Ted Lieu Votes to Kill Jobs; Bill Fails Cal Senate

California politicians continue to kill jobs left and right; this time we dodged a bullet.

A bill that would tie corporate tax rates to executive compensation was rejected by the state Senate on Wednesday. SB 1372 would have replaced current tax rates for publicly traded corporations with a rate based on the ratio between its highest earning employee and its median workers’ salary.

Senator Ted Lieu, currently a candidate in next Tuesday's election to replace the retiring Representative Henry Waxman in Congress, voted for this nonsense Even liberal Democrat Stuart Waldman, President of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, who opposed the bill, had the good sense that this was goofy legislation writ large. “I’m not sure in what world this would have increased worker pay,” said Waldman. “It’s ridiculous to think that further complicating our corporate tax system would do anything but encourage business to leave the state.”

Lieu is Mayor Garcetti's pick for the seat; especially since his primary opponent is La Wendy. The Mayor has frequently called for tax reform for business. Let's hope he doesn't support this type of social engineering for the City.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Working on a late morning Deadline. Bloggin briefs will be a late afternoon affair today.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

The aspirations of former LA County Assistant/Under Sheriff Paul Tanaka in replacing Lee Baca, take a potentially mortal hit as a Federal Grand Jury Investigation of his (and a current Captain's) Jailhouse Conduct is disclosed.  

Former Assistant/ Under Sheriff Paul Tanaka flashing the sign of need for a Federal Grand Jury Probe of his LA County Jailhouse Conduct? (Photo via Witness LA Blog).

Oh the political timing!!

......., and for former Los Angeles County Under Sheriff and current Sheriff Candidate Paul Tanaka, the announcement of a Federal Grand Jury Investigation into his and a current Captain's conduct in regards to Jailhouse Issues, may have been the mortal, political blow to aspirations in replacing Lee Baca.

Tanaka and his campaign crew, recently held a campaign event at the politically-connected Hecho En Mexico Eatery in El Sereno (after all, good money can be made in hosted events for politicos and their community friends).

The disclosure of the Federal Grand Jury Investigation should heighten the chances of Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell of being the top vote getter on Election Day, but his campaign has been targeted for some community blowback for its inclusion of embattled CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, who is being sued for Sexual Harassment, at a recent fundraiser in Eagle Rock (for the record, Huizar was a no show).
 

** As CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo nears the second year in his latest political office, heightening political tensions within his council district threatens to make the 2014/ 2015 Political Year his "Terrible Two". Strain political relationships, as evidence at the recent Cypress Park Community Meeting over the proposed Figueroa Bike Lanes, may present acute problems as a backlash grows among activists in the Northeast, over his staff heavy-handed tactics in pushing opportunities for their political associates (think Sandra Figueroa-Villa in Cypress Park and "El Plan" at the Southwest Museum), against the wishes of longtime community leaders.
 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14    





Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Former President Barack "H" Obama Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, makes LA County Board of Supervisor Campaign appearance at location of the Commander in Chief Sister Dr. Maya Soetoro Ng's "Meet and Greet" in 2008, as Solis faces more questions involving alleged violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits campaign contributions solicitation by sitting Cabinet Members.    

 Mayor Eric Garcetti leads the 50-100 supporters at El Sereno's politically-connected Hecho En Mexico Eatery, in paying tribute to the heir apparent to replace termed-out LA County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina. 

From Riverside, via the 51st Assembly District, Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez speaks up former Labor Secretary as SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover stands behind his right side. 

As Solis faces a FBI probe over potential violation of the Hatch Act, we go back in time when President Obama's sister appeared at the same El Sereno Eatery in 2008.

** As the FBI confirmed its involvement with the investigation into the recent Ramona Gardens Fire-bombings, targeting African-American Families, KPCC reported that Mayor Garcetti made the following comments at the recent NAACP Awards Dinner last Wednesday ..........

The group also presented a “Person of the Year” award to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who compared Sterling’s comments with this week’s firebombing of black families’ homes in the Ramona Gardens Housing Project in Boyle Heights. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

“No matter who commits acts of racism – whether it’s a billionaire or somebody in our poorest neighborhoods – we have to speak out against it,” Garcetti said.
** The co-owners of the Hecho En Mexico Eatery Connie Castro and Jorge Bravo, may want to ask either Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez or State Senator Kevin De Leon if they were the sponsoring politico of the controversial Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School successful appeal to the California State Department of Education of its High School Charter Revocation? Castro and Bravo, who filed suit against the lucrative 1% Charter School Collective of Mr. and Mrs. Mark(os) Aguilar-Ferguson, may have some tough days ahead of them as their next door business neighbors pledge to expand their separatist indoctrination academy.
** If anyone was pondering why CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar has been quiet regarding the Ramona Gardens Fire-bombings, it may have to do with the fact that the Princeton Graduate is more concern about helping Downtown LA Developers build bridges over homeless encampments.
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Sunday Notes on the Neighborhood Council Scorecard

As the Region XI Group of Westside LA Neighborhood Councils go to the polls today, we inaugurate our new weekly, bloggin musing regarding the actions, follies, successes and undertakings of the City of LA Neighborhood Councils, with special attention on its noted Cast of Characters (such as West LA's Jay "Ole Yeller" Handal). 

