressman Xavier Becerra were all Obama supporters as Antonio and his "political posse" (MEAT, Ace, Parke and Espinoza)  travel the country in the vanguard of  "Team Hillary Clinton". 

Yet, four years later, the Democrats seek to resurrect a "political failure" to bring home the Latino vote in November and if they think that Mayor Villaraigosa's past transgressions have been forgotten, we bring you this from this morning's DNC conference call announcing the Mayor's selection as the Convention Chairperson via the LA Times.

The mayor, who is believed by many to have higher political ambitions, saw his past return to haunt him in the brief conference call when a reporter from a Charlotte TV station asked how the party would deal with the affair that ended his marriage and allegations that he has engaged in nepotism as mayor. 
"We won't," said Steve Kerrigan, the convention's chief executive. The mayor did not comment.     

..... but many will, especially Latinas, when voting for the "Personal and Political Tonto" in November.

Your Thoughts ...............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

The Faces of City Redistricting 2012

If you are craving some live action political drama, then plan on arriving early to the City Council Chambers for the 4 P.M. meeting of the City Redistricting Committee today. As LA Times David Zahniser notes in today's edition, "Redistricting 2012" has from the get go, been a multi-act political drama featuring allegations of quid pro quo, backroom boundaries, profane encounters, alleged shakedowns and an awakening of an ethnic community. below we bring you some of the faces of "Redistricting 2012".

Former City Council President Herb Wesson Staffer and current Redistricting Committee Executive Director Andrew Westall. Westall must be feeling the strain of fulfilling the boundary mandates of his boss Wesson while still carving out a CD 4 enclave that includes his residence (think, or not, of a someday "CD 4 Councilman Andrew Westall" ) via his supposed profane outburst directed at a member of Councilman Bernard Parks staff.

Quid Pro Quo in CD 14? Well ...... on second thought, everything that Councilman Jose Huizar undertakes within his fiefdom has some quid pro quo attachments. Want free DWP light bulbs? Get picture of Huizzy. Want soccor uniforms for your El Sereno Futbal Team? Get votes for Huizzy. Want funding for Downtown Radio Tower? Get bodies for Huizzy at Redistricting Hearing ..... allegedly. But lets not forget the "recent union" of close Councilman Huizar Associate Gustavo Valdivia and retire Building and Safety Inspector Samuel In. 

CD 9 City Councilwoman Jan Perry and her Downtown friends.
Councilwoman Perry has been the voice from the beginning, warning Angelinos that this once in the decade exercise in redrawing districts, has been a draconian undertaking . Her push back may yet save the day for a Downtown CD 9 and the coalition that has her back.

Sunland-Tijunga Activist Joe Barrett.
While it looks that the AlarCON-Trujillo treachery to occupy the horse country of Lake Viewn Terrace- Sunland Tujunga is holding firm, Barrett and the lovely ladies of the S-T leave no doubt how they feel about the lack of inclusiveness in the redistricting process

 The Koreatown Community has stepped up to the political plate big time in its push back against a machine that demands contributions but does not provide services. Look today for a big turn out from the awakening political entity. But be warn not to give your speaker cards to the person below.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

 An exclusive disposal contract with Athens was the start of the end of the "CD 14 East Era" in Montebello.

We are two months into 2012 and the Machine of Mayor Antonio Villar and longtime "labor sister" LA County Labor Federation Leader Maria Elena Durazo, are once again attacking your right to choose. This time it is business and apartment land lords right to choose the trash pick-up company of choice. If the fellow traveling duo of Durazo and Villar get their way, ten exclusive garbage zones would be designated city wide. Those zones would be awarded to companies with union staff, green trucks ....... and willing to pay the "franchise fees". But if I were Durazo , Villar, the Sierra Club and Madeline Janis, the Montebello experience may be the political barometer on the backlash brewing against this blatant attack on free market choices in the City of Los Angeles.

