A Scandalous Conduct of Ecological and Cultural Desecration at Historic Hazard Park

A narrative on a tragic repeat of desecrating Boyle Heights Communal and Ecological Heritage, in the interest of "Progress".

The Hazard Park Wetlands 



WORDS SHOULD INSPIRE NEIGHBORLY RESPECT BUT ..........:
In 1997, a Monica Guttman wrote the following regarding the historic Henry T. Hazard Park for "USC News", an official publication of  the City of Los Angeles largest employer. The name Hazard Park hardly suggests its bucolic rolling green hills covered with old growth pines and oaks. Zipping by between the trucks that ramble along Soto Street, it’s impossible to see the wading pool and picnic tables, the creek with crawfish, the view of downtown Los Angeles or the tennis courts and baseball diamonds. No wonder, then, that despite the fact that it lies literally across the street from a number of Health Sciences Campus buildings, for most who study or work here, Hazard Park is unfamiliar territory. And that, according to Hazard Park’s recreation director Raymond Huante, is a terrible waste. “People who come in and visit say, ‘This is such a nice place!'” said Huante. “People are just not aware of it.”

A USC-financed new view of Hazard Park.

Read more »

The Clowncilman Jose Huizar/University of Scandalous Conduct Hazard Park Tree Kill

On this day, June 11, 2015, Sierra Club-endorsed CD 14 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar, in concert with "The University of Scandalous Conduct", forever inflicted environmental and cultural damage to the historic configuration of Henry T. Hazard Park.

How low can the Sierra Club go in giving its coveted Environmental Endorsement to those who disregard the Environmental and Cultural Heritage of our Historic Green Spaces (maybe someone should ask Susana Reyes and Martin Schlageter)?

No amount of USC Money (and community enablers) can buy back the cultural and environmental harm inflicted on Historic Henry T. Hazard Park.

** Blogger's Note: Once again, the Greater Boyle Heights Community has become a cutting board for the wishes of the Powers to Be who have uber-contempt for its communal heritage. Not that he wasn't warned, but CD 14 City Clowncilman Jose Huizar, with "The University of Scandalous Conduct paying the way, forever altered the historical configuration of Henry T. Hazard Park by removing Historic Sycamore Trees that date back to the park's creation. The Zacatecas-born Politico, who arrived in this country after the community he calls home, was cut and slice by freeways, has enable the shaving of sacred, scarce green space, that has absorbed the footprints of thousands of park visitors for many decades, including those who sought Education Justice and Environmental Rehabilitation. Let history show that Clowncilman Huizar placed the wishes of USC above those who sought to honor Hazard Park with National Historic Landmark Designation that would of honor the legacy of Saul Castro, Alex Man and thousands who demanded education equality ........, but then the heritage of Boyle Heights is one that is defined by the cut and slicing of its communal heritage for the reigning politico's self interest---Scott Johnson.

A Historic Viewscape Forever Altered. 

From thriving Sycamores to timber for the next communal Trojan Horse.

No comment .........

Hauling away the now wood waste of our communal heritage.

The casualties of Councilman Huizar's Special Interest priorities.

Desecrated Historic Green Space. Somewhere Sal Castro and Alex Man are shaking their heads in shame.

Why did the Sierra Club endorse a desecrator of Historic Green Space"?

 ......, for another act of dubious distinction.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mayor Sam Exclusive: Unmasking the Quid Pro Quo (or Quos) behind USC's Broken Promises at Hazard Park and its Specific Plan



In a Mayor Sam Exclusive, we unmask an alleged "University of Scandalous Couduct (USC)-financed Quid Pro Quo" that provides political cover for its Broken Promises around the communities of its Figueroa and CD 14 Health Sciences Campus.   

 The likes of "University of Scandalous Conduct" President Max Nikias is all smiles when underlings such as Vice-Presidents Todd Dickey and Tom Sayles can orchestrate various Acts of Broken Promises, with the help of enabling local politicos.

 Native and Historic Hazard Park Sycamore Tree # 8 awaits a pending death and a community will lose precious Green Space thanks to USC President Nikias, phone number (213) 740-2111, Broken Promise not to encroach on Park Land.

