HOT Monday Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine

While the Port of Los Angeles-representing Politicos flock to welcome the largest Container Ship ever to berth at the Harbor, the facts are that the twin Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are still in recovery mode after recent work actions.

Photos via David Roberts.

** You can't blame the likes of Mayor Eric Garcetti, CD 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino and Congresswoman Janice Hahn for flocking dockside at the Port of Los Angeles to welcome the largest Container Ship ever to berth at the Nation's busiest Harbor. The French-based Shipping Company CMA CGM's newest Container Ship "Benjamin Franklin", is a behemoth with its 1,300 ft. length and 180 ft. cross section, that enables a capacity of 18,000 "TEUs" (one TEU equates to a 20 ft shipping container). 

While the berthing of the Benjamin Franklin is hopefully the first of many Ports of Call for the growing fleet of mega Container Ships being built by the world's largest shipping firms, recent train counts via the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, show that since the end of the most recent Labor Job Action in late 2014/early 2015. the amount of daily train traffic is down from 47 (2014) to 39 (2015) per day.

In recent years, both the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have invested Billions of Dollars in upgrading their respective waterfront infrastructures, to accommodate for the arrival of the newest generation of mega Container Ships, by dredging shipping channels and building dockside rail-loading facilities (while secretly rolling-back, promised pollution-cutting requirements) .

Yet unlike ports in Europe and Asia, which have invested in robotic automation that keeps pace with the growing size of ships ........, and their desired quicker unloading needs, The twin ports, especially LA, are endangering their share of the global trade market, as they remain vested to the interest of Organize Labor (and City Hall, which has increasingly used the Port of LA Department as a patronage dumping ground).

For the moment, the twin ports can rejoice in the fact that the Panamanians are having issues with the seals on the new, larger locks for a upgraded Panama Canal, which will enable large Container Ships (but not those of the super size of the Benjamin Franklin), to bypass West Coast Ports. But if the twin ports remain wedded to Labor's 20th Century-rooted dockside practices, the loud horns pronouncing a economic-sustaining Port of Call, may become fleeting.

Infrared Video of Aliso Canyon Gas Leak. 

** The video posted above shows the COSTLY ramification of not replacing a safety valve on a certain Porter Ranch area Methane Gas Line. BTW, we are still seeking any semblance of comment from California Governor Jerry Brown as the Daily News notes. But then the female sibling of Governor Moonbeam II might take exception to any comments that cast dispersion on her employer's contribution to supposed, Climate Change-causing CO2 pollution?

USC President Max Nikias (on right) with LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis and local enablers.

Hmm, can you find the safety issues?

** Memo to USC President Max Nikias, can you have your staff recognize the potential safety issues that your Norfolk Street Extension, may have on Hazard Park patrons who use the Historic Handball Courts? But then according to sources, its still a goal to move the courts to another area of the park, away from its decades-long location  Remember, supposed Good Neighbors don't endanger fellow community members.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Monday Morning Hot Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine

As Governor Jerry "Moonbeam II" Brown continues with the tired "The Climate is Changing (and humans are the cause)" Charade, the LA Times hits back at "Moonbeam II's" assertions that California's recent wildfires are a byproduct of Climate Change.

Its October 19, 2015 and the snow has return to Mammoth Mountain.

The "Blue/Green ,Man-made Climate Change Charade" is all about confiscating more of your money.

** Please pause the bloggin delay, but when the "Old Gray Eco/Collectivist Hag on Spring Street (aka LA Times)" strays from its normal Agenda Pronouncements, into an accidental Act of Journalism ........., ESPECIALLY when the topic is alleged, Man-made Climate Change, we must consider this Breaking News. The Times this AM, repudiates the recent claims of "Greece on the Pacific" Governor Jerry "Moonbeam II" Brown, that recent Wildfires, are a byproduct of Man-made Climate Change, as number of ecological experts noted, Instead, something called FIRE SUPPRESSION is the reason why California Wildfires have become more menacing in recent years. Decades of suppressing fires, instead of using them to help maintain a healthy habitat, created fuel loading that when ignited, caused "Hot Fires", that quickly spread.and have been destructive to new built communities in the interfacing areas where nature and civilization merge. But then "Governor Moonbeam II" is not one to let a supposed Climate Crisis go to waste ......,especially when the confiscation of more revenue is the desired outcome. 

HACLA Commissioner Maria Lou Calanche has a "RG Revisionist Moment (again)".

Now HACLA Commissioner and Legacy LA Executive Director Maria Lou Calanche, with former Boss Richard Alatorre.