** CD 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino mans up for his "yes vote" to raise DWP water rates.

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, the Los Angeles City Council voted to amend the water rate ordinance to allow increased collection for water quality improvement. The rate increase amounts to $1.14 for the average resident of Council District 15.  This was a very difficult decision for me, but this action was urgently needed in order to meet a deadline to comply with US EPA & State Department of Public Health safe drinking water standards.  Had the council not acted, the City would have been faced with costly fines, which would have also resulted in higher DWP rates.  "We can't afford to compromise on our water safety. For less than the price of a cup of coffee a month, we get peace of mind knowing that our water is clean, safe and secure for our families," said Buscaino. "While it may make sense to support this increase, I'm not so sure I will be able to support future rate increases and I will definitely want to see the new Ratepayer Advocate's analysis and recommendations." (We will wait and see).

** LA Weekly's Simone Wilson continues her quest to merge creativity and photoshop as she goes "poodle for CD 1".

** A spokesperson for the Korean American Coalition stated that 500-1,000 showed up for the Hands Across Koreatown Prayer for a Unied Koreatown. Yet not one mention in the Old Gray Hag on Spring Street or the Daily Moldy Green Sheet.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14 .

Your Monday Morning Roadside Distraction Compliments of CBS Billboards and Councilman Huizar

"Male drivers may get another wood-related byproduct after viewing this billboard".

Great late Sunday evening to all as you ready yourself for a great night of sleep to rejuvenate the body and mind for another week of gainful employment or dependency on the Obama White House. For those heading westward into Downtown LA via Valley Blvd. from University Hill eastwards, you have or will now take notice of this explicit CBS Billboard that prompted multiple complaints at the most recent LA-32 Neighborhood Council Meeting.  

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar's El Sereno Field Office Director Arturo Gonzalez (observing from passenger seat of LAPD vehicle), who is known to use LAPD resources to keep tabs on community issues (or law-abiding constituents protest the dumping of sex offenders parolees in El Sereno), took umbrage (and unlawfully interrupted the LA 32 NC Meeting) after LA-32 NC Executive Board Member Linda McGuire's comment that the council office should be on top of issues such as explicated billboards.

But as this 2007 CBS billboard shows, Councilman Huizar has a long, friendly history and connection to "Big Billboard" in the City of Los Angeles. In his last re-election battle in 2011, CBS donated this in free billboard space to Huizar's camapaign.

03/02/11

CBS Outdoor & Affiliated Entities Los Angeles, CA 90031 (Independent Expenditure)

Jose Huizar

City Council Member - District 14

Huizar for Council 2011 (1325226)[Election: 03/08/11]

03/02/11

CBS Outdoor/ Billboard Advertising Space/Printing

$12,000.00

Then lets not forget that Councilman Huizar's love of "Big Billboard" was also replicated by Lamar Advertising which posted these graphics all around the council district.

Lamar Advertising of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA 90036

(Independent Expenditure)

Jose Huizar
City Council Member - District 14
Huizar for Council 2011 (1325226)[Election: 03/08/11]

02/14/11

Lamar Advertising/ Billboards - Donated Space & Paper

$2,500.00

Thus, what are the chances that Arturo Gonzalez spends as much time searching El Sereno for explicted billboards and responding to constituent complaints, as he did in monitoring a lawful gathering of community members concern about the proliferation of sex offenders in their neighborhood? Just follow the money to his boss'es campaign account.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Support an United Koreatown Community in CD 13 (.. and transparency in redistricting)

** Blogger's note: Shall we call this a "Bloggin Action Alert" for all those disenfranchise by the backroom dealings of the City of Los Angeles Redistricting Committee? DARN RIGHT! Take time out tomorrow and become part of the political awakening of Los Angeles Korean-American Community, as they stand up for an united Koreatown Community, Link here for information on parking and map of rally location. Like our neighbors in Westchester, CD 4, Northeast LA, CD 9 and Sunland-Tujunga, activists in Koreatown have been front and center in demanding common sense and openness in the redistricting process. Unfortunately, the likes of Mayor Antonio Villar and his ally City Council President Herb Wesson see the once in a decade redistricting process as an endeavor to ensure a flow of campaign cash and alleged kickbacks for services rendered. All communities within the City of Los Angeles who have been aggrieved in this process should take time out tomorrow and join hands for a open and fair redistricting process---Scott Johnson   

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Downtown Duel 2012: Councilwoman Jan "The Sedan" Perry vs. Councilman Jose "The Tanker" Huizar

"Downtown Duel 2012": Will "the tanker of CD 14" be able to push "the sedan of CD 9" out of Downtown?

