Notes from the "Flea Party Bug Out" via the LAPD

Los Angeles Sanitation Worker Gino Ramirez cleaning up after the Flea Party/Red Rabble Bug Out. Photo via the L.A. Times.

Mayor Antonio (Pollo?)Villar and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck at 3:25 A.M. Press Conference on South Lawn. Media and LAPD/Mayor Villar butted heads over restrictions on the coverage regarding the removal of the Flea Party, as reported by Ron Kaye and the LA Weekly.

Thoughts:

The Los Angeles edition of Goerge Soros/SEIU/Van Jones "Occupy and incite Class Warfare Crusade", met it's demise tn the pre-dawn hours. What once was lush green space around 200 Spring Street is now a barren, littered wasteland of debris from the rabble that once had an open invitation to stay as long as they wish. But as on-site conditions worsen and political slap back mounted, Mayor Villar was politically boxed into a no-win corner and gave the LAPD permission to clean out the encampment. ** What is needed now is an open and transparent audit on the cost of this progressive rabble and suggestions how the city can recoup the financial outlays of this Free Speech campout. **Afternoon Update: CD 12 City Councilman Mitch Englander has answered the challenge.

The numbers:

200 292 arrests with bail set for most at $5,000.

1400 LAPD officers deployed.

** Financial costs will come later with ensuing debate. 

Winners:

Professionalism of the Rank & File LAPD.

Any 2013 mayoral candidate outside of City Hall (Zev, Kevin or Rick) who can highlight the hypocrisy of city resources being utilize for this debacle.

Mayor Sam "clickety clicks".

SEIU's Mike Garcia.

Hands on leadership of LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.

Social Media.

Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council Member and Occupy LA Red Rabble Organizer Mario Brito who's cooperation with LAPD reduce the potential for violence during last night Flea Party Bug Out.

Losers: 

City Council President Eric Garcetti's "stay as long as you wish pledge".

City Council Occupy LA Resolution.

** Fee Waivers, the cost of Occupy LA's "fee waiver" may set a record that would make El Grito's financial favors look like a family picnic for four.

"Porta Potty usage" according to sanitation official.

Via KFI's Shannon Farron

Mayor Antonio (Pollo)Villar who's decision making was predicated by the wishes of SEIU, County Labor Ferderation and national political aspirations.

"LA Occupy with their leftist bias Times".

The now un-occupy informer section of the online LA Weekly.

President Obama.

Local unions.

Mayor (Pollo) Villar/LAPD media transparency.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

MayorSam's Twitter Feed Covering OccupyLA

LA Weekly: "L.A. Occupiers Warn That Police Sweep Is Imminent"

Sunday Night Gathering of the Occupying Red Rabble. Tonight may be the final General Assembly.

The LA Weekly and KCAL is reporting with good background, that tonight is the grand finale for Occupy LA. The odds get better that brown, dirty ground will be omnipresent tomorrow around City Hall, considering that Mayor Antonio Villar used the "child safety excuse", as the basis of his reasoning for wanting an end to this "deconstructive form of expression".

We will utilize this post to relay up to date information as the night progresses.
** KCAL is covering a chase that ended in a crash near Lowell (Farnsworth) and Allen in Eastern El Sereno. Citizens on the ground report that LAPD was no where to be seen on the ground. This could be because resources have been diverted to a possible action in Downtown L.A. KCAL and LASD is reporting that their resources are on scene with LAPD en route--- Scott Johnson at 8:55 P.M. ** Follow up, it took LAPD a hour to show up at chase terminus in El Sereno.
** Ron Kaye is reporting that LAPD is strictly stage managing media coverage of their takedown of Occupy LA.
** LAPD mobilizing at Dodger Stadium, sources told this blogger that tonight would be the end game.
** LAPD has gone to Tactical Alert. MTA buses bring police to City Hall.
** LAPD dealing with fireworks, streets are block off, this should be a long process as the crowd has swollen throughout the day. Fox TV is reporting that some protesters are armed with "slingshots and marbles".
** The "Westside White Guy" made his way east of the 405 to log field reports on tonight's events. Gunning for another Pulitzer. ** Update: "WWG " back on the westside of "405 Curtain". * 10:25 update: Out of power, back at home base. On the way, the traffic reporter on KNX forced a laugh, saying deadpan that there was some sort of police activity at 1st and Main due to "a large demonstration." Duh. On TV, KCAL's chopper pilot just said he's under an agreement with LAPD not to give tactical details, but called the staging activity at Dodger Stadium the largest LAPD mobilization he has ever seen.
Link here for coverage from the Occupy LA Times.
** Fox News interviewing LAPD "Comm. Smith" reports "peaceful arrests" but alot of strangers in the crowd.
** This is getting boring ....which is the game plan of LAPD to wait out the Red Rabble. (11:55 P.M.)
** LAPD has enter the South Lawn. People are being arrested and taken to Frank McCourt's parking lot at Dodger Stadium. Situation is very fluid.
** Chief Beck is out and about leading the operation, he just gave the Flea Party another 10 minutes to vacate.
** What happens here on is will determine whether Chief Beck gets a second term.
Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

"Oh Mario y Maribel!", A Political Novella via the San Fernando Sun

** Afternoon Update: We found this video of the San Fernando City Council celebrating the city's 100 Birthday. Can you find the "Tonto" and his "Council Sancha"?