** Blogger's Note: In a Mayor Sam Exclusive, we have learned that the "University of Scandalous Conduct" (aka USC) has broken another community pledge by not meeting its Local Hiring Goals, as specified in its City of Los Angeles-approved "USC Specific Plan". This latest Breach of Promise, comes after the discovery of its broken agreement not to encroach on Historic Park Land at Boyle Heights Hazard Park. These latest ethical lapses are becoming "Par for an Elitist USC Golf Course", under the leadership of its 11th President Max Nikias. Since his hiring to replace Steve Sample in 2010, the cities largest employer (not if you live next to its campuses) has involved its supposed Higher Institution of Learning, in ethically-questionable episodes (2012 Redistricting, Coliseum Giveaway, USC Specific Plan, Health Science Campus Master Plan). With help from underlings such as Vice-President (and former DWP Commission Member) Thomas Sayles and Senior Vice-President Todd Dickey, President Nikias has given a new meaning to "CONQUEST", especially when embolden with the alleged Quid Pro Quos given to local politicos such as ex Failure Mayor Antonio Villar and current City Council Central Committee General Secretary/Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson. We have learned that "Mini Amin" Wesson's younger brother Steve, was hire by USC six months after the City Clowncil Central Committee voted to approve the USC Specific Plan. Further, it has been speculated by some that the hiring of the younger Wesson Brother (to a position which he was under-qualified for), was also an eighteen months after that fact payoff to the City Clowncil Strongman, for his successful (if not legal) efforts to move the USC Main Campus out of CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks oversight. Thus, with the likes of Villar and Wesson benefitting from the University of Scandalous Conduct's largess (allegedly), then its easy to see why CD 14 City Clowncilman (and Wesson's Political Soul Brother) Jose Huizar, turned his back on the heritage of Hazard Park ........., for some day in the future (if not now), the "University of Scandalous Conduct" can help pay off a "certain settlement"---Scott Johnson in CD 14

The "University of Scandalous Conduct" has a job waiting for a City Clowncil Strongman family member, like Steve Wesson (with President Barack Obama), if past backroom dealings meet with the approval of its President Max Nikias (allegedly).

 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Mayor Sam Exclusive: Growing Community Backlash over Historic Hazard Park Broken Promise

In a Mayor Sam Exclusive, a community backlash is growing against CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar and the "University of Scandalous Conduct (USC)" as Historic Trees and Green Space face removal at Hazard Park, contrary to a supposed agreement to preserve its current configuration.

 Congrats on another Hazard Park Broken Promise. 

Historic Sycamore Trees line left side of Soto Street at Hazard Park in early 1900's

In 2013, this trees were targeted for removal to facilitate widening Soto Street for the "University of Scandalous Conduct's (USC) Health Science Campus Expansion.

Now in 2015, a just re-elected CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, reneges on his promise to preserve Hazard Park in its current incarnation. 

** Blogger's Note: In a Mayor Sam Exclusive, we have discover that a re-elected CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, is facing a growing community backlash in regards to the surprise, pending removal of Historic Native Sycamore Trees and Green Space at Hazard Park. Most discerning community members thought with the University of Southern California (USC) agreement to bypass park land in extending Norfolk Street to Soto, that the current configuration of the park would hold true. But the recent numbering of trees, along with survey stakes, show that Councilman Huizar never intended to fulfill on his pledge to preserve the historic Green Space. We should note that a Special Meeting of the Hazard Park Advisory Board will take place to deal with this apparent breach of promise to Hazard Park advocates. Details below---Scott Johnson.

Hazard Park Advisory Board Special Meeting

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Hazard Park Recreation Center

6 PM



Tree # 4.

Read more »

Some Huizar Fact Checking from the CD 14 Campaign Trail.

Please pardon the bloggin break, but with no apologies to a certain Tonto Huevon ......., we're back, with some inconvenient facts ......, via his thoughts.

Whew!! Thanks to my 16 staffers voting, I was barely able to get the Northeast Democrats Endorsement by a 36-20 vote and about that Sierra Club/ League of Conservation Voters Endorsement?

Lucky for ME, Ed has not been to Hazard Park in some time where my huevon tendencies and lack of truthfulness, caused a community rebellion that save the historic park, no thanks to ME.

