LANC Chair Elections - Senator Brady Westwater
Note: The Sister City will be featuring each of the named candidates this week leading up to the July 8th election. Each candidate was sent the identical questionnaire and in some cases additional information was found by us through readily available searches. Some questions may appear different because of either how the candidate answered the question, or even if the candidate answered at all. The selection of which candidate was placed on which day is purely random. On Friday there will be a roundup of all 4 candidates.
Candidate for LANCC Chair -
Senator Brady Westwater, President Downtown NC
Brady Westwater first became involved in Neighborhood Councils as one of the original organizers of the Downtown Neighborhood Council, an organization which he serves as President today.
Brady has been heavily involved in what would best be described as the "nuts and bolts" of various city-wide issues such as the DWP MOU, the Neighborhood Council Congress and even the 912 Commission selection process. He has also made Mayor Sam's Gadflies list with his very own blog.
Question: What are your top priorities if elected and what role, if any, do you see the LANCC having in leading the Neighborhood Council movement?
Answer: I will answer these as one question.
Our very first priority needs to be to expand our membership as quickly as possible to every part of the city and to include every certified NC. We also need to work with those who are not certified to help them become certified. I also feel that whatever services and help we can provide, should be freely extended to all NCs  even if they are not yet voting members of the Congress.
As for priorities and how LANCC should lead the NCs I see LANCC's primary responsibility as being the facilitator of other NCÂs in better serving their stakeholders and, secondarily, making themselves heard at City Hall  which are two different, if often connected, goals. To do that, we need to set up committees to study how NCÂs can deal with the real world problems facing their stakeholders on a local level  as well as on a citywide level.
Brady describes his opponents as being "well qualified and strong examples of the best that the NC system has to offer."
As Mayor Sam would say... Blog Away Dum Dums.
Candidate for LANCC Chair - Senator Brady Westwater, President Downtown NC
Brady Westwater first became involved in Neighborhood Councils as one of the original organizers of the Downtown Neighborhood Council, an organization which he serves as President today.
Brady has been heavily involved in what would best be described as the "nuts and bolts" of various city-wide issues such as the DWP MOU, the Neighborhood Council Congress and even the 912 Commission selection process. He has also made Mayor Sam's Gadflies list with his very own blog.
Question: What are your top priorities if elected and what role, if any, do you see the LANCC having in leading the Neighborhood Council movement?
Answer: I will answer these as one question.
Our very first priority needs to be to expand our membership as quickly as possible to every part of the city and to include every certified NC. We also need to work with those who are not certified to help them become certified. I also feel that whatever services and help we can provide, should be freely extended to all NCs  even if they are not yet voting members of the Congress.
As for priorities and how LANCC should lead the NCs I see LANCC's primary responsibility as being the facilitator of other NCÂs in better serving their stakeholders and, secondarily, making themselves heard at City Hall  which are two different, if often connected, goals. To do that, we need to set up committees to study how NCÂs can deal with the real world problems facing their stakeholders on a local level  as well as on a citywide level.
Brady describes his opponents as being "well qualified and strong examples of the best that the NC system has to offer."
As Mayor Sam would say... Blog Away Dum Dums.
Posted by Councilman John @ 7/03/2006 12:00:00 AM
52 Comments:
Wanna watch Brady Westwater?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtKnilP-kJI
Now they just lie, constantly, stupidly, visibly, like heroin addicts. ... Comment by Brady Westwater
"Brady Westwater sounds like one of those absurd Hollywood names."
LA OBSERVED
"Brady Westwater Attacks LAT's Steve Lopez, Corruption Cited As Possible Motive"
Brady Westwater isn't happy about Steve Lopez's feature story, The Demons Are Winning On Skid Row, in the Sunday LA Times.
Westwater, through lavoice.org, has issued "a personal challenge" to Lopez:
In the above story, Steve Lopez, a recent arrival from Philadelphia who pens a column claiming to be about LA for the Times, stated he spent five days on Skid Row. He also made the statement 10,000 people sleep on the streets of Skid Row every night.
That last statement is... preposterous ...
WESTWATER IS THE LIAR IN THIS PICTURE.
Now, who is Brady Westwater, you ask? Brady Westwater is the guy who went all Rottweiler on author Mike Davis and his book "The Ecology of Fear", notably one chapter about the chaparral wildfire hazard in the hills above Malibu. For your further illumination, here is an excerpt from a presentation to the 26th Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop by Christine M. Rodrigue of CSU Long Beach:
A media firestorm erupted over the book in October 1998. Leading the charge against Davis was one Brady Westwater, who began the controversy by posting a large web page accusing Davis of "error, deception and mistakes" in his research. Westwater then argued that residential development reduces fire hazard in Malibu. "Brady Westwater" turns out to be the pseudonym for a realtor in Malibu, whose living depends on selling those structures in the chaparral.
