Strange Blog About Assemblyman Mike Gatto

I saw this blog back when we had some kerfuffles with Assemblyman Mike Gatto, one of the strangest set of battles we ever had with an elected official as noted by several other publications at the time, but I did not realize that years later, the blog continues.

"Mike Gatto is a Sweet Dude" is a blog that celebrates the victories of Assemblyman Mike Gatto but also frequently posts a bizarre set of stories alluding to the Assemblyman's generous "manhood" as well as spewing all kinds of hatred and trash about anyone that is viewed as an opponent of Mike Gatto.

While we've been a target of the blog in the past, their more recent attacks have been directed at Ron Kaye, the former editor of the LA Daily News. Kaye has, in several local publications, been a critic of some of Gatto's policies, leading the Gatto blog to make crude sexual allegations against Kaye.

The blog, run by two individuals who claim to be named Jarvis Mitchell and Daulton Gatto, also refers to the Assemblyman as Mike "Testosterone" Gatto and has posted alleged photos of Gatto shirtless.

Are there any similar blogs dedicated to local elected officials or is this some sort of odd outlier?

Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, is leading the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in the State Capitol this morning. Live video is available here now.

Can You Say "Assembly Speaker John Perez"? Current Speaker Karen Bass Says Yes

"New California Assembly Speaker John Perez?"

First-term Assemblyman Democrat John Perez of the 45th District, which includes area such as Huntington Park, Boyle Heights and Pico-Union, is poise to become the next California Assembly Speaker, according to the Sacramento Bee.

In comments, this afternoon by current Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, she indicated that Perez had the votes to beat out Kevin de Leon, but his supporters are still claiming that battle for the Speakership, is not over.

In a move that could signal an end to the brewing battle over who will become the next Assembly speaker, current Speaker Karen Bass threw her support behind Assemblyman John Pérez, saying he has secured enough support within the Democratic caucus to succeed her in the post.

"I really very deeply believe that John will be a speaker that reflects the strong Democratic values that brought us all here," Bass said.

Bass said the caucus could vote as soon as next week and that she plans to immediately start working with Pérez to set a timetable for the transition of power.

She said Pérez had secured commitments from at least 29 fellow Democrats. To become speaker, he must be approved with a majority vote in Assembly -- 41 votes -- though the member who wins the support of the majority caucus has traditionally been confirmed to the post without resistance.

But the de Leon faction is not ceding defeat.

But de León supporters was still dismissing the victory claims coming from Perez's camp.

"First of all, we have not had a caucus on it. Second of all, we have not had a vote. And if there are 24 to 26 signatures that they claim to have, I haven't seen them," said Assemblymember

Ed Hernandez, a de León supporter, adding that he believed his pick still had the support of 20 or so members. "Most people are failing to realize it takes 41 votes to become speaker."

Another de León supporter, Assemblyman Warren Furutani, echoed Hernandez's concerns. He called Bass naming Perez as the speaker elect "at best, premature."

In hindsight, what is hurting de Leon's bid for the Speakership includes; his past relationship to discredited former Speaker Fabian Nunez, the fact that he will be termed out in two years, and the fact that he wants to assume the Speakership almost immediately.

For Perez, his ability to serve four years as speaker is a major selling point. Plus, he is willing to be flexible with Speaker Bass, in regards to assuming the Speakership role.

Perez, who many thought was going to run for the State Senate seat, soon to be vacated by Gil Cedillo, was a late entry into the Speakership race. Neither the likes of Anthony Portatino, Felipe Fuentes or de Leon could rally their fellow Democrats, Thus, Perez was enticed to enter the Speakership battle as a sort of "reconciliation candidate".

If selected as Speaker, this will cap Perez's rapid raise through the state democratic leadership, after his 2007 election to the 45th Assembly District, which saw the two other challengers Ricardo Lara and Arturo Chavez, step aside after some backroom maneuvering.

Perez is the first cousin to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and would become the first openly gay State Assembly Speaker .

** LA Weekly Editor Jill Stewart has some comments.

Proving that you can skyrocket from relative obscurity to big-time power if you play your cards just right, neophyte politician John Perez, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's first cousin, is widely expected to be chosen by the Democratic majority in Sacramento as the next California Assembly Speaker, KQED radio is reporting from Sacramento.

While much of the initial news will focus on the fact that Perez is openly gay, Perez has made more of a splash in his very short political career by pursuing controversial special interest legislation (as in his Assembly Bill 813 written to benefit just one billionaire) and for the strange manner in which Perez's two chief rivals for the open Eastside L.A. state Assembly seat he won in 2008 vanished from the primary race.

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.................

State Assembly Reverses Gas Tax $ Heist from LA Co

Breaking News from mayoral spokeshole Matt Szabo:

"CA legislature just voted to REJECT the proposal to take more than $60m in gas tax from LA residents, consistent w myr's rec"

Villaraigosa to hold press conference today to take credit for the LA County Supervisors' lawsuit that scared State legislators enough to reverse themselves. CITY HALL. 4:15 PM.

