Councilman Jose Huizar celebrates a "Mere Parklet" while supporting a pending "Arbor Massacre at Hazard Park"

Time to give props to another Princeton Graduate's "Act of Political Hypocrisy".

From the Spin Office of (almost forgot to say Princeton Graduate) CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar.

Councilmember José Huizar and Living Streets LA are excited to present the brand new "Huntington Drive Improvement Vision and Action Plan.” Join us to celebrate its completion on Saturday, September 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in front of Food 4 Less, the site of our recently approved Street Plaza. Saturday's celebration will highlight many of the other improvement ideas the El Sereno community came up with for Huntington Drive through  numerous workshops, which resulted in the Huntington Drive Improvement & Action Plan booklet, with limited copies being distributed at Saturday's event. 
This is part of a larger effort that will bring four parklet projects all in Council District 14 – which will represent the City of Los Angeles’ first parklets and lead to future pedestrian projects throughout the City where parking spaces can be turned into public plazas and other uses.

MEANWHILE!! An Arbor Massacre is Pending at Hazard Park 

Councilman Jose Huizar gained City Council to FAST TRACK support for the following ......

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to a review of the existing street standards involving street dedications, street improvements, street lights, and street trees for the community surrounding the University of Southern (USC) California Health Sciences Campus, including Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. Recommendations for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Huizar - Reyes): 1. AUTHORIZE the processing of B-permits. 2. INSTRUCT the Planning Department, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Department of Recreation and Parks (to give up park land), and the Bureaus of Engineering, Street Services, and Street Lighting to report back to the Planning and Land Use Management Committee on December 4, 2012 with a status report regarding the review of existing street standards involving street dedications (demolish park handball courts), street improvements (widen Soto Street by taking park land), street lights (show USC employees the way to work), and street trees (killing park trees) for the community surrounding the USC California Health Sciences Campus, including Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, for conditions that are no longer relevant within the proposed street beautification project. Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis on this report. Community Impact Statement: None submitted. (** Its hard to submit an impact report with three days notice Councilman Huizar)

These "park trees" don't look like street trees. City Council will meet on Tuesday to vote on Councilman Huizar's "Arbor Massacre".

.......... and for USC Lobbyist and former Mayor Sam awardee David Galaviz?

He can laugh now knowing that he lied to Northeast Trees and the Greater Hazard Park Community, about USC not taking any of Hazard Park.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Special Post-Election Edition of the Ass Clown Award given to Mario Beltran

Fresh, curvy and happy after months on bloggin furlough. 

Great Sunday afternoon to all in the political cybersphere. We  like to take time and reacquaint you with a cherish member of the Mayor Sam Family, the lovely unionize model for our dormant Ass Clown Award. We here at Mayor Sam had parted ways with our curvy friend and the award created by Mayor Frank, reasoning that our bloggin coverage merited moving beyond tabloid styled reporting . Thus, our award and its model were to enjoy an early retirement. 

But once in a blue moon ...... or Primary Election Cycle, comes a "perfect storm of bloggin news" that merited reuniting our former Ass Clown Award Team and all it took was this repugnant, asinine, and disparaging comment directed at a heroine of political reform in Southeast LA, City of Bell BASTA spokesperson and candidate for the 58th Assembly District Christina Garcia . Garcia pulled a major upset in the 58th AD by defeating City of Montebello's Tom Calderon which did not go over well with well known Bell Gardens ex Councilman,  Rin Calderon staffer and current Campaign Manager for 51st AD Candidate Arturo Chavez Mario Beltran, who penned this via the LA Weekly.

 City of Bell BASTA Spokesperson and 58th AD Candidate Christina Garcia.

Garcia the 33 year old that for the first time in her life became a Democrat last year and lied to the democratic voteres that she's been a democrat all her life!!! The DUI convict that makes bad decissions and put other at risk. The Garcia that's a lesbian and "only needs the votes of the woman" the Garcia that devided a community (Bell) and took over a city because it's her way or the highway!

 ........ and who is Mario Beltran?  Well .............

** Is this the same Mario Beltran who was convicted of  the following?

A Bell Gardens Councilman accused of embezzling campaign funds pleaded guilty today to multiple counts, prosecutors announced.Mario Beltran, 31, pleaded to four misdemeanor counts, including failing to file campaign disclosure forms and failing to deposit cash contributions, all violations of the Political Reform Act., Deputy Dist. Atty. Max Hunstman said in a press release.The charges stem from the defendant’s failure to report to authorities how he was spending campaign funds entrusted to him and his failure to deposit and account for cash given to him, according to the press release.Los Angeles Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli ordered Beltran back for sentencing on Feb. 12. The defendant must resign from office before sentencing. Beltran is expected to receive four years of probation during which time he may not hold elected or appointed office and may not seek elected office or lobby.

** Is this the same Mario Beltran who had this "night out in Downtown LA"? 

The boozy circumstances of his wild night at the seedy Huntington Hotel might be enough to derail the careers of lesser politicians. But Beltran has friends in high places, such as state Senator Ron Calderon, for whom he works as a field deputy, and state Senator Gil Cedillo, who mentored him early in his career. Several witnesses including Cedillo were listed as character references for Beltran, so last Wednesday, as his trial began, he was as cool as a cucumber.That was until 6-foot-tall, rail-thin Sherrilynn Ridgeway, an African-American woman with weathered skin and a criminal record of drug dealing and prostitution, took the stand and described Beltran, a 29-year-old, 5-foot-5-inch immigrant from El Salvador, staggering around the Huntington in the wee hours of June 28 hurling racial slurs and menacing threats and, in her words, “grabbing a handful of my ass.”At that point, Beltran’s expression suggested he knew he was in for a long ordeal.The jury had been warned things could get ugly. They were going to hear allegations that Beltran degraded Ridgeway with words like “nigger” and “bitch,” Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Maureen O’Brien said in her opening statement — words that O’Brien said she did not feel comfortable uttering. They also were going to hear from witnesses with questionable occupations and backgrounds. “There are no angels as witnesses,” O’Brien said.Beltran’s lawyer, Philip Cohen, was not nearly as delicate. He spat out the N-word in rapid-fire bursts while shredding the testimony of one prostitute. And he accused prosecutors of misconduct, saying they offered an implicit deal to one witness, a hotel desk clerk who placed Beltran inside the hotel but also faces an unrelated gun charge in a Pasadena courtroom.Cohen confirmed that his client was “drunk out of his mind” last June after visiting the nearby 740 Club, whose owner is a friend of Beltran’s. But he urged the jury: “You will not be asked to decide if [Beltran] is an ass, a racist, a sexual assaulter or a drunkard. This case is about whether he knowingly and falsely [accused] someone of a crime.”

