46th AD Race has morphed into a Democratic Great Debate on Public Education

 Charter School Executive and 46th AD Candidate Brian Johnson. (** Backed by Charter Schools advocates)

CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian Chief of Staff and 46th AD Candidate Adrin Nazarian. (** Backed by the California Teachers Association)

Funny what happens when an obscure, redrawn assembly district race becomes "Ground Zero" in the inter-party debate among democrats on the future of public education in the State of California (and state republican officials are "almost gleeful" as the LA Weekly's Hillel Aron reports in this week's piece on the 46th AD "Great Education Debate").

With five days remaining to Election Day (with the odds good on both Nazarian and Johnson coming in first and second), we bring you the latest spin that is quickly replacing the spam in our bloggin email accounts. Enjoy!

WHY IS CTA OPPOSED TO BOTH GETTING DANGEROUS TEACHERS IMMEDIATELY OUT OF THE CLASSROOM AND ELECTING AN EDUCATION REFORMER TO THE STATE ASSEMBLY?

San Fernando Valley, May 30th, 2012 – The California Teachers Association yesterday publicly opposed SB1530, a bill to immediately get sexual predators and other teachers guilty of egregious misconduct out of the classroom. The same day that the CTA attempted to kill Senator Alex Padilla’s legislation, the union reported spending approximately $400,000 asking Valley residents to vote against Brian Johnson.

“I'm beyond baffled by CTA's priorities. SB 1530 is a no-brainer to me. (** that is why Johnson set up this online petition of support, good electioneering) As a former classroom teacher, I know that our children’s safety at school should be our first priority. Let’s stand up for our good teachers and get rid of the dangerous ones that put our children at risk and give our profession a horrible name," Brian Johnson said.

If SB1530 had already been a law, LAUSD could have immediately dismissed Mark Berndt, the Miramonte Elementary teacher who has been charged with 23 counts of lewd acts against children ages 7 to 10.

“The union knows that my strong support for reforming our public schools will put an end to the strong-arm tactics they employ to protect predatory teachers who should no longer remain in the classroom,” Brian Johnson said.

This week alone, CTA spent approximately $180,000 on an ad buy for television commercial full of misinformation implying that Brian Johnson is in support of vouchers and privatizing public schools.
 
"I believe in the promise of public education, and have spent my entire career fighting for it. In no way, shape, or form, am I for vouchers or privatizing public schools," Brian Johnson said. "For the 90% of the issues we agree on --  smaller classrooms, more professional development, more use of teachers’ voices in schools and school districts, and a richer curriculum beyond standardized tests -- I will fight harder than any other candidate in this race. It seems ridiculous that they are willing to resort to this smear campaign just because I will not back down from two issues: supporting all types of schools and creating a comprehensive teacher evaluation system."

........ more surely in the days ahead.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

FOX News Interviews Joe Friday on 'The Lies of Carmen Trutanich'

Mayor Sam Exclusive: Academia Semillas del Pueblo's "Xocolatl Cafe" never had Health Department License to operate

How long will LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia continue to stonewall any actions against Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School for its continuous wrong doings and lack of academic performance? 

Does Marcos Aguilar's (left in photo) support of Councilman Jose Huizar give him the right to violate laws, codes and permit requirements while operating a sub-standard Charter School?

Once lauded as an innovated concept in creating an additional revenue stream of funding for sustaining educational resources at the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School, Mayor Sam has learned that the Xocolatl Coffee Shop and its kitchen, was never licensed by the Los Angeles County Health Department.

Opening to great fanfare and community support in late 2009, Academia Semillas del Pueblo Executive Director Marcos Aguilar was quoted in a LA Times story on the opening of the cafe, on the need to be resourceful in sustaining educational funding.

"I'd rather focus on developing a new language curriculum than a new chocolate drink," said Marcos Aguilar, Semillas' executive director. "But in these extraordinary times, we have to be resourceful."

........ and that also applies to cultivating favors from your political supporters. Somehow, someway Xocolatl operated during its existence without submitting the required plans and most important, no Health License. Maybe Aguilar thought that his native themed establishment was operating within an indigenous enterprise zone. Thus, exempt from all permits and license requirements?

