Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

 Legendary Computer Whiz Robert "Bud" Ovrom Gets Pinned by the Other Genius in Town

It's all fun and games until you send out an email blast by accident!  Building & Safety General Manager Robert "Bud" Ovrom thought he was sending a confidential memo to the Mayor regarding a FBI investigation into bribes paid to B&S inspectors. Instead, "Bud" managed to send the 9 page memo to hundreds of Building & Safety staff as well. This is probably a good sign that "Bud" is way in over his head in what promises to be a head rolling shake-out of a chronically mismanaged and incompetent city department.

There are few sounds more beautiful to a distressed activist's ears than hearing a City Council member utter the words "245 Motion". This rarely used but powerful tool allows the City Council to override a commission decision and put the matter before the Council for a vote. Wendy Greuel used the 245 motion to override the North Valley Area Planning Commission in the Home Depot battle in Sunland-Tujunga, and Paul Krekorian invoked the 245 on his first day in office for CD2 to stop a terrible project in the south part of the district. Yesterday, Councilman Jose Huizar stepped up to the plate and "245'd" a Parks and Recs Commission approval for the Autry Museum to expand it's Griffith Park exhibit at the expense of the Southwest Museum. Of note; As with most shady dealings in this City, the law firm of Latham & Watkins and/or their alumni is always close at hand!

Read more »

"Pocho Puffs" from the Office of Councilman Jose Huizar

CD 14 Communications Director Rick "Pocho Puffs" Coca.

We appreciate reader tips here at Mayor Sam, for example this one today.

I'm amazed that Red Splurt (its Spot moron!) isn't jumping all over the "pocho" e-mail exchange that Huizar staffers accidentally sent to hundreds of constituents instead of their normal Friday news blast.

OH, wait, I'm guessing Scott was removed (naught!) from THAT innocuous distribution list months and months ago. (They don't even trust him, as an NC board member, to receive lists of simple community activities) They don't trust the LA 32 NC period.

Oh well, hundreds of others (including me) got to see Coca and one of the ES field deputies discussing whose written Spanish was "mass pocho" (sic). 

Mostly it just reaffirms that it's really "incompetence" and not "conspiracy" (Gold Card treatment for the special few?) that reigns supreme at City Hall.

May 23, 2011 10:11 AM

Read more »

LADOT Gold Card access for Councilman Huizar's supporters?

The perks of becoming a Councilman Jose Huizar supporter for El Sereno's Michael Carreon.

Did favorable score on Councilman's Huizar's "Constituent Discrimination Lists" get you Gold Card access via CD 14 Chief of Staff Ana Cubas?

Backside of Gold Card given to CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes Office.

There was a time when El Sereno Resident Michael Carreon's appearances at City Hall would cause consternation for CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar and his staff. But as KCET's "SoCal Focus Blog" reports a little "Gold Card love" via Councilman Huizar's Chief of Staff Ana Cubas, may have been the key moment in flipping Carreon from antagonist to supporter.

Read more »

The work of Councilman Huizar's "Image Consultant" Ed Headington?

 Photo of Mayor Villaraigosa by Ed Headington at Councilman Huizar's Campaign Kickoff.

 Ed Headington (behind Councilman Huizar's Communication Director Rick Coca) at El Sereno Sign Dedication

 Ed Headington talking to Councilman Huizar at El Sereno Sign Dedication.

LA County Labor Federation Leader Maria Elena Durazo photo by Ed Headington at Councilman Huizar's Campaign Kickoff.

In Tuesday's Morning briefs post, we quickly questioned why our former Mayor Sam blogger and noted media consultant Ed Headington, would want all traces of his name removed from the infamous Michael Trujillo email ( we should note that LA Weekly's Jill Stewart took note of Headington in her post on Trujillo's vile email). We noted Headington's "consulting contract" with Councilman Huizar that place him at events such as the El Sereno sign dedication, pictured above. But some have opine that Headington's work may have cross over into Councilman Huizar's Re-election Campaign, as Headington's photos from Huizar's Campaign Kickoff might suggest (we should note that there is no record of Headington being paid for campaign work). 

After the jump, we disclose information that was provided to us during the recent CD 14 campaign that raises more questions whether Headington was "Edward 121", who was engage in "editing or sanitizing" Councilman Huizar's Wikipedia page. Thus, if  "Edward 121" is indeed Headington, then one must question why public money was being use for Huizar's campaign efforts.  

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday

Olvera Street

"The Great Olvera Street Compromise of 2011" is nearly complete via CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar.

