Caption this .............

Cd 14 Councilman Jose Huizar and new supporter.

** BTW, we hear that Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council President Jose Aguilar was appointed to the MTA Advisory Board by Councilman Huizar. Great job Jose! But you still need to get paid like your BHNC Secretary Margo Amador, who collects paychecks from the Fifteen Group. The Development Group that owns the Wyvernwood Complex in Boyle Heights.

Your thoughts .................

Scott Johnson in CD 14

UTLA Shoots Self in Foot, Then Bites Own Behind

Incumbent Tamar Galatzan

Challenger Louis Pugliese

Do you remember this Mayor Sam story? As it turns out, the UTLA did exactly as we predicted and made yet another bumbling endorsement for a school board seat. The Union backed insider Heather Hodge Kolodny, a UTLA loyalist and fierce opponent of reform. This time, we only had to wait two weeks before their decision bit them in the behind as Ms. Kolodny announced today that she is dropping out of the race. While this may make the incumbent, Tamar Galatzan, happy for the time being, a prompt shift of union support to Teacher Louis Pugliese may well pull them up from the certain nosedive they are in over the West Valley and send her campaign scrambling. UTLA, perhaps now a bit gun shy, and with a self inflicted pain in the ass, says it won't make another endorsement for School Board District 3 until January.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Paul Krekorian Communications Director Jeremy Oberstein, sporting a stache for the Movember fundraiser, digs into some post-holiday cupcakes.  There is still time to donate and support men's health.

Mega-developer Rick Caruso wants to expand his Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale by purchasing some adjacent lots.  Only problem is the owners say they won't sell.  So what does Caruso do? Follow up with some state sponsored capitalism and seize the land through eminent domain.  That's also known as socialism for millionaires.

Speaking of Glendale the former Mervyns store remains empty in the Glendale Galleria after two years.  Maybe it could be a Home Depot.

The latest photo opp for Mayor Villar will be with Chabad in the Valley at Universal Studios.  No word if the Mayor will dance with the Rabbis.  However Chabad is know for being masters at rehabilitation so perhaps they can reform the Mayor.

Adam Carrolla for Mayor.  Also.

Latino leaders in Nevada disgusted with Republicans who don't listen to them and Democrats who take them for granted are considering organizing similarly to the Tea Party Movement.  The Tequila Party wants to put "the establishment on notice." I'll join!

Phil Jennerjahn hooks up a gem of a post asking "Do We Really Need This Many Clowns on the City Council."  The answer is, for the sake of Mayor Sam, yes.  Best line: "Richard Alarcons addiction to Middle Eastern Hummus caused a voting foul up."

12 Point Checklist for Portable Heater Safety

From  Brian Humphrey at LAFD

With temperatures diminishing across the nation, many Americans are using portable electric heaters.

While they can be an efficient way to warm a room or supplement central heating, portable electric heaters can also be a fire or electric shock hazard if not used properly.

The Los Angeles Fire Department joins the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) in encouraging the safe use of portable electric heaters:

• Read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels before using your heater.
• Never leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug the heater when not in use.
• Unplug the heater by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Inspect the power cord regularly, and never use a heater with a damaged cord.
• Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced. Check with a qualified electrician to replace the outlet.
• Do not use a power strip or extension cord to power your heater. Overheating of the power strip or extension cord could result in a fire.
• Do not plug any other electrical device into the same outlet as your heater. This could result in overheating.

Read more »

Outtakes from CD 14: "Team Rudy continues to expose Councilman Huizar's DWP voting record".

Councilman Jose Huizar continues his stellar record of supporting the agenda of "Political Papi" Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and DWP Special Interests.

COUNCILMEMBER HUIZAR VOTES TO MAKE DWP MANAGER
UNACCOUNTABLE TO RATE PAYERS

LOS ANGELES, CA (November, 27, 2010) – Councilmember Jose Huizar voted to deny Department of Water and Power (DWP) rate payers real accountability over the DWP. In a 7-7 deadlock last Tuesday, Huizar voted against a ballot measure that would have given the City Council the power to fire the DWP’s General Manager and would have also given them the power to remove the Mayor’s appointees to the DWP’s Commission. The measure would have required a two-thirds majority vote to remove the General Manager and DWP Commissioners.

“I was disappointed that the two-thirds provision for the board of commissioners and general manager were rejected at the very last minute. These objections should have been brought up by the department during the six public hearings, including the meeting held by Huizar in Eagle Rock,” said Jack Humphreville, President of the DWP Advocacy Committee.

The city council will have an opportunity to break the 7-7 deadlock and vote on the proposed measure again on December 7. Huizar claims that this is nothing more than an over reaction to recent DWP frustrations, but he deceived rate payers when he failed to speak out on the issue during the public meeting he hosted in Eagle Rock.

