Happy Mother's Day from the 2013 Campaign Trail

Mother's Day Greetings from the Family of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich

 Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti celebrates "Mexican Mother's Day" at San Antonio Winery in Lincoln Heights.

 Mayoral Candidate Wendy Greuel celebrates "Mexican Mother's Day" at the Boyle Heights Senior Center.

Happy Mother's Day to all, especially those high propensity voting moms.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Latest Survey USA Mayoral Poll has Garcetti and Greuel tied at 46%. Nuch is charging on Feuer. Zine leads big

The latest Survey USA, ABC 7 Poll bids well for the Election Day momentum of Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and City Attorney Candidate Dennis Zine,

 On the eve of the ABC 7 televised debate this evening at Cal State University LA, ABC's polling partner of choice Survey USA, has both Eric Garcetti and Wendy "The SEIU, PPL, UFLAC, Mayor Villar, DWP and Boss D'Arcy's Greuel", tied at 46%. For Garcetti, this is a three point pickup from the last poll two weeks ago. Some excerpts from the latest poll ............ 

46% Garcetti, 46% Greuel, SurveyUSA finds in its latest KABC-TV pre-election tracking poll on the race for Mayor of Los Angeles. The sea-saw contest had Garcetti leading by 9 points 1 month ago, and Greuel leading by 3 points 2 weeks ago. But today, 05/10/13, the candidates are exactly even, with 8% of likely voters still undecided.Greuel and Garcetti are within 2 points of each other in every age group. Men tip slightly to Garcetti. Women tip slightly to Greuel. Whites and Latinos slightly favor Garcetti. African Americans by 2:1, and Asian Americans ever-so-slightly, favor Greuel. Garcetti leads among Republicans. Greuel leads among Democrats and Independents. Wealthier and well-educated voters favor Garcetti. Less affluent and less educated voters favor Greuel.

Thought to ponder is despite $3 Million plus in spending since March 7, Greuel can do better than even in recent polls.

 The big story in the latest Survey USA Poll, is the continuing upward charge by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich as his quest for political redemption gains high-octane momentum. From as high as 18% behind, the latest poll has Nuch trailing 46-40%. This excerpt clearly shows Nuch's growing momentum.

In the contest for City Attorney, incumbent Carmen Trutanich appears to have made inroads against challenger Mike Feuer. Feuer had led by 18 points in March, then led by 12, then led by 10, and today leads by just 6 points. Trutanich is making up ground among conservatives and among younger voters (..... and don't count out Latino support for Nuch). 

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

As the most recent mayoral poll shows a virtual tie between Eric Garcetti and Wendy "The SEIU, Villar, PPL, DWP and Boss D"Arcy's Greuel ", in addition to vicious attack ads and unethical accusations in CD 1,9 and 13. Brace yourself for a final 10 day blitz of attacks and counter attacks, as we near May 21. 

Nothing like a little campaign carpet bombing before Election Day.

Great TGIF as we take this moment to venture out of zee bloggin bunker to bring you the latest on the mounting attacks and counter attacks, with 10 days remaining in the 2013 City of Los Angeles Election Season (** not including the CD 6 Special Sister Election).

** The big story (or not) is how the "Private Citizen/ Wendy "The SEIU, PPL, Villar, IBEW, DWP and Boss D'Arcy's Greuel for Mayor Campaign" Consultant John Shallman's $3,151,647 dollars and 90 cents in campaign expenditures since the March 7 Election Day, has merely paid for a tie in the most recent mayoral poll. But as the LA Times points out in this latter part of the morning (and what should prompt painful, political flashbacks for the likes of Richard Polanco, Bernard Parks, Chris Essel and a current City Attorney), the campaign coffers have been spent bare, typical behavior for a "Private Citizen/ Political Consultant" John Shallman campaign production.

** Liar, liar, Mike Feuer's City Attorney Campaign Plans are on fire! We bring you the latest on the embellishing proclivities of a termed out Westside Politico and his tax-dodging "Private Citizen/ Political Consultant" John Shallman, as their attempt to "LIE, CHEAT and STEAL a City Attorney Election, makes a Friday stop in a Downtown LA Courtroom. From the Trutanich for City Attorney Campaign.

Mike Feuer admitted embellishing/ lying about what?

Just when you thought you’d had heard the last about Mike Feuer’s ethics scandal, Mike Feuer gives the story new legs by admitting, in writing, that he broke the city’s campaign finance law. But Feuer only made that admission after he tricked the city into giving him another $350,000 of our tax money  to fund his campaign.

Some bachground on Feuer/ Shallman's scheme .........

