A Public Service Announcement for Jose Huizar from Zuma Dogg

.@MayorSam: tell @JoseHuizar to take down his campaign signs, paid w clarts fund money. They are magnet for graffiti. pic.twitter.com/uDBqlVykoq
— Zuma Dogg (@ZumaDogg) March 7, 2015

WayBack Wednesday: Huizar's BlackBerry Love

A comment thrown out by candidate Gloria Molina at Wednesday evening's CD14 debate at the Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock has made us get sentimental for the days of 2008 when a joint Zuma Dogg-Mayor Sam breaking news story showed Council Member Jose Huizar in the midst of some heavy duty texting during a Council meeting.

"Why are you not answering my calls?

This was on the Council Member's then BlackBerry. For some of you young kids out there, a BlackBerry was not really a smart phone, but not quite a dumb phone either that all of us had before Android hit the scene. The rub was that Huizar was sending "lovey-dovey" messages to some particular female. Of course, years later the Council Member's affairs played out in the press and our suspicions were correct.

"Lovey-dovey messages?"

Getting back to this evening, during a heated exchange in the debate, Molina made the broad statement "We don't need a sexual harasser in City Hall." Wow. Kind of harsh. But maybe Gloria is on to something.

Anyway, enjoy the retro moments!

(Photos and video by Zuma Dogg)

The latest Theater of Political Hypocrisy Production on Chinatown Wal-Mart

CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes awash in non-union, corporate beer and wine sales.

** The Political Theater of Hypocrisy will be in session today as the likes of CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes, along with CD 14 Councilman Huizar, with support from CD 12 RINO Councilman Mitch Englander, choreograph their latest PLUM Committee Production on the future of Wal-Mart in Chinatown.

But for the reigning shill of non-union, corporate beer and wine sales Councilman Reyes, his crusade to solicit more union campaign contributions for his Chief of Staff Jose Gardea, by fronting this Motion., may not get past committee.

One can figure that Councilman Englander will heed the rare, common sense editorial of the LA Times and support the Planning Commission's recommendation and support the establishment of the Wal-Mart Chinatown location. But the supposed friend of labor Councilman Huizar, may have been bought.

03/12/12 Angulo, Javier Los Angeles , CA 90031

Individual Director of Community Affairs

Walmart $250.00 $250.00 $0.00

But as this contribution to Gardea's Campaign should highlights, not all public policy positions are derided from selfless, political thoughts .......

12/30/11

Jimmy Gomez   (Political Director, UNAC/UHCP) Los Angeles, CA 90026

Jose Gardea  Council Member - District 1 1341411 - Jose Gardea for Council 2013

A - Monetary Contribution Received  (IND - Individual)  [Period: 01/01/11 to 12/31/11]

$500.00

The reality here in this latest production from the Theater of Political Hypocrisy, is that the voice of the community is silent in this latest act. If Councilman Reyes truly listen to his constituents, then a certain survivor of the Cambodia "Killing Fields" and American Veteran would still be living the American Dream as a small business owner in Lincoln Heights and residents would have a new supermarket in Chinatown.

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

A Special Request from your CD 14 Princeton Graduate Dear Charro

** We interrupt our normal bloggin coverage to bring you this special announcement from your Princeton Graduate,  Dear Charro CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar ...................

----Original Message-----
From: CD14 Boyle Heights Office <cd14boyleheightsoffice@lacity.org>
To: Rocio Hernandez <rocio.hernandez@lacity.org>
Sent: Mon, Aug 13, 2012 5:45 pm
Subject: Special Invite from Councilmember Huizar

Dear Neighbor,

Please Join Councilmember Huizar tomorrow for an important City Council meeting.

......and whats on the agenda? This ............
BUDGET AND FINANCE and PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES’ REPORTS relative to adding two City Planning Associates for new community plan work on the Boyle Heights Community Plan. A. BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Recommendations for Council action: 1. INSTRUCT the Planning Department to front fund the second Planning Associate proposed in Motion (Huizar - Wesson) using the department’s Measure R allocation already included in the 2012-13 Adopted Budget. 2. INSTRUCT the City Administrative Officer (CAO), with the assistance of the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) and Planning Department, to include in the First Financial Status Report of 2012-13 the necessary Controller’s instructions for Measure R and CLARTS funding, and related actions to reinstate the Planning Department’s 2012-13 Measure R allocation. 3. NOTE AND FILE the Motion (Perry - Parks) relative to instructing the CLA to provide an analysis relative to Measure P. B. PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Recommendations for Council action: 1. CONCUR with the Budget and Finance Committee action of June 25, 2012. 2. ENDORSE the Boyle Heights Community Plan as the priority for the additional Community Planner resources.