To paraphrase noted Attorney L.H. Parker, "I'm Jay Handal and I will YELL for you!"

Note to LA-32 NC Rose Hills Community Members, the man above you seen driving a black car, with phone ear piece, that was searching for illegal campaign activity as a paid Independent (naught!) Election Administrator (IEA), has returned to his West LA NC confines.

** Blogger's Note: Bloggin time permitting, we hope that our inaugural "Sunday Notes on the Neighborhood Council Scorecard" will become a weekly blog feature. From the grieving employees of "Disempowerment LA", to the cast of characters (bloggers included) who comprise NC's across the city, the story of the continuing evolution of the City of LA's NC System, is one that merits continuing coverage (with comedic flavoring of course)---Scott Johnson.

** If there is one person among the core group of NC Activists, who is the "bark" (think loud, yapping Chihuahua) of the movement, then that person would be West LA NC Member Jay "Ole Yeller" Handal. Handal, who recently oversaw the Region VIII Group of NC Elections as its IEA (enabling CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar to tighten his grip over certain NCs), is seek re-election to the West Los Angeles Neighborhood Council. In "Ole Yeller's" own words, we bring his "West LA First!!" Candidate Statement (with our comments in bold).

This campaign is about putting West L.A. 1st.(Ole Yeller is territorial) We face challenges of affordable housing and traffic (a Westside Liberal sound bark?). We are challenged to make decisions on how to allocate our City’s diminished resources while the needs of our residents continues to increase (No duh). I am committed to protecting and improving the community that we live in.West L.A. 1st.means putting the people in our community first. (Another no duh) Putting West L.A. 1st.means transcending personal bias and relegating personal interest in favor of the greater good ( I left my self-serving biases and personal interest with Yolie Garcia and Huizar's staffers in LA-32). Putting West L.A. 1st.requires that we set aside personal differences to attend to the service of the residents (that's unless I can influence NC elections for personal gain). I will continue communicating (loudly) with and responding (more loudly) to our residents and businesses . Listening to and understanding their needs (Ole Yeller showcased his keen, subjective, political listening skills as LA-32 NC IEA). I will constructively propose good solutions to the challenges we face. I will continue to engage in the planning process, to ensure that we avoid problems before they affect our quality of life (which for NCs such as LA-32 are now worst thanks to Ole Yeller).

** The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners will hold its semi-monthly meeting tomorrow at 1 PM on the Tenth Floor within City Hall. In noting the agenda, we want to commend the BONC for its dedication to public participation as the following agenda items note .........

4. General Public Comments - Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. This agenda item will last a total of 15 minutes and no individual speaker will be allowed more than three minutes. (15 minutes). Then for an encore .........
11. General Public Comments - Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. This agenda item will last a total of 15 minutes and no individual speaker will be allowed more than three minutes. (15 minutes). Either the BONC is empowering Public Comment or the same "Disempowerment LA NEA" that oversees the LA-32 NC crafted the agenda? 

** Meet the new favorite "Disempowerment LA Grieving Employees" NC President Marleen Fonseca of LA-32



 New LA-32 NC President and EAA Labor Rep Marleen Fonseca.

If any one NC President is going be on the receiving end of empowering service from the grieving employees of Disempowerment LA, then its a sure bet that former LAPD Management Analysis II, now Engineers & Architects Association Union Rep Marleen Fonseca, would be that person.

While Fonseca does not directly oversee "Disempowerment LA Employees", her knowledge of internal "Disempowerment LA" work issues creates an interesting situation for General Manager Grayce Liu (who Fonseca has allegedly stated is a weak negotiator).

Since being voted President (despite a majority of the new board voting for now Vice-President Kaprisha Vallecillo over her), Fonseca has aligned herself with the likes of El Sereno Bicentennial "Shredding Parade Coordinator" Genny Guerrero and El Sereno Historical Society Members Yolie and Jorge Garcia (aka the "Procedural Bullys"), who's racial and vile attacks on noted LA-32 NC Community Members have been repudiated.