City of San Fernando Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Council "Sancha" Maribel de la Torre.

City Council Sancha Maribel de la Torre sister and former Assemblywoman/San Fernando Councilwoman Cindy Montanez. 

The mayor's wife Anna, who's position in the front row cause her cheating husband to admit his current relationship with former Assemblywoman and San Fernando Councilperson Cindy Montanez sister Councilwoman Maribel de la Torre.

** Bloggin Disclaimer: The following blog post contains explicit content of power, betrayal and lust run amok in the City of San Fernando. The characters are too many for civic ethical comfort but what many are discussing are potentially "disgusting Brown Act violations" by city leaders Mayor Mario Hernandez and Councilwoman Maribel de la Torre. The San Fernando Sun Newspaper has all the lurid details on an affair that has serious ethical ramifications for the City of San Fernando. Thus, move over "Antonio y Mirthala" as we bring you excerpts from "Mario y Maribel"---Scott Johnson. 

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Afternoon Briefs according to Orlov on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The Daily News Longtime City Hall Beat Writer Rick Orlov (light blue shirt) working County supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Photo via Neon Tommy and ** taken by now LA Weekly Freelance Writer Hillel Aron.

While the Los Angeles Times has gone to 24/7 Occupy L.A. coverage, the Daily News City Hall Beat Writer Rick Orlov continues his decades-long endeavor to uncover the scoops within City Hall. In honor of his due diligence over the decades and the fact that everybody else in media is fixated on the "Occupy L.A. endgame" (coming no time soon) , we bring you Orlov's Briefs on Monday.

** Orlov reports on City Controller Wendy "The Valley" Greuel's latest "Press Release Audit" that highlights some "missing money" ($1.7 Million) at the "welfare agency" to the connected elites and corporations in Los Angeles known as CRA/LA. We took the time to browse through the actual report and found this little CD 14 nugget which highlights how CRA money goes PUFF!

The March 14, 2011 AB 1290 fund status report reported a $15,000 commitment and $15,000 expenditure for the Adelante Eastside RPA for the El Sereno Farmer’s Market.  Both transactions reference the same Council authorization (CF10-1881).  However, the Council only authorized $15,000 to be transferred to the City to help fund the El Sereno Farmer’s Market.  The transfer was made in February 2011 and is appropriately reported  as an expenditure for the RPA.  However, there is no other Council authorization to commit an additional $15,000 for the Farmer’s Market.  While the commitment did not impact the cash transfer from the CRA to the City on March  15, 2011, the additional commitment overstates what the Council approved as a designated use of the AB 1290 funds. 

We should note that both proprietors are close Councilman Huizar supporters for the record.

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Like-minded radicals equates with continuing Occupy L.A. Standoff

Blogger's notes: As of 10 A.M., Occupy LA still stands (and seeking legal protection) after some overnight theatrics that resulted in four arrests and Mayor Villar has taken to the official Tahoe in pursuit of media outlets that will give him air time to discuss his vague deadline in an grass less lot at City Hall. Make no doubt that Mayor Villar's support of the grievances of the Occupy Movement and more important, respect for the behind the scenes backers (County Labor Federation, SEIU), are the reasons that LAPD has been held back from enforcing the law. But another reason for Mayor Villar's dovish behavior in the Occupy LA farce, can be found in his radical youth and the similarities with Occupy LA Red Rabble Organizer Mario Brito as we note below. Meanwhile, the damage and cost piles on---Scott Johnson.                                     .

 Lincon Heights Neighborhood Council Member and Occupy L.A. Red Rabble Organizer Mario Brito, shares the same "radical DNA" as a certain campus organizer below 

City Terrace native Tony Villar knows something about occupying public buildings in the pursuit of a radical political agenda. Villar would go on to change his name and persona in the pursuit of political office.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Last couple hours of Occupy LA

The "Red Rabble" gathers one last time on the South Steps of City Hall.

