Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Hearing Set

The first of seven public hearings to gauge community input on the recently-released Draft City Council District boundary map takes place tonight, Wednesday, February 1 , 6:30 p.m. at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Hancock Park.

Residents and concerned stakeholders of current council districts 10, 4, 13 and 1 are encouraged to speak up and address their thoughts on the draft council boundary map to the members of the Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission.

First-time participants to the process are also encouraged to attend a free pre-hearing training session at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre one hour before the hearing, at 5:30 p.m. The training will focus on the purpose of LACCRC public hearings, what subjects should public comment focus on and how to best prepare for public comment.

The Wilshire Ebell Theatre is located at 4401 W. 8th Street, near the corner of Wilshire and Lucerne boulevards. Free parking is available at the Wilshire Ebell lot across Lucerne. Transit users can take Metro Local Line 20 (Lucerne Bl stop) or Metro Rapid Line 720 (Crenshaw Bl stop), less than a mile west of the Metro Purple Line Wilshire/Western station.

For more information, draft map downloads and a schedule of further meetings, please visithttp://redisctircting2011.lacity.org/.

Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/events/123596404428714/

Mayor Sam Exclusive: "Was Estela Lopez forced out of Redistricting Commission by Council President Wesson?

 City Council President Herb Wesson does not take lightly proposed infringements on his Koreatown Fiefdom.

Meet "Ex" Redistricting Commission Member Estela Lopez.

** Mayor Sam Exclusive: Mayor Sam and other media outlets are hearing speculation that Central City East Executive Director and CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes former representative to the city's Redistricting Commission Estela Lopez, was forced from the boundary drawing body at the urging of City Council President Herb Wesson.

According to the source, Lopez was part of a sub-committee working on the boundaries of the new CD 4 and recommended that Koreatown be included within the area of CD 4. This did not sit well with the Council President who wants the same area incorporated fully into his CD 10 district and prompted this ultimatum to CD 1 Councilman Ed Reyes, that unless Lopez was replace by Reyes, CD 1 would see Dodger Stadium redrawn into another council district. Thus, Councilman Reyes forced Lopez to resign. 

What is apparent now as Redistricting 2012 moves towards its end game in the City Council, a process that promise openess and transparency, has been hijacked by the elites such as Los Angeles County Labor Federation Leader Maria Elena Durazo and "fellow traveler" Mayor Antonio Villar. Thus the ending result is fifteen council fiefdoms that feed the "money bag needs" of their anointed leaders.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14      

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

"Today, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, an "Average Joe" becomes "City Councilman Joe Buscaino of Council District 15".

Great sunrise to all on this special Tuesday for San Pedro favorite son Joe Buscaino who will take the oath of office this afternoon. As we noted on election night, the former LAPD Senior Lead Officer has many new friends within his new place of work at 200 N. Spring Street. But lucking ahead to a time around 2025, lets hope that between this special day and when he would term out after 3+ terms, that his record of public service would had been predicated on growing and staying true to the community (** your pledge not to seek other office) who anointed him as their new leader on January 17.

** Besides celebrating Buscaino's Swearing In today, we can start the part early at City Hall by turning Public Comment into DROP DEAD CRA DAY!! (overwhelming emotions). Hollywood Gadfly John Walsh and Van De Kamp Coalition Activist Miki Jackson will lead the festivities from the City Council Chambers which includes special CRA Kool-Aid for party consumption. BTW, special notice to new Energy & Environment Chairperson Jose Huizar, you can now kindly remove Hazard Park from the CRA Redevelopment Zone.

** Quick! Who are the three candidates for local office who will announce raising $1 Million+ for their respective campaigns? Two are mayoral and the third a current City Attorney who campaign for District Attorney has gone beyond the start point in the recent weeks.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14      

Mayor Villar the "Master Debater"? We think naught

Mayor Antonio Villar from his "We Clean Your Toilets" Speech.

Lets credit LA Weekly's Simone "The Snarky One" Wilson for her objective and thoughtful missive on the debating skills of Mayor Antonio Villar, that is, the lack of. Wilson, who like the "Bloggin Commandante", leans towards amnesty towards illegal alien lawbreakers, still had the audacity to blast Mayor Antonio Villar's CNN debate performance on immigration with former President George W. Bush's Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez.

Mayor Villar has over the years, morphed into a tire cliche machine when it comes to immigration,  "I build bridges, not fences". "A pathway to citizenship" and the most famous, "WE CLEAN YOUR TOILETS!" come to mind when forced to flashback on Mayor Villar's previous pronouncements on immigration. But Gutierrez is right on when exposing both parties shortfalls on immigration. 

