Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Mayor Antonio Villar at Summer Night Lights.

This was so sad, ......but tragically predictable.

The Daily News reported last evening that two seasonal employees of the GRYD's Summer Night Lights Program were wounded in a gang-related shooting at Sun Valley Recreation Center last Thursday. Both are expected to survivie.

First, one must ask the Mayor's Office and LAPD why five days past before information of the shooting were made public. Its understandable that a certain level of privacy be accorded the victims of the shooting (especially when a minor is involved). But privacy concerns must also be weigh against the public right to information.

Second, will this shooting cause GYRD officials to augment security at all SNL sites? Each SNL sites have budgeted money set aside to hire four community-based security guards ( "members of the community with standing") Most SNL sites have low visibility when it comes to LAPD or GSP resources at the request of community members, will this change in light of the Sun Valley Recreation Center shooting?

We should note that in North Hollywood last evening, a fifteen year old male was killed in a gang-related shooting. City officials are going to have to come to the realization that prison realignment, along with SB 109 are creating a potent brew that has initiated an upswing in gang-related violent crimes in the City of Los Angeles.

** OTHER NEWS: 

** What is it about a fugitive on the run who takes time to put on a mask and consents to an interview wit a former fishwrap of record? Well that was former Coliseum Contractor Tony Estrada who did just that for the LA Times and pleaded that he was a whistle blower regarding the illegal dealings at the the historic stadium.

** A quick "Oh Mario y Maribel" Update. Despite the dubious efforts of former City of San Fernando City Councilman Mario Hernandez's "Inner Tonto", The District Attorney Office is moving forward with its case against City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre. 

** LAFD will in panel a task force to deal with the issue of its much-criticise response times. But another possible LAFD controversy looming on the political horizon has to do with inspections, or lack of inspections of certain public facilities. 

** As soon to be former DONE General Manager and CD 13 City Council Candidate Bong H. Kim, preps for his new professional gig down the I-5 Freeway in San Diego, some among the NC masses will miss the opportunity to discuss DONE issues with B.H. in "certain public facilities" (the "John").   

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14