From the Los Angeles Times, "What we came up with was a compromise that takes into account the economy, the budget needs of the city and the merchants at Olvera Street" who have been the backbone of the popular destination for years, said Councilman Jose Huizar, whose district includes El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument, of which Olvera Street is part. El Pueblo is run by the city and has its own general manager and oversight commission.

As an afterthought, the "Great Olvera Street Compromise" would be a excellent topic for "JOSE's Blog" which has been inactive for over a month until yesterday. And guess the topic of Rick Coca, errr Councilman Huizar's latest blog posting??

More news after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Outtakes from CD 14: LAFD cutbacks in CD 14 (Except near Councilman Huizar's home)

 Strange, why would Councilman Huizar remove Facebook and Twitter links from council website home page?

These El Sereno Huizar supporters were rewarded with reduced LAFD emergency services.

Maybe this is the reason that CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar has detach himself from constituents, via Twitter and Facebook? (or may it has to do with illegal campaign usage?)

The Voice Newspaper and other sources have provided documentation on the pending LAFD reorganization that has dire consequences for the El Sereno community and city wide via the LA Times. ** We should note that two of the four RA units recommended for shutdown are located in CD 14.

For the likes of the Hillside Village Property Owners Association who protests of Rescue Ambulance cutbacks at Station 16 brought attention to LAFD "brownouts", they should take note of the propose reorganization of LAFD resources in El Sereno and Boyle Heights.

Continue after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Has Councilman Huizar retain Counsel for future Legal Proceedings?

 Is the re-election honeymoon over?

"Campaign flashback"

As the mud turns to dust from the most recent political election proceedings in CD 14, rumors/chisme continues to make the rounds about some supposed legal issues regarding Councilman Jose Huizar.

Flashbacking to the February 1, 2011 Los Angeles Times story in which former CD 14 City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez states that he had been interviewed by FBI agents, regarding Councilman Huizar and subsequent stories on his financial status. Political observers are speculating whether the second term elected politico may face legal problems stemming from any past wrong doings.

.More after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Councilman Jose Huizar Elected to a Second Term in CD 14

This blogger wants to congratulate CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar on his re-election to a second full term  I look forward to four more years of objective blogging on your future political exploits. In addition, I like to commend challenger Rudy Martinez for his efforts in expanding the political dialog and bring attention to issues such as the CLARTS Fund and economic renewal in CD 14. As Martinez stated in his gracious concession speech, this campaign was only the beginning of his new foray into the political world and he will continue the dialog on bring a better tomorrow to the constituents of CD 14. That discussion, this blogger will continue to post here at Mayor Sam.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14. 

The Choice is Clear, Rudy Martinez for City Council in CD 14

Rudy Martinez at Clean Sweep LA Kickoff

Letter of support from former LAPD Deputy Chief and now Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz.

Four years ago today, a certain person was proud to walk up to his polling place and help elect current CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar to his first full term. Now on this election day in 2011, that same person typing these words implores you to vote for Rudy Martinez to replace Councilman Huizar.

More after the jump.

Read more »

Getting out the vote Councilman Jose Huizar Style

Why do the names of Francine Godoy and Gustavo Valdivia pop into my head when viewing this mailer ?

East Los Angeles Community Corporation Executive Director Maria Cabildo (speaking in support of CRA) and CD 14's other connected non-profits will gather for their once-in-every-four-years appointment with the polling place tomorrow, as Councilman Jose Huizar awaits the verdict of the electorate on his quest for another term in office. 

The likes of ELACC's Cabildo, Legacy LA, Eagle Rock Center for the Arts and other connected non-profits, understand when they pimp for public money, that come election time, their clients and supporters must turn out for their "Political Sugar Daddy", in CD 14's case Councilman Jose Huizar.
More after the jump.

Read more »

Former Councilman Huizar Campaign Manager Michael Trujillo still on Campaign Payroll

Disgrace former CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar Campaign Manager Michael Trujillo, who was terminated for authoring the controversial "bullet to forehead email", is still being paid by the Huizar Campaign according to the latest Ethics Commission expenditures report.

Further, after being fired on Monday, February 7, Trujillo has received the following payment listed below.

03/01/11 Michael Trujillo Los Angeles, CA 90017 Jose Huizar Council Member - District 14 1325226 - HUIZAR FOR COUNCIL 2011 E - Payment (CNS - Campaign Consultant) [Period: 02/20/11-03/02/11] $3,250.00 [Election: 03/08/11]

Trujillo, prior to this latest payment, received the following amount for work before his termination..