Ed, the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters did not see my attempt to kill mature Sycamore Trees at Hazard for a USC-benefitting road.

The "True Green Record" I care the most about is campaign contributions, not some trees.

What is wrong with a few trees being sacrifice for the sake of USC?

Who cares about untreated stormwater impacting precious green space? What was more important was using the $700,000 plus dollars of Prop O money in a community where I needed votes.

...... and about my lies regarding the Hazard Park Armory? According to my loyal Huizzynista Mago "Cuatro Flats" Amador, Gloria Molina just help get $900,000 in grant money to  remove lead, asbestos and upgrade the facility for safe use by the local community youth.

 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

The City Clowncil Central Committee is considering approval of allocations of Corporate Welfare (ie Tax Credits) for Hotel Developers in exchange for "Card Check Neutrality" for future workers.  

Lying the foundation for the future Wilshire Grand Hotel was predicated on a City Clowncil Central Committee allocation of Corporate Welfare. 

** Old habits are still a cause for consternation, especially when it come to Corporate Welfare at 200 Spring Street. The City Clowncil Central Committee is considering a new allocation of tax credits for hotel projects throughout the city in the hope of stimulating visitation. But in order to qualify for this latest round of Corporate Welfare, you must promise to make your site "Card Check Neutral" for workers.

** The City Clowncil Central Committee tomorrow will review and take action on the USC Health Science Campus Street Beautification Project which included at one time, building an extension of Norfolk Street through Hazard Park. But after united community opposition to the proposed Norfolk Street extension through the existing park land, USC moved the extension north onto its property and preserving the park in its current configuration.

The next step in preserving and investing in the park's sustainability, is to honor the historical, cultural heritage of Hazard Park, by seeking National Historical Designation in honor of late Latino Educator Sal Castro and the thousands of students who gather at the park in 1968 to demand Education Equality, as approved by the LA-32 Neighborhood Council.    

Its time to honor Hazard Park's place in the battle for Educational Equality.

Approved Resolution of the LA-32Neighborhood Council which calls for National Historical Designation for Hazard Park.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

The High Cost of being Perceived as a Good Neighbor for the "University of Scandalous Conduct".

An united, grass-roots coalition forces the "University of Scandalous Conduct" (and City Councilman Jose Huizar) to change course in the preservation of Historic Hazard Park. 

 The Greater Hazard Park/ Ramona Gardens residents take a stand to preserve their historic community green space.

The Power of  a United Community forces the "University of Scandalous Conduct" to account for their bad neighborhood standing.

** Blogger's Note: If you are the "University of Scandalous Conduct" (USC) who has run into a "people's wall of opposition" to its plan to place a street through a public park, what do you do? Retreat, redirect and rectify by investing in your community. CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar and the embattled Private University announced last week an agreement that protects Hazard Park in its current configuration, with USC pledging a Million Dollars plus in park improvements. The fact that USC is finally investing in the Historic Green Space bordering its Health Science Campus, should not gloss over the fact that Councilman Huizar has neglected and reallocated public funds earmarked for infrastructure upgrades during his time as Councilman. The blunt fact here is that no amount of public/ private money is going buy the support of park supporters unless there is an end game agreement that takes into account a long term vision for showcasing Hazard Park's Historic, Ecological and Cultural Heritage----Scott Johnson in CD 14.



Crony Capitalism (or Welfare) at the Connected Non-Profit Legacy LA?

The former Mayor Antonio Villar created "Connected Non-Profit" Legacy LA wants your tax credits/ dollars, while turning its back on a neglected, historic Hazard Park, by collaborating with the "University of Scandalous Conduct". 

Mayor Eric Garcetti may want to steer clear of this dubious "501-C3 (supposedly non-political) Connected Non-Profit" Legacy LA.

