Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Tuesday
A judge has blocked plans by the city Engineers and Architects union from striking. The judge agreed with the City Attorney's view that such a strike would endanger the public safety.Commissioner Charlotte Laws of the LA 912 Commission has called a "town hall" style meeting to discuss issues relating to the Commission's charge to review the efficacy of the city's Neighborhood Council system. The meeting will take place on September 1, 2006, 6:30 pm at the Marvin Braude Constituent Services Center, Room 1-B, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401. This event is free and open to the public.
Here in Van Nuys picks up on a great map now appearning on Curbed LA. A "fantasy" map of what the LA transit system could demonstrates one that could really get you were going. It won't be built in our lifetime - if at all - but it would be great if it was.
Sepulveda Boulevard may be the world's longest street, but its not the longest street in LA. The longest street to run completely within the city limits of Los Angeles - according to LA City Nerd - is Figueroa, which traverses the city from Eagle Rock to San Pedro.
Its awfully quiet with the Council out of town. Anything going on at City Hall?
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 8/22/2006 12:00:00 AM
60 Comments:
According to LA Times, judge only barred 200 EAA members from striking. But, this might have a chilling effect on those fence-sitters, not sure if they are going to walk.
I predict fizzle.
MAV = 1
Bobby Aquino = another zero, zip nada.
Bobby Aquino is bad news.
If Villaraigosa crosses the picket line, he'll be branded a scab and carry the label for life.
11;05pm
i'm sorry, but i disagree that he'll carry the word scab for life. these union workers are not the traditional so-called working class workers you see in UFW, Hotel Worker, or Immigrant working classes. Most of these public city workers are more Americans that have lived here for years. Not to mention the lead group are the engineers and architects...definitely more affluent than unionized grocery store workers, etc. Pollo-raigosa is not risking much with this conflict...in the similar fashion that he seduced the public into thinking he is some education savior. the master of spin and charm, Diva-raigosa will come off as some sort of solid principled leader who will use the the party-line that the striking workers are not really being 'public servants' and are risking our city's safety and progress toward some romantic notion of a city. Some sort of bullshit like that will come out of his mouth and press deputies. Espeically if there is a death.
How can all you assholes hate so much?
You hate Bush so much that all the good that he does is unrecognized and denied by you, and now it is the same with Antonio.
Why don't you guys get a life?
You hate Bush so much that all the good that he does is unrecognized and denied by you, and now it is the same with Antonio.
I'm just curious---where the hell did that come from?
I don't hate Bush, but I have to admit that I don't think he's done a single good thing in six years. Not one. It's like he took what I think, precisely, and went against every single belief I had. I honestly can't think of anything at all.
Then again, I'm---
pro choice
pro congressional oversight of the executive
pro civil rights
pro alternative lifestyles
pro balanced budget
pro cheap energy
pro strong America
pro stem cell research
pro public education
anti terror
pro truth
Maybe he did something about steroids in sports---though I haven't seen it come to fruition yet. Maybe he will use the presidency as a stepping stone to become what he probably should have tried to be in the first place: commissioner of baseball.
If Scab-gairosa really cares about this city, he should made his hard- line stand against the affluent DWP contract and against the illegals who are destroying the quality of life in LA, rather than hysterically waving his arms and yelling "we clean your toilets." I think people are waking up to his hypocrisy and deceit, despite the fawning coverage by lazy LA Slimes reporters.
How about down there at the office for you "Mayor Sam" - Oh, sorry, I forgot, you don't have a job!
Those knuckleheads at the LAUSD are at it again (no, not the high paid “political” consultants named Sragrow and Gritzner). Here is what the dimwitted General Counsel had to say about how much taxpayer money he has spent on a law firm who will challenge the mayor’s education reform plan:
Reed said he didn't know how much money the district has spent so far on the Sacramento law firm, Olson Hagel & Fishburn, which it retained in June for "analysis of governance issues." He said the firm had already been under contract to the district for other matters.