As we noted here previously, the company that was created to run the coffee shop enterprise had fallen six months behind on its rent while still using the kitchen to illegally prep student meals for the school. By now as Aguilar noted to the Times, his enterprise should have been earning the school $50,000 in profits. But that was not to be legally, or in this case "illegally".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Ooops! Academia Semillas del Pueblo gets caught in the wrong ...... again

This morning we posted this photograph of what appear to be another Academia Semillas del Pueblo attempt to circumvent rules (this time City of Los Angeles Parking Enforcement) that their neighbors live by daily. It seems that the Charter School created its own indigenous unloading/ pick up zone in front of its Huntington Drive campuses. Notice that the curb to the right of the cones is painted red (ie. no parking .... and no unloading or pick up). 

But after complaints from neighbors, near collisions and follow up enforcement by LAPD and DOT Parking Enforcement, the school issued this memo to the parents of its students and the stop sign and cones disappeared. The memo clearly states that parents dropping off or picking up students, must park in a legally designated spot.

But almost a week after the memo went out to parents, we took these photos today of parents who still live in the virtual world of the past. The car photographed above stayed in the same location for five plus minutes in violation of the new rules outlined in the memo.

The white SUV in this photo braved a passing LAPD squad car to pick up its charges, once again in violation of the school's new parking policy. The issue of parking has been a major cause of the battle between Academia Semillas del Pueblo and the Hecho En Mexico eatery. We also notice during our brief observations today that an illegal street merchant was doing brisk business in front of the school without challenge from school staff. The corn on the stick must be a better option than the Costco Pizza these days.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for the Dawn of Political Summer 2012

Saturday morning dawn from Anza-Borrejo State Park

Great Tuesday morning dawn on the start of Political Summer 2012 with a week remaining to Election Day on June 6.  

Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto bemoaning latest comments directed at him.

** We noted last week the posting of edited videos of 43rd Assembly District Candidate Greg Kirkorian speaking at this year's Armenian Genocide Commemoration Ceremony that painted Kirkorian as some sort of rabid Armenian Nationalist. Now as the email posted below denotes, a certain "Infant Assemblyman" was himself working the assemble masses for political gain.

Little Mikey is goin around cryin and makin hay of Greg's comments. But what about what he was actually doing at this very same event?
Do you know that this shameless sleazeball was actually trolling around asking the Armenian Community leaders -who were assembled to mourn the lives of their lost- for their endorsements? Honest, my friend Nayiri told me. She was there and saw it all. Politicking at a Genocide Commemoration Ceremony? That's a new low, even for you Mikey. 
If anyone has any doubts, go ahead and ask Ara Najarian, who I am told, was there to stand in solidarity with his fellow Genocide commemorators but wound up being cornered, interrupted and harangued by Little Mikey who was bent on hijacking the event, for his own self-serving and selfish purposes, by chewing Ara's ear off about offering him an endorsement, which I am told Ara wisely declined. Where's Peter M. when you need him?
Look folks, don't get it twisted, Greg's words may have been suspect but Gatto's deplorable deeds are undeniable. This sleazeball showed up to a Genocide Event for pure political purposes. But sadly for him, we are not as dumb and blind as he thinks or wishes us to be. 
October's coming Little Mikey. Are you ready for your surprise? I hear you've been a really bad boy so don't expect a new pony or anything and if you think October's bad, wait till November when the election results come in. It's gonna be right back to Mommy's basement for you young man.

....... or his other home in the canyons south of the Hollywood Sign.

Other News

** We are treated to a double scoop of musings on the bubbling and competent Wendy "The Valley Greuel for Mayor" Campaign on this Tuesday. First, Jim Newton gives us the insider perspective on the competent candidate to replace the lacking Mayor Antonio Villar. Downtown News Editor and Scribe of Wit Jon Regardie breaks news by informing the ignorant masses that the bubbling, positive Valley Greuel was a high school cheerleader during her time at Kennedy High School. Thus, the City of Angels could transition from being fronted by a City Terrace Payaso to a Valley Greuel Cheerleader. Divine intervention please! 

** Rick Orlov's takes note of Republican's attempts to garner election attention by highlighting the feuding Democrats in the 30th Congressional District and 39th Assembly District contests. We should note that former Mayor Sam blogger Michael "MEAT" Zimmerman-Trujillo is seeking campaign consulting redemption by hopefully leading CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard AlarCON to victory over Raul Boconegra in the newly drawn 39th AD.

