Your Favorite Subject Next to Bitter Bernie

Since it has been over a week since we posted a story on your favorite beating target Tony V. and many of you are having to stretch your imaginations to work in ways to take stabs at him, I offer you a post from Lonewacko on Tony's debate performance last time around. Good Luck Meat! You'll need it defending this one...

How about someone asking the follow-up to this question that was asked four years ago?

It has been reported Mr. Villaraigosa that when you were at UCLA you were active in a Latino rights group which among other things says in its constitution that it is in favor of forming a separate republic in the Southwest United States. Do you hold the beliefs of that organization as your own and do you still support the group and what do you tell kids that see this kind of stuff on the Internet?

Villaraigosa didn't answer the question.

Maybe the follow-up could make him tell us what he really thinks.

You can read it on their site at :
http://www.tolstoy.com/lonewacko/blog/archives/002227.html

Debate Prep

As more of the details regarding Thursday's Mayoral Debate start to leak out, here's your opportunity to tell the moderators (Jose Ronstadt of KWHY-TV, Ron Kaye of the LA Daily News, and Colleen Williams KNBC-TV Anchor) what you would like them to ask? Hugsberg's site lists a few, but I'm sure there are more of you out there who would like to share your opinions...

Does Poopy Need Hearing Aids?

So Mayor Poopy just won't give up. His most recent bullheaded acts are chronicled nicely in the Daily News and Daily Breeze. Hizzoner just won't stop until he has figured out a way to tax us some more. The City Council has already said NO. The voters said NO. The LAPD is already short the amount of budgeted officers they are allowed. YES we need more cops, but just because Mayor Poopy can't live up to his campaign pledges doesn't mean he should tax us into oblivion.

Maybe if the voters trusted his leadership and didn't feel like he is already pissing away our tax dollars we would support such a measure.

Quotes such as " I was disappointed when I heard some of the council members say "Well, we listened to the people and they didn't want this to happen"" don't help his cause.

Take advice from the council. LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE.

I'm writing this one of to just another stunt to buy off the Police Protective league endorsement. What the heck, it worked for him last time and everyone knows he needs all the support he can get.

I think our word of the day should be "EFFICIENCY"

La Familia McOsker

Patrick McGreevy's column at the LA Times notes the depth of the McOsker family in City Hall. Pat McOsker was recently re-elected President of the fire fighters union. Last time we met Pat, Chief Parker detailed an alleged shoving match with one of his challenger's supporters.

McOsker's brother Tim as we know is Mayor Poopy's Chief of Staff. Chief Parker also told us about concerns that Pat supposedly strong-armed an endorsement of the Mayor from the union, which has given Jim Hahn their endorsement.

In addition, brother Mike McOsker was elected secretary of the union and a fourth brother, John, is on the Harbor Area Planning Commission.

Too bad I didn't have a large family when I was mayor!

Mayor Hertzy Wants To Pump You Up!

Rick Orlov has a story in today's Daily News which impiles that Governor Schwarzenegger is leaning towards Bob Hertzberg. Mention is made of Bob's involvement with Arnold's transition team as well as the hope that the city's dwindling supply of Republicans could tip the balance for Huggy in a five man race (sorry Walter).

Also of note is Hugsberg's $99 a plate dinner which can fly just below the radar of the $100 contribution reporting requirement. Despite what you think of that, I think its a good thing for candidates to hold some cut rate fundraisers and let some of the smaller cats have a crack at you. In an election as tight as this one will be, every bit helps.

A Little Slice of LA History For You

One of Mayor Sam's favorite newspapers was the now defunct Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Back in my day, we knew it as the Herald Express the LA base of muckracking publisher William Randolph Hearst.

The Los Angeles Times, which shed not a crocodile tear the day its only competition died in 1989, has an interesting story about how the site of today's Los Angeles Convention Center wound up on the site of the old Hearld Express building. They highlight how Mayor Sam set out to get and got the convention center he wanted.

Pressing Issue at City Hall: Baseball Team Name Game

With crime rampant, potholes a plenty and Sherman Oaks about to erupt in civil war over a bridge, Council President Alex Padilla has been pursuing a very dire and pressing municipal issue.

The Angels baseball team might just change their name from the Anaheim Angels to Los Angeles Angels. This must be stopped the good Council President says. In a related move, Bitter Bernie has jumped into the fray with a proposal that teams could only use the name Los Angeles if they are actually located in the City (not sure what the County would say about that but hey those people don't vote for Mayor).

To be sure, it wouldn't be the first time they've made an identity change. Back in the early 60s, singing cowboy turned broadcaster Gene Autry went to Baseball's winter meetings to pick up broadcast rights to games for his television stations. He left owning the American League expansion team, the Los Angeles Angels. For a time, they shared Dodger Stadium before hightailing to it a new stadium in Orange County - Anaheim Stadium - affectionately referred to as "The Big A" (and later Edison International Field and now Angels Stadium of Anaheim). At that time, the team took the name "California Angels" until 1996 when then owned by Disney, they became the Anaheim Angels. In 2002, they won their first World Series and that's the end of the story, right?

Well not quite. Arte Moreno bought the Angels and after lowering the price of beer at the stadium, he set out to change the team's name back to the supposedly more cosompolitan Los Angeles Angels. Already, Moreno removed the name Anaheim from the team's website, uniforms, etc. Well the City of Anaheim threw a hissyfit and aren't about to lose their name on the team it took them 30 years and throwing a lot of cash at Disney to get.

Of course like any ridiculous diversion in politics, the Angels and the City of Anaheim are no longer the only players in this. Padilla is going ahead with a resolution to oppose the Angels' renaming move. As well, the LA Dodgers, looking to hold onto their exclusive have signaled they could file a friend of the court brief in the City of Anaheim's promised lawsuit according to Dodgers Public Affairs VP, Howard Sunkin who is no stranger around LA City Hall. As well, whenever you have an issue as silly as this around City Hall, its always good to look at one of these.

