Politicians Who Spam

Boy Nick Pacheco has pissed off at least one computer user in CD14. We got a hold of this little tidbit in response to a bulk email from the Pacheco forces:

From: XXXXX
To: Friends@nickpacheco.com
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:00:56 -0400
Subject: [Friends] (no subject)

Why have I been subscribed to this list without my knowledge or consent? Who is Nick Pacheco? Why does he think I am his friend? Do friends spam friends and sign them up for mailing lists without their consent?

Does anyone else wonder how this person got their private e-mail address? Could it have been stolen from the North East LA list? Isn't that a violation of the yahoogroups terms of service?

So is Nick Pacheco a spammer and a thief?

Does everyone else think this is just hunky-dory and I'm the only grinch who thinks this is beyond TACKY.

Now before you cutters and pasters and anti-AV/Huizy forces get your panties in a bunch, I am not doing this cause I support Huizy. I don't live in CD14, but if I did, I'd probably vote for Ruby. But this is a good lesson for all those running - watch the spam!.

UPDATES:

Also at LA Voice (no hat tip Mack?).

Mailander Chimes In.

LA Observed

Technical Difficulties

Due to internet issues, a few of the articles we have planned for you for today are not published yet. Please stand by and we'll get them up as soon as possible.

Press Events for Friday

9:00 AM -- "Forum on Capacity Building for Community-Based Organizations", CHARO Industries, 4301 E. Valley Blvd.

10:00 AM -- LA City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers, 200 N. Spring St.

10:00 AM -- Community Redevelopment Agency meets, City Hall, Room 340, 200 N. Spring St.

10:30 AM -- Councilman Bernard Parks hosts news avail re: NFL, City Council Media Room, 3rd floor, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.

From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings (Updated 9/26):

Reseda Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Magnolia Science Academy, 18238 Sherman Way, Reseda. Call (818) 756-7330 or see www.resedacouncil.org.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave., Chatsworth. Call (818) 464-3511.

West Hills Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 911 Communications Center, 23001 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Call (818) 719-8656 or see www.westhillsnc.org.

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the auditorium at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, 14755 Greenleaf St., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 503-2399.

North Hills East Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library at Sepulveda Middle School, 15330 Plummer St., North Hills. Call (818) 891-0060.

Open Thread for Friday

On this day in 1960,the last episode of "The Howdy Doody Show" aired on NBC.

Mayor Sam After Dark

If Mailander can blog into the night, I guess I can share a few things while I have rousted myself from a deep sleep.

Spent the evening with my special lady and a birthday dinner on the Westside. No, I didn't smell it either. It could be, as Mayor Frank said, whoever dealt it, smelt it. Nonetheless, when you think the shit you're full of doesn't stink, then what does it matter? Perhaps calling another blogger full of shit is a bit over the top, so lets say instead, "often wrong." I mean the reports of the demise were not only a bit exaggerated, but quite frankly, off the mark. I mean figures don't lie.

(FYI, Week 39 isn't done yet, so don't think we took a dive, its on track to repeat last week.)

Of course, what if your not really a blogger after all? That presents a completely new proposition for Sherry Bebitch Jeffe - does that leave her with knowing NO bloggers? So are we obsessed? Yes, but not with shit, stenches, rockets, the LA Times or even dear old Sherry (not Shirely, Mailander) herself. We just get off on all the extra traffic we get. (Yes the blog that's not a blog is second only to Google in directing folks our way!)

But getting back to the odor. Indeed, there's a strong one in the San Fernando Valley tonight, and no, its not a stench nor shit, but the Southern California phenomenon of the wild fire. It that's smoky smell so familiar to those of us who grew up around campfires, but on steroids and for all the wrong reasons. The smoke is thick and strong here in the Valley, not really noticeable in Santa Monica this evening, but when within a mile or so of the 405, that burning brush smell starts to take hold.

So aside from the fire, what is the stench? Is it really spreading to other liberal suburbopolises? Or is it more akin to the Taos Hum, that only certain folks can sense? It may be time to put Art Bell on the case.

Let me also take this opportunity that some folks have taken to piling on my blogging partner. This young man is extraordinarily bright and insightful. He has a great sense of humor and a keen political eye. I also know him to be a decent human being quite dedicated to his family and friends. Its my pleasure to work with him and he is the main reason for the success of this blog. I just shoot my mouth off, he gets the real deals.

In other news, my party has shown how its wrong on the issue of gays as well as illegal immigration. Arnold took the safe route and vetoed equal rights to a significant segment of the population, while the House GOP apparently passed over local Congressman David Dreier not because of his weak stance on illegal immigration but because of his alleged homosexuality. Mayor Sam likes girls, but he is in solidarity with his pink brothers and sisters to live their lives as they do, with the same rights as everyone else. That's pretty Republican to me, but what do I know!

Before we call it a night - Jim Alger - you owe us another installment! Where's your article?

Good night,
Mayor Sam

Observations Regarding the Kim Day Resignation

On Monday we all got the "official" press release regarding Kim Day's resignation from LAWA.

In a letter to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Board of Airport Commissioners, Day said she wished to resume her career as an architect and requested her resignation be effective October 7, 2005.

So, the Daily Breeze writes this article entitled "Director of L.A. airports abruptly steps down." Abrubt would be an understatement.

After following up on more than a few tips, here are a few questions that have been raised, using snippets from the above article...

Day could not be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for Villaraigosa said the mayor would move quickly to find her interim replacement.

Read this post from back on July 19th or this one July 13th for who's name is getting the most attention via the rumor mill so far this week as a replacement.

Villaraigosa's mayoral win also touched off weeks of speculation among airport workers and contractors that Day would soon be replaced.

It was the worst-kept secret in the whole area," said lobbyist Barna Szabo, who represents companies that bid on airport contracts. "It was a question of when. I don't think anyone was going to be surprised by a change at the top of the ticket."

Obvious due to the Mayor's different tact and position on the aiport expansion.

Here's the troubling part....