...... and to highlight the importance of this Motion tomorrow, consider this little gesture to his more rabid supporters in Boyle Heights ........
MOTION (HUIZAR - CARDENAS) relative to funding to pay the outstanding demand warrant and election outreach (**.... and Wolfpack funding) for the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council. Recommendation for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR: AUTHORIZE the Controller to reappropriate $6,944.08 from the Uncommitted Balance of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-12, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment Fund No. 44B/47, Account No. 471038 Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council to FY 2012-13, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment Fund 44B/47, Account No. 471038 Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council to pay the outstanding demand warrant and election outreach.

..... it pays (literally) in CD 14 to back the agenda of your Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro.

But for those from CD 14, with a semblance of political objectivity, they may want to consider attending the afternoon meeting of the PLUM Committee and witness this political metamorphic change in their councilperson change into ..............WAL-MART HUIZZY!!! 

03/12/12 Angulo, Javier Los Angeles , CA 90031

Individual Director of Community Affairs

Walmart $250.00 $250.00 $0.00

** Nothing like a political field trip City Hall to witness patronage and hypocrisy in action.

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

Scott Johnson 

A Mayor Sam Special "Back to School Tutorial on Choice in Education"

Know what quality educational experience awaits behind the door of your choice of campus (or collective?) of higher learning.

** Blogger's Note: As many of you brave the heat and monsoonal humidity in prepping your children for their first day of school on Tuesday (for most of LAUSD campuses), we here at Mayor Sam in the interest of public service ....... and inspired by this ignorant comment regarding issues at a well-known charter school,

So can someone please explain what is the difference between the Shell gas station selling alcohol near by churches, schools, and a park and Hecho En Mexico Restaurant trying to get a liquor license right next door to a school, church, etc? Someone please clarify my confusion. Thanks.

...... have crafted this bloggin tutorial on what you, as a discerning parent, should know about your school before letting your little charges walk into your selected campus of higher learning. Remember its not about the persona of the "Tata Headmaster", but how your child reaches their utmost potential in body, soul and mind, as part of their K-12 educational experience---Scott Johnson.

1. Its all about past tests of academic retention.

Before signing up your children for a school that will impact their later immersion into adult society, check the records (ie. test scores) and base the majority of the decision-making process on the past test scores of the academic institution. ** 1a. But as much as you value the past scholastic performance of the school in the selection process, lets not forget to consider the personas that educate your child and the possible influence (especially negative) they may have on your child later in life, when it comes to deciding on the campus of choice.

2. Does your school of choice operate in a legally-zoned location?

In this photo from the Eastern Group Publications, it can be discern that the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School (building in yellow) is located next to an establishment that sells alcohol. Parents should question what can first, the school or the alcohol-serving eatery? Then upon answer, ask why the school continues to operate in that location.

3. Are your children be educated in a safe, healthy environment?

All parents before making their final choice on educational institutions, should examine the location for potential hazardous conditions that may have future harmful ramifications for your children. Further, make sure that your education institution of choice does not value its political connections over the safety of your child.

4. Is your choice of educational institution open to outside scrutiny?

Your most important right as a parent when you had made the choice of educational institution for your child, is the ability to question practices or petition for information under California Law, without the fear of legal retailiation. If your school has resorted to "S.L.A.P.P. Legal Threats" against its critics, then they may have some disturbing educations skeletons.

5. Legal safe zone for the drop off and pick up of your children.

 Your child safe educational experience begins and ends each day when you drop off and pick up your children from school. Its imperative that you insure that your education campus of choice, has a legal protocol in place to safeguard the health of your child during this most chaotic part of the school day.

6. Does your school prepare nutritional meals within permitted kitchens?

Not only do excellent institutes of higher learning motivate, in mind, the desire to excel in scholastic pursuits, but also exposes the child to the importance of a proper diet to sustain the energy for productive learning. Questioning what your child would eat in the event that the school's nutritional facilities did not have proper permits, could be the difference, whether later in life, your child develops a fondness for this type of food.

"The Official Pizza of Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School" (** allegedly).

7. Does your school practice openness and transparency when it comes to financial issues?

 Xokolatl Gift Card

"Pay or Quit Letter" for Xokolatl Coffee Shop.

Its your right under *IRS code and California Law to question or ask for financial documents pertaining to the financial operations of your educational institution (especially 501C3 Charter Schools). Be suspicious if your school administration has issues paying its bills or ask you as condition of your child's enrollment, to pay a minimum for certain school-related items.