** Its has been a bloggin while since we broached anything involving the Connected Non-Profit Legacy LA and its Murchison Street-raised Executive Director Maria "Lou Lou" Calanche. But in recent weeks, the now Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA for short) Commissioner, has been pushing the "Legacy LA Agenda (allegedly)" on the new Service Providers in the Ramona Gardens Community. The hot rumor making the rounds in the neighborhood is that Commissioner Calanche was upset that the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club (who has replace LA Rec and Parks as the operator of the Ramona Gardens Rec. Center), did not give her an invite to their Grand Opening ........., and put pressure to ensure a role at the ceremonies, where she again, mislead the community about her upbringing. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Hump Day

Governor Moonbeam II cries uncle to Ninth Circus Court on California Prison Overcrowding.

Governor Moonbeam II and "Greece on the Pacific" Democrats support of Prison Realignment via AB 109, has been a deadly debacle.

Great Hump Day to all as we start this morning on one of the deadly debacles of state legislation in recent history, AB 109 aka Prison Realignment. As Governor Moonbeam II cries uncle to the “Federal Ninth Circus Court”, in seeking to regain state oversight of the “Greece on the Pacific’s” state prison system, retire Parole Officer Caroline Aguirre was on KFI’s “John and Ken Show” yesterday outing those in local and state politics (Sheriff Lee Baca, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and all democratic state legislators, minus Anthony Portatino), who supported dumping thousands of supposed “Low Level, Non Violent Offenders/ Non-Revocable Parolees” back on the streets. Aguirre did not hold back in also outing those in the Parole Department (Maria Franco), who have cover up the numerous failing of Parole employees in keeping dangerous criminals behind bars. Every reader of this post, should educate themselves on the deadly debacle of AB 109, by linking here to the “John and Ken Show” Podcast. (4:30 PM segment) We like to thank John and Ken for their public service in giving Caroline Aguirre the opportunity to spread the word on this deadly legislation.

** Memo to Mayoral Candidate City Controller Wendy “The Villar Greuel”. Your campaign's repugnant personal attack on journalist Randy Economy shows that you are worthy of the moniker bestowed upon you. Like Mayor Antonio Villar, you share his proclivities in attacking members of the press when an inconvenient truth regarding your campaign, correction, work schedule are made public.

** The Kevin James for Mayor Campaign garnered the wrath of The Villar Greuel Campaign for calling upon the City Attorney to investigate the current City Controller, regarding whether she violated city rules pertaining to campaigning on city time.

** Despite numerous visits by labor and democratic officials (as disclosed by Randy Economy), the Los Angeles County Democratic Party choose not to endorse the Villar Greuel and the other mayoral candidates before the March Elections. AB 109 supporter Assemblyman Mike Feuer and insider Ron Galperin picked up the "Dependentcrat's" endorsements for City Attorney and City Controller respectively.

** The Villar Greuel was shunned by her fellow activists sisters as the National Organization of Woman chose to endorse City Councilman Eric Garcetti.

AND LASTLY!! Mayor Antonio Villar fell back upon his “City Terrace, Born to Raise Hell Persona", in dealing with the media rabid interest in his excellent Cabo San Lucas Party with Charlie Adventures”. One reporter can be heard telling the former Tony Villar whether “What happens in Cabos, stays in Cabos? Sorry Tony! Not when you are seeking gainful, federal employment.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

When did $62 Million become $84 Million in proposed taxes to pay for City Councilman Jose Huizar's "Downtown Streetcar Legacy Project"?

"Whats an extra $22 Millions dollars in taxes gonna cost you in paying for my Downtown Streetcar Legacy Project"?

Since speculation is part of our bloggin format here at Mayor Sam, then maybe we should ponder whether CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's recent vehicular follies, was predicated on "speeding away" from an inconvenient truth regarding his proposed tax to partially-finance the Downtown Streetcar Project. 

For the last couple of years since the return of a Downtown Streetcar was first broached, the Princeton Graduate Land-Use Attorney, has explored multiple ways of financing what has become his signature project. But as the Downtown News discloses, Councilman Huizar's proclivity for not being open and transparent, may endanger passage of his "Legacy Choo Choo".