Thus, Mario Beltran now join former Assemblyman Gil Cedillo staffer David Galaviz as winners of the Ass Clown Award. Assemblyman Cedillo is the first lawmaker to have multiple Ass Clown Awards given to members or formerr members of his staff. quite a distinction not loss on the voters of Northeast LA.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

HACLA Rudy Montiel's "get rich scheme" garners unwanted attention

Mayor Antonio Villar (right) with his $400,000+ Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Rudy Montiel (left).

To say that corruption does not exist within the dysfunctional agency known as the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), is to say that Mayor Antonio Villar has been a "transparent and ethical beacon" at 200 Spring Street.

Simply, the state of public housing under the control of HACLA is a legal and dysfunctional trainwreck, with its corrupt toxic fumes polluting the political air at City Hall. But lets make no mistake here, this stench has been around for years.

Now with Ron Kaye's latest missive on HACLA Executive Director Rudy Montiel's scheme for self-enrichment and his actions against tenants who protested outside his Rancho Cucamonga "mansion",the "big shining light of investigation" is pointed again at HACLA and what will be the end result? Maybe much-needed reforms.

The HACLA's Public Housing Projects are gang-infested fiefdoms that breed future generations of gang members and foster dependency on the largess of government (ie. WIC, Food Stamps, Welfare, mixed with subsidize, sub-standard housing).

Read more »

Past Questionable Ethical Behavior of the Lincoln Heights "Action Slate"

"One can see the ties to the LHNC in the email"

This person is running with the "Action Slate" for Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council.

Maria "Lou" Calanche is the Executive Director of the "connected non-profit" Legacy LA, a creation of Mayor Antonio Parkervillar and Councilman Jose Huizar, to funnel GRYD money to their political cronies and give a public facility over to the likes of USC and other connected non-profits.

This meeting was a blatant exercise to cover up the attempted allocation of $2,500 for a community event, that former LHNC members David Galaviz and Eileen Sanchez had a vested interest in, via their employer USC, as the email above notes.

One can see here how Galaviz, Calanche, then LegacyLA employee Jenny Krusoe, and former LHNC Treasurer Vera Padilla, who was at the meeting, attempted to smear the veracity of myself.
From: "Loucalanche@aol.com" Loucalanche@aol.com

Sent: Fri, April 18, 2008 8:14:38 AM

Subject: Emergency Legacy Committee Meeting 4-22-08

Hello Legacy Planning Committee,At our April 1st planning committee meeting it was suggested that Legacy L.A. approach the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council for support of the Cinco de Mayo Community Open House scheduled for May 4th (By former LHNC President and USC Lobbyist David Galaviz). We made a presentation to the Lincoln Heights NC and submitted a request to the budget committee on April 7th. Last night the neighborhood council was set to vote but I was informed that our request was met with opposition and inquiries not only about our request for financial support of the event but also inquiries about Legacy's status as an organization, where and how funds will be spent, and also questions about community support for the Legacy L.A. planning for the Hazard Armory.

I was extremely disappointed that our budget request was not voted on since the funds were to be used to provide a fun-filled day for the community. But what was more disheartening for me as a member of Legacy L.A. and former resident of the Ramona Gardens Community (did you? Look at comment by Sandra Torres) is that it was our own planning committee members that opposed and questioned our request!! It is my understanding that Scott Johnson and Pete Galindo, Sr. both Legacy L.A. planning committee members, were in attendance at the meeting last night (We were). Scott Johnson specifically spoke against our request and questioned the validity of Legacy L.A. as an organization. This was a public meeting that will have minutes and records made available to the public. ( Link here to see those documents. Hmmm, who's name is missing?) When we have Legacy L.A. planning committee members speak against Legacy L.A. we will jeopardize the future of Legacy L.A. and its ability to raise funds to bring needed programs to the community youth. (Lu's assertions are baseless at this point)

The reason I bring this to your attention is because for about a year now Legacy L.A. has been hammered about issues of transparency (Has anyone seen any Legacy LA financial documents at this point in time?). We have made every effort to create an inclusive and open community process and have taken steps to ensure that the community is directly involved in planning for the future of this organization. When an issue such as this comes up it needs to be addressed immediately by the entire community planning committee because we are all invested in making Legacy L.A. an organization that can successfully bring services to the community. To ensure transparency we also need to understand why planning committee members would oppose Legacy in a public forum.

There will be a Legacy L.A. Planning Committee Emergency Meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Armory. We will discuss role of planning committee members as well as how to proceed and ensure that the Cinco de Mayo Community Open House is a success.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks! -Lou

Simple fact is this, Calanche was an willing partner in attempting to usurp "Conflicts of Interest" issues, pertaining to the allocation of Neighborhood Council funds for projects, that benefited the persons and employees of current board members.

Does the LHNC need someone like Lou Calanche who will lie about a fellow community member, for the the simple, nefarious reason of pushing the political agenda of her supporters in government?

........ and one last thing, about your supposed ties to the Ramona Gardens Community?