"It's my understanding that it's Kim Day's decision," said his spokeswoman, Janelle Erickson. "And the mayor accepted her resignation."

Day released her resignation letter just hours after she led a long study session on airport policy for new airport commissioners. She gave no indication during that meeting that she was on her way out, officials who were there said.

Why didn't she give any indication? Because she didn't know. The Mayor's office hasn't been responsive to her calls for weeks, a pattern that many others around City Hall have also commented on. That day she received notice from the Mayor's office that Marcus Allen was being dispatched to meet with her and that she needed to clear her schedule. The meeting takes place and TA-DAH, she abruptly announces her departure.

Why not just call a spade a spade. I applaud Day for towing the company line, but let's face it. She was asked to leave from the Mayor's office because she had alternate views to his. That is his right and is in the best interests of both parties. I'm not arguing that. Just don't give us the company BS about returning to her previous work. It wasn't "her decision"

County Probation Officers AWOL

In a move potentially dangerous to the public safety, hundreds of Los Angeles County Probation officers have walked off the job in a work action.

Deputy probation officer Ivory Thomas told the Daily Breeze that the officers have been at work without a contract for over two years. At the heart of the dispute is the desire of the officers to be classified as public safety officers, as Sheriff's Deputies are, which will provide them with better retirement and benefits.

Probation officers do a tough job and play a key role in fighting and preventing crime. I am sure there are some crappy ones out there, but there are likely lots of good ones. The County Supervisors need to recognize this and find a way to give the officers what they want. I am sure there is some other pork-barrell nonsense out there that can be cut to make this important investment in public safety.

Ask Dennis Zine!

Here's a new feature we're going to try out on the Sister City. Ask Dennis Zine. The 3rd District Councilman is a world wise gentleman who's been a police officer, a union president and an elected official. He rides motorcycles and he's a bad ass dude, the kind of man's man we need on the City Council.

Have a question and want the advise of such a cool guy? Career advice, romance tips, life decisions - the Z man probably has an answer for you.

Post your question here and we'll forward it over to the 3rd Council Office with hopes Dennis will provide some sage wisdom. Or, maybe we'll get really lucky and Dennis will answer directly right here. Who needs Dr. Phil when you have Dennis?

We hope this works, cause if it doesn't we're going to have to try "Cooking Tips with Tom LaBonge."

Street Services Angers A Mayor

Probably not the Mayor you're thinking of, but this old dead one.

Last night I was on my way home and as I came up to my garage, a Street Services truck was blocking my garage. There was one worker snapping Polaroids of a telephone pole, while his "partner" was leaning against the truck sipping some kind of beverage. As I drove up and they could cleary see I was trying to park, they just sat there. (By the way there were plenty of places they could have parked other than in front of my garage.)

This begs a few questions:

• Why would city employees seek to inconvenience a constituent?
• Why does it require two employees to take a picture of a telephone pole? (Obviously it doesn't because remember one of the guys was sipping a drink)
• And what the hell is the city doing using POLAROID cameras? Polaroid film is horrifically expensive and everyone uses digital these days!

Now, a small incident and a minor annoyance at best, but I leave it to amongst our many readers in City Hall who have the ability to do something about these things. Lets make sure our city operations make sense okay?

Press Events for Thursday

8:00 AM -- LA Chamber of Commerce hosts "Access LA City Hall," City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.

8:45 AM -- Councilman Eric Garcetti turns on a new traffic signal at the northwest corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Bronson Ave., Hollywood

2:00 PM -- Officials and victims' families host a press conference in which the public's help will be sought in solving nine unsolved homicides. 77th Community Police Station, 7600 S. Broadway.

6:30 PM -- Tom Bradley Legacy Foundation Achievement Award, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave.

From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings (Updated 9/26):

Reseda Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Magnolia Science Academy, 18238 Sherman Way, Reseda. Call (818) 756-7330 or see www.resedacouncil.org.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave., Chatsworth. Call (818) 464-3511.

West Hills Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 911 Communications Center, 23001 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Call (818) 719-8656 or see www.westhillsnc.org.

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the auditorium at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, 14755 Greenleaf St., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 503-2399.

North Hills East Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library at Sepulveda Middle School, 15330 Plummer St., North Hills. Call (818) 891-0060.

Open Thread For Thursday

On this day in 1998, Los Angeles lost a great leader in Tom Bradley, a Mayor who's tenure has been missed ever since.

Now I've Heard Everything

A hospital in Britain has banned parents and visitors from "cooing" at babies in the newborn section. Hospital officials feel that the practice denies the infants their basic human rights. Also prohibited is well wishers asking mothers about the condition of their babies.

Debbie Lawson, the goofy neonatal manager at Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, West Yorkshire said "Cooing should be a thing of the past because these are little people with the same rights as you and me."

A few mothers and at lease one Member of Parliament have called the policy rubbish.

Those wacky British!

Its Miller Time

Gerry Miller has been chosen as the Chief Legislative Analyst for the City Council, replacing Ron Deaton who went over to DWP.

DeLay Indicted

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and two associates have been indicted and charged with conspiracy by a Texas grand jury in an alleged campaign finance scheme. DeLay could be forced to relinquish his House leadership post.

And let me save you some time, no, MAV, Chief Faker nor Gloria Molina were not involved.

Is Navigant the next Fleishman-Hillard?

For those of you thinking this sounds earily familiar, there is a reason. A snippet from AP story:

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to have the county auditor-controller and the Department of Health Services review billing by Navigant Consulting Inc. on work performed at King/Drew. The auditors were to submit a status report in two weeks.

Last week, a review of Navigant's billing found that it inflated its expenses by double-billing airfares and charging for air travel unrelated to the hospital.

The county is paying the company $15 million for a one-year contract to fix problems at King/Drew, which has been accused of lapses in care that contributed to patient deaths.

So far it is only "improper billing" being blamed on the accounting department, but one must wonder what the county auditors will find. Something tells me there is a LOT more to this than we are hearing at this point. Where there is smoke, there usually is fire.