Blogger's note: Great Saturday morning to all as the weekend gives pause to the "Downtown Duel 2012", the contest for control of Downtown LA campaign riches and permit franchises. Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie and his excellent staff , provide extensive coverage of "Downtown Duel 2012" in this weekend's edition of the Downtown News. Both CD 9 City Councilwoman Jan Perry and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar are given space to state their case for maintaining the status quo or unifying Downtown as part of the 2012 redistricting process respectively. In addition, prominent members of the Downtown Community, state whether they back Perry or Huizar in "Downtown Duel 2012"---Scott Johnson. ** Below excerpts from both Councilwoman Perry's and Councilman Huizar's dueling missives as printed in the Downtown News.

   CD 9 Councilwoman Jan Perry and friends.

The Ninth District is the bridge that links the communities of Downtown with southern portions of Los Angeles — an area rich with economic, cultural and racial diversity. In fact, the diversity of this district drives this part of the city forward, and it is diversity that is at risk in this redistricting. The current configuration promotes the best opportunities for growth, higher density living, and a public-transit oriented future that will improve Downtown and its adjacent communities in the southern part of the district.  

Separating the two major partners in the continued vitality of this area is wrong-headed and ill-considered. Severing Downtown from South Los Angeles will have the effect of creating the poorest council district in the city and isolating Downtown neighborhoods from their existing partnerships. A prime example is the Figueroa Corridor, which has experienced great investment due to the synergy between Downtown and South Los Angeles. We have seen the results of this partnership push investment along the corridor through the introduction of BYD, a Chinese electric car company, and a new Fiat dealership. This kind of synergy has made the Ninth District a great success story.

 CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar and friends.

CD 9’s area of Downtown has experienced wonderful things under Jan Perry’s leadership since 2001. Downtown is a better place thanks to her service, which will end due to term limits in 2013. I commend her for her efforts.  

Similarly, in CD 14’s portion of Downtown we have brought hundreds of jobs, multiple venues and numerous services to Downtown through my Bringing Back Broadway initiative. I fought and won a battle to preserve and expand the Arts District, opened the first and only city park in Skid Row for children and have worked closely with the Fashion District on their priorities. 

I can continue to serve CD 14 for seven more years, until 2019, ensuring Downtown’s 50,000 (and counting) residents, thousands of businesses, 500,000 workers and millions of annual tourists a cohesive, progressive vision for a united Downtown that will serve our entire city for generations.

Yout thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

Can anybody find LAPD in this chase?

We start this beautiful Friday morning with a Tuesday night flashback to a televised car chase that snaked it way through the streets of Silverlake and surrounding areas. At least one perceptive viewer had this comment about the law enforcement response, or lack of. 

Yesterday (Tuesday) thousands of Southern California residents watched yet another police pursuit as aired on 3 different  local Los Angeles television stations. As the suspect vehicle exited from the Southbound 2 freeway at Glendale Blvd  with California Highway Patrol close by, The suspect driver was observed driving through the streets of Silverlake  back and forth sometimes over the same streets that he previously traveled on. But where were the police officers from the Northeast Division to assist the California Highway Patrol officers ? None were observed.  Not too long ago, Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies were the law enforcement agency which assisted the California Highway Patrol with a  pursuit suspect in the El Sereno area of Los Angeles.  Can Chief Beck please tell the residents of Northeast Los Angeles , What the hell is going on ?  Is he still sending Northeast Patrol vehicles to other police divisions through out the city?