** This was posted in the recent past on the Eastern Group Publications Website.

Sandra Torres on June 3rd, 2009 9:01 am

I’m a 39 year old mother of two, who grew up in the Ramona Gardens Housing Projects. Lou Calanche NEVER lived in the projects and needs to stop claiming that she lived & gre up there! It’s really upsetting that she continues to say this in order to get ahead. Pathetic! She & he family lived on Murchison which is several blocks away from the Ramona Gardens Housing Projects.

Who is telling the truth here? Makes you wonder if someone was slander? Just wondering.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Was the Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club Cheated Out of its New Home by a "Connected Non- Profit"?

USC Lobbyist and former Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council President David Galaviz, on the right.



"Legacy LA/ Hazard Park Armory email # 1



Legacy LA/ Hazard Park Armory email # 2

Former Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council President and current chief USC Lobbyist David Galaviz, is no stranger to the regular visitors here at Mayor Sam.

Matter of fact, his dubious exploits, whether it is using students to get himself and his cronies elected to the LHNC, shilling for questionable community projects such as Las Villas, or taking public property for an "connected non-profit". David Galaviz and his self-interest (plus USC) actions has earn him the bestowment as an Mayor Sam "Ass Clown Award" recipient.

Now one of Galaviz's most glaring act of self-interest is in the spotlight again.

The last meeting of the current LHNC board on Thursday night, was packed with supporters of the Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club, who's decades long home within the Old Jail in Lincoln Heights, is being close due to numerous safety concerns. Simply the building with its "supposed spirits", is in need of major renovation.

Fire Department officials have given building tenants five days to vacate the premises. Community supporters of the LAYAC have been offered accommodations at another facility in Lincoln Heights, but they argue at Thursday's meeting that the new location does not have the space needed to continue the current programs at the Old Jail location.

But this growing controversy regarding the new location of the LAYAC, was an issue that Recreation and Parks was addressing in 2007, according to the emails, posted above, that were obtain as part of an Public Records Act request.

In "email # 1", a Recreation and Parks Official Mark Mariscol, is responding to the incisive requests of Legacy LA Founder Jenny Krusoe, who with the backing of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Jose Huizar, later gets an exclusive agreement to operate the facility. Mariscol states that Recreation and Parks had concrete plans to move the LAYAC boxing program and its other activities to the facility.

In "email # 2", one can see the connection between Krusoe, with former LHNC members Galaviz and Eillen Sanchez, who works for the USC's Violence Intervention Program. They had been openly lobbying for space in the armory and Legacy LA was the front to gain an exclusive agreement with Recreation and Parks. Thus, self-interest actions by Galaviz, Sanchez and other allies (Vera Padilla, Cheryl Riley, Frank Wada plus more) on the LHNC, prevented the LAYAC and its successful programs, from moving their operations to the Hazard Park Armory.

It should also be noted that Galaviz and his allies, also attempted to allocate $3,000 for an Cinco de Mayo/ community outreach event, but was tabled when other members of the LHNC questioned the monetary request.

The observation that one can make in this current controversy, is that the LAYAC is stuck in the middle of two councilman's visions for the respective properties in question, the Armory in CD 14, and the Old Jail in CD 1.

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar, has made many promises to his "connected non-profit friends" for space within the Armory. Further, one cannot ignore Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's wishes for the facility, that even supersedes Huizar.

CD 1 Councilman Ed Reyes, simply sees the Lincoln Heights Jail acreage as a key part of his Los Angeles River Beautification plans, that leaves the LAYAC with hardly any options on a future location.

The simple solution to this issue, is to move the LAYAC to the Hazard Park Armory. This would expose the LAYAC programs, which include its well-known boxing program ( former Championship Boxer Joey Olivo being a past member), adult fitness, and others to a wider audience. Further, educational, environmental, and arts programs could be integrated to offer the community an impressive array of programing within the spaceage confines of the armory complex.

But sadly, the likes of Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilman Huizar, David Galaviz and others, prioritize the self-interest of their cronies, over the collective interest of the communities they supposely serve

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Follies and Doings of a Connected Non-Profit in CD 14

This is a story about a connected non-profit that needs disconnecting from public money and support.

The past follies and actions of the newest "connected non-profit" in CD 14, Legacy LA, has provided posts galore, which we have highlighted the dubious doings of the likes of Southwest Society Member Jenny Krusoe, USC Lobbyist and former Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council President David Galaviz, former Ramona Gardens Resident (in her opportunist mind) Lou Calanche and the other cast members of connected and wannabees associates.

As the past chairperson of the Hazard Park Advisory Board, which the latest agenda is posted at the left, it was our goal to integrate the Hazard Park Armory and its potential usage into the existing Hazard Park
infrastructure and its programs.

But in my three years as Chairperson, something called "politics" and the resulting catering to their connected associates, now have politicize a public park with so much potential, with serious ramifications for Recreation and Parks, its employees, and how public services are provided city-wide.

Simply, with the city budget heading towards the financial abyss, politically connected non-profits will assume an prominent role in providing services to city residents. But while you can make the case that saving money is of paramount concern...and it is. What quality of services will residents receive from these assorted non-profits, especially when they are connected to those within the political community?

In the case of Legacy LA, these examples should cause major concerns. First, on numerous occasions, I have observed a Legacy LA employee who led bike riding excursions without proper safety gear. Second, in the summer of 2008, a Legacy LA employee, "Monique", who also worked at Hazard Park, tried to persuaded me to go forward with a "teen trip" to Yosemite, that was planned in collaboration with Recreation and Parks, but cancel due to the lack of funding. She stated that we could use Legacy money and no one would known the difference. Third, Rec. and Parks employees had concerns about the "oversight" of the teen program under Monique's direction at Hazard Park. Fourth, Legacy employees are openly competing with Rec. and Parks by using food and trips, in luring youths to their programs at the Armory. Makes you wonder if the likes of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Jose Huizar really support the public emplyees of Rec and Parks?

