Grayce Liu's "New and Improved LA-32 Neighborhood Council (** with approval of Councilman Huizar)"

"Disempowerment LA (DONE)" General Manager Grayce Liu can smile knowing that her (and Councilman Jose Huizar) favorite new incarnation of the LA-32 Neighborhood Council, is exerting the MINIMUM in outreaching to the community regarding upcoming meetings.

24 hour outreach is fine with Grace (with Councilman Jose Huizar's approval) for the LA-32 NC.

Lets play "Which of the LA-32 NC Committee Special Meetings of 5-28-14, will have alcohol for sale to constituents"?

** Blogger's Note: With no apologies to "Disempowerment LA (DONE)" GM Grayce Liu (with approval of CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar), your latest incarnation of the LA-32 NC is a dysfunctional ....., and ethical farce. Below for your review are SIX LA-32 NC Special Committee Meeting Agendas for formal (if legal) conduct of business, between 5-8 PM today. For lucky community stakeholders who signed up for electronic notification, you were given the bare minimum amount of time of formal notification that the supposed community-elected entity (with Councilman Jose Huizar's approval and financing, allegedly), would be conducting formal business. Most objective NC Activists within the City of LA, would likely agree upon reviewing the agendas, that the LA-32 NC is doing a community disservice by grouping all this meetings together, with the minimum amount of notification. Further, the choice of a location, where alcohol is available for consumption, should be given reconsideration, considering that current LA-32 NC President Marleen Fonseca (formerly Caudillo), was terminated from her previous LAPD employment for multiple alcohol-related offenses---Scott Johnson in CD-14.    

The LA-32 NC Beautification Committee "Special" Meeting, starting at 5:30 PM, within a politicall-connected eatery (that serves alcohol).

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Please Pause the Bloggin Interruption

Please pause the blogging interruption as I have taken a couple of days to deal with foot, knee and mom issues. Will resume with full content come this afternoon---Scott Johnson.

Remembering ........, and dearly missing, Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby

Thank you Edna for this special creation in memory of Michael.

Safe Holiday Weekend to All
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Hey Dennis Que Paso, Are You Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's Shilling Bato?

Who did KCAL/KCBS Investigative Reporter David Goldstein find with IBEW/DWP/City Hall Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" as his irascible persona minces few words in calling the audit of the Joint DWP/IBEW Safety-Job Training Non-Profits politically motivated?    

Who that in front of "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" and KCAL/KCBS David Goldstein? Hint, think alter ego "Denise"?

 Hmm. Is that ex CD 3 City Councilman Dennis Zine doing some undisclosed work for his former City Controller Campaign Supporter?

** Blogger's Note: Never underestimate KCAL/KCBS Investigative Reporter David Goldstein's ability to find a sub plot within an exclusive report, as witness with his exclusive chit chat with IBEW/DWP/City Hall Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo". The fact that Goldstein was able to get the uber irascible City Hall Strongman to comment on camera regarding the recent audit of the Joint DWP/IBEW Job and Safety Training Non-Profits was an exclusive feat. But Goldstein also scored a bonus scoop in finding a certain former CD 3 City Councilman and a failed City Controller Candidate Dennis Zine, in the company of "The Boss", as they exited an apparent "working lunch" at Taylor's Steak House. Zine's outing in the company of "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" is bound to raise discerning eyebrows as he retains a visible profile with his recent appearances on the KRLA 870 AM Randy Economy Show and in keyboarding opinion missives for City Watch ........, which includes his latest "City Controller’s Grandstanding DWP Audit is the Real Waste of Ratepayer Dollars". Since perception can be accepted political reality in Ciudad de Los Angeles, especially when caught on camera, with binder in hand, leaving a "filling power lunch (judging from the respective girths of Zine and Boss D'Arcy Rizzo)", then followed by a perceived bitter, former Controller Candidate's hit piece against his victorious challenger, now City Controller Ron Galperin, we have this simple question for Dennis (to the tune of the Texas Tornado's great song "Hey Baby Que Paso") ........, hey Dennis que paso, are you (or still) "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" (now consulting/shilling) Bato? Maybe that can be the topic for a future Randy Economy Show?---Scott Johnson. 

"Hey Dennis Que Paso, Are You Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's Shilling Bato?"

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

A Message from your City Clowncil Central Committee General Secretary/Strongman Herb(man) "Mini Amin" Wesson

 We bring you this Official Message from Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee General Secretary/Strongman Herb(man) "Mini Amin" Wesson, on the unauthorized (by me) CD 4 Election Victory by non-endorsed outsider David Ryu.  