Included in Tuesday's Sup's Board Actions are these King/Drew tidbits:

Report scheduled on the County’s affiliation with Drew University (King/Drew Medical Center), and contingency plan if university loses its accreditation. (Item 31) CONTINUED 2 WEEKS BY HEALTH SERVICES

Report requested on dual track contingency plan with firm timelines to reform King/Drew Medical Center in the event accreditation/state licensing is not reinstated. (Item 32) CONTINUED 2 WEEKS BY HEALTH SERVICES

Looks like some people have about two weeks to circle the wagons...

More on Ruby de Vera

Martini Republic's new "Overnighter Blog" forum posts an interview with one Ruby de Vera, candidate for CD 14.

Interesting read for all you CD14's who love to spout off the company lines from your respective camps.

Ads From the Endless Campaign Season

For hacks, this political season has been a godsend. For the general public, a headache.

Here's another view at some of the recent ads infiltrating the airwaves.

Phoblographer* -- Johnson & Johnson Partner With the Alliance For A Better California?

Brace yourself, for the onslaught has yet to truly begin. Thank goodness for TIVO!

Press Events for Wednesday

7:30 AM -- Board member Jose Huizar greets students at opening of Harvard Elementary School, 330 N. Harvard Blvd.

8:00 AM -- UCLA Anderson Forecast Conference, UCLA Andersen School of Management

8:30 AM -- LA City Council Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee hearing, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Room 1010

9:00 AM -- LA County Regional Planning Commission meets, Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple, Room 150

10:00 AM -- LA City Council meeting, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Council Chambers

12:00 PM -- SEIU Local 660 rally outside King Drew, 12021 S. Wilmington Ave., hospital front lawn

3:00 PM -- LA City Council Transportation Committee hearing, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Room 1050

4:10 PM -- LA City Council Commerce, Energy, and Natural Resources Committee hearing, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Room 1010

6:30 PM -- Women's Dialogue Series "Women in Media" Panel discussion, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Public Works Board Room, Third Floor.

From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings (Updated 9/26):

Reseda Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Magnolia Science Academy, 18238 Sherman Way, Reseda. Call (818) 756-7330 or see www.resedacouncil.org.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave., Chatsworth. Call (818) 464-3511.

West Hills Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 911 Communications Center, 23001 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Call (818) 719-8656 or see www.westhillsnc.org.

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the auditorium at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, 14755 Greenleaf St., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 503-2399.

North Hills East Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library at Sepulveda Middle School, 15330 Plummer St., North Hills. Call (818) 891-0060.

Open Thread for Wednesday

One year ago today an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.0 rocked central California. Are we any better off today? Discuss amongst yourselves...

Congrats to the Angels

Since the Dodgers won't be going into the post-season, we send our congratulations to the "other" LA southland team. With a win over the Oakland Athletics tonight, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have wrapped up the American League West Division and are on their way to the post-season.

As for the "real" LA team, my advice is to book your tee times at the local golf course quickly. The reservations are starting to fill up quick...

Open Letter to Readers

I wanted to spend a moment and offer the following thoughts and disclaimers regarding my participation with Mayor Sam’s Sister City for the record.

1) As of Friday, September 23, 2005, I ceased being associated with Robert Hertzberg or BigIdeas4LA.com. I wish Bob nothing but the best. However, our paths in the road are headed different directions and it is the correct time and place for me to venture on a new road.

2) As for past items I have blogged or written on this site, they were done solely by me WITHOUT Bob’s knowledge. The conspiracy theorists among you will probably choose not to believe that, but it is true, and you can contact him through his website to confirm it. I helped start the Sister City after a very public offer (LA Observed’s post on the issue) to the previous Fourth Floor Blog. I am solely responsible for all of Mayor Frank’s comments and posts. Just for the record, I’d also like to point something out that most naysayers and “professional journos” got wrong. Note the posting times for Mayor Frank in the archives. They don’t overlap with Bob’s campaign for Mayor. It was a nice try though. I pushed content to a blast list including 35 blogs and media outlets during the campaign. Those blogs contain can all vouch for the spam mail sent from me. We even got into public spats (December 5^th, 2004) with our new friends over at Martini Republic over issues.

3) As for Roderick, he just doesn’t like it when he is told his shit stinks like the rest of us. Note his reaction to simple ribbing on Friday with Monday’s personal diatribe towards me. What makes no sense to me is that if I am such a “ juvenile” and the “least professional of the Sister City bloggers,” why the need to call me out the way he did? Why the hostility in the initial outing? The answer is that he realizes that we have honed in on something he once had to himself, but couldn’t handle. And now he actually has competition to call him on it and keep him honest. Can both blogs co-exist? Of course they can. Dgarzila couldn’t have summed it up better. Now Roderick just has to actually source his work and can’t play lord over everyone else. I’m sure the personal attacks will continue towards me and he’ll probably attempt to dance a jig thinking his little stunt on Monday somehow forced this hand, but he is wrong. I took a three week absence from posting on Big Ideas earlier due to personal family reasons, and those reasons still exist today. At some point people just have to choose what matters in life and make choices. Right now, as always, my family wins out.

The Future: Mayor Frank will blog on, so, here is your invite to blog away, and I look forward to continuing the fun.

Googlin' Through The Years

Our friends at Google (the parent company of Blogger who makes this all possible, so yes, they are our friends) are celebrating their 7th birthday. They took the time today to announce that their search index is now three times the size of any other search engine.

Google is very cool and just keeps getting cooler. Recommendation: If you haven't, download Google Earth. Its a free mapping and satellite imaging program that is just fantastic and extraordinarly powerful. Lots of potential political uses here in terms of urban planning, getting out the vote, gerrymandering legislative districts, etc. Or, just fly to Paris or the pyramids in Egypt or the US-Mexican border or wherever.

Happy Birthday guys!

Harvey Englander Gets Caught

"John Campbell is not going to be able hide behind just direct mail.", Harvey Englander (LA Times, Democracy by the Shovel Full, Jean Pasco, 8/16/05)

So I wonder what inspired this?

