Last Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet of 2010

A group of public housing residents who had protested at the home of LA's Housing Authority head, Rudolf Montiel, and then found themselves evicted saw their evictions overturned by the agency Thursday. When the evictions first became public a few months ago, several members of the City Council expressed outrage.  In addition to overturning the evictions, the agency settle with the residents to pay their legal fees and provide computers onsite.

Councilman Dennis Zine will recuse himself from voting on an LAX contract because his girlfriend is an employee of one of the bidders.  Zine has been reportedly dating Veronica Becerra, who works for contractor Tutor Perini who wants a $270 million contract to build a utility plant at the airport.  Airport staff however have recommended to the Council the bid by a competing firm.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

What happens when you mix GoProud, a gay republican group, with CPAC, the annual conservative neanderthal convention? You get to see the true colors of conservative groups like the Family Research Council, Concerned Women of America, and the National Organization for Marriage. These groups, along with several others, are opting not to participate in next years convention simply due to the presence of GoProud. What's the matter with these goons?  The Party of No remains the Party of Hate (but we always knew that, right?). Speaking of Hate; the Southern Poverty Law Center recently dropped the HATE GROUP bomb on the Family Research Council . The FRC now can count itself in the close company of other stupid groups like the KKK, the Neo-Nazis, The New Black Panthers, The Neo-Confederates and almost 900 other organizations that make up the SPLC Watchlist.

One strong indicator that the US economy is on the rebound is the amount of cargo passing through our ports. Great news! Cargo flow at the Port of Los Angeles is actually surging, with a 20% increase over 2009. Damn Obama! Next thing you know, he'll be giving the US back to the Native Americans.

More big Port of Los Angeles news; Heavy Duty Hydrogen Fuel Cell trucks will soon be making an appearance at the docks. An 18 month trial run is set to begin in early spring.

Governor-Elect Brown plans to live up to his cheap ass frugal reputation and will only be serving hot dogs and potato chips at his Inauguration next week. Alas, we'll probably never know what a tremendous, over the top, invitation only, fit for a queen feast, Meg would have served had Nicky and Gloria not screwed up her attempted purchase of the California governorship.

Finally, meet Perry. After suffering through a financial collapse, Perry decided to go off the grid, cash/barter only, DIY, pay as you go. He bought a small bit of land (that seems to always be partially underwater), and a motor home (that really needs some work done) and he's started posting about his daily challenges and accomplishments. Good reading from a very determined and intelligent man.

LA Weekly Editor Jill Stewart continues to slam Councilman Huizar on CLARTS Fund transparency

"Weekly of Record Editor Jill Stewart"

"Councilman Jose Huizar's Chief of Staff and purveyor of empty answers Ana Cubas, as posted at the LA Weekly".

Can Parke, Trujillo and the rest of the Huizzynistas do anything to stop the CLARTS Fund Controversy from going viral? What will "Team Huizzy" do to deflect the growing attention from "Tricky Huizzy's" commandeering of public fund to promote the image of the Boyle Heights/ Zacatecas "rags to political corruption poster child"? Hmmm, maybe plant a story on Rudy Martinez using Home Depot day laborers to repair flipped houses, who knows?

But as 2010 nears its final couple of days, the once unknown discretionary fund, at least after Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Jose Huizar took over as CD 14' councilperson following Nick Pacheco, will continue its growth in prominence with each day of continue stonewalling by the Princeton graduate.

LA Weekly Editor Jill Stewart continues her probing comments of Councilman Huizar's abstinence on disclosing specifics regarding the diversion of the CLARTS Fund into vague fiscal accounts. Vague in the sense that once the money is transfer, its becomes an arduous exercise in transparent patience to unearth how each cent was utilize for the betterment of CD 14.

The central feature in today's posting on the CLARTS Fund by Stewart is the comments of The Voice Newspaper Editor Carlos Morales regarding his struggles with Councilman Huizar to get full disclosure on the status of the amenities fund, which he has not received directly, despite promises by CD 14 staff, mainly Chief of Staff Ana Cubas. Can you call this payback for reporting on something Councilman Huizar wanted few to know? Did "Tricky Huizzy" go to Princeton as he is known to remind many at his scripted events? I think the answer is yes.

But in the early days of 2011, we may have some examples how "Tricky Huizzy" plan to utilize the CLARTS Fund, just in time for his re-election campaign. Can you say patronage? Quid pro quo? More ahead in the New Year.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Nominations for the 2010 Los Angeles Political Ass Clowns Awards

"No fast foods or illegal sidewalk vendors bans will diminish those curves".

Background Rancho Music Please!

It is time to open nominations for the 2010 Los Angeles Political Ass Clown Awards and nominees aplenty should give us the diversity that highlights the follies our esteem cast of political characters who grace ......, or disgrace our collective halls of local government.

Please note that this is an interactive inclusive process. Your comments, suggestions, sarcasm and just plain examples of some cybertroll's sorry state of being, are always welcome ......., to a point.

NOW!! We present our nominations for the 2010 Los Angeles Political Ass Clown Awards. Awards Committee will meet at one of the many newly-awarded liquor establishments in Boyle Heights under Councilman Jose Huizar, with the winners to be announce Friday ** Goes to prove that a Princeton Degree can help to create a new economic growth industry.