01/28/11 Michael Trujillo Los Angeles, CA 90017 Jose Huizar Council Member - District 14 1325226 - HUIZAR FOR COUNCIL 2011 E - Payment (OFC - Office Expenses) [Period: 01/23/11-02/19/11] $1,286.56 [Election: 03/08/11]

The fact that Trujillo is still on Councilman Huizar's is bound to reignite the controversy over Trujillo's comments that included statements such as "(Rudy is a disgusting human being that needs to be sent back from the vile bag of tripe he emanated from." and "We are going to unleash the dogs of Satan on Rudy and he is going to wish he never heard the words 'team huizar".

With Trujillo continuing to profit from his vile attack on Martinez, on top of Team Huizar's latest negative mailer, highlights the desperate straits that Team Huizar finds themselves as election day approaches, not to mention reopening old wounds..

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Mayor Sam Exclusive: Team Huizar's CD 14 Survey Analysis, "we feel it is critical that Martinez be framed early as an unworthy candidate"

Mayor Sam has received a copy of the CD 14 Survey Analysis (ie, push poll) conducted by Fairbanks, Maslin, Maulin, Metz & Associates. This poll was cited early on by Team Huizar, as showing the six-year councilperson having a commanding advantage over his challenger Rudy Martinez.

But as the details within the analysis note, the re-election of Councilman Huizar is not a sure thing. Key points in the analysis include,

* Only 25% of voters survey say they will "definitely" vote for Councilman Huizar. (page 1)

* "This election must be a choice between the two candidates and not a referendum on the incumbent". (page 2)

* Looking at Eagle Rock and Glassell Park, we can see some likelihood of Huizar losing in both areas and the possibility of more narrow margins in El Sereno and Highland Park. (page 7)

* 71% of voters said that Huizar's vote against "making DWP bureaucrats more accountable to the public" was a convincing reason to vote against him. (page 5)

* The impact of the negative messages nullifies all of Martinez vote gains. (page 7)

Reading through the analysis and comparing the survey questions with the later attacks by Team Huizar on Rudy Martinez, one can easily see that "going negative" was an essential part of Team Huizar's plan to blunt the challenge of  Martinez.

Other CD 14 Campaign News: 

** LA Weekly's David Futch details Mayor Sam's role in the "Blogger Field Day in Huizar vs. Martinez".

** Los Angeles Times David Zahniser finds gray matter in getting at the root of Councilman Jose Huizar and challenger Rudy Martinez's animosity.

Read the rest of the report after the jump. 

Read more »

Tony Butka: "Eastside Adelante PAC-Paying the High Price of Democracy?"

Maybe CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar didn't want the Adelante PAC snooping around his no-bid giveaway of $150,000 of CRA/LA money to the theater group, whoops, meant to say outreach specialists CASA 0101?

Blogger note: Former Cd 14 City Council Candidate and Glassell Park Neighborhood Council Member Tony Butka reports on the retaliation measures undertaken against the CRA?LA Adelante Project Advisory Committee, for their support of California Governor Jerry Brown's proposal to use CRA money to offset the state's budget deficit. In addition, Ron Kaye notes that Chris Essel's CRA/LA will reconvene tomorrow in the spirit of replicating their role in the charade to usurp the will of Governor Brown and activists city-wide.

Read Tony Butka's piece after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Councilman Jose Huizar accepts free billboard from controversial Lamar Advertising

 Leave it to Councilman Jose Huizar to shill for any Special Interest who pay the "appropriate fees". In this case, it is the nation's biggest billboard/outdoors advertising firm Lamar Advertising.

Controversial Lamar Billboard in New York City since removed.

Is raven on street sign above Huizzy lawn piece, indicator of his political future?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Councilman Huizar subject of "Cease and Desist Letter" by Longtime Eagle Rock Businessman Paul Sislin

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar Campaign's veracity going up in smoke.

This statement in a recent campaign mailer just earned Councilman Huizar's Campaign its second "Cease and Desist Letter" in their quest to pin supposed truths on the Rudy Martinez Campaign.

"Martinez has also taken $1000 in contributions from an illegal marijuana dispensary that had been ordered to shut down the City Attorney. (Contributions from Paul and Leno Sislin, owners Sunset Discount Dispensaries."

More after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Political Snow Jobs for a Chilly Saturday

If this was 2011, one could almost hear Mayor Antonio Villar proclaiming himself "the snowplow king".

