Mayor Garcetti's "Connected Ladies" seeking new Political Patronage and Community Power

As Eric Garcetti nears the First Anniversary of his ascension to the Office of Mayor, we spotlight some of his "Connected Ladies" and their pursuit of Political Patronage and Community Power, in lieu of their respective campaign support. 

**Blogger's Note: As we near the First Anniversary of now Mayor Eric Garcetti's campaign victory over the former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar and DWP/IBEW Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo's" Mayoral Candidate of Choice, Wendy "The Political Call Greuel", the time is appropriate to gauge whether the new mayor has made positive inroads into changing the culture of political patronage and entitlement originating from the Third Floor at City Hall. In recent weeks, various community sources and documentation have come to light chronicling the alleged, dubious actions of four prominent Garcetti campaign supporters noted below, who's recent dealings are causing longtime political observers to ponder if now Mayor Garcetti is undertaking a cynical "Back to the Basis" approach in dispensing Patronage and allowing his connected supporters to exert their supposed, new found political power, that is not held accountable to protocols of openness and transparency. If Mayor Garcetti is to move beyond the possibility of being the next incarnation of former one term Mayor James Hahn, the multi-cultured Rhodes Scholar needs to keep a tight, ethical rein on his supporters/appointees, who's community actions are a cause to entertain thoughts that the new Mayor Gacetti Administration, is merely another political machine in the making, instead of a broad based, "Back to the Basics Municipal Coalition", acting in unison in bring about needed reforms and civic reinvention at City Hall---Scott Johnson in CD 14.            

Does "Connected Non-Profit, El Central del Pueblo Executive Director (and Police Committee Commissioner) Sandra Figueroa-Villa, have her eyes fixed on expanding her "Connected Non-Profit's" opportunities into CD 1 (with the help of Board of Director and CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo Staffer Conrado Terrazas)?

If anyone is the poster child for Political Patronage in the new Mayor Garcetti Administration, than they need to look no further than longtime Connected Non-Profit, El Centro del Pueblo Executive Director Sandra Figueroa-Villa. Figueroa-Villa's support of Garcetti, was rewarded with a prestigious appointment to the Police Commission, which raised ethical eyebrows, considering that some of her staff have ties to the simmering corruption issues in Southeast LA County. In recent weeks, speculation has been rampant that Figueroa-Villa is seeking to grow her Connected Non Profit reach from Echo Park, into CD 1. This is causing local political observers to ponder whether new CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo Staffer (and El Centro del Pueblo Board of Directors Member) Conrado Terrazaz is using his official capacity in an unethical manner.   

Did "Connected Non-Profit, Barrio Action Executive Director Tammy Membreno have the alleged help of Mayor Garcetti's staff (** more on that below involving Patricia Alarcon) in seeking to place the LA-32 Neighborhood Council on punitive "Exhaustive Measures" (by making false accusations to shield her personal agenda)?

No one in the LA-32 Neighborhood Council Community of El Sereno was a bigger, understated supporter of Mayor Garcetti's mayoral aspirations than longtime former Councilman Art Snyder and Richard Alatorre Staffer, turned Connected Non-Profit, Barrio Action Youth and Family Center Executive Director Tammy Membreno. Upon Mayor Garcetti's election, Membreno wasted no time in showcasing her new access to City Hall by arraigning to have LA's latest Latino Mayor make an appearance in last year's El Sereno Bicentennial Parade (allegedly, despite reservations from the CD 14 City Council Jose Huizar and losing Mayoral Candidate Wendy Greuel supporters on the Parade Committee). But in recent weeks, Membreno's personal actions in regards to her latest resignation from the LA-32 NC, have prompted community (and blog) scrutiny, whether she initiated contact with Mayor Garcetti's staff in seeking to have punitive sanctions placed upon the NC. The most recent speculation involving Membreno is whether she is seeking to create a Charter School at Barrio Action, with the help of a LA-32 NC Board Member. If the speculation is reality, then this may explain why she and the board member, was against the Charter School proposed in a mixed-use development proposal for a parcel of land near the intersection of Eastern and Lombardy in El Sereno.   

Is Connected Non-Profit, Legacy LA Executive Director Maria Lou Calanche already acting in a dubious, unethical manner by pushing the interest of her organization within the Ramona Gardens Housing Development, as Mayor Garcetti's appointee to the Housing Authority of City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Board of Commissioners?

If anyone among the local Connected Non-Profit Community personifies a political hack in Executive Director's clothing, then that would be Connected Non-Profit, Legacy LA's E.D. Lou Calanche. Seemly desperate to garner public contracts for the Mayor Antonio Villar/Councilman Huizar created community front organization, Calanche mobilize her dwindling ranks of supporters to campaign against the Mayor Villar/Councilman Huizar candidate of choice Wendy Greuel. Her reward for turning her back on Legacy LA's creators was an appointment to the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Board of Commissioners and apparently, she and her supporters are wasting no time in flexing their supposed power in attempting to move programs from the Ramona Gardens Housing Development, to its Lead and Asbestos-laden Hazard Park Armory location, as the email below notes.

 

From Maggie Aguilar   

To Victoria Ortega, Citlalli Chávez, Alma Morales and 9 More...

Mar 19

Victoria, in the first place we don't play politics' I was sad when they came and told me that the classes we're going to by move to Legacy. I was to by Citlalli that if they moved the class to Legacy they would get more people to attend the class. I know Martha for quite some years and the Martha you don't know. First of all you need to understand that we live in this community and we all know what there about.. I'm glad you see them in a different way, but we don't. I hope you come today at 1:00 to put everything on the table and clear the air... there two side of the story and you should hear what we need to say.. Hope to see you soon.

Maggie Aguilar, President
Ramona Gardens Resident Advisory Council
** We should note that now HACLA Commission Vice-Chairman Lou Calanche's Legacy LA confidant Martha Gonzalez is the same person who was remove by HACLA from the previous RG Resident Advisory Council, along with others for "fiscal reasons" and was recorded on video supporting 7 Eleven's efforts to obtain a Beer and Wine License on the behalf of Legacy LA, in return for donations of goods.

What role did Mayor Eric Garcetti's East Area Director Patricia Alarcon play in having the LA-32 NC placed on "Exhaustive Measures" (** was she misled by former LA-32 NC Vice-President Tammy Membreno and another "Top-ranking NC Board Member)?