** Its 12:10 A.M. and the "Red Rabble" has blew off Mayor Villar's deadline.

Its 10 P.M. and the party continues at the last night gathering of extended "brothers and sisters" at Occupy L.A. Information from the various on-site news agencies, twitter feeds from Occupy L.A., politico communiques and law enforcement officials give a confusing picture on what will happen when the "collective bong" goes out at midnight (more likely burn on until the police extinguish).

 The Occupy L.A. Twitter stream reports that General Services Police will close the park at Midnight and start arrests (city parks are under the jurisdiction of GSP). Meanwhile as I type, the "Red Rabble is in General Assembly with estimates of nearly a thousand people in attendance. Mayor Antonio Villar announced earlier that the "Red Rabble" would have ample time to pack and move on to the next George Soros/SEIU/Van Jones production 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Neon Tommy: "Occupy L.A. Plans to Resist Monday Eviction"

Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council Member and Occupy LA Red Rabble Organizer Mario Brito (center) defending Occupy LA's cooperation with the LAPD to an anti-LAPD KPFK Pacifica Radio Commentator (right). That cooperation with LAPD and the end of Occupy LA should come in the pre-dawn hours on Monday.

No surprise here at the report from the USC Annenberg School of Journalism and Communication's "Neon Tommy" Online Publication, that the "Red Rabble" occupying City Hall park space, will symbolically resist LAPD's efforts to remove them after tonight's 12:01 A.M. deadline. After all, what is a life protesting the "one percent" if you never get arrested?

As we near the last noon hour on Sunday for Occupy LA, Neon Tommy reported that various sub-groups within the Occupy LA collective, were planning diverse methods of resisting LAPD when removal time come tomorrow

In the smaller sessions, some said they would lock arms to resist police and others said they would sit on the ground and refuse orders to move. The so-called Raid Committee discussed plans for all those who avoid getting arrested to gather less than a mile away at Union Station. Not everyone camped at at City Hall plans to get arrested. "We're going to challenge them. We have the right to assemble. At the very minimum we deserve a 30-day eviction notice," Chris Legal Sr., 55-year-old from Detroit told Neon Tommy. "If the police chief says leave, I will obey the law. But I will also ask a judge as soon as possible to invalidate his actions." 

Many others among the 500 or so protesters camped out in the chilly downtown site were more adamant about staying. An artist who called himself Sirblu said he'll refuse to leave: "We're going to stand in solidarity. This is our First Amendment right.".  

 Meanwhile, across the street at the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street", Civil Rights Observers Connie Rice and Attorney Carol Sobel have some reservations about Mayor Antonio Villar's deadline. From Connie Rice,
  The deadline “precipitated a crisis for no real emergency,” said veteran L.A. civil rights attorney Connie Rice. ...... and from the ACLU Attorney Carol Sobel, Police “have been restrained up until now but it's not over,” said civil rights attorney Carol Sobel. But the deadline “made people dig in their heels. There were discussions taking place. There was no reason not to let it play out further and see what the city could do.” 

..... and we are little over twelve hours from that deadline.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

 

Occupy LA preps for the "end game" after getting notice from Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo.

Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council Member and Occupy LA Red Rabble Organizer Mario Brito with National Layers Guild's Jim Lafferty on the South Steps of City Hall.  They announced that the city was closing City Hall Park Space to camping effected Monday at 12:01 A.M. As they communicated via Occupy LA's "repetitive form of speech" Brito and Lafferty made it clear that they had support of labor (SEIU) and clergy groups. Tonight should be a festive but tense night at Occupy LA, as they await a "LAPD blue dawn" on Monday.

** LA Times Afternoon Update: "Occupy LA protesters seem resigned to eviction by LAPD".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

Happy Birthday to Transit Advocate Bart Reed

....... or is it "Mini Bill Halller" of the Sierra Club?

Happy Birthday wishes to former Mayor Sam Blogger and Executive Director of the Transit Coalition Bart Reed who sometimes is known as "Mini Bill Haller" in these cyberparts. In honor of Bart's B-day, we bring you this top ten list of mass transit trips you can partake in on this beautiful Saturday.

10. Take your neighborhood DASH bus to your local liquor store and stock up for the UCLA-SCC (South-Central College) Game.

9. Ride the Red Line to Hollywood in search of Phil Jennerjahn performing by the Manns Chinese Theater.

8. Buy a Metrolink $10 weekend ticket and ride to the far reaches of the Metrolink System.

7. Take the subway to Civic Center Station and smell your way to Occupy LA.

6. Stay downtown and wait for CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's Trolley on Broadway.

5. Find the fabled "Regional Connector". 

4. Take a bike ride along Spring Street.

3. Ride the Gold Line to the $20 Million Dollar + Southwest Museum Station and try to find a open museum nearby.

2. You could take the Gold Line to the UCLA-SCC Game this evening.

1. ..... and ride the Red Line late at night at your own risk

Happy B-day again Bart/"Mini Bill"

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Mayor Villar and his LAPD Chief orders City Hall Park closed at 12:01 A.M. on Monday November 28, 2011

Mayor Villar and his selected LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.