** Academia Semillas del Pueblo Illegal Drop Off/ Pick Up Zone in El Sereno **

Lastly, which controversial Charter School would create their own "drop off/pick up zone" on busy Huntington Drive in El Sereno? A few weeks back, this blogger witness LAPD observing this illegal obstruction and a couple of near traffic accidents. But then it has become apparent that Academia Semillas del Pueblo operates under different standards (with with no objections from elected officials).  

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14      

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political machine for Getaway Friday

Great getaway Friday as millions of Americans (including this blogger) hit the roadways to celebrate the start of the summer season. This commentator will be on bloggin recess until Tuesday when we return to the scramble before Election Day a week later. In the spirit of this holiday, take the time to remember those who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice to preserve our freedoms, God Bless America---Scott Johnson 

** But we leave you with these political briefs.

Betty Pleasant stockpiles for a life without plastic (bags)  

The City of Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee and its eco-fascist allies pass their ban on plastic bags, along with adding a 10 cents charge for the right to choose a paper sack to load your groceries into. Longtime South LA Newspaper Columnist Betty Pleasant is not one to go into a "no plastic future" with choices.as she notes in this week's "Another Soulvine Thursday".

AND FINALLY — The Los Angeles City Council did Wednesday what the Board of Supervisors did earlier — voted to ban single-use plastic bags from the marketplace. I knew they would, because the city always copies the county. But I’m ready. I’ve been hoarding plastic bags ever since the county enacted its measure. I need those bags. I have three beautiful cats and I dispose of their dirty cat litter in those bag. In anticipation of Wednesday’s move by the city, I have amassed a barrel full of plastic bags which I keep in my garage. My cats and I will not be denied plastic waste disposal bags. (I’m just glad I don’t have dogs.)

BTW Betty, care to mention (or give credit to) what one council member voted no on the plastic bag ban?

Arturo Chavez gets Endorsement of EGP News in 51st AD Contest

 51st Assembly District Candidate Arturo Chavez.

The Eastern Group Publications which is the largest Latino owned newspaper chain in the nation, has endorsed Arturo Chavez in the 51st Assembly District Race as noted below.

Arturo Chavez in the 51st District. While we think that Luis Lopez has some excellent qualities and ideas about health care, in our view Arturo Chavez is better versed and prepared to deal with the full spectrum of issues facing constituents in this district. There will be no on the job training period for Chavez, who has a wealth of experience on legislative issues. Chavez impressed us with the depth of his knowledge on issues from transportation, to jobs, to healthcare and education. And as a former business owner, he understands that government doesn’t always have the answers, and can be a detriment to a business’ survival.  Vote for Chavez. 

Strange, no Jimmy "GPS" Gomez mention in the editorial, maybe he could not compute EGP's location?

Issues continues at Academia Semillas del Pueblo 

Student meals deliver to Academia Semillas del Pueblo's Navarro Street gate.

As a follow up to our story regarding permits/license issues for the Academia Semillas del Pueblo's Xocolatl  Coffer Shop/Cafeteria, we we sent this photo of meals being brought to the campus via private vehicle.. We have confirm with the Los Angeles County Health Department that the coffee shop was not permitted to be used for the preparation of student meals Surely, we will continue our coverage Academia next week.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Tales from the Spin in the 46th Assembly District Race

Forget about Spam when the Spin piles up at election time.

46th Assembly Candidate Brian Johnson

BRIAN JOHNSON TO CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: STOP SPENDING MONEY AGAINST ME AND LET’S WORK TOGETHER ON OUR JOINT EFFORTS

LOS ANGELES – In response to the California Teachers Association’s smear campaign against him, former first grade teacher and current public school executive Brian Johnson sent a letter to CTA President Dean Vogel outlining their common ground and asking to work together.

“I believe your time and money could be better spent working together in our joint efforts against paycheck deception, for the Governor’s tax initiative, and delivering a world-class education for all of our students,” Brian Johnson said. “This is a huge opportunity for us to come together as a party and say the status quo is not working at our schools – we can and have to do better for our students.”

The California Teachers Association has already spent over $100,000 falsely implying that Brian is for vouchers, privatization of public schools, and turning all public schools into charters.  On the contrary, Brian has worked in many district schools throughout his career as an educator. As Executive Director of Teach for America in Los Angeles, he even recruited 500 top graduates into UTLA jobs at LAUSD schools. 