Marilyn Brewer Jumps The Shark

Amateur hour. Harvey, are you really that dumb?

For those of you who don't know who Harvey is or why this OC story is relevant, here is a few of the people he has donated to in the city of LA. What's $16,950 amongst friends (Padilla, Pacheco, Cardenas, Nizich, Zine, Woo, Ritter-Simon, Weiss, Garcetti, Woo, Villaraigosa, Reyes, Wachs, Parks, Delgadillo, Perry, Huizar, Cepeda, James Hahn, Ludlow, Rosendahl to name a few...)

Kim Day Resignation

Press release from LA World Airports...

Kim Day, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), has announced her decision to leave her position of responsibility for the system of four airports owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles.

n a letter to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Board of Airport Commissioners, Day said she wished to resume her career as an architect and requested her resignation be effective October 7, 2005. She offered to be available after that time to assist in the transition of LAWA leadership.

And this does what to the LAX fiasco...

King Drew Hearing

For those of you looking for the opportunity to vent on the King Drew fiasco, here's your opportunity.

The County Sups are hosting a hearing on the possible closure of wards at King Drew in Lynwood at noon on Oct. 18 in the Kenneth Hahn Auditorium at the Lynwood Regional Justice Center, 11703 S. Alameda St.

Have fun!

Press Events For Tuesday

8:30 AM -- LA City Council Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee meets, City Hall, Room 1060, 200 N. Spring St.

9:00 AM -- LA City Council meeting, City Hall, 200 S. Spring St.

9:30 AM -- LA Police Commission meets, Parker Center, Room 146, 150 N. Los Angeles St.

4:30 PM -- Central Area Planning Commission, 200 N. Spring St., 10th floor

5:30 PM -- Port of Los Angeles hosts "Strategic Plan'' stakeholders meetings to receive input on the port's vision, goals and objectives for the next five years. Wilmington Senior Center, 1371 Eubank Ave.

6:30 PM -- Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council, Industrial Metal Supply, 2nd Floor, 8300 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley.

7:00 PM -- Tarzana Neighborhood Council, Tarzana Elementary School, 5726 Topeka Drive, Tarzana.

From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings (Updated 9/26):

Reseda Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Magnolia Science Academy, 18238 Sherman Way, Reseda. Call (818) 756-7330 or see www.resedacouncil.org.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave., Chatsworth. Call (818) 464-3511.

West Hills Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 911 Communications Center, 23001 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Call (818) 719-8656 or see www.westhillsnc.org.

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the auditorium at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, 14755 Greenleaf St., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 503-2399.

North Hills East Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library at Sepulveda Middle School, 15330 Plummer St., North Hills. Call (818) 891-0060.

Open Thread for Tuesday

On this day in 1787, the United States Constitution was delivered to the states for ratification.

Would You Believe?

Don Adams, best known for his portrayal of the wise-cracking, bumbling secret agent, Maxwell Smart, in the 1960s sitcom, Get Smart, has passed away at the of 82 due to complications of a lung infection.

As seen in this photo, Maxwell Smart had the forerunner to the cell phone with his shoe phone.

Adams also hosted the 1970s reality show Don Adams Screen Test and appeared in the 80s sitcom, Check It Out. In addition, he provide the voices for cartoon charcters Inspector Gadget and Tennessee Tuxedo.

For Rodericks Pleasure

Knowing you'll all talk about it anyways, here you go...

"Hertzberg's embarrassment: While we're rehashing, this is kind of amusing. You might remember last week's five-liner about CityBeat's story on animal rights fanatics. About as routine as they come. CityBeat sends a pointer, the story looks interesting, I link to it and move on. Some days later, friends alerted me that former mayoral candidate Bob Hertzberg's personal blogger, Brian Hay, posted a strange adolescent tantrum because I didn't include a link to his link of a wire story at Mayor Sam's Sister City—an entry I had never seen. I clicked over and, sure enough, the kid was good for an unintended laugh. He ranted that I was "stealing his shit," unimaginatively trotted out "Roderdick" (hadn't heard that since Holmes Junior High), then actually typed—yes—a fart reference including that pearl of school playground repartee: "whoever smelt it, dealt it." Hay has struck me before as the more juvenile and least professional of the Sister City bloggers, and he seems especially bitter about LA Observed. But good lord man, have some standards and take a look around here. My little one-person blogging operation can be criticized on lots of counts, but somehow I don't think a surfeit of links to stories and reputable bloggers is one of my flaws."

You see, I can take criticism. Let's see him open himself up. And just for notation sake, it was a Friday fun post. So much for the sense of humor! Blog Away!

Maybe I should go join a gang for my protection (note: more humor)

Maybe Another CD14 Choice?

Races for elected office often attract long-shots, but from time to time, non "front-runner" candidates can present an interesting alternative to the lesser of two evils.

Such is the case in the 14th Council District where the two front runners Jose Huizar and Nick Pacheco are seeking to complete the unexpired term of Antonio Villaraigosa following his election as Mayor.

One of the other candidates on the ballot is Ruby De Vera. De Vera served as a staffer for former Council Members Richard Alatorre and Jackie Goldberg and currently works for Council Member Ed Reyes.

Ruby is a native of the Phillipines, but has lived in California since 1970. Prior to her government service Ruby worked in real estate development and insurance. She also has a long resume of community service and activism.

The big news about Ruby lately is that at a recent meeting of the Northeast Democratic Club is she outpolled Pacheco nearly 3 to 1 in a straw poll of member preference.

Ruby has an interesting platform of addressing traditional, red meat community issues. Interesting to note that given that one of her opponents is President of the Los Angeles Board of Education, she has picked up the endorsement of the past President of the Los Angeles Community College Board, Mona Field.

I know some of dum dums will blog away about your love for Huizar or Pacheco, but take a look at this interesting candidate. You can't say you don't have choices.

Dumping the Homeless

Much has already been said and written all over the place about the LA County Sheriff drop-off of a homeless person on Skid Row. We all knew the problem has happened in the past. Public perception was that the practice had stopped. These new findings are showing that the problem may still be lurking in the shadows.