Appetite for Backroom Redistricting creates Trouble for the Political Machine in CD 4.

 An Official, Bloggin General Secretary/Strongman Directive!!

Let me (more like ....., I shall) be the first to say congratulations (with ring hand extended for affirmation/kiss of loyalty) to the newly elected (who allowed this blatant Act of Democracy on my Central Committee??) Council District 4 Councilmember-elect David E. Ryu (it was supposed to be Andrew Wastall before he made a mess of my Redistricting/Partitioning of the Spoils Scheme). Councilman-elect Ryu won a hard fought (what happens in Backrooms, stays in Backrooms) and historic victory (this is the first time Koreatown defied its "Dear Leader") that will enhance the diverse (haha!!) make up of the City Council (its Central Committee damn it!!). I am looking forward to working (ie. you work for me) with the Councilman-elect (F&%#!! This repugnant Act of Democracy shall not stand!!)  and putting his energy and can-do (as I decree) spirit to use serving the residents of the fourth council district (whoops!! Meant to say "campaign contributing developers of CD 4, but "Mini Amin" digress) and our great city (as I see fit).

Your Dear Leader ..............
Herb(man) "Mini Amin" Wesson of CD 10

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Justice (at the Ballot Box) for the Korean-American Community as David Ryu becomes its first member elected to the Los Angeles City Council, representing CD 4.

What a backroom, litigious Redistricting scheme denied, a will of a community seeking representation, won at the Ballot Box. 

A message of Community Justice and reigning in Development "Ryu" CD 4 voters.

With no apologies to former Redistricting Commission Executive Director Andrew Westall, Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee General Secretary/Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson, US District Court Judge Consuelo Marshall and the rest of the LA Political Machine ........, justice won out in CD 4.

A day that started with an egregious assault on the Los Angeles Business Community via the City Clowncil Central Committee's approval of raising the Minimum Wage (by redistributing soon-to-be LA's remaining businesses proceeds) to $15.00 per hour, was overshadowed by a "Slighted Community's Pushback" against the same Political Machine that sought to marginalize the representation of 15% of Angelinos, as David Ryu beat Carolyn Ramsey to replace Clowncilman Tom LaBonge in CD 4.

As the LA Times note, the Koreatown segment of CD 4 saw a major turnout in voters as the candidacy of Ryu became the vessel for its members, plus supporters from the San Fernando Valley (especially Sherman Oaks), in sending a massage to The Establishment regarding ethnic representation and signaling a growing pushback against City Hall regarding runaway Development.

Former LA County Board of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who was in attendance at Ryu's Victory Celebration had these thoughts on the implications of the surprising results ........, "I've been warning for years that there's going to be a quality-of-life uprising," Yaroslavsky said. "I think we've seen the first manifestation of that uprising here in the 4th council district."

** Memo to soon-to-be "Ex LAUSD School Board Member" Bennett Kayser ........., has your staff notify you of last evening's Election Results? In hindsight, many will agree with this post election premise that your staff's lack of follow through in executing the basis of community relations, is what open the door (lubricated by $$$$$$$ of Charter Schools Advocate's money) for last night's Charter Education Machine Surrogate Ref Rodriguez's "ruthless victory". 

** Please pardon the pause as I finalize a deal with a former Roosevelt High School student, to secure a LAUSD iPad, in the spirit of educating myself how Tamar Galatzan will join Bennett Kayser as an "Ex School Board Member", come July 1. Lucky for the rabid Indoctrinators/Educators of UTLA, that they found a former Spanish-speaking administrator ......, and Republican (in good health) to support, in maintaining their collectivist majority on the Board of Education.

** BTW, we have to report on the sad demise of a Political Consulting Losing Streak as our ex bloggin colleague Michael "MEAT" Trujillo, engineered victory for LAUSD School Board District Seven Incumbent Richard "Dr. Death" Vladovic. Of course, MEAT was, naught, at a loss for words as he reacquainted himself with the feel of "victory" ........, “Dr. Vladovic’s educational career has always been about putting students, parents and teachers first, Trujillo saids. “His political career is much like that of Goldilocks where the porridge is never too hot, never too cold, always just right.”

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

2015 City of LA Runoff Elections Results

With the Absentee Ballots counted (as of 9 PM) David Ryu is holding a 895 vote advantage over former Councilman Tom LaBonge's Chief of Staff Carolyn Ramsey.  

Ryu is Korean Hope for City Council Representation.