“Rate payers are tired of the business as usual attitude in the DWP. As your councilman, I will listen to your concerns and I will fight for ratepayers and demand real reform and accountability at DWP,” said Rudy Martinez, candidate for City Council District 14.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

"Big Montiel is watching you in public housing".

Great bloated Monday and start to Rivalry Week in Ciudad de Los Angeles, as the City Council adjourns its high-salary proceedings for the annual junket to the "League of Municipal Fiefdoms Conference". Wonder if former City of Bell Administrator "Ratzo Rizzo" will host a workshop on municipal self-enrichment?

One person who is enriching himself courtesy of the taxpayers is Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA for short) $400,000+ Executive Director Rudy Montiel, who is quickly becoming the LA Times latest "poster bureaucrat" for public salary scrutiny.

Montiel, with his willing allies in City Hall, has attempted to franchise out HACLA's various housing projects and reap the financial windfalls of this endeavor. Thus, you get Montiel's current salary. But it is Montiel's actions against those who dare protest his efforts that is making Montiel the latest "paranoid bureaucrat". This in light of his actions that may cost the City of Los Angeles money in lawsuits by HACLA tenants, who faced wrongful-eviction for protesting Montiel's proposals.

BTW, we hear that someone in HACLA's upper management may have bail out the "connected non-profit Legacy LA", with a new home in the Ramona Gardens Projects. A source speculated that Legacy LA Executive Director Lou Calanche went to someone in HACLA and all of a sudden, a portable trailer was installed.

It should be noted that when Legacy LA was constituted, they had as an "advisor for redevelopment" Dalila Sotelo, who once was a Vice-President for the connected affordable-housing builder McCormick, Barron and Salazar. Sotelo now earns her public paycheck as an employee of CRA.

Can you follow the flow of money and public property, to the "connected-few" here?

Read more »

And You Thought the Finger Pointing at Mayor Sam was Bad

 - Yesterday, the whistleblower on steroids, Wikileaks, dropped a bomb on U.S. diplomatic and covert operations by beginning to post over 250,000 leaked United States embassy cables, "the largest set of confidential documents ever to be released into the public domain". The dirt is flying and the grandstanding has begun. Don't expect it to end for years to come.

Leslie Nielsen Dead at 84

Canadian funnyman and actor Leslie Nielsen has passed away in Ft. Lauderdale.
The star of comedy hits such as "Airplane" and the "Naked Gun" series died of complications from pneumonia.

Outtakes from CD 14: "An Dramatical Cut and Pasting from JOSE's Blog", ** with Disclaimer

"Big Huizzy is watching for your comments"

Hola and great Saturday morning from the "Cut and Paste Republic of CD 14", where at anytime, any protest or at any CLARTS Funded event, BIG HUIZZY could be watching you!!

This morning we bring this "Dramatical Cut and Pasting", courtesy of Ric Coca, whoops, JOSE's blog. Please note the ** disclaimer at the bottom of the post, before choosing to comment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Rick Coca, rick.coca@lacity.org

José Huizar supports ballot measure, which will bring better oversight to the Department of Water & Power

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2010) — As the City Council ended its debate on what provisions to include in a March 2011 ballot measure on oversight for the Department of Water and Power, the final product looked a lot like what Councilmember José Huizar first offered up as a solution two-and-a-half years ago. (How come no one backed your "symbolic efforts" then?).

The City Council voted Wednesday to create an Office of Public Accountability “to provide public independent analysis of department actions, as they relate to water and electricity rates.” (Not the same as Ratepayer Advocate, IBEW's Brian D'Arcy would be proud as the Rudy Martinez Campaign points out).

Read more »

Substance, Symbolism, and Who?

Substance and character, mixed with charisma, is what many in CD 14 are finding in City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez. Martinez is seen here serving food to the homeless yesterday at the Midnight Mission on Skid Row.

Symbolic acts for the cameras or was Mayor Villar flashing his "ticket" to ensure a front row seat at the World Mayor's Climate Summit in Mexico City? BTW, it was a frigid 44 degrees at 6:47 AM, as recorded by the official Downtown LA weather station on the USC campus.

Whom is the pandering councilperson that plaster his likeness for all to see as motorists were diverted away from his recent Valley Blvd. Block Party? That same Councilman may want to send this banner to the Ramona Gardens Recreation Center, where he was greeted with chants of "Rudy!, Rudy!" on the day before Thanksgiving.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

The Other White Meat

The Official California GOP Mascot.

-Is the Republican brand in Cali also headed for extinction? Steve Harmon raises the question.

-David Nolan, founder of the Libertarian Party, dead at 66.

-Sarah Palin has a busy week, as she urges that we stand with our North Korean allies, fight against the nanny state of Michelle O'bama's "Let's Move" child anti-obesity program, and beats a halibut to death on TLC's "Sarah Palin's Alaska" reality tv show. Who wouldn't want to beat a fish to death, if, after only 2 episodes, your TV show plummeted 40% in viewership?