Here’s the latest in this sad saga of Mike Feuer’s ethics scandal: During the primary election, Feuer promised the city he would not spend more than $1,259,000 (the so-called spending cap) on his campaign (Holding a Shallman Consulted Campaign to a spending cap, is like rationing Mayor Villar's access to "Telebimbos"). On April 11, Mike Feuer signed a document saying he spent $1,267,155 – or about $8,000 more than the spending cap. So, Feuer broke the law.
Now here’s the really sleazy part: On April 2 and April 4, Feuer obtained an additional $350,000 in city subsidies for his campaign from the city. On April 11, after obtaining the money, Feuer informed the city – under pain of committing perjury – that his funding exceeded the cap and that he broke the law.
It stands to reason that if Feuer had informed the city Ethics Commission that he violated the law before asking for the $350,000 the commission would not have released the money to him. The law is clear: you break the spending cap, you don’t get the city money. The city does NOT reward law-breakers. At least that’s the way it's supposed to work.
When Mike Feuer saw this problem (how could he acknowledge violating the cap and still get the $350,000?), he resolved it this way: he’d get the money first – then he’d acknowledge violating the law. And that’s exactly what he did.

What are the possible legal remedies?

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

From the Exclusive Encino Headquarters of West Coast Public Affairs/ John Shallman Communications (same, but separate for tax reasons), we bring you the latest Wendy "IBEW Boss D'Arcy's Greuel" for Mayor Campaign 30 second TV Ad  

From John Shallman: Stand by for more outings of Waste, Fraud and Abuse. Plus, testimonials from "D'Arcy Greuel's high profile supporters .......... , hit play.. 

Hmmm, where is the content? With less than two weeks before Election Day, you have no new ad content to air on TV? Maybe this from the LA Times can provide the reason why .........

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel's campaign organization has suspended her TV advertising two weeks before the election, a move that reflects her continuing struggle to raise enough money to compete head-to-head on the airwaves with her rival, Eric Garcetti.
Greuel’s cancellation of ad time reserved for Tuesday and Wednesday does not entirely remove her presence from local TV stations. Working Californians to Elect Wendy Greuel, an independent committee controlled by leaders of a union for Department of Water and Power workers, is still running a spot showing former President Bill Clinton talking up her candidacy.
But the cancellation, confirmed by multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, reflects the challenges that Greuel faces in the run-up to the May 21 election as a consequence of raising less money than Garcetti, but spending at a faster pace. 

...... and who is the lead consultant for the "D'Arcy Greuel for Mayor Campaign"? Maybe Chris Essel can answer that question.

** We want to wish Ron Kaye a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY + 1 and how did the former Editor of the "Daily Valley Green Sheet of Record" celebrate another year of outing "Political Waste, Frauds and Abusers of the Public Trust"? He endorsed the "only choice for Mayor Eric Garcetti. An excerpt below.

Wendy Greuel is a decent woman; a feather dancer of sorts who always makes sure every part of her being is well-concealed. In a phrase, she is a butt-coverer who never takes a risk and so the rich and powerful and smart and caring – I mean those singular individuals of such great important who are at once richpowerfulsmartcaring and any other virtues applicable to the elite – know with certainty Wendy will do what she is told.Eric Garcetti is not like that.

...... and how will Michael "MEAT" Trujillo spin this?

** Speaking of "MEAT", his ceaseless spin on behalf of the "Boss D'Arcy Greuel for Mayor Campaign", reinforces the reality that the cronies of Mayor Antonio Villar, are one with the anointed third term incarnation of their failed political machine. "MEAT" manage to spin his way into Hillel Aron's post for the LA School Report Blog on yesterday's Mayoral Debate on Education, regarding a $60,000 donation to a Garcetti Super PAC by the American Federation of Teachers.

“I think the AFT is sending a loud and clear message that the status quo — ensuring that the worst teachers are impacting students — is still the law of the land,” said political consultant Michael Trujillo, a strong (though unpaid) supporter of Garcetti’s opponent, Wendy Greuel. “And they’re gonna hold Eric Garcetti’s feet to the fire.”

...... and LAUSD School Board President Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" Garcia is a monolith of ethics as she accepts contributions from Academia Semillas del Pueblo, who have not comply with a District Office of Inspector General request for an audit.

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

The Los Angeles Business Journal endorses Eric Garcetti for Mayor

The Los Angeles Business Journal endorses Eric Garcetti for Mayor, prompting a certain former Mayor Sam Blogger to go over into a bloggin, deep spin spiral of denial.

Eric Garcetti's political tune while not perfect, is garnering more endorsements.

