A Dialog on a 710 Freeway, Golden Eagle (Connector) Road this Evening in El Sereno

As the decades-long controversy regarding the 710 Freeway continues on, a CD-14 sponsored Community Meeting will take place this evening in El Sereno, with the newly-proposed "Golden Eagle (Connector) Road", the hot (and potentially, El Sereno Community-dividing) topic.

 The "Beyond the 710 Coalition (with a notable Corner Store Trekker)", espousing the propose "Golden Eagle (Connector) Road".

From the LA Times regarding the proposed "Golden Eagle (Connector) Road": Instead of constructing the extension, Beyond the 710 envisions building several local surface-street projects, including a four-lane thoroughfare called Golden Eagle Boulevard that would head 1.9 miles north from the southern stub of the 710 to Fremont Street in Alhambra. Golden Eagle would intersect Valley Boulevard, Alhambra Avenue and East Mission Road, allowing traffic to be distributed to other surface streets while protecting residential neighborhoods.

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar cuts ribbon at the Grand Opening of the El Sereno Arroyo Park.



** Neighbors of El Sereno Founder Val Marquez regarding tonight's meeting:

URGENT MEETING - Connector Road Could Close ES Arroyo Playground

Dear Concerned Neighbors:

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Get ready for a return of the Politics of Weather as rain arrives mid-week.

From along the Santa Ana River above Redlands.

Good bloggin morning to everyone as we return from a quick weekend getaway from "Disempowerment LA-occupied LA-32", to the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains.

As you can tell from the photo above, there are still places in our surrounding mountains that have flowing water. But come Wednesday, Mother Nature will bring something called R-A-I-N back to Southern California for an extended stay. If the upper-level Jet Stream is redirected over Central California, or further south, with a west to east flow, then we may experience an "Atmospheric River Event", which would go far in alleviating our severe drought but not without health and safety ramifications..

In Southern California, it always seems that major rain events are predicated with major brush fires that leave hills and mountain slopes striped bare and primed for debris flows. Thus, when Mother Nature reminds everyone of her supreme authority over us, as she will, come especially Friday, then brace yourself for a return of "Politics of Weather", with your local politico donning yellow rain gear, with plastic wrap cameras, recording it all. ** BTW, climate models are hinting at strong El Nino for next winter, can't imagine any politico wanted to exploit that news for a photo op. 

 LA County Board of Supervisor (and possible CD 14 Candidate) Gloria Molina drop kicks Op-Ed supporting 710 Freeway Tunnel. 

** Memo to the likes of the "No on 710 Coalition" and "Concerns Neighbors of El Sereno", your LA County Board of Supervisor (and possible CD 14 City Council Candidate), Gloria Molina, along with Assemblyman Ed Chau, co-keyboard an Op-ed in the San Gabriel Tribune that details their joint support of a 710 Freeway Tunnel to close the six mile gap to connect the 710 to the I-210 Freeway in Pasadena. Local activists might want to consider the following .............

These residents were promised decades ago that this fix was a stop-gap measure. Opponents need to quit trying to stop the gap from being closed.
These same naysayers also erroneously claim that a tunnel will worsen air quality. They conveniently ignore how air quality is already horrendous in Southeast L.A. — especially for its children, where 12 out of every 100 children develop asthma.
There is a direct connection between asthma in Southeast L.A. and the pollution caused by cars and trucks forced to stand idle along an incomplete 710 Freeway. It’s all the more true since commuters must use the streets as de facto “streetways.”
The pollution that 710 tunnel opponents don’t want is already in the air, being breathed by Southeast L.A. families — who don’t have the extra time and resources to devote to NIMBYism.
These comments should put an end to the "Molina Boo Boo for CD 14" rumors.

** Memo to Mayor Eric Garcetti's Chief of Staff (and possible CD 14 Candidate) Ana Guerrero, please inform your East Area Director Patricia Alarcon that "Disempowerment LA-occupied LA-32 Stakeholders are awaiting a response to this email sent to Ms. Alarcon on February 14, cut and pasted below.

Mayor Garcetti's East Area Director Patricia Alarcon.

Good morning Ms. Alarcon,

Hope this email finds you well on this Valentine's Day.

In lieu of the recent punitive actions taken by Empower LA against the LA 32 Neighborhood Council and your email confirming the Mayor's Office receiving the documentation, I respectfully ask if Mayor Eric Garcetti will be taking a formal position on the current standing of the LA 32 NC Elective Body.