In an extraordinary press conference lacking in crowd control, Mayor Antonio Villar and his LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck announced that City Hall Park would be closed at 12:01 A.M.on Monday morning. Praising the SEIU supported Occupy LA efforts to take the spotlight away from the rampant corruption of his administration, correction, bring attention to the rampant looting of America by the elitist 1% (George Soros and Warren Buffet) of rich Americans (most who support Big Government), Mayor Villar said its time for Occupy LA to move on.

Earlier today and twice during Mayor Villar's Press Conference, Occupy LA supporters stated that they are remaining in place. ** (Interruptions of sacred Mayor Villar photo ops are grounds for jail time in LA) Thus, look for portable bleacher seats to go up along Spring and First Streets to view the theatrics ahead.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Occupy LA videos of City Liason Meeting with Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo 11-23-11

Blogger notes: Occupy LA has uploaded to Youtube videos of their 11-23-11 Meeting with Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo. Szabo stated to the group that the "park space" around City Hall would be close next week, forcing Occupy LA to relocate. Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council Member and Occupy LA "Red Rabble Organizer" Mario Brito responded that Szabo's statement were "tantamount to a declaration of war on Occupy LA". Highlighting the collusion between Occupy LA and SEIU,  Brito relayed a message from Mike Garcia of SEIU stating that any actions against Occupy LA would meet with "major street actions by SEIU". We should note that Matt Szabo does a good job of playing "good cop" with supposed empathy for the cause of Occupy LA. But come a week from today, his verbiage will be remember as double talk with restoration efforts getting underway around City Hall---Scott Johnson in CD 14. 

Part One with most of the action.

Part Two with follow up comments.

Part Three, the rambling ends.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Happy Thanksgiving to all our various Political Turkeys

 What you looking at political turkey?

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's "Pot Ban Proposal" is quickly gaining "turkey status" among his council colleagues.

Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council member and Occuping Red Rabble Organizer Mario Brito days are numbered as Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo gets ready to end Occupy LA next week.

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Meet your new City Council Leadership

Blogger notes: As expected, CD 10 City Councilman Herb Wesson became the first African-American President of the City Council which did not mean much to African-American colleagues Councilwoman Jan Perry and Councilman Bernard Parks who was excused and sick respectively from today's historic meeting. We should note and have reported that both Perry and Parks had express strongly their respective concerns about the actions of now Council President Wesson staffer Andrew Westall and his role with the Redistricting Commission---Scott Johnson. 

 New City Council President HerbWesson thanks to staffer and Redistricting Commission Executive Director Andrew Westall's backroom dealings. The Wesson/Westall arm-twisting cause Councilman Bernard Parks to get the flu and City Councilwoman Jan Perry to seek an excuse from today's proceedings.

 New City Council Pro Tempore Ed Reyes, sought title in his last term at City Hall and his colleagues bestowed the number two rank on the friend of 7-Eleven.

 CD 4 City Councilman Tom LaBonge with family, was appointed to the number three position of "assistant president pro tempore" by his colleagues in his last term.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Pre-Gobble, Gobble Day "Political Dumplings" via the Los Angeles Political Machine

Los Angeles Times choice of companion photo to go with its City Councilman Jose Huizar's Medical Marijuana Ban Proposal story that appears in today's paper.

Great Pre-Gobble, Gobble Getaway Day as many prep to endure government-sanction groping at LAX and other airports near you and judging from the LA Times photo choice above, the editors at the Old Gray Hag on Spring Street did not want to waste anytime in panning CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's latest effort to cast himself as tough on Medical Marijuana. One can gather from the photo above, that the Princeton grad as been spending ample time in Eagle Rock "studying the affects" of Medical Marijuana on his constituents in the Northeast (munchies and laughter come to mind).

** Meanwhile Councilman Huizar's "Political Papi" Mayor Antonio Villar is having some regressive moments on his supposed deal with the "Red Rabble on the South Lawn" and his "Maywood moment" regarding his "wavering stance" on the 30 day impound sanctions for unlicensed drivers. Goes to show that Mayor Villar still has those instincts that protected him in his youth from the likes of gangsters in Hazard and other neighborhoods. Now, City Hall observers wonder if this Monday's supposed deadline for the Red Rabble to depart City Hall grass space, will be a "hard deadline".

** Amazing how a little LA Times David Zahniser "unwanted attention", can create havoc among the city's lobbyist community, witness the sudden withdrawl of the Dakota and Cerrell Communications Groups contract proposals to the troubled Redistricting Commission.