8. How is your school perceived by its surrounding community?

When selecting an institution of higher learning for your child, its a good idea to gauge community acceptance  of the campus and its administration. If you come across a letter such as this, then maybe give a long thought about enrolling your child elsewhere.

9. Does your school of choice engage in questionable community actions?

If the "Executive Director" of your school "strongly recommend" that you take part in a protest against a respective community eatery as part of your child's continuing enrollment, then maybe you should pause to think about removing your child from the school's attendance roster.

10. Lastly, do you want to enroll in a school that calls its critics "Anti-Mexican Agitators"?

Lastly, we understand that your child's K-12 educational experience will hit a bump or two (or more if enrolled in LAUSD), but an institution of higher learning should pride openness and transparency, especially when a violation of policy takes place or expectations for academic achievement are not meet. A school that reverts to calling its critics "Anti-Mexican Agitators", instead of taking accountability for its wrong-doings, is not worthy of your child's enrollment.

Your thoughts and a healthy, successful 2012-2013 School Year.

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Brief on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

What stories the walls of the new Hollenbeck Police Station could tell, if they could speak.

Great Excessive Heat Warning Tuesday to all as we remind our cyber audience, that proper hydration is important on this day. But before we move onto the present political news of the day, pause with us as we observed a bloggin anniversary.

As members of the surrounding community gather at the Hollenbeck Police Station for tonight's National Night Out festivities, who among the many local activists will remember what happen three years ago when CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar saw a certain ex. staffer (there are many) among the masses. We cut and paste these comments on what happens next 

** Everyone saw Jose lose it. He was up on stage when he heard Henry Casas was in the audience and starting questioning everyone about why Henry was there. He stormed up to that young girl, put is hands in her face-so close I was just waiting for him to strike her and just starting screaming at her. Everyone just stood there scared. It was ugly, he stormed off, she looked so terrified I thought she was going to cry.August 06, 2009 12:07 AM

..... and this comment from a "person in blue"

** Hey I'm an officer with LAPD and I was there. We did see the incident but we had community folks come up to us later and tell us what happen. They were very upset, unfortunately no one on staff said anything when asked about it. To tell you the truth it makes me sick that he could get away with that. It might have to do with his sister-in-law working at the station. What we did see and what is all the talk at the station was what Huizar's office did to there former Chief Henry Casas. As soon as he got to the event they sent a staff person to follow him around. It was funny to watch. I mean they were on him like white on rice. Everyone of us noticed it and even made joke to Henry about Huizar having lo-jack on him. Henry if you read this stuff you are welcome in Hollenbeck any time. Jose, I never liked you after your anti cop statements at the Ramon Gardens and after Henry left your office your stock went down even lower with us but to scare the crap out of one your young female staff is just the last straw. Hope to god that you never mess up and break the law infront of me because I don't care what management tells me to do, I would take you down hard.August 06, 2009 9:33 AM.

Three years later, what will happen tonight on a hot evening? Be there to see.

** OTHER NEWS: 

** We are sure the air conditioning will be on in the Ron Denton Room at LAPD Headquarters tonight as the two finalists for the Office of Los Angeles County District Attorney face off in their first debate. In recent financial disclosures, Alan Jackson had a surprising lead over Jackie Lacey in fundraising.

** Lets call for the stinking tote on the final cost of the Red Rabble (Occupy LA in pregressive terms) illegal squatting on City Hall green space. ............ and the total is $4.3 Million Dollars!! Meanwhile, the City Clowncil Central Committee wants Neighborhood Councils to pay for their own elections. In the words of Mayor Antonio Villar "Democracy is Messy" .... and stinks on occasions.

** Ron Kaye has some blunt words for the multiple political personas of current Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield. "Two-face Bob" is the latest Sacramento politico to look south to 200 Spring Street, in the hope of rising his political standard of living.

** BREAKING NEWS!! Mexico 3, Japan 1. Mexico advances to Men's Soccer Gold Medal match, stay clear of Pacific Ave. in Huntington Park.

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

Early Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Page 1 of Koreatown Activists Lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles over Redistricting 2012.

Great early morning to all as we quickly get started on a news pack August 1, 2012.

** As we first reported here at Mayor Sam, Koreatown Activists filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the final backroom-drawn boundaries agreed upon by the City o Los Angeles Redistricting Committee. With the first of what could become multiple lawsuits on Redistricting 2012 on file as of yesterday, you can bet that City Council President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson will not be discussing his alleged role in the Redistricting backrooms anytime soon (unless under oath).