When ballots are mailed to registered voters on Nov. 13, however, they will be asked to approve a much higher amount. In fact, $62.5 million does not appear on the ballot that must be returned to the City Clerk by Dec. 3.Instead, the ballot says area residents will be voting to tax local landowners up to $85 million. That is $22.5 million, or 36% more than what has been the focus of the campaign for the project. The higher figure is surprising some Downtown stakeholders who will be asked to pay for the streetcar.They include Greg Martin, vice president of Downtown Management, a company led by Australian businessman Joseph Hellen. “So they’re cheating again. It’s just more deception,” he said.Martin and Hellen, who have a history of tangling with Huizar, have previously criticized the project’s approval process, in which only renters or condo owners who live within approximately three blocks of the tracks will be able to vote. Property owners — including those who control large buildings — who don’t reside in the area are not allowed to vote, even though they will be responsible for paying the tax over 30 years. Martin said he wasn’t aware that the special election would call for a tax assessment of up to $85 million. Instead, he thought it was the $62.5 million that has been the focus of the campaign.“I’m actually not that surprised because I think the whole thing has been fraught with subterfuge, misleading promises, and this is par for the course,” he said.Huizar strongly rejects the notion that the campaign to woo voters has been in any way deceptive or misleading. He and other project supporters instead point out that the proposed assessments have been calculated based on assumptions of $85 million. That amount is what he says would be needed in a “worst-case scenario.” Huizar and others maintain that if less public money is needed, the assessments for Downtowners will decrease. “I don’t think it’s that big of an issue,” he said.   

Hmmmm, and not disclosing if you were at a "Happy Hour Birthday Party", is not that big of an issue when involve in an auto accident while driving a city-owned vehicle.

** Surprise, surprise, thanks to LA Times David Zahniser, we learn that the likes of CD 1 City Councilman Ed "Billboard Density" Reyes and his CD 2 colleague Councilman Paul "Digital Pandering" Krekorian, have gone the, soon to be Horseshoe colleague and current Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes route, in allowing a Clear Channel Lobbyist to write pending council legislation, to preserve hundreds of electronic billboards city-wide.

** We hope that California Governor "Moonbeam the II" took time this weekend to admonish his "Inner Bitter Jerry" for the borderline "assault and battery" on Channel 2/9 Investigated Reporter David Goldstein. This after Goldstein exposed the misuse of rented vehicle by CalTrans staff. Gov. Moonbeam II outburst is surprising considering that Mayor Antonio Villar has been confronted by Goldstein on numerous occasions and has yet exhibited his alleged "Inner Venice Room Temperament".

** You must give some credit to the government-financed consultants behind the efforts to extend the half cent sale tax for Los Angeles County transit projects, when they realize that T.V. ads featuring a certain "City Terrace Native", might not be in the best interest in garnering voter support.

** We chanced upon this accidental bit of objective journalism from the Daily News regarding Callifornia Governor Moonbeam the II's Prop 30.

This newspaper's review of state budget figures found:

The estimated $6 billion in extra revenue annually from Proposition 30 quickly would put the state on track to return to peak spending levels before the Great Recession.

The inflation-adjusted tax burden of Californians is now about the same as the average over the past two decades -- and will remain so even if Proposition 30 passes. But that tax burden is still among the highest in the nation.

 Thus a tax to sustain the free-spending ways of the big governmental beast. 

** Lastly on a lighter note, California State University Biology Professor and Whistleblower (in outing the ban of California residents from CSU graduate programs) Maria Nieto, has published a novel called "The Pig behind the Bear" which is worth a read and is garnering rave reviews.

Maria Nieto has managed to write a charming story that tackles huge cultural issues such as the assassination of Ruben Salazar. Part LA noir mystery, part family drama, part magic realism, Nieto takes us on a ride through Los Angeles touching the cultural milestones and heart of Chicano/LA history past and present.    Herbert Siguenza, founding member of Culture Clash  

For the record, Nieto is the daughter of Northeast LA Activist and retire Parole Officer Caroline Aguirre.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

The reality of life at California State Universities under Governor Moonbeam II's Administration .....

NO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ALLOW IN GRAD SCHOOL!!

Is this a scare tactic to get Californians to pass Governor Moonbeam II's Prop 30 and raise taxes? You decide. From the Daily News .......

California residents and taxpayers who support California State University are barred from applying for graduate studies this spring because of steep budget cuts.But the door is wide open at Cal State Northridge and other CSU campuses for foreign and out-of-state students - cash in hand."The policy is not one that I embrace," said Harry Hellenbrand, provost of California State University, Northridge. "(But) at the moment, we are" accepting applications."The reason is: These students pay for themselves. But there's still an equity issue. We would love to accept resident students, but CSU says the state is unable to fund them." 

This policy of excluding in state residents was to remain confidential, but thanks to a Northern California CSU Professor of Biology Maria Nieto, this issue has become a liability for Governor Moonbeam II's efforts to pass Prop 30 in November. Nieto states ........