He re-asserts in the letter that he will stand up for all public schools – regardless if they are charter, magnet or district schools. “Let’s pivot from this adult-driven conversation about what piece of paper accompanies a school’s name to actually discussing how we can best serve our children’s needs,” Brian Johnson said.

CTA also has alleged that Brian Johnson’s campaign has “right-wing” support. In fact, simple campaign disclosure research has shown that most of these so-called  "right-wing" donors are bipartisan and have collectively given over $1.3 million to Democratic causes in recent years.  These donors have given over $750,000 to the Democratic Party at the state and federal levels, over $150,000 to Governor Jerry Brown, and approximately $80,000 each to President Obama and Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Lastly, CTA has alleged that Brian has given preferential treatment to wealthy students.  At Larchmont Schools, Brian doubled the number of Latino, African American and low-income students while also increasing student achievement. Larchmont, a group of public schools in the City of Los Angeles, now score higher than every public school in Beverly Hills and is in the top 3% of LAUSD.

46th Assembly District Candidate Adrin Nazarian.

Dear Friends,

In the past 24 hours, the special interests aiming to defeat my campaign have spent an additional $400,000 in an effort to steal this election. This brings the total to over $900,000 of special interest money that has been spent against me, and that number will continue to rise. 

Simply put, we will never be able to match the obscene level of spending coming from these Sacramento-based groups trying to buy this election. Fortunately for us, we know that even being outspent by more than 4-to-1, we can still win this election.  Why?

Because of you. 

Despite being vastly outspent we have matched our opponent in voter communication. We have the strongest volunteer base, the support of community leaders throughout the district, a winning message that resonates with voters, and we know how to get the most bang for our buck.

Please click here to contribute to help us send a message that grassroots politics can succeed and that the 46th Assembly District is not up for sale. Together, we can overcome the special interests and win this election.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

** Mayor Sam Exclusive: Academia Semillas del Pueblo "School Cafeteria/Coffee Shop" shut down by County Health Department

Ethical troubles and controversies continue to sprout from the educational seed that is the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School in El Sereno. Sources have confirmed that the Los Angeles County Health Department has shut down the school's cafeteria which also double as the the Xocolatl Coffee Shop in recent times.

The former Xocolatl Coffee Shop since its demise has serve as Academia Semillas del Pueblo's school cafeteria. School staff could be seen wheeling food across Huntington Drive from Xocolatl , onto the school campus daily. Even during the recent six months when the rent on the Xocolatl site was outstanding (refer to document above), meals for students were prepare by school staff, illegally according to the LA County Health Department. The former Xocolatl Coffee Shop was never license as a school cafeteria and its staff were not properly trained for a school cafeteria operation..

.The shut down of the Xocolatl Cafe/Cafeteria caused the school to order out to Costco for pizza to feed its students, according to our sources. Since obesity is of paramount concern today in our schools, we provide these nutritional facts on a slice of Costco's Cheese Pizza and Pepperoni.

Thus, again due to administrative neglect in attaining proper certification and trained staff for its school cafeteria, the children of Academia Semillas del Pueblo are being expose to an educational environment that borders on unhealthy and merits further investigation by LAUSD, County and State Educational officials.

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

Scott Johnson in CD14

43rd Assembly District Candidate Greg Kirkorian target of Anti-Armenian Smear

What happens when a candidate for office has his words edited into a racial smear?

Posted by "American Beauty".

Posted by G Armenian Pride".

The "Howard Dean or Louis Farrakhan" of the Armenian Community  Those are some of the comments that appear on the edited YouTube video which are clearly design to frame 43rd  Assembly District Candidate Greg Kirkorian as some close-minded, rabid Armenian Nationalist. The videos, along with a  Glendale News Press story (a repugnant piece of agenda journalism) on Kirkorian's supposed comments, has created a backlash in the Armenian Community and are causing some to speculate who is behind the twin video smears (if one really needed to guess).  

Will Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto denounce these types of ethnic smears against his opponent?

Longtime Burbank and Sierra Club Activist Garen Yegperian (** himself no stranger to smear attacks from the Gatto Truther's "Burbank Blog"), penned theses comments on the videos.