Judging from reports of yesterday's LA-32 NC By Laws Committee, Fonseca is already showcasing her lack of inclusion by wanting to change the name of the LA-32 NC to the "El Sereno Neighborhood Council" and not seeking to fill vacancies on the 21 person board, with the support of "Disempowerment LA" who subjectively want to down size the board to 15 members via unapproved new By-laws.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Earl Ofari Hutchinson demands District Attorney Hate Crimes Investigation of Ramona Gardens Fire-bombings

As Mayor Eric Garcetti and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar remain mostly silent regarding the Ramona Gardens Fire-bombing Attacks targeting African-American Families, local Civil Rights Activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson is demanding a District Attorney Investigation of possible Hate Crimes.

Civil Rights Activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson.

** Blogger's Note: The Ramona Gardens Community remains tense but calm as prominent African-American Leaders begin to speak out and demand investigated action. Longtime local Civil Rights Activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson is calling upon Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey to initiate a Hate Crime Investigation of the recent Fire-bombing Attacks within the Ramona Gardens Housing Project that targeted African-American Families (view press release below). Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Garcetti made his first public comments regarding the attacks at last evening's NAACP Awards Dinner, referring to the "challenge of recent events in Northeast LA" (without condemning the attacks outright). As for CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, the silence of disgrace continues as no public utterances about the attacks have not been made---Scott Johnson

 

 

 L.A. Civil Rights Leader Discusses the Possible Racially Motivated Arson Attack at Ramona Gardens   

Will Call on D.A. to Conduct fast Track Hate Crimes Investigation

 

L.A. Civil rights leader Earl Ofari Hutchinson will discuss the Ramona Gardens Housing Complex possible arson attack reportedly on black and Latino families last Sunday May 11 on his Hutchinson Report show, Friday, May 16, 2014 at 9:00 AM PST on KTYM 1460 AM and streamed globally on www.ktym.com

He will call on Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey to conduct a fast track hate crimes investigation into the  attack. Two black families suffered arson attacks there in years past.

"The possible racially motivated fire at the apartment of a black and Latino family in Boyle Heights demands fast action by the D.A.’s office to determine if race was the motive in the fire,” says Hutchinson, “If so the D.A. must bring hate crime charges against the perpetrators. This will send the strong message that hate attacks will be vigorously prosecuted in L.A. County.”

 



Morning Briefs on the los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

Is in-coming California State Senate President Kevin de Leon seeking to become the first "Greece on the Pacific Politico" (formerly the Golden State), to hold duo offices in Sacramento ......., or should his Campaign Consultant seek out the services of a Copy Editor for Campaign Literature?

We knew that current State Senator Kevin "Mini Fabian Nunez" de Leon was ambitious, but seeking two state-levels offices is unheard of in recent political times (allegedly).

Ever since former California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez installed his San Diego Compadre Kevin de Leon as the Carpetbag Replacement for Progressive Icon Jackie Goldberg in Sacramento, we have been amaze in the former union rep's ability to multi-task in his endeavor to provide quality constituent services.

Whether its was his abilities to fulfill the needs of CD 14 Stakeholders, who concerns were ignored by their current Princeton-graduate Officeholder, or merely seeking to fill the "needs" of the likes of former LA Dodgers Co-owner Jamie McCourt and past State Senate Leader Gloria Romero (wink, wink allegedly), the political abilities of "Mini Fabian" were never to be under-estimated.

But judging from the recent mailer above, "Mini Fabian" is seeking to go where no California Dependentcrat Collectivist has aspired to achieve in recent times, by seeking to become a duo Assemblyman/ State Senator.

While we seek out commentary from the likes of Sacramento Beat Scribes Dan Walters, George Skelton and Daniel Weintraub, it should be noted that there are potential pratfalls to holding concurrent duo offices as evident with the LA County District Attorney Investigation of City of Carson City Councilman "Little Abert Robles", who is also a local Water District Officeholder.

........, but all this bloggin musing would be naught with some discerning Copy Editing.

** There was a time in a recent, local political past where noted political office hopper, now CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian was being seen as the next great Populist within the Horseshoe at 200 Spring Street, But what is the current political reality is that the price the former Burbank Board of Education Member paid in becoming City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson's choice as the Chairperson of the Budget Committee, will impede LA's attempt to repeal an onerous Business Tax.

** What is politically grosser than gross? Being on the receiving end of a Betty Pleasant "Wanton Missive of Distortion" (WMD), ( or "Written Missive of Disclosure" in regards to the "Renovation-Thomas Political Family"), or enduring a Soulvine Columnist Screamfest over the phone? Consider the following excerpt ................

