HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The once anti-establishment darling of the Los Angeles City Council, CD 4's David Ryu, is exposed by the Los Angeles Times in using his "power of office" to block a Bernie Sanders Rally at the city-owned Greek Theater, while a Fundraiser/Concert for his endorsed candidate Hillary Clinton, takes place tonight at the same location.  

Call CD 4 City Councilman David Ryu at (213) 473-7004 and inquire why he allegedly breached ethical standards in blocking the Bernie Sanders Campaign use of the Greek Theater.

** On the eve of the California Primary Elections, a once anti-establishment underdog, now CD 4 City Councilman David Ryu, has sadly shown his inner-establishment persona, when it comes to using his "power of office" to block a campaign event for the Anti-Establishment Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders (allegedly). In a Saturday LA Times David Zahniser missive, the Hillary endorsing CD 4 Officeholder, is outed for interfering/obstructing negotiation between the city staff operators of the Greek Theater and the Sanders Campaign, regarding a proposed event at the location. According to the Sanders Campaign, Councilman Ryu's Office unethical meddling caused the proposed Saturday event at the Greek, to be relocated to the Coliseum .........., where close to 15,000 people indulge in "The Berning Man" festivities.

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46th District Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian.

The out-going 43rd District Infant Assemblyman Lil Mikey Gatto.

** As the brief political career of an Infant Assemblyman, turned racial cleanser "Slobo Mikey" Gatto nears its appointed, termed-out sunset, the old racially-tinged habits of finding blame (especially within his Armenian constituents), spilled out onto the Floor of the Legislature last week. According to the Sacramento Bee (with video link), the former "Silver Lake, Stay at Home Officeholder" was his petulant self in attacking 46th District Assemblyman (and former Paul Krekorian staffer) Adrin Nazarian for lying regarding verbiage within a Bill regarding screening of rideshare (Uber) drivers, Nazarian, who is backing the main challenger to Gatto's endorsed candidate, took umbrage to his character being besmirched ........, to be continued.

USC President Max Nikias.

USC Community Outreach Employee Zul Surani.

** Memo to USC President Max Nikias and Board of Trustees, please consider drafting a directive to your community outreach employees about the pratfalls of becoming involve in communal politics (ie. Neighborhood Council Elections). Last Wednesday, Zul Surani was seen engaging in the electing of the new LA-32 NC Executive Committee, supporting those favored by out-going President Marleen Fonseca (formerly Terminated LAPD Employee "Marleen Caudillo"). Its blatantly obvious that there are those within your employment that have not learn the lesson of David Galaviz, who was much reviled (and rewarded) for exploiting the Youth Vote in Lincoln Heights for your Universities (and his) interest. Thus President Nikias, we STRONGLY recommend that your staff remain impartial in engaging ALL community members in the spirit of truthful Openness and Transparency and not seek out those who will sell out their neighbors for a "consulting check". BTW, please have Zul work on fixing the "Restroom Issue at Hazard Park", oriinating from your "Mission Accomplish Moment/Campaign Photo Op for Jose Huizar .........., to be continued.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Great Happy Hour Musings on the LA Political Machine for Tuesday. Join us as we tip the glass and enlighten you on these political items that may find their way into someone's decaff morning coffee in the A.M. ; ) --- Scott Johnson.

Tuesday Night Election Totals Update via LA County Registrar Voters.

46th Assembly District:

ADRIN NAZARIAN	DEM	10,397	27.14
JAY L STERN	REP	7,738	20.2
BRIAN C JOHNSON	DEM	7,734	20.19
ANDREW B LACHMAN	DEM	7,440	19.42
LAURETTE HEALEY	DEM	4,102	10.71

** Morning Update: Johnson is now down four votes to Stern.

If this looks familiar, it should because the county has not updated this race yet.

50th Assembly District:

BETSY BUTLER	DEM	14,944	25.99
RICHARD BLOOM	DEM	14,622	25.43
TORIE OSBORN	DEM	14,011	24.36
BRADLY S TORGAN	REP	13,932	24.23

Torie has moved out of the cellar!