** Blogger's note: The follow email was forward to us regarding the continuing dubious behavior of the former Mayor Antonio Villar created "Connected Non-Profit" Legacy LA. Its seems that Legacy LA's Executive Director Lou Calanche is collaborating (and always have) with the "University of Scandalous Conduct" (USC) while they sought to desecrate historic green space with a proposed street extension through Hazard Park (** since rescinded due to united community opposition, minus Calanche). Many community members and Hazard Park supporters wonder why Calanche was silent on the Hazard Park Controversy, sadly it should come as no surprise that the politically-connected Calanche put her self (and Legacy)-interest before the historic and environmental heritage of the park space it shares. Then there is the question of the questionable funding request for capital improvements to its Hazard Park Armory location. Again, Calanche (and her political supporters) places their self-interest before the needs of a neglected park, more thoughts below---Scott Johnson. 

From: Lou Calanche
To: santa@msjdominicans.org; Yamil Verde ; Mario.Ramirez@lacity.org; Ruben.lopez@lacity.org; Ramonagardensrac@att.net; "Gutierrez, Margarita" ; Daniel Zamora ; mario.ramsey@hacla.org; KENNETH EDWARDS <35476 lapd.lacity.org="">; MISHELL HARVEY-DIXON <37486 lapd.lacity.org="">; 315460@lapd.lacity.org; 31895@lapd.lacity.org; 36348@lapd.lacity.org; 36067@lapd.lacity.org; alma ; Jtorres@lausd.net; OSCAR CASINI <26110 lapd.lacity.org="">; Cindy Paz ; Jennifer Martinez ; Leticia Gonzalez ; William Alamo ; erika.cuevas@lausd.net; Rick.Ornelas ; George Sarabia (** sure its not Jorge Villapudua?) ; Victoria Ortega ; "Sarkis, Sevanne" ; Lakeya Johnson ; Tony Zepeda ; Rosemary Alamo USC ; Martin.baeza@lapd.lacity.org; "Vargas, Brenda" ; Jessica@boyleheightsbeat.com; Patricia Alexander ; "Breck Nichols (brn@usc.edu)" ; Leticia.urbina@health.usc.edu; Sevanne.sarkis@med.usc.edu; "Medrano, Frine" ; "yarias@lafla.org" ; 32100@lapd.lacity.org; Jeanne Nishimoto ; Egonzalez82203@yahoo.com; 36717@lapd.lacity.org; Sanford Riggs ; Joel Lopez ; Lou Calanche ; R O ; Youchen Wang ; Alan Sanchez
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 5:38 PM
Subject: Your participation in the Ramona Gardens Collaborative & Survey (** we should note that Lou Calanche has been told not to use the Ramona Gardens name by HACLA officials due to the established Ramona Gardens Resident Advisory Council Organization)

Hello All,

I hope you had a wonderful summer. The last few months the health subcommittee of the Ramona Gardens Collaborative has been meeting and one of the action items is to try to start documenting the services and programs that are available in our community. Please, please, please take 5 minutes to take the survey so that we can present the information at the next collaborative meeting schedule for the end of the month. Sevanne Sarkis from the USC Keck Hospital has sent you an email with the link to the very short survey. If you need a new email please do not hesitate to contact me or her so that you can get the link. (** wonder if Lu notice the proposed lost of park space? Not likely). 

 

Thanks again for all your support and work to benefit the Ramona Gardens Community (** correction, to benefit Legacy's grant request, allegedly).

 

Best,

Lou
Lou Calanche, Executive Director
Legacy LA
(323) 222-0544 office
(323) 222-0564 fax
(323) 819-4441 mobile
http://www.legacyla.org

 

By supporting State Senator Kevin De Leon efforts to save the City of Vernon (and violate tax laws governing 501-C3 non profits), Legacy LA was the recipient of dirty Vernon money. Now its cites questionable figures in its latest scheme to secure new market tax credits/ dollars for "business development"? More later ............... (** Link here for more background on the New Market Tax Credit Program). 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14



Curbside Briefs with the Mayor on Scene in Boyle Heights for Friday

Mayor Eric Garcetti takes his "Back to Basics Tour" curbside in CD 14's ( and a certain local councilman home turf) Boyle Heights Neighborhood.

Meet your Mayor curbside in CD 14. Photo from Mayor Garcetti Facebook Page.

 

Pardon us for our lateness this Friday AM, but in the interest in providing the most up to date blogging coverage, we bring you curb side on First Street in Boyle Heights, your Mayor Eric Garcetti, reinventing the basics of constituent outreach.