Establishment Republicans see illegal aliens as a cheap pool of disposable labor who are left to their own devices in their day to day struggle to survive in a illegal underworld. Democrats see illegals as a ready source of voters to tip a split electorate back into a democratic tilt to the left with another round of amnesty, plain and simple. That is why billions of dollars in services to illegals is an acceptable investment considering if amnesty ever comes, then these voters can be counted upon to support higher taxation to offset their costs.

But for President Obama, the short term question is whether cliche-laden politicos such as Mayor Villar are the right messengers on hot button issues like illegal immigration (for bloggers and talk radio hosts, give us more "WE CLEAN YOUR TOILETS!"). But to do proper justice on the immigration issue, we need a dialog devoid of catch phrases and a renew dedication to common sense policy that predicates enforcement of current laws, with a guest worker program that makes the employer responsible for the health and welfare of their workers and lastly, a path to citizenship for those first who have followed the rules. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14        

Morning Briefs on the evolving Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Mayor Antonio Villar and new City Council Budget Committee Chairperson Paul Krekorian. Krekorian's past comments on City Council President Herb Wesson's close ally Mayor Villar. Krekorian said the city is “facing too many crises right now to have the captain of the ship running off to run for another office” and added that “there have been a lot of disappointments in the mayor’s leadership of the city.”

“He came in with incredible promise -- gave one of the great speeches I think that I heard when he was inaugurated,” Krekorian said. “And we all know in many ways his administration has fallen significantly short of that, I think in large measure because he has been looking outside of the city to other things.” Wonder if this still stands in the wake of Councilman Krekorian's selection as the Budget Committee Chairperson?

Great Monday to all as the Los Angeles Political Elites ponder the changing boundaries, committee assignments and rumors originating from 200 N. Spring Street. Meanwhile, average citizens are organizing to plan their course of action regarding the elites proposed changes to their council boundaries. For example, many in the newly elongated CD 4 are in agreement that the proposed boundaries is a fail experiment in mixing the "water and oil of diverst political interests". For those in the rural foothills hinterlands, the vigilant citizenry have awaken to a possible "CD 7 Alarcon/Fuentes Future" and are organizing their push back to Michael "MEAT" Trujillo's handiwork. Then there is this from a "Princeton Graduate" on his expertise to brow beat, black ball, strong arm, and rate the loyalty and influence of all of downtown interests in one council fiefdom. 

But as one constituent ponders where their councilman stands on redistricting, that councilman has commented on his new committee assignment. Read after the jump.

Read more »

TGIF Afternoon Political News Dump 1-27-12: City Council President Wesson dumps Parks and Perry from key Committee Chairmanships

 Revenge brings a smile to City Council President Herb Wesson.

Councilman Parks and Councilwoman Perry face the wrath of Council President Wesson ..... and Mayor Antonio Villar.

These acts of political payback defiantly qualify as Friday bad news dump for the City of Los Angeles. City Council President Herb Wesson send a clear and city-wide resonating reminder that you don't snub the new Council President election proceedings by removing City Councilman Bernard Parks and Jan Perry from the Chairmanships of the Budget and Energy & Environment Committees respectively.

The lost of Councilman Parks especially, from the Chairmanship of the Budget Committee, is sure to garners gasps of "Holy Sh..!" from budget watchdogs across the city. It was the fiscally-conservative Parks who kept the lid on many of the "progressive spending proposals" of Mayor Antonio Villar, a close ally of Wesson. Surely somewhere this Friday afternoon, Mayor Villar is smiling on Wesson's actions.

Sure to engender more glee from Mayor Villar and the likes of IBEW strongman Brian D'Arcy, is the replacement of Jan Perry with CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar on the Energy and Environment Committee. Councilman Huizar will now be in position to push through his "Political Papi's" rate increases at the DWP and in return receive copious amounts of contributions from the coffers of IBEW.

..... and Happy Hour cannot start soon enough for the screwed "Shakedown City on the Pacific".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

** BTW, how much political soul did Councilman Paul Krekorian pay for the Chairmanship of the Budget Committee?
** Complete list of committee assignments via the City Maven.    

Councilman Parks speaks on Proposed Redistricting Maps

Blogger's note: Councilman Bernard Parks speaks on the "junk yard affect" of the proposed redistricting maps on CD 8---Scott Johnson.

Dear Constituent,

For the past few weeks I have been discussing a very important city process that is going on right now called redistricting.

Every ten years, a citizen's commission is formed to draw a map of Los Angeles that divides the city into 15 districts of equal population. The residents that live within the boundaries of each district then nominate and elect one of thier own to serve as their representative on the Los Angeles City Council.