** Blogger's note: We want to thank the male member of the soon to be "Dialogs with Kevin (James) and Jan (Perry) Talk Radio Duo" (debuting maybe tomorrow or Wednesday on KABC 790 AM at 9 A.M.), for forwarding us a copy of the Los Angeles Business Journal Endorsement of Eric Garcetti for Mayor. We will cut and paste the editorial in whole below. Meanwhile one of our former bloggin colleagues Michael "MEAT/ Chief Parker" Trujillo is seeing some wierd political images these days, based upon his comments regarding the LABJ endorsement of Garcetti. From "MEAT's Facebook Page ..........

Michael Trujillo3 hours ago near Los Angeles

Eric Garcetti was endorsed by the Los Angeles Business Journal, hurray! Until you read their endorsement: "We call on the next mayor to stop, and perhaps even reverse, the city’s union activism that has so marked recent years."
So now it is all making sense, while Wal-Mart and Big Oil are supporting one of Eric Garcetti's IE, the other one has a lot of "polluters" supporting Eric Garcetti now. #isthisprogress?

All we can say to the above rant is "Que?" But we can understand if "MEAT", at this late campaign moment, is starting now to suffer bouts of denial over the looming defeat of Mayor Antonio's "Villar Greuel" But rest assure MEAT, there is always Hillary in 2016, but then some State Department Whistleblowers may put a end to that pipe dream come Wednesday----Scott Johnson.

As MEAT cringes in denial, you can read the LABJ Endorsement of Eric Garcetti below.

Garcetti for Mayor

By Charles Crumpley Monday, May 6, 2013

The two candidates for mayor of Los Angeles are much alike. Both Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel are lifelong Angelenos. Both are liberal Democrats. Both have more than 10 years’ experience at City Hall.

But there’s one issue that separates them. And it’s a crucial one for the business community. That’s the backing of labor unions.

Greuel has such enormous financial support from unions that it is unsettling. For example, an insightful analysis in the Los Angeles Times a week ago showed that of all so-called super-PAC donations made to both candidates, close to 60 percent was from organized labor and was given to support Greuel.

The whopping mismatch does more than make a bad impression: It creates the expectation that Greuel would not – could not – act as an effective brake on the runaway power of unions in Los Angeles.

It’s a pity. Greuel is knowledgeable and articulate, and our sense is that she’d be a good and effective spokeswoman for the city. But by so openly seeking help and money from unions, she’s made it difficult for us to support her.

To be clear, the Business Journal is not anti-union. Labor unions serve an important and necessary role. In past decades, they got decent working conditions and wages for aggrieved workers, and today unions serve as an effective deterrent to any rapacious impulses of employers. At their best, unions act as a counterweight to maintain a wary balance between employers and employees. America needs sturdy unions.

Our concern is that the pendulum of power has swung alarmingly in labor’s favor in Los Angeles and throughout most of California. Public-sector unions with their featherbedded jobs, relatively high wages, early retirements and lavish pensions have bankrupted a few cities in the state and are a big contributor to the financial distress of Los Angeles. Instead of making difficult but necessary fiduciary choices, the city’s political “leaders” seem perfectly happy to shovel more of the taxpayers’ dollars to unions to pay them off and to keep their contributions flowing back to City Hall. ** Read the rest after the jump.

Read more »

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The latest Eric Garcetti for Mayor T.V. Ad takes the truth to the DWP Mayoral Candidate Wendy "Boss D'Arcy's Greuel"

Hard to believe (or not) that City Controller Wendy "Boss D'Arcy's Greuel" could not find and waste at the DWP. 

As the drought-laden aquifers get a recharge of rainfall this Monday, the Eric Garcetti for Mayor Campaign is amping up the voltage of the 2013 Mayoral Campaign with this hard hitting ad against the DWP Mayoral Candidate Wendy "Boss D'Arcy's Greuel". 

After weeks of IBEW's Working Californians IE TV Ads for Wendy Greuel dominating the local airways, the Garcetti Campaign launches this timely retort that is already resonating with local voters.

** The Downtown News, faced with its first choice for mayor Jan Perry not making the Runoff, has endorsed Eric Garcetti. From the Downtown News endorsement of Garcetti.

We think Garcetti is the most likely candidate to take advantage of what the city has to offer, and we expect he will balance his even-keeled nature with an appropriate scale of vision. The tenure of Villaraigosa demonstrated what can happen when a cocktail of massive vision and unbounded personal ambition exceed a leader’s focus and abilities. Garcetti doesn’t dream as big as Villaraigosa (nor does Greuel), and that’s probably a good thing. Garcetti’s vision is more focused and practical that the current mayor’s. We like his recognition of the need to seize on technology in the next four years — hiring a city technology czar is a wise move. His Great Streets program, an effort to improve 20 key corridors, is another good start. We expect more big ideas will develop and that they will complement the focus on nuts and bolts work.

The Villar Greuel's dreams are more like channeling episodes via Mayor Villar and IBEW's Boss D'Arcy.
** Its time to check back in with our John Choi Parody Twitter Page.