The "Westwater" web page then became the basis for print media attacks by L.A. boosters. The story was picked up in national and international print and web- based media and the L.A. Times. Lost in the invective, however, has been any sense of the risk to which wealthy home buyers in the montane suburbs of California are subjecting themselves, their families, and their prized possessions, and the social inequities involved in paying for their inevitable losses.
BLOGGER DON'T POST ENTIRE THREAD.
GO TO LINK!!
http://8763wonderland.com/2005/10/16/brady-westwater-attacks-lats-steve-lopez-corruption-cited-as-possible-motive/
It should be noted, since we're talking about "showing guts and using your real name", that Brady Westwater's birth name is one Ross Ernest Shockley, a real estate agent in Malibu.
Why would Ross Ernest Shockley change his name? It reveals something disturbing about a person when they do this. What is he trying to flee from? Brady Westwater sounds like one of those absurd Hollywood names. My sister was born Ellen and she changed it to Elenne. She now regrets her change.
LF
CD14 ELECTION CANDIDATE SPEAKERS
HUIZAR & PACHECO INVITED
REMAINDER NOT INVITED.
"other candidates were "not serious candidates." BY the mere fact that they did not raise a substantial amount of money."
COMMENT BY WESTWATER
I did a simple google seach on Westwater and found this amazing story on Westwater in the Downtown News
http://www.downtownnews.com/articles/2004/08/16/news/news03.txt
My favorite part:
"While Westwater has earned a seat at the table with civic power players, his real identity remains somewhat shrouded in mystery and drama - most of it self-created.
When asked about his life Westwater tells tales worthy of a movie script. "I've done everything from breaking wild horses to being a professional street fighter, to real estate to consulting, to writing to repossessing airplanes in South America," said Westwater. "I've never had a real job."
Westwater also recalled a bizarre incident that occurred a few years ago. He said he was walking down the street when a gang of five men jumped out of a truck and attacked him, apparently mistaking him for someone else. They punched and kicked him, slammed him onto the ground and smashed his face against the concrete.
Westwater claims that instead of being frightened or hurt, he felt terrific. "Because I was attacked and I was about to fight back," Westwater said.
While his stories might seem suspect, Westwater argues that his unusual outlook results partially from an illness - a dopamine deficiency in his brain.
"If I don't fight 20 or 30 battles a day I curl up and die," explained Westwater, with no indication of exaggeration. "I literally stop breathing. My muscles would deteriorate."
When asked how he affords to be a full-time activist, Westwater's explanation is once again questionable. "I live on about $50 a week," he said. "I sell off my book collection, what's left of it. I share offices with another group that I brought Downtown. I have a bus pass and I eat at Grand Central Market and that's pretty much my living expenses."
and you guys wonder why the NC's will never be taken seriously? GIVE ME A BREAK! You are literally nominating people with brain damage to lead you!
If anyone is that opposed to Brady I would suggest showing up for public comment at the DWP Building on Saturday 7/8 at 10am. Otherwise, enough already.
His real name is Ross Ernest Shockley. He lives off selling books out of a downtown apartment. Has the same hard on for Mike Davis that Mailander has for Roderick.
"Otherwise, enough already."
Enough already? Are you serious chap? What country do you live in?
I can say whatever pleases my manly body.
anon 11:57
He fell hard! Westwater suffers from multiple personality disorder just like our Mayor.
Show up for what? To see a deranged mental case speak in public called Westwater?
Cabron wants daily battles and I want sane people on NC boards.
OK Excuse me but according to Brady he suffers from a dopamine deficiency. I just googled "Dopamine definciency" and got this from http://www.createvibranthealth.com/NT.htm
Dopamine controls the following:
blood pressure , metabolism, digestion , voluntary movement , intelligence , abstract thought , setting goals , long-term planning , Adrenaline production
Those individuals with a predominant dopamine nature who are balanced know what they want, are assertive, strong-willed, fast on their feet and self-confident. Dopamine personalities tend to like facts and figures are highly rational and are achievement oriented. Dopamine types gravitate toward occupations such as law, science, allopathic medicine, engineering, architecture and the military.
Producing too much dopamine can make one too intense, compulsive and driven. Overproduction of dopamine can also lead to violent behavior.