Unfortunately, the process is influenced by numerous special interests who seek maps that establish a political advantage for their particular candidate, party or group by manipulating geographic boundaries to create desired electoral results. This is called "gerrymandering" and you can read more about it on my blog. 
The Commission held numerous public hearings throughout the city and 95% of the public delivered the same message;  "I like my District; Keep it intact."
Unfortunately, the Commission did not listen to the public and has proposed a map that radically changes the Eighth District, and in my judgment, violates the City Charter requirement for districts that “keep neighborhoods and communities intact, utilize natural boundaries or street lines, and be geographically compact." 
The most egregious examples of this disregard for the public’s wishes and the Charter requirements are:
- Splitting up the historic Leimert Park neighborhood so that only the businesses and park remain in the Eighth District, while all the residences go to the Tenth district

- Splitting Baldwin Vista from the rest of Baldwin Hills and placing it in the Tenth District

- Taking the LAX-adjacent Westchester neighborhood from the 11th District and connecting it to the Eighth District through a narrow strip of land that’s only about a block wide.

If you're like the 95% who testified before the Commission who want their district left alone, and reject the Redistricting Commission’s treatment of the Eighth District as a  junkyard - taking parts they want and dumping parts they don’t - I urge you to let them know! 
On Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 AM, the Commission will hold a public hearing atWest Angeles Church – 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 – to hear feedback on their proposal. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to attend, and let’s send a loud and clear message that we want the Eighth District to remain intact!

Make sure you stay up to date with all the latest developments on my webpagewww.bernardparks.com or twitter @BernardCParks and on Facebook at Facebook.com/CouncilmemberParks and Facebook.com/BernardCParks. 
Thank you for your continued interest in the Great Eighth! 
Respectfully, 
BERNARD C. PARKS
Councilmember

Foothill Rebellion brewing over Redistricting 2012

My fellow Lake View Terrace residents,

The "new" draft redistricting map put most of LVT and Sunland-Tujunga in CD7 with Richard Alarcon  as our councilman.

Shadow Hills, La Tuna Cyn and LVT south of Foothill has been moved to CD 6 - Tony Cardenas's district.  We voted for Wendy Greuel over Tony Cardenas in CD 2 eight years ago!

WE ARE CD 2. There is strength in numbers. Sunland-Tujunga isn't going to take this quietly. Neither will we!

See you Saturday at noon at 7747 Foothill Blvd in Sunland for this major community meeting. See the attached flyer for more information and maps.

If you care about what the next ten years will bring to our community, you need to be at this meeting.

Bring your neighbors.

Sincerely,

Kristin Sabo - Lake View Terrace!

Jan Perry and Friends stand up for CD 9 as is

Councilwoman Jan Perry and friends stand in support of the current CD 9 District. Photo by Hayley Fox of Blog Downtown.

CD City Councilwoman Jan Perry is marshaling her supporters for a fight to preserve the current incarnation of the council district. Perry and about forty of her constituents gathered for a mid-afternoon testimonial on the bleak future awaiting CD 9, if the the proposed city redistricting maps are made permanent.

Downtown Developer Tom Gilmore noted “You cannot fix or help any district by cutting it in half,” Gilmore said. “Our ability to work under one council district, our ability to work through the entitlement process, through the development process, work through the affordable housing issues that we have, work with our partners in Skid Row, Little Tokyo, the Arts District and South L.A. make the mighty Ninth mighty, indeed.” As reported in the City Maven.

Another bit of concern for for CD 9 Downtown boosters may be found in this brief passage by Ron Kaye in a post regarding the brewing blowback on the proposed redistricting maps. In the following paragraph, Kaye notes this about CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar. "Bill Rosendahl called the maps an "outrageous case of gerrymandering," which was always the intent but not if it cost him Westchester or inflicted Tom LaBonge on Sherman Oaks and Encino or robbed Jan Perry of the big bucks from downtown developers to provide Jose Huizar with that plum even as rumors of his legal problems with the feds are heating up.


This should concern those in Downtown, especially in light of the recent Historic Downtown BID controversy involving the "black balling" of Executive Director candidate Roberto Saldana by Councilman Huizar, for merely speaking out against him during last springs CD 14 Elections. Those facts alone should give pause to those contemplating a future Downtown LA controlled by CD 14.


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

A Councilman Richard AlarCON Press Release on Proposed Redistricting

Who's your City Council Sugar Daddy now Sunland-Tujunga?