51st Assembly District:

JIMMY GOMEZ	DEM	9,589	37.55
LUIS LOPEZ	DEM	6,287	24.62
ARTURO CHAVEZ	DEM	5,886	23.05
RICHARD FRIEDBERG	DEM	2,790	10.92
OSCAR GUTIERREZ	DEM	988	3.87

With Chavez supporting Lopez, the question here is whether Gutierrez and Friedberg will join the "Say No to Carpetbag Campaign"?

District Attorney:

JACKIE LACEY		237,868	32.13
ALAN JACKSON		175,390	23.69
CARMEN TRUTANICH		164,626	22.24

...... and the political funeral continues for Nuch.

Now Time For Spin The Election Results!

Adrin Nazarian

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - Adrin Nazarian is the top vote getter in the race to represent the 46th Assembly District despite having been outspent by 7 to 1 by Brian Johnson and the outside special interests backing him, who dropped more than $1.7 million in independent expenditures trying to buy this election. 

Despite this massive investment on the part of Wall Street and Sacramento-based special interests, Johnson currently sits in third-place, two votes behind Republican Jay Stern.  Johnson and his supporters spent more than $240 for each vote Brian Johnson received, almost ten times as much as Adrin's grassroots and community-based campaign spent per vote.

In a clear sign that Adrin is strongly poised to claim victory in November regardless of who he faces off against, Adrin was the top vote getter in 107 precincts, compared to 36 for Jay Stern, 27 for Andrew Lachman, and only 25 for Brian Johnson who displayed no electoral base of support in any corner of the district. 

With the vast majority of votes counted, Adrin Nazarian has a commanding lead as the top vote getter.  With just some of the provisional and late absentee ballots still waiting to be counted, Adrin has received 9,689 votes, 2,500 votes more than any other candidate in the 6-way race.

51st AD Candidate Luis Lopez tours new Ramona Gardens Library with HACLA's Sanford Riggs on left.

Former 51st AD Candidate and now Luis Lopez supporter Arturo Chavez gets his tour of RG Library via HACLA's Sanford Riggs.

From the Lopez Campaign: Today Arturo Chavez, a Democratic candidate for the 51st Assembly District, announced his endorsement of Luis Lopez for Assembly. On June 5, Lopez advanced to the general election for the open seat in the state legislature representing Northeast Los Angeles and East L.A., garnering 25 percent of the vote. Chavez finished a close third, capturing 23 percent of the vote and, like Lopez, emphasized community-driven leadership. 

"Our 51st District is my home. Here is where I have grown up, devoted my career in public service, and raised my family," said Chavez. "These are very special neighborhoods, sustained by the hard work and aspirations of people who come from different backgrounds but share a love of our community. Now, at a crucial moment in our city and our state, we need the best possible leadership in Sacramento. I am proud to endorse Luis Lopez to be our Assemblymember. Luis is a homegrown leader of the highest standards, a unifying and effective advocate from and for our communities, for healthcare, education, good jobs and workforce training, for parks and protection of our environment, for immigrant families and full equality under law. 

 "My own push for the legislature formally ends today. But the vision, vigor, and spirit of my effort carry on in the campaign of Luis Lopez. Together we stand, and together we go forward. I urge all of my supporters to devote their energy and financial support, their heart and soul and voice to his campaign. Working as one, we will ensure that Luis Lopez wins November 6th and is our next Assemblymember."

In welcoming the new support, Lopez congratulated Chavez on the strength of his campaign and cited the bonds of kinship between himself, his partner, and Chavez and his family. "Today I remain grateful to the voters of my 51st District and deeply thankful to Arturo Chavez for his generous endorsement. The respect that we all have for one another is matched by our unity of purpose and fervor to see our neighborhoods ably represented in the Assembly. Those who want community-driven leadership responsive to our interests will have one voice in the general election. I am proud to be that voice and, fueled by this added solidarity, on a path to victory."