** We bring a quick preview of our regular feature "Another Soulvine Thursday with Betty Pleasant" which will appear tomorrow in whole for your Thanksgiving pleasure.

Betty on CD 15:      

TAKING SIDES — The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor overwhelmingly endorsed Assemblyman Warren Furutani to replace Hahn as City Council member for the 15th District Monday. The County Fed’s endorsement of Furutani places the two candidates in the January runoff with clearly contrasting bases of support. Last week, the L.A. Chamber of Commerce, representing large downtown business interests, endorsed Furutani’s opponent, the cop, who was a registered Republican until he began his campaign for City Council. Furutani, on the other hand, is a life-long Democrat, is endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and is an experienced and effective fighter for good jobs and working  families. (** Betty did not get the notice of the firefighter and his union UFLAC, who endorsed the cop yesterday).

** Lastly as a public service, we provide this visual after the jump, on the proper stance for exposing yourself to those who protect the traveling public at our airports TSA. Safe travels and joyest Thanksgiving to all.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

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UFLAC and Pat McOsker endorse Joe Buscaino for CD 15

 Joe Buscaino Campaign's brilliant counter-endorsement by UFLAC and its President Pat McOsker. 

Pat McOsker and UFLAC picked their moment to stick it to Mayor Antonio Villar and his CD 15 Candidate Assemblyman Warren Furutani. Thus, crashing the LA County Labor Federation Endorsement momentum for Furutani in CD 15.

After getting dished by Mayor Antonio Villar over cutbacks to firefighters and resources, the rank and file of UFLAC and their leader Pat McOsker inflicted a timely and potentially lethal counter blow to Mayor Villar's chosen candidate in CD 15 Assemblyman Warren Furutani, by endorsing LAPD Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino for the CD 15 Special Election Runoff. Thus, countering the County Labor Federation endorsement of Furutani last evening, statement follows.

(San Pedro) -- LAPD officer and L.A. City Council District 15 candidate Joe Buscaino was endorsed today by the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), IAFF Local 112, and by the organization’s current president, and former primary opponent, Pat McOsker. “I am honored to be endorsed by Pat and his fellow firefighters,” said Buscaino.  “As a police officer, it means a great deal to me to have the support of the men and women who serve and protect the people of Los Angeles.” Buscaino continued, "The McOsker family has deep ties to and is well respected throughout Council District 15. I am proud to have earned this important endorsement." “Joe Buscaino is a proven public servant and an excellent candidate for the working men and women of Council District 15,” said McOsker, President of UFLAC.  “We are proud to support Joe for the run-off election.” Following the UFLAC endorsement, McOsker chose to personally endorse Buscaino as well.  Buscaino has also been endorsed by former opponents Gordon Teuber and Jayme Wilson. 

Buscaino, in an interview with Mayor Sam, had pledged that any possible cuts to LAPD and LAFD would be off the table if he were elected to City Hall. That resonated with PPL and now UFLAC.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Another "shady attempt" at political self-enrichment by Michael "MEAT" Trujillo.

The 2011 Redistricting Commission's "Reign of Andrew Westall" will be remember for its "redrawing favors for votes" and "outreach contracts for connected insiders".

Maybe with the ascension of his boss CD 10 City Councilman Herb Wesson to the "Head Ringmaster of City Clowncil" tomorrow, the need to turn the 2011 edition of redrawing council district boundaries into an exercise of political pimping will wane. The latest example of pimping the services of the Redistricting Commission, was exposed by Los Angeles Times Reporter David Zahniser who noted the three connected lobbyist groups which included one with financial ties to Commission Member Michael "MEAT" Trujillo.

Zahniser was kind enough to enlist a comment from Sunland-Tujunga Salwart Joe Barrett regarding one of the finalists Dakota Communications, who endeared themselves to the citizens of the S.T. by busing in paid supporters of Home Depot.

Joe Barrett, co-director of the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance, a group that fought the Home Depot proposal, said he would be unhappy to see Dakota representing the redistricting process. "Dakota has a horrible reputation with our community," he said.

Likewise Cerrell Associates endear themselves to local activists regarding their work on behalf of Apartment Owners.

Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, an advocacy group that represents tenants, voiced dismay that one of Cerrell's clients is the L.A. chapter of the California Apartment Assn., which has opposed new limits on rent hikes by landlords.
"A firm that represents landlords and has been fighting against rent control…is going to have difficulty winning the trust of renters, who make up more than 60% of L.A. residents," he said.

Then there was the Trujillo connected group, but this blogger will pass on giving MEAT any more needless attention.