Councilmember Alarcón Releases Statement Regarding Draft City Council District Maps

(Los Angeles, CA) – The Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission yesterday released draft maps for new council district lines in the City of Los Angeles.  Councilmember Richard Alarcón, who has represented the Northeast San Fernando Valley for nearly 20 years, released the following statement reacting to the proposed new lines:

Statement of Los Angeles City Councilmember Richard Alarcón

“In a City with rapidly changing demographics like Los Angeles, part of the reality that Councilmembers are faced with is that district lines must change every ten years.  Every Councilmember builds a relationship with the community they serve, and it is hard to lose part of the area you have represented.  If the draft lines proposed by the Commission are approved, I would no longer have the opportunity to represent a portion of North Hills and Panorama City that it has been my honor to serve as a Councilmember.

“While I would be very sorry to no longer represent parts of these communities, I welcome the opportunity to work with people in Sunland-Tujunga if that is how the final lines are drawn.  I am very familiar with the Sunland-Tujunga area, having grown up next door in Sun Valley and having heard stories from my father about how he would swim at the Sunland Park ‘Plunge’ as a boy.  My father’s upholstery business also had a lot of clients in the Sunland-Tujunga community, including former Councilmember Howard Finn and his wife Anne.  Sunland-Tujunga’s unique geographic setting creates a distinct community with true community spirit that I admire.

“Sunland-Tujunga has always played an important role in the City’s redistricting process and the community has previously been grouped with Pacoima, Lake View Terrace and other parts of the current Seventh Council District.  I remember when the Sunland-Tujunga community was wary of the 1986 redistricting process, which drew Hollywood Councilmember Joel Wachs into a new district that included Sunland-Tujunga.  Joel did a great job representing Sunland-Tujunga on the City Council and, if given the opportunity to serve this area as well, it would be my goal to be as appreciated by the community as Councilmember Wachs was.”

- # # # -

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on a "Divided Los Angeles Political Machine" for Thursday

The convoluted political boundaries in a divided community.

Welcome to the morning after the unveiling of the first proposed redistricting map for the City of Los Angeles and the reaction? Where do we start? Lets spin the political bottle and it points at Downtown LA.

Downtown Developer Tom Gilmore.

One of the major redistricting battlegrounds in the weeks ahead will be Downtown LA where CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar may expand his downtown territory at a cost to CD 9's Councilwoman Jan Perry. But not if Developer Tom Gilmore has is way, from the LA Times, "In downtown, developer Tom Gilmore said he was shocked that the redistricting panel proposed shifting Councilwoman Jan Perry’s district south, causing her to lose much of the city's central core.

“It’s so counter-intuitive,” said Gilmore, who praised Perry for her role in bringing redevelopment to the area and who said "downtown unity" is key to future growth. “You finally have a downtown that after 30 years is moving ahead. I really have to question why all this incredible gerrymandering is going on to fix something that isn’t broken."

Gilmore and other downtown leaders will appear with Perry at a rally Thursday to protest the changes, which would give Eastside Councilman Jose Huizar large parts of downtown". We should note that Gilmore and Councilman Huizar have had some differences in the past but Gilmore knows Councilman Huizar's "S.O.P." which should cause pause among other downtown leaders.

CD 11 City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl CLAERLY let everyone know how he felt about parts of Westchester being added to CD 8 of Councilman Bernard Parks. An "outrageous case of gerrymandering." 

Sunland-Tujunga Alliance Founder and former Mayor Sam Blogger Joe Barrett.

In the northern hinterlands of the City of Los Angeles, don't expect many in Lake View Terrace and Sunland-Tujunga to welcome CD 7 Councilman Richard AlarCON with open arms. Joe Barrett said members of his Sunland-Tujunga community would "flip out" over a plan to take it out of Councilman Paul Krekorian's district.

Koreatown Sign.

But by far yesterday, the most vocal group were the hundreds of Korean-Americans who attended the Redistricting Committee meeting yesterday in Van Nuys. They all spoke on being united in one council district, especially one that does not have a " number 10 designation".

“When you neglect the Asian community, when you talk about every other ethnic group and yet you forget a population that is 15 percent of this community, it’s hurtful,” said Grace Yoo, executive director of the Korean American Coalition. But more interesting is why the Korean Community wants nothing to do with City Council President Herb Wesson's CD 10.

But then it may be the same reason why some Downtown want nothing to do with CD 14. After all, the "real cost" of doing business in the City of Los Angeles is predicated on what council person controls the services of government.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.                                                                                

Meet Lake View Terrace/ Sunland-Tujunga's latest "Favorite Political Son"

"MEAT" 

If you hear and then feel a giant thud originating from the Lake View Terrace/ Sunland-Tujunga area this evening, rest assure that its only the sorid byproduct of the latest political escapades from one Michael "MEAT" Trujillo. 

Activists across the rural refugees are stun this evening that their enclaves may forever be change with Council District 7, under the auspices of City Councilman Richard AlarCON, taking over for CD 2 and its popular Councilman Paul Krekorian, if the proposed redistricting maps are approved.