Further, if the Office of Mayor Garcetti is to take a formal position, then the office should consider the following before drafting a formal reply.

First, with Empower LA taking punitive actions against LA 32 which includes controlling the drafting of its agenda. What assurances can stakeholders have that their respective issues will be given objective due diligence by an elective body free of pre-conceived political bias? At the time of Empower LA's Memo, the LA-32 NC were working on important time sensitive issues, involving the USC Health Science Campus Master Plan and Zoning concerns involving a Charter School, among others (** including funding request for parade with past IRS issues). Will the Office of Mayor Garcetti ensure that the community comments heard by the LA 32 NC on these issues, get an objective resolution? 

Second, will the Office of Mayor Garcetti's staff grant access and accord all LA-32 NC Board Members the right to speak freely regarding the "personal dynamics" (including Empower LA's collusion with board members in targeting certain individuals) that were the foundation for Empower LA's punitive actions?

Third, will the Office of Mayor Garcetti's staff investigate internal Empower LA work place issues that have cause employees of the department to file a work place grievance over the role of the "Council for Council Mentors" to act as "NC First Responders" in intervening as Crisis Mentors for NCs, at no cost to the taxpayers?

Fourth, will the Office of Mayor Garcetti work with Empower LA and the City Attorney Office to address the issues of "Procedural Bullys" ( the husband and wife duo of the El Sereno Historical Society come to mind), who's are wasting taxpayers money by filing frivolous complaints, denigrating upstanding community members who don't agree with their "El Sereno-centric vision" and creating the hostile meeting environment noted in the Empower LA Memo? 

Fifth, will the Office of Mayor Garcetti take a stand against the repugnant, incendiary racial comments made sadly by board members and those in the community against some serving on this elected body? Would the Office of Mayor Garcetti consider using the resources of the Human Relations Department to set up a series of workshops within NCs to combat racial bigotry?

In closing Ms. Alarcon, its my sincere hope that the Office of Mayor Garcetti will help the LA 32 NC move forward in bring all resources to the table in achieving objective remedies that grows a strong, independent community-centric elective body, while holding those responsible for the "repugnant, personal conduct" that was unfortunately, the basis for the punitive actions taken by Empower LA.

With respects,

Scott Johnson 

LA 32 NC Recording Secretary

A potential CD-14 City Council Candidate should not smoke away an opportunity to listen to very real voters.

** Please note that the comments above are solely my own and not reflective of any formal LA 32 NC approved position.

** Also note that I will make this comments public in the spirit of openness and transparency. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14     



City Council votes to oppose any form of the 710 Freeway

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar listens to constituents concerns about the 710 Freeway, at last Friday's City Council meeting. Photo via San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

In the words (posted below) of Concern Neighbors of El Sereno's Val Marquez (lower center), today was a historic day for El Sereno and the credit should go to among others, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar. ** We agree to a point, predicated that the lion share of the credit goes to community members who's stance influence the councilman's decision-making process, as noted by Ron Kaye. 

VICTORY FOR EL SERENO! In an historic vote, LA City Council passed a Resolution today, authored by Huizar, Reyes and Garcetti, to oppose the 710 freeway alternatives that threatened to destroy our community. 

Following a special Transportation Meeting held yesterday, Councilman Huizar made an amendment that added alternative F7 - the TUNNEL option - to the Resolution. Opposing ALL the 710 freeway alternatives that threatened to run through the Northeast communities. 

Councilman Huizar led the charge this morning, convincing ALL fellow Council members, who voted UNANIMOUSLY in favor of this Resolution.

This is a MAJOR and HISTORIC step toward preserving our community.  

This sends a clear message to Metro and Caltrans that the Northeast communities will not sit idly by while our communities get destroyed by this senseless project.  The struggle continues until they take this off the table entirely!

We are especially thankful that we now have leaders, with special credit to Councilman Huizar, who are standing with us to protect our neighborhoods.

CONCERNED NEIGHBORS OF EL SERENO 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Outtakes from CD 14: "Weird Times on Broadway", 710 Tunnel News and More

Good morning from the "cut and paste barrio" of "Ciudad de Los Angeles".

As in any initiative that originates from the bowels, correction, office of CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar, one can expect a turbulent process, mixed with absence of communications and surly staffers.