Dumb Ass. Mr. Reed, we all know law firms have different billing numbers for different matters, precisely so people like you can figure out whether their billings are justified. The fact that you don’t know means you are either: (1) not paying attention to how you spend our money or (2) purposefully misleading the public.
I think you should update your resume because the Mayor is going to send you packing.
12:38 pm
You may be right about that scab label on AV it won't stick at all.
The turmoil between AV and the EAA would never have happened if AV had acted like a leader and stopped DWP from receiving the wage increase. Currently an Engineering Associate II at DWP without a professional engineers’ license, barely any experience and no responsibility makes almost as much as Civil Engineer (supervisor) in other departments in the City. It is equivalent to a (First) Lieutenant making as much as a (Lieutenant) Colonel in the army. Individuals with the Civil Engineer title are responsible for making the bulk of the engineering decisions on a daily basis. The City is undermining the expertise of many Engineers. EAA is trying to prevent that from happening by trying to get a reasonable wage increase. Most Engineers in EAA clearly do not expect to be paid as much as DWP employees, however, they do expect to be respected and paid according to their responsibilities. Unlicensed Engineers at DWP should not be paid more than licensed Engineers at other Departments. And that is essentially what EAA is asking for.
A City gabage truck driver makes more than the person responsible for ensuring safe airport operations - in the current and newly 'imposed' EAA contract. How is that for supporting public safety! The scab mayor is a hypocrite.
Only the LA SLIMES would say Antonio is doing the right thing crossing the EAA picket line. And only the LA SLIMES would write in their editorial that clowncil members should be criticized for giving DWP high pay hike. Forget the fact that our little midget of a so called Mayor could have done something about it. The DWP got a high pay hike then the cops did. Antonio is already being called a "SCAB" all over town. Interesting he run like a crybaby wimp to Rocky when he needed that restraining order. What happened to his consensus building? BOYCOTT LA TIMES BOYCOTT LA TIMES BOYCOTT LA TIMES BOYCOTT LA TIMES
I am one management employee honoring the strike. I am tired of hiring, training, and promoting employees just to watch them take a demotion to DWP and get a $20k pay raise. The scary part is that at the end of the DWP contract the differential will be over $30k per year for the same job classification. Something is out of whack when DWP drafting personnel make as much as management engineers in the rest of the city. I would like to see the press really investigate and report into the two worlds of DWP and the rest of the city family. Look at the DWP bonus for carrying cell phones ($6k), meal bonus when working late, dietitians, personal trainers and gym facilities, automatic overtime, etc.
I believe the gap between the DWP and the rest of the city is too great to every be “fixed”. The gap could (and should) be narrowed but I doubt the city could afford parity at all job classifications. Maybe its time to consider selling the DWP and eliminating them from the equation.
Antonio is imtimidated with any career professional - especially those that earned their degrees in the profession of their current employment. His carreer choice as a lawyer never panned out - despite his stellar performance at the People's College of Law - and he harbors much resentment to those who have been successful, like engineers and architects.
But since his ascension to power, Antonio has struck out regarding union actions:
Stike 1 - He encourages the weak leadership of the UFCW to strike Von's and Safeway, but not Ralph's. At the time Ralph's owner Burkle has just pumped $100,000's into the State Democratic Party - the one that endorsed Antonio over Hahn in 2001 - can you say payback? This was one of the worse labor performances in recent history - union markets will never be the same long term job havens they once were.
Strike 2. - Showing his lack of business savvy - having never actually made payroll in his life, Antonio gives the MTA Mechanics anything they want and then some. Their sweetheat deal only fueled more professional unions to get their share. like the DWP and EAA. Somehow those with post graduate degrees think they should earn as much, if not more than a $100,000 a year + mechanic.
Strike 3. - Another broken promise by Antonio - "I would never cross a picket line!" "We are only as stong as our weakless link!" "Union brothers to the end!" "An injury to one is an injury to all!" - all bullshit just like his campaign promises. EAA will prevail - fair is fair - and Antonio will never recover. Pssst Antonio, these union members actually can afford a political donation - as they showed in your last elelction - why are you pissing them off?