Unlike the three Connected Non-Profits Executive Directors supporters of Mayor Garcetti, former USC employee Patricia Alarcon cashed in on her campaigning by being hired as the East Area Director for the Mayor. Alarcon is the East Area Contact Person when constituents have questions, concerns or comments regarding city issues that may merit a response from her boss. That said, its also Alarcon's job to be the designated errant person if one of Mayor Garcetti's Connected Non Profit is in need of Patronage or an act of Political Power to promote their respective personal agendas. Recent emails obtain by Mayor Sam (posted at the bottom), disclose Alarcon's interest in discussing with Empower LA's Employee Lisette Covarrubias the situation involving the placement of the LA-32 NC in "Exhaustive Efforts". Emails from LA-32 NC Board Members (including this blogger) requesting a response regarding concerns outlined, about Empower LA's punitive, subjective actions have gone mostly unanswered. Yet Alarcon, has had contacts over the years with former LA-32 NC Vice-President Tammy Membreno, leading to speculation that her interest in the LA-32 NC situation is at the invitation of her fellow Mayor Garcetti supporter. But whether Alarcon chooses to be open and transparent regarding her discussions with Empower LA, there is no doubt that she is cooperating with "certain members of the LA-32 NC" regarding the upcoming "4th Annual El Sereno Kite Festival", while the rest of the NC is kept in the dark, as the Flyer below illustrates.

Maybe Patricia Alarcon should comment why she is cooperating with certain LA-32 NC Board Members (Edward Santillan and Connie Castro?) in hijacking an NC-created community event while remaining silence about Empower LA's punitive actions?

Read more »

Councilman Huizar admits to Drinking on night of the $185,000 Accident in City-owned Vehicle

KCAL/KCBS Reporter Dave Lopez gets CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar on video, admitting to speculation that he had imbibed an alcohol beverage before his costly $185,000 Accident involving the city-owned vehicle ($40,000 plus Toyota Highlander) he was driving.   

 

Was it only one adult beverage Councilman Huizar?

In lieu of CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's confirmation of speculation that he had indeed, imbibed an adult beverage before his costly $185,000 Accident, we ask the Princeton Graduate to truthfully answer the following Common Core-thematic, political math question.

Councilman Huizar, you admit to imbibing one adult beverage at a dinner (former staffer Erick Martell's Happy Hour Birthday Bash?). Upon leaving the alleged Happy Hour Birthday Event at the Edison on Second Street, you proceed at an unknown rate of speed eastbound on First Street until your rate of travel comes to abrupt stop on the back bumper of former Huntington Police Office David Ceja. How did the taxpayers get stuck with paying a $185,000 Settlement to resolve this latest character issue involving you? Possible, multiple choice answers below ...........

A. Mr. Ceja would not accept the Princeton Graduate's street side settlement offer from an undisclosed cash source (and in violation of city protocols for reporting accidents in city vehicles), allegedly.

B. Maybe you should ask Councilman Huizar's "former Staffer Erick Martell" if you can find him at his new job at the Port of Los Angeles?  

C. What happens in back of a Hollenbeck Police Car, metabolizes in back of a Hollenbeck Police Car, allegedly.

D. Whatever was the alleged, true amount of imbibed adult beverages before rear ending Mr. Ceja did not show up on breathalyzer after two hours in back of Hollenbeck Police Car. 

E. Maybe you should focus on why a late, former White CD 14 City Councilman was never convicted for driving drunk in his city vehicle?

F. The Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate's "Political Soul Brother" City Council President Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson said that it would take six-figures of your tax dollars to buy his way out of this latest character "FUBAR".

G. All of the above, allegedly.

** Meanwhile ............, what is former Councilman Huizar Staffer Erick Martell doing for a public paycheck these days, when not serving on the Executive Committee of the LA County Young Democrats?

We knew Martell loved his time working for Councilman Huizar.

Erick J. Martell currently serves as Legislative Representative for the Port of Los Angeles.The Port of Los Angeles encompasses 7,500 acres of land and water along 43 miles of waterfront. It features 24 passenger and cargo terminals, including automobile, breakbulk, container, dry and liquid bulk, and warehouse facilities that handle billions of dollars’ worth of cargo each year. The Port also wields tremendous economic impact, generating employment for more than 3 million Americans nationwide. In California alone, nearly 1 million jobs are related to trade though the Port of Los Angeles.

Prior to his current post, Erick J. Martell served as the Legislative & Transportation Director for Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, 14th District. The District includes Downtown Los Angeles, as well as Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Highland Park and Eagle Rock. Erick successfully advanced the Councilman’s public policy agenda on a broad range of issues and was the point person on matters relating to Los Angeles World Airports, Port of Los Angeles, Public Safety, Public Works, Budget & Finance, LAUSD, Intergovernmental Affairs and Labor relations.

 

Erick also managed transportation issues for the Councilman, who served on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Agency Board of Directors (Metro). In this capacity, Erick was involved with a variety of significant transportation projects, including the Regional Connector, which will greatly improve the connectivity of the transportation network for the region and serve as an important economic development tool for Downtown Los Angeles and LA County.

.........., one can surmise that Erick has learned the fine art of reaping the political spoils by keeping silent and remaining loyal to his bosses.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

MayorSam Tidbits

The Downey Police Officers Association endorsed Downey City Councilman Mario A. Guerra for State

Senate. This is the first time that the Downey Police Officers Association has endorsed any candidate for state office in their 55 year history. Downey Police Officers Association President Michael Pope, stated "This is something we take very serious – not only is Mario one of us, having served as our Chaplain for over a decade, but he has always supported our officers regardless of the political cost to him personally.” Guerra is running to represent the 32nd State Senatorial District. It is a new re-districted seat that has no incumbent.

In a letter to his staff today, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Director of the Department of Public Health and County Health Officer, announced his retirement. Fielding has been in the position for the last 16 years.

The issue of the homeless and that of aggressive behavior by such has been growing in the community of Sunland-Tujunga, LA's last rural outpost. In recent days, Facebook pages have overflowed with reports of incidents of customers at fast food outlets being accosted by homeless, various indigents trying to get inside cars with motorists and the report that a self-storage location was being lived in by homeless (we understand that situation has now been corrected). Many residents have expressed anger at the City's homeless policy and that local officials are pursuing policies that are drawing new homeless to the area from Downtown Los Angeles and other areas. Stay tuned.

This weekend sees the latest release of the latest book by our friend and former MayorSam blogger, Joseph

Mailander, LA at Intermission: A City Mingling Towards Identity. Mailander says the the book is about "the disintegration of identity in Los Angeles, and the re-emergence of a kind of more neutral, breezing, and shiftless civic identity." Hits Kindle this weekend.