.... just how thin are LAPD resources being spread throughout Los Angeles? You may not want to know.

** We want to commend out-going Los Angeles City Council Energy & Environment Committee Chairperson Councilwoman Jan Perry for her leadership in creating two wetlands parks within her council district. Meanwhile her replacement as committee chairperson CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar has dropped the ball on restoring the Hazard Park Wetlands and repairing a storm drain that feeds into the Wetlands watershed. Environmental Activists will remember that Mayor Antonio Villar promised at the Million Trees Groundbreaking that a restore wetlands would be in place within three years........... and now Councilman Huizar calls a restore wetlands "a long term project".

** We almost forgot that Councilman Jose Huizar was too pre-occupied with Clifton's Cafeteria festivities to act as a leader and vote to increase water rates on his constituents.

** Lastly, as the likes of Ron Kaye and the LA Times Editorial Board debate whether District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich is a liar, maybe the same pillars of local journalism should answer why "these truths" via Mayor Antonio Villar, never garnered the same level of discussion (** especially during the "LA Antonio Times Era" of the former daily of record). An excerpt as posted on Mayor Sam in 2006 .......

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""Another Soulvine Thursday": Its "Alley Cat Betty" vs. "Junk Yard Dog Parks"

** Blogger's notes: Its near the end of "Another Soulvine Thursday" and a week after "recharging her political groove thing", thanks to her favorite "Little Short Guy" City Council President Herb Wesson, Betty is ready for battle with CD City Councilman Bernard Parks. "The Journalistic Alley Cat of South LA" goes after the "Junk Yard Dog of CD 8" and his financial issues that still dog the former County Supervisor Candidate. We post excerpts below---Scott Johnson.

Remember back in 2008 when Councilman Bernard Parks vied with state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas for a seat on the Board of Supervisors? Remember how the Parks campaign engaged Call Center Services Inc. to make thousands of robocalls to White, Spanish-speaking and Republican 2nd District county residents to encourage them to vote for Parks? Remember how Parks refused to pay this company for its work and Call Center Services had to sue Parks in November 2009 to get paid? Well, hold onto your hats because, according to court documents, a lot of interesting stuff has happened since then:

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Councilman Huizar's "Meeting for Bodies at Redistricting Hearing Scheme Email"

Blogger's Note: If anyone thought that CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar was a pillar of ethical standing among backroom-dealing politicos, then I got three board of directors positions at Legacy LA for you (wink, wink). Councilman Huizar is the walking personification of a quid pro quo politician who will wheel and deal to meet his political end. Apparently, those proclivities were exposed again in an email that the LA Times obtain that suggested "a bodies for meeting arraingement" in Councilman Huizar's efforts to gain control of most of Downtown through redistricting. It seems that Historic Downtown BID Member Josh Gray-Emmer had an agreement to meet with Huizar's staff, provided if he brought out the "bodies" for last night's Redistricting Committee Meeting at City Hall. More details below ..........      

If Josh Gray-Emmer (pictured above with cards) sounds familiar, he is the same Historic Downtown BID member who outed Councilman Huizar for black-balling Roberto Saldana. Saldana was the leading candidate for the Executive Director position of the BID until the councilman's "suggestion" that they pick someone else. Saldana had made critical remarks about Councilman Huizar's Broadway work and had supported City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez in last spring's election.

As reported by LA Times Zahniser, Gray-Emmer, 33, wrote that property owner Michael Delijani (sitting center, away from table) would reward those efforts by arranging a meeting with Huizar aide Jessica Wethington McLean to discuss downtown projects, including an effort to illuminate an old rooftop radio tower. Wethington McLean heads Huizar's initiative to revitalize Broadway, where Delijani's family has multiple properties.