Nominations:

1. Red Spot's "Spoll Checker and past unionize English teachers".

2. Burbank Democratic Club member and "political consultant" Kevin Harrop.

3. Attorney Gloria Allred.

4. Nicky.

5. Meg Whitman.

6. New California Governor Jerry Brown.

7. Gatto Truthers.

8. Still City Councilwoman and not Lt. Governor Janice Hahn. (For Mikey T.)

9. IBEW's Brian D'Arcy.

10. CD 7/2 City Councilman Richard AlarCON.

11. Home Depot Christmas Tree lot in Sunland-Tujunga. (For Joe B.)

12. Lady's Man and Jimmy Blackman's new boss Councilman Dennis Zine.

13, No Fast Foods Crusader Councilwoman Jan Perry.

14. Republican and community uber-activists duo of Phil Jennerjahn and Jose "two-way" Aguilar.

15. "Enemy of Free Speech" Studio City Neighborhood Councilmember Lisa Sarkin.

16. ** This space is reserved for CD 2 Councilman Paul Krekorian if he turns his back on DWP reform.

17. All the "ex. DWP General Managers" selected by Mayor Antonio Villar.

18. AEG's Tim LIEweke.

19. Cybertrolls.

20. The likes of Tim Rutten, George Skelton, Editorial Board, and their "fellow-travelers" at the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street".

21. Daily Valley Moldy Green Sheet" Editor Ms. Garcia who was more interested in lunch than giving time to Assembly Candidate Sunder Rumani.

22. California Republican Party.

23. Almost forget Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and soon to be ex. Mayor Antonio Villar, if President Obama will take notice of his "hints".

24. ** This space paid for by a kind allocation from the CLARTS Fund to promote Princeton Graduate Councilman Jose Huizar.

....... and lastly, with no "ahh duhs" or statements from former Assemblyman Dario Frommer, we present Silver Lake, .......... or is it Canyon Drive resident, who knows, maybe the DA? But lets remember, you too can live with mommy and still hold the title of Assemblyman Mike Gatto.

As always your comments with further nominations, are appreciated.

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

Despite it's general left leaning and pro-open borders stand, the Latino Politics Blog has never been afraid to take on establishment politicians who happen to be Latino, usually when it's pretty clear said elected is screwing the rank and file.  Ergo, it's recent look at Councilman Jose Huizar.  Weezy, as documented by this blog as well as the LA Weekly, is getting all kinds of questions about his management of a fund set up to mitigate the effects of a recycling center on the community.  It seems as if Huizar needs to provide an accounting soon as he faces a tough re-election campaign against popular opponent Rudy Martinez.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

The Democrats' Worst Nightmare

A beautiful thing is happening in Los Angeles, that is, every weekend tens of thousands of unpaid volunteers give of their time (and sometimes their money) to work to support and assist many City departments such as the library, parks, Police, etc.  Still, the union hacks have an issue with it.

The battle continues between the Hollywood Farmers' Market and a nearby film school which, even though it is closed on Sundays when the market operates, says it needs access to it's parking lot and the market blocks it. Sounds more like the neighborhood has gone upscale since the days of the market first opening in the early 90s and the yups aren't so thrilled with the pilgrimage of hippy dips seeking organic Belgian endive.

Read more »

Outtakes from CD 14: Activist corrects the record and calls out Huizar, Plus more on the CLART Fund Controversy

" Another week of stonewalling on the CLARTS Fund."

"Big Huizzy keeping watch for itemize CLARTS Fund accounting."

Hola and great Monday after Christmas from the "Cut and Paste Republic" where we need no stinkin line-items to account for Councilman Jose Huizar's "promotion of me", correction, the CLARTS Fund.

But before we move on, we must check the mail bag at Outtakes in CD 14. BTW, you too can send mail to redspotincd14@yahoo.com for consideration.

We received this from prominent CD 14 Activist Caroline Aguirre regarding a past comment here at Outtakes.

On 12-04-10 an individual who identified themselves as Anonymous posted statements attributed to me as stating that young Occidental College students, both young adults and minors had been consuming alcohol to the point of alcohol intoxication at an establishment own by Rudy Martinez located in CD 14. first and foremost to the person ID as Anonymous. For those individuals who know me , know that I can speak up for myself. I also suggest that Anonymous first verify that the information they are posting is true and accurate. And if they are going to refer to me I suggest that at the very least they learn how to spell my name.

This is the accurate information. During the past two years the residents who reside around Occidental College have seen a major decrease in the number of college students who are observed walking home from local bars in an intoxicated state. Prior to this most were observed exiting from the York Bar.

Hats off to the Occidental College Security Staff, Occidental College students themselves, residents of CD 14 and to the bar owners to and include Rudy Martinez.

Lifelong CD 14 Resident,

Caroline Aguirre

As Caroline Aguirre stated above, she can speak for herself and pity the politico who is the recipient of her discerning demeanor which in this case, is none other than Councilman Jose Huizar.

On September 25, 2010, "Team Huizar" decided that it was within their powers to exert local control over federal property, in this case the York Blvd U.S. Post Office parking lot and why this brazen takeover of post office parking spots during normal Saturday hours? (They even took over the handicap parking!) To promote the image of a "take charge councilperson" of course. But then it seems that no one took charge of filing out the appropriate paper work, this according to Aguirre and the Office of Congressman Xavier Bacerra.

But then this is the same councilman who ignores public records requests.

** On the subject of public records, LA weekly Editor Jill Stewart is the latest scribe to opine on Councilman "Tricky Huizzy's" less than stellar record as a councilperson and purveyor of public documents.

One important fact here in the CLARTS Fund Controversy, from the vague documents that Tricky Huizzy now cites as "transparency in action", is from 2005 to the present, "Tricky Huizzy" has made 11 transfers of $50,000 or more to the "General City Purpose" account. In addition, Tricky Huizzy has steered $1.217 million dollars into his "Council Office" account. This totals to $1.767 million dollars of the CLARTS Fund that has been allocated for what?