Rick Orlov on Walter Moore

Rick Orlov mentions Walter's exclusion from the Mayoral debate in a recent Daily News article.

Using the Internet as both a modern day sandwich board and a chain letter crying out for attention, a little-known candidate for mayor is trying to get into the League of Women Voters debate on Dec. 2.

Walter Moore, a business attorney from Playa Del Rey, is one of the 20 declared candidates in the March 8 election, who claims to be the only Republican running in the nonpartisan race.

Moore has his supporters flooding the League of Women Voters, various talk radio and media outlets to take up his cause to join the five leading candidates.

The league will be hard pressed to include him, however, and exclude any of the other lesser knowns, including such perpetual candidates as Addie Mae Miller and Martin Luther King Aubrey Jr.

For Moore, it means he will somehow have to prove his candidacy is more than just an announcement and an Internet fancy.

Since we know that Rick reads the Sister City, lets talk directly to him. Rick, you do have a good point that including Walter gives Miller, Aubrey, etc. fodder to be asked to be included. But they are already asking to be included. So inviting Walter in doesn't change that.

My view is that even though Walter likely doesn't have a chance in hell, he has merited enough media attention in your column and on local radio that he should be included. Just this morning he was once again featured on Doug McIntyre's program on KABC Radio. This is a significant program that also featured today Sam Donaldson and Janice Hahn, amongst others.

Let Walter debate. What does it hurt? What does it cost? If anything Walter's candidacy could encourage more interest in the campaign overall.

Though we know that Mayor Hahn and the others are definitely hoping for low voter interest and turnout.

As The CLA Turns

With the skids greased for Chief Legislative Analyst to be Poopy's pirate at DWP, the Council turns to finding his replacement.

Grand schemes are under consideration as to appointing an interim CLA, can that person apply for the permanent job, spending boatloads to do a nationwide search.

Is it one big giant exercise in futility?

Everyone knows it's Cindy, right? But she took herself out of the running. So inquiring minds want to know, who is the chosen one?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Walter Must Be Heard

Boi from Troy disagrees with us and the folks at LA Voice that Walter shouldn't debate. His feeling is that even though there is a small but sizable chunk of Republican voters in LA, Walter has no name ID and is getting no backing from the LA Republican Central Committee.

Those are good points, however, its not reason enough for Walter to not debate. Walter has been featured on nearly every major local talkradio outlet as well as picking up local press mentions. He does present an alternative viewpoint (no matter what you think of it) that should be heard - at the very least - for its entertainment value.

The Republican Party has made sweetheart deals that include not supporting their own. This is why they don't support their own candidates in Democratic leaning districts. And come on - if you aren't the mayor, a former police chief or don't have a million dollars, name ID doesn't just fall from heaven.

Apparently, KNBC and the League of Women Voters are pointing fingers back at each other as to who decides if Walter gets to debate. Lets continue to beat the drum and get him in the show.

As well, we continue to challenge each of the "Flat Five" (I like that one) to see who will be the first to call for Walter's inclusion. What are they afraid of?

Remember - You can email KNBC and League President Jane Goichman urging them to let Walter debate. Also, we encourage you to call talkradio hosts such as Al Rantel, John and Ken, Doug McIntyre, Bill Handel, etc. to make the case on their show for Walter to be included.

Email addresses:
president@lwvlosangeles.org
comments@nbc4.tv

Hahn CHICK-ens Out Part II

Did Mayor Poopy decide he couldn't take the heat from City Controller Laura Chick's desires to shed a little sunshine on his operations? Was he looking to remove her from office and recruit another big name former Councilmember to take her on?

"People associated with Mayor Hahn's campaign did approach my campaign representative, Richie Ross, with the idea that I should run against Laura Chick, and they would provide support," Richard Alarcon said last week.

The LA Times is reporting that Richard Alarcon's crack political strategist - Richie Ross - was approached by Hahn people to encourage Alarcon to drop out of the Mayoral race and run against Chick for Controller. He was promised many goodies if he did. Of course, Richard said no and is extending his endorsement of Chick for re-election.

You may remember that Richard Riordan as well attempted to recruit Alarcon to run against Chick in 2001, but he refused. Chick went on to beat Laurette Healy in a landslide.

Walter Watch Continues

Walter is frozen out of the debate, but is getting big time press notice. The Daily News tips its hat to him for his excellent point that Mayor Hahn's airport expansion is just as big as K-Mart's purchase of Sears. Of course, the Sister City noted it first here.

League of Women Voters! KNBC! Are you listening! Let Walter debate!

Who is going to be the first of the Fab Five to call on the debate organizers including Walter? It could get them some major traction - and costs them nothing.

For more info on who you can send your request for Walter to, click here.

Hahn On Way To Assume Frank Shaw Mantle

Indeed! Back in my day it was all about gambling, hookers, bribes to the police and more. But now the scams are more complex and take a little more explaining.

It seems as if Mayor Hahn is in a little bit of dutch for using DWP paid PR flacks to advise on a number of political matters. This is at a time that City Controller Laura Chick has delivered a scathing audit on the practice of the DWP - a monopoly municipal utility with no competition - spending millions of dollars on high priced PR consulting. In fact, at the same timeChick was running various audits of the DWP's PR spending, their consultant was billing the DWP to spin a response to Chick's pending accusations.

Of course we have noted before that Bernard Parks - Butter Bernie - has compared Mayor Hahn to my administraton. (Oh wait a minute, its "Bitter" Bernie Mayor Sam reminds me. Butter Bernie was a dairy farmer from Covina who paid me off to let him deliver milk to the county jail.) At the same time, his other opponent Antonio Villaraigosa has called on Hahn to repay the DWP for the free counsel he got.

Finally, Mariel Garza from the Daily News explains why this is all a big problem for the Mayor and the rest of us.

We shall stay tuned.

Poopy's In, Now Let Walter Debate

Its about damn time Mayor Poopy stopped playing duck and cover and is now going to show up for the debate on December 2nd.

Now its time to make one last arrangement - Walter Moore needs to be included.