** Blogger's Note: Something called "Elected Democracy" was played out in the CD 4, along with LAUSD School Board District 3,5,7 today, as a fleeting number of responsible civic members called "voters", went to mostly lonely polling places (or voted by mail), to determine their respective future representation. As of 9 PM, its looking possible that an Asian-American will represent CD-4 with David Ryu holding a 895 vote lead over The Establishment Choice Carolyn Ramsey. Meanwhile in the LAUSD races, UTLA may be in for tough times ahead as District Five School Board Member Bennett Kayser is getting trounced by Ref Rodriguez 57-42%. More later---Scott Johnson.

 

MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, DISTRICT NO. 4
DAVID RYU		6,623	53.62
CAROLYN RAMSAY		5,728	46.37

 

MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF ED, DIST NO. 3
SCOTT MARK SCHMERELSON		11,908	52.34
TAMAR GALATZAN		10,840	47.65
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF ED, DIST NO. 5
REF RODRIGUEZ		6,815	57.14
BENNETT KAYSER		5,111	42.85
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF ED, DIST NO. 7
LYDIA GUTIERREZ		5,990	46.10
RICHARD A. VLADOVIC		7,003	53.89



Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Surprise, surprise (or naught) as former LA County undersheriff Paul Tanaka is indicted by a Federal Grand Jury regarding his alleged role in the use of excessive force and corruption in county jails.

We ponder whether former undersheriff Paul Tanaka and now fellow indicted LA County Jailhouse crew members, have crafted a new, shackled hand sign?

It seems like yesterday that a candidate (and crew) to replace now ex. Sheriff Lee Baca was coming deep into the local LA-32 NC Hood, seeking monetary and community support for a forlorn and unsuccessful campaign against now Sheriff Jim McDonnell.
Getting trounced at the polls was bad enough for the moonlighting City of Gardena Mayor but this Thursday A.M. saw the results of another vote gone bad for Tanaka, as he surrender himself to federal law enforcement officials after a Federal Grand Jury agreed to indict him in regards to its investigation of excessive force and corruption with the LA County Jail System.
With a bunch of lower level underlings already facing their "day of legal reckoning" for jailhouse abuses and corrupting conduct, its apparent with the indictment of Tanaka, along with Captain William "Tom" Casey, that federal investigators have their sights set on the higher ranking officials in the department.

** After hours of public comments from fiscal redistribution advocates and counter commentary from business leaders, a committee of the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee voted to support raising the Minimum Wage to $15 per hour. If the full Clowncil Central Committee agree to follow the directives from their Big Labor sponsors and support the committee recommendation, the likes of Stuart Waldman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) and Ruben Gonzalez of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce would find it app to share the words of CD 1 City Clowncilman Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo", who called it like it is regarding the motive for raising the Minimum Wage, "This is perhaps the greatest shift of wealth in the history of this city," ......, and the sun rose the next morning on "Detroit on the Pacific".

Connected Non-Profit El Centro del Pueblo's Fernando Chacon (in black coat) trying to convince noted Councilman Huizar supporter Art Pulido, to run his Montebello City Council Ground Campaign. 



** Los Angeles Police Commission Member and Connected Non-Profit El Centro del Pueblo Executive Director Sandra Figueroa-Villa, may have another employee with politico moonlighting ambitions. Fernando Chacon of the infamous Ramona Gardens-raised, turned Southeast LA Chacon Political Family, is allegedly being positioned to run for the Montebello City Council. With the demise of the Calderon Political Family a summertime Federal Corruption Trial away, the good citizens of Montebello may want to ponder a forthcoming "RG East Era (with help from Victory Outreach and Athens Disposal)", as the brief "CD 14 East Era (featuring Robert Urteaga, Nick Pacheco and John Edwards)" was not bad enough.
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

On Deadline ......................

Bloggin light Wednesday due to Medical Appointment. We will be back later today.

 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

We have a former CD 3 City Councilman Dennis Zine sighting as the KRLA 870 AM "Randy Economy Show" broadcasts LIVE from his hometown Cerritos.

 Former CD 3 City Councilman Dennis Zine and Blogger/Political Consultant Jasmyme Cannick, on air discussing current LAPD-related issues.