...... and now you see the need for "true line-item transparency".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis Zine faces a major dilemna as he is allegedly dating a woman who is a lobbyist for a major firm that was denied a lucrative contract at LAX.  The firm is now protesting that decision.  Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in West Los Angeles told the South Bay Daily Breeze that Zine should recuse himself from voting on the contract.  Because Zine is not married to the lobbyist and would not personally benefit, it may not be illegal for him to participate in deliberations.  However Stern said  "He shouldn't be participating in a decision that involves somebody he's dating, and he certainly shouldn't be the one leading the charge on this. It just doesn't look appropriate."

The State of California desperately needs money and USC wants to buy the Coliseum, next door to the campus and the home of it's football games.  The Coliseum Commission, as well as Council members Jan Perry and Bernard Parks are saying "hold the phone."

Read more »

Why Paul Krekorian Will Easily Win Re-Election

He meets with community leaders, listens and delivers.  Any other Clowncil members or wannabe Clowncil members doing that?

2011 Predictions

It's that time again...putting on my Carnac hat and predicting the future.  Once again I predict that at least 50% of these predictions will not come true.

Stephen Box will defeat Tom LaBonge in a run-off election. However this will follow a massive, unrecoverable gaffe by LaBonge in a debate with Box and fellow candidate Tomas O'Grady in which LaBonge makes a comment that infuriates Neighborhood Council leaders.  Box and O'Grady will actually team up to press LaBonge on it; Box's higher name ID will push him ahead of O'Grady in the primary.

A major fishwrap in Los Angeles will announce it's closing it's doors.

Councilman Richard Alarcon will be plea down on charges he broke the law by registering to vote and running for office from a District he did not allegedly live in however neither he nor his wife will see any jail time.  However, Alarcon will be forced to resign from his seat, causing a major North Valley scramble to take the seat in a special election sometime in the fall, one that will make the CD2 special election of 2009 look like a child's tea party.

Blogger Mulholland Terrace will put his StreetHassle blog on lockdown, making it only available to Mike Gatto, via invitation.

CD2 candidate Augosto Bisani will fail to garner even 5% of the vote in the primary against Paul Krekorian. However he will be discovered by the History Channel and see his business to become the next one to become a reality show.

Senator Dianne Feinstein will announce she is not seeking another term for the US Senate in 2012. LA Mayor Antonio Villaraiogsa will be among several who declare to run to replace her.

Twitter and Facebook will attempt to merge prompting a nasty response from both the California and US Justice Department.  The case will take many years to resolve.

Rudy Martinez will handily defeat Jose Huizar for City Council.  Following this, Huizar campaign consultant Mike Trujillo will quit politics for good and enter the ministry.

Blogger Don Garza will announce he is purchasing Carl's Jr, change the name to Godzilla's Jr, and add a bacon grease smoothie to the menu.

In a surprise move, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will appoint blogger and former Daily News editor Ron Kaye to the Planning Commission.

UTLA will attempt to get into the charter school business.

The Los Angeles Lakers will win their 18th World Championship against the Orlando Magic in Game 5 at the  Staples Center. The win will be followed by the worst post-championship riots in sporting history leading to several top LAPD brass being terminated.

The History Channel's "Pawn Stars" team will announce the opening of a branch of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop at LA Live.  The store will be less so a traditional pawn shop as more so selling merchandise from the show and other History Channel merchandise. Mayor Villaraigosa will attend the grand opening and attempt to pawn his "Born to Raise Hell" tattoo.

This is why CD2 loves Paul Krekorian

Paul Krekorian began his job representing Council District 2 (practically on day one) by flying in an LAFD helicopter over the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountain range to assess the potential debris flow danger that threatened the Crescenta Valley communities of CD2 (Surprise! Sunland-Tujunga is not in the San Fernando Valley).

The heavy rains had arrived, and Sunland-Tujunga was bracing for the worst. There was some damage, but miraculously, the foothill communities managed to dodge a potentially devastating bullet that year. Councilman Krekorian set up command centers, opened North Valley City Hall as a refuge for police, rescue workers, and anyone else that needed shelter and food. He, and his staff, were available and providing needed services throughout the storm season.

A year later (these photos are from last Thursday), we are very pleased to see the Councilman once again taking the lead in watching over our community.

This is how the job is done right.

Merry Christmas

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"

Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 8-14

Gretzky 1991-2010, "Political Christmas Cards will never be the same"

The "Pet the Cat" card was classic"

"Gretzky is playing with the mices in a better place"

First, a bloggin Merry Christmas from us here at Mayor Sam, we hope that our diverse group of viewers are enjoying this most sacred day with your respective families.

But we want to have a moment of silence ......................, for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's cat "Gretzky", who has gone on to a greater kitty place.

Each year, especially in a election year, we receive the normal pandering holiday message from our assorted politicos. But the best by far year after year, was the Sanchez holiday card and its star Gretzky. We have seen Gretzky in many incarnations. But now with Gretzky chasing his furballs in kitty heaven, we have lost a politico holiday icon.

Gretzky will surely be missed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! and our thoughts go out to Gretzky's next of kit.

Scott Johnson in CD 14

The Actual Reason for the Season

No-nonsense and straight forward!

The Real Reason for the Season

Happy Holidays from all of us at Mayor Sam! Please enjoy the movie!

Important Weather Related Information for The Foothills

From ABC7

County roads within the Station Fireburn area remained closed Tuesday, including Angeles Forest Highway,Big Tujunga Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Residents living in the burn areas are not permitted to use the roads until the closures are lifted.