Mid-Day Musings on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Angelinos in South LA are being treated to Spring Political Fireworks as CD 9 City Councilman Curren Price and CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks engage in a verbal skirmish over the control of the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show at the "University of Scandalous Conduct's Illegally, Backroom-Gifted Memorial Mausoleum". 

We bring you the latest "Joint CD 8/CD 9 Political Firework Show".

Late good morning to all as we return to the bloggin keyboard after a few days away with topics galore to share.

First, it seems that newby CD 9 City Council Member Curren Price has a Pirate Link on his Political DNA Chain as he draws the wrath of neighboring out-going CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks for attempting to hijack the former LAPD Chief's longtime Fourth of July Fireworks Show at the now "University of Scandalous Conduct's Memorial Mausoleum".

With Councilman Parks looming exit from the City Council in 2015, mixed with the litigious 2012 Backroom Redistricting Controversy that placed the Memorial Mausoleum Complex in CD 9, its apparent that the Freshman CD 9 Representative was working the Political Backroom to pirate away a spoil from before the Three Term CD 8 Councilman is termed out next year.

The alleged haste of Councilman Price to pirate away to popular Fourth of July Event set off a war of dueling press releases that have put Councilman Price, an embattled "Mausoleum Commission" and the "University of Scandalous Conduct" on the defensive over the Councilman Park's assertion that the CD 9 Rep's "Pirate Raid" is payback for "Team Parks" outing of the nefarious conduct of the "Mausoleum Commission's" Brown Act-violating giveaway of the historic sport stadium to the "University of Scandalous Conduct" as outline in a press release (posted below).

Despite the LA Weakly's Dennis "the Bloggin Comandante" Romero's channeling of Gene Maddaus off-based, reporting of Councilman Parks alleged link to controversial Rave Promoters, this skirmish has the smell of political payback by City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson, along with his dubious supporters within the "Mausoleum Commission" (Price and Wesson's wife Fabian) and at USC.

** LAPD Chief Charlie Beck must be relieved to have the backup of Mayor Eric Garcetti in his dust up with the Police Commission (and Steve Lopez) over allegations that he exhibited favoritism in overturning the recommendation to terminate a "Connected LAPD Officer" for inappropriate conduct. That said, rumors are flying around the department of an alleged DUI involving a "Captain III" and the Chief's handling of this latest off-duty transgression involving a member of the Command Staff.

** The "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" (aka LA Times) ponders what DWP/IBEW Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" Joint Safety Training Academy spent $40 Million Dollars.  To think that a whole Editorial was devoted to this question reinforces a certain blogger's perception that times are not good at the Former Fishwrap of Record.

Read more »

Bad News Brief on a Clowncil Member called Huizzy for Getaway Friday

Its time for another bloggin edition of a Friday Bad News Brief on yet another self-inflicted folly via the reigning "Bad Boy Charro, Princeton Graduate" of the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee Jose Huizar.

 Will CD 14 City Clowncil Central Committee Reigning Bad Boy Jose Huizar note his latest $185,000 Settlement cost to the taxpayers in his Friday Email Blast? 

Its Official!! Clowncil Central Committee Member Huizar's city-owned $40,000 plus, Toyota Highlander, can go from zero to a $185,000 Settlement, soon after a Happy Hour Birthday Party for former Staffer Erick Martell, allegedly.

Happy Getaway Friday to all as there is no holding back my inner bloggin inhibition from bring you the latest dubious distinction to be bestow on a certain Princeton Graduate, turned Bad Boy Payaso of the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee.

The reigning Bad Boy Payaso achieve something not even the late, legendary former CD 14 City Councilman Art Snyder could ever accomplish in his time in office, by having his fellow Clowncil Central Committee Members approved a $185,000 Settlement originating from his late 2012 First Street Rear Ending of a former Huntington Park Police Officer in Boyle Heights.

Somewhere in the "Great CD 14 Fiefdom Above", the last great former Irish Politico, east of the LA River, is raising a Friday Toast to his predecessor who has taken Snyder's proclivities for what an elected official can dubiously accomplish in a city vehicle to a higher level of cover up, with a six figure cost to the taxpayers ......., allegedly. 

One can imagine the inner-envy that Snyder must feel above as he checks his "In and Out Box" this A.M., in knowing that his Boyle Heights raised predecessor put his Ivy League education to good use to crafting an immediate settlement deal to the other party, that would of skirted official city protocols for reporting accidents in city vehicles ..........., allegedly. 

As Synder grabs a heavenly Tiki refill, we can only ponder if he ever had during his time on earth as CD 14's Councilman, an opportunity to benefit from the sobering qualities of sitting in the backseat of a LAPD Squad Car for two hours after rear ending another vehicle? Most likely not, but then, like now, what happens in a back of a Hollenbeck Squad Car, metabolizes in back of a Hollenbeck Squad Car ........, allegedly.

With a third Tiki on deck, we wonder if Snyder can share with us if a former staffer's Happy Hour Birthday Party ever cause him any issues with driving after leaving the premises. Further, did he play a role in that staffer getting a permenant gig at the Port of LA ............, allegedly? 

But as a fourth Tiki looms, Snyder can imbibe, with a smile, knowing that taking care of the "In and Outs" of his constituents concerns during his time in office, went a long way in ensuring the continuing support of the electorate, a trait a certain Princeton Graduate has taken for granted ......, allegedly, or not?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  



The Morning After Mayor Garcetti's "Budget 101" in Boyle Heights

Live from the Puente Learning Center in Boyle Heights!! Its Budget 101 with Mayor Eric Garcetti and his Special Guest CD 1 City Clowncilman Central Committee Member Gil Cedillo (** along with some guy who went to Princeton).

Mayor Eric Garcetti addressing the capacity crowd at the Puente Learning Center in Boyle Heights.