We understand that the campaign rhetoric between Martin Ludlow's former errant boy and CD 13 Challenger Mitch O'Farrell is reaching the boiling point. Thus, we thought that this would be a great time to get some thoughts on the current campaign antics from the Ludlow Choi'a alter ego.

Choi on Emile Mack endorsement .....

John Choi CD13 ‏@JohnChoiCD132 MayIn case you missed it, former candidate @EmileMackLA has endorsed my candidacy. He brings all 27 of his votes my way :( #BFD #CD13 #LAGov

Choi on his Martin Ludlow connections ......

 John Choi CD13 ‏@JohnChoiCD132 MayWhy don't I mention that I worked for Martin Ludlow? Because NO ONE REMEMBERS WHO THE F%$& HE IS! http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2013/05/

john_choi_martin_ludlow_council_district_13.php … #CD13 #LAGov

Choi on Gil Cedillo's endorsement ......

John Choi CD13 ‏@JohnChoiCD133 MayI've joined forces w/ #CD1 candidate @gilcedillo! http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-choi-and-cedillo-join-forces--20130502,0,443706.story … Cuz even a CD1 candidate knows more about #CD13 than I do! #LAGov 

As a bloggin disclaimer, The John Choi Carpetbagging Campaign for CD 13 partly brought to you by the LA County Federation of Labor, with a little help from none other than Michael "MEAT" Trujillo

03/08/13

Mike Trujillo   (Consultant, Mike Trujillo) Los Angeles, CA 90017

John Choi  Council Member - District 13 1356058 - John Choi for City Council 2013 - General

A - Monetary Contribution Received  (IND - Individual)  [Period: 01/01/13 to 04/06/13]

$700.00 [Election: 05/21/13]

...... and that is no joke.

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

Garcettimania surges to 50-40% Lead over The Villar Greuel in LA Times Poll

As a new LA Times Poll shows Eric Garcetti leading 50-40% over Wendy "The Villar Greuel" in the 2013 Mayoral Campaign. "Garcettimania" made an appearance at a standing room only "Meet and Greet" in Sunland-Tujunga.

 Front runner Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti addresses a standing room only crowd at Sunland-Tujunga "Meet and Greet Event" at Joselito's Mexican Restaurant.

 Former Mayoral Candidate Kevin James and former Assemblyman Anthony Portatino pose for photo. ** Portatino was glad to meet "Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto's favorite blogger in person. 

 Garcetti chatting it up with voting constituent,

One of many photos taken with eager supporters.

Its imperative to continue on outreach to until the last second on Election Day.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

Outtakes from CD 14 Special Report: "Garcettimania" hits Boyle Heights!

Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti draws big crowd at Boyle Heights Shakeys for Campaign Event near CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's (and "Embraced Villar Greuel" supporter) home.

 Congrats in order for the "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate", for securing home turf for his supporter's challenger Eric Garcetti. 

The Official City Vehicle of "Outtake from CD 14" which can go "from zero to out of neighborhood for Garcettimania at Shakeys". 

CLARTS Fund Balance of $825,810.26

** Outtakes Disclaimer: All officials, employees, patrons of Boyle Heights Connected Community Base Organizations, along with their immediate families, including second, third, fourth and fifth cousins, risk disinvestment from any future CLARTS Fund based expenditures and an automatic "-3 designation" on "CD 14 Loyalty and Influence Lists", for attending Garcettimania in Boyle Heights. Further, any identified CD 14 voter, as seen in the photos from "Garcettimania in Boyle Heights" risk the same designation and future bans from Turkey Giveaways, Toy Giveaways and forfeiture of play time at Huizzy's Winter Wonderland events---Office of CD 14.  

Blogger's note: Kudos to Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti and team, for redefining what it means to "go in deep into a political opponant supporter's hood". Judging from photos via the Eric Garcetti for Mayor Facebook Page and from verbal testimony from people on hand, yesterday's Garcettimania in Boyle Heights Campaign Event (mere hundreds of yards from Councilman Huizar's home) was a huge success. With CASA 0101 Founder Josefina Lopez acting as the Master of Ceremony, Garcetti supporters packed the Shakeys, making phone calls, and picking up precinct walking packs, to get out the votes. Meanwhile, the Councilman Huizar supported Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel" was seen at the One Hundred Birthday of Hollenbeck Middle School event.In summery, yesterday's event, along with the vote tally from March that saw Garcetti win all fifteen precincts, should cause the "Embraced Villar Greuel Campaign" to ponder why its paying noted Councilman Huizar shill Mago Amador this salary?---Scott Johnson. ** Photos of "Garcettimania in Boyle Heights" below and after the jump.