Los Angeles residents in flood-prone areas can pick up sand and sandbags from the following locations, according to the L.A. Emergency Management Department:

• Fire Station 24, 9411 Wentworth St., Sunland
• Fire Station 91, 14430 Polk St., Sylmar
• Council District 2 field office, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
• vacant lot at the corner of Day Street and Pali Avenue, Tujunga

The Los Angeles City Emergency Management Department will continue to monitor weather reports and the impact on the previously burned areas throughout the duration of the storm. Additional information is available at:

• UpdateLA (http://www.updatela.com/)
• ReadyLA (http://www.readyla.org/)
• Twitter (http://twitter.com/readyla)
• Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/readyla)
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Works CARE (http://www.dpwcare.org)

Lopez for Mayor?

George Lopez to Run For LA Mayor: MyFoxLA.com

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Joe B has prodded me to do a Hotsheet even though it is Christmastime and I don't feel like it. So here I go and he probably won't like this.

If you are into things like City Design Guidelines then Ron Kaye has a nice Christmas present for you.

Used to be a big deal in the media who Mayor Parkervillar was dating. Now, they're just not into him anymore. Dennis Zine is LA's newest municipal stud.

The Sezmi $20 a month over the air "cable-like" television service is going out of business.

Even though Democrats currently control all three branches of the Federal Government somehow it's the Republicans' fault the DREAM Act didn't pass. Next up Democrats will be blaming Republicans for the demise of the dinosaurs, the Spanish Inquisition and the cancellation of the 1978 NBC television show "Supertrain."

My friend Phil Jennerjahn still thinks the SEIU wanted him as a keynote speaker for a protest outside the Parkervillar manse. Phil - two words for you - cable pundit.

I guess Tom LeBong wanted to be the center attraction and not the moon itself during a Griffith Observatory program on Monday night's rare Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse. Makes sense since Tom likes to have everything be in his shadow. I sure hope Tomas O'Grady and Stephen Box are serious. We can't afford four more years of this clown which then greases (no pun intended) the skids for Mike "The Situation" Gatto. Excellent work as always by the folks at Griffith Park Wayist.

Christmas Cancelled in West Hollywood

If you're a city worker in West Hollywood and expect that Christmas will be one of the 13.5 city holidays you receive annually, guess again.

Former Boi from Troy blogger and current WeHo Council Candidate Scott Schmidt points out that the City will be open for business on Christmas Eve, the legal federal holiday for Christmas this year as Christmas falls on a Saturday.

Should a city employee wish to take the day off to spend with their families they must take it as a floating holiday.

Imagine that?

However New Years' Eve is a WeHo city holiday and City Hall will be closed. No doubt to get an early start on the drinking and frolicking "the Creative City" is known for.

English language version of Friday's La Opinion story on Councilman Huizar's diversion of the CLARTS Fund into "Council account"

You made the headlines again Councilman Huizar.

Nice to see that Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council President Jose Aguilar is pro-active in pursuing documentation on the pass usage of the CLARTS Fund.

From Friday's edition of the Spanish-language newspaper La Opinion, we bring you a quality translation of the Councilman Jose Huizar story which details his questionable usage of the CLARTS Fund.

Of interest as you read the story by La Opinion Reporter Isaias Alvarado is the Nixonian responses of CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar. Huizar called the on-going efforts of the Voice Newspaper, El Sereno Neighborhood Council, the former Garment and Citizen Newspaper and his recent appointment to the MTA Advisory Board BHNC President Jose Aguilar, part of a "dirty political war". Moving on into conspiracy lala land, Councilman Huizar "explains" to La Opinion that The Voice Newspaper "operates in favor of his political opponents". That's questionable, considering that it was this blogger who authored the CLARTS Fund story for The Voice, under no pre-texts, except to demand that the councilman give a full accounting to the community on the current status of the fund. I guess that simple request gets me added to Huizzy's enemies list.

Then there is the subject of the countdown, The Voice had no role in our periodic reminder to Mayor Sam readers that the councilman was derelict in responding to a formal Public Records request. But hey, when you're floundering to come up with spin to explain your unlawful disregard for disclosing public records, then floundering and fumbling for words is what Huizar does best when cornered with the truth of his unethical conduct. This should be familiar territory for him.

But why is Tricky Huizzy now having to deal with controversies that are of his creation? maybe this quote will give you a glimpse of Tricky Huizzy's mind set. "They want to create controversy where there is none and I am not going to guide them to where the information is." Can someone get the petulant little Huizzy a CLARTS Fund paid-for pacifier pronto, then remind him of this, IT IS YOUR JOB TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION WHEN REQUESTED FORMALLY UNDER THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT!

That also goes for that $150,000 CRA outreach contract to CASA 0101 theater group , your lack of leadership in making sure a church remains open on Olvera Street, giving a $25,000 CRA grant to the Boyle Heights Farmers Market, and then a $15,000 CRA grant to the El Sereno Farmers Market. We have the right to ask for documentation on how these grants and issues were dealt with by you councilman.

But then that makes me an enemy of the councilman. Thus, I can look forward to never being invited to a "Huevos with Huizzy"....., when he re enters the private sector in March.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

"Don't Ask Don't Tell" has Ended, 1993-2010

"Don't Ask Don't Tell" turns into "Don't Care", finally!  Welcome home Gay and Lesbian military personnel!

In related news, John McCain blows a gasket.

The DREAM Act, and the hope it promised, dies in Senate

Thousands of children who were brought here to the US by their parents years ago will now continue to live in the shadows of society. They cannot obtain a driver's license, work legally, and will continue to face major barriers to higher education and permanent residency. Shame on the GOP (with the help of 5 Dems) for establishing a permanent and tragic sub-class of kids and young adults who only want to live, learn, and work in the only home most of them have ever known. DREAM Act supporters are devastated to say the least.