"I made a deal with Michael," said the email, a copy of which was obtained by The Times. "If I show up, and bring people to support me (and therefore him and CD14), he will take LaTanya, Francie and I to sushi with Jessica from CD14 to discuss FUNDING and pushing forward the re-lighting of the KKRD Tower. This is one of our THREE projects selected to push forward. Let's make it happen. IT'S ALL ABOUT BODIES!!" (and the Huizar Way) 

Bringing Back Broadway Executive Director Jessica Wethington-McLean.

.... and watch who takes the fall once the "quid pro quo" is exposed?

Gray-Emmer said he was "disappointed" the email was being circulated beyond the intended recipients. Asked if bringing people to testify at the hearing was part of a quid pro quo, he initially responded: "I would just say that that email was completely internal, and intended for a small group of people."
Gray-Emmer would not specify what type of funding he expected to discuss with Huizar’s aide, insisting the money would never have come from Huizar's office. Hours later (after grabbing ankles), he called The Times to apologize for the email's contents, saying it "wasn't factually accurate" and that Delijani never offered any deal. (Meet the latest black-balling victim via CD 14)

.... at least Roberto Saldana took his black-balling without selling out his integrity.

Your thoughts ................
Scott Johnson in CD 14

We interrupt your Redistricting Coverage to report the obvious, Nuch is running for D.A.

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich working the City Councilman Joe Buscaino Victory Party.

Let me channel West LA Observed Blogger Kevin Roderick briefly to provide the political bloggersphere links to the coverage on City attorney Carmen Trutanich "official announcement" of his run for District Attorney.......... LA Times, ...... Downtown News, .......... City Maven, ....... LA Weekly, ........ and of course LA Observed.

After review, what is consistent in all of the coverage? A one term promise to stay in the Office of City Attorney. But as a long time CD 14 observer. I remember a "certain CD 14  City Councilman" who promise to serve a full term and instead became the "Latino Tony Blair", so big friggin deal. Politics is all about opportunities and I bet your next higher DWP bill that the likes of Councilman Krekorian, along with a Eastside councilman (with friends name Samuel and Gustavo), are eyeing a new gig in the James Hahn Building.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14.

** But Nuch would be better off to stay away from making grand pronouncements in his political future.

Morning Briefs on "Redrawing the Los Angeles Political Machine" for Thursday

Who is the infamous City Council President Herb Wesson staffer Michael Bai? Link here to read LA Weekly's Hillel Aron's missive on the controversy behind Bai and the Koreatown slapback on Redistricting.

Moving onwards with their once in a decade endeavor to recreate fifteen campaign shakedown zones, the City of Los Angeles Redistricting Committee made a one night stand in the center ring of the City Clowncil chambers last evening. And judging from various sources, drama was not lacking ........

CD 14 Chief of Staff Ana Cubas.

From the Arroyo Seco Journal's post on last night's marathon theatrics, it seem that CD 14 Chief of Staff Ana Cubas was playing regional bias with the speaker cards.

Controversy colored the conclusion of tonight’s five-hour long City Council Redistricting Commission hearing. At 11 p.m., City Controller Wendy Greuel’s appointee to the commission, Helen Kim, alleged that Councilmember Jose Huizar’s Chief of Staff had handled speaker cards for the first two hours of the hearing, making sure that speakers from Council District 14 were heard early on. This had the effect, according to Kim, of moving the many Korean Americans present to the bottom of the speaker card pile. 

..... and we have more witnesses to Cubas "card playing".

Grace Yoo of the Korean American Coalition, a prominent force behind the movement to unite Koreatown in one council district, accused the commission of treating the local Korean community with no respect. 

Yoo said that she watched Ana Cubas, Huizar’s Chief of Staff, help with the cards, and that people who came in after others moved past the early arrivals in the line. 

Was the audience made known of any geographical order of speakers? Judging from this ..........

Councilmember Eric Garcetti appointee Robert Ahn opined that if preference is going to be given to a certain region, that fact should be announced. He questioned why a council staff member was handling that task rather than commission staff 

We also have a Zuma Dogg sighting with comments of course ..............

Your thoughts..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

One Citizen Perspective of Northeast Redistricting Commission Hearing

Sparse attendance for Northeast LA Redistricting Commission Hearing at Occidental College. Photo by Tom Topping.