Gatto’s minions (it seems to me he’s pretty good at having others do his dirty work for him) have already sunk into the mud. They have taken parts of one of Greg’s April 24th speeches, thrown up a Youtube page, and are trying to make him seem like an extremist so he loses support. That may sound really inappropriate, abusing Genocide related material, but it gets worse. There’s even a comment posted on Youtube questioning why Greg would mention his candidacy during such a speech. You’ll notice, whoever wrote that is trying to make Greg look bad to the Armenian community as well. What’s most telling is that the video’s posting date and the date that the various commenters’ Youtube accounts were opened are within a week of one another. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is NOT natural, normal, political discourse, but a pre-plotted hatchet job. The behavior is also familiar because of what I and others I know have experienced at Gatto’s hands.

Journalist Peter Musurlian, himself no stranger to the vindictive tactics of Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto, produced this video that takes the Glendale News Press to task for their bit of agenda journalism and notes Yegparian's comments on the video controversy. Further, he covers the Kirkorian's Campaign Kick Off event at the Glendale Hilton. One should also note what former 43rd Assembly Candidate was seen in the audience. Hint, don't expect any secret handshakes in the near future.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

The "Not So Private Alliance" between Assemblyman Mike Gatto and Laurette Healey

Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto gets emotional when asking for Special Interest money.

46th Assembly District Candidate Laurette Healey balancing support of Assemblyman Mike Gatto.

As we near the two week mark until election day, the intuitive (a minute number these days) voter will take to reading mailers and campaign websites to educate themselves on the best candidate to support on election day. Judging of candidates may include browsing lists of endorsements from various community members and elective officials but some endorsements of elective officials aren't meant for public knowledge...... like Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto's support of Laurette Healey. This email between Infant Assemblyman Gatto and Healey was supposed to be private but .........

From: Mike Gatto (** we remove Gatto's email due to his past litigious issues)
Date: October 13, 2011 12:48:40 PM PDT
To: <stonewalldemclub@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: RE: [StonewallDemClub] Will You Please Sponsor Me For AIDS Walk Los Angeles this Sunday?
Reply-To: StonewallDemClub@yahoogroups.com

Hi Laurette,
 
I have meetings in Nor Cal that day and wont make it.  I am so sorry to hear about Marcia not feeling well.
 
Keep cranking.  This race is yours.  
 
Be nice out there.  Be humble.  
 
I'm talking you up.  Dec. 30 report will be everything.
 
--Mike

..... and the Infant Assemblyman's support would not be complete without some cash from his special Interest friends.

BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS			LAKESIDE	CA / 92040
ID NUMBER	EMPLOYER		OCCUPATION
AMOUNT	TYPE	TRANS. DATE	FILED DATE	TRANS #
$1,000.00	INITIAL	5/18/2012	5/18/2012	1661477-2

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR			CITY	STATE/ZIP
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS			TEMECULA	CA / 92593
ID NUMBER	EMPLOYER		OCCUPATION
AMOUNT	TYPE	TRANS. DATE	FILED DATE	TRANS #
$1,900.00	INITIAL	5/18/2012	5/18/2012	1661477-1

 Just more background for the informed voter in the 46th Assembly District.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Sunday Bloggin Feature: "Are Past Judgments ($193,000+) against Academia Semillas del Pueblo still pending"?

With the recent renew interest in the controversial charter schoool Academia Semillas del Pueblo, we have received many documents here at Mayor Sam regarding present issues such as declining test scores, questionable financial standing and a failed effort by LAUSD education professionals to revoke charter renewal (thanks to LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia). 

Yet, what many have forgotten in the recent years is Academia's attempt to restrict the free speech rights of the likes of KABC Talk Radio Host Doug McIntyre and the financial ramifications the subsequent legal ruling had on the finances of the controversial charter school.  

Doug McIntyre and then parent company of KABC Talk Radio 790 AM Disney were the target of a civil rights and defamation lawsuit by Marcos Aguilar after McIntyre's reporting on the controversial comments of Aguilar and the low test scores of its students.

But Aguilar's lawsuit fail and Academia was found liable for Disney and McIntyre's legal fees. You can read the rest of the legal findings after the jump. BTW to Doug and Disney, has Academia paid up on their legal obligations?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Read more »

Zorro Marxist Gives City Dollars to Nuch and Some Tarzana Druggies

Carmen the Clown: How did he rate
some dough from AlarcCON?