OTHER NEWS:

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Wesson has the votes to become City Council President

Meet your new City council President Herb Wesson (** thanks to some back room deal-making by Andrew Westall)

Is the work of the city's Redistricting Commission Executive Director and Senior Staffer to City Councilman Herb Wesson, Andrew Westall, complete for 2011? This in light of current City Council President Eric Garcetti's Motion on Wednesday's Council Agenda that nominates Wesson to succeed him and CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes to take the position of City Council Pro Tem.

Seconding Council President Garcetti's Motion and providing the votes for Councilman Wesson are Councilman Jose Huizar, Mitch Englander, Bill Rosendahl, Paul Krekorian, Paul Koretz and Dennis Zine. With Garcetti, Wesson and Reyes, that is nine votes for the Motion with Councilman Tony Cardenas, Richard Alarcon, Tom LaBonge, Bernard Parks and Councilwoman Jan Perry on the outside looking in.

Garcetti's Motion also took time to self-congratulate the Council President for ..........

We have increased accountability at the Department of Water and Power by forcing the department to be more transparent about its finances with an Office of Public Accountability and a Ratepayer Advocate established by a voter-approved baLLot measure. (nice typo)

........  and,

We have worked to make city government more transparent and we have expanded ways in which AngeLenos can participate, including making it possibLe for the public to testify from Van Nuys and San Pedro Locations and archiving city counciL meetings online. (what is wrong with the "L" key?) 

But come tomorrow, Garcetti will have polished his latest spin on the open arms of the City Family and Herb Wesson will chuckle, thinking that every political family could use an arm-twisting "cousin" like Andrew Westall.

Your thoughts..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Meet Councilman Jose Huizar's "One Percent Staffers" who profit while community amenities are cutback

Once again we bring out the ceremonial billboard to honor the esteem Princeton Graduate, turned Mayor Antonio Villar's "politico mijo" CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar. In his latest act of arduous political decision-making, the recently re-elected Boyle Heights native has decided to forgo with the annual "Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways" and "Holidays with Huizzy Celebrations", in favor of maintaining the "one percent pay levels" of his council staff (** after all, why do I need to give turkeys or toys to constituents who can't vote for me again until 2015?)    

Thus, in order to preserve the highest level of constituent services to those who scored "2" or higher on my loyalty lists. These are the salaries that are paid to "my loyal one percent" (as long as they have no FBI related phone numbers on their city Blackberrys). Ana Cubas, Chief of Staff $142,735.68. Jessica Wethington McLean, Executive Director $121,939.21. Francine Godoy, Deputy Chief of Staff $109,410.20. Paul Habib, Public Projects and Transportation Director $91,065.77. Eric Sanjurjo, Director of Policy $89,099.40 (** since excommunicated for being the supposed "mole"). Tara Devine, Director, Planning and Economic Development $86,714.64. Rick Coca, Director of Communications $75,460.72. Arturo Gonzalez, Downtown Area Director $71,451.36. Zenay Loera, Northeast Area Director $60,656.40. Jesse Leon, Boyle Heights Area Director $60,656.40 (** gone off to Law School after making bank as part of Huizar's re-election team). Jennifer Martinez, Field Deputy and Event Director $52,970.47. Liberty Meza, Field Deputy $51,552.72.Daniel Andalon, Field Deputy $51,552.72, Cecelia Alatorre, Field Deputy $51,552.72. Erick Martell, Field Deputy $43,868.88. David Miranda, Field Deputy $43,868.88. Andrea Sotelo, Executive Assistant & Scheduler $38,295.75. Tricia Robbins, Field Deputy $36,059.76. Rocio Hernandez, Field Deputy $36,059.76. Pauline Medina, Administrative Assistant $39,059.76. George Esparza, Field Deputy $32,364.00

+ $178,789 for Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone = $1,156,185.37 in total yearly salaries.

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Morning Briefs on the Changing Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

 New City Council President Herb Wesson?

... and his staff enforcer Andrew Westall?

Welcome to a short but action packed Thanksgiving week of backroom politics at 200 Spring Street as City Hall observers await the start of the "City Council President Herb Wesson Era" Los Angeles Times City Hall beat Writer David Zahniser graced the Saturday paper with a profile of the quiet former Assembly Speaker. But despite support from Mayoral Candidate and current Council President Eric Garcetti, it will be up to Wesson staffer/enforcer Andrew Westall, who "must sell a Wesson Presidency" to the thirteen other council members (via deals on redrawn council districts?). It is these supposed backroom tactics that have drawn the ire of Councilwoman Jan Perry and Councilman Bernard Parks, who have been critical of Westall's selection as the Executive Director of the city's Redistricting Commission. Further, as Rick Orlov points out in today's "Tipoff Column", Wesson has a personal issue call "smoking" that will face a day of reckoning come Wednesday, but don't be surprise that most of the smoke that originates from the selection of the new Council  Presdient, is rooted in Westall's backroom dealings.