Somewhere in the great political rest home in the sky, the late CD 14 City Councilman Art Snyder must be smiling upon Mayor Eric Garcetti, for this splendid act of community outreach in his old political stronghold. In his day, the late Irish Politician set the standard for constituent services that have not been replicated since, but today, Mayor Garcetti brought back the Councilman Snyder spirit with this morning's curbside visit/ outreach event.

We would hope that Mayor Garcetti curbside outreach becomes a regular event and not a former Mayor Antonio Villar-like act of photo op symbolism. That said, we have a few local topics to share with Mayor Garcetti, as he stops curb side on his Back to Basis Tour.

** Its still all about DWP Reform: The LA Times discloses another damning report on the lack of accounting for $40 Million Dollars in DWP Ratepayer Money that went into the pockets of DWP Administrators and their IBEW Union Friends. The issues with this "connected non-profit", is indicative of the need of open and transparent oversight of the numerous connected community based organizations (CBOs), that rely on public money for their sustainability.   

** Preserving Green Space and Parkland: Just north on Soto Street from today's curbside event, community activists are fighting a "David vs. Goliath Battle" against the "University of Scandalous Conduct's" (USC) attempt to encroach on historic parkland to asphalt a paper street and widen Soto Street. Mayor Garcetti needs to pledge that no green space or parkland will be sacrifice for commercial development, and further, take pro-active measures to designate historic spaces (National Historic Status for Hazard Park, in honor of Educator Sal Castro), in the spirit of future preservation. 

** Overhaul the GRYD Department and reinvent Summer Night Lights: The blunt reality of the GRYD Program under during the fail two terms of Mayor Villar, was that it was a tool of paying off supporters of the Mayor and not an instrument of decreasing the proliferation of street gangs. The SNL Program after five years needs a reinvention from its current incarnation of being a "holding pen program" that fosters community segregation, and not trans-communal inner action.

In the weeks, months, and years ahead, we will surely share our thoughts with Mayor Garcetti, on his repeated visits back to CD 14. Yut again, we must credit the new Mayoral Officeholder for this teachable moment in Constituent Services, after all, it was not long ago that an alleged, dubious act of "curbside misconduct", took place on the same street.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 



The "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" Councilman Huizar's Proposed Destruction of Historic Open Space at Hazard Park on behalf of the "University of Scandalous Conduct"

The "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar Rides Again!! Meanwhile Historic Hazard Park awaits an act of leadership in its preservation. 

 The "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" and "Indio", prance down Cesar Chavez Ave in this year's edition of the East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade yesterday. Will he trample on the legacy of preserving Historic Park space?

The "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" seeking out future CD 14 office schedulers, while dodging Historic Park Activists.  

 

Hola and great Monday to all as once again we bless our readers with images of the one and only "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" City Councilman Jose Huizar and horse "Indio". The joy of prancing down Cesar Chavez Ave. in celebration of heritage will be replace tomorrow with this proposed Motion before the City Council, to trample and desecrate historic parkland at Hazard Park on the behalf of the "University of Scandalous Conduct", as noted on the Hazard Park Preservation Coalition Facebook Page. 



 

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar is ignoring the will of the community
and moving forward with the following agenda item on Tuesday's City Council Agenda.

 ITEM NO. (17)
13-0709
CD 14 CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNICATION FROM THE BUREAU OF STREET LIGHTING
and ORDINANCE OF INTENTION FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to establishing a he...

aring date for the
maintenance of Soto and Norfolk Streets Lighting District.
Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
1. ADOPT the report of the Director, Bureau of Street Lighting, dated June 6, 2013.
2. PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE OF INTENTION setting the date of
OCTOBER 16, 2013 as the hearing date for the maintenance of the Soto and Norfolk Streets
Lighting District, in accordance with Proposition 218, Articles XIIIC and XIIID of the California
Constitution and Government Code Section 53753.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The Bureau of Street Lighting reports that if adopted, $2,452.93 will be collected
annually starting with tax year 2013-14 that will go into a dedicated street lighting maintenance
assessment account for the use in the operation and maintenance of this street lighting system.
(Continued from Council meeting of August 13, 2013).