-Father Dollar Bill, a 91 year old Catholic priest who, on Thanksgiving, has handed out money to residents of skid row for the past 32 years, continues to demonstrate that actions speak louder than words.
Read more »

Tryptothan on the Stoop

Looks like Austin Beutner is thinking of becoming the Meg Whitman of Los Angeles and perhaps using his personal largesse to run for Mayor.  Will Mike Trujillo run the campaign?

"The Situation" attended the American Music Awards at the Nokia last weekend.  At first some folks had thought it was a recently elected State Assemblyman.

Getting harder to figure out what is illegal and where.  Plastic bags are on the way out but pot may be on the way back in the City of Los Angeles.  But not in Orange County and parts of LA County.

The City of LA wants folks to shop at car dealerships and malls within city limits.  However the sales tax is too damn high! On big ticket items you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars say buying those items in Simi Valley (Ventura County) for example where sales tax is a penny and half per dollar less than LA County. That's money folks could put towards savings or other purposes, fully jumpstarting the economy than handing it over to Tony Villar.

At MayorSam we're looking to meet and profile up and coming leaders in Los Angeles.  If you'd like to suggest someone you can email us at mayorsam@mayorsam.org or use this handy online form.

A Special Message of Giving and Thanks from Mayor Tony "the Pilgrim" Villar

Mayor Tony "the Pilgrim" Villar, Photo by Gary Leonard, art by Downtown News

As a public service, we here at Mayor Sam, bring you this special message from Mayor Tony "the Pilgrim" Villar, as channeled through the witty mind of Downtown News Editor and Scribe of Wit Jon Regardie.

I like to wish all my fellow bloggers and you in the political cybersphere, a most joyest day of thanks and giving.

Your thoughts and comments we are always thankful for.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

The Real History of Thanksgiving

More on the origins of this holiday.
Have a great day everyone!

Sorry Carmen

Breaking...

San Jose Mercury News:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Republican Steve Cooley conceded the California attorney general's race to Democrat Kamala Harris on Wednesday, giving Democrats a sweep of all statewide offices and ushering in the first woman and first minority elected to the post."

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday

"Los Angeles Wave Newspaper's Betty Pleasant is mad at Zev Yaroslavsky's Plastic Bag Ban"

Good pre-Thanksgivings morning to all in the political bloggersphere.

As many of you look forward to the four-day weekend, at least in the public sector, most of us will make our way into the supermarket of choice to load a select bird into the shopping cart. What bag you choose to carry to your vehicle is a choice that Angelinos in Unincorporated Los Angeles County, will have less of, thanks to Nannycrat, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Member Zev Yaroslavsky and guess who is not happy? "BETTY"

This from the author of the Los Angeles Wave Newspaper's "Soulvine Column" Betty Pleasant.

Read more »

Stuffing on the Veranda

President Obama salutes the Democratic National Committee Chairman

Posting light over the holiday but here are a few nuggets for you to chew on.

Phil Jennerjahn drops out of the race for CD 4 and predicts a Tom LeBong victory.

Before Mayor Sam came to LA there was not this level of political coverage as seen in a Weekly story on Rudy Martinez's race for CD14. We've even made Mike Trujillo famous. You're welcome.

Here are some opportunities for you to help your fellow man and make Thanksgiving a little bit nicer for those down on their luck. It's also a great opportunity to see your favorite local elected get their picture taken.

Not realizing there are hungry people in their own city or a massive AIDS scourge in Africa, time on their hands NIMBYs in Encino are lamenting the free market has transformed an ailing Barnes and Noble into a CVS Drug Store. In the future people will not read but they will need stimulants. Just watch Idiocracy.

It's not exactly the death of high culture but Disney is giving up making animated fairy tales after its latest Rapunzel based feature Tangled is released this holiday season. Again, the march to Idiocracy continues.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Y

Round 8 of Ali-Foreman, the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" in Zaire 1974. The younger and more powerful George Foreman was the aggressor throughout the first seven rounds while the older yet highly conditioned Muhammad Ali played rope-a-dope. Then, with Foreman punched out, Ali struck in the 8th round.


William Bradley , in an engaging piece at Huffpo, equates the Jerry Brown victory over Meg Whitman to the Ali-Foreman 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" match in Zaire;

"...the dust is still settling on Brown's resounding landslide victory -- 54% to 41%, a margin of more than 1.2 million votes over billionaire Meg Whitman -- absolutely shattering the biggest spending non-presidential campaign in American history. In the process, Brown broke the record for the most votes ever received by a gubernatorial candidate, leading a Democratic sweep for the statewide ticket.
...Which is not surprising, since virtually all the state and national press early on anointed Whitman as an unstoppable high-tech juggernaut of a campaign run by the best consultants in the business. Up against poor old Jerry Brown and his ragtag little band. When in reality, it (Brown vs Whitman) was Ali-Foreman '74 all along, with what I called Brown's Zen rope-a-dope approach unfolding as anticipated."  