Now some of you tinhorns will undoubtedly make the stink that Walter is some loser second tier candidate that doesn't merit the same attention as Hugsberg, Poopy, Villar, Ricky A. or Bitter Bernie.

To the extent he is not bought and paid for, you may be right.

But the importance of a Democracy is the absolute right of citizens to participate. While Walter is only one of a handful of citizen-candidates, he has caught the attention of some voters and the press. Lets hear what he has to say and include him. What is the Fab Five afraid of? What are you exclusionary, elitists afraid of?

If he sticks his foot in his mouth, fine. But give him that chance!

Here at the Sister City we are going to maintain a Wally Watch until he gets in the debate. And in order to facilitate this you can do the following. Send an email to Jane Goichman, President of the LA League of Women Voters, the debate sponsors, and to KNBC, the producers of the debate.

We encourage the other blogs in LA to take on this cause and ask your readers to deluge the League and KNBC with email.

Email addresses:
president@lwvlosangeles.org
comments@nbc4.tv

A Seat at the Adults Table

As Thanksgiving approaches and thoughts of plentiful dinners and family gatherings start filling our heads, I'm glad to see that someone has decided he is a grown up after all and wants to sit at the adult table.

Mayor Poopy has reversed course and has now decided to attend the debate on December 2nd. While it is stupid that it took a Hahn debate watch feature in the Daily News (print only) and a petition from his challenger to actually show-up, we are glad to see that he has joined everyone else at the table.

Why has he been ducking so long? His official position that is being staunchly orated by his minions is that he had a scheduling conflict. They won't tell anyone what the conflict was and forced the debate to already be rescheduled once. They are so adamantly and aggressively pushing this point that one can only deduce they are trying to save face after crumbling to the pressure. They should realize that simply coming clean and telling us what the conflict was would have put the whole story to rest. Where are his PR flaks when he needs them most? I guess we'll have to take the newly passed Prop 59 out for a spin to find out what the 'conflict' was.

But enough of that crap. Now the real questions to ponder arise:

Will we get the animated Poopy from the trauma care hearing, or our typical 'Gray Davis' monotone leader? Will the challengers be able to take advantage of his appearance by forcing him to now defend his record, or will he be able to stand up to them? Will he actually show, or will we get the 'empty chair'? Will Moore get to join the fray?

The anticipation is killing me. GAME ON!

Double-Take**

As any good researcher does, I began browsing the sites of our Mayoral contenders to see what was new. As LA Voice already does a great job on keeping tabs of their sites, there is no reason for us to rehash his posts. But then something struck me. Yes, I did a double take. Had my eyes fooled me?

Check out Bob Hertzberg's site. They have a poll asking:

What has been the best move that Mayor Hahn has made since taking office?
Your selections are:

• Hiring Chief Bratton
• Reducing crime in parts of the city
• Improving the business climate
• Expanding after-school programs
• Encouraging the growth of housing stock
• There haven't been any good moves

Huh? I understand Hahn doesn't have a page of his own that works, but pimping Hahn? This is either and extreme case of rope-a-dope or something got into their water!

**Bob explains here

The Little Story That Could

A little over a week ago, we posted a minor story which the LA Times even staffed out regarding CD 11 Council Candidates Flora Gil Krisiloff and Bill Rosendahl sparring over Rosendahl's ballot designation. Both the comments generated on that post and the Daily Breeze article following up basically call the disagreement an argument in semantics. I figured a one day story and a notice of attention to the "other" contested LA race going on would be a great change of pace. One commenter even nicely summed it up for us:

You say to-may-toe,
I say to-mah-toe
You say po-tay-toe,
I say po-tah-toe
Let's call the whole thing (Krisil)-off

Well, Rick Taylor must still be licking his wounds from the Measure A debacle, because he just won't let the foolishness die. He's actually giving this joke of a story legs. Thanks to a tipster, I got the pleasure of reading a story via the the Argonaut who's lead story is titled: LA City Council candidate Flora Gil Krisiloff challenges ballot title for opponent Bill Rosendahl. My favorite line is the following:

Krisiloff said she will take the challenge to court if Rosendahl's title is not changed, because of the seriousness of the issue.

Just a thought, there are probably a few more serious issues that she might want to be focusing on when she is running in the district known primarily for containing the most NIMBY's. I'm sure many of you have some thoughts about what those issues are, so feel free to point them out to them here. If they wanted more attention, here they go. Dinner is served.

Walter Moore, The Airport, Sears & K-Mart

Since he doesn't have the DWP footing the bill for sessions with Fleischman-Hillard, Walter Moore has taken to spamming his campaign message. In his latest missive, he makes an interesting point

Suppose you had $11 billion. That's "billion" with a "b." What could you buy?

Well, you could pay for Hahn's proposed LAX airport remodeling plan, which, according to him, will not increase the airport's capacity one bit. Or you could buy Sears. That's right: for $11 billion, you could buy all 1,992 Sears department stores -- the same price as Hahn's LAX boondoggle. That's what K-Mart has announced today it's paying to buy Sears: $11 billion. Think of it: for what Hahn wants to spend, you could own 1,992 stores -- an average of about 40 stores per state!

We have to stop putting career politicians in City Hall. I'm your alternative. I won't waste your hard-earned tax money on "pay to play" boondoggles. My constituency is you, the taxpaying citizen.

Cordially,
Walter Moore
L.A.'s Next Mayor - www.Mayor4U.com
Mayor4U Committee, P.O. Box 45705, L.A. CA 90045

Go Walter!

Hahn Shines?

In an effort to show that I don't only bash on our fine Mayor Poopy, I post another item from the same column in the Los Angeles Wave newspaper today.

HAHN SHINES — They say Mayor Hahn gave the performance of a lifetime when he spoke Monday at the rally to save King/Drew. They say that contrary to his usual dull, stilted self, hizzoner was animated, loud and passionate. They say he swung his arms about and raised his voice in a manner heretofore unseen by the citizenry. Wow!