01/01/13*

Margarita M. Amador   Los Angeles, CA 90063

Wendy Greuel  Mayor 1356050 - Wendy Greuel for Mayor 2013 - General

E - Payment  (SAL - Salary)  [Period: 01/01/13 to 04/06/13]

$1,548.68 [Election: 05/21/13]

  Mago Amador (right) and her Del Pozo friends, can't bring home the vote for the "Embraced Villar Greuel".

"GARCETTIMANIA IN BOYLE HEIGHTS PHOTOS"

CASA 0101's Josefina Lopez presents Eric Garcetti with "I Heart Boyle Heights" T-Shirt.

Read more »

The Villar Greuel trails by 9% in ABC Poll

Despite endorsements from Bill Clinton, Sen. Barbara Boxer, Magic Johnson, Richard Riordan, millions of IE Money from Boss D'Arcy's IBEW and THE EMBRACE BY MAYOR ANTONIO VILLAR, the "Embraced Villar Greuel" trails Eric Garcetti 49-40% in latest ABC 7 Mayoral Poll.

 As the Runoff Election Day nears, the "Embraced Villar Greuel", awaits the next choreographed instruction from the boss of the political machine, that seeks to make her, their third term incarnation. 

Your poll numbers can only go higher with this kind of mayoral support.

How quick polling perception can change to surveyed reality, is on full display today as the Eric Garcetti and the Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel" Campaigns respond to new ABC 7 Poll that shows Garcetti leading the "Embraced Villar Greuel" 49-40%. 

The recent polling perception, as noted in two "questionable polls" had the contest near a statistical dead heat, but both of those polls had ties to organizations in support of the "Embraced Villar Greuel". The ABC 7 Poll did not and the numbers are telling.

Yesterday's poll was released after last night first runoff debate. As LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus reports,  the topic of Education, took a back seat as the supposed Powerful Performance by the "Embraced Villar Greuel" (in "Private Citizen/ Campaign Consultant John Shallman's words), fizzled on a majority of the debate attendees. From the "Weekly of Record".

Most of the audience members who spoke with the Weekly afterward gave the nod to Garcetti, especially on style.
"I think his style is mayoral," said Fran Spitzer, of Encino, who said she voted for Greuel in the primary but is now leaning to Garcetti. "He seems like an honest kind of guy. After (Mayor Antonio) Villaraigosa, we really need a change."
Matt Rutta, also of Encino, said he will be voting for Garcetti because he seemed the more practical of the two.
"He was a lot more definitive. He said what he would do about it," Rutta said. "She said what she wanted to happen, but she didn't say how it would happen."

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

While the Wendy "The Villar Greuel" Campaign denigrates itself with cheap campaign stunts, Eric Garcetti gathers with former challengers, turned supporters. Plus, Garcetti gets the endorsement of the nation's largest Latino-owned newspaper chain, the Eastern Group Publications.

Former challengers Kevin James, Emanuel Pleitez and Jan Perry join Eric Garcetti yesterday in Hollywood.

As Eric Garcetti and Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel" prepare for tonight's first mayoral runoff debate, both campaign took divergent campaign paths yesterday, in the wake of Mayor Antonio Villar's last "State of a Fail Reign as Mayor Address".

The "Embraced Villar Greuel Campaign", on cue from Mayor Villar's "lack of education dialog" remarks, lower themselves with a cheap campaign stunt, that drew the ire of a Camino Nuevo Charter School Official, who documented Eric Garcetti's positive ties to the campus.

The school’s chief executive said she didn’t object but was disappointed when she later learned that Greuel had used the visit to attack Garcetti as a politician who would not be independent from the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), the union supporting his bid for mayor.
“Camino Nuevo should not be used for any negative campaigning,” Ponce said. “We worked really hard to get where we are, in partnership with a number of elected officials. It was disappointing to have Camino Nuevo used as a backdrop for negative campaigning.”
Ponce said that a $700,000 federal Community Development Block Grant — delivered after a council motion by Garcetti — was critical in the construction of the soccer field. 
After opening in October 2010, she said, the field “really revived the community and brought together a whole bunch of stakeholder groups and constituents.”
Ponce said that she and other school officials are not officially supporting anyone in the mayor’s race.

Meanwhile, Garcetti was gathering in Hollywood, with his former campaign challengers, who have now all endorsed his campaign.Further, the Latino-owned Easter Group Publications re-endorsed Eric Garcetti for Mayor, we post some excerpts below.