Virtually the first thing Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas did after he was sworn into office was to send me a press release announcing his endorsement of Burke for the 62nd Assembly seat. I was shocked. So I called Sebastian and asked him what the heck he was doing, as this woman has no more experience with the functions of a representative government nor knowledge of any community outside of Brentwood and Marina Del Rey than my 5-year-old granddaughter!
“She’s not seeking admittance to a college, she’s seeking admittance to the state Legislature,” I screamed. “She knows nothing. Who’s going to tell her what to do?”
Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas replied: “I will.”
Can you believe that? He would!!?? Then the new assemblyman began explaining to me that he could easily represent his district and the 62nd because they adjoin each other and their demographics are basically the same. (Actually, he was wrong about that because the demographics of the two districts are as different as a pair of burgundy Florsheim oxfords and a pair of tennis shoes.)
Then I went ballistic and started ranting about how the people of the 62nd District have the right to elect their own representative and not some know-nothing who would be controlled by him.
Then the assemblyman said to me: “Do you want her to be controlled by Bernard Parks?”
I hung up. I couldn’t take it anymore. Then I called Papa Ridley-Thomas and told him what his son said to me. The elder Ridley-Thomas was actually taken aback. He did not like it that his son had been so candid with me; he blamed it on his “youthful enthusiasm” and said he would have to talk to Sebastian about his mouth. Yeah, well, the damage was done because he mouthed off and blew the whole Ridley-Thomas strategy to a friend who happens to be a journalist.

........ something tells me that a supposed South LA Political Friendship has a pending appointment with a Obamacare Political Death Panel.
  
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14      

Recent Fire-bombings prompt Community Members (and numerous City Officials) to attend Public Meeting in Ramona Gardens

The Ramona Gardens Community, Media, Public Officials (but neither Mayor Garcetti or Councilman Huizar), turned out in mass as LAPD pledges to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the recent Fire-bombings targeting African-American Families in the Ramona Gardens Housing Project.

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Official Sanford Riggs (in suit, with translator on right) addresses Ramona Gardens Community Members. Photo by Scott Johnson.



Never fail to under-estimate what an ugly act of hate will do for turnout at a community meeting in Ramona Gardens.

In addition to a couple hundred community members that packed the Ramona Gardens Community Center, the visual media (KCAL/KCBS, KNBC, Telemundo), LA Times (Hector Bacerra reporting), numerous LAPD officers (including Ramona Gardens assigned CSP officers), HACLA officials (with new HACLA Commissioner Lou Calanche among her Legacy LA charges), LAFD Arson Investigators, GRYD employees (with interim General Manager Anne Tremblay working the room), City of L.A. Recreation & Parks Supervisors, some former Legacy LA employee with dual identities (Jorge/George), staffer from State Senator/ Assemblyman Kevin De Leon and Jennifer Martinez from CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's Boyle Heights Office, added volume (and public payroll value) to the proceedings.

Even with the request that the visual media keep their cameras outside of this public meeting, community members were not in the mood to ask discerning questions (maybe this has to do with the horrible acoustics inside the Rec. Center). Thus, leaving it up to the likes of LAFD Arson Investigators, LAPD Captain Beaza, and HACLA Official Sanford Riggs to address the audience.

While audience members were not in the questioning mood, community members were not afraid to speak with the assembled media (as noted here via this link to KCAL/KCBS's Dave Bryan's Report) about their thoughts regarding the incident. Yet, missing from last night's gabfest were Mayor Eric Garcetti and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, who sent their respective staffers to visualize last evening's gathering.

For Mayor Eric Garcetti, Sunday night's Fire-bombings targeting African-American Families and his lack of a spoken response, may only reinforce the perception within the African-American Community of his supposed indifference to its concerns, especially when the violent nature of the attacks merit a Federal Investigation for Civil Rights Violations.

That said, we should be objective in noting that the Rhodes Scholar, turned Progressive Politico does have the plight of African-Nigerian Children on his mind as the photo below notes .........

..... maybe the alleged Washington D.C. -aspiring Mayor can take some time to hash tag "# Peace among the Races in Ramona Gardens?".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Huizar remain silent on Ramona Gardens Firebombings targeting African-American Families

As the likes of Mayor Eric Garcetti and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar continue to focus on the racist follies of a "Feeble Old Man" (aka Donald Sterling), they remain silent regarding last Sunday night's Fire-Bombings, targeting African-American Families in the Ramona Garden Housing Project.

 

 LAFD Firefighters at the scene of one of the four Fire-bombings within the Ramona Gardens Housing Project, targeting African-American Families on Sunday night.