** Blogger's Note: For one night, Boyle Heights was the center of the Los Angeles Political World as Mayor Eric Garcetti's traveling "Back to Basis, Budget 101 Tour" made its one stop east of the LA River. Sensing that there is a new Patronage Sugar Daddy in charge at City Hall, all of the usual "Connected Non-Profits" were in attendance with reps from Inner-City Struggle, East Los Angeles Community Corp (ELACC), Legacy LA, El Centro de Ayudo and El Sereno's Barrio Action working the room (matter of fact, the amount of "Connected CBOs" representative last night, have not been seen since the bloggin, fabled "Huevos with Huizzy Tour", but I digress). Then of course you had the political loyalists who were there on behalf of their respective office holder sponsors. The actual exercise in gathering constituents thoughts regarding the 2014/2015 Budget was inhibited by the large crowd and interrupted further by the Grand Entrance of Mayor Garcetti and Clowncil Central Committee Member Cedillo (which prompted "where's Huizzy?" comments from audience members). With the arrival of Clowncil Central Committee Member Huizar ten minutes after Mayor Garcetti and Clowncilman Cedillo, the event became a gab session among the assembled politico troika, with cameras flashing away. But there was no doubt that this evening was about showcasing a new Mayor's grasps of the basics of community interaction, with a new CD 1 friend as Special Guest and a certain, embattled "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" being the odd politico on the outside, looking at a new political reality of his own making---Scott Johnson in CD 14    

The Troika of Mayor Garcetti, Clowncilman Cedillo and Clowncilman Huizar

Hmmm, LA Budget minus $185,000 Settlement recommendation for auto accident, plus legal costs regarding the alleged Sexual Harassment of former Deputy Chief of Staff Francine Godoy.

CD 1 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil Cedillo talking up the virtues of his new friend Mayor Eric Garcetti (to the consternation of a certain Princeton Graduate).

Well known activist and Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council Member Carlos Montes "bad omen" for proposed Street and Sidewalk Sales Tax Hike.

A certain Princeton Graduate staring at the camera, again.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Hump Day

As members of the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee embrace the report by CAO Miguel Santana that calls for a half cent Sales Tax Hike to repair streets and sidewalks, we await statements from the likes of Mayor Eric Garcetti and his Board of Public Works President Kevin James whether they support (or oppose) burdening Angelinos with an additional tax.  

Will former Mayoral Candidate, now Board of Public Works President Kevin James and Mayor Eric Garcetti, jointly comment regarding the proposed half cent Sale Tax Hike to repair street and sidewalks?

Hey now Board of Public Works President Kevin James and Mayor Eric Garcetti, care to comment in support, or opposing the latest attempt to burden Angelinos with more taxes? 

It seemed like yesterday (it was) that we were commending City of Los Angeles Chief Administrative Officer Miguel Santana for his comments regarding holding off on new spending and employee pay raises for the next three years, while replenishing the cities fiscal reserves.

But as the sun rises on another Chamber of Commerce Day in Ciudad de Los Angeles, many within the business community and dwindling Middle Class must be pondering what Santana was smoking (or imbibing) as he crafted a report that calls for raising the City of LA's Sale Tax by a half penny to pay for street and sidewalk repairs over fifteen years.

While it should surprise no one that most of the LA City Clowncil Central Committee, especially its General Secretary/President/Dictator Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson, are collectively gleeful at the prospect of lavishing upwards of $4 Billion Dollars of Public Works Contracts to their Brothers and Sisters in Labor (in return for campaign contributions). Angelinos know all too well that past tax/fees hikes proposals (think increase trash fees for more police) originating from 200 Spring Street, end up paying for non-intended budgetary line items (can you say employee pay raises?).

That said, its fair to ask Mayor Garcetti and his former mayoral challenger, now Board of Public Works President Kevin James to state for the record, whether they support this latest "tax copout" to cover up for failed, long term planning and misplace fiscal priorities at City Hall. After all, leaders do take policy positions on occasions.

** If those in our cyber audience ever ponder why we have bestowed the gloss of "City Clowncil Central Committee" upon the fifteen elected officials within a horseshoe at City Hall, this next headline should tell you why, from the Drudge Report ........... 3 LA City Councilmembers Launch Study to Determine If Fracking Caused Earthquake. Maybe "Clowncilmans Moe, Larry and Curly" should be more worry about the price of a gallon of 87 Octane Gas approaching $4.00 again?

** We found this interesting response from a former LAFD Firefighter yesterday of Facebook in regarding the consultant-crafted report on the emergency response to the LAX Shootings as lauded by Mayor Eric Garcetti ............, Let me get this straight: LAX has the Contractor they hired to DEVELOP the emergency plans 15 months prior to the 11/1/13 active shooter to write the after action report on gaps in the plan... while still working on the plan after getting an additional 18 months of contract time? Obviously, I'm doing something wrong... or were the multitude of emergency drills at LAX an exercise in denial?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

City of Los Angeles Chief Administrative Officer Miguel Santana calls for holding the line on restoring past spending and implementing new "investments", as replenishing a fiscal reserve becomes paramount.

City of Los Angeles CAO Miguel Santana is bullish on rebuilding fiscal reserves.

Its Tuesday morning at 200 Spring Street and the buzz this A.M. will be all about what Miguel said.

As Mayor Eric Garcetti readies his next "Budget 101 Townhall" tomorrow in Boyle Heights and the City Clowncil Central Committee nears its 10 A.M. Roll Call this morning, all budgetary conversations will surely be predicated by the comments of CAO Miguel Santana in today's Print Edition of the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" (aka LA Times).

Judging from Santana's comments, the "Collectivist Dependentcrats" on the "City Clowncil Central Committee" and their Brothers and Sisters allies in the City Labor Unions are not going to wear a free-spending, fiscal smile anytime in the next three years, if the CAO's recommendation to hold salaries for that time period is adopted. Further, the free-spending "Collectivist Dependentcrats" on the City Clowncil Central Committee will not grin at the suggestion that restoring past budget levels and new "investments" ("Collectivist Dependentcrat's speak" for spending more taxpayers money) in new programs, be put on hold in the interest of restoring fiscal reserves ............., and he is right.

The blunt budgetary reality at City Hall is that backwards policies in regards to employee costs (ie. pension obligations), poor decision-making regarding the Port of LA, an unfriendly business bureaucracy and a unhealthy, ethical political environment, among others, is growing the City of Los Angeles long term drought of its "Fiscal Watershed of Revenue", as obligations against the General Fund grows.  

If Los Angeles is to steer away from becoming "Detroit on the Pacific", a three prong approach in growing revenues (by stimulating business growth and not increasing taxes), reducing future obligations against the General Fund and streamlining efficiency within city departments is a must.

** What comes after CD 1 as Mayor Garcetti tours the fifteen mini-fiefdoms that comprise the City Clowncil Central Committee? CD 2 of course as the Mayor's Facebook Page offers up a photo essay of his day with CD 2 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Paul Krekorian  Were awaiting comment from a certain "Tracy the Studio City Sock Puppet".

** Yesterday was not a gold star day for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA for short) as their eagerly anticipated federal seed money to reinvent the Jordan Downs Housing Project came to naught. Also, a certain new "HACLA Commissioner" is already exhibiting the same nefarious ethical behavior that garnered bloggin coverage here on Mayor Sam, as the poster gal for politico-created "Connected Non-Profits". 