I don't even know where to begin...I leave it to you fine readers to insert jokes here...

Back to the Races

Mayor Sam posted a week ago regarding the LA Marathon troubles. It turns out, that was only the beginning.

The LA Wave reports today that the accusation of Dermot Givens made last week that mayoral candidate Bernard Parks is running his campaign like “a plantation” — in which the whites get paid and the blacks work for nothing — brought forth comparisons from community residents, including a couple of venerable and respected journalists, to Los Angeles Marathon Inc. They say William Burke, the marathon’s president, is running an even bigger plantation than Parks.

This could get VERY interesting...

Is All Press Good Press? Ask Your Favorite PR Firm

Laura Chick digs in again. This time her meal is the contract between Fleishman-Hillard and the City of LA. She claims that through "unsubstantiated, unsupported, and questionable" billings that the PR firm has bilked the taxpayers of LA for $4.2 million, and she wants the money back. She has turned her reports over to the army of prosecuting groups salivating at the bit to go after Fleishman. The $4.2 million overcharge accounts for almost 18% of the total $24 million the firm has billed DWP.

Now for the fun part. The blame game. Chick says it belongs to Mayor Poopy. She has a point, as half of his staff seems to have worked for Fleishman at one point or another, and how could they not know this was going on? Hahn sent his spokesman Robb to the front to point out that Chick shares blame since she cut the checks. Well DUH! Mayor Poopy also sent a "strongly worded" statement to Delgadillo saying to take a tough line with Fleishman. Talk about bold leadership! I'm wowed!

There is plenty of blame to go around. Let the games begin!

Say What?

Two different LA City Council Committees (Personnel Committee and Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources Committee) have recommended a veto of the Port's contract with Larry Keller calling it sloppily written and unclear regarding his job duties.

Is this the ONLY reasons they could come up with? What about it being a blatant payoff for crappy leadership? How about the fact that he is likely to be indicted? What of the fact that he is a lightning rod to the local community activists? What about the fact that this is a " golden parachute"?

Is the City Council so deaf that they couldn't hear the outrage? Grow some nuts, call a spade a spade and kill the contract for what it is. If the Harbor Commission actually thought it was such a great idea, why didn't they even bother to show up and defend it?

Wild Wild West

Is the LA County Sheriff jealous of the LAPD? Do they too want a federal consent decree over their heads?

As both the LA Times and Daily News point out, the Office of Independent Review issued a report yesterday noting increased shootings, sexual misconduct, and drunk driving by the Sheriff's deputies along with an increase of slayings in the county jail. At least someone is watching them before this gets to Rampart levels.

Good thing we didn't pass Measure A or the now dead son of Measure A. Could you imagine the shenanigans that would have ensued?

The Latest Hahn Broken Promise

So, I know there have been many broken promises fromMayor Poopy that have come to light recently, but the newest one couldn't be summed up any better than the LA Times put it:

When James K. Hahn ran for mayor in 2001, he vowed to see to it that the Port of Los Angeles dealt with the adverse effects of its years-long building boom on the region's environment.

Port-area residents — worried about air pollution, noise and traffic — cheered Hahn's promise, viewing it as a commitment to make right past shortcomings at the port.

But the mayor has backed off his promise to require new remediation efforts for past projects that harmed the environment. Instead, he plans to address the contentious issue through his "no net increase" pledge to reduce port pollution to 2001 levels and cap it there, said Deputy Mayor Doane Liu.

No net increase pledge? That's it? Another pledge? How is that any better than the original lie?

No Sales Tax Increase For Now

Mayor Poopy's plan to boost sales taxes to add more police is stalled for now as the Public Safety Committee has nixed putting "Son of Prop A" on the March ballot. It still could wind up on the May ballot. Stay tuned.

Who's The Ho Ho Ho Hottie?

Since the holidays are upon us, restlessness is sitting in. When its festivus for the rest of us, I sense many of you are getting weary of continuing on debating the location of Antonio's website, how boring James Hahn really is and what Bitter Bernie is up to, so...

With Mayor Sam traveling to his annual Thanksgiving soiree at his Arizona ranch, its time to steal a page from the Fourth Floor Blog and once again ask who are the hottest guys and gals amongst the City Hall staffers? Yes, we have succumbed.

But lets add a holiday twist! Who would you like to wake up and find under your tree, menorah, that Kwanza candelabra, etc.? Post them here!

Antonio Stays Put

Rick Orlov reports that Antonio Villaraigosa is putting an end to all talk that he is a hopeful for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship.

Antonio wants to stay in LA and focus on the mayoral race. And of course face a pending recall.

The Sister City couldn't be happier!

Outsourced Campaigns, Part Deux

The other day, we outed Dennis Zine for having his campaign headquarters outside the 3rd District and City of Los Angeles. Here are a few more, according to LA Ethics Commission filings.

Alarcon for Los Angeles (ID:1263790)
601 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Suite 211
Burbank, CA 91502

Committee to Re-Elect Ed P. Reyes (ID:1260028)
601 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Suite 211
Burbank, CA 91502

Committee to Re-Elect Jack Weiss (ID:1259382)
1769 Fallen Leaf Lane
Lincoln, CA 95648

Now before you go and think that Alarcon, Reyes and Zine are shacking up, you should know that this is the address of their campaign consultant, Kinde Durkee. However something like 98% of the candidates running - including Poopy, Hugsberg, Bitter Bernie, Tony Villar, et al - managed to find consultants actually based in the City.

Let alone Jack Weiss who seems to have not only gone out of the city but off to the Sacramento area to find his campaign hacks.

Why Ballot Based Taxation Is A Bad Idea

For those of you who are chomping at the bit to pass city only version of the failed Proposition A to hike sales taxes with the alleged purpose of increasing police protection, you might want to consider the fate of Rob Reiner's Proposition 10, as reported in today's Daily News.

Six years after passage of the 50 cent a pack cigarette tax destined to provide early childhood education, not one dime of millions raised and paid by smokers has gone to benefit one child. Chief to the mess is the meddling of our favorite County Board of Supes.