Then there are the questions about the hiring process for Legacy LA. Simply, if you supported then Legacy LA's founder Jenny Krusoe, you got a job. Also during one PAB meeting in the fall of 2009, Monique mentioned in her report on the Teen Program at Hazard Park, that they had received free tickets for Knott's Scary Farm from the youth coordinator at the Ramona Gardens Housing Project. Later the sister of that coordinator, was hired for a position where no job fliers were made available to the community. For the record, current Legacy Executive Director Lou Calanche, offer me a job after my forced removal as PAB Chairperson, due to "selected enforcement of term limits". But in the light of the incidents listed above and the fact that I work part-time for Rec. and Parks, I declined.

In retrospect, I look back on my experience as PAB Chairperson with both satisfaction and bewilderment.

Satisfaction that we were able to initiated the Armory dialog with the community, we provided trips to places like El Capitan State Beach and Yosemite National Park, a grant from the Sierra Club allowed us to produced a newsletter detailing the restoration efforts of the Hazard Park Wetlands. Also, I took the initiative to set up the "Friends of Henry T. Hazard Park and Community", a non-profit to help with fundraising for future park programs.

But I also must share my bewilderment over the politicalization of departments like Recreation and Parks. During my term as Chairperson, our PAB was subjected to investigation by Councilman Jose Huizar, over some supposed comments about Legacy LA. Further, an management official of Rec. and Parks (initials M.M.), made inquiries to community activist Art Pulido, regarding any "conflict of interests" between my PAB duties and part-time work for Rec. and Parks, that could lead to my termination.

But what hurt the most were the comments from Hazard Park Director Aaron Shaw at the June 23, 2009 PAB meeting which I was excused from due to work place injury. From the minutes, He openly expressed his displeasure of the PAB in general, but was particularly discontent with the obvious focus of attention in areas where we (PAB) have no business or areas in (like Wetlands restoration?) or in areas where there is no involvement whatsoever in the betterement of our facility and its programs and activities". These comments are disappointing for the fact that the best moment of leadership from the PAB, was preventing the transfare of Aaron Shaw away from Hazard Park, now sadly "Legacy LA/Hazard Park".

** For the record, I ask for time at last night PAB meeting to respond to Aaron Shaw's comments but no reply came from my request.

Links to our past series on Legacy LA,

Creation of a "connected non-profit", Part 1

Creation of a "connected non-profit", Part 2

Creation of a "connected non-profit", Part 3

Creation of a "connected non-profit", Part 4

Creation of a "connected non-profit", Part 5

Creation of a "connected non-profit", Part 6

Scott Johnson in CD 14

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

Creation of a "Connected Non-Profit" and the "Pimping" of Public Facilities, Part 2

"Coordination among the Insiders"

It seems that Recreation and Parks Mark Mariscal and Legacy LA's Jenny Krusoe have spent some quality time together working on message and making sure that other "key players" are kept in the loop.

For those who may think that Mark Mariscal's name sound familiar, he was one of the central figures in Luara Chick's Audit of Recreation and Parks that uncover millions of dollars in fees that went unaccounted for.

Further, people in the know within Rec. and Parks describe Mariscal as someone who has "upward mobility" in mind when its comes to his career prospects and was known as someone who would do favors for those that were "politically connected".

Thus, it would not be a surprise that Mariscal would be willing to work with Krusoe, considering her close ties to Councilman Huizar and Mayor Villaraigosa.

After all, "Recreation and Parks General Manager Mark Mariscal" would be a title that fits the ego of Mr. Mariscal, according to sources.

........and "in holding to the line", it might make it easier for both Mariscal and Krusoe with the help of David Galaviz and Ellen Sanchez, to reach their desired goals.

Your thoughts......

Creation of a "Connected Non-Profit" Part 1

USC = "University of Scandalous Conduct" in Sports and City Politics ??

"PAID TO PLAY AT USC ?? NO DUH!!"

BUT WHAT ABOUT INFLUENCE PEDDLING IN CITY HALL ??

For us in Los Angeles who cheer for the great "Institute of Higher Learning in Westwood" (while wanting to forget that a certain Mecha activist who graduated as "Tony Villar"), whenever they meet the "spoil, pompous children" from the "Four Year Community College on Fig.", on the field of play, today's expose in the Los Angeles Times, "USC, SILENCE IS THE CARDINAL RULE" is an exercise in "better late than never".

And for many who look to sports as a useful and needed diversion from the realities of life. Jokes (will USC be able to play under the salary cap ??) and more jokes (O.J. slash and cuts across the field and into Brentwood!!), mixed in with possible NCAA Sanctions and a possible revocation of a National Championship, will be the by product of the on-going investigation into USC athletics.

But with the Los Angeles Times decision to assign investigated reporter Paul Pringle (who's investigated reporting exposed the corruption by Tyrone Freeman at SEIU 6434), to the growing controversy in Heritage Hall, the "OLD GRAY HAG ON SPRING STREET" may want to expand their investigated coverage beyond the "field of play" and into the "halls of local government".

With USC expansion plans underway near its main campus, mixed in with their ambitious plans for the area around the Health Science Campus in Lincoln Heights, this is the right moment to thoroughly investigate how the "USC WAY" is forced upon the surrounding communities.

Recently, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed USC Vice President of government and community relations Thomas S. Sayles to the Department of Water and Power Commission.

And who would be the front person for USC in the 'halls of government" ?? None other than USC's registered lobbyist at City Hall, David Galaviz (pictured above with cake).

This is the same David Galaviz who is well known to the populace in Lincoln Heights, where he recently served USC and other Special Interests well, as President of the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council.

Whether it was getting the "youth vote", shilling for the "Las Villas Project", steering gang contracts to USC affiliated groups such as V.I.P., giving away public property to bogus non-profits such as Legacy LA, and now fronting USC attempt to subsidizes their Capital Building Program with CRA money, Galaviz is the mouth piece and shill that speaks over community concerns.