Myths of the Dream Act.

Mini-wet climate change for Southern California next week

Who thought that our climate would of change so quick thanks to Mayor Antonio Villar?

Water vapor with its carbon compound heading to Southern California.

Did Al Gore predict this? Was it the leadership of Mayor Antonio Villar and a bunch of other green mayors of the world, who with their little pens, signed a photo-op-inspired climate accord, that has since brought us record cold and now potential record rainfall to Los Angeles? But on the bright side, Mayor's Villar's Annual Icelandic Adventures Host Keith Brackpool may get enough residue moisture to refill his Cadiz Aquifer in the East Mojave.

But seriously, our friends in the foothills whether in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, El Sereno, Mission Hills and especially in Sunland-Tujunga need to keep both eyes on the skies, them hills and stay away from the storm channels!!. Rain is here and much more is on the pineapple conveyor belt. (see water vapor photo above).

In what is suppose to be an La Nina Winter (those darn "politically-correct climatologists can't get it right), this next series of storms has the character of what we would get in a hyper El Nino episode. Storms impulses, back to back, are lined up with their target on Southern California. For our friends in Sunland-Tujunga be thankful for human beings like Joe Barrett and most important, those dams and debris basins in Big Tujunga Canyon and Haines Canyon respectively. They figure to earn their keep in the stormy days ahead.

The National Weather Service in Oxnard has a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles County with emphasis on the recent burn areas within the mentioned counties. The storm conveyor belt, with its fetch way back into the Western Pacific, may continue on with rain being forecast for Christmas Weekend. Who knows? Santa may want to deputize the fine Swift Water Rescue Teams of LAFD to deliver presents on Christmas Eve?

But in the days ahead, lets remember to take a little extra time to practice due diligence around our respective residences and in executing everyday tasks. Plus, rain is a blessed episode that will bring us a colorful spring, especially for us lovers of desert wildflowers.

........ and for the likes of Mayor Antonio Villar and those on the California Air Resources Board, carbon in water vapor is a good thing. I think the trees and plants would agree.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Outtakes from CD 14: La Opinion outs Councilman Huizar's use of the CLARTS Fund

"Hotel Huizar, where we keep the door way clear for you"

"The truth will come out".

That is what embattled CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar said to a prominent community activist when asked about the status of the Central Los Angeles Refuge Transfer Station (CLARTS) Fund and that day is now, as the La Opinion Newspaper reports in its Friday's edition (Link here to read the the google translation and commentary provided by Ron Kaye).

CD 14 activists, newspapers, neighborhood councils, bloggers (including Ron Kaye and myself) and a former councilperson, have ask both informally and formally through the California Public Records Act, what has become of the amenities fund that was the brainchild of the late Lloyd Monserratt the Chief of Staff of former Councilperson Nick Pacheco?

LA Opinion discloses that Councilman Huizar has almost diverted half of the $2.8 million in the fund into his "city council account" ( salaries? community events that promote Huizzy?). This run contrary to the vision of Nick Pacheco who wanted this amenities account to fund community events within CD 14, without political connotations.

The Spanish counterpart of the Los Angeles Times also cites The Voice Newspaper and Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council President Jose Aguilar as sources for today's report. The Voice Newspaper in its March 2010 edition published a article on the CLARTS Fund that gave its readers a "Cliff Notes" version on the origin and purpose of the fund, while asking Councilman Huizar to brief the community on the current status of the fund, via a formal Public Records Act. BHNC President Jose Aguilar, who was the primary activist in bring community attention to this previously unknown CD 14 exclusive discretionary fund, was given his proper due in the story.

Councilman Huizar in response to today's story ( as best deducted from the Google translation), attacks The Voice Newspaper for creating controversy where none exists. Huizar also attacks The Voice Newspaper for working on the behalf of his political opponents. But one should remind Huizar that it was this blog that kept updating its readers on Huizar's lack of responses to the Public Records Request of both The Voice and the now defunct Garment and Citizen Newspaper on this and other issues.

As of post time, the Rudy Martinez Campaign has not responded to today's La Opinion story. But Huizar might ponder what a difference a little CLARTS Fund allocation to maintaining paramedic staffing levels at Station 16 in El Sereno could have done for this gentleman's family? But then in CD 14, maintaining a proper amount of indifferent staffers is paramount than funding public safety resources.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

2010 Predictions Recap

As is my annual tradition, I make prognostications for the following year, most of which do not come true. That's coming in a few days. However, to be fair of course, it is also my tradition to completely rip apart the predictions I made 12 months (or so) prior and point out how utterly wrong I was. 2010 was a really good year for me to be bad. Here we go:

Janice Hahn will crush Dean Florez in the Democratic primary for Lt Governor and be poised to take on Republican nominee Abel Maldonado. However remarks made by Hahn during a primary debate with Florez will be taken as anti-Latino and tarnish her image with Hispanics who will flock to Maldonado providing him a margin of victory in a Latino year.

Ha.  Could we have been more wrong? The safer wager would have been on our favorite hack and Hahn consultant Michael Trujillo continuing his losing streak;.

An elected Los Angeles official will be arrested by the LAPD, inside City Hall, caught in the act of a significant felony offense causing a political firestorm throughout the City.

Well not exactly on this one BUT we did see a member of the Clowncil get indicted and still may just do the perp walk in 2011.