OTHER NEWS:

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A Saturday Morning Revisionist Reading from "JOSE's (Huizar) Blog"

Kudos deserved for enriching the One Percent Developer Community.

Only in CD 14, would we (Elva Yanez and Marcos Aguilar) celebrate selling a 25% chunk of the $9 Million Dollars "surplus property" of Elephant Hill to Joe Edmiston's SMMC/MRCA for $500,000, in the name of preserving open space.

Blogger notes: Its been a while, but since CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's re-election, blog postings on his official website have been few and far between. Thus, with his latest posting on Elephant Hill, we once again bring you a revisioning reading of the truth, via the Boyle Heights Princeton Graduate (with our reality-based comments in bold)---Scott Johnson. ** Also, we provide this link to Tony Butka's NELA lives blog post on Wednesday's Elephant Hill proceedings at City Hall

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Nuch endorses Joe Buscaino for CD 15 Runoff Election ** LA Chamber of Commerce also endorses Buscaino

 San Pedro coming together for their home grown candidate Joe Buscaino. ** The LA Weekly is reporting that the LA Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Buscaino. The LA County Labor Federation is schedule to vote regarding CD 15 endorsement on Monday. Expect the tandem of "Antonio y Maria" to strong arm for Furutani.

Will Nuch's 'high-fiving" of Buscaino Campaign carry over to victory in January?

Guess who's name appears on Nuch's endorsement letter?

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"Another Soulvine Thursday for 11-17-11" via Columnist Betty Pleasant

Its time for the (South LA) world according to Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Columnist Betty Pleasant.

We bring you the latest weekly installment for 11-17-11, of "Another Soulvine Thursday" via the keyboard of longtime African-American Journalist Betty Pleasant. Sit back and read Betty's latest musing on local current affairs. (S.J.)

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City Council rubber stamps Elephant Hill parcel discount sale to Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

 The City of Los Angeles $9 Million Dollar Elephant Hill Property. City Council just voted to sell 25% to Joe Edmiston's Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for less than $500,000.

"Idiot" and "loser" are prominent parts of Elva Yanez's vocabulary (** especially when you oppose her). Will Elephant Hill become Yanez's and Controversial Educator Marcos Aguilar's personal play area, in thanks for their continuing support of CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar?

** As a disclaimer, this blogger should state for the record that I am a member of the LA-32 Neighborhood Council and at times when blog postings merge into issues that may involve the council on some level, it is best to be open and transparent about the connection. That said, there was nothing open or transparent today at City Hall regarding "the bargain basement sale" of public property to grow the land empire of SMMC/MRCA 's Joe Edmiston. 

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The calm before the political storm ....

Blogger Notes: We are quickly embarking on a bloggin field trip to 200 Spring Street to see what should be an eventual day of government in action. First, the "Red Rabble on the South Lawn" will likely avail themselves on their right to comment on  Mayor Antonio Villar and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck "supposed time table" to liberate the surviving green spaces around City Hall. Second, Venice Beach is on the agenda which should bring out the "noted public comment orators" of the past few years. Third, we have the Elephant Hill Boondoggle up for full council consideration. Expect "the big SMMC/MRCA Ranger with hat and gun" to be in attendance, to secure his latest land grab financed by an over-inflated deal to a Councilman Huizar Campaign Fundraiser. See you there---Scott Johnson in CD 14.

CD 15 Third Place Candidate Jayme Wilson endorses Joe Buscaino in Run-off

Jayme Wilson and Joe Buscaino

San Pedro businessman Jayme Wilson who self-financed his way to a third place finish in last Tuesday's Special Election Primary, has endorse Joe Buscaino in the January Run-off between Buscaino and Assemblyman Warren Furutani.

This is the second major post primary endorsement for Buscaino, who last week was supported by former Councilwoman Janice Hahn Economic Director Gordan Teuber. The two endorsements, on top of Buscaino's vote total gives the LAPD Senior Lead Officer 47.72% support of the total vote.

As one person on Buscaino's Facebook Page noted, the interest of San Pedro stand front and center in this race.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mayor Villar, Chief Beck to meet behind close doors to discuss Occupy LA "Timeline"

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Antonio Villar.

KFI's Steve Gregory is reporting that Mayor Antonio Villar and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck will meet behind close doors at 1:45 P.M., to discuss a "Timeline" for ending the occupation of grass space at City Hall.

In addition, the LA Times noted Chief Beck's comments on the process of ending Occupy LA.