These were some of Galaviz past actions as LHNC President.

Earlier in the year, this body voted to support the controversial "Las Villas Project" on the corner of Broadway and Thomas (old Rose Eye Center location). Later on the same night that Councilman Ed Reyes announced the end of the "Las Villas Project", NC members proposed giving money to support a community event for Jenny Krusoe's "Legacy LA Project". Yet at no time did any of the USC employees or Violence Intervention Program staff member Eileen Sanchez recuse themselves from voting, and not cite that their respective employers have a vested interest in the successful completion of the "Legacy LA Project".

Rumor has Galaviz comtemplating some future run for political office (CD-14 ??) with his recent move from Lincoln Heights into El Sereno.

But while Galaviz's political aspirations may take years or never play out, the desires of his employer and ramifications on local communities are playing out now on the "field of play", in the catacombs of the NCAA, and most important, the "halls of governments".

Conquest at any cost ??

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

Did this memo cost the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council their meeting place??

Some would say that this is the ending befitting the "Era of Galaviz" on the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council.
According to community sources, school officials at Lincoln High School have told Elena Popp, President-Elect of the LHNC that the school would no longer host meetings of the LHNC.

Pressure and reaction to the memo by Lincoln High School Facilty Member Vera Padilla are cited as the main reason for the school's decision.

The installation of the new LHNC was to have taken place on August 7 but do to the decision by Lincoln High School officials, the meeting was postpone pending relocation.

Meanwhile, out-going President David Galaviz send this e-mail on his future plans.

I hope this e-mail finds you well. I am writing to inform you of changes that are occuring here at USC. As you may know, the University is in process of seeking a replacement for Carolyn Webb de Macias, who recently retired as Vice President of External Relations. In addition, the University is also seeking to replace Kay Song, who also retired after serving USC as Vice President of Civic and Community Relations. Dr. Song is currently serving as Senior Advisor to Mayor Villaraigosa. I was extremely fortunate to work and learn from both Kay and Carolyn.

Throughout this transition, I have been presented with an opportunity to transition into a newly created "Executive Director of Local Government Relations" position here at USC. I have accepted this offer and I am in the process of transitioning into this new position. My new role will be to represent the University in issues before the City and County of Los Angeles. It is also my understanding that this is the first time this type of position has been created at USC, so this is a great opportunity to do something from the very start, and create a new job and role from scratch.

A search for a new Outreach Director for the Health Sciences Campus will begin soon. In the meantime, I will continue to work with you all until a new director is named. In addition, I am also very happy (and sorry) to report that Guillermo Guereque, who has been with my office for the past five years, is also leaving USC. He recently completed his Dual Masters' Degree and has accepted a new position with the Toyota Corporation. His position will also be available soon.

I want to thank you all for the time we have spent working together for our community. My e-mail and voicemail will remain the same.

Hope to see you all soon.

David

Your comments...........

No politics in new Gang Contracts???

Lets play "Connect the Insiders"...........

Refer to the list of "Advisory Board Members" for the "Legacy LA Project".

Experts on violence intervention: Dr. Astrid Heger, Violence Intervention Program, and Belinda Smith Walker, Girls and Gangs; on redevelopment: Dalila Sotelo, Community Redevelopment Agency; on education: State Superintendent Jack O’Connell and Paula Crisostomo, Occidental College; on environmental sustainability: Larry Smith, Executive Director of Northeast Trees; on community issues: Olivia Rodriguez, Los Angeles Commission for Women; and on marketing: Will Caperton y Montoya, Department of Cultural Affairs.

Steering Committee:
Sister Hilda Alfaro/Church Youth Leaders Santa Teresita Church; Leo Alvarez, Hazard Park Advisory Board; Alma Garcia, Ramona Gardens Community Service Center; Martha Gonzalez, LA Voice; Santa Teresita, Ramona Gardens Community; Scott Johnson, Hazard Park Advisory Board; Monique Moncayo. Hazard Park Teen Program; Tammy Membreno, Barrio Action Youth & Family Center; Veronica Pagan, Murchison Street School – LA’s Best Program and community resident; Hector Verdugo, Homeboy Industries – former Ramona Gardens resident; Raul Estrada, Executive Director, El Centro de Ayuda; David Galaviz, Director Community Outreach, USC Civic and Community Relations (former LHNC President); Sesshu Foster, Bravo Medical Magnet High School

Legacy L.A. staff includes two co-directors for the project, former executive director for the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, Jenny Krusoe, who has led the project from its inception, and Maria Lou Calanche, a former resident of Ramona Gardens and currently a professor at East Los Angeles College.

........and who was one of six groups awarded gang intervention contracts by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the "General Secretary of Gang Intervention, Jeff Carr"???. From today's LA Times piece by Phil Willon,

The mayor's office recommended Childrens Hospital Los Angeles for the gang-prevention program in the Cypress Park area; Community Build for the Baldwin Village area; Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches for the Florence-Graham area; People Coordinated Services for the Newton area; El Nido Family Centers for the Pacoima and Foothill area; and Violence Intervention Program for the Ramona Gardens and Hollenbeck area.

......and some from the "cut and paste archives",

Special Interest = Legacy LA Project. One should ask David Galaviz and Eileen Sanchez (she works for VIP) why they attempted to allocate $3,000 to a Project that they have a vested interest in.