At what point do these agencies realize that their actions aren't helping anything. We need to get these people help. If they need the services that can only "be found there," then drop them off directly at the shelter, not around the corner on a dark street.

Give me a break!

For more background, here's the LA Times

DOT Steals Lolipops From Kids

Talk about cruel. The LA DOT left 90 kids waiting for a bus and then said NO. Back to your classes. No field trip for you.

From the Daily News:

CANOGA PARK - Ninety kids at Canoga Park Lutheran School, with 15 parents and teachers, stood huddled on a porch in the rain last Tuesday clutching the King Tut tickets they bought months ago as they waited eagerly for two free buses they had ordered through a city charter program.

At the last minute, a call came from the city - there would be no buses. There had been a "clerical" mistake.

There would be no field trip to the sold-out "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" exhibit, so the disappointed grade-schoolers, some in tears, trooped back inside holding their soggy, nonrefundable $20 tickets and sack lunches.

Good news is that non-government entities are coming to the rescue. Figures!

Port Might Send Help for L.A. Marshes

In a move sure to please some environmentalists, the Harbor Commission has decided to review its spending of funds on conservation projects mandated by agreements governing their expansions. In a shocking twist, they've decided to actually look at projects IN THE CITY!!!!! I know, to good to be true. Acording to the LA Times, red tape is sure to stop this forward thinking process, but at least it is a start in the right direction.

LA Times: Port May Help L.A. Marshes

Press Events For Monday

9:30 AM -- Mayor Villaraigosa news conference re: the completion of the first week of "Operation Pothole.'' 4156 Menlo Ave.

5:30 PM -- The Port of Los Angeles hosts" Strategic Plan'' stakeholders meetings, Administration Building,
board hearing room, 425 S. Palos Verdes St.

6:00 PM -- Los Angeles Unified School District Governance Committee, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, 18605 Erwin, Sherman Oaks

6:30 PM -- Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council Board Meeting, 17160 Van Gogh St., Granada Hills

6:45 PM -- Transit Coalition Meeting, Philippe the Original, 1001 N. Alameda St.

7:30 PM -- Memorial Service for Simon Wiesenthal, Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance, 1399 S. Roxbury Drive

From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings (Updated 9/26):

Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the second floor at Industrial Metal Supply, 8300 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley. Call (818) 768-8342.

Tarzana Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tarzana Elementary School, 5726 Topeka Drive, Tarzana. Call (818) 345-1966.

Reseda Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Magnolia Science Academy, 18238 Sherman Way, Reseda. Call (818) 756-7330 or see www.resedacouncil.org.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave., Chatsworth. Call (818) 464-3511.

West Hills Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 911 Communications Center, 23001 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Call (818) 719-8656 or see www.westhillsnc.org.

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the auditorium at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, 14755 Greenleaf St., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 503-2399.

North Hills East Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library at Sepulveda Middle School, 15330 Plummer St., North Hills. Call (818) 891-0060.

Open Thread For Monday

On this day in 1960, the first televised debate takes place between presidential candidates Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy in Chicago, Illinois.

Open Thread for Saturday and Sunday

In October 1946, Soichiro Honda established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Fity seven years ago this week, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was born, and in 1959 Honda opened its first storefront in Los Angeles with six industrious employees.

Jody and the Jacksons

Note from Mayor Sam: Readers of the Sister City know we followed Northridge West Neighborhood Council President and Assembly candidate Jim Alger while he flew his own plane on a mission of mercy to help those in the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina. Here is the second part of Jim's story in his own words.

By Jim Alger
Exclusive to Mayor Sam's Sister City

So when we got the plane towed off of runway 34 at Jackson International Airport to the waiting Fire Dept. I was greeted by Chief George Farrar. While he and his crew unloaded the plane, the bigger question at hand was why on earth did I just fall out of the sky? The flight from texas was 3.4 hours, fuel should be fine but she sure was acting like she was out of gas. Sure enough, ended up being a fuel line problem. Easy fix and we were ready to go in 20 minutes. As I walked to the plane I was approached by a woman. "Excuse me?" she said "are you a pilot?"

This began a 15 minute conversation where she told me that she had walked several miles to the airport with her daughter hoping to get a flight to family in Knoxville. She had escaped the 30 foot storm surge in southern Misssissippi, but her house was simply gone. Was I happening to be going in that direction? She was acting as if the airport were the interstate, essentially hitchiking her way to safety. Wasn't planning on Knoxville, but it was only a 3 hour flight and I could stop there overnight so we loaded up on the plane and headed to Tennessee.

After landing at Downtown Island Airport in Knoxville, TennesseeI gave the two passengers my LA City bussiness card and saw them off to waiting family, I decided to let the people I was coordinating with know that I was in Knoxville. Turns out a woman named Jody was attempting to coordinate an effort to get relief down to Jackson.The word was out that this was our staging point. We had enough cash on hand to fuel six aircraft in addition to my own and she had supplies. This is how the airlift operation grew. The next day we flew the supplies down to Jackson, a flight of 7 aircraft all coming into an airport that isn't used to dealing with more than 1 or 2 aircraft at a time sure got the tower controllers attention. We all got down on the ground and as the parade of aircraft pulled up to the tiedowns I noticed the Chief called out the local media. He also figured it would be a good idea to provide NBC with my cell phone number which they then placed on the crawler on the bottom of the screen. Pilots were coming out of the woodwork, and my voicemail was jammed. But through it all we were getting a real operation going. as I cleared my voicemails sometime around daybreak, there was one that caught me. A simple "Thank you for flying us to Knoxville Jim, from the Jackson Family". You know...? I never asked their name.

Next... supplies not getting through.

The Calm Between the Storms in CD 14

The Downtown News chats up CD 14 again...

The Calm Between the Storms
by Jon Regardie

The race for the 14th District City Council seat has hit a weird stage. The initial excitement over who will gun to replace Antonio Villaraigosa has faded. The main competitors, ex-councilman Nick Pacheco and school board member José Huizar, announced their candidacies in May, which at this point is virtually paleolithic.