Did anyone else find it ironic that Scab-ragairosa was trying to stop one Union's effort simutaneous to courting the teacher's union in his outrageous effort to take over the LAUSD? The man is a psycho ...
MEMO TO "LA ANTONIA TIMES",
As your circulation numbers continue to nosedive, please explain to all who continue to read your daily shilling for "POLLORAIGOSA" the following. First, when and how can you call "POLLORAIGOSA" a "FISCAL CONSERVATIVE" ? Second, what message does the "SCAB MAYOR" send to the rank and file employees who want their fair share after the DWP contract ? Third, what good is school reform when the fate of LAUSD is tied up in court ? I for one is hoping that POLLORAIGOSA follows every bit of advise you give him so that he and your American version of "Pravda" will go away for good.
ATTN DOUG McINTYRE:
I heard Rep. Pence on your program this morning peddling his and Sen. Hutchinson's flawed "immigration reform plan." I noticed he effectively dodged your questions about just enforcing the existing laws, about allowing the foxes (i.e., businesses who hire illegals) to guard the henhouse, and about the destructive sanctuary city policies, while noting that his so-called plan does nothing about "anchor babies."
This Pence-Hutchinson plan is badly flawed; just another massive amnesty. Rep. Steve King of Iowa, writing in the National Review (6-27-06), said that this plan is even more dangerous than the Senate amnesty bill, and that "the result will be tens of millions of aliens pouring across our borders, both newly legalized and illegal."
If you have Pence on again, please offer Rep. Steve King (Iowa) or others opposed to this plan time to rebut this.
City workers strike
BY RICK ORLOV, Staff Writer
A two-day strike by members of a major city union hit Los Angeles early today, with workers walking off the job at nine locations in an effort to bring attention to a nearly three-year contract dispute.
There was no exact estimate on how many of the 7,500 members of the Engineers and Architects Association walked off their jobs _ whether other employees were honoring the picket lines _ but union officials said they were pleased with the response.
``I think we have pretty much shut down the Port of Los Angeles for the day,'' EAA Exeuctive Director Bob Aquino said in a telephone interview. ``All our people are on the picket lines and the longshoremen are respecting our lines and not going to work.''
Thank you Daily News. They reported trash fee being moved to gang programs,. they reported the city council coffers. They report facts and don't kiss but like the LA SLIMES
Keep reading the story dumbshit.
"But City Administrative Officer Bill Fujioka disputed Aquino's assertion, noting that less than 100 picketers were at the port and ships were still coming in.
Fujioka said there appeared to have been a temporary interruption, but longshoremen were returning to their jobs as of 9 a.m.
``We are not seeing many on the picket lines although it looks like absenteeism is up,'' Fujioka said. ``That's what we expected because of the fear and intimidation by the union.''
Thank you daily news for reporting that this strike is lame!
I think Mayor Scab is holding a press conference soon, to try to spin his cowardice and lack of leadership. Someone please heckle him.
Hey Charlotte: holding a meeting on the Labor Day weekend is such a slap in the face to the residents of the Valley! What kind of rep are you that you picked a date that few of us can attend. You should be recalled!
I agree. Dr. Laws has made a huge mistake in deciding to have her first "Town Hall" on the weekend when people are least likely to show up.
Does she want people to participate, or does she just want to do some kind of nominal "outreach"-- the kind that she can brag about later to other Commissioners but which does not actually require her to listen to the people she supposedly represents???
11:17 am , you are too stupid for words. One Commissioner and only one decides to hold a meeting to hear what WE have to say and you bitch about it. I bestow kudos and applause on Charlotte Laws. I for one will be there. I am glad she did not decide to hold it when it could conflict with a neighborhood council meeting. Would you rather she hold it when certain people are unavailable? It’s the perfect night for me.