The First 5 Los Angeles commission and its preschool program -- touted as critical to giving tens of thousands of the poor, immigrant and minority 4-year-olds a jump-start toward a good education -- has foundered over poor planning, political infighting and conflicts of interest.

Though a big liberal, Reiner knew that the program could be better managed by a non-profit organization with a board of business and educational experts.

The resignations follow a brouhaha last summer when the Board of Supervisors and Reiner engaged in weeks of infighting over who would serve on the board. The supervisors sought greater control over the program while Reiner worked to limit county interference. Efforts to reach Reiner directly for comment were unsuccessful. A spokesperson said he was busy working on a new film and unavailable.

Several community leaders including Mayor Riordan's wife Nancy Daly (who co-authored the original plan with Huggysberg) have resigned from the program's board of directors over their frustration over the lack of progress and interference from the county.

So you see - these feel good taxation plans are rarely succesful. If government could just tighten its belt and pursue some pro-business policies, we would have the resources to make these type of programs happen.

Let Walter Debate!

Former Congressional candidate and LA County Seal crusader David Hernandez had submitted a letter to the Daily News about the upcoming mayoral debate. As many of you hoped, he has chided all of the challengers and not just Mayor Poopy. As well, he asks that that minor candidate Walter Moore be allowed to participate.

Let’s see, a failed Police Chief, two Assemblyman who governed during the 12 billion State surplus turning into 35 billion dollar deficit and a State Senator who was and is still in office during the worst period for small business, big business or any kind of business in California, are upset because the Mayor won't debate them. What is there to debate about? Your past performances speak louder and clearer than anything your high priced spin doctors can come up with. Those who are really outraged are the public who have not heard from the “lesser known candidates” If you really want to hear fresh, honest and ideas not encumbered by special interest ties, let Walter Moore debate.

David Hernandez
Valley Village

Now I know some of you out there think Walter Moore is some kind of loser who doesn't measure up to your self-important standards. And yes, he has not managed to yet get bought and paid for by the various special interests in town. But he has managed to get some press and capture some attention. Yes, the debate hosts have a right to invite whomever they want. But any citizen has a right to run and I believe the voters have a right to hear them. And quite frankly the press has an obligation to report on them without making judgements as to their viability. I am not necessarily in favor of Walter, but for Christ sakes, let the kid debate. If he makes a fool of himself, so be it. If he makes a fool of Mayor Poopy, Bitter Bernie, Tony Villar et al, even better.

Let's hear what Walter has to say. Give him the chance to shove his foot in his mouth before you do for him.

Does Poopy Read The Sister City

What do you think?

Does Mayor Poopy read my blog?

I am sure he knows about it. He could even be posting under a fake name! Maybe he is even Meat! Though, not putting my money there. I doubt Jim Hahn would anonymously bash himself.

Inquiring minds want to know. Is the Poop a Sister City reader?

Wireless Dreaming

Mayor Poopy's latest hail mary pass is to offer wi-fi internet access to every resident in the city. Of course, a special commission has been set up to study it.

Several other cities across Southern California and the US have already implemented such systems. Click here and here and here and here and here to see why this isn't going to happen in Los Angeles.

By the way, what the hell is wi-fi?

The CLA Charade Begins

The Daily News is reporting that the City Council has set the wheels in motion to search for a successor to Ron Deaton as Chief Legislative Analyst as Deaton makes his golden greased glide to be Jimmy Hahn's chief pirate at DWP.

They're going to form a committee, hire a $earch firm and make a lot of noise.

In the end, term limited out City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski will take the post, as its already been decided.

Some of you tinplated geniuses do see what the problem is here, don't you?

Outsourced Campaigns

Remember the flap about whether or not Tony Villar's campaign website was hosted in CD14 (its not, its hosted in CD3 as we discovered).

We couldn't find easily find his re-election campaign website (if he has one) but according to LA Ethics Commission, so we don't know if its in the district, but Councilman Dennis Zine's campaign operation is not only not housed in District 3, its not even housed in the City of Los Angeles.

Committee to Re-Elect Dennis Zine (ID:1258759)
601 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Suite 211
Burbank, CA 91502
Telephone: (818) 260-0669
Fax: (818) 260-0657
DOI: 09/29/03

By the way, you can buy www.denniszine.com for $500 here.

Son of Prop A May Be Stillborn

A little further down south, the Daily Breeze is reporting that Mayor Poopy's city only version of the failed Prop A sales tax increase is dead on arrival as far as the City Council is concerened.

Only Sister Janice and Ed Reyes are supporting it. Dead set to any tax increases are Valley Councilmen Greig Smith and Tony Cardenas.

Remarkably, a significant portion of the Council gets how the tax increase could hurt business and only drive big ticket purchasers of cars, furniture, appliances, etc. to cities such as Glendale, Burbank, Santa Clarita, etc. (which many do anyway because shopping is more prevalent thanks to the pro-business attitudes of those cities). As it is - before increasing taxes again - the shenigans of the Council continue to drive out business (which is where you get your jobs in case any of you morons hadn't figured that out).

In the meantime, Mayor Poopy will be eating hot dogs at Pink's tonight, while still hiding out from the mayoral debate. (Do they charge sales tax on hot dogs?)

Hahn Chickens Out

Mayor Poopy has once again pooped out and has declined to participate in a televised debate he previously turned down because he felt the date was too early. He's not available but he won't say why.

"He's not available to participate," Hahn campaign spokeswoman Julie Wong said Thursday, refusing to state what the mayor would be doing at 6 p.m. Dec. 2, when the hourlong debate is to be held.

The debate to be held at the Museum of Tolerance on December 2nd will feature the four major challengers. No word if Walter Moore has been invited, but I am sure we will hear if he hasn't.

In the meantime, Bob Hugsberg is running an online petition to get Poopy to pop in. You can sign it here.