** Blogger's note: A small crowd but the usual activists were in attendance Monday evening at Occidental College's Thorne Hall for the Northeast LA stop of the "Redistricting LA in Backrooms Commission". Boulevard Sentinel's Tom Topping reports on the evening proceedings. In addition, we bring you the observations of the meeting via longtime Northeast LA resident and retire Parole Officer Caroline Aguirre. Beware! Caroline tells it as she sees it---Scott Johnson

Long time 14 th. District Resident comments.

There was a special Redistricting Commission meeting on Monday Feburary 6, 2012 at 6:30 pm. hosted at Occidental College , Thorne Hall.

After completing my 2 and 1/2 mile walk around the Occidental  Track I made my way towards Thorne Hall.  I entered the location and was instructed by a female seated behind a table in the lobby area to sign in on a sign in sheet. I asked this female unnamed female if this was mandatory and was initially  told yes.  I then asked this same female how could signing my name be mandatory after all this was a community meeting opened to the public .  The female then corrected herself  and stated that she had made an error and asked if I would please sign in on the sign in sheet.  I then asked a male individual standing near by if he was part the Redistricting Committee ? He stated that he was and that he helped in making the arrangements to host this Commission meeting at Occidental College. I then asked him how much his committee had paid for the use of Thorne Hall and he stated that  they obtained the use of Thorne Hall at zero cost.

I then made my way into the Hall itself and found myself a seat.  It was already a quarter past the hour and I was somewhat taken back that so few people were in attendance. I did recognize  a couple of members of the Highland Park Historical Society and the President ( camera in hand ) and other members of the Northeast Los Angeles Democratic Club  and  a hand full of folks from the Glassell Park and Mt. Washington area. Oh lets not forget some business owners from York Blvd. Association.  The biggest group in attendance by far was Councilman Jose Huizar's  staff members. They were all out in force and the way they kept getting up and down from their seats, walking around one, would wonder if they had  some type of medical problem?

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Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

The former Assemblyman Antonio Villaraigosa.

WE HAVE A CLICHE ALERT!

Apparently, the assorted media types on the Third Floor, Mattie, Janelle and some commission president son, think that a bogus award dinner is the setting for Mayor Antonio Villar to enunciate his differences on immigration with Republican (Establishment) Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney. 

In the spirit of objectivity on the debating aptitude of Mayor Villar on the subject of immigration, we bring you these comments via the keyboard of LA Weekly's Simone "The Snarky One" Wilson. This regarding his inability to challenge the statements of Romney supporter former Commerce Secretary Oscar Gutierrez, during a recent CNN debate.

Yet all Villaraigosa can muster in return are more vague ideals for a big-happy-family melting pot -- not solutions that could ever hope to achieve bipartisan support. Thus proving, in first person, everything Gutierrez just said about the Democratic party's football politics. Looks like it's time to hire a new spokesman.

Thus, expect the tire cliches such as, "we built bridges, not fences, "we need a pathway to citizen", "SI Se Puede!". Then the classic, "we are all immigrants". Moving on ........... ** BTW, "the KCBS expose on stimulus money being used to repair "the boat', has gain the attention of the Drudge Report

** Our blogging friend and reigning "Scribe of Wit" at the Downtown News Jon Regardie dedicates his latest "Regardie Report" to musings on the latest monetary reports on candidates for city office in 2013. An excerpt from Regardie on CD 1 battle in 2013.

We’ve Got a Fight in the First: Outside of the mayor’s race, the most interesting election of 2013 could be in the First District, where Councilman Ed Reyes is termed out. Gil Cedillo, a state senator and political veteran, notched $57,000 by the end of 2011. However, he finished a distant second to Reyes’ chief of staff, Jose Gardea, whose $106,000 in contributions is clearly meant to send a message that he won’t be a victim of a Sacramento steamroller.

...... and think what happens if a "certain Gloria" jumps in this race.