"We either take both kinds of students - or none," declared Maria Nieto, a Cal State East Bay biology professor and coordinator of her department grad studies."It's discriminating," said the professor, a Los Angeles native and teacher of 23 years, of the current university policy. "I'm appalled. It goes against our CSU mission - to educate California residents."Out of state students are welcome. International students are are welcome. Diversity is welcome, is important, but you don't exclude California residents."

For the record, Nieto is the daughter of retire Parole Officer and local law enforcement activist Caroline Aguirre.
** OTHER NEWS:

** On the subject of fiscal reckoning, former Mayor Richard Riordan and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce have once again, sounded the alarm for pension reform at 200 Spring Street. In their call for a ballot initiative to let the public decide where to cap pension, the duo has done a public service in broaching this critical issue.

** What is becoming of the now former "Weekly of Record"? When not engage as the "Weedleaf of Record Message Board" for the pot heads, whoops, the infirm in need of Medical Marijuana, its has morphed into the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record". This weeks recipients of journalistic agenda hatchet missives include the "Non-starter Mayoral Candidate Kevin James", "the liar and pledge breaker, former District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich" and a "power-clinging CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks". There is a rumor that longtime South LA practitioner of "Yellow Journalism" Betty Pleasant has become a "fact checker" at the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record", but I would not want to be labeled a "tard" in attributing that rumor as fact.

** Speaking of Betty, its time for "ANOTHER SOULVINE THURSDAY"!!

** Please note that Betty and the scribes at the LA Wave Newspaper, now require you to create an account to view the weekly missives from Betty, on current South LA issues (fact check pending).

In this weeks installment, Betty, via transit activist Damien Goodman, have the eagle eye on future transportation dollars ...........

ERROR! ERROR! — Eagle-eye Damien Goodmon, chairman of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition, is a keeper. He noted that the informational pamphlet regarding the sales tax extension the county plans to distribute to voters to encourage them to increase their taxes to fund several rail projects had a glaring error in it. The county hopes to raise $90 billion by a tax increase approved by voters in the November election. The public information pamphlet lists the beneficiaries of the additional funds to be seven transit projects, including the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. But this is not true. Almost every project is scheduled to receive funding from the tax increase except the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. Not one red cent of that money will be used for the transit project affecting the county’s largest concentration of African-Americans. The money will be used on projects in the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, the Eastside, the South Bay and even West Santa Ana. But not along Crenshaw. Almost every official in the country has been alerted to this error Damien found and we’re told it’s being fixed so the public information soliciting your vote to increase your taxes will truthfully reflect what you’re paying for.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Bringing Back Broadway Executive Director Jessica Wethington McLean

Former Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) E.D. Russell Brown.

As the Downtown News reported on the controversy over the termination of Russell Brown as the Historic Downtown BID Executive Director Russell Brown, Councilman Jose Huizar was none too happy about seeing "his guy" being kicked to the Broadway curve. Thus, last Friday Councilman Huizar sent Bringing Back Broadway E.D. Jessica Wethington McLean to the Historic Downtown BID special meeting on the executive director controversy, to enunciate Councilman Huizar's feelings .......and the results were not pretty.

According to sources, McLean attempted to lay down the Huizzy way, with no conditions, to the Board of Directors which provoked a sharp exchange between McLean and Downtown Developer Tom Gilmore. The net result is that the Historic Downtown BID Board of Directors stood their ground and Team Huizzy came out looking less than professional.

** Coliseum employees sure know how to game the system when it comes to paying itself perks and no surprise that the "Valley Greuel" that daylights as the City Controller is pandering with another shallow audit that doubles as a name recognition exercise. 

** Governor Jerry "Moonbeam II" Brown will be front and center in the latest AEG production, as the Governor signs the Farmers Field Bill that grants special eniviromental exemptions to the Corporate Welfare City-State of AEG LA LIVE..

** Where are local leaders such as Mayor Antonio Villar and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky imploring their fellow Democrats to "stay the heck away" from the anticipated OBAMAJAMAGEDDON traffic nightmare that will descend on West LA today?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday

Raider fan shanking Chargers fan in San Diego. View more angry Raider fans videos here

For this longtime-jilted Rams fan, yesterday's City Council vote that approved a supposed MOU between Downtown Overlord AEG and their willing accomplices at 200 Spring Street is nothing more than the next tiresome act of enriching the "City of Los Angeles Insider Class" (as noted by Ron Kaye) at the expense of ethics within City Hall. 