** Former SEIU 6434 General Manager Tyrone Freeman is looking at alot of non-union time making license plates as a Federal Grand Jury returned multiple indictments against LA County Board of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas favorite ex. union strongman. According to the indictments, Freeman and wife live the high life on the backs of low-paid union members dues. Many observers are wondering if Freeman will sing regarding what was an alleged plan to raise union dues and for workers to support the campaign of now Board of Supervisor Member Ridley Thomas?

** CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar was successful in getting a vote on the March ballot to create a special downtown tax district to finance his Broadway Choo Choo. But as Hillel Aron reports in the "Weekly of Record", will downtown residents want to pay more taxes when many are "under water" with their respective mortgages?  

** The political office hopping of currently CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian, will remain on hold as the first full term CD 2 City Councilman announces that he is not running for City Attorney. BTW, great show of discipline by Krekorian's staffers not to comment on this issue when asked in a City Hall elevator.

** July 31 was deadline day for municipal candidates to file their latest fundraising reports with the Ethics Commission. In the 2013 Mayoral Contest, City Controller Wendy "The Valley Greuel" and CD 13 City Councilman Eric Garcetti, were mere hundreds of dollars apart at the $2.2 Million dollar mark. Look tomorrow before our report on the 2013 money race.

** City Controller Candidate Dennis "The Valley Zine" is puffing out his chest again in indignation of city employees who are watching the London Olympics on city computers during work time. Is that me or do I here the political sirens of the ambulance-chasing auditor Wendy "The Valley Greuel"?

** Saving the best laugh for last, Ron Kaye has his thoughts on Yahoo's "Villar for President" story, but the City Terrace native is not without ambition. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14                                            

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

...... and the cost in campaign contributions to buy your local 2013 mayoral candidate ....

..... like "Eric Garshady", seen here shilling for the re-election of fellow Wal-Mart money recipient CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar.

The bloggin love of highlighting political hypocrisy!

Before the 2013 Mayoral Election process runs its course sometime in the early summer of 2013, we will have been treated to countless act of political hypocrisy in the name of garnering favor with the voters. But more important, to reap the windfall of campaign cash to finance the facade that will hopefully curry favor with big donors.

For former City Council President and out-going CD 13 representative Eric Garcetti, his campaign facade of being a loyal brother to the labor left progressive faction took a well mark hit in today's David Zahniser piece in the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" and the cost? Both small and big.

Small would describe the $100 dollar donation from Wal-Mart's local director of community affairs Javier Angulo. But big is this slapback from Los Angeles County Labor Federation Leader (and friend of Tony V.) Maria Elena Durazo.

"It is one thing if a Wal-Mart cashier or warehouse worker makes a contribution to a candidate," Durazo said in a statement. "It's a different kind of political contribution altogether when a senior-level representative of Wal-Mart who is actively organizing for a Wal-Mart store in Chinatown writes the check. Wal-Mart money is Wal-Mart money." 

 But lets not forget what "close friend" of Durazo helped get city approval for Wal-Mart's proposed Chinatown location. Hypocrisy reigns.

....... and this on CD 14 Councilman Huizar and City Council Wannabee Assemblyman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes.

Angulo, the Wal-Mart representative, has also donated in the past year to Councilman Jose Huizar and Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes (D-Sylmar), who is running for the seat being vacated by Councilman Richard Alarcon. Garcetti called last month for L.A. politicians to give back any Wal-Mart money they have received.

Hypocrisy reigns supreme!!

** Other News: 


** In the democratic jihad that is the 30th Congressional District contest between Congressmens Howard Berman and Brad Sherman, Team Sherman has released a poll that shows their candidate leading by 17%. Being the trailing candidate has prompted Team Berman to go negative. Will Sherman unleash the Gatto Truthers in response?


** Various democratic clubs are stepping back from making endorsements in the 50th Assembly District runoff between Besty Butler and Richard Bloom. Why you may ask?  Its in the numbers according to the "Weekly of Record's" Patrick Range McDonald.

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

Morning Brief on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Hump Day

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, the man who ended store front Medical Pot Shops.

** A Bloggin Disclaimer: The following comments may bring on a sudden bout of heavy breathing and clutching of the heart for regular readers of Mayor Sam. Have your bloggin Defib Machine set to on in case of a sudden need to shock youself back to political reality---Scott Johnson.

"CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar did the right thing in seeking a ban on store front Medical Marijuana shops" (the bloggin 911 switchboard just went crazy here at Mayor Sam).

Let it be stated that at 8:50 A.M. on July 25, 2012, this CD 14 blogger found an area of political agreement with his Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro City Council Representative.