On a unanimous vote, your Los Angeles City Council took $100,000 for mitigation of the Lopez Canyon Landfill in the North Valley, money set aside to help folks in the North Valley communities, and gave it to a drug treatment center in CD3 and to Carmen Trutanich to stop folks from smoking. Dig deep folks, there are connected non-profits involved in all of this.







ITEM NO. (12)

12-0697 CD 7 MOTION (ALARCON - BUSCAINO) relative to funding from the Lopez Canyon Landfill Community Amenities Trust Fund to implement allocations to serve Lake View Terrace and Pacoima residents.

Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:

1. TRANSFER $100,000 from the Lopez Canyon Landfill Community Amenities Trust Fund No. 531/14, Account No. L32 to the Sanitation Fund No. 100/82, Account No. 3040 (Contractual Services) in order to implement the following allocations to the following agencies to serve Lake View Terrace and Pacoima residents for the stated purposes:

a. Tarzana Treatment Centers, $90,000 for project support
b. Los Angeles City Attorney Tobacco Enforcement Program, $10,000 for project support

2. DIRECT the Bureau of Sanitation to prepare the necessary document(s) with, and/or payment(s) to the above organizations, in the above listed amounts, from the above source, and for the above purposes, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form, if needed, and AUTHORIZE the Councilmember of the Seventh District to execute any such document on behalf of the City.

3. AUTHORIZE the Bureau of Sanitation to make any technical corrections or clarification as necessary to the above instructions in order to effectuate the intent of this Motion.

A Notice to our Readers

Sorry for the lack of content this AM but this blogger is up on deadline for non-bloggin related project. 

We should also note that most aspiring office holders have reporting deadlines today. More on that later in the P.M. and weekend.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Friends Don't Let Friends Vote for Carmen!

Morning Brief on the "Rick Caruso Political Machine" for Thursday ** as reported by the LA Weekly

The Grove Shopping Center Owner and "Hamlet" of Los Angeles Politics Rick Caruso.

** Noontime Update: The fallout from The Grove action to ban Boxer Manny Pacquiao continues via commentary from KRLA 870 AM Talk Show Host Hugh Hewitt.

I'll be back on Monday when this will no doubt all be worked out.  When leaving LAX, I'll be careful not to drive past much less stop at any of Mr. Caruso's properties, but it would be easier if he simply posted "No Catholics Allowed" signs.

"Team Caruso" needs to work on its rapid response.

....... and it has by lifting the "ban" on Pacquiao.

Please pardon this blogger for his Hamlet moment regarding the premise of the forthcoming musing on the "Hamlet" of Los Angeles Politics Developer Rick Caruso. This regarding his latest doings concerning the "banning" of World Champion Boxer Manny Pacquiao from his Fairfax area Grove Shopping Center over now-misquoted comments about homosexuals and its possible foundation in a supposed run for City of Los Angeles Mayor in 2013. 

As we know now, Pacquiao did not utter this biblical verse during an interview which he stated clearly his opposition to same sex marriage, from Leviticus 20:13.

If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.  .

But judging alone the hyper-coverage from the likes of our friends at the LA Weekly Simone "The Snarky One" Wilson and Dennis "The Bloggin Comandante" Romero, mixed with the hyper-reaction from the management at the Grove Shopping Center, a rest stop to check the facts was left in the dust of wrongful indignation.

....... and one other "little matter" from one of the Weekly's hyper posts on the  Pacquiao Controversy regarding the status of "Hamlet" Caruso, it makes us wonder if we miss some announcement.

Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, who owns the Grove, wants nothing to do with the bigotry.When we called his corporate offices today, Caruso's people hadn't seen the Pacquiao quote. But when we read it back to Galit Shokrian, head of marketing and communications, she said that the Grove likely "wouldn't allow" Pacquiao to be interviewed on premises if he had indeed said such a thing.Bill Reich, VP of corporate affairs for Caruso (and manager of the Extra account), called us immediately afterward. When we told him what Pacquiao said, Reich replied: "I got to figure this out. That's not good."

Hey "Weekly of Record", would you guys mind sharing "Hamlet Caruso's" press release regarding his candidacy for Mayor in 2013 (or is it 2017, 2021 whenever) and was The Grove's rash reaction to your reporting design to solidify "Candidate Caruso's" standing in the Gay and Lesbian Community? (** That's conditional on the Weekly having their facts straight on now "Candidate Caruso").