Yet the election is still more than six weeks away, and neither Pacheco nor Huizar have kicked their campaigns into high gear. Instead, this is sort of the calm between the storms, with each hoping to stay on the radar screen but not wanting to begin the heavy ad and mailing blitz and risk peaking too early. All of which is likely fine with voters, who at this moment probably care a lot more about who will be voted out on "Survivor" than who they'll vote for on Nov. 8.

Click for the rest of story

Bonin On The Case

Mike Bonin in Councilman Bill Rosendahl's office continues to come through.

As you may remember, on Tuesday, we reported that we had received reports that the West LA Democratic Club has planned to hold an anti-Arnold event at the Westchester office of Councilman Rosendahl, and that this was a fundraiser for the Democrats, a clear violation of city policy.

Rather than ignore us, cover up or deny, Bonin went to work, checking with the City Attorney and making sure the policies for use of the property were clear.

Following the event, one of our readers claimed that the Democrats did accept some contributions on the city property. Bonin went to work and makes the following report:

Mayor Sam- I looked into the reports posted on your blog, talked with officials of the organization, and spoke with some other people who actually attended the meeting. Here is what I have found out: 1) In an attempt to comply with the law, officials with the organization took pains to avoid fundraising at the event last night. They did not pitch for money, and even decided to leave the club's usual "for sale" items (t-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons, etc) at home so no sales would take place and no money would be raised. 2) After being alerted by me to reports on your blog, club leaders investigated on their own and discovered that two people wrote checks to pay their membership dues and those checks were accepted by a fellow club member. This morning, the club returned both checks. 3) After being alerted to this information, our office notified the ethics division of the office of the City Attorney. The attorney there said the club's returning the checks put them in compliance with the law. 4) The city attorney's office has agreed to contact the City Ethics Commission and get firmer and clearer guidelines that we can provide to people and organizations using the community room. As I indicated in my emails earlier this week, the West LA Democrats have been using the community since February 21, long before Bill took office, and it seems they were not provided any guidelines or restrictions regarding fundraising until we notified them this week. With the guidance of the City Attorney and the City Ethics Commission, we intend to give clear guidelines to all the groups using the community room in the Westchester Municipal Building. Thanks for alerting me to this whole thing. Mike

As you can see, the Rosendahl camp inherited a little bit of a sticky situation, but they're making the effort to resolve it and make sure everyone knows the rules ahead of the game.

In this case, that's all you can really ask for.

Time to Kick the Roderdick....

For the life of us we can't understand how that D slipped into Roderdick (ooops there it is again).

We apologize for any inconvenience - and we're sure Kevin apologizes for stealing our shit again.

The Stories:
Claimed Attack - City News Service - Date: 09-20-2005 8:52 PM
When Animal Rights Activists Attack - Mayor Sam - posted by Mayor Frank @ 9/21/2005 05:15:00 AM
Animal Services Director Targeted - LA Times - Posted on: Thu, Sep 22 2005 12:03 AM
"Not Afraid At All" - LA City Beat - 9-22-05
Smoke bombs for pets - LA Observed - Posted September 22, 2005 12:20 PM

And who does he site as the source....

"Today's City Beat..."

I understand he "ignores" our little city over here. But he doesn't read the LA Times? He only linked to it 4 other times today...

Maybe I should tip him off to the source of his odor... You know what they say, whoever smelt it, dealt it!

Wendy Greuel Wants To Be In Pictures!

Council Member Wendy Greuel doesn't generate much press here on the Sister City, in fact the last big Wendy issue we covered was her battle with "Bridge Boy"Bruce Forkish and the Rye Street Bridge.

The latest item to fly into our in-box was grumbling from the son of one of her constituents about her latest plans to screen a free movie for constituents in Sunland-Tujunga. Wendy plans to screen the classic film Shrek 2 outdoors, at Sunland Park.

Outdoor movies are a big thing in other cities and honestly I really wish that community groups and business would take the lead on this type of activity so government could focus on public safety and other more appropriate municipal activities, but I'm digressing to my libertarianism here.

Our reader's son thinks there is some sort of scandal here with the selction of the movie. Why scandal you say? Well connect the dots...prior to her election Wendy worked for DreamWorks, the producer of the film.

But I don't get it. I doubt DreamWorks called their ex-employee to put the squeeze to show a now in DVD movie in a city park. If anything, it was most likely in the reverse, Wendy was able to use her connections to get a donation to a worthwhile community event. If DreamWorks gets press for it, so be it, the community will have a nice time.

As I said, I would like to see community groups - i.e. you and me getting involved - doing this type of thing. But in the absence of them stepping up, its a nice gesture from the Council office.

IF YOU GO:
Movie in the Park - Sunday, Sept. 25 at Sunland Park
Sunday, September 25, 2005
LAPD and Fire Department presentations starting at 4:30 pm
Movie at 7:30 pm
Feature presentation: Shrek 2
Movie, Refreshments & Prizes
Come & enjoy a good family movie outside under the stars
Dress warmly & bring a blanket for seating on the grass
For more information visit www.sunlandtujunga.org/council or call (818) 951-7411

Press Events for Friday

9:00 AM -- USC honored for 125th anniversary before Council Meeting, Presentation at 10:00 AM, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.

10:00 AM -- Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez and City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo hold press conference re: signing of AB 1069 (Identity Theft)

10:00 AM - LA City Council Meeting, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.

10:45 AM -- LA County "Teachers of the Year'' awards, Hilton Universal, Sierra Ballrooms, 555 Universal Terrace Parkway.

SATURDAY, 1:00 PM -- Benefit For Our Bravest Street Festival. The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcome you and your family to join them in Sherman Oaks this Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM for the 5th annual Benefit For Our Bravest Street Festival.