** Our "Snarky Friend" at the "Weekly of Record" is making....., well, "usage" of the photoshop capabilities. The Snaky One has taken to given descriptive terms to the newly gerrymandered council districts. CD 13 is the "Evil Squirrel" eating the "nuts" of Glassell Park and CD 8 is a "U.S Army Tank" liberating Westchester from CD 11.

Your thoughts ...............
Scott Johnson in CD 14 

LA Times: FBI investigating former Building Inspector with current ties to Councilman Huizar associate

Blogger's note: Sometime back in a moment of internet wandering, we chance upon this item during some backtracking on past stories involving the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). Grande Vista Associates was one of the connected firms being investigated for alleged bid-rigging of HACLA contracts. Some five years later, the same Grande Vista Associates provide a soft landing for former long time Building and Safety Department Inspector Samuel In, who retires from the department after being exposed as part of the growing scandal and FBI investigation of the city agency. We past along our tip and the result is part of Los Angeles Times David Zahniser's latest missive on the growing FBI investigation of the Building and Safety Department and possible connections to various city public officials---Scott Johnson   

 Former Councilman Jose Huizar staffer and current controversial Grande Vista Associates Consultant Gustavo Valdivia, gives a position to recently resigned Building and Safety Inspector Samuel In. 

** From the Times:

A year later, In was listed in state records as chief executive officer of Grande Vista Associates, a consulting firm that had previously been linked to a scandal at the city's Housing Authority. A Times investigation in 2007 found that Victor Taracena, a construction manager for the authority, steered contracts to politically connected firms, including Grande Vista, without competitive bidding or after rigged contests.

One bidder told The Times that he tapped Gustavo Valdivia, a former aide to Councilman Jose Huizar who was Grande Vista's lead consultant, to help him compete for the work — and found out that Grande Vista had secretly submitted its own lower bid. The housing authority paid Grande Vista nearly $99,000 to prepare schematic drawings of restrooms, parking stalls and ramps and other areas

** Why Valdivia hired In:

In said he received no income from Grande Vista and got involved with the firm as a volunteer only to learn more about public outreach, one of the services the firm provides. In also said Valdivia asked him to be an officer.

"I'm a very simple person. If I can help people, I will help. It's all a positive thing for me," he said.. 

How many council districts get their own exclusive building inspector assigned to its domain?

** In's dubious past work in CD 10:

Korean landlord Kyong Ho Cho sued In, alleging breach of contract, saying he advised him to pay a company $15,000 to resolve his permitting problems with the housing department. Cho alleged he paid the money, but In never followed through. Cho's lawsuit also claimed that In told him he had a business partnership with the company that received the money, Max Construction.

Max Construction's lawyer, Michael Sinkov, told The Times last year that Cho's case was "totally meritless." Sinkov said In was dropped from the case after he agreed to pay a $10,000 settlement.

** Speculation from CD 10 via Mayor Sam Source: 

During recent Redistricting Commission hearing in Koreatown, an allegation of a monetary shakedown by associates of City Council President Herb Wesson was put into the record. The allegation involved a "Michael Bai" who was accused of "shaking down" community members for contributions. In addition, observers note that Building Inspector In, did most of his recent work exclusively in CD 10. Could it be possible that constituents in CD 10, are being expose to a well-organize shakedown machine, with friends in "high places in government"?

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mayor Villar: "Its not a yacht, its a boat"

"Angelena II", at least Mayor Antonio Villar didn't "rename and christen it" the west coast version of the "Monkey Business".

Great afternoon for a ride on the water of LA Harbor, we think not. But for many who wanted a closer view of the container cranes of Los Angeles Harbor, the Angelena II was the city-owned vessel of choice, thats if you knew of its existence. 

Not wanting to engage in a battle of semantics with Mayor Villar on the classifications of sea-going vessels, this yacht (after all, would the City Terrace raised Villar call a Low Rider just a car?) has been used to give approved riders a visual experience one of the world's largest container ports. As KCBS Channel Two's David Goldstein reports, the likes of the Morongo Band of Indians were partakers in an Angelena II cruise on the port waters. Maybe they are waiting for the day when the Salton Sea is open to the Gulf of California and join their Cabazon brothers in building a container port in Indio, based upon the knowledge gained from their yacht ride?