The same ingrate "Ellen Sanchez" who is reported to have told the Advisory Board that they should be happy that they are getting something for their community.The same David Galaviz who told the Advisory Board that restoring the Wetlands at Hazard Park would conflict with USC's building program.
July 03, 2008 11:06 AM

Yeah, David and "Ellen" should remember that the meeting in question was video taped. "Ellen" should also remember the responses to her "kind comments".BTW, alot of people are catching on to the scam that is Legacy LA. Once again a "Non-profit" set up to benefit friends of the Mayor and Huizar.
July 03, 2008 11:26 AM

David Galaviz told a community member that their grant request to USC for "wetlands related" activities was rejected due to conflicts that a restored "wetlands" would have with USC's Capital Projects.
July 03, 2008 12:33 PM

....and this,

Earlier in the year, this body voted to support the controversial "Las Villas Project" on the corner of Broadway and Thomas (old Rose Eye Center location). Later on the same night that Councilman Ed Reyes announced the end of the "Las Villas Project", NC members proposed giving money to support a community event for Jenny Krusoe's "Legacy LA Project". Yet at no time did any of the USC employees or Violence Intervention Program staff member Eileen Sanchez recuse themselves from voting, and not cite that their respective employers have a vested interest in the successful completion of the "Legacy LA Project".

So the notion that the Mayor was removing politics from the awarding of gang intervention contracts is a complete farce.

Separated at birth? You decide...........

David Galaviz (top photo), and Jose Sigala (holding pen in lower photo), are respectively the out-going and in-coming Presidents of their Neighborhood Councils, those being Lincoln Heights and Greater Echo Park Elysian.

Galaviz worked for State Senator Gil "One Bill" Cedillo. Sigala worked for the late Assemblyman Marcos Firebaugh and is now employed by Councilman Richard "Zorro Marxist" Alarcon.

Both use controversial tactics to win their respective elections. Galaviz used the "youth vote. Sigala used a "official looking mailer".

And now both elections are being challenged by angry voters.(link here for Echo Park Election Challenge), and (link here for Lincoln Heights Election Challenges).

Like-minded in their approach to politics, is there a "DNA" bond between the two???

Friday Morning Missives

Good Friday morning to all, especially to our dueling elected Department Heads on Spring Street.

A long simmering feud between City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and City Controller Laura Chick boiled over into a departmental "slap fight" with the City Controller subpoenaing the City Attorney for record pertaining to its oversight of the office's Workers Compensation Program.

The City Attorney’s decision to withhold this important information from public scrutiny is a slap in the face to the people he serves. In an effort to provide the public with the accountability they deserve, I am exercising my subpoena powers for documents and records in the City Attorney’s Office pertaining to the Workers’ Compensation Program.

Since becoming Controller seven years ago and conducting 154 audits, this is only the second time that I have been forced to utilize my subpoena powers, and I don’t do so lightly. Unfortunately, due to the City Attorney’s actions, I am left with no other choice.

Memo to Ms. Chick, that 154 number you cite in your press release should be 155. There is a department in the Garland Building that has the initials of C-D-D? They use to oversee a program called L-A- B-R-I-D-G-E-S? That program gave regular city pay checks with your "John Hancock" on it to someone associated with the M-E-X-I-C-A-N M-A-F-I-A?

So Ms. Chick, stop with the theatrics on how you are going to huff and puff and blow down "Rocktard's Door" and do what many of the community wanted done long ago, AUDIT L.A. BRIDGES!!

****Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn faces four criminal charges stemming from a city program that provided low interest home loans to city officials. Dorn a ordained minister was a former sheriff deputy, asst. city attorney and Juvenile Court Judge, was a regular on the "Talk Back Radio Show" with George Putnam in the 80's and 90's discussing his thoughts on the Juvenile Justice System.

****We forgot to mention that former councilman "M.L.K." has resurface, that being "Martin Ludlow King". The convicted former councilman is passing the time working with the football players at Dorsey High School. New LA Times Sports Columnist Kurt Streeter does the "hosanas in print" in expousing Ludlow taking accountibility...and falling on the sword for others, in the SEIU 99 Courruption Trial. Then there is something about a late public figure and a lack of autopsy.

****The Daily News is a "fishwrap" in need of leadership. After being "used" by DWP General Manager H(osed) David Nahai, then trying to save face with its "confessional retort", the "MOLDY GREEN SHEET calls upon LAPD to revise it immigration policy known to all as Special Order 40.

****The "OLD GREY HAG ON SPRING STREET....for sale" is a "Johnny come lately" to that dysfunctional group known as the "Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council" led by former late Assemblyman Marcos Firebaugh aide and currently employed by Councilman Richard "Zorro Marxist" Alarcon, Jose Sigala. BTW, Sigala is also related to LHNC's David Galaviz.

.........later today, more on the "TROLL FOR DOUGH A-THON" Day Five.

Unofficial Election Results for Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council

Here are the unofficial election results for the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council. We will post here the results for the Executive Board. For the results on the rest of the ballot, click on to the "election result" link in the first sentence.

PRESIDENT:

Elena Popp 306

Hugo Pacheco 259

VICE-PRESIDENT:

William Morrison 17

Vera Padilla 378

Manny Z. Rodriguez 176

SECRETARY:

Carmen M. Serrano 258

Martha "Sevin" Riley 303

TREASURER:

Frank Wada 316

Jesus "Jesse" Rosas 238

Quick take on this election. Student vote the key to victory for the "Action" slate.

Controversy galore on Election Day for Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council

As the sun rises on what is expected to be a hot day in the "City of Angels", a "devil of controversy" is brewing in the already contentious Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council Elections, the first in three years for the community just northeast of downtown.

We here at Mayor Sam were e-mail a copy of this "alleged" memo written by Lincoln High School Career Advisor Vera Padilla, who also is a current member of the LHNC and is running for re-election with the so-call "Action Slate". (For the record, the e-mail stated that the "Action Team" slate was attached to this memo.)

If this document is true, then there are questions galore about the ethical behavior of Ms. Padiila. First, the usage of school letterhead would present a serious "Conflict of Interest" involving Lincoln High School and LAUSD. Second, if this was done on district time, then questions of sanctions and discipline need to be brought to the table for discussion on why Ms. Padilla is campaigning for re-election and soliciting votes from her fellow staff members, when she is getting paid to create "road maps" that guide students to colleges and careers?