Day to day management of the Los Angeles Convention Center will be taken over by a private company who will eventually make a buyout offer for the facility that the near bankrupt City can not refuse. A similar effort however by The Walt Disney Company to take over the LA Zoo will fail, however Councilman Tom LaBonge will face a stunning political loss when the City Council votes 14-1 to direct staff to find a lessee for the Zoo.

Okay not exactly but something similar is brewing for the Convention Center.  The Zoo and Disney? No.  Stunning loss for LaBonge? Stay tuned.

The bloggers behind the Griffith Park Wayist blog will put together an activist network rivaling that of the Saving Los Angeles Project. The group will quickly catch on with a membership base more diverse in age and race than SLAP and move forward in recruiting bicycle activist Stephen Box to run against Councilman Tom LaBonge in the 2011 race.

Not so much but the blog was active in boosting Box who is now a candidate against LeBong.  What we didn't predict for GPW was the secession from Griffith Park of it's most notable blogger. The stay-at-home blogger was replaced by local environmentalist Bill Haller, who has articulately skewed much of the coverage even further left than MT.  Haller has done that however with the air of peace that was much needed at the blog which consistently does an excellent and eclectic job in covering the local scene.

Former Mayoral candidate Phil Jennerjahn will earn the GOP nomination for the 33rd Congressional District but lose to current Rep. Dianne Watson by the lowest margin ever for a Republican challenger in that significanlty Democratic district.

Don't start.

Blogger Zach Behrens will be hired as an analyst for FoxNews Network and become the "house liberal" for their late night talk show "Red Eye."

Nope.  But would be cool!

Mayor Villaraigosa will team up with celebrity Chef Bobby Flay on an episode of the Food Network's "Iron Chef America" going up against a team of Wolfgang Puck and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

This was a joke to start with; however Mayor Villar did do continue his more notable celebrity teaming up of a different sort, going on a double date with LuParker and Ryan Seacrest. 

LA District Attorney Steve Cooley will easily garner the Republican nomination for State Attorney General and crush San Francisco DA Kamala Harris in the General Election.

Yes.  No.  But close.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will win the World Series in game five against the Oakland As.

Wrong part of the state but still a California win.

Republicans will gain 7 seats in the US Senate and 35 in the House but not come close enough to recapture control. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will however fail to garner re-election in his home state of Nevada.

Gain of 6 in the Senate, not a bad prediction.  On the House I was way off but I'm not complaining.  Harry Reid, well at least JoeB is happy.

The next big thing in the tech world that will be used by political candidates is a site that combines elements of text messaging and a calendar with social networking. The site will allow many grass roots candidates to quickly assemble groups of supporters to drive voters to the polls.

I really don't know what I was talking about here.  Uh, perhaps Facebook???

And finally more than half these predictions will not come true.

THAT I got right!

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

Thomas L. Barrett  12/10/62- 12/14/10

In case you didn't realize it yet, the end is very near.

And while we're waiting, San Jose steps up righteously, and becomes the largest US city to ban the environmental devastating plastic bag. Now it is time for the City of LA to do the same!

J. Michael Hagopian, a filmmaker that spent his life gathering the testimonies of over 400 Armenian Genocide survivors has passed away at the age of 97;

-The filmmaker was a survivor of the genocide, which historians estimate resulted in the deaths of as many as 1.5 million Armenians in Ottoman-ruled Turkey beginning in 1915. The Turkish government acknowledges a smaller number of deaths and attributes them to war, famine and disease, not genocide. It also contends that both Turks and Armenians lost their lives.
Hagopian's determination to refute the Turkish claims led him to his life's work: compiling 400 interviews with Armenian genocide survivors and witnesses. He used their accounts in several films on the World War I-era disaster that historians consider the first major genocide of the 20th century.
"My main aim during all these 40 or 50 years was to catch our history for the future," Hagopian said in a video tribute to him in April arranged by Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian.
"It's an extraordinarily special thing to have a survivor of the genocide be the world's leading chronicler" of the event, Krekorian, whose ancestors came from the same Armenian village as Hagopian's family, said in an interview Tuesday. "There are a relative handful of survivors left throughout the world, which is precisely why his life's work is so critically important. Without that work, the memories that all of these witnesses carried with them would have been lost to history."

In the Oh No You Didn't Take Away My Parking Pass department; nothing will piss off volunteer NC members and activists faster than not being able to park for free at City Hall. CD2 spokesman Jeremy Oberstein is working overtime to smooth the ruffled feathers.

Paul Hatfield sees an encouraging sign in Governor-Elect Jerry Brown's willingness to go after a sacred cow.

Finally, a sweet goodnight wish for my dear brother, Thomas Barrett, who passed away yesterday at the tender age of 48. You are in my heart and I will miss you so much.

Navigant (Energy) Consulting's Ron Nichols nominated by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as next DWP General Manager

On the eve of a possible City Council override of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's veto of a proposed city ballot measure that would give the council 2/3 powers to remove DWP commissioners and executives, Mayor Villaraigosa nominated a long-time energy consultant as the next General Manager of the embattled public utility.

Ron Nichols of the Navigant Consulting Firm bring years of experience in the energy field and is well-verse in California's recent energy issues. Navigant Counsulting is one of the main project managers for the California Sustainability Alliance, which is a who's who of energy policy wonks, working on "removing barriers to creating a green sustainabilty, on background alone, Nichols clearly is qualify for the GM position.

But the question here as in all GM appointments in the Villaraigosa era at City Hall, is whether Nichols has the political acumen to navigate the various political enclaves at the DWP and City Hall? Will Nichol's background in public-private partnerships continue to pay dividents for the likes of Ari Swiller, S. David Freeman and Keith Brackpool?

