Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

Jane Usher has resigned her post as President of the City's Planning Commission. The outspoken advocate who dared to take on City leaders as well as downtown interests on development issues was a growing thorn in the side to Mayor Villaraigosa who appoined Usher to the post.  Though Usher has said she needs to give up the volunteer post to get a job, insiders say she was pushed.  Local neighborhood activists who found an ally in Usher expressed regret at her departure;  Mike Eveloff, president of the Tract 7260 Homeowners Association told the LA Times,."She was someone who seemed to have an understanding that development was getting a little out of control." 


LA Weekly's blog profiles City Controller candidate Nick Patsouras, whose surprise challenge to Council President Wendy Greuel has shaken up local politics a bit.  Various factions are lining up behind each while both are virtual unknowns to most of the City. Should be an interesting race.

The City Council has decided against a plan to provide additional security measures for security at LAX for celebrities.  Stars who wish extra protection from the paps will have to provide their own.  Council Member Janice Hahn told the Daily News "Our airport police are there to protect everyone, and I feel that everyone who comes to LAX should be treated as a celebrity."

A gossip blog reports that Mayor Villaraigosa was the "hit" of the opening of the new Conga Room at LA Live Wednesday night.  Showing how well he spends 89% of his time on activities unrelated to governing the City, the Mayor took a Desi Arnaz turn at the conga drums while hob-nobbing with celebrities Paul Rodriguez, Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria.  Sadly, photos are available.

We really have issues with Council President Eric Garcetti referring to his live in girlfriend, Amy Wakeland, as "his partner."  One wonders if Eric ever makes it to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue if Ms. Wakeland would be referred to as the First Partner.  Well, before that happens, the Garcetti-Wakeland Partnership, LLC is looking for a scarecrow for their organic garden at their Elysian Park home.  Isn't the yuppie life challenging? Hey Eric - how about getting me a scarecrow for a Councilman over here - that would be a huge improvement over our Griffith Park destroying, high school loving Clowncilman.
 We got an email Thursday that the Mayor's office is looking to hire a finance manager for it's Minority Business Opportunity Center, however the deadline for applications for the post was four days ago.  However, assuming the Mayor is still looking, the position pays as much as $77,000 a year.