On other Poopy fronts, the Daily News' latest screed shows the Mayor up for not being able to find the mystery 800 unused phone lines that Wendy Greuel found just by looking at a city phone directory and leading to an immediate savings of $500K that she wants to go to cops.

These are just not good days for the Mayor!

There has to be a limit!

Interesting notes on the subject of term limits.

In one instance, the LA Times reports that Sheriff Lee Baca was succesful in having a court overturn term limits for the sheriff as decided by voters in a 2002 ballot measure. Of course, the County Supes have voted not to act on the voters' behalf by appealing the ruling.

This ruling does not impact a related but seperate measure which imposed term limits on the Supes themselves. Considering Mike Antonovich has been on the Board since Reagan was President and that Kenny Hahn served for like 50 years or so, the Board of Supes are the poster children for term limits.

In the meantime, George Skelton and others are urging elimination or reform of term limits, but the voters aren't listening.

The race is on!

The company that runs the LA Marathon has sold the event to a Chicago based company.

A report in today's LA Times states that Bill Burke - husband of LA County Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite Burke - and his business partner - stand to make $15 million in cash and stock on the deal.

At issue is $370,000 in city service waivers the marathon receives. Now that Burke's company is flush with cash, some Council members feel these waivers should end. As well, the company taking over the marathon runs several other marathons nationally. As a professional concern, do they need this corporate welfare when Councilwoman Greuel is looking under the sofa cushions to find spare change for police?

"There were five different marathons before Marie and I came along, and everybody else went broke," Burke said. "I took the risk. I put in 20 years, and I've earned mine."
-Bill Burke

Of course, its likely nothing will happen. In addition to being Supervisor Burke's husband, Bill is well connected and well heeled having made thousands in donations to local campaigns.

Not to Be Outdone, CD 11 Steps Up to the Plate

Not to be outdone by the mayoral slime throwers who have been dominating the local political scene, CD 11 throws us a gem today via the LA Times.

Campaign manager Rick Taylor cited a news release from Cal State Dominguez Hills that said Rosendahl was a "distinguished lecturer." Rosendahl said he teaches two classes. "I am a distinguished visiting professor," he said, calling Taylor's challenge "sleazy."

While it hardly compares with Mayor Poopy's slime gun, if they are already arguing these small details with this much BS, there should be quite a show in the near future.

I'm sure there's a lot more dirt out there than this, so let's here it. Let the comments begin...

How To Fund Police

FADE IN ON CLOSE UP OF BOWL OF RAMEN NOODLES.

CUT TO MEDIUM SHOT - JIM HAHN HOLDING BOWL AND FORK

MAYOR HAHN
Hi I'm Jim Hahn, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. After a long day at City Hall, I like to come home to a big, brimming bowl of Nissan Udon Noodels. I particularly like the chicken flavor!

ANNOUNCER
Nissan Udon Noodles - Good for the mayor - good for you!
A division of Takanagi Heavy Industries.

FADE OUT

A story in today's Daily News details how Governor Schwarzenegger is considering doing some TV ads (as he as done in the past for noodles, beer and soft drinks) in Japan in order to fund the California state trade offices overseas. One day of shooting could provide several years of funding Arnold estimates.

Perhaps Mayor Poopy could consider doing overseas commercials to fund LAPD and forget about tax increases. Can someone call William Morris???

Deaton the Tent Maker?

Now you think a little dust up over about $3000 worth of tents to shade DWP workers from the sun would escape the radar of the Daily News, but no way, the city's most on it newspaper was doing a jim dandy bang up job.

Turns out that the tents bought from Cal Olympic Supply did not meet state fire safety requirements.

However there's more to it than that. Local gadfly Candido Marez - a frequent critic of DWP practices owns a Northridge based company that bid to supply the proper tents for $5000. Candido says that DWP staff froze out his bid cause he, well, doesn't like them very much. A corrective slap from some City Council members got the DWP to reverse the previous purchase, return the substandard tents and pick up the right ones from Candido.

Boy is Deaton in for a fun ride!

Back to your favorite topic...

The AP has a story that mentions Antonio as a possibility for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

That's with emphasis on the word "possibility."

Mayor Sam Spinoff

Given the success of the Sister City, a spinoff was inevitable. On November 3rd, we quietly launched Sam Yorty's America and are now ready to show it to you.

This blog will feature comments and news on the national scene - especially the jockeying for 2008 - with all the same wit and wisdom you'd expect from America's greatest dead mayor.

The purpose of this site is not only to follow the American political landscape, but to create an archive of current thinking leading up to 2008.

However, Mayor Sam and his staff will dedicate the bulk of our time to the Sister City with the notion that all politics are local and have far more impact on the average person than anything happening in Washington, D.C. Given that, Sam Yorty's America will not have the same volume of content (at least for now) but could be a fun diversion while waiting to see what the next comment posted about Antonio is.

If you are interested in contributing, contact Mayor Sam directly at mayorsamyorty@aol.com. Also feel free to forward on your staffer friends in DC so they can have the same fun we have here in the City of Angels.

Wither The Northeast Valley

Today's Daily News has an interesting report about an analysis released by the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley that shows "with strong leadership" the Northeast San Fernando Valley - blighted by every stretch of the imagination and the one part of the city most ignored by City Hall - could be an industrial powerhouse providing jobs and significant economic development to the region. With available land unlike anywhere in the city, a close location to transportation corridors and a strong supply of workers, multiple opportunities exist.

With strong city leadership, the northeast San Fernando Valley could be turned into an industrial powerhouse that would generate good-paying jobs and help revitalize the region...

The question is will the fervently pro-union and anti-business elected officials in the area recognize the opportunity?

Get On The Links

So how many of the blogs out there have taken notice of the sensation that is Mayor Sam's Sister City? How many can claim Bernie Parks reads them?

If you notice a local or other blog that has a link to Mayor Sam, post it on the comments. We'll be sure to thank them and add them to our soon to come links section.

Let the Fun Begin

Yesterday marked the starting of the official filing period for candidates throughout LA. Two of the front runners, Hahn and Hertzberg have already begun trading barbs via the Daily News, Daily Breeze. May the fun begin.