And who was CD 7 Councilman AlarCON's point person on the redistricting commission to make this possible? Let the LA Weekly's Simone "the Snarky One" Wilson point out the sad particulars..... and its going to hurt. 

Take Michael Trujillo, the mouthpiece selected by City Councilman Richard Alarcon to represent City Council District 7 on the commission. It only takes an institutional memory of about one year to trace Trujillo back to that terrifying email, sent on behalf of City Councilman Jose Huizar's re-election campaign, which read, "We are about to put a political bullet in between Rudy Martinez's forehead and make him pee in his pants too." (Among other creepy obscenities.)

And most recently, in what appeared to be a violation of his terms as redistricting commissioner, Trujillo was caught celebrating the victory of another City Council candidate, as if he had helped helm the campaign.

Seriously, how is this dude still on the council's list of potential hires? As LA Weekly news editor Jill Stewart wrote, "City Hall is badly in need of people who are good at policy, not politics. Trujillo isn't good at either." How appropriate, now, that this incurable negative-campaigner should be hand-picked (sloppy seconds!) by Councilman Alarcon, the most nepotistic of the bunch, currently being investigated for felony voter fraud/perjury after very clearly moving outside his own district.

So you see the type of talent you've got repping your friendly neighborhood interests in the sculpting of Los Angeles. 

....... if these boundaries hold true, what type of future is in store for the likes of the KMART site on Foothill?

Maybe a "Richard AlarCON/Teamsters Truck Driving School"??

..... and that scary scenario is possible thanks to the antics of "MEAT".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

An "Outrageous case of Gerrymandering"

Draft Map of the 2012 City of Los Angeles Redistricting Committee.

The Los Angeles Times and the LA Weekly are on top of the blow up that will come from the Draft Map on new council district boundaries just released by the City of Los Angeles Redistricting Committee. And the initial response from CD 11 City Councilman Bill Rosendahl sums up the growing opinion of many local political observers when he states that the draft map is an "outrageous case of gerrymandering" (** especially when you separate Westchester from LAX).

We took the time to contact a couple of local observers and base upon the early dissemination of the proposed new boundaries, we come up with this preliminary "Winners and Losers List".

Winners:

City Council President Herb Wesson, gets most of Koreatown within his boundaries, good for future "fundraising".

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, moves Councilwoman Perry south to gain control of most of Downtown. In the north, Huizzy no longer needs to worry about the Southwest Museum. Huizzy's "bagman" may need some larger sacks.

The Valley, moving CD 4 north,by northwest gives the area its sixth council district.

Losers:

Councilwoman Jan Perry, she keeps LA Live but most of her downtown enclave has disappear (for now).

Sunland-Tijunga, say hello to Councilman AlarCON/Fuentes.

Andrew Westall, say goodbye to CD 4 city council aspirations (but hey, your boss keeps the Korean fundraising base).

Michael Trujillo, read Simone Wilson's "scribeslap" of MEAT in Weekly post above. 

Assemblyman Mike Gatto, read above.regarding CD 4.

** Hot rumor: Councilman Huizar wanted to rid himself of Eagle Rock for more of the riches of Downtown LA, but ddoes get rid of Highland Park.

Disclaimer: This map is not final to until the last rounds of secret backroom discussions are completed.

Morning Briefs on Los Angeles Redistricting 2012

The Faces of Los Angeles Redistricting 2012

 City Council President Herb Wesson and staffer/Redistricting Executive Director Andrew Westall antics behind close doors , garnered Los Angeles Times attention today as we near viewing time for the first map of redrawn council district boundaries.

City Redistricting Commission Executive Director Andrew Westall has crafted secret sub-committees that have intensely debated changes in boundaries away from public scrutiny.   

 Councilman Bernard Parks and Councilwoman Jan Perry are fighting back against having coveted areas remove from their respective districts. Parks could lose Baldwin Hills and Perry may represent less of downtown.

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar is banking on gaining more downtown acreage. CD 14 constituents should wonder whether gaining additional space downtown will create a mini-district within the larger CD-14 area.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.  

California Democratic Lawmakers sue Controller John Chiang over pay issue

Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto and fellow crying democratic state lawmakers below, getting "legally emotional" over California Controler John Chiang action to dock their pay last year.  

Cry away California State Infant Lawmakers!

"Stupid is, stupid does"

That would refer to the democratic lawmakers in Sacramento who have not got over California Controller John Chiang's action to dock their pay last year, due to a tardy balance budget. Instead of learning the values of having a on-time balance budget, state democrats do what they know best, that is get some high cost trial lawyers to remind Controller Chiang who the boss is, instead of taking accountability for their past actions.

Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez have filed suit to prevent Controller Chiang from docking again all lawmakers for not having a on-time budget. But notice the absence of republicans going along with the democrats legal actions? 

On average last year, each lawmaker lost $5,000 for dock time due to a lack of a balance budget. Some lawmakers, especially Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto, strongly expressed his anguish over lost finances and a caring constituency responded to the Gatto Family's dire circumstances with bountiful donations. But don't expect much support from the California electorate over this latest infantile use of taxpayers money. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

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

City of Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich in happy times.

** "Mr. Trutanich, your appointment is next".

And what appointment awaits Mr Trutanich tonight at 8:00 P.M.within the headquarters of AFSCME 36 off of Wilshire? According to the blogger at LA Dragnet, candidates for Los Angeles County District Attorney will be interview this evening and the current City Attorney has been sandwich between DA candidates Steve Ipsen and Jackie Lacey, during tonight's AFSCME interviews of seven candidates to replace current District Attorney Steve Cooley. Thus, if Nuch shows, then all speculation on Trutanich's fling with running for D.A. can be set aside once and for all.

We can add that last week, a source close to City Attorney Trutanich stated that it wasn't if, but when Nuch would throw his hat into the crowded D.A. race. Now it looks that his effort to replace Cooley will begin this evening.

** The City Maven reports that the nominee to become the City of Los Angeles first "DWP Ratepayer Advocate" Frederick H. Pickel has been confirmed by Councilwoman Jan Perry's Energy and Environment Committee, with a full council confirmation vote likely next week.

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

"Oh Mario y Maribel of San Fernando", A Political Novella continues in 2012

City of San Fernando Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre.

Blogger's Notes: Welcome lovers of "political chisme" to another season of "Oh Mario y Maribel of San Fernando", the "Political Novella" featuring City of San Fernando Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre with support from Councilwoman Brenda "The Other Woman" Esqueda, that is bound to garner additional attention in 2012. Through the excellent reporting of the San Fernando Sun's Diane Martinez and supporting stories from the likes of the Daily News (** alleged ticket fixing by current acting police chief), this season's virtual reality of politics in San Fernando, has already feature getaway cars, censure motions, recall petitions and allegations of ticket fixing. Join us after the jump for more from the 2012 Season Opener of "Oh Mario y Maribel of San Fernando"---Scott Johnson.** Video of the ticketing questioned in Daily News just posted (10:20 P.M.) after the jump.

Read more »

Mid-Day Briefs on the Crumbling Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

 Gabriel blow your horn on the Los Angeles Political Machine. As we enter the last year of the Mayor Antonio Villar's "Reign of Corruption", the walls are crumbling on the dirty dealings of the associates of the Villar Machine.

 LACCD Inspector General Christine "The Hotness" Marez.

Former Mayor Tom Bradley administration official Art Gastelum (gray hair in center) and his Gateway Science and Engineering firm, get generous column inches of attention from the Los Angeles Times as the expose of questionable financial dealings within the LACCD Capital Building Programs continues. But strangely absence from the LA Times latest missive on the antics of Gastelum's Gateway Firm are any mention of former five year Gateway employee and now LACCD Inspector General Christine "The Hotness" Marez (BTW, a friend tells me that Marez was creative with her "hotness" during her time at LAUSD). Were just speculating here but those in the know on the LACCD scandal wonder if Gastelum's former employee has turn on her former boss considering the controversy surrounding Marez's fitness to serve as LACCD Inspector General.

** The City Council out of no where filed evictions proceedings against the operators of the Los Angeles Theater Center as the Downtown News reports. The Latino Theater Company and the Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture have been feuding partners since winning the controversial contract to run the facility in 2003. We should note that former Los Angeles Pension Board Member Montezuma Eaparza is the Executive Board Chairperson of the Los Angeles Theater Center and the likes of Michael Delijani, Maria Elena Durazo and Art Gastelum serve on the General Board.

** A Mayor Villar appointee to the North Valley Planning Commission Victor Simpson has attracted the ire of City Councilman Tony Cardenas for operating two sidewalk recycling centers without the proper permits. as the Daily News reports, Cardenas finds Simpson's actions ..... well galling. For Cardenas, the violations are particularly galling given Sampson's longtime position on the area planning commission, a group tasked with development decisions. The Coldwell Banker executive, who owns numerous commercial sites in Sun Valley, was first appointed to the commission by former Mayor Richard Riordan in 2000. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto needs to spend more quality time with his constiuents.

Whoops! Did I forget to attend the Glendale City Council Special Meeting on Redevelopment?