Don't get me wrong, I want the NFL to return here as it should had already if not for Mike Hernandez and Richard Riordan when they shot down former Los Angeles Dodgers Owner Peter O'Malley's attempts in the last decade. (O'Malley getting football then would've equated to no Frank McCourt today) But is the pursuit of returning the NFL to Los Angeles with its questionable financial benefits worth incurring more municipal debt?

Besides the questionable economic benefits, lets not forget sociological issues that come into play with the return of the NFL. It was not long ago that "Raider Black" was the clothing of choice for LA's gangster community. This blogger remembers well the last Rams-Raider Game in Southern California back in 1994 where the fights was better than the game. Still can't forget "Chato" trying to jack me for my Rams gear at that game and thinking what a size 13 cowboy boot would of done to his future child-producing potential. And lets not forget the LAPD lockup in the west end of the Coliseum that was full during Raiders home games. Do we want that type of environment again for NFL football in Los Angeles? Former Raiders Hall of Famer Howie Long didn't. BTW, how do you scare a Raider Fan? Third Strike ...............

** OTHER NEWS AFTER THE JUMP.

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Hot Sheet for Thursday

At Last! Today is the final day that large stores in LA County unincorporated areas can use single use plastic bags! The movement to ban the use of these environmentally devastating and completely unnecessary tributes to pure laziness has been spreading throughout LA County. The incorporated communities of Malibu, Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Calabasas have also passed similar ordinances. The ban will take effect for smaller stores on Jan. 1, 2012.

Governor Brown is being praised for stripping $1.7  billion from redevelopment agencies in the budget that was passed on Tuesday, but he is being scorned for vetoing a bill that would have eased the process for farm workers to unionize. The legislation had been strongly supported by the United Farm Workers, and their leaders had hoped that Gov. Brown's past ties to Cesar Chavez would have led to his support. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the legislation late Tuesday night, just an hour before it would have gone into effect.

“The fact that he didn’t believe that farm workers need this kind of assistance and change in law is very disappointing,” said Arturo Rodriguez, the president of the United Farm Workers. “I am angry and I am upset that this governor treated us just like all the rest of the governors.”

"Horrendous violations of the public trust" is the phrasing used by Building & Safety head Robert "Bud" Ovrom to describe the scandal plaguing his department. I think "Business as usual" is probably more appropriate.

** Hot Sheet by Joe B. of the "Great S.T."

Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Thursday

Governor Moonbeam II slapped his fellow Sacramento democrats by vetoing their budget, saying that reforms (ie. raising taxes) weren't sweeping enough.

** The Weiner is cooked and as some Howard Stern groupee stated, "Bye, Bye Pervert!"

** Eastern Group Publications Reporter Gloria Castillo reports on a recent special event at the Ramona Garden Recreation Center and gives the focus to Legacy LA and Councilman Huizar, while ignoring the work of Recreation and Parks staff.  

** Where was Assemblyman Mike Gatto's "Security Consultant" Kevin Harrop when yesterday's shoving match took place on the floor of the Assembly?

** Congressional Candidate Janice Hahn claims to have found the "smoking gun" (channeling Trujillo) that links the infamous "stripper rap video" to Republican Challenger Craig Huey.

** Stay tune for more from the LA Times on the Central Basin Water District Scandal which will become the MACRO version of the City of Bell Scandal.

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

Late Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

Can we lead UTLA's AJ Duffy away one last time?

Great afternoon to all including LAUSD School Board Candidates Jesus Escandon and John Fernandez who faced the wrath of UTLA Henchman AJ "Puff" Duffy, and now are the latest poster child's highlighting the dysfunction state of affairs, within LAUSD biggest union of public indoctrinators/educators.

From the outside, looking in, one gathers the the pressure to maintain some semblance of influence within LAUSD, is causing the likes of Duffy, to purge UTLA supported candidates, who's background may bring defeat in the upcoming March 2011 Elections.

LAUSD District 7 Candidate Jesus Escandon was striped of his UTLA endorsement after the discovery of a 1997 DUI Conviction and arrest for street fighting. We should note that Escandon was a candidate in 2007 for the same seat and nothing was revealed at that time.

LAUSD District 5 Candidate John Fernandez is vowing to fight Duffy's efforts to purge him. Fernandez has been straight forward in discussing his past issues but has never been convicted of a crime. Duffy stated that serious issues pertaining to Fernandez veracity and integrity were the cause for withdrawing the endorsement. But then if Duffy had any integrity, he would admit that his leftist band of indoctrinators and himself, deserve the big share of the blame for LAUSD's current state of being.

More News after the Bloggin Leap:
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