Why? First, lets not be in denial that the City Council (including Huizar) deserves the majority of the blame for the proliferation of Medical Marijuana outlets within the last few years. But also the lack of cohesive state and federal guidelines create legal road blocks that stifled efforts to craft governing codes to regulate dispensaries. Until the state and federal courts can create the legally-binding foundation that will be the basis for regulating Medical Marijuana, the City Council was right in voting to approve Councilman Huizar's Motion.

For Councilman Huizar, the political capital he gained with the passage of his Pot Shop Ban should now be put to use in dealing with the proliferation of another dangerous substance, that of beer, wine and liquor outlets within his own council district. The dangers associate with alcohol and driving for example, were brought nearly to his own front door steps in a recent double-fatality crash that involved an alleged DUI driver being chased by police.    

Councilman Huizar can show political consistency by initiating a moratorium on new beer, wine and liquor licenses within CD 14. Further, he can take a stand against the proliferation of corporate beer and wine outlets (7-Eleven) by opposing the proposed 7-Eleven outlet near Cal State LA. Over time just as he seeks to lower the number of Medical Pot outlets, Councilman Huizar should also seek to roll back the number of beer, wine and liquor licenses within CD 14, in his remaining time in office.

 Councilman Huizar re-election sign next to 7-Eleven neon marquee.

Remember Councilman Huizar, two innocent people were killed near your home due to the abuse of alcohol. Thus, lets not forget that regulating outlets that sell alcohol is just as paramount as bring order to the issue of Medical Marijuana.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Machine for Tuesday

They're back from summer recess!

Welcome back!

Your City Clowncil Central Committee is back in session today and the chamber has gone to "POT", that is the discussion on the future of Medical Pot Dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles. Currently, City Clowncil Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson is allowing 20 minutes of public comments for each side of the proposed ban. Then the Clowncil will sequester themselves in Close Session to review legal information. Expect this to last most of the day.

** Other News:

** What happen on a Kern County ranch is now a scandal that will not go away at LAUSD. The lawsuit stemming from the private behavior of former Superintendent Ramon Cortines at his Kern County spread, was to have been settle but the district made public the identity of the plaintiff.

** Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Mike Antonovich wants to become the "Republican Kenny Hahn", meaning he wants term limits relaxed on members of the Board of Supervisors.

More news later in the day.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14     

Councilman Huizar and Reyes take action regarding illegal Rec. and Parks Commission vote on Autry National Center expansion

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar and CD 1 Councilman Ed Reyes's Motion to assert council jurisdiction over the recent illegal action of the Recreation and Parks Commission to allow expansion of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park. The Friends of the Southwest Museum are asking museum supporters to attend Tuesday's May 31, 2011 City Council Meeting to show support for Councilman Huizar and Reyes's Motion.

Why is Councilman Huizar stuck between a "political rock and a hard place" on the fate of the Southwest Museum? (Hint, don't claim victory to after the battle is over) Maybe it also has to do with his "political Papi" Mayor Villar's supposed financial support from Latham &  Watkins? More on that issue in a email commentary from a Southwest Museum supporter after the jump.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Y

Round 8 of Ali-Foreman, the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" in Zaire 1974. The younger and more powerful George Foreman was the aggressor throughout the first seven rounds while the older yet highly conditioned Muhammad Ali played rope-a-dope. Then, with Foreman punched out, Ali struck in the 8th round.


William Bradley , in an engaging piece at Huffpo, equates the Jerry Brown victory over Meg Whitman to the Ali-Foreman 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" match in Zaire;

"...the dust is still settling on Brown's resounding landslide victory -- 54% to 41%, a margin of more than 1.2 million votes over billionaire Meg Whitman -- absolutely shattering the biggest spending non-presidential campaign in American history. In the process, Brown broke the record for the most votes ever received by a gubernatorial candidate, leading a Democratic sweep for the statewide ticket.
...Which is not surprising, since virtually all the state and national press early on anointed Whitman as an unstoppable high-tech juggernaut of a campaign run by the best consultants in the business. Up against poor old Jerry Brown and his ragtag little band. When in reality, it (Brown vs Whitman) was Ali-Foreman '74 all along, with what I called Brown's Zen rope-a-dope approach unfolding as anticipated."  

Well played Jerry, well played.

Read more »

Wacko Jacko and Weezy Want to Watch The Fire Department

The Daily News reports that Council Members Jack Weiss and Jose Huizar are calling for an "independent assessor" whose chief job will be to oversee the Fire Department.