Great late Friday morning from undisclosed bloggin bunker in CD 14 where the likes of Assemblyman Mike Gatto and his "Truther Troopers" cannot cease our endless quest to provide the 43rd Assembly District information on the actions of their "Infant Assemblyman". Back in time to Tuesday evening, while Gatto was playing to a supportive crowd at newly elective City Councilman Joe Buscaino's Victory Party, his Glendale constituents had convene a Special Meeting of the Glendale City Council to discussed the ramifications of supporting SB 659 that would delay the demise of CRAs statewide. As the "Sunroom Desk Blog" notes, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino was the only state lawmaker to attend this Special Meeting.

Assembly member Anthony Portantino spoke at a special Glendale City Council meeting yesterday as officials agreed to support California SB 659. The bill would delay ending redevelopment agencies and allow consideration of a scaled-back program. Portantino voted against ending redevelopment; at the meeting he said he knew the program has greatly benefited Glendale.Although invitations were extended to all state-level officials representing this area, Portantino was the only one who attended the meeting.

Thus, while Gatto was celebrating Buscaino's election (and dreaming of someday becoming CD 4 City Councilman Mik Gatt) his constituents were noting his absence from an important meeting on the future of their city.
                                                                                           
** Please pardon the nodding off between blog posts but that is the byproduct of being expose to a Mayoral Candidate Austin "Mini Riordan II" Beutner policy speech that had the same affect as a sedative. "Mini Riordan II's" words on jobs at a Downtown LA Townhall cause the former Mayor Richard Riordan to slip into a state of slumber that was only interrupted by the ending applause.

**  The "Bloggin Commandante" at the LA Weekly reports that the illegal alien apologists are seeking to have CD 12 City Councilman Mitch Englander recuse himself from the dialog over the propose changes to towing polices of vehicle driven by unlicensed drivers.

**  Lastly, in an abbreviated version of our "Another Soulvine Thursday" (on Friday). We bring you the comments of Betty Pleasant regarding the election of LAPD Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino to replace Congresswoman Janice Hahn as City Councilperson of CD 15. "So, the Los Angeles City Council has another cop on it. Humph.." 


Your thoughts:
Scott Johnson in CD 14                                                                                                                                                                     

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Newly elected CD 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino and potential CD 13 City Council Candidate and current Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo.

** Mid-Day Update: Szabo talks up CD 13 potential run with LA Times David Zahniser.

Hola and great Thursday morning from Cuidad de Los Angeles, where we chance upon those searching for "greener councilmatic pastures" when a certain "Failure Mayor" leaves hundreds of their fellow staffers  unemployed in 2013. One of the more high profile job seekers in 2013 would be former blogger turned Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo. Somehow, someway Szabo has survived two terms within Team Villar while others such as former Chief of Staff Jeff Carr peel away the tire tread from being thrown under the bus (by Matt). But facing a loss of pay and long term linkage to a "Failure Mayor", it seems that Szabo went "rouge" and is serious about becoming "City Councilman Matt Szabo of CD 13 in 2013". Maybe thats why he was so readily amenable to have his photo taken with the "Average Joe Buscaino" at his victory celebration on Tuesday evening. One can envision some "Pay Pal love for the Average Szabo for CD 13" in the near future.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto at CD 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino's Victory Party.

Lucky for this blogger that Assemblyman Mike Gatto did not go the "Cease and Desist Route" on taking his photo Tuesday evening in San Pedro. But for some lobbyists in Sacramento, they may cease from riding with Gatto via limo, to any future San Francisco Giant games because the Silver Lake native pulled a "So Cal" and  lefted the game early in the limo, leaving the lobbyists to find their way back to Sacramento.

We under stand that CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard "Zorro Marxist" Alarcon and wife spent some time in a courtroom Wednesday as the trail over his supposed false residency crawls onwards. But as AlarCON seeks to rejoin the State Assembly, this blogger was told sometime back that Michael "MEAT" Trujillo would be managing his campaign.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14   

Mid-Day Briefs on a shaken Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

There's "MEAT"! aka "Chief Parker"/ Michael Trujillo.

Great late morning to all after last night's CD 15 "Grass Roots Revival" and who do we find playing a prominent part in the Team Buscaino's festivities? None other than our old Mayor Sam  blogger and the "Driving Ms. Daisy of Los Angeles Politics" Michael "MEAT" Trujillo. We hope that Team Buscaino's fling with the consulting handy work of MEAT was only informal but by judging from the crowd buzz, Trujillo was a major player in Team Buscaino's victorious campaign. This morning, newly elected CD 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino will announce his selection of Chief of Staff at City Hall. Look for someone from the previous council administration to be named to the position. After the jump, we have posted more photos from the Buscaino Victory Party. Never know who will turn up on film.