Any bets on who qualifies first?

(RULES: To qualify you must submit 500 signatures of registered voters within the city limits and pay a fee or submit 1000 signatures and the fee is waived.)

A New Website on the Block

It looks like Tony Villaraigosa may have a bit more of a challenge than previously thought. His new friends have started their own site, www.recallvillaraigosa.com. It certainly looks like this was more than just a stunt, as they now are soliciting contributions to fund staff to circulate the petition. This should make his trip down to the City Clerk for his Mayoral papers a little more fun. Rather than blow his constituents off, maybe he should take these people seriously and live up to his promises.

Wasting Tax Payer Dollars

One of the traits a strong campaign team has is the ability to look at past campaigns and distill out those ideas that worked and those that didn't. The good ideas tend to get recycled over and over until they have outlived their usefulness. The bad ideas should be buried and left for dead.

One would think that people would learn from some very stupid errors that thoroughly piss off the general voting public and add those to the list to be buried. But alas, this is LA, the land of movies, and we wouldn't be living up to our reputation if we didn't continue to remake a bad idea over and over again. This weeks blunder is the use of public funds for campaign purposes. Why don't we look at the current candidates in their run for Mayor:

Richard Alarcon: Alarcon has a built in advantage of being the only candidate serving at the state level. Besides having a built in team of staff surrounding him, he can call a press conference at anytime on any state issue and have the stage all to himself. Up until now it has been difficult to get an accurate picture of state offices and their use of personal budgets, but thanks to prop 59, that should all be changing soon.

Bernard Parks: Parks again shares the advantage of having a built in staff surrounding him paid for with tax funds, but his latest blunder appears to be one straight out of Greig Smith's playbook. He's using city funds to thank donors to his campaign (Thanks to tipster for pointing out this article). Is a stamp really that expensive?

Jim Hahn: I could probably write an entire novel about the misuses of tax payer dollars that this mayor has wasted away, but his newest screw-up just occurred last week. As Patrick McGreevy pointed out in today's LA Times, he's now toting city staff with him to campaign events. Brilliant maneuver Jim. Have we not learn how stupid this is? PS. I really enjoy paying for the gas in your city vehicles while you drive all over town putting your mug in front of every camera trying to take credit for everyone else's work over the last four years. Brilliant strategy.

Bob Hertzberg: "Hugs"berg doesn't have the built in advantages of a taxpayer funded staff, but he has stolen some inside talent with many connections to City Hall. I'm sure they know how to circumvent those sticky situations when needed.

Walter Moore: I only include him to prevent the onslaught of 15 comments asking why I left him out. He doesn't have any money to waste, so I guess that keeps him clear for now.

Antonio Villaraigosa: Here's the fun one. Antonio has a built in city staff and a reputation for living in the "grey" area of campaign finance laws. While he certainly is no Mayor poopy, he certainly has a knack for saying whatever he needs to say to anybody with a camera who will listen. Just look at his most recent example of plastering his face all over TV for the failed Measure A. Maybe if he donated his money to the campaign directly and let them spend it on what was needed instead of grandstanding and creating his own committee plastering his name and image all over the city, we wouldn't have to listen to Baca and Bratton running all over the city screaming for a new initiative on the March ballot. Wait.....maybe....there's a brilliant strategy. Maybe he wanted this effort to tank so he could plaster himself all over TV again in March with funds he's not allowed to use on his Mayor's race a secind time in one election cycle. BRILLIANT! Why beat a dead horse once when you can do it twice.

While only some of these blunders and problems are new (Alarcon), You have to give Parks and Antonio credit for giving already proven bad ideas one last run for their money. I leave Hahn out of this because his strategy has been startling. He's spent four years creating his disaster. As for "Hugs"berg and Moore, we don't know enough about them yet, but I'm sure the watchful eyes will spot something over the next few months.

Absent Minded or Just Absent?

As the holidays approach and the year starts coming to a close, I started thinking about my year-end review, my kids fall quarter coming to a close, year end taxes, and all the other loose ends that need to get tied up before we bound off into a new year.

The more I have thought about it, I began to notice that all of these things have one thread in common. ATTENDANCE. I get paid for showing up at work. My kids school gets paid based on their attendance. The IRS counts on me working everyday so they can collect more taxes. The family is starting to figure out who is attending which holiday parties and dinners.

Just about everything is based on attendance. John Kerry has been getting hit for missing votes in the Senate. The President catches flack for vacationing in Texas every other week. Our current Mayor is absent-minded and was absent for 9/11. People have even commented here and at the Fourth Floor regarding council members attendance and tardiness.

Maybe it is time for a Freedom of Information Act request soliciting their attendance records. Maybe then we will find out just how many junkets and non-work related trips our leaders have taken out of state.

How would you grade their attendance?

Greuel's Brooklyn Bridge

It appears that Councilwoman Greuel may have a bridge to sell you. After reading the many posts on ryestreet.com, she if nothing else has a bit of explaining to do. Granted the rants of Bruce Forkish are sometimes a bit outlandish, as any field rep will tell you, but it clearly has been a case of bungling the communication with her constituents.

What will she decide? Only time will tell, but clearly Forkish would like an answer by Monday or Tuesday. The Daily News mentions nothing of this deadline. Let the bidding begin.

$tudy Hall

Questions on a fine Thursday in November...

• Why has the City Council voted for a $100,000 study of the Sunshine Canyon Landfill - which coincidentally is the exact amount left over in a trust fund set up by the operators of the landfill intended to benefit the community? Who is going to do this study? What other items could the $100,000 be better spent on?
• How is Mayor Poopy going to keep his promise to close Sunshine Canyon when staff doesn't see how without spending millions?
• Even if Poopy pulls the City out of Sunshine at the cost of $15-$16 million a year, how does he prevent the operator from just finding other customers?
• Wouldn't that money be better spent on public safety?

Sounds like a stinky problem!