Dopamine deficiencies can lead to some of the following symptoms:
Anemia , Blood sugar instability, Bone density loss, High blood pressure, Low sex drive and/or difficulty achieving orgasm, Joint pain, Thyroid disorders, Aggression,Anger, Depression, Inability to handle stress, Guilt or feelings of worthlessness, Excessive sleep, Mood swings, Slow thought processing speed, Forgetfulness, Attention deficit disorder, Hyperactivity, Failure to finish tasks
That was a direct cut-and-paste. Brady may have done alot for the NC system, but to entrust someone in his health to lead the entire NC movement seems like a seriously bad move.
I am not attacking Brady, believe me. But a persons severe limitations that can strike at any time and can effect brain function is a valid concern to consider when choosing a leader.
Brady Westwater is one of the best candidates. I've dealt with him for many years. He's logical, sensible and I've never heard of or seen evidence of this dopamine problem.
Who sits around from 11:15-12:30 making up this shit?
He doesn't have that many enemies. This I know. So one or two people are a little too busy.
The thing about Brady Westwater's [or "Ross Ernest Shockley" as you allege is his real name curious to know how you know this] mental illness is sad, but fair game. His public comments are fair game, but the personal stuff... not cool.
12:19 His mental problem is in his own words but in the paper (I believe the guy linked it above)I have known him to get hit with an attack and be down for over a week. You do feel sorry for him but he is seeking "higher office" in the NC System and with that comes more responsibility so more scrutinty.
I know Brady and he is very dedicated and hard working, but if it isn't going on DOWNTOWN he isn't involved.
He is at City Hall alot because he lives down the street but I have heard him mock the Valley and the Harbor so I do question if he can represent us all.
As the face of Neighborhood Councils he is never clean shaven, tends to wear old t-shirts and jeans... eclectic to some but is that a look the NC's want representing them? I have asked him this directly but he doesn't seem to mind.
His medical condidion just makes me question if he is even capable, regardless of his intentions.
I can google too.
DEFENITION
A deficiency of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) is a leading candidate for the etiology of certain symptoms of depression (e.g., anhedonia and loss of motivation). Here we show amounts of dopaminergic proteins in the amygdala, a key brain structure involved in the integration of emotions and stress, in subjects with major depression and in psychiatrically normal control subjects.The specific binding of [(125)I]RTI 55 to the DA transporter, [(3)H]SCH 23390 to the D1 receptor and [(125)I]epidepride to D2/D3 receptors were measured in the right amygdaloid complex in postmortem brains from 11 subjects with major depression and 11 matched control subjects.The binding of [(125)I]RTI 55 to DA transporter was significantly lower in the basal and central amygdaloid nuclei, whereas the binding of [(125)I]epidepride to D2/D3 receptors was significantly higher in the basal, central, and lateral amygdaloid nuclei in major depression compared with control subjects. No difference in the binding of [(3)H]SCH 23390 to D1 receptors was observed.Given that DA depletion in rats can induce a reduction in the DA transporter and an upregulation of D2/D3 receptors, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that major depression is associated with a deficiency of mesolimbic DA.
HALLUCINATIONS? NO WESTWATER NO.
From a pathophysiological point of view the consequences of a dopamine deficiency or excess are, at least partially, known.
Dopamine deficiency by alteration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra is responsible for Parkinson's disease disorders, tremor, akinesia and rigidity. These symptoms result partially from a relative cholinergic hyperactivity, imbalance resulting from dopamine deficiency.
Conversely, an hyperactivity of the limbic dopaminergic system seems responsible of at least a certain number of symptoms observed during psychoses and the administration of neuroleptic agents, i.e. dopaminergic antagonists of type D2 and D4, attenuates them. There would be in certain schizophrenics a D1 hypoactivity and a D2 hyperactivity.
There are presynaptic dopaminergic receptors which, when stimulated by dopamine, inhibit its own release.
Products or drugs which activate dopaminergic receptors, directly or indirectly by increase of dopamine concentration in synapses, by inhibiting its reuptake or by increasing its release, induce a certain number of characteristic symptoms:
increased vigilance with decreased sleep requirement, insomnia
locomotor stimulation, logorrhea
reduction of fatigue
anorexia
nausea and vomiting
tendency to psychic addiction: the increase of dopamine in the Nucleus accumbens is involved in reward and addiction mechanisms
appearance of delusion, hallucinations.
I am sorry, but looking at Brady's blog, his rants about the LA Times, his I hate the valley attitude... I just don't think I could support him which is sad because he is a very smart man who does get things done but we need a public face.