But most important, will Nichols win the blessings of DWP overlord and IBEW strongman Brian D'Arcy? If this happens, then meet your next DWP General Manager Ron Nichols.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Happy Holidays from Nate Holden!

Is Nate Holden saying "the taxes are 2 damn high?"

We miss Nate.  It is really too bad he pre-dated Mayor Sam.

Year End Predictions

In the next day or two I'll recap my LA political predictions for 2010. Warning, I sucked worse this year than most. Then, I'll post up prognostications for 2011.

In the meantime, feel free to post your own here.  Let's try to see how many DO NOT involve Phi Jennerjahn.

Louis Pugliese Makes Announcement Regarding His District 3 School Board Campaign

(A short while ago, MayorSam received the following communique from Louis Pugliese);

Dear Friends,

Last week, the city clerk's office verified my ballot petitions, qualifying me to appear on the ballot as a candidate for the LAUSD District 3 Board seat in the upcoming March election.

I had decided to enter the race knowing that there were a field of other potential candidates willing to face the incumbent. As it has turned out, a number of candidates did not qualify, and the UTLA favorite also withdrew her name, leaving only my opponent and myself in nomination. While a campaign against an incumbent is always tough, I am now in the position of running once again without the support of either the teacher's union or of community groups aligned with the Mayor.

I find myself left with a difficult decision- to either concede to my opponent and withdraw my name from the ballot by the deadline tomorrow, or to remain in nomination to promote what I feel are the best ideas for our city's children, and to ensure that voters will at least have a choice in this critical time for public schools.

Tonight I have chosen the latter. I am announcing my official candidacy for the LAUSD Board of Education seat in District 3. I look forward to seeing you all on the campaign, and expect that this third time will certainly be the "charm."

Thank you for your support. Please visit my website and contribute whatever you can.

Lou4Schools.com

Sincerely,

Louis Pugliese

Home Depot Comes Out of Hiding, Posts Signs, Hires Dancing Santa Clown

Lonely Santa clown looking for customers

There's Home Depot!

After operating as a clandestine "Not a Home Depot" tree stand at 8040 Foothill in Sunland since Dec 1st, the geniuses at Home Depot have finally realized their amateur ruse wasn't working. Being outed here on Mayor Sam probably didn't help either. They've now hired a dancing Santa clown to try and improve dismal sales. Meanwhile, a few blocks away, long time local resident and tree vendor, Kathy Anthony, is seeing a booming business!

Jane Barnett re-elected as Chairperson of the Los Angeles County Republican Party

" Just re-elected Chairperson of the Los Angeles County Republican Party Jane Barnett"

According to multiple sources, Jane Barnett was re-elected Chairperson of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County by a 100-60 vote.

In addition to Barnett, the slate backed by Barnett were elected to the Executive Board with a couple of exceptions. But while some within the county party community were predicting a caustic battle for control of the county party structure, the tone of today's proceedings were set early on when Barnett extending her hand in friendship to Robert Vaughn. It was Vaughn and a few others who had taken their dispute with the selection of the current board, to court where their grievance was denied.

After the voting today was completed, Barnett's first act was to call for unity and sit with Vaughn, her challenger Former POW Colonel John Fer and others, in a round table dialog to heal the wounds of the past battle for party control. One person who was in attendance stated, that the Fer-led contingent was well organize for today's election but the majority citing the up swing in donations and party registrations, felt that the Barnett-led slate deserved two more years to show continue improvements.

But the overwhelming theme of today's party election was reconciliation, which could not come none too soon as a "Blue California" heads onwards to its date with financial reckoning. Thus, the big question here is whether the Republicans in the county and state-wide, will have a message of inclusiveness and fiscal salvation, ready to sell to their respective electorates?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Evening Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Thursday

"This is the latest incarnation of Me!"

Who will be the latest political incarnation of the child born Antonio Ramon Villar Jr. in 2013?

From our sources, we know that the possibility of continuing with the "Villaraigosa brand" is remote, courtesy of the recent final divorce proceedings between Antonio and his now ex. wife Corina.

But as Ron Kaye reports, a possible reverting back to his maiden name of Villar, is not slowing down the process of reinventing the current Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for post 2013 political escapades. And based upon Kaye's latest post, jet-setting to the latest global photo-ops hot spot will remain a constant as he reports.

The trial run of the post-mayor Antonio Villar incarnation, featured a transformative politico who attacks the teacher unions as being the root of the problem in education, as he did in Sacramento on Tuesday. This from the same guy who use to sit across the table from Former LAUSD Administrator now School Board Member Richard "Dr. Death" Vladovic, as a UTLA union rep, in disciplinary proceedings back in the 20th Century.

We should also remember the soon to be "Green Policy Guru Antonio Villar" who's recent leadership in signing some Municipal Global Warming compact in Mexico City, is most likely responsible for our recent string of record-breaking cold temperatures.

Then there is the "Municipal Economic Guru Antonio Villar" who flew to Chicago to educate the lesser mayors of America on the finer points of his "30 in 10 Transportation Plan". These lesser politicos should remember the part about fast tracking more construction contracts into the hands of unions and campaign contributors that somehow gets left out of our local press.

But whether it is five years from now or ten and multiple telebimbos girlfriends in between, when one peel aways the multi-layers of the child born as Antonio Ramon Villar's political incarnations. They will always find the street -hustling kid from City Terrace known to his homies as just "Tony".

OTHER NEWS:

** Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina is none too happy with her fellow MTA Board Members who voted to compensate Expo Line contractors $28.5 million dollars for construction delays.

** AEG President Tim LIEweke wants his willing servants within the Horseshoe to decide by March (hear that Jan?), whether to green light his plan to tear down part of the Convention Center and built a neww football stadium.