Well played Jerry, well played.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Due to official concerns over potential protests over new extremely invasive TSA policies Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa subjected himself to the new porno scanners at LAX saying "Let me be clear: My job is to make the airport as safe as possible for all of those passengers.'' We're not sure whose job is to make LA safe for female journalists.

Read more »

Outtakes from CD 14 Special Report: "Team Rudy moving forward"

CD-14 Councilman jose Huizar's victory billboard in 2007 near Huntington and Mission Rd.

"CD-14 Candidate Rudy Martinez current billboard on Broadway"

A press release that tells you how serious a candidate Rudy Martinez is for city council.

CONTACT: Eric Hacopian
(323) 428-1351
edh97@yahoo.com

COUNCILMEMBER HUIZAR DENIES REAL
ACCOUNTABILITY TO RATE PAYERS

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 20, 2010) – In what proved to be one of the most critical votes the Los Angeles City Council has faced in years, Councilmember Jose Huizar denied Department of Water and Power (DWP) rate payers real accountability over the DWP by casting the decisive vote in favor of a watered-down Charter Amendment instead of the stronger reform measures backed by seven other council members and DWP reform advocates. If approved by voters in the upcoming March 8th municipal elections, the amendment would create a weak and disempowered Office of Public Accountability (OPA) for the DWP.

“This vote provided a bright light between the real reformers and those who support the proposed ballot measure. The final language is disappointing.” said Jack Humphreville via the CityWatch site.

Read more »

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

"Scan me Mayor Antonio Villar"

The "Mayoral Narcissist" of the Third Floor on 200 Spring Street, knows no boundaries when it comes to garnering attention for himself.

Now in his latest exercise in self-promotion which should qualify for top-ten status of past third floor media stunts, Mayor Antonio Villar will "expose himself" to the TSA scanners at LAX. While seeking to rally support for TSA's security policies, Mayor Villar will share with the TSA, what a select-few, intimately know about the former Tony Villar of City Terrace.

Just think that the "anatomical stats" only the likes of ex. wife Corina, Mirthala, Lu, mothers of his older daughters, ex. wife of Assembly campaign manager, and other past sanchas could relate to, will become government knowledge. Who will be the first to file a Public Records Act requesting to "expose" Villar's intimate details, one can only guest. But more likely Mayor Villar's designated driver Michael Trujillo, will spin these details as being a plus for Los Angeles.

BTW, can scanners see "Born to Raise Hell" tattoos? ** You can view Mayor Villar's encounter with the scanners, by linking here.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

With this being Thanksgiving week and the biggest travel holiday weekend of the year, both TSA agents and airline passengers can look forward to what we are calling "Gropefest 2010".  Millions of traveling crotches just waiting to be inspected!

Uh-oh, California Republicans may be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future as far as state politics go. Blame it on Pete Wilson and what's her name. Speaking of what's her name, where there's money, there's always the possibility of blowing more of it.

Why is it that every time it rains in Los Angeles, somebody winds up being swept away in the LA River?

In the "That's Just Crazy Talk/Throw Him Under The Bus" department,  Warren Buffet says, ""I think people at the high end, people like myself, should be paying a lot more in taxes," the billionaire investor and founder of Berkshire Hathaway said. "We have it better than we've ever had it."

Meanwhile, back at the 9.6% national unemployment rate ranch; the Republicans have successfully blocked an extension of unemployment benefits. This will affect almost a million of the unemployed by next week and an additional million by the end of December. Ah, good thinking GOP, and just in time for the holidays!

Why the GOP is DOA in CA

Friday Night Funnies

 Biden tries his best to keep a straight face, but fails. From "Morning Joe" today.

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Friday

"Mayor Antonio Villar off to Mexico to tout Eco-Green Agenda"

With the first major winter storm of 2010-2011 inbound for the weekend, Mayor Antonio Villar and entourage pack their bags for the warmer environments of Mexico City. Villar and other mayors of the world, will hack and cough as they discuss their respective green-based ideas for growing local economies, in the dirty, rarified air of Mexico's largest city.

As Villar and the other like-minded mayors discuss how to use the junk science of climate change to alter their respective economies, Villar is none too happy about another form of climate change taking place in California. That would be the "political climate change of citizen redistricting".

Villar bemoaned the fact that no Angelinos were among the pool of 36 applicants for the state's redistricting commission. This episode of civic pity brought about the ensuing witty retort from the keyboard of "LA Weekly of Record" Editor Jill Stewart, who poo poos "Mayor Ahhh Whinervillar's" bemoaning the lost cause of gerrymandering, perfected by the likes of Michael Berman.

So while Mayor Villar mucks up the already polluted air of Mexico City with dubious climate change pronouncements, based upon junk science. Positive political climate change, based upon elective facts, is coming to California and no episode of civic whining will alter this.