According to the Los Angeles Garment and Citizen, there are some "big bumps".

DO PLANNERS SEE A BROADWAY WITHOUT MEXICANS?: The evening of November 24 saw Broadway teeming with its usual crowds of Latino/Americans who work, shop or own businesses along the thoroughfare. The meeting of the Bringing Back Broadway initiative— which is being spearheaded by City Councilmember Jose Huizar—drew an entirely different crowd over near 5th & Spring on the same evening, when “final concepts for the design of Broadway’s public right of way areas” were shown off. There were lots of European/Americans at the meeting, with design consultants and public officials among the crowd of 50 or so. The swell set seemed to get a kick out of the plans for a makeover of the Broadway streetscape—wider sidewalks, fancy signs, etc. The proposal also indicated that the folks pushing the makeover don’t care much for Broadway in its current form, even if it is one of the busiest streets around, serving tens of thousands of local shoppers and workers each day. Exactly how do these urban planners and assorted wannabes see Broadway and the folks who work and shop there now? Bringing Back Broadway from what?

This should remind the keen CD 14 observer of the Fifteen Group plans for the Wyvernwood Apartment complex that could see potentially thousands of low iincome families displace. Plus for anyone who was at the Boyle Heights filibuster, errr, Townhall meeting, they saw how Wyvernwood Tenant Advocate Elena Popp, was treated when she attempted to speak up about the Wyvernwood issue.

Back to Broadway, we bring you "Jessica Jabberings" (which according to those who have dealt with her, is nothing new).

JESSICA’S JABBERING: Huizar staffer Jessica Wethington Mclean got huffy during the November 24 meeting, claiming that an item in this column a few weeks back erred in reporting that Ezat Delijani hadn’t made anything more than a verbal commitment to restoring the old theaters his family owns on Broadway. Apparently Delijani did send a letter to the board of trustees of Bringing Back Broadway, saying that he would “restore and rehabilitate” the Palace and Los Angeles theaters to make them “accommodating for regular public use.” That appears to be enough for Huizar to push the city to shell out $56 million or more to build a parking garage that would hold the potential to bring big benefits to Delijani’s holdings in the area. Yet Delijani’s letter appears to leave enough room to drive a legal truck through. What is “regular public use,” anyway? Is a letter to the board of the Bringing Back Broadway legally binding in any case? Wethington Mclean didn’t respond to an inquiry seeking clarification on those points (see related story, “Immigrants Carry 1/3 of Local Economy,” Local Heroes, home page; Commentary, “Beware of False Choices...” home page)…

The Los Angeles Garment and Citizen is not the only news organ to express concerns about the Bringing Back Broadway initiative. Los Angeles Times columnist Tim Rutten had this to say in his missive, which he invokes comparisons to the movie "Blade Runner".

In the film, those "losers" were represented as Asian, Latino and other non-European immigrants. It's a cheap, xenophobic thrill that lent the film some of its appeal in an era made anxious by mass immigration.

It's also an association that inescapably comes to mind when you read the "vision statement" for the proposed Broadway redevelopment. You can search it from top to bottom and never find the word "Latino." What makes that odd is that Broadway has been for decades one of L.A.'s most vibrant shopping streets, though one patronized almost exclusively by working-class Latino immigrants.

Apparently they're invisible to the street's aspiring redevelopers. The authors of this "vision" intone the phrases "eclectic cultural amenities" and "diverse retail options" like a kind of mantra. It is, of course, a euphemistic way of saying, we intend to obliterate Broadway's essentially Latino character -- which has persisted for far longer than the two-decade interlude of glitz in the 1920s and 1930s that the planners hope to revive.

Reading these, one can see some more huffing and puffing in Jessica's near future.

OTHER NEWS:

** From Concerned Neighbors of El Sereno regarding the 710 Tunnel Portal

Dear Neighbors,

Thanks to all of you who supported our efforts to get the Tunnel Portal moved out of our residential neighborhood. With the dedication of many volunteers, we gathered almost 900 signatures over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. We also succeeded in getting LA City’s Information Technology & Government Affairs Committee to approve the Resolution at their December 1st meeting. In addition, LA32 Neighborhood Council unanimously approved an action item to support the City Council Resolution. Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council has also issued a document in support of the Resolution.