** Leave it to the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" to highlight its prompt actions in regards to its "former" lead reporter on the alleged cover up of numerous sexual assaults by the Occidental College Administration, for "inappropriate behavior". Uber Old Gray Hag Observer Kevin "Westside White Guy" Roderick has the leaked details of course. 

** Lastly, we are glad to report that the four LAPD Officers injured yesterday in a Glassell Park traffic collision have been released from the hospital. Godspeed to all injured in Monday's accident.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

DONE Issues Demand for Past Due Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council Financial Records

In light of a steaming serving of DONE-DUNG served up by the otherwise decent chap Paul Hatfield at CityWatch (no links because we don't give Google juice to dung and we understand the owner of that site loves the clickety-clicks such drama brings) and said CPA Hatfield's consistent slamming of anyone in Sunland-Tujunga who has called for fiscal transparency of their neighborhood council, we offer up the following official letter from none other than Empower LA.

Some time back, Joseph Mailander went through public data with regard to the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council's finances. That which was a frequent pattern of cash withdrawals from the city funded panel's account, all around the same time and without any description as to the purpose. No one individual was mentioned or any specific acts of impropriety suggested. That being said, the point was the lack of specificity in the public record keeping and the odd pattern of withrdrawls. Also of particular note was that many of these withdrawals were made last minute, resulting in signifcant bank fees, that would not otherwise be charged for purchases on the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council's debit card, or for city checks requested.

Rather than an explanation, Mailander and others were met with stonewalling, name calling and a very righteous Hatfield who was aghast that anyone had even suggested there was a problem.

Here's the problem. Public funds, in the form of cold hard cash, was being withdrawn from a cash machine on a consistent basis with no apparent explanation. Again, no specific impropriety was charged, yet the appearance of such should be of concern to officials and stakeholders alike.

Sunland-Tujunga's treasuer, Nina Royal, has adamantly declared that the books are in order, they are as clean as can be and that anyone may make an appointment with the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council's part-time employee to visit their office and review documents.

That now appears not to be entirely true. Again, for the sake of folks like Paul Hatfield and others, no specific charges are being made. But as the saying goes, where there is smoke, there may be fire. Certainly the city agency, DONE, charged with overseeing these expenditures is clearly not satisfied with the records and lack of records being submitted. It is very likely once they are, all will be fine. It is also very likely DONE goofed. If either is the case, and is presented and confirmed to us, we'll print that here. The bottom line is that in the handling and spending of the public money, extreme care must be taken to be fully transparent and to demonstrate that everything is on the up and up. If this isn't done, it is certainly justified for stakeholders to question otherwise.

Let me say this: nothing would please me more that after appropriate investigation, everything is on the up and up and at the very worse, we're looking at sloppy bookkeeping and lack of clear direction from DONE. Cherry on top would be for DONE to work for a more transparent system - where this information is available at any time, on line, for stakeholders so that they need not take time off from work to make an appointment with a part-time employee.

Stay tuned.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Nothing like a little Monday morning 4.4 Earthquake to remind everyone (including the supporters of the Millennium Project) of the seismic hazards associated with development in Los Angeles.

This morning's shaker is located near what fault? Hint, it rhymes with "Bollywood".

Great Monday morning to all as Mother Nature and her Seismic Sancho treated us to a quarter's worth of bedrock shaking in the early A.M. Thanks to Social Media, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will have ample cyber-testimonials on this morning's 4.4 quake centered in the Santa Monica Mountains west of the 405, to archive the shake intensity. 

That said, this morning's brief episode in seismic landscaping, is bound to rekindle the dialog over the multitude of buildings within the City of Los Angeles, both old and new, that are in immediate need of earthquake retrofitting. As USGS's Seismologist Lucy Jones greets the media regarding this morning's shaker, lets remember that her side gig in working with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti in prepping the city for the dreaded "Big One", will surely become more pronounced in the days and weeks ahead.

Yet, as common sense would predicate a pro-active approach to earthquake preparedness and seismic retrofitting, there will be those in local government and the development community, who's monetary priorities will reinforce their act of denial about potentially dangerous projects such as the Millennium Project in Hollywood. Last week, the developers behind the controversial project were seeking to have changes made on State of California Earthquake Maps that would show the proposed development was not on the Hollywood Fault Zone.

Lets hope this morning's shaker will impede that effort.

** Longtime City Hall Reporter Rick Orlov of the "Daily Valley Moldy Green Sheet" (aka Daily News) notes in his "Tipoff Column" that Westside Congressional Candidate Wendy "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's Greuel" was seeking the ballot designation of "Controller/Businesswoman". One problem, state election laws prohibits espousing a designation on a ballot that is no longer current. Thus, we offer up this alternative. "Call Greuel for LA's Special Interests".

** For my fellow CD-14 Constituents east of the Los Angeles River, if you were pondering why you see so little of your elective representative who happened to graduate from Princeton, maybe this missive on the State of Development in Downtown LA could educate you on the new political priorities in CD 14. Simply follow the money.

** Note from South LA Soulvine Columnist Betty Pleasant ........, SHUT UP!! If you think that Betty was directing her ire at CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks, Mayor Eric Garcetti or a certain blog, then we have a cut and paste surprise below. From Betty .........

Political campaigns can be one of two things: either exciting or disgusting, and comes now one of the latter — the campaign of Alex Johnson for the District 1 seat on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education
Johnson, whom nobody knows except Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, for whom he works as an “education aide,” was just certified by the city clerk as an official candidate in that election last week and then kicked off his campaign in the vicious attack mode by pouncing on fellow candidate, Genethia Hudley-Hayes, like a mountain lion. Instead of telling us who the heck he is, Johnson chose to tell us Hudley-Hayes — a woman we have known, loved, respected and worked with for more than 30 years — is falsifying her resume with regard to her having a doctorate!! Who cares?! The only thing of concern to voters in this election is determining which of the seven or eight candidates will be the most effective and committed advocate for quality education which the 1st District’s woefully underserved minority students deserve.Johnson needed to come out telling us what’s in his resume, not what’s lacking in the resume of his opponent. Whose jugular is he going for next week? Probably candidate George McKenna, who, like Hudley-Hayes, (and unlike Johnson) are above reproach and are proven warriors when it comes to LAUSD matters. All Johnson did last week was make people mad, including the Soulvine and a bunch of civil rights leaders who denounced Johnson’s opening campaign gambit as “a smear attack.”  They sent me the following statement:
Read more »

Bloggin Personal Note ..............