SUNDAY, 3:00 PM -- Grand opening of San Fernando Valley Democratic Headquarters, “food, drinks, fun, fanfare.” 11256 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood

From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings:

Here is a list of upcoming neighborhood council meetings:

Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at 17160 Van Gogh St., Granada Hills. Call (818) 368-0096.

Tarzana Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Tarzana Elementary School, 5726 Topeka Drive, Tarzana. Call (818) 345-1966.

Open Thread for Friday

Today in 1952, Richard Nixon made his "Checkers Speech"

Also, in Astrology, today is the first day of the sun sign Libra

Houston May Be Spared

Hundreds of thousands of residents of the nation's fourth largest city are fleeing the possible wrath of Hurricane Rita, but signs are pointing towards that the now category 4 storm may not make a direct hit on the city.

The storm may now be headed towards Port Arthur, Texas or Lake Charles, Louisiana north and east of the Houston-Galveston area. Still, the storm remains a dangerous one and could have significant impact on Houston.

To view traffic cams in Houston, click here.

Freddrick Mark Brito Strikes Again

Remember this guy?


Freddrick Mark Brito

Here's a quick refresher....

UCLA Exec Arrested, Had Filed For Neighborhood Council

Newest Huizar Endorsement

Guess what? He's in the news again!!!!! From AP:

A convicted thief with a history of using phony resumes to gain leadership positions at nonprofit organizations was fired by local American Red Cross officials for using bogus credentials to become a fund-raising officer.

"He presents himself well, speaks very well. He relies entirely on his personality to gain entrance into these organizations to do what he does," said Michael Zoeller, chairman of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Fred Brito, 50, of Los Angeles was hired Aug. 10 after using the name Fred Brito Gomez and presenting false credentials. Brito said he is a five-time felon who has repeatedly fabricated his qualifications because society will not allow him to succeed honestly.

He was proud of his work at the local Red Cross chapter, which has raised $2.1 million for Hurricane Katrina relief. Brito said he didn't steal any money.

"I have to survive, I have to work," Brito said. "If I have to provide a resume that is not quite accurate, I have to work."

Brito has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for various crimes dating back to 1978, authorities said.

Red Cross chapter chief Angie Turner said the organization reviewed Brito's resume and application and performed reference and criminal background checks.

I guess they don't read the LA Times...

Partying at LMU

***UPDATE BELOW***
Since our newest Councilmember Bill Rosendahl seems to be in the spotlight this week, here's a new ball to juggle....

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wpdrncNews/

Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 19:56:12 -0700
From: Andrew Kozar
Subject: FW: LMU neighbor letter

As many of you know E. Loyola Village (Loyola Blvd, Holy Cross, Regis Way, Georgetown, 83rd & 80th) has been bombarded with LMU kids thinking we live on 3rd street Promenade and almost every night is Saturday night and the bars (student houses) are open!!!! Well, I am sending the attached letter from Dolores Canizales to the Community. I know the loud partying,
speeding, drunken minors and destructive behavior is not just affecting our streets close to campus -so you should all have the information.

We are waiting for a date from Bill Rosendahl's Office for a Town Hall Meeting on this matter.

We will keep you posted.

Thank you to LMU for giving us this information.

Y. Kozar
Block Captain, N.Regis Neighborhood Watch

***UPDATE***

Turns out Bill is already on the case.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Mike Bonin"
To:
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 06:56:30 -0700
Subject: LMU Issues


I saw the posting on the blog this AM about LMU.

Actually, it is not a new ball for Bill to be juggling. He and the district staff have been juggling that one already.

Bill met earlier this week with the president of LMU to discuss some of these issues, and he has scheduled a Town Hall meeting on the subject for Wednesday,September 26, 6:30 p.m., in the community room of the Westchester Municiapl Building, 7166 W. Manchester, at the corner of
Lincoln and Manchester in Westchester. For more inforation, people can contact our Westchester field office at 310-568-8772.

I will make sure someone on staff is in touch today with Mr Kozar and his neighbors to get the word out about the meeting.

Thanks

******************************

***********************************
Mike Bonin
Chief of Staff
Office of Councilman Bill Rosendahl

This is exactly why we give them kudos!

Kudos to Boi from Troy

Our fellow Bear Flag League blogger - Boi from Troy - the blogosphere's leading gay, Republican USC alum - hit double milestones. On his second anniversary, he received his one millionth visitor.

Boi has one of the more unique blogs in LA and unlike us, Mailander, Roderick and others he always avoids ranting and raving.

Congrats from the Sister City team and thank you for your support!

LABC Candidate Series- CD 14

Rescued from the SPAM filter...

From: LABC Information
Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 3:23:32 PM
Subject: LABC Candidate Series- Council District 14 - October 11, 2005

Please join us for breakfast at the next LABC Candidate Series event for Los Angeles City Council District 14. The breakfast will be held on October 11, 2005 at The Regency Club in Westwood from 7:30 - 9:00am. For more information about this election, please see the attached article and the bios of the candidates that we were able to find. Please note, the content is obtained from the internet, and is for informational purposes only. The LABC does not endorse individual candidates, but instead seeks to educate its members on those running for public office.

Connecting the Power of Business with the Power of Government, through Education and Advocacy

Join us as The Los Angeles Business Council continues its Candidate Series with… Los Angeles City Council District 14 Special Election Forum

The Los Angeles Business Council is committed to connecting business leaders to government leaders through education and advocacy. The LABC advocates for: increasing the housing stock and providing affordable housing for all Angelenos, providing a first rate public education system for our children and planning for sustainable development to protect our limited resources for generations to come. The election season is an exciting time to explore problems and solutions that face Los Angeles. This forum provides an opportunity for our business leaders to meet candidates in an environment that allows for an informative discussion. We are honored to invite all ten certified candidates for the special election in Council Districts 14, listed below with their official designations, per the Los Angeles City Clerk’s office. Channel 35 has been invited to cover this event.