"The independent assessor will ensure that the reforms Chief (Douglas) Barry is trying to implement are strictly adhered to and to inform the public if they're not," said Huizar, chair of the Audits and Governmental Efficiency Committee. We need to put the focus back on the important work our firefighters do on a daily basis."
Councilmember Jack Weiss

Weiss later stated "Accountability and oversight help prevent discrimination and lawsuits in the fire department, and with a new independent assessor, the city will save taxpayer money and ensure that discipline is handled appropriately whenever it is necessary."

No doubt oversight and transparency is a good thing, however, one has to laugh at the idea of the Council calling for it for another agency of the City.

Therefore I am calling for an "independent assessor" to oversee the City Council. Their job will be to review the Council's behaivor (showing up late or sleeping at meetings), poor decisions (like the Tennie Pierce case) and time wasters (proclamations on Fridays, resolutions supporting Barack Obama, singing songs, etc.) Through this new position, the city will save taxpayer money and ensure that discipline is handled appropriately whenever it is necessary.

Controversy over the Hazard Park Armory reaches Newsprint

The controversy over the future of the Hazard Park Armory has made it to the front pages of the Eastern Group Publications.

Much has been written here about Legacy LA and its founder, Southwest Society Member Jenny Krusoe. In the days ahead Ms. Krusoe will have her hands full with Legacy LA and as an active supporter of the Autry atttempt to expand their space in Griffith Park.

In the recent weeks the Southwest Society has been active in supporting the McCormick, Baron, and Salazar Transit Development Proposal in Highland Park with Grayson Cook, Carol Jacques and Jenny Krusoe helping with facilitating a presentation by Dalila Sotelo's old bosses. Some speculate that this was done to win favor with Councilman Ed Reyes .

Meanwhile an important meeting will take place Monday at 10:00 AM in City Hall on Zoning Issues pertaining to the proposed Autry Expansion in Griffith Park.

Back to the Hazard Park Armory, Krusoe and her associate Lou Calanche had these remarks in response to concerns of community activists such as Jose Aguilar.

For Jose Aguilar, Urban Park Community Chair, the development of the buildings and the services planned are positive plans, but he worries about the possibility of a 30-year contract with an entity that is not public.

“They are using private money for the project, and besides talking to the residents of the area, there is no guarantee that Legacy L.A. will always have the best interest of the community in mind or reflect what the community wants,” Aguilar told EGP. Aguilar compares it with the Southwest Museum which began with community members wanting to preserve and keep historical artifacts in Arroyo Seco, but now feel that they have been robbed of a valuable resource, since the privately run Autry National Museum assumed control of the museum.

From Krusoe,
Krusoe says Legacy L.A. is trying to create a partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Councilman Huizar echoed that concept.

“The details have yet to be worked out, but Legacy L.A. will be in a partnership with Recreation and Parks, but Rec and Parks will retain ownership of the actual property.”

According to Krusoe, next month they will complete their studies and present their findings to the community.

“We are doing everything we can do be transparent,” Krusoe said.

She also said the Web Site does not contain more information because they currently don’t have the funds to update it.

Hmmm., did someone just get a $200,000 grant??

From Calanche,
Executive Director of Legacy L.A. Lou Calanche grew up in Ramona Gardens and says the majority of the people who make up the organization are from the area and are excited that the armory (which was off-limits to civilians in the past) may be used by the community.

“Legacy L.A. began as an umbrella to house local community organizations,” Calanche told EGP,

“But the program has evolved and now we plan to provide services to the community.”

Calanche said the city had thought about using the buildings for a youth boxing center but the city does not have the funds or capacity to do it.

Calanche recently express her appreciation to Mayor Villaraigosa by doing this,

06/27/08
Maria Lourdes Calanche (Instructor, LA Community College District) Los Angeles, CA 90031
Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor 1305101 - Antonio R. Villaraigosa for Mayor 2009 A - Monetary Contribution Received (IND - Individual) [Period: 01/01/08-06/30/08] $1,000.00

And Councilman Jose Huizar said this,
In a statement responding to questions from EGP, Councilman Jose Huizar pointed out that often community programs are created without community input, and said, “this will be the opposite.”

“Contrary to some fringe opinions, the board is not uniformly filled with supporters of one group over another,” Huizar wrote. “There was a lot of painstaking effort to ensure it included a fair mix of people and it obviously includes community members. Again, the whole basis of the program is to promote community ideas and community support and that will continue throughout the duration once the community decides what programs it wants.”

Will that include dialog with community members??

More in the days ahead............