"The Say No To Carpetbag Campaign" is coming to the 51st AD!

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

Scott Johnson in the 51st AD

Special Message from City Councilman Mitch Englander to voters in the 46th Assembly District

 Photo of CD 12 City Councilman Mitch Englander and friend.

Republicans, Councilman Englander wants you to vote democratic in today's election. Why?

46th AD Race has morphed into a Democratic Great Debate on Public Education

 Charter School Executive and 46th AD Candidate Brian Johnson. (** Backed by Charter Schools advocates)

CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian Chief of Staff and 46th AD Candidate Adrin Nazarian. (** Backed by the California Teachers Association)

Funny what happens when an obscure, redrawn assembly district race becomes "Ground Zero" in the inter-party debate among democrats on the future of public education in the State of California (and state republican officials are "almost gleeful" as the LA Weekly's Hillel Aron reports in this week's piece on the 46th AD "Great Education Debate").

With five days remaining to Election Day (with the odds good on both Nazarian and Johnson coming in first and second), we bring you the latest spin that is quickly replacing the spam in our bloggin email accounts. Enjoy!

WHY IS CTA OPPOSED TO BOTH GETTING DANGEROUS TEACHERS IMMEDIATELY OUT OF THE CLASSROOM AND ELECTING AN EDUCATION REFORMER TO THE STATE ASSEMBLY?

San Fernando Valley, May 30th, 2012 – The California Teachers Association yesterday publicly opposed SB1530, a bill to immediately get sexual predators and other teachers guilty of egregious misconduct out of the classroom. The same day that the CTA attempted to kill Senator Alex Padilla’s legislation, the union reported spending approximately $400,000 asking Valley residents to vote against Brian Johnson.

“I'm beyond baffled by CTA's priorities. SB 1530 is a no-brainer to me. (** that is why Johnson set up this online petition of support, good electioneering) As a former classroom teacher, I know that our children’s safety at school should be our first priority. Let’s stand up for our good teachers and get rid of the dangerous ones that put our children at risk and give our profession a horrible name," Brian Johnson said.

If SB1530 had already been a law, LAUSD could have immediately dismissed Mark Berndt, the Miramonte Elementary teacher who has been charged with 23 counts of lewd acts against children ages 7 to 10.

“The union knows that my strong support for reforming our public schools will put an end to the strong-arm tactics they employ to protect predatory teachers who should no longer remain in the classroom,” Brian Johnson said.

This week alone, CTA spent approximately $180,000 on an ad buy for television commercial full of misinformation implying that Brian Johnson is in support of vouchers and privatizing public schools.
 
"I believe in the promise of public education, and have spent my entire career fighting for it. In no way, shape, or form, am I for vouchers or privatizing public schools," Brian Johnson said. "For the 90% of the issues we agree on --  smaller classrooms, more professional development, more use of teachers’ voices in schools and school districts, and a richer curriculum beyond standardized tests -- I will fight harder than any other candidate in this race. It seems ridiculous that they are willing to resort to this smear campaign just because I will not back down from two issues: supporting all types of schools and creating a comprehensive teacher evaluation system."

........ more surely in the days ahead.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Tales from the Spin in the 46th Assembly District Race

Forget about Spam when the Spin piles up at election time.

46th Assembly Candidate Brian Johnson

BRIAN JOHNSON TO CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: STOP SPENDING MONEY AGAINST ME AND LET’S WORK TOGETHER ON OUR JOINT EFFORTS

LOS ANGELES – In response to the California Teachers Association’s smear campaign against him, former first grade teacher and current public school executive Brian Johnson sent a letter to CTA President Dean Vogel outlining their common ground and asking to work together.

“I believe your time and money could be better spent working together in our joint efforts against paycheck deception, for the Governor’s tax initiative, and delivering a world-class education for all of our students,” Brian Johnson said. “This is a huge opportunity for us to come together as a party and say the status quo is not working at our schools – we can and have to do better for our students.”