** Blogger's Note: This blogger want to extend his heartfelt appreciation to KRLA 870 AM Saturday Talk Show Host Randy Economy for the opportunity to share in some On-Air Witnessing, regarding the Memorial Service for Mayor Sam Blog Founder Michael Higby. It was fitting end to a long, emotional day that had its genesis in mourning the untimely departure of a local bloggin visionary, yet ended in a positive resolve to continue on with the mission of Mayor Sam, as Michael would have wanted. I would be remised, if I did not share my thanks to the likes of former Councilman Zine, Jasmyne Cannick, Republican Political Consultant Luis Alvarado, Randy Economy's staff and others, who took time to offer their respective condolences. Former Councilman Zine in particular, who is enjoying life after politics, was most gracious in recently keyboarding his thoughts on Michael and is remaining engage in the local political discourse, as evident with his recent missive at City Watch. Meanwhile, Jasmyne Cannick has become the "bloggin go to person" on all things related to the current dysfunctional state of leadership at LAPD under embattled Chief Charlie Beck. We should also add that Randy's numerous other guests from the surrounding Southeast LA County municipalities, were engaging .........., and good sources for some future "bloggin chisme". More on that later and again, thank you Randy for the opportunity to share in witnessing on a Dear Friend---Scott Johnson.   



A Morning Brief on the Future Bloggin State of Mayor Sam

Good Bloggin Morning to Los Angeles (and especially to the occupants at 200 N. Spring Street) as we continue on in the Spirit of Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby.

The Spirit of Michael will always rise to guide us in our future blogging endeavors.

** Blogger's Note: Moving on ........, while the pain of loss is still fresh. On this Monday after so many of Michael's friends came together in celebration of a life ended too young, its time to move bloggin forward in continuing on with the mission of Michael's cyber creation. In full disclosure, the impact of Michael's passing has not run its full course of grieving (as the tears continue to flow) and will continue as his influence on my life has been so profound. For many of us who's lives were blessed in crossing paths with Michael and came together Saturday in celebration of his character of being, we would be remised if we did not offer our profound gratitude's to the Higby Family (his Sister Jodie and Father James) , plus Erin Farrell, Jack Witt and Elizabeth Espinoza for organizing a blessed ceremony of faith, song and spoken testimonial. The many spokes radiating from Michael's "Center of Being", were represented (SADA, JayCees, Family, Neighbors and longtime friends). In addition, many who befriended Michael through his Mayor Sam persona were present including David Hernandez, Assemblywoman Patty Lopez, KRLA 870 AM Talk Show Host Mark Isler, Lydia Grant, Kevin James, Bart Reed, David Barron, Nina Royal, Wally, David Berger and especially Frank "Shifty" Sheftel, who's spoken testimonial brought about a healing dose of laughter ....... Further, I want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to KRLA's Talk Show Host Randy Economy for the opportunity to speak on air Saturday evening regarding the bloggin impact of Michael's cyber creation on the Los Angeles Body Politics ....... and its continuance. Somewhere in a better place called Heaven, Michael (with his beloved Mother Judie) is smiling upon us and somewhere in my soul, is reminding me to harness the liberating power of "Spollcheck" as we move bloggin forward in the cyber pursuit of espousing a better open and transparent governess at 200 N. Spring Street (and future locations of interest) ......., but lastly in closing, I want to say simply ......, Thank You Michael---Your Friend Scott Johnson in CD 14. 

 

** In the interim, you can reach this blogger with comments (please note that I cannot moderate comments currently) , tips, scoops, rants, and more via email at redspotincd14@yahoo.com. We will have more specifics about the blog in the near future---Scott Johnson

 From the Cover Page of Michael's Memorial Program.

 A Beautiful Collage on Michael.

The infamous "Infant Assemblyman" Mike Gatto "Cease and Desist (Naught!!) Letter".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Evening Brief on an Infantile Politico's latest Clensing of 43rd Assembly District Delegat(ians) for this Seventh Day

As many disenfranchise 43rd Assembly District Democratic Activists deal with the latest disempowering actions of an insecure politico, we ask our Blue Friends whether they want an "Infant Assemblyman", turned "Slobo Mikey", to be their next State Senator? 

The iconic, timeless portrait of a certain 43rd AD Infant Assemblyman. 

** Blogger's Note: Some 150 years and a day after the declared end to an American Blue and Gray Bloodletting, a modern day political brawl between "Blue Brothers and Sisters" in the California 25th State Senate District, has commenced ......, and the disenfranchisement of a ethnic group is the foundation for this latest  "Intra-Blue Political Schism". 

In a ideal 21st Century American Political World (especially within the confines of the Democrat Party), racial identity politics would be a far forgotten afterthought. Gone should be the day when Democrats (before the Republican-supported Civil Rights Act) took the lead in attempting to suppress voter empowerment based upon skin color.