Please pardon the bloggin interruption, but since Mayor Eric Garcetti Chief of Staff Ana Guerrero's recent announcement that she will not be CD 14 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar's "Latina Nightmare Challenger" in 2015. We need a to take a couple of days off to tend to work and personal affairs. 

Personal and work deadline are hard on the bloggin, bottom line.



Who will emerge from the shadows as a viable challenger in the place of Ana Guerrero?

Oops!! Almost forgot, coming next fall, a "November Novella" from a courtroom near you.

Mailander: Irregularities Mar Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Election

Editor's Note: Neighborhood Council elections have been a controversial subject for some time, and the latest round of contests for the advisory panels have been no exception. From Silver Lake to Sherman Oaks to Chatsworth, many Councils are facing issues with notification, location changes, pseudo-slate mailers on the public dime and stakeholder eligibility questions. One of the elections held during Saturday's first round was in Sunland-Tujunga. Joseph Mailander offers this special report

By Joseph Mailander

Special to MayorSam's Sister City

Sunland-Tujunga's record turnout for Saturday's long anticipated Neighborhood Council election suddenly went sour late Saturday night as election results were leaked from the counting room to an operative in advance of being posted by any member of the Neighborhood Council, EmpowerLA, or City Clerk's office.

Nearly 700 residents and stakeholders participated in the election that was celebrated for its enthusiastic turnout but quickly became tarnished by reporting irregularities.

Late in the evening, voters lingering on various social media message boards, concerned about the outcome of the election, were shocked to observe not a Neighborhood Council or EmpowerLA representative but a local political operative first posting results to Facebook, in some cases even while the votes were being counted.

The same operative had previously pushed his own slate of endorsements for the election, and openly derided many challenger candidates.

"[I]f someone was observing from the designated area where those who signed in were to be seated, they could of [sic] texted him that information. The Poll Manager (Terrance), the Election IEA (Alisa) and myself were the only one privy to the overall vote tally until release to everyone. For the record, there was about 10-15 observers in the room," vote counter Scott Johnson said on Facebook.

Commissioner Lydia Grant, who was on hand for the counting, did not return phone calls or email

regarding the incident. EmpowerLA General Manager Grayce Liu also has not returned inquiries as of publication time.

Voters also encountered some irregularities earlier in the day as business and organizational stakeholders were told they were obliged to present documentation on organizational letterhead that they indeed worked or belong to an organization in Sunland-Tujunga.

No election materials printed in advance of the election specified this. Those who could not provide documentation on the spot were obliged to vote via provisional ballot and submit their documentation within three days time. The provisionals cast may affect the outcome of one race, for a Regional slot on the board, in which two candidates tied for the final seat.

The NC's president-elect, Mark Seigel, barely missed fetching half the total vote, receiving 332 of 676 votes cast.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

From NC Elections to Settlements for a CD-14 Auto Accident, with a Spin on the Legacy of a certain "Failure Mayor", we bring you Monday's Morning Briefs.

Community Democracy the Big Winner in the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Elections.

Great morning after "Nanny State Time Change" as the sun rises on another week of political follies, courtesy of the "Payasos y Payasas" of the Los Angeles Political Machine.

** I am normally not one to muse on self, but there are rare times where the bloggin topic of musing intercepts with this blogger as on Saturday during the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Elections.

As a LA-32 NC Board Member and member of its Elections Committee, I offered my services as a Poll Worker for the Region 1 Elections of Northeast Valley Neighborhood Councils this past weekend, mainly as a teachable moment for self how a NC Election is conducted from start to finish.

Twelve hours after arriving in S.T., I greeted the start of a new day (minus one hour due to Nanny State Time Change), with a new found appreciation for the work of Empower LA Staff, NC Activists and most important, the Greater Sunland-Tujunga Community.

In recent weeks leading up to Saturday's Elections, the discourse within the S.T. Community had taken on a divisive, strident aura as neighborhood factions took to Social Media in heaping ridicule, condemnation and hurling accusations across the cyber battle lines.

Yet, on Election Day all factions put the cyber talk on hold and walked into the North Valley City Hall Polling Location in an extraordinary act of Community Democracy. Regardless of what side you were on, the Greater S.T. Community should be proud of its conduct at the Poll and use this great example of Community Democracy to forge better, inclusive mediums of dialog, to grow a positive tomorrow ........ a process, like Saturday's Elections which I can surely sign off on (as I gladly did in the above photo of the Election results.

City Attorney recommends $175,000 Settlement in CD 14 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar's First Street Rear Ender.

 Clowncilman Huizar's $45,000 plus Toyota Highlander: "From Zero to a $185,000 Settlement".

The cost of CD 14 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar's "personal conduct" to the taxpayers will surely grow by six figures as the City Attorney recommends a $185,000 Settlement for his rear ending of a former Huntington Park Police Officer on Boyle Height's First Street in late 2012. Most likely not included in the proposed Settlement Payout are the following; The salary cost for former staffer Erick Martell's new job at the Port of Los Angeles (** Martell was the staffer of honor at a Happy Hour Birthday Bash that day). The two hour rental cost of a LAPD Squad Car Back Seat and the staff and salary time spent in sweeping this under the carpet before paying off Francine Godoy.

   Like his "Political Mijo Huizzy", "Papi Tony Villar" will continue to have issues regarding the Legacy of his two terms as a "Failure Mayor".

From today's Rick Orlov's "Tipoff Column".

Nine months after Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa left office, the dissection of his two terms is beginning.
Politico magazine has a series of stories — some semi-flattering, some downright critical — looking at the former mayor’s two terms, ranging from public transportation to the increased gentrification of downtown Los Angeles.
Villaraigosa, who has taken on a number of jobs since leaving office, including teaching at USC, said he believes that what began under his term will continue, particularly with the development of downtown and Hollywood.
“Rather than say, ‘I did it,’ I prefer to talk about what we did in those eight years,” Villaraigosa told the magazine. “I was mayor during this time. You can make the deduction.”
The magazine also explores downtown’s underbelly in “Reinventing Skid Row,” including a stark photo gallery, and addresses the question of just what can be done to address L.A.’s homeless problem.
Villaraigosa said 2,500 affordable-housing units were built over the course of his terms but far more are needed, adding that county officials were reluctant to develop plans that would have inclusionary zoning to build more affordable housing throughout the county.
........, but in the end, Tony is still the "FAILURE MAYOR".
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14





Mayor Garcetti calls for "Peer Accounting" of the Proposed CD 14 Wyvernwood Development

What are the "Political Motivations" behind the proposal from Mayor Eric Garcetti to have the Fifteen Group finance an independent "peer review and analysis" of its proposed Wyvernwood Garden Apartments Redevelopment Project?