The California Teachers Association has already spent over $100,000 falsely implying that Brian is for vouchers, privatization of public schools, and turning all public schools into charters.  On the contrary, Brian has worked in many district schools throughout his career as an educator. As Executive Director of Teach for America in Los Angeles, he even recruited 500 top graduates into UTLA jobs at LAUSD schools. 

He re-asserts in the letter that he will stand up for all public schools – regardless if they are charter, magnet or district schools. “Let’s pivot from this adult-driven conversation about what piece of paper accompanies a school’s name to actually discussing how we can best serve our children’s needs,” Brian Johnson said.

CTA also has alleged that Brian Johnson’s campaign has “right-wing” support. In fact, simple campaign disclosure research has shown that most of these so-called  "right-wing" donors are bipartisan and have collectively given over $1.3 million to Democratic causes in recent years.  These donors have given over $750,000 to the Democratic Party at the state and federal levels, over $150,000 to Governor Jerry Brown, and approximately $80,000 each to President Obama and Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Lastly, CTA has alleged that Brian has given preferential treatment to wealthy students.  At Larchmont Schools, Brian doubled the number of Latino, African American and low-income students while also increasing student achievement. Larchmont, a group of public schools in the City of Los Angeles, now score higher than every public school in Beverly Hills and is in the top 3% of LAUSD.

46th Assembly District Candidate Adrin Nazarian.

Dear Friends,

In the past 24 hours, the special interests aiming to defeat my campaign have spent an additional $400,000 in an effort to steal this election. This brings the total to over $900,000 of special interest money that has been spent against me, and that number will continue to rise. 

Simply put, we will never be able to match the obscene level of spending coming from these Sacramento-based groups trying to buy this election. Fortunately for us, we know that even being outspent by more than 4-to-1, we can still win this election.  Why?

Because of you. 

Despite being vastly outspent we have matched our opponent in voter communication. We have the strongest volunteer base, the support of community leaders throughout the district, a winning message that resonates with voters, and we know how to get the most bang for our buck.

Please click here to contribute to help us send a message that grassroots politics can succeed and that the 46th Assembly District is not up for sale. Together, we can overcome the special interests and win this election.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mail Issues in the 46th Assembly District (or is it CD 2?) Contest

 Well, well Political Consultant John Shallman isn't the only campaign guy regurgitation mailers. But then we are talking democratic consultants here and what is the number one affliction that ails democrats? "Bush Derangement Syndrome". 

 Thus, we can cut 46th AD Candidate Adrin Nazarian Consultant Eric Hacopian a little slack for falling back on a tired tactic of linking moderate democrats to the past policies of our last two-term president George W. Bush. But what counts is that the former CD 2 Campaign Mailer against Chris Essel above was part of a winning campaign strategy that sent the "Empty Vessel called Chris Essel for City Council", consulted by Shallman, sinking into a political abyss.

From the CD 2 Chris Essel and CD 15 Pat McOsker Campaign graphic of sinking ship via John Shallman.

Lastly, what is wrong with 46th AD Candidate Laurette Healey photo with LA County Sherrif Lee Baca?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Dust Up over Office Location in the 46th Assembly District Race

Was today's Campaign Office Open House held outside the 46th Assembly District?

** Blogger's Note: How do you define yourself to voters in the democratic-packed 46th Assembly District Assembly Contest? For Charter School Executive Brian Johnson, its all about office location. As Adrin Nazarian wraps up his Campaign Office Open House, Johnson is trying to score political points by highlighting  that the location is supposedly outside the new assembly district boundary. Johnson also offers to play tour guide as he notes historical locations within the newly drawn assembly district. Just a preview whats to come when the gloves really come off (or get taken away by a former campaign consultant L.H.) in this newly created open seat---Scott Johnson   

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

 United Firefighters of Los Angeles (UFLAC) President Pat McOsker and fellow firefighters.

Mayor Antonio Villar.