** Major buzz this morning over the indictments of former HACLA Official Victor Taracena and his brothers in the scheme to rig bidding on contracts back in 2007. How high will this scandal lead and the repercussions are cause for rampant speculation. But in the last few weeks, we here at Mayor Sam have come acoss information that inner connects the HACLA Scandal with those of other city departments. For now because of the sensitivity, we are not disclosing due to the potential for compromising on going investigations.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

** More photos after the jump.

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"Only the Brave Chase their Dreams" Joe Buscaino elected to CD 15 60-40%

 The "Average Joe" of San Pedro became City Councilman Joe Buscaino with 100% of the precincts reporting at 11:40 P.M. As the crowds turn out into the San Pedro night. A second generation immigrant is validated by the community of his birth as their leader to the City Council.

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

Live Blogging from Joe Buscaino's Victory Party

 Welcome and good evening from ground zero of the grass roots celebration of local kid Joe Buscaino goes to 200 N. Spring Street in the big city of Los Angeles. As the photos below will attest to, the LA Political Class has made their way south to welcome LAPD Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino to the City Council.  As of 9:30 P.M. Buiscaino has a 62-38% lead in the absentee ballots over Assemblyman Warren Furutani

** As of 9:45 P.M. with 7% of the precints reporting, Buscaino still leads 62-38%.

** 10:15 P.M. Sightings include former Mayor and now Judge Jim Hahn and Son of Mayor Amtonio Villar with the Young Democrats of Los Angeles County. Still no updated results. BTW, we have a Michael "MEAT" Trujillo sighting among Team Buscaino.

** 10:45 P.M. We have an update with 27% of the precincts reporting, Its 60-40% Buscaino. this blogger's favorite councilman from CD 14 just took the stage. THE HORROR!! That must be why staffer Daniel Andolon is here..Zine is also in the house with Chief of Staff Jimmy Blacjman> Zine has taken to the microphone offering up his son as a "ticket fiver". Buscaino is on the way down in 5-10 minutes.

** Its close to 11 P.M. and I should thank the members of the Buscaino Family for letting me share the fun of live blogging with them. With 50% of the precincts counted, Buscaino is above 60% and probaly won't dip below that percentage again.

^^ Its a wrap! Buscaino wins 60-40% over Assemblyman Warren Furutani.

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Introducing "The Milk Man" to Mayor Sam

Blogger's note: Beginning today, We would like to welcome the astute political observations of "The Milk Man" to the Mayor Sam audience. In his own words ....... The Milk Man has been making rounds in Southern California government for 25 years, with routine deliveries in City Hall and Sacramento. It shouldn't be surprising what a milkman can learn from just making drops at the doors of political power. Thus, we look forward to "The Milkman's" contributions as we near the busy 2012-2013 Political Season---Scott Johnson. 

"The Milkman" on the 51st Assembly District Candidate Forum.

The race for the 51^st Assembly District officially began on Sunday, January 15, 2012 with a Candidate Forum at El Arco Iris in Highland Park, hosted by the Stonewall and Northeast L.A. Democratic Clubs. Though the forum was announced on short notice, there was a sizable crowd in attendance to hear the three candidates that participated: East L.A. Planning Commissioner and community activist Luis Lopez; union political director Jimmy Gomez; and, state house staffer Arturo Chavez.

 

As could be expected, the forum was more of a swimsuit competition rather than a true debate of ideas. The three progressives tended to agree on the issues and basic approaches to them. Perhaps in front of a friendly crowd of political fans – including political staffers, family members, and campaign workers – so early in the race there wasn’t really a need to throw down any gauntlets that would differentiate themselves from the others.

 

One thing did stand out: The trend of fresh-faced candidates with little institutional baggage continues. In the spirit of Joe Buscaino in CD15 and Austin Beutner in the Mayoral race, Lopez distinguished himself from his challengers by not being tied to L.A.’s political machine. Gomez, however, appears ready to call in chips from all over organized labor in his bid for the Assembly. Chavez – Chief of Staff to termed out Assemblyman and announced candidate for L.A. City Council Gil Cedillo – is veteran of running (and losing) for state office and already has the endorsement of his boss and a few of the other usual suspects.

 

AD51 will be a race to watch because of the many different identity, geographic, and interest groups involved. The newly redrawn area includes Silver Lake, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, El Sereno, Lincoln Heights, and a swathe of unincorporated East Los Angeles. The district is 71% Latino so it seems that the successful candidate will have to be able articulate what he will bring to the district other than ethnicity, the Mayor or Speaker on speed dial, and rehashed rhetoric.

 

The Milk Man