Read more »

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Thursday

"The Old Gray Hag on Spring Street"

Count me as one of the remaining few east of the Los Angeles River, who's daily ritual begins with a morning walk to the corner store to purchase my kitty box liner of choice, the ever-thinning "Old Gray Hag", errrr, Los Angeles Times.

Seeking to maintain a "journalistic balance" of old print news, counter by new media with bloggin up to date content, I scan through the vertical columns of newsprint to find the Old Gray Hag's take on Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti "flip-flop antics" yesterday at City Hall. The same waffling that Ron Kaye gave the "TSA treatment to" yesterday in feeling out the details.

Needless to say that my search ended with a middle-finger length of four paragraphs on Page AA4 of the LA Extra section. (The middle-finger is what many thousands of ex. readers have shone the Old Gray Hag in recent years, but I digress) But my ever-shortening scan through today's edition did yield a front page missive on the supposed voting exploits of the Tea Party supporters of Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol, (Does anybody remember the voting exploits of ACORN?) who made it to the finals of "Dancing with the Stars". In addition, a LA Times-USC Poll reports that new California Governor Bitter Jerry, may find Californians none too receptive in wanting to raise taxes. Thus, my morning education on current events is complete as the Johnny Cat pours over the newsprint.

Now back to the internet ...............

Read more »

Mid-Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday: Garcetti flips, twist and turns on DWP Rate Payer Advocate

City Council Presdient Eric Garcetti is playing a new tune one day after kissing IBEW's "Boss D'Arcy's rear end, on gutting the powers of the proposed DWP Rate Payer Advocate

The "Engregious Eight" who voted "yes" to gut the powers of the proposed DWP Rate Payer Advocate. Thanks to Ron Kaye for photo.

Read more »

"Big Huizzy" keeps watch on Constituents in CD 14

BIG HUIZZY IS WATCHING YOU!!

Wonder if the CLARTS Fund was utilize to purchase El Sereno Field Office Director Arturo Gonzalez's surveillance tools? I seem to remember now that Clouncilman Jose Huizar paid a Ethics Commission fine in the past for conducting secret research on protential opposition candidates.

If anyone plans on staging a protest within CD-14, that sheds light on the lack of due diligence on the part of Councilman Jose Huizar, be warned now, for "Big Huzzy" will be watching YOU!! Above one can see Councilman Huizar's El Sereno Office Director Arturo Gonzalez conferring with a "Sgt. Walker of the Hollenbeck Division as a small group of activists prepare to walk and rally against the illegal past dumping of Sex Offenders in El Sereno.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

The biggest threat to the LA oligarchy since Tom Bradley busted up the Committee of 25, Rudy Martinez, has opened his first campaign office.



Read more »

My Word, Ban the Bag! Zevcialism Comes to LA County!

From USA Today - 

Los Angeles County has become the largest U.S. municipality to ban plastic shopping bags. Although the ban, approved earlier today, will cover about 1.1 million residents, it pertains only to unincorporated areas and not to Los Angeles itself and 87 other cities in the county, the Los Angeles Times says.

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Tuesday: DA Steve Cooley being investigated by Callifornia FPPC

"Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley addressing the media"

Is San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris Campaign Consultant Ace Smith "going the Parke Skelton route", when it come to filing frivolous complaints with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), against their respective challengers for state office?

Witness when Parke Skelton's previous client Assemblyman Mike Gatto's supporters filed a FPPC complaint against challenger Sunder Ramani, the mere appearance of financial malfeasance, was enough to garner attention from willing allies within the newsprint community and in the bloggersphere. This regardless of the truth behind the accusation of the complaint.

Now Ace Smith is borrowing the FPPC tactic from his consulting soul mate Parke as the San Francisco Chronicle's Megan Lagosi reports,

As the vote counting in the attorney general race continues -- as well as bickering among the campaigns -- we have some real news to report: The state's campaign finance watchdog confirmed today that it has launched an investigation into Steve Cooley's gift-taking in recent years -- a practice detailed in The Chronicle.Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?entry_id=77108#ixzz15TjUkmnL

Tactic looks familiar here?

Meanwhile, back here in Los Angeles County, both sides are "calling out the goons", in the LA Weekly's words, to observe the vote counting at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office in Norwalk.

As of 12:30PM, the California Secretary of State Office shows Harris leading by 30,997 votes.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

The Colfax Bridge project in Studio City is dragging on much to the chagrin of locals in the South Valley.  Yet what's afoot that could even further delay completion of the replacement bridge? Dangerous enemy of free movement Lisa Sarkin, Land Use Chair of the Studio City Neighborhood Council, is pushing for  halt to construction on Saturdays.

Paul Krekorian announces for re-election.



Read more »

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

Kamala Harris and Steve Cooley

Shades of Florida 2000 at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Office?