LA City CD 2 candidate Paul Krekorian claims: "We killed the gas tax takeaway in the Assembly after the Senate had passed it, in large measure due to my leadership."

Overall, this is good news for Los Angeles City and County streets, and probably bad news for anyone who gets still paid to provide State social services, State education, and State parks.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Monday

Good news for local Democratic Assembly Candidate Stuart Waldman. He's received endorsements from both the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 36. If you're interested in seeing another battle between Waldman and the other candidates seeing the 40th Assembly District nomination, there's one tonight in West Hills.

You'll be paying more for water soon if the Metropolitan Water District has it's way. The agency's board will consider a 14% hike this week.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is said to be quietly making plans to run for Governor in 2010. Other potential entries into the race include Attorney General and former Governor Jerry Brown (we told you this months ago) former candidate Steve Westly and of course our own Antonio Villaraigosa, though the Mayor's gubernatorial chances are fading fast.

Eventually government gets with the 20th Century (yes I meant to say 20th Century). Even though there are things like e-mail and wikis, the California Assembly has hung on to a one hundred year old rule that held off amendments on a bill for 30 days in order to give the state printing office time to print the proposed bills. Originally, the Assembly would have to recess until the printers caught up. About fifty years ago the rule was changed to at least allow the Legislature to meet and discuss other business while bills were being printed. Now, the author of the bill can make what are called "author amendments" during the 30 day period. The new rule only applies to the Assembly and not the State Senate at this time.

Karen Bass to be the new Speaker

The Sacramento Bee and the Capital Weekly are reporting that SoCal Assemblywoman Karen Bass has the votes needed to become the next Assembly Speaker.

This will maintain the No Cal, So Cal split of the leadership positions of the Senate and Assembly respectively.

Bass replaces Fabian Nunez who leaves under a dark cloud of questionable spending practices.

****Morning link to LA Times story****

Video: Laurette Healey's Shady Campaign Finances?

AD 40 Dem Debate Shows a Lot About The Candidates

Joe Mailander had a great piece covering last Sunday's debate in what could be the only exciting Assembly race in California, that is the contested race for the Democratic nomination for the 40th AD.

Among the front runners are longtime Valley fixture and veteran Assembly staffer Stuart Waldman, newcomer and Congressman Howard Berman protege Bob Blumenfeld and former Republican Lesbian turned current Democrat Lesbian who votes in the wrong Assembly District for Democratic party endorsements Laurette Healey.

There's one other guy in the debate who's running whose name I can't remember and it doesn't really matter, he's not going to win.

In this clip of the debate, we see how Blumenfeld stumbles and bumbles his way through an answer to question; his biggest issue is that somehow it's unethical that Waldman and Healey have both spent their own money on their campaign. Healey, who could probably use some of the same advice Zuma Dogg gave to Hillary Clinton, comes off angry and pompous and is critical of Blumenfeld's and Stuart's "youth." The other guy who doesn't matter says nothing. At the end, only Waldman answers the question and shows a true grasp of the issues in the District based on decades of actually working and living there - and he does so in an affable, confident, calm matter certainly contrasting him with the other three candidates.



While watching Blumenfeld, it occurred to me he reminded me of someone: the neurotic television producer from Murphy Brown, Miles Silverberg, portrayed by actor Grant Shaud.

Sunday Morning Mimosa

JM, Candy Aisle, 7-11, 1.10.08 / click to enlarge


Joseph Mailander a guy in la • elsewhere • email

Wordwatch: Jeremiad. It's bound to pop up this week in the fishwraps to discuss State budget predictions.

You know you have a crazy State budget on your hands when you hear more hopeful talk about it in prisons than on your local editorial pages. Consider this Sacto Bee lede:

The first is a heroin dealer, the second a drunken driver, the third a former prescription drug and methamphetamine addict.

Right now, they're doing time at Folsom State Prison. But if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's early-release plan becomes law, the three will head home to their old neighborhoods in Stockton, Sacramento and Pollock Pines a little sooner rather than later...

Similarly, our own former fishwrap of record slanted the budget case toward Armageddon and away from exhuberence yesterday. Listen to this one: "The state's ability to protect children, renters, workers and the elderly as well as California's wildlife and its land would be impeded under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposals for closing a $14.5-billion deficit, state agency reports show."

Children, renters, workers, the elderly---at risk! But did the fishwrap include the specific name of a single one of these reports? Nah. We are supposed to take their authority from the fact that they were submitted by the agencies most affected by the prospective cuts. Agencies that collect cash from the State on behalf of serving children, renters, workers, and the elderly.

In Evan Halper's piece, "Ambition, reality at odds in gov's budget" Schwarzenegger's budget comes off as conflicted with his own previous hopes for the State.

The State's non-special budget is about half education expenditure, and predictably, here's a guy who's on the LAUSD's Construction Bond Citizen's Oversight Committee (I'll say there's some oversight going on) who's providing "talking points" for opposing any cuts to educational spending.