 The Historic Wyvernwood Apartment Complex in Boyle Heights.

City Administrative Officer report 0220-00540-1080, dated February 28, 2014, relative to a request for accounting authority in relation to a peer review and analysis of the Wyvernwood Garden Apartments redevelopment proposal.

We bloggin love when one of our CD-14-centric, political satires take on an aura of reality, especially when it involves City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar, the Historic Wyvernwood Apartments and their current owners "The Fifteen Group".

The connection of Clowncil Central Committee Member Huizar to The Fifteen Group has been the bloggin foundation for our annual "Super Bowl with Huizzy Contest" as we yearly revisited the "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate's" alleged trip to Miami in 2007 (via American Airlines?) to partake in Super Bowl festivities, compliments of the current owners of the Wyvernwood Apartments (** BTW, what the "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" allegedly returned with to share with "Political Papi Tony V.", in his carry-on bag, may interest the real persona behind "Rocky Patel", but I digress).

Yet, the fact today that Mayor Garcetti would want to take jurisdiction over a comprehensive "peer review and analysis" of the controversial project, is bound to cause those intuitive political observers to ponder whether Mayor Garcetti is merely playing post-mayoral campaign politics, with his defeated opponent's supporter, or is this accounting exercise really going to expose some nefarious "Miami dealings", that may help a certain 2015 Challenger to the "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate's" reelection hopes?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

Morning Brief on a pending Assemblyman Mike "Slobo Mikey" Gatto Presentation for Tuesday

In the Spirit of Assemblyman (and rumored CD 4 City Clowncil Candidate) Mike "Slobo Mikey" Gatto's presentation at Glendale College this Thursday. We present our Top Ten Questions to ask the former "Infant Assemblyman" turned "Ethnic Profiler". 

You too can earn credit for listening to "Slobo Mikey".

Great morning to all as we present another example how Higher Education in "Greece on the Pacific" (aka the formerly Golden State) is being dumbed down by the actions of One Party Rule in Sacramento.

This Thursday at Glendale College, the reigning "Ethnic Profiler" of the "Greece on the Pacific Assembly", Assemblyman Mike "Slobo Mikey" Gatto will be presenting "A Day In The Life Of A Political Ethnic Profiler" to those who choose to attend.

Since there is the opportunity for students earn class credit for regurgitating the finer points of "Slobo Mikey's" dissertation, we offer up this Top Ten Tutorial of questions to ask the rumored CD 4 City Clowncil Central Committee Candidate (if you want to risk denouncement by Gatto Truthers present or expulsion from the premises by "Slobo Mikey's" security goons). ** BTW, we have no substantiation to the rumors that "Slobo Mikey Tin Foil Hats" will be on sale by Gatto Truther Groupies before the event.

Top Ten Questions to ask the former "Infant Assemblyman", turned "Ethnic Profiler".

10. How can I make money off Domain Names such as "Deal on Drugs,com", "RightTarded.com" or "LeftTarded.com"?

9. Can you regale us with past stories on your work as an Attorney for Big Insurance?

8. Can you offer advise how to tell your (infant) daughter that you have to take a pay cut for not approving a State Budget on time? 

7. Is Assembly Speaker John Perez your "best buddy" in Sacramento?

6. Care to state your thoughts about future State Senator Anthony Portantino?

5. Could you share your thoughts about Ethnic Politics in Elections.

4. How did you do $14,000 plus in consulting work for former CD 14 City Councilman Nick Pacheco in 21 days, while working full time for Brad Sherman?

3. How can I determine who is Armenian (and should be disqualify from voting) during a 43rd Assembly District Central Committee Delegate Election Meeting?

2. Is the Burbank Blog registered with the FPPC as your own Astro Turf New Media Propaganda Tool?

1. Are you still the Porn Industry's best Sacramento Friend in preserving Condom-free Triple-X Flicks? 

SEE YOU AT THE DISSERTATION THURSDAY!! 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Mayor Eric Garcetti kicks off tour of City of Los Angeles fifteen City Council Fiefdoms with spending quality time with CD 1's Representative Gil Cedillo. As Councilman Jose Huizar awaits hiss appointed time with the mayor, we bring you some photos (with tongue in cheek commentary) from the streets of CD 14.

It seems like a political yesterday that now Mayor Eric Garcetti and CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo were on opposite sides in the May, 2013 Elections, with Cedillo being supported in part by IBEW "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" Working Californian PAC and Garcetti supporting former Councilman Ed Reyes Chief of Staff Jose Gardea to replace his boss. But with the elections becoming past history, Mayor Garcetti joined the new CD 1 City Councilman has he kicked of his tour of the City of LA's fifteen "Mini-Fiefdoms". As Mayor Garcetti Tour continues in numerical order, we bring you some photos from the streets of CD 14. 

 As Mayor Garcetti will find out in CD 14, you can always find accommodations at "Hotel Huizar" in El Sereno where they leave the hallway open for you.

 On the northeast corner of York and Eagle Rock Boulevard, no mini space never goes to "occupied waste" as what is being called "Occupy Eagle Rock" continues to strive without interference from Councilman Huizar.  

As seen from the west side of Eagle Rock Blvd., no spot is too small in creating housing in CD-14.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Candidate Endorsements

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Elections are coming up March 8th and it's now time for us here at MayorSam to make our official endorsements of candidates in the race. The good news is that so many folks have entered the race and in most cases you have a choice. Let's run down the ballots, shall we?

PRESIDENT - THOMAS SMOKER, JR.