If you listen to the charges and counter-charges from the respective spokespersons for San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris and Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, as the vote count trickles on in the California Attorney General Election. Then the California version of Bush v. Gore may not be far off.

You can click on to the link above for the blow by blow spin but at the time of this post, the Daily News is reporting that Kamala Harris holds a 14,089 vote lead over Steve Cooley. More drama to come.

Read more »

UTLA Circles the Wagons, Shoots Self in Foot

Louis Pugliese

Even though teacher and "School Wars" peacemaker Louis Pugliese is a strong favorite for the LAUSD School Board Race for district 3 in March, it appears that the teacher's union, UTLA, may be backing off from an expected endorsement of him in favor of their own insider Heather Kolodny, who pulled papers late Friday. As usual, a bad political move for the UTLA, which has made one poor choice after another in their school board endorsements.

In 2006 their support of insider Chris Arellano, who later dropped out of the race in disgrace, opened the door for Monica Garcia's election and the Villaraigosa "takeover." Then in 2007, they unsuccessfully backed terminally ill incumbent Jon Lauritzen, and in 2009, they again snubbed former member and teacher Pugliese, in favor of the now-reviled Nury Martinez, who even with the Mayor's and Union's backing barely won by 500 votes.

A lingering question is whether they offered a deal to Pugliese and how he responded.  In any case, this move is sure to be seen as more of the same self-destructive "us against them" bravado that keeps UTLA from making any progress against the tide of anti-union sentiment.

Paper-pulling galore for Los Angeles City Council and LAUSD Elections

"Who's who of candidates for Los Angeles City Council and LAUSD."

Candidates, you may pull your papers now, ............. and many have as of Friday.

The City Clerk of Los Angeles has the latest list of potential candidates for the upcoming City Council and LAUSD Elections in March of 2011. We offer below, brief comments on the notable candidates and potential match ups. Lets keep in mind that all the candidates listed here, have to meet the requirements and are not certify candidates for the March, 2011 Elections, until noted by the City Clerks Office.

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State Senator Alex Padilla eyeing run for Mayor in 2013. ** Or is it Congress?

"East Valley Political Bookends:" State Senator Alex Padilla on left, Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes on the right.

He once was the leading "Latino Business/Moderate Democrat" on the City Council, serving with the likes of former CD 14 Councilman Nick Pacheco after both being elected in 1999.

But in 2003, with the late Los Angeles County Labor Federation Chief Miguel Contreras leading the way, the Latino Left Political Machine exerted its new found muscle and push aside Nick Pacheco, with its "chosen one" Antonio Villaraigosa taking over in CD 14 and did not look back until becoming Mayor in 2005.

For Padilla, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate who was elected to the City Council at the age of 26 and becoming its president two years later, upward was the only direction this political upstart could go. But with the likes of the Los Angeles Times pushing the Villaraigosa agenda, Padilla was relegated to leaving the council in 2006 to run for the 20th State Senate District seat that he was just re-elected to.

Meanwhile the "shining star" that was Villaraigosa political aspirations has disappear into a "political black hole" and with the Latino Labor Left Machine 's excesses causing a backlash at the polling place with investigations pending. Thus, will the 2013 Mayoral Race see a return of moderate Latino candidates?

Maybe sensing this, Padilla recently announce to a luncheon group of the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum that he was looking at a possible run for Mayor in 2013, as reported in the Downtown News.

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This just in from Eric Garcetti via Twitter!

Eric Garcetti
Harris passes Cooley with late Friday numbers (including new infusion from Los Angeles). She now leads in the AG race by 5,576 votes.

Outtakes from CD 14: Council Candidate Rudy Martinez audio from KRLA's Kevin James Show

"CD 14 City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez at Clean Sweep LA Kickoff"

Safe to say when you own a restaurant and bar, late hours are par for the course.

Thus, it was no problem for CD 14 City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez to dedicate a half hour of today's early morning to KRLA's Kevin James. You can link to segment one and segment two at your leisure.

Martinez holds the distinction of being the recipient of the first independent expenditure on the March 2011 Campaign Season. This was courtesy of Broadway Merchants who paid $23,900 for a billboard near Broadway and Fifth Street, with his likeness gracing those within view.

In addition to Martinez appearance on the Kevin James Show, the latest speculation revolving around his campaign, is the link to a "certain high-profile consultant" who's name is well-known to regulars here at Mayor Sam.

If you wish to meet Rudy Martinez in person, the Martinez Campaign will be hosting a "meet and greet" tomorrow from 11-3PM at their Campaign Office located on 4745 Eagle Rock Blvd. You can link to the Rudy Martinez for City Council Webpage here.

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HACLA Rudy Montiel's "get rich scheme" garners unwanted attention

Mayor Antonio Villar (right) with his $400,000+ Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Rudy Montiel (left).