** What will "Brown" do for you? That will be up for you to decide in a summer special election if Geriatric Moonbeam has is way. BTW, love how all of the "Kennedy Republican's" fellow democratic staffers are being retained by Jerry?

** From the LAUSD Couruption Blotter: Bassam Raslan pleaded guilty to a conflict of interest charge for hiring people from his own company to work on the district's construction program. We seem to remember a upcoming fundraiser for LAUSD District Five School Board Candidate and current School Board President Monica Garcia's Chief of Staff Luis Sanchez. Further, if I remember correctly, the host of this fundraiser are "construction industry types" (TELACU and the Seville Group come to mind). Things that make you go hmmmm.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Outtakes from CD 14: "Team Huizzy/Villar going the sleaze route"

"Team Huizzy/Villar is watching you!!"

Hola from a undisclosed location within CD 14 where the prying eyes of Team Huizzy/Villar, cannot see our efforts in bring you the latest on the dirty chisme that suffices for campaign news.

From the "private hilltop bunker" above CD 14/1/South Pasadena, Parke Skelton unleashes his latest attack that the LA Weekly covers this morning. Parke's M.O. is all over this "leak" as the Weekly reports that somehow CD 14 Candidate Rudy Martinez had an authentic LAPD badge on his possession and was linked to former LAPD Deputy Chief David Kalish, who was one of the first openly gay command officers on the force.

Kalish, who Martinez met as a LAPD Explorer Scout and is an employer for the candidate's house-flipping firm Piedmont Financial, was relieved of duty in 2003 while under investigation for allegations that he had molested a explorer under his charge. But the Weekly cites a reliable source who states that Kalish "was exonerated in court". Martinez who was a explorer at the same time of the alleged molestation, cites Kalish as a mentor and father figure in his response to the Weekly post today.

For those who have met Martinez and listen to his life story, one will find that he has the upmost respect for law enforcement and would find it hard that he would do anything to lose the trust of many, that he had befriended in the law enforcement community.

But what is amusing here in Parke's latest attempt to smear Martinez and introduce "innuendos" into the CD 14 elections proceedings, is that fact that Councilman Jose Huizar has used LAPD and General Services Police resources on multiple occasions to "monitor or prevent actions"( ask Elena Popp what happen to her at the "Great CD 14 Filibuster") of CD 14 constituents, that would cast Councilman Huizar in a negative light (notice photo above?).

but most egregious here is the "smear by association" of former LAPD Deputy Chief David Kalish and Rudy Martinez. Lets hold nothing back here by stating that while the badge issue is one worthy of further vetting, the fact that the same "LAPD tipster" would seek to introduce some sort of "inappropiate innuendo" regarding the relationship between Kalish and Martinez, deserves to be denounced and condemn by all within the diverse CD 14 community. Can we discuss the issues, not supposed innuendos regarding two now business associates past relationship?

** By the way, the supposed LAPD tipster might be interested to see and hear what Councilman Huizar had to say about the supposed unprovoked actions of his colleagues on an infamous day in recent LA history. Or more likely it wasn't a LAPD officer who provided the tip to the LA Weekly?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Former SEIU 660 President Alejandro Stephens to serve four months in prison

"Former SEIU 660 President Alejandro Stephens contemplates jail time".

Four months, probably less with good behavior.

But for disgraced former SEIU Local 660 President Alejandro Stephens, the stigma of contributing to debunking the legacy of the late Los Angeles County Labor Federation Leader Miguel Contreras, will weigh on Stephens for life in the labor community.

Stephens enters jail today, having pleaded guilty to tax evasion and federal mail fraud. His plea was the byproduct of a 2004 scheme that funneled $52,000 from the Contreras created Voter Improvement Project (VIP), into campaign coffers, for his successful election as President of SEIU Local 660. Local 660 is the primary union for 50,000+ LA County workers.

While Stephens is the only person doing jail time, the likes of former girlfriend and California SEIU Leader Arnelle Grajeda ("A.G."), son Carlos Grajeda ("C.G.") and Contreras ("M.C."), were listed by federal investigators as "co-schemers. The feds also questioned former SEIU International Leader Andy Stern, on whether he provided Stephens with a "no show position", but no accusations or charges are pending.

For SEIU, the Stephens conviction is the latest embarrassment for the union in Los Angeles. Stephens and Grajeda join the likes of former SEIU 6434 Leader Tyrone Freeman, who looted union coffers and directed those monies to dubious non-profits with ties to family members. Freeman also attempted to raise the dues of some of his poorest members and directed them into financial resources for LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas campaign. Freeman was removed by SEIU and awaits any legal repercussions stemming from his various schemes. The excessive dues that were taken from his members, were made whole by the union.

But the biggest hit here, besides Stephens doing jail time, is to the legacy of the late Miguel Contreras. With the conviction of Stephens, which by the way, was an outgrowth of the Martin Ludlow/ SEIU 99 investigation and convictions and mixed it with the dubious political follies of Contreras disciples former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. the Contreras Legacy is forever tarnish.

The harsh reality is that political historians will look back upon the supposed golden era of the Labor Left in Los Angeles and see where destructive narcissus behavior, mixed with financial excesses in the labor-dominated halls of governments, led us to our looming day of financial reckoning.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

** Bloggers note: I served with Carlos Grajeda on the City of Commerce Part-Time Union Board which was part of the old SEIU Local 347, under the ethical and democratic leadership of then General Manager Julie Butcher. During my time as Treasurer and Secretary, many of us knew of the linkage of Stephens and the Grajedas. But none of us knew of the scheme which resulted in the legal proceedings, that are the premise for this post.