So the 7,400 members of the Engineers and Architects Association want a pay raise. All that education, experience and just plain dedication to the City of Los Angeles should be enough, at least in the eyes of some city leaders. Besides, City Administrative Officer Bill Fujioka said the Union and the City were almost 16 to 20 million dollars apart in their negotiations. Wait a minute Bill, 20 million. Isn't that less than half of what you are willing to spend on three elephants at the LA Zoo. Oh, I misspeak, one has died since you issued your report which said her condition was stable. So lets see, you are ok with 40 million for two elephants, but not ok with 20 million for 7,400 city employees.
This also goes for the folks sitting around the “horseshoe” at City Council who want us to give them four more years. Get your priorities straight. Shut down the Elephant exhibit, pay the 20 million in pay raises and give the second 20 million to LAPD. With the additional officers they can give the gang bangers three hots and a cot as part of the new gang prevention program.
10:50 sounds like one of Mayor Scabbie's fourth floor lackies. Whaa
Anonymouse 11:05
A "Scab" in labor parlance is someone who does your job while out on a labor action. Mayor Tony would not be caught dead doing any of the jobs EAA members do; in fact, they can't do his job or fill his shoes. Ever see a multi-tasked engineer? Not in this lifetime.
These poor EAA members are idiots that are being led by a moron.
^
Yeah, Scab-gairosa is too brilliant to do this type of work as evidenced by his high GPA at UCLA and that top flight "law school" he went to.
2:58
As if you and AV could ever be Engineers. Don't cheapen our profession unless you actually know what an Engineer does.
Hey 2:58 Dum dum
"Picketing is a common tactic used by trade unions during strikes, who will try to prevent dissident members of the union, members of other unions and ununionised workers from working. Those who cross the picket line and work despite the strike are known pejoratively as scabs."
No where does it say crossing the lines to only work at the jobs that are specific to the strikers.
Hey dumb shit the Daily news isn't like the LA Slimes. They report both sides so you have Aquino saying one thing and the city person Bill "can't decide who's side I'm on" Fujioka saying another. TV is showing a different story. I think the EAA is making an impact.
Being a DWP employee, we have a clause in our contract that says that we are not allowed to strike and honor other strikes. I unfortunately have to go to CHE tomorrow morning. Does that mean that I will be hounded??
5:30
Yes, you will definitely be hounded so you better learn to shake and bake. Shake it...and bake it.
Mayor Sam,
I've been on the phone all day with City Hall employees, newspaper reports, LAUSD staff and a few legal experts and activists and here are the two big issues I'll be trying to bring info to the people about tonight on KABC radio (790 AM) between 10pm, and maybe 4a-5a hour, too:
Regarding Daily News article saying City Council took money for 1000 L.A.P.D. and gave it to "gang prevention units":
Daily News says City Council gave out some wrong information during their own press conference, and that's how mis-information got passed along in the Daily News article.
City Council issued a new press release late yesterday (Monday) clarifying their position.
Josh, from Garcetti's office was quick to mention that there was "no financial action, or transfer of funds taken on Friday."
It is simply going on record as saying, IN THE FUTURE, for all "trash fee revenue" going to L.A.P.D., City Council is going to find a matching 15% funding for "Gang Prevention/Crime Reduction" non-profit organizations -- FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE. Now, they have not said from where, yet. And alot of people thing these non-profit crime reduction units are a complete waste of money.
But, I'm sure if SOME of the people reading this knew the money was not coming from the money earmarked for L.A.P.D. -- and somewhere else (hopefully, from some of these "dog and pony shows" I've been complaining about...or SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT IS ABOVE BOARD) -- They might not be as imflammed.
So the bottom line is, although "YES" City Council has let it be known, that for all trash revenue raised and handed over to L.A.P.D., they are gonna find 15% ,from somewhere else, and give it to these community based policing groups.