Every city official has backed bad choices that have had deep and painful consequences for Los Angeles. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledged his bad decisions Tuesday during his last State of the City Address as mayor.A true leader is one who will own up to the mistakes, learn from them, and has the courage to go back and try to make things right, if not at least better.Asking your employees to make larger contributions toward some of their benefits is not a pleasant thing to do, but as president of the city council, Eric Garcetti asked the city’s police and fire employees to do just that, and they did. We know he did not do it alone, or maybe always as quickly or willingly as some would have liked. As council president there were many things he could have done to skirt the issues, but he recognized that we are all in this together and set an example for the rest of the city’s employees to follow.We are impressed that in the run up to the May 21 election, Eric Garcetti has for the most part remained unflappable and less strident than his opponent, a characteristic we believe will bode well for the city of Los Angeles.  

FYI, you can watch tonight's debate, starting at 7 P.M. on ABC 7.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Buying flowers for LAUSD School  Board President Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" Garcia, is not enough to keep the founders of the West San Fernando Valley's Ivy Academia Charter School, from being found guilty of "illegally taking or misappropriating" $200,000 in public school funds.

The powers of air brushing and photo shop, cannot cover up out-going LAUSD School Board President Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" Garcia's enabling support of controversial Charter Schools. 

Great blustery Monday to all as the cold winds blow.

While we doubt that even this wind event would be strong enough to blow out-going LAUSD School Board President Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" off into the Mayor Antonio Villar failed education wastelands. The recent guilty verdicts in the fiscal misappropriation case against the founders of the Ivy Academia Charter School, may begin a needed extensive investigations of Mayor Villar/ School Board President Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" Garcia linked Charter Schools allies.

If there is any Mayor Villar/ School Board President Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" Garcia's Charter School supporter that merits immediate scrutiny, then you need to look no further than at the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School and its husband and wife duo of Marcos Aguilar and Minnie Ferguson.

While the recently convicted founders of the Ivy Academia "emphasized the teaching of entrepreneurial skills", the collectivist-rooted dogma teachings of Academia Semillas, gave more than just flowers to "Gorda Boo Boo".

Maybe this is why the "Gordo Boo Boo - fearing" LAUSD Inspector General was more willing to investigate the Ivy Academia than the campaign donors to "Gorda Boo Boo"? After all, campaign contributions have a longer political protection shelf life than a dozen roses.

** We have unity in the community! At least for the moment within the LA City Council African-American Delegation as City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson, joined with Councilpersons Jan Perry and Bernard Parks, in endorsing their colleague Eric Garcetti for Mayor. We sense that "Mini Amin" is acting in self-preservation in crossing the Mayor Villar Machine.

** We are awaiting comment from "CD 2 Sock Puppet Constituent Tracy" regarding Daily News Rick Orlov's "Tipoff Column" which highlights another City Councilman Paul Krekorian staffer supposed run for state office.

** . The "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" notes that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is running behind in endorsements to challenger Mike Feuer. But if you believe Feuer's undercharging "Private Citizen/ Campaign Consultant" John Shallman, the 'hundreds of Bet Tzedek attorneys" should give Feuer a major endorsement mark up. 

** This just in, Congresswoman Maxine Waters has announced her endorsement of the "Villar Greuel". Amazing how many ethically-challenged "Politico Wastes, Frauds and Abusers" of the public trust, are down with Wendy "The Villar Greuel".

** Lastly, we express our sadness in the lost of two great women, Maggie Thatcher and Annette Funicello.
Your thoughts ..................
Scott Johnson in CD 14  

A TGIF Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine

What a better way to bring you a slow political news (and bad Obama Economy News) Friday than through the power of correlating YouTube videos. We offer no apologies if our political humor does not meet with the politically correct (and speech restricting standards) of the Associated Press Style Book and our local politically-conformist, elitist community. 

Don't ask, and we won't tell you why this Village People classic was our video choice companion to today's "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" (aka future "LA Koch Times" hopefully) feature missive, on Mayoral Candidate, City Councilman Eric Garcetti's resume enhancer side work as a US Navy reservist. With Garcetti's Progressive base coalescing, this was the apt time to trot out Garcetti's alter militaristic ego. Lets just hope that Navy Reservist Lt. Garcetti's intel duties, do not include the use of drones. Thus, not upsetting the ACLU types before Election Day.  

Lets give credit to "Private Citizen/ Mayoral Candidate City Controller Wendy "The Villar Greuel Campaign Consultant" John Shallman, who knows how to select thee most strident feminist politicos, for a campaign photo op in support of his client. The only prop missing from this photo op was a feminist version of the jelly bean jar, loaded to the brim, with "morning after pills" for all. But whether Angelino women will roar at the polling place in support of a first "Sister Mayor" , could be predicated on the thought of selecting a third-term enabler of a failed "Misogynist Tonto Politico", who Latinas especially, may have reservations supporting. (** Memo to LA Times, a "Noel Weiss" may want a copy of your companion photo to the story, with Congresswoman Janice Hahn on the left.)   