There is nothing better for Los Angeles bloggin discourse than a "little political dust up" between Mayor Antonio Villar and former Mayor James Hahn associates, "The McOsker Brothers".

Witness Mayor Villar and LAFD Chief Brian Cumming's "defend the response times" press conference yesterday and the mayor's reaction to the proximity of UFLAC President Pat McOsker at the back of the presser, among the scribes.

As the "Brother McOsker" know, there is nothing like a vindictive Villar to contend with in local politics, especially when your most recent UFLAC memo crafted by its President Pat McOsker, reflects badly upon a mayor craving the national political spotlight (and cabinet appointment in a second President Obama Administration)....... and the reaction from Mayor Villar via the Daily News.

Villaraigosa called McOsker's criticisms outrageous, adding, "It is a reflection of the lack of leadership up in that union. It's the same guy who put out posters saying they were going to die (because of the cuts)." 

Mr Mayor, you may want want to review this emotional testimony of Luis Gonzalez before pointing fingers at UFLAC leadership in the future.

** The City Clowncil Central Committee is back in session today as we near the start of the 48 hour countdown to a Friday meeting that may see a final vote on Redistricting 2012.

** 46th Assembly District Candidate Adrin Nazarian has picked up the endorsement of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA). We are still waiting word on the fate of candidate Laurette Healey.

** City Councilman Bernard Parks had this retort to a Betty Pleasant musing from last week.

Betty Pleasant explains the whole black thing

In another column pushing Mark Ridley-Thomas over Bernard Parks in the Supervisor race, the Wave's Soulvine columnist tells some recent South L.A. history from when Mayor Jim Hahn dropped Parks as LAPD chief: "Even though I had serious problems with Parks as police chief, I was incensed by what all those white people were doing to him and I used the bully pulpit of my paper to help whip up rage against those people, to circle the wagons against those people who were bringing down a Black man. Our support for Parks had nothing to do with his being chief, and everything to do with his being Black. Yes, the instinct to close ranks racially does come to the fore, and to quote my grandpapa again, 'sometime it be like that.'" Pleasant was then city editor of the Sentinel. The Wave  

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Betty being a bit hypocritical?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Changing Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Coming to a Horseshoe at 200 Spring Street in 2013?

What was a big political weekend for Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, got off to a quiet but potentially historic start as the advocate for illegal immigrant rights pulled papers to succeed CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes in 2013. The Roosevelt High School grad and former friend of Mayor Antonio Villar, had his Dream Act Bill signed by Governor Jerry Brown Saturday. The signing of the bill by Governor Brown was met with praise by Mayor Villar, but the feud between the former friends is alive and well as the mayor gave Cedillo no mention in his Dream Act statement via Kevin Roderick, 

** According to Daily News Rick Orlov's "Tipoff Column", CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian's Chief of Staff Adrin Nazarian is running for assembly in the newly constituted 46th Assembly District in the Central San Fernando Valley,

** For all those out there that still believe that the "Occupy Movement" is some spontaneous outgrowth of out of work, disenfranchise Americans, ....... well we have this from Cerritos based journalist Randy Economy via his Facebook Page. I got an email last Thursday from the Service Employees International Union asking me if I wanted to organize an "Occupy Cerritos." WTH? Now THAT would be a RIOT! lol

** As County Supervisor Gloria Moilina ponders a return to Los Angeles City Hall in 2013, one of her recent signature projects LA Plaza de Cultural yi Artes, has been sued for alleged non-payment of work.

** From the desk of "Governor Nanny Moonbeam II", the Drudge Report notes that Governor Brown banned tanning beds for minors but allows twelve year olds to consent for STD treatments without parent consent. Only in California.

** Live from Venice, California, Zuma Dogg has the latest on the FBI and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar. THIS IS MUST VIEWING!

HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY and this thought, if Columbus and his family were to wash up on the California shores today illegally, he can rest assure that thanks to Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, his children will have to only pay "in-state fees" to attend a California University and get financial aid to boot.
Your thoughts..............    

Scott Johnson in CD 14