I wish our NC had taken a position so we could force a vote a particular way.
We need a crazy rep who deals with crazy city hall rats.
None of that is my experience with Brady Westwater. This is all crazy.
I agree about the city hall rats. Go Brady whatever your running for. We need fighters. That uniter shit ain't getting us anywhere.
1:14 Got Multiple Personality
#29 Normal Business Man
Go Brady! Whip AV's ass at city hall.
These guys seriously call themselves Senators? With a straight face? Who do they say it to. It must just be to each other. Ive never heard this.
another 4th floor floozy heard from
fourth floor what? don't get it
U MST B LAUSD GRAD
In the two years I've been reading this site this one has to be the worst thread posted. I think this thread is absurb because all it does is give mean spirited people an opening to attack someone. You can tell by the uneducated posts. These people obviously are unhappy adults who are not feeling loved by anyone so they post personal attacks. Brady is one of the most active NC's members out there. He cares about his community and this city. Where the hell were all of you when the DWP issue was up at city hall? He and the others speak for us by at least having the courage to fight for what's right. Either be proactive or shut the hell up you whiners.
In case you haven't noticed, that's all mayor sam has become: a forum for personal attacks, "dick-sucking" comments and sociopathic invective. If the owners of the site want to stop this crazy slide into irrelevance, they need to do away with anonymous posting. Make everyone sign in. that'll raise the level of the rhetoric.
10:21 AM
So why aren't you using your real name Mr Anonymous ?
Check this out on Westwater
http://www.garmentandcitizen.com/category/archives/archived-news-stories/200509280500.php
10:21 AM
So why aren't you using your real name Mr Anonymous ?
Check this out on Westwater
http://www.garmentandcitizen.com/category/archives/archived-news-stories/200509280500.php
7:21 am and others, I agree the personal attacks may be over the top but the problem is that most of the so-called attacks are relevant.
I don't care about Brady changing his name but I do care if he suffers from a medical condition that directly effects his cognitive function. That is very relevant.
I do care that his blog is a non-stop assault on the LA Times and others. It demonstrates lack of leadership ability. It is very relevant.
Wow! This particular Westwater story is right on the money. NC's= incompetent, arrogant "volunteers" established to hold down the insane or politically active newcomers.
All neighborhood council members are certainly not incompetent, arrogant, insane or even politically active, although a little more political activism couldn't hurt.
Some are politically active with no intentions of running for future office, some (like Jim Alger) obviously will run for something and some of them will never set foot inside City Hall.
Most of them are organized groups of neighborhoods who have organized around an issue, generally a land use issue and have kept their organizations together to morph into neighborhood councils. Now they are bringing more stakeholders into their organizations and adding youth, if they're lucky. There are also those homeowners groups and chambers of commerce who had no intention of sharing their perceived power with neighborhood councils and most of them have been rendered powerless by those very actions. The residents groups/chambers who have embraced the neighborhood councils are the most effective.
The most effective and most successful neighborhood councils are the ones who do the most outreach. They are proven to be speaking on behalf of their entire community whether the board agrees or not.
Brady Westwater is an active member of the entire system and I don't believe he has any mental "condition" whatsoever. I find these childish, senseless, inane comments at 2 AM with googled information about too much/too little dopamine to be indicative of person(s) with low self-esteem trying to boost themselves one rung higher.
I pray to God these aren't the future neighborhood council leaders who are responsible for such nonsense.
I hope Brady wins the presidency now just to prove he can do it. I hope nobody EVER asks our council members what drugs they may or may not take.
These are volunteer, albeit extremely demanding neighborhood positions.
For fuck sake, Bush is our president. I don't think he ever really gave up that little coke habit of his. Maybe he's on a binge when he comes up with some of his ideas.
I didn't vote for Bush and I won't vote for you Brady Westwater.
Hey 12:10 pm Most of your post was right on but you seem to feel that NC's will gain power, or have to some extent.
BRADY WESTWATER brought up the issue of his medical condition to the press to publicly explain his sometimes bizarre behavior. (although nothing can explain his almost constant disheveled appearance)
OTHER NC PEOPLE WHO KNOW HIM and deal with him daily have pointed out that he has been rendered helpless for days and even a week at a time due to his condition.
Is it unfortunate? Yes but as a person who wants the NC System to succeed it IS a factor to consider when we look for a citywide leader of the NC movement.
"...rendered helpless for days and even a week at a time due to his condition."
How can his condition help the NC as a whole entity? Too Bizarre, no-no-I say don't vote 4 Brady.