Lets channel back in time, into the great comedic genius mind set, of the late, great Redd Foxx. Thus, pondering what it would be like to endure a weekly written rant on South LA politics (with an African American flavor), from your Aunt Esther Journalist Equivalent Betty Pleasant. A sample from "Aunt Betty's" latest Soulvine missive.

TIT FOR TAT, AND THEN SOME — County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas — who is universally referred to in the community as “the only one we have,” (... or SEIU's Tyrone Freeman's "the only politico I bought with excessive dues money") wholeheartedly endorsed Wendy Greuel last week, thus nullifying the nods of the city’s two Black city council members who announced their support for Eric Garcetti. In addition, longtime Los Angeles Valley representatives Rep. Brad Sherman and former Rep. Howard Berman endorsed Greuel’s campaign for mayor Wednesday, blunting whatever effect Republican mayoral loser Kevin James’endorsement of Garetti is expected to have on Valley voters.

We wonder what President Obama would rate "Aunt Betty's" political and exterior attributes?

Finally, on a happy note, we dedicate the above video to newly engaged political consultant Brian Van Riper, who has found time to set up an IE PAC in support of Mayor Candidate Eric Garcetti. In Van Riper's own words via the LA Weekly.

The committee is being organized by Brian Van Riper, the consultant who ran Joe Buscaino's San Pedro-area City Council campaign. So far the committee appears to draw from Buscaino's donor base.
"We're just big Eric Garcetti fans doing whatever we can to support him," Van Riper said.
Van Riper said the committee has modest fundraising goals. By midweek, it had reported raising $95,000. Another independent group, Lots of People Who Support Eric Garcetti for Mayor, began raising money in February. That group has reported raising $533,000 to date.

Maybe, our friend Brian should also set up a "Wedding Pay Pal Account"? (and best wishes on your coming wedding).

Your thoughts and great weekend to all.
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Kevin James endorses Eric Garcetti for Mayor.

Kevin James makes the right choice in endorsing Eric Garcetti over Wendy "The Villar Greuel".

Happy Tuesday to everyone as we return from a blessed Easter and Blue Heaven Opening Day Getaway.

Before departing last Friday, we received an email from third place mayoral candidate Kevin James, seeking advise on his then pending choice for endorsement in the 2013 Mayoral Runoff. 

Simple political logic would dictate that you not endorse the main target of your campaign, the Villar Greuel and that is what exactly Kevin James did today by supporting Eric Garcetti.                                                   

With the endorsement of James, the Garcetti Campaign has garnered the support of all the three major candidates who did not make the runoff (Emanuel Pleitez and Jan Perry). Their vote total of nearly 38%, combine with Garcetti's 32%, gives the out-going CD 13 City Councilman a super majority base of voters that can help him in May.

Yet, its up to Garcetti to close the deal and there is plenty time for the Villar Greuel Camp to create campaign mischief, something that "Private Citizen/ Villar Greuel Campaign Consultant" John Shallman, knows quite well to orchestrate. 

** Here is a political math reality question for City Attorney Candidate Mike Feuer and his "Private Citizen/Campaign Consultant John Shallman, how can Shallman charge the likes of Gil Cedillo and Mike Bonin $200,000 + for their respective campaigns in 1/15 of the area as compare to a city-wide campaign?

Maybe this had to do with Shallman allegedly underbilling the Feuer Campaign, in seeking more public matching funds?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14                                                                     

TGIF Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine

 Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson's electronic dispatches on the 2012 Redistricting Scandal, now the subject of California Public Records Act requests, as the duo Redistricting Lawsuits become one.

What back room dealings will "Mini Amin's" emails disclose?

Great TGIF to all as we near Spring Break and the various religious observances for this time of year.

At 200 Spring Street, another observance of a political persuasion will garner attention in the next coming weeks thanks to noted Civil Rights Attorney Leo Terrell. In an audacious legal maneuver, Terrell has blanketed City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herb “Mini Amin” Wesson and his fellow travelers on the Horseshoe with California Public Records Act requests for emails dealing with the 2012 Redistricting Scandal.

What backroom dealings are exposed are now only speculation, but the racial component is all too evident in the CD 9 Contest where the issue of race is being broached by both, the Ana Cubas and Curren Price Campaigns, respectively.

One can refer back to the infamous City Clowncil vote on the final Redistricting recommendations, to view CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar reading out the new racial percentages of the redrawn districts, especially CD 8, 9 and 10, thus, giving an early heads up on what is now transpiring in the battle to replace Jan Perry.

In the alleged words of Ana Cubas, “our (latinos y latinas) time is now”, or maybe not, for another four years if political justice wins out.

** City Attorney Carmen Trutanich scored a big time endorsement yesterday in his bid for political rehabilitation and a quest for another four years as the City of LA’s Top Barrister.
LA County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina gave her endorsement blessings to Nuch which will bid well in the Latino Community. In addition, Nuch used the power of incumbency to garner positive media attention pertaining to the blight of illegal, digital billboards.