But back to the present, one question current Grove Owner Rick Caruso must answer now (with the facts clear about Pacquiao's stance on same sex marriage) is whether The Grove is a place where millions of traditional Catholics and a majority of Californians who voted yes for Prop 8, are welcome to shop? That is one question a "political hamlet" (and successful business owner) should not vacillate on.

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

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the LA Political Machine for Wednesday

Great Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the local political machine for Hump Day. Join us as we tip the glass and enlighten you on these political musings that may find their way into someone's decaff morning coffee in the A.M. ; ) --- Scott Johnson..

Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson.

** Great Hump Day happy Hour as many depart with their suits and ties, to don Lakers gear for tonight's Game Two against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As we near tipoff, here are some quick hits from today's political festivities.

CD 10 and City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson's appetite for absolute power, "may have crossed a brown line" today as HOLLYWOODHIGHLANDS.org blogger and civic activist John Walsh reports.

AT ABOUT NOON TODAY 5/16/12 PRESIDENT WESSON CALLED A RECESS TO SETTLE A DISPUTE BETWEEN KORETZ AND HUIZAR.
 A MAJORITY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS SURROUNDED WESSON WHO WAS SEATED IN THE COUNCIL  PRESIDENT'S CHAIR AND SPOKE TO ONE ANOTHER ANIMATEDLY IN VIOLATION OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN MEETINGS LAW. The DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY WAS NOWHERE IN SIGHT. THIS HAPPENED IN FRONT OF APPROXIMATELY100 EYEWITNESSES AND UNDER THE NOSES OF THE CITY HALL'S PLIANT PRESS CORPS.
 THE MAJORITY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS   WHO VIOLATED THE BROWN ACT BY DISCUSSING CITY BUSINESS OUTSIDE THE  CITY COUNCIL MEETING INCLUDED  A COUPLE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO  WERE PARTICIPANTS IN THE ILLEGAL DISCUSSION BY VIRTUE  OF SITTING  OR STANDING WITHIN EARSHOT OF THOSE COUNCIL MEMBERS SURROUNDING  PRESIDENT WESSON. THIS WOULD  INCLUDE

COUNCILMAN  PARKS WHO WAS SEATED

THE TOPIC OF THE ILLEGAT CONVERSATION WAS KORETZ'S AND HUIZAR'S COMPETING MARIJUANA MOTIONS.
I   USED MY IPAD TO RECORD THIS VIOLATIONS.  IT WAS A CITY COUNCIL GANG BANGWITH THE BROWN ACT AS  RAPE VICTIM!

...... at lease "Mini Amin" Wesson did not eat the Brown Act.

City of  Los Angeles Ciity Attorney and District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich (center) 

A bad stretch of news continues for District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich as challenger Deputy DA Prosecutor Alan Jackson picks up big talk radio endorsement yesterday from KRLA AM Talk Show Host Hugh Hewitt

Los Angeles, May 16^th – On Tuesday, national radio broadcaster Hugh Hewitt enthusiastically endorsed gang prosecutor Alan Jackson for District Attorney. Hewitt stressed on-air Jackson’s abilities as a gang prosecutor, his support from over 65,000 police officers, and his relationship with victims and their families. Hewitt applauded Alan’s plan to modernize the District Attorney’s office as well as his strategic approach to dealing with Prison Realignment and the thousands of state felons set for transfer to LA County. Jackson’s campaign continues to gain momentum as we move toward Election Day. Hugh Hewitt stated, “Alan Jackson is without a doubt my choice for District Attorney. I cannot more highly recommend that anyone who lives in Los Angeles County needs to vote Alan Jackson. I wish him best of luck.” Gang prosecutor Alan Jackson declared, “Earning Hugh Hewitt’s endorsement means a tremendous amount to me and my campaign. His respected opinion goes a long way not just in Los Angeles County, but across the nation where he broadcasts daily.”

........ the Nuch of old is waning fast.
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

The Southwest Museum, the City of Los Angeles oldest historic exhibit space above the Arroyo Seco.

** In the spirit of promoting visitation to our City of Los Angeles historic institutions, we would invite all of you to partake in the partial reopening of exhibit space at the Southwest Museum, from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. this Saturday, May 19, 2012. Our Friends of the Southwest Museum will be gathering at 10 A.M. to kick off the opening of the lower exhibit lobby to viewing and visitation of just a fraction of the collection stored on site. 