Tom Smoker, Sunland-Tujunga's Honorary Mayor, is a born and bred Sunland-Tujunga native and a long time participant in local affairs. Look at this guy - he OOZES Sunland-Tujunga, going back to a time when the rural life was respected and politicians listened to the community and not the other way around. A military veteran, union member and veteran film and television production crew member, Tom brings the "everyman" point of view that Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council needs, without any baggage. He's the guy who is going to stand up to city officials and go to the mat for Sunland-Tujunga. His opponents, "newspaper" publisher David DeMulle is a joke, but more importantly an organizational disaster in the making. DeMulle, particularly in recent days, has shown himself to not at all be above not personally attacking individuals in the community as he desperately tries to win this race. The other candidate, incumbent Mark Seigel, is an avuncular figure who speaks quite articulately but is completely lacking the fire in the belly to stand up for Sunland-Tujunga in the way a President should. Mark is a technocrat who can lead an emergency response team, run an event and teach folks in the fine art of Ham Radio. But Mark has shown severe weakness as a leader and that weakness has also led to him looking the other way to local tomfoolery by the powers that be. Mark frequently makes weak excuses when challenged. He's a nice enough chap who I'd pick to be a Scoutmaster in a heartbeat, but Sunland-Tujunga is at probably the most critical juncture in it's history and we need a tough leader. Vote for Tom Smoker.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT - TOMI LYN BOWLING

This is an uncontested race and thus an endorsement is really not necessary. There is no option for write-in candidates nor a "none the above" choice. As well, Tomi represents a mixed bag for me. She has a long record of volunteering and is adept at land use issues, one of her areas of specialty. At times, she has been too close to the "machine" and has not always spoken out when she should about their poor decisions. However, of all the members, past and present, of the machine, Tomi has shown a fairly frequent independent streak. Although Tomi did not ask hard questions about the Day Street Homeless Apartments, and supported this controversial project, she has been tough on other issues of the homeless, frequently departing from the party line of the Chamber and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. It is obvious that Tomi is passionate about the community, and since there is no other option, it would be great to see Tomi channel her passion and her independence towards reform in Sunland-Tujunga on these key issues. Vote for Tomi Bowling.

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - WALLY WHARTON

Wally Wharton is a decades long Sunland-Tujunga homeowner and activist who defines the notion of an "involved stakeholder." She is a serious student of local government, regularly attends City Council and County Board of Superviors meetings and frequently comments on these issues on local talk radio programs and publications. Wally does indeed bring a flair to the campaign. In addition to being a published author, she's an actress who's appeared in a number of films including Cheech and Chong's "Up In Smoke." But her eclectic manner is really a reflection of the diverse funkiness of Sunland-Tujunga and we need that in our local leadership. Wally, a UCLA alum, is an intellectual who can discuss everything from Kafka to Barbie dolls. More importantly, she brings a thoughtful perspective on the issues and a commitment to the community. Wally's opponent, Brenda Fortune, is a long time Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council board member whose made the circuit of Chamber and service clubs locally. She's put in many hours and has worked on many projects for the community. But it's time for a change and new leadership. Vote for Wally Wharton.

SECRETARY - NO RECOMMENDATION

This is another uncontested race with no option for write-ins or other choices. The sole candidate, Sandra Bagus, in statements made online and otherwise, to not have the emotional nor intellectual depth to serve in this role. However, she will be elected and we just have to hope for the best. One option you may consider is not to mark a choice on the ballot for this office. It will not impact the results, but it will deflate her overall count viz-a-viz total ballots cast and make a statement. Sometimes the best vote is no vote.

TREASURER - BONNIE CORWIN

Bonnie Corwin has decades of experience in financial management and accounting, having worked with many community organizations, including the Red Cross. She brings a fresh perspective and an accounting background her opponent, current Treasurer Nina Royal, lacks. Royal has put in many years of hard work as one of Sunland-Tujunga's most storied activists but recent statements by Royal show that perhaps it's time for her to move on after many years on the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. Royal seems more suited to matters of outreach, public safety and policy. With a move by City Controller Ron Galperin to become more transparent and use technology to share financial data with city residents, neighborhood councils would be well advised to choose financial professionals as treasurer to help sort out the new process. Vote for Bonnie Corwin.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP REPS - VOTE FOR

DANA STANGEL - Stangel is a longtime local resident who has shown significant talent and passion creating and running non-profit organizations, most notably Teranga Ranch which helps to rescue reptiles and similar animals. She has great energy, is extremely intelligent and will bring much needed new blood to the board. Stangel is probably one of the most exciting candidates in this year's crop.

SERGIO E. SOTO - Soto's previous public service has been limited to his membership in his local Masonic Lodge and it appears that he wants to serve on the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council to help boost that organization. However, he exhibits newcomer energy that the board is severely in need of. I believe he will very quickly learn the ropes and be a great representative.

ROSIE N. TER-MATEVOSYAN - Another newcomer, but as an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Rosie knows what it's like to live under a repressive regime. As it was once said "Only Nixon can go to China," perhaps Rosie can share her American dream experience in her leadership and make the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council an open, serving and transparent organization once again.

KRYSTEE CLARK  - Coming on what will be her sophomore term on the board if re-elected, Clark has a lot of passion, is articulate and is one of the younger members of the bunch. While published comments she made about the effort to save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course concern me, I'm willing to give Krystee another shot.

MARLENE HITT - Marlene has decades of service in Sunland-Tujunga and is most known for her work with Bolton Hall and the Little Landers Historical Society. As much as Krystee Clark brings youth, Marlene brings context and can adeptly advise the board on matters within the conext of our long history. 

JOHN LAUE - A former member of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council board, Laue wishes to return and use his knowledge of environmental issues to advise the board. Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council needs someone like this, particuarlly with issues around the Wash, the golf course and other matters that are touched by environmental issues. He will make a good addition to the board.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP REPS - ABSOLUTELY DO NOT VOTE FOR

JOHN BLUE - Blue is another long time member of the board, but is not a member of the machine. In fact, he's a frequent thorn in the side to President Mark Seigel and Vice President Cindy Cleghorn, as well as others. John may feel he means well, but he's not shown the emotional maturity - despite his chronological age to serve on the panel and be a team player. There is every bit of room for a loyal opposition but John's is not reasoned and at times, displays a slight paranoia and inappropriate behavior in meetings. Do not vote for John Blue.

CINDY CLEGHORN - This could be the most important vote you ever cast. While Cleghorn has a long volunteer resume and walls of awards at home, she has not shown that she has the temperament, personality nor character to serve at the high level of power and leadership she had secured for herself. In her time, the town has not prospered and has actually gotten worse. There are many questions about her leadership and her simultaneous role serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce is concerning. Do not, under any circumstance, vote for Cindy Cleghorn.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP REPS - NO RECOMMENDATION

The following candidates have not supplied sufficient information for us to offer an opinion:  Patrick Daniel O’Brien, Jon Edward von Gunten, Julie Cuddihy Vicki Goorjian Pierce.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES - VOTE FOR

Region 1 - Kresse Armour, Jorge A. Martinez
Region 2 - Arsen Karamians, Arno Akobyan
Region 3 - Jim Moore, David Barron
Region 4 - Charlie Bradley, Maureen A. O'Byrne