I agree that Brady's condition is a factor but have you read his blog? To me that is even of more concern.
His constant bashing of the LA Times or anything that isn't Downtown doesn't instill much confidence that he will be able to lead an entire city.
Sorry guys, who else ya got?
Yea! Who else do we have?
Vote For Brady! Forget these losers!
OK kids. This thread was not designed to be a beat up Brady festival.
Can we tone it down a notch please?
Publish Date : 09/28/2005
A Look at Brain Drai on Neighborhood Council
Brady Westwater is currently president of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council.
Pierre Toulakany no longer serves on the group’s board.
Those are simple facts, but a look behind them helps explain why the Neighborhood Council has largely failed, in our view, to provide any significant voice or leadership for its constituents.
Westwater is known for telling tall and self-aggrandizing tales.
His actual connection to Downtown remains cloudy at best, with no residential address, job or commercial enterprise in the area. He benefits primarily from the organization’s official requirements for elective office, which are so broad that anyone who makes an occasional trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art is considered an eligible “stakeholder.”
Toulakany, meanwhile, is a partner in a large property on the 600 block of S. Broadway. He also serves as president of the board of the Historic Downtown Business Improvement District, an association of property owners in the area.
Toulakany served on the inaugural board of the Neighborhood Council for one term before deciding not to seek reelection. He isn’t the only person with strong and clear ties to the area who opted not to seek a second term. The first two years of the organization’s life proved to be a series of lengthy meetings producing few results.
The current board also has some talented members with clear ties to the area—workers, residents, property owners, business owners. And you can bet that some of them won’t seek re-election, because the cycle of fruitless conversation has continued.
Both of them recently complained about the Labor Day party recently sponsored by the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN) in the area of 5th and Main streets. The non-profit organization throws the Labor Day party each year, with an aim of providing some food and entertainment for decent folks who live in an indecent neighborhood. Many of LA CAN’s constituents are poor. And many are beacons of self-respect and lawfulness on streets where such virtues are sorely needed.
You can look for yourself at the various accounts of what went on during and after this year’s event. But we urge you take special notice of key differences between the complaints from Westwater and Toulakany.
Westwater’s complaint paints LA CAN and its event with a broad brush of foul assumptions. He refers to the event as a “Drug Dealers” festival. That strikes us as a cheap shot that essentially declares poverty a crime. It allows for no distinction between LA CAN constituents and any dope pushers or users who may have managed to enter the mix or hang around the edges of the event. And we challenge any public, private or non-profit agency or organization to hold an event in the same area with a guarantee that the local drug trade won’t bump up against it or buzz at its edges.
Perhaps Westwater’s callous remarks come easy to him because he has nothing at stake. Again, and by his own account, Westwater does not maintain a residential address in the area or own property here. He doesn’t own a business or work at one. There’s to tangible stake in the neighborhood—nothing to make him think twice before shooting his mouth off.
Then look at complaint from Toulakany, who may or may not have all his facts straight in this mixed-up affair. In any case, Toulakany presents his information in measured tones. Toulakany’s complaint does not engage in character assassination of any individual or group. It leaves the door open for further discussions—no doubt a wise move for a person who represents property owners who likely see the sense and economy of peaceful relations with neighbors.
Toulakany comes off as a grownup with a vested interest in the neighborhood—and he has declined further service on the Neighborhood Council.
Westwater comes off as an adolescent with the limited vision of a pseudo-intellectual gadfly—and he is the president of the Neighborhood Council.
Something’s wrong with the system.
—Jerry Sullivan, Editor & Publisher
This was woth highlighting from the above articls...
"Perhaps Westwater’s callous remarks come easy to him because he has nothing at stake. Again, and by his own account, Westwater does not maintain a residential address in the area or own property here. He doesn’t own a business or work at one. There’s to tangible stake in the neighborhood—nothing to make him think twice before shooting his mouth off."
And you are seriously considering this guy to LEAD the Neighborhood Councils???
WHOA, WHOA, WHOA. The Congress is an OFFSHOOT of the Ncs at best. A majority of councils don't even belong yet. So whoever is elected will most certainly NOT be the "leader" of the councils. Let's get that part straight.
Brady Westwater is Ross Ernest Shockley, a former Malibu realtor. Shockley thought it would be grand to move downtown and pretend to be homeless, like Ted Hayes or Don Garza.
He made his claim to fame mostly on the internet attacking that whack job Mike Davis, now he goes after Garza and others.
Poor Malibu Nutcracker
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
8:58 is flaming
so are you don
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home