So, let's watch and see where the money is coming from...and if you think these crime reduction units have been a big waste of money...Let's put pressure on Mayor V. to give Bratton the Gang Czar he needs so at least he can get these gang reduction units working together, in concert, and maybe it can actually be something effective and positive for the community. Cause if Baca is forced to keep minimun time served from 10% to 25% for some people locked-up, the jails will be even more overcrowded. So if these crime reduction units can squash minor beefs within the community, before L.A.P.D. has to step in...at least let's try and make it work. So, Mayor V., make sure it doesn't look like YOU'RE the one getting in the way. And City Council, you sure as HELL better find that money from the right places.
Zuma Dogg
Zuma Dog doing previews of his media appearances? Civilization, as we've known it, is over. I'm moving to fucking Montana.
Zuma dog must be a desperate dawg ...
What are you talking about? Zuma always previews his media coverage. He has quite a few fans on KABC - as well as Howard Stern.
At least on this site EAA got some comparisons of why they believe the salary difference is unjust.
I wish that was published in main stream media instead of projections of greedy workers ask to much from the city.
I guess this blog has been so boring lately I just didn't notice. For example, on the Wed. hotsheet there isn't even a mention of the strike - I guess it is back to yawning on Mayor Sam's blog - what happened to the real news. Now it is all he said, she said BS ...
What happened? AV hired bloggers who blogged shit/crap/caca/moco
As stated on my website, I apologize for having the first town hall meeting (regarding 912 Commission issues) at the start of Labor Day weekend, but this was the only night available in the foreseeable future, and location-hunting is not much fun and usually unproductive. The second town-hall meeting will be on Monday, September 25th at 7:00 pm (same location). I will try to hold at least one meeting per month and attempt to alternate between the East and West Valley whenever possible. Hope to see lots of you there.
Charlotte Laws
Charlotte = MILF!
Yahoo!!! EAA finally walks the walk. Sure two days is nothing compared to the three weeks that Local 18 and former EAA DWP engineers stayed out, but it's a start.
Can someone tell Bob Aquino that striking during the City Coucil summer recess is no way to get the politician's attention. Local 18 stikes were in September and October if I recall correctly. Much more effective.
Anyhow, strikers, you should get a fair Cost of Living.
But please recognize the reality that DWP slaries are based aginst comparable salaries at other utilities. And that Public Works, DBS, Sanitation, Airports, etc salaries are based against comparable positions in other Cities. It's always been that way for all civil service classifications from
GM down to part-time high school worker. If one wants utility based pay, work for a utility, it's that simple.
The Mayor knows this. City Council knows this. Aquino knows this (but he choses not to tell you). It isn't going to change. That "Equal pay for equal work" simply doesn't play at City Hall. Drop that tactic, it's one of EAA's major hinderances to a fair MOU.
In closing, it's great that EAA is finally on strike. You will get an improved contract offer the longer you stay out. Two days is not enough. Good luck!
My biggest gripe with Polloraigosa isn't getting a salary comparable to DWP, it's the laughable cost of living adjustment he offered us. If he had merely offered us a COLA similar to that of DWP I would have been content. Yet instead he chose to stick it to us.
Don't forget, Bobby Aquino held up the last contract for almost two years with the crazy demand for "parity" w/ DWP.
Hey Bobby, dream all the impossible dreams you want, but fight fewer undefeatable foes, especially losing the rank and file all that retro pay. It's not about the workers, it's all about Bobby.
i wanna be the first to say that the EAA guys are dickheads. This morning, they surrounded my car trying to prevent me from going into work at DWP. They called me a scab for going into work. First of all, I feel for the EAA workers, but they must know that we have a no strike clause and I can't help. 2nd of all, blocking our work entrance is only going to piss us off. I originally was supporting their cause even after they walked in front of our buildilng in november. BUT NOW... Trying to force a secondary boycott is illegal and I hope the EAA gets properly fucked for it now.