Great chillin Saturday morning to all where we take advantage of this rare day of historic snowfall levels to highlight the "dubious political snow jobs" that merit exposure. But morphing into "weather geek mode" momentary, we should point out that the picture above was taken between January 9-11, 1949 which was officially the last measurable snowfall in Downtown Los Angeles. If this were to happen today, one wonders how Mayor Antonio Villar would take political advantage of this rare occurrence  

Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members Jose Aguilar and Margo Amador speak out against HACLA Commissioner Maria Del Angel.

One of the biggest political snow jobs is the on-going corruption within the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). The names, Victor Taracena, Gustavo Valdivia, Donald Smith, Maria Del Angel, and current HACLA CEO Rudy Montiel, have all been well documented in various media outlets. Some have even speculated recently that an "current public official" may be under investigation with links to one or more of the above-mentioned names. Regardless, some are now calling upon HACLA Commissioner Maria Del Angel and the rest of the HACLA commissioner to resign.

More political snow jobs via LACCD, Mayor Villar, Sierra Club, VICA and LA Chamber of Commerce after the blogging leap.
Read more »

KCBS David Goldstein exposes $158,000 in questionable expenditures at HACLA

Councilman Jose Huizar knows the political high life on the hog..

Where do the likes of HACLA Executive Director Rudy Montiel and Commissioner Maria Del Angel learn the art of wasting public money?

These sort of political expenditures, whoop, behavior must become part of the your ethical DNA when appointed to a commission by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa or supporters. Mayor Villar takes free ticket to numerous events worth $50,000+. CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar and staff stuff $4,812 plus change down their respective pie holes in three months. And now Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Commissioner spent six figures on five-star lodging, dining (with booze) with per diem money in their respective pockets.

KCBS Investigated Reporter David Goldstein has video report here.

** We should note that HACLA Commissioner Alicia Maldonado is the same Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce President Alicia Maldonado. This fact is interesting considering that the BHCC is hosting a CD 14 Candidate Forum on March 1, 2011, between 8-9:30PM, at the Boyle Heights Senior Center. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

A Victory Proclamation that Councilman Huizar wants you to forget

Driving and lamenting on the Southwest Museum Controversy don't mix as Los Angeles Times Op-Ed Scribe Jim Newton found out first hand.

And, without prompting, he raised the controversy over the Southwest Museum, a sore point in the district. Huizar said he attempted to get a guarantee from the Autry National Center of the American West to reopen the museum building (which the Autry owns), only to have the project fall apart. It was, I suggested, a "lose-lose," a phrase that unnerved Huizar so much that he missed the green light turning red and wound up stranded in the intersection. Recovering, he responded: "It was a lose-lose, but I think we're in a good position now."

We hate to pile on, but what could've been the life-changing consenquences if Journalist Jim had brought up Counxcilman Huizar's 2007 "Victory Letter" regarding the city's oldest museum?

Read the whole letter after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Memo to CD 14 Chief of Staff Ana Cubas, "Big difference between $60,000 and $544,683 in CLARTS Fund Account

As we noted here in the past, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's Chief of Staff Ana Cubas provided cover for her boss by not answering questions that were submitted in advance by the LA 32 Neighborhood Council, in October of 2010.

Now the video of her rambling presentation is posted above for all to see.  For those who may be interested in a career of public service, Cubas performance is noteworthy for its subjective dodging of the questions by the LA 32 Board. 

But at the end point of her opening presentation (about 25 minutes in), Cubas states that there was only $60,000 currently in the CLARTS Fund balance, which surprise former CD 14 City Councilman Nick Pacheco, who briefly speaks. But the truth unknown to the LA 32 Board, Pacheco and not likely Cubas, is noted below in the memo.. 

More after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Councilman Jose Huizar: "Rudy Martinez doesn't speak Spanish."

"Parque Esqueleto" is the bloggin prophet! From sometime back.
Or maybe in the words of "Parque Esqueleto", this is all part of the plan to ward off the challenge of Rudy Martinez?
Very typical. Common SG&A tactics. As they did in the 43rd race they have learned to gin up "progressive" bloggers to fight opponents SG&A can't beat on the merits by tossing around the racist and homophobe cards. Trujillo and SG&A will be working to save the quite troubled Jose Huizar; they are scared to death of opponent Rudy Martinez. They can't call Martinez, a Mexican, anti-Latino. So perhaps he hates "teh gheys." Maybe, just maybe, Trujillo will exercise the nuclear option and call Martinez a pocho.

Some months later, with Trujillo exile to the bloggin wilderness, leave it to Councilman Huizar to open his "political nuclear suitcase" and launch the first "pocho strike" of the campaign. More after the bloggin leap.......... 

Read more »