This memo, if true, is just another incident of questionable ethical behavior from the current LHNC under the leadership of David Galaviz.

Earlier in the year, this body voted to support the controversial "Las Villas Project" on the corner of Broadway and Thomas (old Rose Eye Center location). Later on the same night that Councilman Ed Reyes announced the end of the "Las Villas Project", NC members proposed giving money to support a community event for Jenny Krusoe's "Legacy LA Project". Yet at no time did any of the USC employees or Violence Intervention Program staff member Eileen Sanchez recuse themselves from voting, and not cite that their respective employers have a vested interest in the successful completion of the "Legacy LA Project"

In addition, did Carolina Castillo, USC employee and KIPP Charter School Board Member recuse herself when funds were allocated for the Charter School?

Voters in Lincoln Heights will have the final say in this contentous election from 1:00-7:00 PM today in the Lincoln High School Auditorium, located at 3501 N. Broadway.

***Afternoon Update, On site observers report that students were given hall passes during late morning classes and taken to the auditorium to vote with "Action Slate" in hand. When Principal Molina was confronted with this charge, he responded that this was a "civics lesson"..........in Chicago Style Politics?***

Outtakes and "Cut and Paste" from CD 14

Nick Pacheco is still a big, fat zero!!!

That is a big, fat zero for no ethics violations

Our former "Bloggin Mentor" Joseph Mailander has commentary at the "HASSEL ON THE STREETS" regarding ethics fines involving contributers to the re-election campaign of the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR".

"Rubalcava is a former DWP Board Commission chair, well-known to followers of City politics; Amy Forbes, a Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher mainstay and land use attorney, repped Lilian Disney's interests through the building of the Disney Hall along with GDC nabob Ron Gother. Forbes was also on the board of the Los Angeles Conservancy in the early nineties and advised LA developer Robertson Properties on a co-acquisition with the LAUSD in 2003, when Huizar was still LAUSD prez."

Trivia question, who was hit with 31 counts of ethics violations for his 2003 City Council Race??

From "LA Curb", Oscar De La Hoya has walked away for the second and final time?, from a deal to buy the historic Sears Tower on Soto and Olympic.

El Sereno resident and comadre of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Maria Elena Durazo will tour the "Holy Land" when the latest installment of "Travels with Villar" takes to the air. "WWG" has this take,

"Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary of the County Labor Federation, will join Mayor Villaraigosa and his coterie of city employees and Jewish community leaders on the trip to Israel that begins today. Durazo is neither an elected official nor a Jewish leader, nor will she ever be an expert on airport security or whatever other reason the mayor gives for the trip. But she is the most powerful labor official in town, a national co-chair of the Obama campaign, and a confidante of Villaraigosa's. She also went along on the mayoral junket to Asia in 2006. Today's junketeers as reported by new City Hall reporter Phil Willon in the Times and Rick Orlov in the Daily News, whose lists don't completely agree:"

The "Bloggin Mentor" has his take on the Times coverage of Mayor's trip

Villar's comadre also in the news for supporting a new digital billboard on union property in downtown.

In "Northern Boyle Heights", the "Four year community college on Fig." is moving forward with their plans to develope a "Biotech Park". This could be the seed that grows into the proposed Biotech Corridor along Valley Blvd. What effects this has on the surrounding communities is yet to be seen. but be sure that Mayor Sam award winner, David Galaviz will be front and center.

....and in closing, sad, sad news out of "Pueblo de Sereno". The coffee house for the collective, progressive community and the location of "alleged meetings", is relocating to Cypress Park.

Antigua Coffee House's lease is not being renew, we will dedicated a exclusive thread to the demise of the progressive meeting place in El Sereno.

Ass Clown for the month of May

Exploitation of children for political gain and self interest.

This winner of the Ass Clown Award and his cohorts three years ago devise a scheme to take over a political body by creating a new pool of voters who were not old enough to drive, fight for their country, but used to achieve a margin of victory so that a big corporate interest and political allies could change the face of their community.

One community activist who witness this event saw students walk in to the polling place with a sheet of paper with names of candidates, then later learned that students who voted according to the list were given school credit by a school official who happen to be one of the candidates on the list.

Records show that out of some 600 votes cast in this Neighborhood Council Election close to 300 hundred were cast by students who had no idea how their vote would be use to affect the community.

Thus for the month of May we present the Ass Clown Award to David Galaviz and his allies on the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council.

One must give credit to Zuma Dogg for exposing this scheme and the later abuses by the Galaviz led body. But now after his three year reign as President, word from Lincoln Heights is that Galaviz is being promote by USC to a lobbyist position thus will not run for re-election.

Leave it to the "four year community college on Fig." to award someone who brought ridicule to the Neighborhood Council system, and who in concert with Councilman Ed "Density in all communities" Reyes, and the Lincoln Heights Chamber of Commerce, create policy and projects that cause the community to rise up and organize to reclaim thier community as seen with the "Las Villas Controversy".

With Galaviz moving on, Jackie Goldberg crony Elena Popp is running for President on a slate with the likes of Erika Gallo, Frank Wada, Vera Padilla, "Vons Riley", Ernest Sanchez, Carolina Castillo and new to the team, former disgraced LAUSD candidate and convicted criminal Chris Arellano.

More on this election and assorted asses in the days ahead..............

"GALAVIZ, LHNC Kiddies" Wins Award!!, "In His Own Words"

This act of self promotion makes him the front runner for a different award in May.

We like to give "FULL CREDIT" to the person who posted this yesterday. We cut and paste the original below.

This is a joke. Lincoln Heights NC said the hell with the community and supported another liquor license even after churches and schools protested. Also, what the hell has Lincoln Heights done for their community but engage in corrupt politics?

