Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Wednesday

Editors Note: Today we are experimenting with a new feature on the blog the "Read More" link. This will keep the size of posts on the main blog shorter so that you may quickly browse the current stories, but allow you to read the full article of those items you chose to. If this works well, we will extend it to all stories that are more than one or two paragraphs long. Your comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

Citywatch has the take of political science professor Rafael Sonenshein on the issue of outreach and participation of Neighborhood Councils. Many of our readers have criticized the councils for low voter participation. However, Sonenshein says the success of councils should be measured in how much all forms of public participation is involved in the councils.

Sonenshein called criticism of the councils unfair given that DONE's support efforts are so poor, including having an out of date website. Sonenshein also notes the NCs get little support from the City Council who does no outreach of its own and has abysmal results for its own elections.

One refreshing quality of Councilman Bernard "Bitter Bernie" Parks is that he has some understanding of market economics. He writes in the LA Times that the market has a "natural ability" to provide affordable housing where needed. Of course he still voted to hike re-location fees for residents evicted for condo conversions, so like Wally Knox, he's only part of the way there.

Parking was miserable at Dodger Stadium for opening day, but guess who was standing at the entrance to the ballpark to greet fans as they arrived? Yup, this guy!

Rick Orlov writes that the three women who are up for consideration to be the head of Los Angeles World Airports are all trying to get out from under the shadow of two time LAWA executive director Lydia Kennard who remains as a consultant.

And finally, taking a moment from bitching about the parking situation at Dodger Stadium, the kids at LA Voice whine about the cost of living in LA. Of course their support of more government regulation - such as government forced recycling of that dreaded scourge the plastic trash bag - is amongst the reasons for driving up the cost of things (don't make me explain that to you).