Meanwhile, in our own humble pueblo, Mike Feuer is clearing the way for---taxes. He wants to bring a bill to the Assembly to make it easier for cities and counties to raise taxes for roads.

And Zev, who doesn't get a vote---he wants a temporary sales tax hike, as the Daily News reported Friday.

Is Lloyd Levine Dropping Out?

Inside sources tell the Sister City that Assemblymember Lloyd Levine is allegedly considering dropping out of the 23rd State Senate primary race against fellow Assemblymember Fran Pavley due to low polling and fundraising numbers (see previous story).

Our source further tells us that there is talk of Levine making a run for Dennis Zine's 3rd District Council seat with the help of Mayor Villaraigosa. Get ready for LA to ban trans-fat, sodium, dairy products and the skateboard.

I guess when the going gets tough, nannies (or is it ninnies?) get leaving.

Levine Response to Waldman Endorsement Withdrawl

Last week we covered the news of 40th District Assemblyman Lloyd "The Bachelor" Levine unceremoniously pulling his endorsement from his former Chief of Staff - Stuart Waldman - to take over his role when Levine is termed out.

Click read more for more of the story!



We've speculated that Levine pulled Waldman's endorsement as part of an alleged deal between his father - political consultant Larry Levine - and Congressman Howard Berman to garner Berman's support for the younger Levine's bid for the State Senate in exchange for the Levines supporting a Berman associate to assume Levine's Assembly seat.

Here is the response from Lloyd Levine. If you feel like taking action, feel free to send an email to The Bachelor. You can also attend one of Stuart Waldman's campaign events or donate to his cause.

From: Lloyd Levine Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 3:26 PM Subject: Statement on Stuart Waldman's departure from my office

In the last few days I have received several phone calls from friends asking about the circumstances under which Stuart Waldman left my district office staff. I know others have been discussing this subject and wondering what happened. As you are aware this is a personnel matter and I am prohibited from discussing the reasons for what happened and the circumstances around it. The facts are that Stuart's employment on my staff ended early in May and later in the month I withdrew my endorsement of him for the State Assembly. The law and common courtesy dictate that I say nothing more about it.

However, I can assure you that I am the same person today who many of you have supported in my previous campaigns and who has been there with support for every Democratic club and community organization through the last several years. I continue to share many of the same values and goals that you have, and I will continue to work hard towards those ends. My relationship with the democratic activists, civic organizations and community leaders has been warm, strong and mutually supportive. I intend to continue to nurture those relationships. So, no matter what you may hear in the rumor mill, I hope you will remember there always is more than one side to every story.

Respectfully,

Lloyd Levine
Assemblymember, 40th district

More reading:
-Capitol Weekly
-Rick Orlov

Huggy Goes to the Mat for Waldman

The following e-mail message from Bob "Huggy" Herztberg showed up in all my inboxes Tuesday. Its the same text as a snail mail piece I got the day after last week's election. Bob is definitely going all out for his former Chief of Staff - Stuart Waldman - as he seeks election to the same seat Hertzberg once held; now held by Lloyd "The Bachelor" Levine. Indeed, this early assault may make any other comers think twice before entering the Democratic primary.

Can you believe it has been almost 5 years since I left the State Assembly? It is already time for voters to pick a new Assemblymember for my old San Fernando Valley seat, and I am excited to tell you that Stuart Waldman, my former Chief of Staff, is in the running. As you may know, Stuart worked for me for seven years, the last two as my Chief of Staff. Most recently Stuart spent five years as Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Lloyd Levine. He is ready for this seat, and that is why I am asking you to support Stuart in his run for the 40th Assembly District.

Stuart was part of my team and shared in my successes. Stuart worked with me to secure $145 million for the Orange Line, worked to bring home $16 million to synchronize traffic lights along Ventura, Victory, and Sepulveda boulevards, and as my public safety deputy, Stuart worked on legislation creating C.L.E.A.R., an effective anti-gang program.

Stuart has worked with numerous community groups. On the board of the Mid Valley YMCA he worked to keep kids safe by providing after-school alternatives, and at the Valley Community Clinic he worked to keep health care accessible to all. He currently serves on the board of Grandparents as Parents and on the Leadership Council for the American Diabetes Association - SFV Chapter.

For more information on Stuart, please check out his website at www.StuartWaldman.com.

The early signs show that Stuart can and will win this race - with your help! Please join me in supporting Stuart. Your support would go a long way to help Stuart win. There is an important filing deadline on June 30. I would consider it a personal favor if you helped Stuart.

Bob

Richard Alarcon Creates a Mess

Here you have a guy who was a State Senator but had to run for State Assembly because of term limits. Then less than a month after being elected, he decides to run for the City Council to take back the seat from the guy who took over for him but got elected to his State Senate seat.

Confused? Probably not as much as voters in the 39th Assembly District who will have to navigate and vote two seperate ballots in a combined Los Angeles City General Election and state special election to replace the barely elected Assemblyman Richard Alarcon who is now a City Councilman.

No wonder voters are turned off when politicians are more concerned with arranging seats for themselves than serving the public.