IMPORTANT: The Resolution will not be presented to LA City Council tomorrow, December 4th as we were previously informed. It will not take place until sometime next week. We will continue to gather signatures on the petitions up until the date of the meeting. We will keep you informed of the new date as soon as we hear. Thanks to all of you who helped gather signatures, attended the ITGA meeting, signed our petitions, and who support this effort.

CONCERNED NEIGHBORS OF EL SERENO

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability,but comes through continuous struggle."- Martin Luther King

** If you need an diversion from politics, I would check this out Saturday.

Book Signing by National Best-Selling Author at Galco’s Only Los Angeles Business Featured in “The Mom & Pop Store” by Robert Spector A discussion and book signing by nationally-renowned author Robert Spector will take place at Galco’s Soda Pop Stop, 5702 York Blvd. in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles on Saturday December 5, 2009 from 12 p.m. noon until 2 p.m.

Galco’s is the only independent business located in Los Angeles County to be featured in “The Mom & Pop Store: How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy Are Surviving and Thriving.” Spector will autograph and discuss his latest book and why Galco’s is the perfect case study to illustrate how integral independent businesses are to the national economy and that they form the foundation of what makes a neighborhood a community. John Nese, owner of Galco’s, will give a first-person account of the tenacity it takes to be an entrepreneurial business pioneer and how soda pop saved a 100-year-old “mom and pop” business. The book is available for purchase at Galco’s. The event reception will feature a soda sampling and with each book sold a $5-off coupon for any purchase of a case of soda.

The Mom & Pop Store is a personal celebration of independent neighborhood shops, and an appreciation of the men and women whose entrepreneurial vision, passion, persistence, and hard work create the social and economic fabric of our communities.

Galco’s Soda Pop Stop is a unique store that celebrates the freedom of choice and the American spirit of entrepreneurialism. Select from over 450 different sodas in glass bottles and half-forgotten candies (as well as 500 different beers available in the store only).

Just minutes from either downtown Los Angeles or Pasadena, Galco’s is located in the historic Highland Park community of Los Angeles at 5702 York Blvd. (323) 255-7115 www.sodapopstop. com

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

Evening Briefs and Outtakes on Mayor Villaraigosa's Travels "South of the Border" and News from CD 2, Sacramento and 710 Tunnel Stuff

" The cliches never change when it comes to Mexico, for Mayor Villaraigosa"

In case you didn't notice, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is out of country again, expousing the virtues of "Ciudad de Los Angeles".

This time, his travels (paid by us of course) take him south of the U.S. border to Mexico as the LA Times Phil Willon reports.

While traveling in Mexico today, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took a swipe at efforts to build a massive fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, saying U.S. politicians should spend their time building bridges instead of walls, the Associated Press reported.

“We should focus on what we have in common instead of focusing on our differences,” Villaraigosa said after a meeting with Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard. On Sunday, Villaraigosa met with Mexican President Felipe Calderón at the National Palace. Before the mayor was given a tour, the two discussed immigration and public safety issues, according to a representative of the mayor’s office.

Villaraigosa’s trip to Mexico started Thursday, when he led a delegation of authors, artists, filmmakers and musicians to the 2009 Guadalajara International Book Fair, where Los Angeles had been declared the guest of honor.

A $2.1-million grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs paid for the delegation’s trip to Guadalajara, including travel expenses for four staff members from the mayor’s office and a dozen from Cultural Affairs. Councilman Jose Huizar and City Librarian Martin Gomez also were part of the delegation.

The mayor’s trip to Mexico City cost an estimated $8,600 and was paid for by Villaraigosa’s office and Los Angeles World Airports, the city agency that oversees Los Angeles International Airport.

It's unclear what source of funds will be used to pay the travel expenses of the mayor's LAPD security detail.

Also nice to note that since since the start of his second term as Mayor, Villaraigosa has been out of country on an average of one in six days. Talk about hands on leadership.

** The latest rounds of numbers are out from the Ethics Commission, regarding financial contributions to the CD 2 Special Election Candidates Paul Krekorian and Chris Essel. As they debate this evening in their supposed last debate in Valley Village. Krekorian holds a slight edge in 'hands on cash" while Essel is reaping the latest financial windfall from the Police Protective League.

Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02 Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/30/09 11/30/09 Radio Buy #3 RADSC-6 $60,000.00

Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02 Chris Essel for City Council 2009 -General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/30/09 11/30/09 Cable buy #3 TVSC-4 $44,099.00

Meamwhile Krekorian is seing some independent money come his way.

Service Employees International Union Local 721 CTW, CLC State & LocalLos Angeles, CA 90020 (Independent Expenditure) Support Paul Krekorian City Council Member - District 02 Krekorian for City Council 2009 - General (1321819)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/28/09
11/27/09 Printing, Production, and Postage MAIL-1 $4,435.00

Service Employees International Union Local 721 CTW, CLC State & LocalLos Angeles, CA 90020 (Independent Expenditure) Support Paul Krekorian City Council Member - District 02 Krekorian for City Council 2009 - General (1321819)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/28/09
11/28/09 Phone banking (estimate) $3,600.00

United Firefighters Of Los Angeles City Local Union #112 Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Independent Expenditure) Support Paul Krekorian City Council Member - District 02 Krekorian for City Council 2009 - General (1321819)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/24/09 11/25/09 Literature/Postage MAIL-2 $7,772.25

** From today's Daily News City Hall Scribe Rick Orlov "Tipoff Column",

The biggest insider game being played in Sacramento these days is over who will succeed Assembly Speaker Karen Bass.

Bass wants to follow the procedure she agreed with in taking over from former Speaker Fabian Nunez, with a lengthy transition period, beginning in January when she hopes the Democratic caucus will agree with her.

But, two members, Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes of Van Nuys and Kevin De Leon of Hollywood, are aggressively trying to get commitments to back them as the next speaker.

Then there is this wildcard candidate.

Democratic caucus members have been looking at a third choice, Assemblyman John Perez, D-Los Angeles.

Perez, who is a cousin of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, would be the first openly gay member to serve as speaker. This state is doomed.

** From the "Concerned Neighbors of El Sereno" regarding the "710 Tunnel Proposal".

Dear Neighbors,

As you may have heard, a Resolution on the 710 Tunnel Portal in El Sereno is being reviewed by the Information Technology & Government Affairs Committee; after which LA City Council will take their recommendation for their vote. If this Resolution fails to pass, the location of the portal will remain in the residential community of El Sereno, over 200 Caltrans homes will be destroyed, and at least 100 more residents will be displaced between Alhambra Ave. & Huntington Dr. Not to mentioned, the noise, vibration, lighting, air & odor pollution, dirt, soil & muck,neighborhood & traffic disruption, hundreds of thousands of truck-trips/year, and elevated risks and impacts for up to12 years of construction.

We NEED SUPPORT at the following 2 meetings to show the ITGA Committee and LA City Council that we NEED this Resolution PASSED.

ITGA Committee meeting - Tuesday, December 1, City Hall, 1st & 3rd street, Room 1010, at 2:00

LA City Council - will consider this Resolution on Friday, December 4th mtg, Location: (Live) San Fernando, (via telecon) City Hall, Time 10:00 AM

Hope to see you all there,
Val Marquez

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

CD 14 Councilman, errr, County Supervisor Mike Antonovich Protects El Sereno Neighborhood

The residents of eastern El Sereno, or should we call it the "option three neighborhood", can thank the likes of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, for removing the above-ground option for the completion of the 710 freeway.

Details in the below press release.

PRESS RELEASE
October 23, 2009
For Immediate Release

ANTONOVICH PROTECTS PASADENA, SOUTH PASADENA AND EL SERENO NEIGHBORHOODS FROM DEVASTATION IN 710 GAP CLOSURE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – To protect the residents of Pasadena, South Pasadena and El Sereno from the devastating consequences of above-ground construction of the 710 gap closure project, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Supervisor Gloria Molina and Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to ensure that MTA define the project as a “tunnel” project consistent with Measure R ballot language.

The MTA had previously taken out the word “tunnel” from its proposed long range transportation plan and left the definition vague as to whether or not the project would be a tunnel or a surface route that would devastate the communities through which construction would take place.

These communities previously had tried to get state legislation (SB 545, Cedillo) passed this year to mandate that the gap closure project would have to be constructed underground to avoid damaging the communities with a surface alignment. That bill was not signed into law by the Governor despite support from both the Assembly and the Senate.