To Whomever the Brain surgeon is who wrote above:
EAA has 5 members that work for the Department of Controller in the Ferraro bldg that have been on strike since yesterday. The line you crossed, you low life scab, was a primary picket line and the people that crossed were informed of that. EAA also had informed IBEW Local 18 and asked for its support. Honoring a legal picket line does not violate the no strike provision in your contract as established by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in this state. Come up with a new rationalization for your being a scab.
hey 8:22
It is a nonsanctioned strike so therefore NONE of the DWP ppl are scabs.
so go fuck yourself
if EAA really asked IBEW18 for support, how come we did not receive bulletins/notices from our union to support the EAA? We didn't hear about a strike here at DWP
THE END OF CIVILIZATION IN THE SILLY OF LOS ANGELES
What Robert Aquino has not told his 7500 EAA members is that he's the one who went to the ERB when the FactFinders Report came out asking for a 30-day extention before the findings were published. This is because the FF report was not sympathetic to EAA's demands for parity with DWP. The FF said this was an issue that was political and could be handled at his level - he said many more factors played into it; political and economical. There was no way this FF could have ordered the City to meet the demands of EAA for parity.
Bob got his 30-days (a mistake by Bob B at the ERB) and next thing you know, the CAO is caught with their pants around their ankles and Bob has already formulated a plan to put the best spin on the FF report for the EAA.
So the City deserves EAA. Instead of being reactive they should be proactive. The CAO and ERB play too nice. If you think EAA is bad now, wait until the next round of contract talks in 2007 when the DWP parity will be the front burner issue and 347 will be involved. They'll make Aquino and his clowns look like pikers.
LA City Hall Resident Insider
Are you crazy Charlotte? Never post your picture on this site unless you want slobbering low lifes referring to you as a MILF, which you can find if you Google the term.
8:54 AM
In 2007, LOCAL 347 will be combine with 660 and 434B under the re-organization taking place in SEIU. Arnelle Grajeda as of now is rumored to become the General Manager of this new "Super Goverment Unit".
August 23, 2006 11:16 AM,
Whaaaaa!
That would be a monster of a union. But I don't know how wise it for anyone to affiliate themselves with the Tyrone Freeman Show (434b).
Also, is Local 99 a part of this deal? They are under national trusteeship, so this would be a good move for them.
11:21AM
LOCAL 99 at this time is not included. Internal discussions are still on going inregards to the organizational structure of the new goverment unit. Julie and 347 board were not too happy about this restructuring. They lost two cities, Commerce and Bell Gardens, due to shabby service.
Didn't some of the clowncil members want to standarize raises across the board so this doesn't happen? And will someone please tell me where in the hell did Laura Chick=-N-Shit out of the blue come from. Why was she standing next to AV at the press conf? She should be auditing all the gang programs to find the corruption. Start with Blinky Rodriguez and Homeboy Industries
to 10:05, Charlotte Laws obviously DOES want to be referred to as a MILF. otherwise why would you she post cheesecake photos of herself on her website?
looking for some attention, Char??
http://www.charlottelaws.org/Photos.htm
EAA calls off the strike after two days?!!!
What a numbnuts Aquino is. EAA's only hope is for a settlement DURING a strike.
Maybe Aquino finally noticed no one was home (summer recess) when he had you picket City Hall.
What an idiot.
What is MLF? Is it Member of animal Liberation Front? I Googled it as suggested here and the first comprehensible hit was Malaysian Liver Foundation.
Something Charlotte Laws is not. Most men who use the phrase MILF, reserve it for hotter, younger moms.
Not semi creepy Charlotte who probably is part of some crazy animal activist group.
For a union that hasn't gone on strike in 100 years, I think EAA did well their first time. You must first learn how to walk before you can run. The word through the grapevine is that he's building political allies with powerful unions (not the mealy-mouthed weakling city "unions" that do whatever the city tells them)and getting props from my co-workers that are in those "other unions".
HOT SHIT FOR EVERYDAY
Laws again! Certain sicko animal activists love to bash Charlotte every time someone says she's pretty. I know who you people are and you're wretched outcasts. I think Char's hot, but of course I'm heterosexual, not a homosexual or envious old bag like you. But I diverge from pressing matters like mayor shorty, border control and LAUSD.
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