But bluntly, for those who are register Democrats in the 43rd Assembly District, with a last name ending with "ian", the political cleansing of empowerment is becoming the norm under the reign of  infamous "Infant Assemblyman", turned potential 25th State Senate Candidate "Slobo Mikey" Gatto.

Two years remove from the 2013 43rd Assembly District Delegate Elections where Assemblyman "Slobo Mikey" Gatto cronies allegedly, sought to disqualify democratic activists with Armenian surnames in an ugly exercise of machine politics, "Slobo Mikey" and his Democratic Establishment Machine allies have gone to the extreme, in nullifying the 2015 incarnation of the Delegate Elections that saw "Gatto Truthers" get shut out in the contentious balloting.

With the State Democratic Party Convention forthcoming later in the month in Red Orange County, this local "Blue on Blue Bloodletting" is creating a Fort Sumter-like volley of charges and counter-charges which we excerpt below---Scott Johnson.  

Why does "Slobo Mikey" have issues with his "ian constituents" (allegedly)?

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The Formal Obituary on the Amazing Life of Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby

On this eve of the "Celebration of the Life of Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby, we share with you the Formal Obituary, as crafted by as Sister Jodie Lea Ranzinger, on an amazing Man of Character.

Michael Higby, with his Father James (to the right), during his 50th Birthday Party.

**Blogger's Note: On this Friday before many of us gather to celebrate the life ......, and say goodbye to our friend Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby, Let me briefly note that on Sunday, I will be posting the many kind thoughts and testimonials made in regards to Michael's untimely passing. The family, friends and myself, have greatly appreciated the witnessing to the Man of Character that was ....., and will always be, the friend we all shared. Below, we share the Formal (and loving testimonial) Obituary, authored by his Sister Jodie.  Lastly, for those who have inquired about the future of Michael's brilliant, bloggin creation? Simply .........., click back in on Monday (wink, wink)---Scott Johnson.

 



Michael Edward Higby, was born on September 29th 1964 in Burbank, California and lived his entire life in his beloved San Fernando Valley.

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He spent tremendous effort in giving his time and talent to make it a better place for all. Michael spent his school years at Pacoima Jr. High and graduated San Fernando High School in 1982. He then went to Los Angeles Valley College where he studied broadcasting, was a part of the student government and was a disc jockey at the college radio station.

*     *     *     *

He went back and earned his Associates Degree there in Theatre and Film in 1994. His career spanned several companies, beginning with a fun design job at Walt Disney Imagineering, a manager job at AVR Services, a communication manager at IMT Residential and then he found his calling at SADA in 2007 where he became their Senior Business Development Manager.

*     *     *     *

Michael had a rich life outside of his career. He joined the Jaycees in 1998, eventually becoming state president in 2004 as well as being honored as a JCI Senator, the highest international honor for the Jaycees. He founded a famous political blog in 2004, Mayor Sam's Sister City, in which he gave residents a voice on important LA City issues. He also served on the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 2008-2010 and worked with the Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council as well as the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council to enact change in his community.

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Michael co-hosted several radio shows including Live LA Saturday Night and the Randy Economy Show. He has received numerous awards for outstanding business leadership and community service. He was instrumental in growing the Operation Santa program in North Hollywood and consistently donated his money, time and effort to many charities and community projects.

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Michael passed away on April 15th, 2015 too soon, at the age of 50. Mike is mourned by his surviving family; father James E. Higby, sister Jodie Lea Ranzinger, Grandmother Beatrice Nissen May, Aunt Donna Nichols and countless cousins and amazing friends, and was preceded in death by his Mother Judie Higby Segal and step-father Howard Segal.

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Services will be held this Saturday, May 9th 2015 at 1pm at New Hope Community Church 10438 Oro Vista Ave, Sunland California. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Michael to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles under the Helping Hands Fund and Michael’s name.

Your thoughts on the amazing life of a Dear Friend.
Scott Johnson in CD 14

A Celebration of the Life that was Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby

We invite you all to attend "A Celebration of Life" that was our beloved friend Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby this Saturday. 

Join us in Celebrating the Character of Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby.

New Hope Community Church

10438 Oro Vista Avenue

Sunland, California 91042

*     *     *     *     *

Mayor Sam Blogger Scott Johnson will be sharing his thoughts regarding the Michael Higby Services as one of many invited guests on the Special Live Broadcast of the KRLA 870 AM "Randy Economy Radio Show"

Thanks to Randy for the invitation.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14