Nice of Antonovich, with help from Villaraigosa and Molina, to come to El Sereno's assistance, but why do the fine citizens of El Sereno have to rely on the politicos above when they have a Councilman who has a seat on the MTA board? We are still waiting for Huizar to comment as noted in yesterday's post regarding his leadership on the 710 freeway tunnel issue.

And now with the tunnel back as an option in regards to completing the 710 freeway, wonder how much Don Jones is bemoaning the fact that he is an "former CalTrans tenant", considering that it may be decades before any solution to the 710 freeway issue becomes finite?

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

Where was the leadership from CD 14 Councilman Huizar regarding Senator Cedillo's SB 545 Tunnel Proposal??

" Absence of leadership in CD 14 and who is the guy with the suitcase??"

A simple question for CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's spokesperson Rick Coca, why did CD 4 Councilperson Tom LaBonge replace Councilman Huizar at the last MTA meeting, as the "Griffith Park Wayist" notes in this blog posting?

Tom voted to support the Wilshire subway project after being sworn in as a temporary METRO board member yesterday. He filled in for Councilmember Jose Huizar who was unable to attend. The board re-affirmed its plan to apply for federal funding for the Subway to the Sea, which will provide a much-needed link between the Westside and the rest of the Metro system, via a Wilshire Boulevard subway line. If Metro, a County agency, receives federal funding for this project, the subway could be completed in as little as ten years.

To this blogger, it makes no sense that the CD 14 councilperson, who was just appointed to the MTA board by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, would be absent from this historic meeting where MTA's "Long Range Transportation Plan " would be approved. This plan and its assorted projects, which we list below, is an thirty year plan to spend some $298 Billion dollars from federal, state, and local sources (Measure R in LA County). Being that Councilman Huizar is or was an voting member of the MTA board, it should be an given that Huizar would be present to represent his constituents. CD 14 related projects in bold

Completion of the Eastside light rail project·

Completion of the Exposition Light Rail project to Culver City·

Phase II Exposition light rail to Santa Monica·

Wilshire Boulevard Bus Rapid transit·

Downtown Regional Connector (Blue & Gold Line connection) ·

The Crenshaw Corridor Transit project·

San Fernando Valley North/South Metro Orange Line Canoga Extension·

San Fernando Valley East North/South Rapidways ·

Eastside Light Rail Access (Pedestrian & Bicycle link)·

Gold Line Foothill Light Rail Extension (Segment including vehicles & yard)·

Green Line Extension to LAX·

Westside Subway extension to Fairfax/Century City/Westwood·

Gold Line Eastside Extension·

Green Line Extension Redondo Beach Station to South Bay Corridor·

San Fernando Valley I-405 Corridor Connection·

West Santa Ana Branch Corridor·

California High Speed Rail (Los Angeles County)

Some examples of highway projects in the LRTP include: ·

I-405 northbound carpool lane from I-10 to US-101·

I-405 carpool lanes from SR 90 to I-10·

I-5/State Route 126 interchange reconstruction phase I & II·

SR-60 carpool lanes from I-605 to Brea Canyon Road·

I-5/SR-14 carpool lane direct connector·

I-5 carpool lanes from SR-118 to SR-170·

I-5 carpool lanes from SR-134 to SR-170·

I-10 carpool lanes from I-605 to Puente Ave & from Puente to Citrus avenues·

I-5 Carmenita Road interchange improvements·

I-5 carpool and mixed flow lanes from I-605 to Orange County Line·

** I-710 South and Route 710 North Gap Closure projects·

But in the case of the 710 Freeway issue, some are questioning the lack of leadership from Councilman Huizar. The October issue of "The Voice Newspaper", has an excellent, extensive missive on the impact of State Senator Gil Cedillo's SB 545, known as the "710 Tunnel Bill".

This would of made the tunnel the only option in completing the 6.2 mile gap between the current terminus of the 710 freeway in Alhambra and the 210 Freeway in Pasadena.

Activists in areas that would of been impacted by an proposed tunnel, whether in Mt. Washington, El Sereno, La Canada, South Pasadena, minus Alhambra, were united in condemning the tunnel proposal. CD 1 Councilman Ed Reyes, went so far to author the two-page letter pictured above that stated his opposition to the proposed tunnel routing under the Mt. Washington area. But where was Councilman Huizar?, local activists ask. This question became mute when Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger veto SB 545. The result of the governor's vetoing Cedillo's Tunnel Bill, was to send MTA board members into the backrooms and come up with this counter proposal, the "I-710 south and route 710 north gap closures projects". Any comments from Councilman Huizar regarding this counter proposal and how it would effect his El Sereno constituents? Were still waiting.