To say that corruption does not exist within the dysfunctional agency known as the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), is to say that Mayor Antonio Villar has been a "transparent and ethical beacon" at 200 Spring Street.

Simply, the state of public housing under the control of HACLA is a legal and dysfunctional trainwreck, with its corrupt toxic fumes polluting the political air at City Hall. But lets make no mistake here, this stench has been around for years.

Now with Ron Kaye's latest missive on HACLA Executive Director Rudy Montiel's scheme for self-enrichment and his actions against tenants who protested outside his Rancho Cucamonga "mansion",the "big shining light of investigation" is pointed again at HACLA and what will be the end result? Maybe much-needed reforms.

The HACLA's Public Housing Projects are gang-infested fiefdoms that breed future generations of gang members and foster dependency on the largess of government (ie. WIC, Food Stamps, Welfare, mixed with subsidize, sub-standard housing).

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Veterans as Stepping Stones

Tomas O'Grady seizes the moment. Try not to throw up.

LA Weekly on Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes: "The Worst Legislator in California"

Was CD 7/2 City Councilman Richard Alarcon "ratted out" by Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes?

Is it easy to say that Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes is a "political bad guy"? Does CD 7/2 City Councilman Richard Alarcon have residency issues? The answers are one in the same.

But while 9.999 out of 10 may agree with the premise of the LA Weekly Story by David Futch on the Special Interest Ghost-Authoring proclivities of the East Valley Democrat, what one can find more sinister here, is the depths that Fuentes will sink to advance his self-serving political agenda.

After all, what is worse than being a alleged political rat? From a recent post here at Mayor Sam.

I just heard an interesting tidbit that it was Fuentes who threw Alarcon under the bus. If RA is pushed out, Fuentes could run and possibly get his seat, finish out his term and still have twelve more years. In any case, it's a no win situation for CD7 and the rest of the city.

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Rally to address Broken Parole System in California

"Important Rally to attend this Saturday"

Blogger's note: From Ron Kaye. A march and rally will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in El Sereno from 1974 N. Marianna Ave. to the 1800 block of Landsdowne Ave to demand an investigation of the Division of Adult Parole Operation and that those responsible for the breakdown in parole supervision be held accountable. Attorney Robin Sax, a former county prosecutor and expert on rape and child molestation issues, is the featured speaker. As a Board Member of the LA-32 Neighborhood Council, I implore everyone to attend this rally, in the hope of reversing the unlawful acts of dumping Sex Offenders in our community. Scott Johnson, Recording Secretary, LA-32 Neighborhood Council.

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This Veterans Day Tom LaBonge Raises Red Tape Not Yellow Ribbon in CD-4

Tom LaBonge (CD-4) and the Los Angeles City Council have launched their latest obstructionist stunt.

This time around, they’re targeting Los Angeles’ veteran community on Veterans Day. The LA Times gives its take here.

David Weiss is a former Marine and represents a coalition of prominent LA veterans group. Weiss submitted a routine community plan on the veterans’ behalf to commemorate Veterans Day by draping the Hollywood Sign in Labonge’s district with a yellow “Support Our Troops” ribbon.

Over the years, draping the sign has become a longstanding tradition that draws attention to a variety of causes.

Weiss says his proposal has received support across the board because it is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate nonpartisan support for our troops at a time of war with zero cost to the City.

The Hollywood Sign Trust and the Chamber of Commerce both enthusiastically approved Weiss’s proposal and his group’s agreement to self-fund the project, but Tom LaBonge and the rest of the Council are determined to prove that getting things done in LA isn’t about process or what’s fair and appropriate or even how many reputable organizations have lined up behind you.

In this Council it’s about who you know, and LaBonge doesn’t seem to know our veterans.

LaBonge was Weiss’s last stop in a months-long approval process, and Weiss says when he met with Councilman LaBonge, he received approval quickly.

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Mid-Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday

"Bitter Jerry raising Arizona tourism revenue"

Nothing like a little liberal hypocrisy to awaken one from a self-impose bloggin slumber.

This latest example of liberal hypocrisy comes courtesy of former Governor Moonbeam, now elected Governor Bitter Jerry Brown and how does he show his thanks to the Latino Community for their overwhelming support? Paraphrasing Disney, "Jerry Brown, you were just elected California Governor again! Where are you going after your election? I'm going to Arizona!! LMAO!!

From the man who's union supporters attack Meg Whitman for hiring a illegal fraud unknowingly by the way, at $23 per hour, the Latino voters who bought into Gloria Allred and Housekeeper Nicky's theatrics are rewarded with this arrogant, in your face gesture, courtesy of Bitter Jerry. Gracias indeed!!

Thus, the Latino Community once again is treated to another glaring example of hypocrisy, courtesy of the political party that they support. And no outrage from the likes of City Councilman Ed Reyes, State Senator Gil Cedillo, Assemblyman Kevin De Leon or Mayor Antonio Villar? Go figure ..........