From: David Galaviz
To: dgalaviz@usc.edu
Sent: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:00 pm
Subject: Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council to Receive President's Volunteer Service Award - April 27th

Generally, I don't like to call attention to myself or others, but in this case, I would like to inform you all of a honor/award that the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council will receive on April 27th.

I don't know who nominated the Council, but this is a very nice recognition that should be shared by all. The Volunteer Center of Los Angeles-Assistance League of Southern California has informed me that the Lincoln Heights NC was nominated and selected to receive the Presidents' Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is an award given by the President of the United States to recognize the valuable contributions made by volunteers across the nation. I will have more information on the event soon.

David

THIS IS THE BIGGEST JOKE IN LA
April 08, 2008 9:49 AM

......and now we have this,

The same award that every single neighborhood council received. Pretty special, huh?

Every NC got an email from Jim Leahy asking for nominations for community members to receive the President's Award in April at the Rose Bowl, where 10,000 people will be in attendance, so please bring your friends and family where we will make money off of them when they eat, go in the bounce house, etc.

I don't know if any NC sent in any names, but I know each board member on our NC got the same Congratulations! letter. I don't think they're real awards. Just a way to get people to their fundraiser..and oh yes, if you do attend.. stop by our booth and get your piece of paper. That is your award.

Joke or scam.

You be the judge.

April 09, 2008 11:22 AM

Classic!!

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!!

David Galaviz vs. The Voice Newspaper, Round One

David Galaviz, President of the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council, Community Outreach honcho for USC, responds to an article regarding the "Las Villas" issue in "The Voice Newspaper" a monthy based out of El Sereno.

"Over the course of the past few years, the Voice has shown tremendous potential as a vehicle for reporting on important community news. Unfortunately, the recent front page article on Las Villas set the paper back a few steps due to extreme bias and lack of additional background.

Due to space constraints, I will only touch on a few issues of note. During the mentioned January 17th Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council meeting the article fails to mention that the Voice Staff in attendance literally sat and discussed the meeting with individuals opposed to the project. During the entire meeting, the Voice did not interview or talk to any Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council volunteers or others in attendance to report their individual thoughts.

Second, on February 8th during a historic event in the Lincoln High School Auditorium, one of the leaders of THE VOICE attended the event with a member of the Las Villas opponents and handed out copies of THE VOICE along with copies of a flyer against Las Villas.

Third, not to denigrate the good people of Sacred Heart Parish in anyway, but why is the voice not asking why the parishioners are against Las Villas, but fine with renting out the Sacred Heart auditorium and making beer, wine, and other spirits available to attendees of events on church property. In addition, there are a number of liquor serving establishments in close proximity to three schools - Sacred Heart Elementary and High School as well as Griffin. These liquor serving establishments do not have the same requirements of Las Villas.

The debate over this issue is very important, not only in Lincoln Heights , but in all areas The Voice covers. Unfortunately, The Voice did itself and the communities it services a disservice by inflaming the situation rather than opening up a dialogue on the role of family restaurants, family entertainment and banquet facilities in a community which is sorely lacking in private facilities.

If anyone else is interested in the work of the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council, they are welcome to attend one of our meetings. We meet the first and third Thursday of every month the Lincoln High School Cafeteria."

Response from Carlos Morales of "The Voice"
RESPONSE FROM THE VOICE
Mr. Galaviz the article I wrote was based on FACTS. The article may seem bias to you however, we made several attempts to contact Ms. Corona & Ms. Duarte of LAS VILLAS via their cell phones, and office number. To date they have not made any attempts to return any of our calls. Because they did not make themselves available to us our only recourse was to rely on the information posted on the LAS VILLAS.COM website.

ALL of our staff members are VOLUNTEERS. This is a community publication. What volunteers do on their own time is their decision. I do not dictate to anyone who they can talk to and who not to talk to.

Instead of making personal attacks on staff, why did you not address the facts mentioned in the article?

If you have a problem with the good people at Sacred Heart Parish I suggest you take it up with them.

Regarding liquor licenses in the area: You have mentioned a number of liquor establishments serving liquor in close proximity to three schools. My investigation with liquor industry professionals indicate that these establishments have grandfather rights, having been established well before the current laws came into effect.

Furthermore, this situation speaks to the fact on how difficult it is to retract a liquor license after it has been issued. This argument has been brought up by LAS VILLAS opponents in countering Councilman Ed Reyes statement that he would take away the LAS VILLAS license after a period of three years if they are not compliant.

What guarantee does this community have that (1) Councilman Reyes has the authority to try to take away an ABC License issued by the State of California . (2) Even if he does, would he still be a Councilman in three years?

The debate over this issue is indeed very important; I agree 100% that's why THE VOICE decided to write about it. What is happening with this project is setting precedence on LA City ordinances.

Why should this private development get all of these waivers and favors from City Officials and the State ABC (Alcohol Licenses) to get permission to ignore ordinances that are in place for public safety reasons?

Contrary to your comments on how our Newspaper did itself and the community stakeholders a disservice! As the only local newspaper, we covered and brought this important issue to the forefront where it needed to be discussed, Not behind closed doors for the politicos to push it through without community input!

I'm sure to your surprise that I admit I truly love this project! I think it is innovative and needed in our community. Ms. Corona referred to having consultants that built attractions for Disneyland in assisting her in the planning and development of this project. As a former Disney IMAGINEER myself, I can point out that each project is developed up to a certain planning stage, then at the point of implementation these projects are often modified and changed to fit the financial requirements of the capital investors and their return on investment goals among other reasons. As an entrepreneur I can also point out, it is common practice in Business!

I would like to remind you that one of your roles as a member of the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council is to represent the community and voice their concerns, ensure that the community you represent is well informed of issues that impact their lives.

We wrote this article not to inflame or destroy, but to motivate and empower dialog, which I feel we have accomplished here!

Your thoughts........