Then as in all things political in CD 14, who benefits from these proposals regarding the 710 freeway? That is where the man, or should we say "connected individual" with the suitcase, comes in to play. The man pictured above is none other than Don Justin Jones, longtime friend of Richard Alatorre, democratic activist and an "former tenant" of Caltrans housing. Former tenant because his temper got him in trouble with Caltrans (and is well known for "calling out" activists, neighbors and bloggers), but claims that it was his "long time activism" on the behalf of the 710 Caltrans Tenant Association, that got him booted from the Caltrans property where he resided.

How would of Jones benefited from his buddy Gil Cedillo's SB 545? If the tunnel proposal had been given the green light, Jones and other Caltrans tenants would of been given a chance to purchase their homes at a fraction of market prices. This blog in the past have been the recipient of comments about the dubious dealings regarding Caltrans owned housing within the 6.2 mile uncompleted 710 gap.

And while the likes of Don Jones are lefted to ponder past motives regarding his former taxpayer owned rental, hundreds of eastern El Sereno residents face an uncertain future wondering if a above-ground option for the 710 targets their homes and whether their councilman will be present at future MTA meetings to give then a voice.

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

Outtakes from CD-14: "The Cut and Paste Capital of Los Angeles"

Hola and TGIF from the "Cut and Paste Barrio of Los Angeles".

We start today's edition of CD-14 Outtakes with this from the "Dot, Dot, Dish" column at the "Downtown Garment and Citizen Fishwrap".

WONDERING ABOUT HUIZAR ALUMNI: Word on the street says that an ex-staffer who decided to sing to the feds started the investigation into a $30,000 consulting fee that current City Councilember Jose Huizar collected from a non-profit organization while still a member of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board. Bad news for Huizar, who has quite a few ex-staffers floating around after just four years in office. One of them is LAUSD board president Monica Garcia, who worked for Huizar before his election to the City Council and later succeeded him on the school board. Garcia has been summoned by a federal grand jury in the matter. Huizar says he followed the rules while on the school board, by the way, adding that he’ll co-operate with investigators (see related photo, home page)…

Question of the day for the CD-14 "Cut and Pasters" is this. What former staffer went singing to the Feds about Huizar's "work" with Miguel Contreras's "V.I.P". non-profit ?? There are 26 letters in the alphabet, plus we can use letters from the Greek alphabet to list all the ex. staffers, who would be candidates to rat out Huizar.

Other CD-14 News:

** Hey Homie, can you spare some change ?? Or in the case of Homeboy Industries, spare change, donations, grants and government contracts can go only so far. Father Boyle's non-profit is $5,000,000 in the hole and services are in danger of being cut. But City Hall is steering what they can spare as stated below.

City Hall has been trying to help, said Jeff Carr, director of the mayor's anti-gang office. Carr is turning over the $500,000 remainder of a federal gang-prevention grant to Homeboy and this summer gave the organization's silk screening shop a $250,000 order for T-shirts and jerseys. He even took 25 staffers to a going-away lunch at Homegirl Cafe.

Just wondering what campaign will get donations for this kind gesture ??

** For decades political leaders in CD-14 and in cities such as South Pasadena, Alhambra, Pasadena, have debated, litigated and study solutions to the 710 Freeway issue. The current flavor of the moment in regards to the 710 Freeway, is to "tunnel" the gap between the northern terminus in Alhambra and the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. But as Caltrans drills "test bores" west, north and east of the end of the 710, numerous community groups are voicing opposition to Caltran's "Tunnel Proposal".

** Just wondering what former Councilman Jose Huizar's Deputy Chief of Staff Henry Casas is doing these days when he is not being "lo-jacked" at community events.

A. Hanging out at the beach ??

B. Spending late nights blogging ??

C. In hiding as part of Federal Witness Protection Program ??

D. Working for the National Organization for Woman ??

E. Working for Assemblyman John Perez ??

F. Writing tell all book on his former boss ??

G. E-mailing advise to a certain female staffer who was berated by his former boss ??

** "Autry says that Southwest Museum in Grave Danger", is the headline of Eastern Group Publications story on the Autry's withdrawal of their expansion proposal in Griffith Park and what ramifications it has for the future of the Southwest Museum. And as in past stories, it does not surprise us to find quotes/spin from the "Southwest Society's Minister of Spin", Eliot Sekuler. That said, we highlight Eliot's latest "talking points" below, with rebuttal in (bold).