** As I read this morning in the “Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street”, both Mayoral Candidates Eric Garcetti and Wendy “The Villar Greuel”, have achieve flip-flopping their perceived political persona's. Garcetti is now the preferred choice of Business. The Villar Greuel the tool of Labor (or D‘Arcy‘s girl).

** With Tim LIEweke’s excommunication from the AEG LA LIVE City-State, the potential seed money to re-invent the concrete parkland of Pershing Square is on life supports pending a final resolution to the Farmers Field pipe dream. Yet, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar in his tired but still laughable standard retort stated “obviously there is no money now, but where there’s is a will, there’s a way” (….. and there’s a CLARTS Fund).

** Finally, if we make the nearly fatal fiscal mistake of selecting City Controller Wendy “The Villar Greuel” as the third term incarnation of the failed Mayor Antonio Villar Political Machine, Ron Kaye gives us a glimpse of the various channeling masters that will control the actions of the “Villar Greuel”.

Your thoughts ………………
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

California Governor Jerry "Moonbeam II" Brown endorses Gil Cedillo for CD 1

Then Assemblyman Gil Cedillo and California Governor "Moonbeam II" celebrate signing of California Dream Act. 

From California Governor Wannabee and Failed Mayor Tony Villar to the second incarnation of "Governor Moonbeam II, the Gil Cedillo for City Council Campaign continues to pick up momentum leading up to Election Day, with its latest endorsement from the current Governor. From KPCC.

“Gil Cedillo is a proven local leader who knows how to bring people together to get things done,” Brown said in a statement from the campaign.“We need Gil Cedillo’s leadership, strength and passion on the Los Angeles City Council in order to create jobs, increase neighborhood safety, and expand after-school programs that keep our kids safe.”The nod from the governor is Cedillo’s second high-profile endorsement in the past week. L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa backed Cedillo in a City Hall news conference last Friday.

Whats next? A Mayor Sam Endorsement? ** Morning Update: Challenger Jose Gardea gets  LA Times Endorsement. 

** As a bloggin public service, we link you to Jack Humphreville's Dozen Reasons to vote no on the City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson's "Half Cent Sale Tax, Prop A". Polls are showing that the City Clowncil will have to get create in dealing with the project revenue shortfall ....., again.

** Meanwhile, Garcia, Garza and the rest of the LANG Group Editorial Board, rebound from their "Sister Villar Greuel Endorsement Debacle", with a firm "No on Prop A" indictment.

** We want to extend sincere Tenth Anniversary wishes to Deputy DA Patrick "Patterico" Frey for his bloggin "Patterico Pontifications Blog". His now semi-regular "Dog Trainer " posts regarding the agenda journalism bias at the LA Times, are and will, continue be the inspiration of our "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" musings.

** Surprise, surprise from our friends at the Los Cerritos News via Randy Economy.

Los Angeles City Controller and Mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel has once again refused to comply with a public records request submitted by Los Cerritos Community Newspaper, it was reported on Tuesday.The requests were made back on January 22 and 23, 2013, from LCCN Publisher/Owner Brian Hews under the California Public Records Act (PRA).In the request, LCCN sought all emails and written correspondence between Greuel and Brian D’Arcy, Head of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #17, political consultant John Shallman, owner of Shallman Communications and consultant to Greuel’s Mayoral campaign, and Greuel for Mayor Campaign Manager Rose Kapolczynski.. 

Why am I having a bloggin Deja Vu Moment?

**From the Eric Garcetti Campaign, we bring you this exercise in "Deserving Immigrant Pandering".

GARCETTI TO HOLD IMMIGRATION REFORM PRESS CONFERENCE
Council to Vote Tomorrow on Garcetti Immigrant-Focused Legislation
LOS ANGELES -- Councilmember Eric Garcetti will lead a pressconference at City Hall on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to lay out his locallegislative agenda to move Los Angeles immigrant residents to thefront of the line when it comes to citizenship and fully participatingin L.A. civic life, which would benefit the entire city and oureconomy.
Garcetti authored legislation to reestablish the city's Office ofImmigrant Affairs and to make it home to the nation's first initiativefocused on helping local immigrants through the new legal resident andcitizenship program announced by President Obama.
"Immigration reform is coming, but any federal program can be dauntingto navigate, particularly for immigrants," Garceti said. "This officewill help L.A. immigrants cut through the red tape so they are at thefront of the line when it comes to President Obama's new pathway tocitizenship. Helping deserving immigrants earn legal status will buildstronger L.A. communities and a stronger L.A. economy."

We hope these topics are deserving of your attention.

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