The irony in this surprise partial reopening of exhibit space at the Southwest Museum is that the Autry National Center, which controls the Southwest Museum and its collection, is doing nearly nothing to promote Saturday's event. According to sources, the primary reason for the re-opening is financial. In order to qualify for FEMA money to repair earthquake damage on the Southwest property, the museum needs to meet the provision that it be open to the public in some capacity. Thus, we here at Mayor Sam in promoting local tourism and commerce, implore you to take some quality time this Saturday to visit Los Angeles oldest museum (via mass transit on the MTA Gold Line) and send a message to the Autry National Center, that a refurbish and reopen Southwest Museum, can be a viable tourist attraction in Northeast LA.

** OTHER NEWS **:

Southeast  Politico turn LA County Assessor John Noguez.

** This never happens in the public sector in the County of Los Angeles. The LA District Attorney Office of Public Integrity is accusing the union for assessor office employees of impeding its investigation on the actions of LA County Assessor John Noguez.

** City Clowncil Central Committee Budget Chairperson Paul Krekorian is working hard to maintain his "90+ Union Score Card" This by searching for all revenue streams for monetary flow to prevent any layoffs of mostly female employees. 

** While areas such as Fortress USC get 30 LAPD officers redeployed to protect its exclusive enclave, families in areas of El Sereno are daily expose to random gang attacks and other acts of violence that claim lives. ..... and somewhere CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar is still monitoring the situation.. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the LA Political Machine for Tuesday

Great Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the local political machine for the eve of another Hump Day. Join us as we tip the glass and enlighten you on these political musings that may find their way into someone's decaff morning coffee in the A.M. ; ) --- Scott Johnson..

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar Chief of Staff Ana Cubas

** Refill please!! Hot political rumor of the day revolves around the public sector future of CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar Chief of Staff Ana Cubas. According to numerous sources, Cubas has retain property in CD 9 fueling speculation that she will be leaving her CD 14 duties soon to seek higher office, that being the City Council seat being vacated by 2013 Mayoral Candidate Jan Perry. Cubas, a Princeton grad like her current boss, had her eyes on CD 1 but may find greener political pastures in the newly Latino majority CD 9

** Lets refill (especially after another glance at the Cubas picture) and share this teachable moment on how to obtain gainful, political employment in CD 14. Its starts with (the only) perfect loyalty and influence (score) in the eyes of your perspective supervisor This after you found the capital to produce tthe glossy cover "Our Town El Sereno Magazine" which was devoid of any contrary commentary about the local councilman. Thus, its no surprise to many that Julio Torrez becomes the latest staffer in CD 14 (just for how long remains to be seen), replacing the recently departed Daniel Andalon in the El Sereno office.

DONE General Manager and possible CD 13 City Council Candidate BH Kim.

** Some comments from the Northeast LA Yahoo Listserve on DONE GM BH Kim possible run for CD 13. BH may need a stiff drink for these.

I have seen him in action. And, he is an arrogrant person. He has run an incompetent department. DONE can not even get bills paid that neighborhood councils submit to them. DONE does not help with disputes either. Kim has done a horrible job running the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE). 
But it is his attitude that is the worst. He is just plain arrogant. Those that want him elected will make this another race issue to try to get him elected. 
Kim should quit now. If he goes on he is looking at some very bad interviews and debates when people hit him with negitative comments.. 

A GPNC Bradley connection?

Coming from a person who has no axe to grind and has not seen him in action..>  > He reminds me of a typical bureaucrat who see's how people fawn over him and hang onto his words and now he craves something more.  He is going to have a huge disadvantage in that a ton of people know him and already dislike him.  Touting him as this great new Asian-American symbol is going to be a non-starter, as very few Korean-Americans live in his district.  It seems he is not known for his district work at all, but for administering the disasterous NC system which has gone really badly in many areas.>  > Local residents need only remember one word and one name to know why Kim has no chance.  Here's a hint.  The best mayor LA has had in the past 50 years.  Yes, Tom Bradley changed LA.  But Glassell Park's "Bradley" will be the 5000 lb anchor that sends Kim to the bottom of Echo Park Lake...

..... and these people get out the vote. Not good.

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