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

Bad news for the Mayor and the LAUSD.  A poll commissioned specifically by the Mayor finds that at least 53% of Angelenos feel the City is on the wrong track.  It's even worse for the School Board as 73% of those surveyed feel the Board is doing either a poor or fair job managing the school district.  The poll also shows significant support for smaller schools and charter schools.



The MTA Board of Directors voted to place a sales tax increase on the November ballot in order to pay for Westside transit projects.  Board Members Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and Duarte City Councilman John Fasana were the only two members to vote against the tax.  County Supervisor Gloria Molina abstained and County Supervisor Don Knabe was absent.  The measure must now receive the approval of the County Board of Supervisors and then a 2/3 vote Countywide in order to go into effect.  Significant opposition to the tax - which primarily benefits only West Los Angeles neighborhoods - exists in eastern and northern cities in the County which could derail passage.  Additionally, a number of transit activists were either disappointed at items not included in the measure or were outright opposed to the spending plans.



City officials are afraid the state may turn to tapping into local funds to help balance the state budget.  The City of Los Angeles is heavily lobbying against such a move considering the fiscal instability of the City at present.  However, representatives from the Govenor's office as well as legislative leaders say there are no plans to go after local funds at present.  But don't expect the Mayor won't use this as another reason to raise local taxes, uh, fees.



If you're looking for something fun to do next Tuesday in Boyle Heights, you can attend Councilman Jose Huizar's town hall meeting featuring the Councilmember and various City department heads.  6:00 p.m.., Tuesday, July 29th at The Puente Learning Center in Boyle Heights.

Villaraigosa Wasn't but Jose Huizar WAS a Shoeshine Boy!

Maybe Rush Limbaugh got it wrong about the Mayor, but according to this video Councilman Jose Huizar helped pull himself up by his bootstraps by joining his brothers in a shoe shine enterprise.

Does Zuma Dogg Video Capture Huizar's "BlackBerry Love?"

UPDATE: I've been informed through "channels" that Councilman Huizar wants to "talk" to me. I've also been told by reliable sources that Councilman Huizar is claiming that the messages were, as I speculated as likely, from his wife. Fair enough. That was not the focus of this piece.

The bottom line remains why a Council Member feels compelled to send personal emails or make phone calls during a Council meeting. Inquiring minds want to know. We've repeatedly discussed this before. This is the people's time and it should be respected. This is exactly the kind of attitude that has led to the citizenry being steamed.

By the way, we'd also like to know what the Ramona Gardens emails were about.

Councilman Huizar or any other elected official including the Mayor are welcome to call us at the Mayor Sam office at any time. Our phone number is (213) 785-6098 (local call from City Hall!).

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The resolution isn't sharp enough to tell; but blogger Zuma Dogg alleges that video of Councilman Jose Huizar at a recent Los Angeles City Council meeting shows the Councilman purportedly sending "love letters" and other emails to an unknown individual on his BlackBerry mobile device.

Zuma Dogg told the Sister City from his vantage point and via a freeze frame of his original footage, messages on the mobile device appeared to contain subjects such as "Ramona Gardens" and others such as "'I Luv U' and 'Hi Beautiful'". Zuma Dogg remarked "He's getting 'Ladies Man' emails on his BlackBerry!"

We don't know if the emails were "booty calls" nor do we do not know that they weren't from his wife, innocently enough. Nor do I really care (unless of course they are not from his wife and he's playing the family values card when running a la Larry Craig, Bill Clinton, et al). More importantly however, when the people's business is being conducted our elected officials should be engaged, paying attention and not playing with cell phones nor glad handing around Chambers.

LHNC's "Galaviz": First "Las Villas" now "Legacy LA"??.....and Huizar's reaction to Pedophile story

North of County/USC Medical Center to south and west of "Mt. Flattop" lies the former Italian Barrio of Lincoln Heights.

Over the years Lincoln Heights has transform itself from the night time destination of "Little Joe's" regulars to today's Ed Reyes vision of the urban life style, complete with drive bys, traffic, and high density building.

Facilitating or carpetbagging off Councilman Ed "Ewok" Reyes vision is one David Galaviz. By day he earns his paycheck "spinning the vision and virtues " of USC. This may encompass steering CRA into changing zoning designations so that parks and schools become future building zones or getting elderly couples to sell their homes for the rampant expansion of the USC empire.

But at night, mainly the first and third Thursdays of the month, Galaviz presides over a supposed elective body of community stakeholders (with their parents and guardians) called the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council.

This bunch with Galaviz as their leader is building on the reputation of "enriching a few with no accountability". Witness the recent collaboration between Galaviz and Reyes regarding the "Las Villas Project"

Last night, Galaviz held court for his friend Jenny Krusoe and her Legacy LA Project. Shall we play "connect the dots"??