Council District 14 Candidates

Crystal Arceo – Businesswoman
Juan “Johnny Jay” Jimenez – Community Activist/ Organizer
Rudy Baxter de Vera – Council Office Manager
Diana Jill Newberry – Meatpacker
Paul Gonzalez – Olympian Public Speaker
Nick Pacheco –Counselor (confirmed)
Brian Heckman – Attorney-At-Law
Clifford Ramiro Moseley – Educator
Jose Huizar – School Boardmember/Attorney (confirmed)
David John Sanchez – Educator and Author

PLEASE NOTE, SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED

Where: The Regency Club When: Tuesday, October 11, 2005
10900 Wilshire Blvd. 7:30 am to 9:00 am
Los Angeles, CA 90024 Breakfast will be served

4 easy ways to register
· Call 310-226-7460
· Mail this form with your payment to: LA Business Council, 2029 Century Park East , Suite 1240, Los Angeles, CA 90025
· Fax this form to 310-226-7461
· Email to register@labusinesscouncil.org

· Please register by Thursday October 6, 2005

Polution Coverage Gone Nuts

In Europe and in cities throughout the world, today is Car Free Day.

Hmmmmm... I wonder why?

Could it be because of these recent stories: Study Links Freeways to Asthma Risk or Vehicle exhaust a health risk.

Or maybe it has to do with the focus of this weeks LA Weekly.

Clear and Present Danger: What You Can't See Can Kill You

Los Angeles' skies sure look better than they did decades ago. Less lung-stinging ozone hangs over downtown and the deep bourbon hues of summertime skies are fainter than ever before. But looks are deceiving. A new threat haunts the air we breathe-- particles tinier than a virus; so small that, in the diesel-belching ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, more than a million of them fit in a marble-sized chunk of air. These ultrafine particles become lodged in our lungs and hearts and are the culprit behind growing cancer rates. Some 9,600 people will die this year in California because of a smog-related disease. This amounts to a public-health emergency. Why, then, are only a handful or scientists, doctors and public officials responding to the challenge?

They present an entire issue on the topic. Not such a little deal anymore, now is it?

Press Events for Thursday

8:30 AM -- Mayor rides MTA Gold Line to Union Station

9:00 AM -- Department of Aging and Council District 14 will present a "Better Ways for Better Days" senior seminar, 435 S. Boyle Ave

10:00 AM -- Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the Olympic Primary Center, 950 S. Albany St

10:00 AM -- LAUSD Superintendent Romer and LAUSD Board Member LaMotte provide an update on Crenshaw High School accreditation, District Headquarters, 333 S. Beaudry Ave

11:00 AM -- Councilman Reyes announces reward in the case regarding the murder of 35-year-old Francisco Vivas, 126 Bloom St.

11:30 AM -- United Firefighters of Los Angeles City hosts "Firefighters Hope for Hurricane Victims'' barbecue for downtown employees. Donations will be collected for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Hope Street, between 3rd and 4th streets.

3:00 PM -- Department of Recreation and Parks hosts dedication ceremony for the new Visitor Center in the Griffith Park Ranger Station. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park

6:00 PM -- Department of Recreation and Parks hosts community meeting regarding the Elysian Park Master Plan, 1025 Elysian Park Drive

6:30 PM -- Panorama City Neighborhood Council (forming), Mission Community Hospital medical building, 14860 Roscoe Blvd. Panorama City, second-floor meeting room

From LAFD News & Information:

Benefit For Our Bravest Street Festival
The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcome you and your family to join them in Sherman Oaks this Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM for the 5th annual Benefit For Our Bravest Street Festival.


From the Daily News -- Neighborhood Meetings:

Here is a list of upcoming neighborhood council meetings:

Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council will hold a board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at 17160 Van Gogh St., Granada Hills. Call (818) 368-0096.

Tarzana Neighborhood Council, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Tarzana Elementary School, 5726 Topeka Drive, Tarzana. Call (818) 345-1966.

Open Thread for Thursday

Today in 1692, the last people were hanged for witchcraft in the United States.

New Pacheco Website

It's been a while since we've given the CD 14 crowd some ammunition, so here goes...

Pacheco has a website.


Feel at ease to leave your comments below. I'm sure the comparisons to Huizar's are sure to follow, so I'll provide the link for all of you lazy ones out there...

TV Stars and Autographs

Both Franklin Avenue and LAist bring us the news that LA has another TV star in the making...

Mayor Villaraigosa will appear as himself on ``The George Lopez Show.''

MAV is the third Los Angeles mayor to portray himself in a sitcom TV show:

Richard Riordan appeared in a 1999 episode of "It's Like, You Know...''

And our own Sam Yorty appeared in a 1972 episode of "Here's Lucy.''

If you're looking for his autograph, you might want to check your local jury room. According to City News Service:

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is scheduled to report to jury duty tomorrow morning at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse, according to a mayoral spokesman. Villaraigosa will report to the Clara Shortridge Foltz Superior Courthouse at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, Villaraigosa aide Joe Ramallo said. "The mayor looks forward to fulfilling his civic duty," Ramallo said.

When Animal Rights Activists Attack

***UPDATED BELOW***
According to City News Service, the Animal Rights Nuts have issued their latest communique.

"The animal liberation front has taken advice from our Commander in Chief to 'smoke terrorists out of their holes.' The target was Los Angeles number One terrorist Gordon Stuckey. Military Strength Smoke grenades were detonated on the floor of this animal killers' abode. Sleep light ... alf.,''

There was no confirmation from authorities. The Animal Liberation Office, whose communiques are usually accurate when some sort of action is announced, insisted today that Stuckey's home was "attacked.'' The attack is thought to have happened on Friday.

The communique also insisted that the city's chief veterinarian who "oversees the killing at LAAS had her home life disrupted in other ways, included being visited late at night by prostitutes, pizza deliverymen, taxis and gang members on two recent nights.''

In their communique, the animal activists made it plain that they were angered that Villaraigosa had not fired Stuckey, who was appointed to the post by then-Mayor Jim Hahn in November.

Whether you agree or disagree with Stuckey, this action is wrong. If caught, they need to be taken out back to the wood chipper!

***UPDATE***
LA Times: Animal Services Director Targeted