Beck, however, said in a brief interview Tuesday morning that the tent city surrounding City Hall is not sustainable. The ongoing talks between the sides are focused on finding some compromise that would see the protesters voluntarily break down the camp.“That’s a piece of dirt, it’s not sustainable ecologically and it’s only going to get worse and worse,” Beck said, referring to the lawn that largely has been destroyed.  “We need to find either a different location or a different medium for them to use.” 

 .... this is going to take time as the damage costs rises on the South Lawn.
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Elephant Hill Boondoggle goes to committee today and full council tomorrow

 This is what $9 Million Dollars of barrow money will buy the City of Los Angeles.

Did Elephant Hill Advocate Elva Yanez put on the blinders while Councilman Jose Huizar gave an exemption to the NELA ICO that benefited the former property owner and enrich him to the tune of $9 Million Dollars, in a deal crafted by Councilman Huizar Fundraiser Ben Reznik?

...... and judging from this email, Yanez blinders are still in place.

Greetings, This is a friendly reminder about Elephant Hill. Action at City Hall happens this week! Please lend your support with the following: Attend Committee Hearing at 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 15, at City Hall Room 1010. Please help us fill the room to get a favorable recommendation from the Information Technology & General Services Committee. The full City Council will consider this matter at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 16th in Council Chambers. Ask Councilmembers Tony Cardenas and Richard Alarcon today to support Councilmember Huizar's Elephant Hill motion (CF 11-1877)— sample letter below:Councilmember. Alarcon@lacity. org or 213-473-7007Councilmember. Cardenas@lacity.org or 213-473-7006 Thank you (and apologies for cross postings)! With appreciation,Elva

Plus, lets not forget Councilman Huizar appreciates your support in paying off the client of a campaign fundraiser, whoops, this great environmental justice victory.


** For the definitive background on the Elephant Hill Controversy, read NELA Lives Blogger Tony Butka's four part series on the issue.
Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

Cedillo announces for CD 1

Assemblyman Gil Cedillo dreaming of an enriching future at City Hall.

Assemblyman Gilberto "One Bill" (and a Dream Act) Cedillo made official what many had predicted for months, with his announcement that he is a candidate to replace CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes.

The LA Times reported that Cedillo said he decided to run "because we need bold and experienced leadership to strengthen and protect the Los Angeles dream."

Hmmmm, excuse me Gill but there is no more dream to protect. Plus, you may have nightmares if County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina jumps into the race as speculated here previously.

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

Scott Johnon in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the battles within the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

 CD 10 City Councilman and possible future Council President Herb Wesson

Councilman Wesson staffer and Redistricting Commission Executive Director Andrew Westall.

Great Monday to all as a soggy desert weekend gives way to a sunny week in the City of Los Angeles

Some time last spring, CD 10 City Councilman Herb Wesson was the subject of an interview with "The City Maven's" Alice Walton, They discussed Wesson's thinly-veiled desire to replace Councilman Eric Garcetti as City Council President and his thoughts on redistricting, plus the role his senior deputy Andrew Westall would play in the process as Walton reported.

In Wesson’s corner is Andrew Westall, his senior deputy and a man considered to be an expert on the subject, having participated in the 2002 redistricting process.“I do think that having Andrew Westall will be an asset,” Wesson. “What I want to see is once (commissioners) get started and then they begin to get feedback from the people, because I have to see what the folks want and then try to deliver.” 

Some months later, we are getting peeks behind Councilman Weeson's true motives for having Westall installed as the Redistricting Commission's Executive Director, as noted by Jack Humphreville's latest missive on the City Council's "case of the slows" on dealing with the DWP Ratepayer Advocate.

While the City Council has not had time to draft and enact the necessary ordinances for the Ratepayers Advocate, they certainly have had time to devote to back room politics regarding the desire of Herb Wesson (of Harold & Belle’s fame) to be the next President of the City Council and the inappropriate, strong arm tactics of his staffer, Andrew Westall, who, as the Executive Director of the City’s Redistricting Commission, is trading redistricting favors for votes for Herb from other Members of the City Council.

.... and the sun shines on reality at 200 Spring Street.
Other news after the jump.

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Honoring those who answer the call to serve on 11-11-11

Take the time honor those who gave of themselves for our country.

I found this photo on the Facebook page of my childhood friend, high school teammate and American Marine Veteran Jesse Duarte. Jesse joined the Marine Corps upon graduation in 1983 and on saw duty in such places as Beirut, Lebanon. He was part of the contingent that faced daily shelling at the airport, soon after the bombing of the barracks that killed 200 + marines. 

In posting the photo above of the unidentified hero, lets take a break away this weekend from the world of politics and honor those who serve to protect our rights to engage in dialog within a free country. Thank you Jessie and all veterans for your service and and sacrifice.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.