Afternoon Briefs according to Orlov on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The Daily News Longtime City Hall Beat Writer Rick Orlov (light blue shirt) working County supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Photo via Neon Tommy and ** taken by now LA Weekly Freelance Writer Hillel Aron.

While the Los Angeles Times has gone to 24/7 Occupy L.A. coverage, the Daily News City Hall Beat Writer Rick Orlov continues his decades-long endeavor to uncover the scoops within City Hall. In honor of his due diligence over the decades and the fact that everybody else in media is fixated on the "Occupy L.A. endgame" (coming no time soon) , we bring you Orlov's Briefs on Monday.

** Orlov reports on City Controller Wendy "The Valley" Greuel's latest "Press Release Audit" that highlights some "missing money" ($1.7 Million) at the "welfare agency" to the connected elites and corporations in Los Angeles known as CRA/LA. We took the time to browse through the actual report and found this little CD 14 nugget which highlights how CRA money goes PUFF!

The March 14, 2011 AB 1290 fund status report reported a $15,000 commitment and $15,000 expenditure for the Adelante Eastside RPA for the El Sereno Farmer’s Market.  Both transactions reference the same Council authorization (CF10-1881).  However, the Council only authorized $15,000 to be transferred to the City to help fund the El Sereno Farmer’s Market.  The transfer was made in February 2011 and is appropriately reported  as an expenditure for the RPA.  However, there is no other Council authorization to commit an additional $15,000 for the Farmer’s Market.  While the commitment did not impact the cash transfer from the CRA to the City on March  15, 2011, the additional commitment overstates what the Council approved as a designated use of the AB 1290 funds. 

We should note that both proprietors are close Councilman Huizar supporters for the record.

Read more »

Morning Briefs on "Auditing" the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Not a good week for the "Valley Greuel of Auditing".

The "Right to Audit" is all the rave this morning within the thinning newsprint columns of the Los Angeles Times. First Governor Jerry "Moonbeam II" Brown signed legislation that gives the State Auditor broader powers to investigate misuse of taxpayers funds in counties, cities and special districts. Second, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors joined with the "Valley Greuel of Auditing", in offering to audit the books of the Coliseum Commission, this of course was met with a quick press dispatch from the Valley Greuel, in the spirit of cooperation (as long as you don't interlope in my press coverage). Third, the Van de Kamp Coalition, who is not a great fan of the "Valley Greuel's" LACCD intervention, won a big victory as the District Attorney announced an inquiry into irregularities regarding the hiring of a former Art Gastelum employee Christine Marez as its Inspector General of its $5.7 Billion Dollars Construction Project.

   ....... and when investigators get to the root of all these financial controversies, they will find the "Valley Greuel's" contribution to bring resolution to these issues, can be found in the box above, as in the words of Valley Blogger Paul Hatfield, "Greuel's Audit Scorecard is wrapping paper on an empty gift box".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

 CD 4 City Councilman Tom LaBonge's "Chief of Field Operations" Dave Ahern moonlighting as landscaping worker at supposed Hollywood Sign tourist spot.  Wonder if the project was exempt from CEQA requirements?

Ahern and other Councilman Labonge staffers (including Sheila Irani in "work clothes") executing their "field duties" at supposed Hollywood Sign tourist stop. ** Both photos taken by Sarajane Schwartz, President of the Hollywoodland Homeowners Association, at the displeasure of Dave Ahern.

Take your choice here in labeling this story, NIMBY overreaction or unilateral and legally questionable action by CD 4 City Councilman Tom Lebonge. But make no doubt that this controversy regarding the proliferation of tourist flocking to the slopes of Mt. Lee to view the world famous Hollywood Sign and the impact on the neighborhoods down slope, is garnering major (and unwanted exposure for Councilman LaBonge's staff) attention. If NIMBY civil wars and questionable actions of a councilman are your cup of tea, then plan on being in the crowd at Tuesday's afternoon (4 p.m.) community conclave to discuss this FUBAR at 6501 Fountain Ave.

Read more »