But seriously, in these days of fiscal belt-tightening, what is the Port of Los Angeles doing spending big bucks in refitting a yacht for joy ride junkets around the harbor? One can gain the same experience of a harbor cruise by enjoying a ride on one of former CD 15 City Council Candidate Jayme Wilson's dinner excursions on the water. There is also a City of Los Angeles Fireboat that could also double as a tour boat and educational platform for school kids. Yet, at the end of the day, a world port is befitting of a world-class yacht, ... or boat in the public conscious eyes of Mayor Villar.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angelss Political Machine for Tuesday

Sorry Northeast LA (naught), but its all about Downtown.

** Breaking News: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals just overturned Prop 8. Next and last stop, the United States Supreme Court.

Great gray Tuesday to all as Mother Nature teases us with hints of rain and staying on that theme, there are those in Highland Park who still believe that Councilman Jose Huizar wants to be their council person. So sad. Meanwhile, many turned out at Occidental College last evening for the traveling Redistricting Committee road show. More on the proceedings later.

** The rural faithful of the foothill communities, turned out in mass to state their displeasure on Councilman Richard AlarCON's proposed land grab of their enclaves.

** LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy took the unprecedented step to remove all staff from the scandal-scared Miramonte School. But don't expect Deasy's directive to stand the test of time. After all, there is a group called UTLA.

** Miramonte is not the only school facing increase scrutiny. Longtime LA education essayist Scott Folsom has the dire information on the Mayor Antonio Villar's "Partnership Schools" which are train wreaks awaiting a full report and transparency

Your thoughts .............

Scott Johnson in CD 14. 

Pardon the bloggin interruption ..............

Is Developer Rick Caruso close to taking the mayoral plunge?

Heavy work schedule precludes us from our normal bloggin output on this Monday. But rest assure that we will play catch up this evening. Maybe by then the "Hamlet" of the 2013 Mayor's Race Rick Caruso will say nay or ya on his political future---Scott Johnson.

2011 Flashback: We interrupt your Super Bowl for this "explosive email"

"MEAT"

Blogger's note: ---It was one year ago this Super Bowl that infamous political operative Michael "MEAT" Trujillo forever lower himself into the sewer dweller depths of Los Angeles politics with this repugnant piece of political vitriol. As the then Campaign Manager for CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar Re-Election Campaign, Trujillo attempt to motivate the campaign team, mixing scripture and graphic violence directed at CD 14 Challenger Rudy Martinez, this supposed motivational email was somehow leaked to the Martinez Campaign Team. The rest is history---Scott Johnson. 

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

"Another Soulvine Thursday, Saturday Special Edition", Betty has "affections" for little short guys (Herb)

Betty loves diminutive political figures like ..........

....... City Council President Herb "the Little Short Guy" Wesson.

Great Saturday as the sun sets off into the Pacific and the evening rises over the newest political power  couple .... at least in the inner desires of Soulvine (soon to be the the quiet storm?) Columnist Betty Pleasant. Was it the smile? Maybe the brute use of political power? But one thing for sure is Betty is getting her "groove on" and its all because of  "the little short guy" Herb. 

With music below via Barry White, we bring you Betty's musing on her favorite flavor in "little short guys" Herb. (hit play on YouTube below before reading on).

I LOVE IT!! — Council President Herb Wesson made City Council committee assignments last Friday and he took care of some pressing business: He removed Parks from his beloved Budget and Finance Committee. He not only took the chairmanship away from Parks, but he took him off that committee entirely. Tee hee! He also removed Perry from her post as chairwoman of the Energy and Environment Committee and also took her off that committee entirely. I have suddenly developed great affection for little short guys.

"Betty, can't get enough of Herb's power plays!"

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14