Memo to Bratton: The People Have Spoken

Crocodile tears a-plenty were flowing in downtown LA as Chief Bratton and Sheriff Baca cried over beignets and cafe du monde at the failure of Proposition A.

Maybe Baca should have got a clue when he failed to get enough signatures to place the item on the ballot and had to go hat in hand to the Axis of Liberal Evil on the County Board of Supes. Does he think the people think they are not taxed enough?

Baca and Bratton had raised more than $2.8 million for the campaign, with major contributions coming from the union that represents Los Angeles police officers, companies that contract with the sheriff's or police departments and wealthy local businessmen.

Baca's nearly $3 million campaign was funded what by many alleged to be a shakedown of vendors doing or wanting to do business with the Sheriff's Department as well as backers of the also unsuccesful pro-casino gambling Proposition 68. As card club money flowed into the Prop A coffers, Baca was one of only two sheriffs statewide who backed 68.

Now Bratton is talking about a City of LA only version of Prop A. He ought to think twice, given that people don't want their taxes increased. The Chief would be well informed to study a proposal by Councilwoman Wendy Greuel and Council President Alex Padilla that would - imagine this - look at ways to cut wasteful city spending and put those dollars back into policing.

If we had done that to begin with, we wouldn't be in this mess.

Hahn's Challenge

Hahn offers this little challenge via the Daily News this morning:

"I think people are smart enough to look at the facts," Hahn said. "They know me. They know what I stand for, that what I do is in the best interest of the city.

"Anyone who alleges otherwise has to prove that and I don't think they can."

Now, to be fair, this challenge was made in the context of his most recent pay-to-play scandal involving Mark Abrams and the Planning department, not to be confused with the airport, harbor, Fleishman-Hillard or Pierce O'Donnell scandals.

I have my opinions, but lets see what you have to say.

Antonio Watch

Since so many of you seem to want to talk about Tony - and today is pretty dead until the polls start closing back east - so lets talk Antonio.

Short of the recall, there isn't much else in the news about him. However, he did perform some councilmanic duties recently - wishing a 112 year old woman in his district happy birthday.

Perhaps she can give Tony some lessons on longevity.

Gingko Biloba?

Did anyone notice how many meetings and details Hahn forgot in the LA Times article Sunday? I think he might need some Gingko Biloba. Here are NINE different examples:

1) The mayor, in a recent interview, said he could not recall details of meetings and lunches with Abrams. He also said he didn't know whether Abrams received assistance from his office as a result of the money the developer brought in.

2) "I don't know if he got special treatment," Hahn said, "because I don't know what was done or not done on his behalf."

3) The mayor said he was not aware of any money-laundering allegations involving Abrams.

4) The mayor said he knew of no connection between Abrams and Thomas E. Schiff, the developer's attorney whom Hahn appointed to the Planning Commission.

5) Around that time, Hahn paid a visit to Abrams' Beverly Hills suite, said a source who worked in the office. The mayor said he could not recall when he first dropped by the office or whether he personally accepted campaign checks from Abrams.

6) Hahn told The Times he didn't recall how Schiff came to his attention. In an August 2002 nomination letter, the mayor described Schiff as "especially qualified" and certified that "I make this appointment solely in the interest of the city."

7) Abrams invited Schiff to a photo session with Hahn, according to Lincenberg. That was when his client first met the mayor, he said. Hahn acknowledged attending a photo session, but could not recall details.

8) In June, Hahn, apparently unaware of the lawsuit, performed a final favor for his fundraiser.

9) Asked whether he met privately with Abrams' son, Hahn said he could not recall.

Either he's asleep at the switch or just very lazy. The closing of the article I think sums it up best:

Despite his experience with Abrams, the mayor said he saw no need to develop new standards for screening major financial backers. Given the demands of running a big campaign with thousands of contributors, Hahn said, it is extremely difficult to identify those who might cause embarrassment down the line.

"There's really no way to predict that," he said.

A WORD OF ADVICE: You might want to rethink your screening process! This WAS predictable if you only remembered or paid attention.

My guess is the screening process would render much more than these donations as tainted, but we don't have time for that now.

One last piece of advice. If Hahn does decide to flee the country with Charles Fitzgerald, here is a pharmacy in Canada for some Ginkgo Biloba. I hear it is cheaper up there, eh?

Trashy Troubles For Hahn

The Daily News is reporting that LA City officials are skittish about the ability to deliver on Mayor Poopy's promise to close the Sunshine Canyon landfill.

Key to any hopes at re-election, Poopy hopes to be able to keep this one promise to the San Fernando Valley.

But CLA Ron Deaton has issued a memo raising concerns that 1) Pulling LA out of Sunshine Canyon could cost millions more per year and 2) Even if LA pulls out of Sunshine, the operator - Browning Ferris Industries - would have the option of repalcing LA's trash with that of other agencies - effectively making Poopy's promise a little more than hollow while wasting millions of dollars.

In the meantime, the Daily News chimes in with an editorial on Poopy's Deaton-Miscowski shuffle.

My advice to Jimmy H - watch where you poop!

Mayor Sam Makes The Big Time

When you get mentioned in Rick Orlov's column, you know you have arrived!

With the closing of the Fourth Floor blog at City Hall, a number of other bloggers are trying to fill the void and keep city workers up to date with gossip, trivia and speculation.

The best response so far has gone to www.mayorsam.blogspot.com , where the blogger invokes the name of the late Mayor Sam Yorty with pithy comments and notes on City Hall events.

In the blogger's welcoming remarks, "Mayor Sam" said he became involved because of the Fourth Floor blog.

"Now that was a real thing," the blogger said. "I never met the fellow who was the Fourth Floor blogger, but I have to give my thumbs-up to him. It's a crying damn shame those loudmouth tinhorns at City Hall had to run him off. Well, they can't do that to me -- I'm dead."

Other wannabe blogs hoping to capture the spirit and irreverence of Fourth Floor include www.fourthfloorcarnivore.squarespace.com and lacityhall.blogspot.com.