** Blogger's Note: As a bloggin disclosure, please do not disregard the following missive of rage directed at those who would seek to inflict harm on those based upon race (and the politicians who remain silent when leadership is wanting). For the last couple of weeks, Angelinos and those beyond the boundaries of "Seven Suburbs in search of Civic Leadership" (to paraphrase the late Dragnet Actor/Director Jack Webb), have been treated to the spiteful outing of a Feeble Old Man's (aka Donald Sterling) tormented soul. Being that Sterling is rich, white, with the proclivity to espouse asinine opinions, the resulting media firestorm (with politico pile on via symbolic pronouncements from the likes of Mayor Garcetti), has showcased again that the issue of racism is also rooted in exploitation for personal (and political) advancement. That said, those who are truly objective in outing all forms of racism, especially in the form of violence, should be denouncing Sunday's attacks in Ramona Gardens. Yet, Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Huizar have so far remain shamefully silent, why? The blunt truth is that Brown vs. Black Racism in Los Angeles is more prevalent than the racist rantings of a Old Rich, Feeble Westside White Guy, with a gold-digging Mistress. Those who want to gloss over this inconvenient truth, should count the dead of Latinos and Blacks who have died over the recent decades across this city in senseless turf battles, with too many innocent bystanders losing their lives in the crossfire. In recent years, the residents of Ramona Gardens, have made strides (with the help of LAPD's CSP Program) in bridging the racial divide between Brown and Black but Sunday's attack by a vile few, have tinged the progress of race relations with the flames of hatred. Thus, as the community meets tonight at 6 PM at the Ramona Gardens Recreation Center, we ponder if Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Huizar will exercise objective leadership in denouncing violent acts of hate ........, or merely choose to espouse more tired, symbolic condemnations aimed at a Old Rich, Feeble Westside White Guy, that can be exploited for a better political tomorrow?---Scott Johnson in CD 14.         

 Mayor Garcetti finds its easy to garner media time in attacking the racist ramblings of a "Feeble Old Man" but sadly, has remain silent on the recent Fire-Bombings targeting African-American Families.  

 Sadly again, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's leadership is wanting in regards to condemning the recent targeting of African-American Families within his Council District. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Garcetti Spends $450K to Renovate Mayoral Manse

Silly Rabbits

While otherwise making a name for himself coast to coast, inserting himself into the sad tale of Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling and his silly rabbit, the scribes at the LA Weekly were quietly gathering the details on rennovations the Mayor and his wife, Amy Wakeland, billed the city for in order for the First Family to move into the city owned, Getty House, Los Angeles' official residence for its chief executive.

The piece by veteran journo Gene Maddaus tabulates a near half a million dollars in changes and fixes to the Hancock Park mansion, a process that was essentially project managed by Wakeland.

Read the piece, but there's a few gems in there, such as:

"Amy Wakeland wanted new light bulbs at Getty House. It was late August, and the wife of new

Mayoral Manse

mayor Eric Garcetti had taken command of renovation work at the mayoral residence. On her list of improvements were LED bulbs — ones that would be friendly to the Tudor mansion's interiors while also advancing the mayor's environmental agenda.

The lighting at Getty House had just been upgraded in 2007, and it already had some LED bulbs and compact fluorescents. In the opinion of the city's building maintenance director, there was "probably not much of an opportunity to save energy by changing the lights."

But Wakeland told city workers she could get some donations, and she tasked the mayor's sustainability officer with rustling up some free bulbs. A private equity firm ended up donating some lights, but that did not cover the full cost. In the end, the city spent $14,000 on new lighting for Getty House."

The Garcetti-Wakelands

And this,

"In November, the project was on track for completion by Dec. 1. One key item remained. The family wanted several wooden signs installed on ground-floor doors, with the word "PRIVATE." But no matter how many samples city workerscame up with, they could not find a font that the mayor liked. Finally, they asked the mayor to sketch the lettering he wanted.

On Nov. 6, he wrote out the word "PRIVATE" on a piece of paper and gave his instructions: a sans-serif font, wide spacing, maybe Art Deco–influenced, on silver/metal backing.

This decision was up to him, and he made it."

More importantly, the piece points out the concerns made by others, including L.A. writer, Joseph Mailander (who was recently blocked on Twitter by the Mayor), as to what precisely Wakeland's role is in the administration viz-a-viz the role she serves

McDonnell for Sheriff Fundraiser tonight in Eagle Rock

Even with the LA Times, Daily News and many within the LA Political Community endorsing Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell to replace Lee Baca, the need for campaign contributions is still paramount. 

Hmm, did anyone notice the two previous Parke Skelton clients attending tonight's festivities on the behalf of his latest political charge?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14