But then, every supposed political ideal from this crowd, has a low "build-in price" for looking the other way when the pursuit of political power, becomes more paramount.

BTW, did Joe B. take his video camera with Jerry, to film "Bitter Jerry's Raising Arizona Adventures? : )

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Week Long Open Thread

must...read...Mayor...Sam.....

Expect a low posting week from the Mayor Sam blog. We're either buried in work, projects, or relaxing after the elections. There might be a post or two, but otherwise we'll see you next week as we gear up for the 2011 City Council race.

Sunday One-Liners and Open Threadies

 One sentence at a time, that's all we ask;

-Doug McIntyre on the sad state of the GOP in California.

-Sen. Bernie Sanders on MSNBC suspending Keith Olbermann.

-I'm not sure what this means, but evidently, it's very important.

-Candidate filing for LA City Council election 2011 begins on Monday.

-Please visit my new blog that covers the behind the scenes shadiness of a developer that has lost his mind, and the PR firm (Consensus Inc) that is being paid to make his dreams come true.

-In California, at least, experience counts.

- And finally, Goodbye Meg, we'll miss you! Much Love, television and radio station advertising departments across the state;

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday

How to turn Barham Blvd into Wilshire Blvd.

-The 39,000 page Draft EIR for NBC Universal's mind boggling housing/office/studio project has been released and is now open to public comment for the next 60 days. NBC Universal hopes to turn 391 acres along the 101 freeway just north of the Cahuenga pass into almost 3000 residences to be built in low-, mid-, and high-rise buildings. New studios, office space, a hotel, and tourist attractions will also be added.  I suspect local residents are squealing with delight over this planned monstrosity coming to town, in part, because Barham, Lankershim, and the Cahuenga pass have so little traffic as it is.
Mayor Sam would also like to extend an invitation to the developer or organized opponents of the project to make your case here on this blog.  Just drop us an email at mayorsam@mayorsam.org. Please put UNIVERSAL in the subject line.

- Janice Hahn and other City Council members want to tax medical marijuana. But, medical marijuana is technically non profit and not subject to taxation even though everyone knows that most Med Marijuana clinics are making huge profits. Marijuana itself is still illegal, I think, so can a city tax an illegal substance? This is very confusing. The LA Weekly and Village to Village give it their best at figuring this all out.

- PBS legend and former Lyndon B. Johnson press secretary Bill Moyers says  "a plutocracy and a democracy do not mix". What? Get out of town Bill, that's crazy talk.

-Serious question to the MS pundits; How do you reduce a deficit by extending $700 billion in tax cuts to the wealthiest in the country? Stay on topic please.

-Governor-elect Brown has hit the ground running and spent the day at the state capitol beginning work on a spending plan.

-Oh boy, Raves are returning to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Where's my damn glow stick?

- Hey, look what's still not open!
-And finally, what the hell is this?

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

Can I get a refund?

-With the overwhelming defeat of Proposition 23, the Koch Brothers/Texas Oil attempt to halt implementation of AB32; environmentalists, venture capitalists, and conservation groups are now feeling empowered;

"It (the defeat of Prop 23) is the largest public referendum in history on climate and clean energy policy," said Fred Krupp, president of the New York-based Environmental Defense Fund. "There has never been anything this big. It is going to send a signal to other parts of the country and beyond."
  
-Harry Reid, who narrowly defeated Tea Party/Screw Loose candidate Sharon Angle, says that "Nevadans chose hope over fear". Sharon Angle, along with Colorado gubernatorial hopeful Tom Tancredo, had run campaigns heavy on the anti-illegal immigration rhetoric. All three lost in Tuesday's election. 
By contrast, Arizona's Governor Jan Brewer easily won re-election by making the state's controversial (and currently suspended) SB1070 immigration law the cornerstone of her campaign.


-In related news, Republicans, who now control the House, took the opportunity today to offer an olive branch to Democrats and pledged a spirit of compromise and new cooperation by promising to overturn Obamacare. They also vowed to defund any programs that Obama protects by vetoing their actions. Senator Mitch McConnell went the extra mile and assured the conservative Heritage Foundation that this was all an effort to deny Obama another term in 2012. McConnell also said that Democrats would pay the price if they don't cooperate with the new Republican agenda. Compromise is a beautiful thing, isn't it?

-UCLA's world arts and cultures dept, will be transforming LA City Hall into a dance performance space this Saturday and again on Nov 13. The show, called "Governing Bodies" will feature dancers costumed as government workers who will explore and utilize various area of City Hall;

"The performance will take the audience through all parts of the historic building, beginning at the rotunda, passing through long hallways into the City Council Chambers, which includes a half circle of chairs and pews, and eventually arriving outside on the courtly Spring Street steps."
Full details at The Daily Bruin.

And finally, did you know that President Obama saved capitalism but it cost him the mid term elections? Now you do.