For another northeast Los Angeles resident who has followed the project closely, the decision did not signal any kind of victory. (It pays to follow closely the edits of your political allies)

Elliot Sekuler said the after reviewing Gray’s letter to the board on Tuesday, he is confident that the Autry remains committed to its operations of the Mt. Washington facility. As a member of the Southwest Society, Sekuler supports a proposal from the Autry that represents a scaled-down version of the proposal sought by the Friends of the Southwest coalition. (The exclusive vendidos and vendidas were most likely acting as a "focus group" to help John Gray craft his unprofessional letter)

Sekuler said the objective of the Southwest Society remains to partner with the Autry to maintain the Mt. Washington facility as community center with sufficient gallery space that would allow a sizable amount of the Southwest collection to remain at its historic home. He said he hopes that the Autry’s decision does not alter its relationship with the Southwest Society. (This reinforces Sekuler's claim to the title of "Spin Crafter/BS artist)

“I’m still hopeful to partner with them,” he said.(And your fellow exclusive vendidos and vendidas do not want to lose their "access to graft", which includes non-profit contracts, commission appointments, free public facilities and invitations to insiders conclaves/parties.)

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

Outtakes from CD 14, "The Cut and Paste Capital of Los Angeles"

Quiet greetings from a certain "enclave" within CD 14. One these days must keep a low profile or face the wrath of the "Empress of E.....", shhhhhh. One can also be on the blunt end of Ed Rivera's verbal sparring partner who name rhymes with Shaft. But if one runs into the "Minister of Spin" who wants to give you a "High Five", gently turn face away before laughing.

Down below in the flats, news galore.

The Greater Highland Park Neighborhood Council has a excellent message board to promote community interaction, meeting and activities. On Monday April 14, 7:00 PM at Ramona Hall. The Highland Park Heritage Trust will meet to discuss the latest "Ed Reyes inspire" development by "McCormick, Baron, and Salazar". (Did a certain "Friend of Carol" once hold a V.P. position with this company??).

All eyes await the posting of the next Recreation and Parks Commission agenda. Word is that the topic of the Autry National Center Expansion Plan will be on the docket. On can link the Rec. and Park website or link to the Friends of the Southwest Museum. The meeting is schedule for Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 AM at the Montecito Senior Center.

Big gathering expected tomorrow evening at the Puente Learning Center located on 501 S. Boyle beginning at 6:00 PM. The subject is the on-going brouhaha on "Proposed Mural' for the new Hollenbeck Police Station. Word is that the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" will be live in person.

We like to help facilitate the movement toward community reconciliation by offering examples of persons, places, or things that can be incorporated into the new mural.

People: Paul Gonzalez, Oscar De La Hoya, Art Snyder, Edward Roybal, The "Big O", "Lil O Tonio", Monica Garcia, Richard Alatorre, Zellman Family, Manuel at the Tepayac.

Places: Boyle Hotel, Sears, Tepayac, Mercado, Soto and Cesar Chavez, Wyvernwood, Pueblo del Sol, Ramona Gardens, Breed Street Slo, Roosevelt, Hollenbeck Lake, County-USC.

Things: Paleta Cart, Hollenbeck and Manuel Burritos, Lowrider and magazine, Protest March, Police Car, 8 track player, Art Lebow/KRLA Gear and more.........

San Gabriel Valley Tribune has story on a private group of investors who have approached MTA about financing the missing link between the 710 and 210 freeways. This of course will inspire various responses from the different players in this decades long saga.

Trolleys and Dubai on Broadway??? Speculation is running rampant on the "real" reason for the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" trip to Dubai as broken by the "FORMER BLOGGIN MENTOR OF MAYOR SAM".

****THANKS TO "CAPTAIN JACK" FOR THIS****

Good afternoon Red Spot (tips hat):So, Mirthala is engaged to marry a former beaux? (Muses) Do you suppose she'll invite His Nibbs to the wedding?
April 09, 2008 3:32 PM

Here's the link regarding Los Angeles Magazine who gets the exclusive interview. (will be posted online tomorrow.