* Dalila Sotelo, "advisor on redevelopment", "Friend of Carol"

* Violence Intervention Program (V.I.P), Eileen Sanchez, LHNC Member

* Jenny Krusoe, "Southwest Society Member"

* David Galaviz, CRA Adelante Board Member

* Al Nodal, Cultural Affairs, Annenberg Foundation, "Southwest Society Member"

* Lou Calanche, "Three time candidate for office, three time loser"

This all connects to a group of political insiders who are gaming the system for their own self interest. Did anybody see public input?? I think not..........

......and lastly from todays LA Time, "Aztec Math does add up", now we know how LA 90032 NC computes its meetings and budget.

We like to add this Breaking News:

Dear Community Members,

I was outraged when I was informed by the Los Angeles Police Department that there were an estimated 47 registered sex offenders living in the Marianna Street apartment complex located within 2,000 feet of the High School of Performing Arts at Cal State L.A.

I immediately coordinated efforts with LAPD and the Department of Corrections to have the offenders moved because they were in violation of the 2,000 feet proximity clause in the parole conditions for all registered sex offenders. They were relocated within two days.

I want to assure you that I will not allow the community of El Serenoto become a housing hub for registered sex offenders and the unusual cluster of them living in our community was reason for alarm. I share your concern for the safety of our children and other residents. LAPD reports that all registered sex offenders living in the Marianna Street apartment complex have been relocated.

In order to better protect the community, we need to have accurate and current information. It is because of situations such as the one on Marianna Street that I called for the creation of a consolidated database that tracks parole violators residing in the City who are known sex offenders, pedophiles, violent criminals and gang members.

Given this recent incident, I will now ask LAPD to build a trigger mechanism into the database that would alert the police when a cluster of registered sex offenders have moved into a particular area of our community. I look forward to continuing to work with you in keeping our community safe.

Sincerely,

José Huizar Councilmember, District 14

Props to "The Voice Newspaper" for exposing this.

Outtakes from CD 14. The "CUT AND PASTE CAPITAL" of Los Angeles

Hola and Good Friday to all in the barrios that comprise CD 14.

For the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" Good Friday could not come fast enough.

First, "feeble and shallow" are what describes the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" defence of the Las Lomas Project. Was this the same guy who took a stand for open space regarding Elephant Hill that compares to the Las Lomas Project on a micro level ? But then perspective changes once you look beyond the district boundaries, or do they??

Take the brewing revolt at the Wyvernwood complex over the Fifteen Group expansion plans. Former Assembly candidate and friend of "Jackie G", Elena Popp is organizing the tenants against the property owners. When this FUBAR is done, someone is going to wish that he never went to a certain Super Bowl party.

On the slopes of Mt. Washington, back to back stories in the L.A. Times and L.A. Weekly respectively paint the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" as an enabler to the whims of "BIG AUTRY". Thus you get the selling of rotating pieces of artifacts as a GREAT VICTORY along the lines of saving the 256 bus route.

In "Northern Boyle Heights" tensions are at a flash point in Ramona Gardens Housing Project after the latest LAPD/ Hazard Gang confrontation. What the locals do not realize is that their days in "HAZARD" may be numbered. Can you say Bio-Tech Research Corridor?? One needs to look at the Advisory Board of the Legacy LA website. One will find DAVID GALAVIZ Adelante CRA board member, and........"FRIEND OF CAROL" DALILA SOTELO as redevelopment advisor. Thus will Ramona Gardens become "PUEBLO DEL SOL, NORTH" ?????

****Link to recent You Tube footage filmed in Ramona Gardens, this highlights the state of relations between residents and LAPD****

And not to leave out the "PUEBLO DE SERENO", there may be "light in the end of the tunnel", or simply stated a tunnel in the future for South Pasadena and Eastern Sereno. No word whether South Pasadena resident Victor Griego will have a say in where the tunnel portals are located, but what about those hundreds of Cal Trans houses that the likes of Don Jones and Hugo Garcia are alleged to have their eyes on???

All this adds up to some form of "EC NO CLEANSING/ RELOCATION" of CD 14 population to make way for a "NEW LOOK CD 14, GENTRIFICATION EDITION"....... historical and cultural history be damned.

****Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council/ Mt. Washington Re vote We pass along the endorsement recommendation of "ONE IN FIVE" for Scott Folsom and Ann Walnum.****

BTW, what with the official symbol of Free Enterprise in CD 14, the "PALETA CART" being lefted off the Mural at Hollenbeck??

Happy Easter to all!!