Simply, the Motion above would create the Street Lighting District to shine upon the "University of Scandalous Conduct's" desired access road to their Health Science Campus ( usurping CEQA and EIR requirements) ......, and who gets to vote of this "Special District"? Give you three letters, U-S-C, the rest of the community be damned. '

Somewhere up above, the likes of late Educator Sal Castro, former, late Park Director Ray Huante and the late Park Crusader Alex Man are shaking their heads in disbelief. But back at park level, the fight against Councilman Huizar's betrayal and desecration of historic park space continues in honor of their leadership and character, something a Post Graduate Degree from Princeton can't instill, or easily bought by the "University of Scandalous Conduct".

We post the following video in the spirit of presenting a teachable moment on character to the "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" City Councilman Jose Huizar.

..... maybe will see some character yet.





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

Scott Johnson in CD 14   

 



Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

As the likes of Teddy Davis and Carolyn Ramsey declare their respective intentions to seek the open CD 4 City Council Seat in 2015, we await an announcement from a certain former Silver Lake "stay at mom's", state elective official, on his CD 4 plans.

Do you remember this petulant, stay at mommy's, "Infant Assemblyman Lil Mikey" Gatto?

Well, that now alleged non-ceasing or desisting cleanser of Armenians from the 43rd Assembly District Delegate Voting Rolls, has mature into Assemblyman "Slobo Mikey" Gatto. 

As the now Assemblyman "Slobo Mikey" Gatto nears the end of his second term in Sacramento, his team of "Gatto Truthers", both on the state payroll and at the Burbank Blog (same thing), have endeavor to raise the profile of the Silver Lake native, via legislation on broken parking meters and raising the "Global Minimum Wage" ( we kid you naught). But with other potential candidates such as Andrew Westall, Andrew Lachman, Stephan Box and others mulling a formal run, "Slobo Mikey's" political past (or a certain blog), may come back to haunt him.

 

**Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council supports preservation of Hazard Park**

While CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar vacations South of the Border, the BHNC was voting to support the preservation of Historic Hazard Park, in opposing the "University of Scandalous Conduct" (USC) proposed Norfolk Street Extension through park space. The 14-0-3 vote sent former State Senator, now USC paid shill Martha Escutia, heading out the door in disgust. 

 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for TGIF

A blog message to Mayor Eric Garcetti, this is your first "Man Up Moment" as DWP IBEW's Strongman Brian "Boss D"Arcy" and City Clowncil Central Committee President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson, attempt to ram through pay raises for DWP employees.

Can Mayor Garcetti rise up and stand against anymore waste of public money into the DWP IBEW sewer?

The DWP IBEW Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy".

 

Great Friday morning to everyone as we near the 10 AM start time of a day of choreographed public hearings within the John Ferraro City Council Chambers at City Hall on proposed DWP employees pay increases.

This morning's "Old Gray Collective Hag on Spring Street" (aka LA Times) Print Edition headlines that Mayor Eric Garcetti stands alone against an united City Clowncil Central Committee ..... and DWP IBEW Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy".

As many discerning local political observers have noted, this is the first (and defining early test) of leadership for new Mayor Eric Garcetti, who campaigned against excesses at the DWP.

No doubt, DWP IBEW Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy" would love to show Mayor Garcetti who really controls the political dynamics at 200 Spring Street (in addition to the DWP Headquarters on Hope Street), but if Mayor Garcetti is true to his campaign message, he can man up against "Boss D'Arcy" ( and his "Mini Amin" Wesson crony) and sent an early defining message that he stands with the average Angelino, in reforming a dysfunctional DWP.

Mayor Garcetti, no doubt an erudite student of American Political History, needs to channel his inner progressive political instincts and revisited the early 20 Century Populist Politician William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold Speech". If Mayor Garcetti seeks to remain true to his progressive persona and wants to be taken seriously as a populist who stands for the average Angelino, then he needs to craft the message that the crucifixion of Angelinos on a cross of IBEW-crafted DWP waste, must stop and needed reforms must become paramount at Hope Street.

Now hoping that Mayor Garcetti will heed the advise.

**  Today may be Friday but its still not too late to bless our readers with "Another Soulvine Thursday" missive via the reigning South LA  Columnist of Record Betty Pleasant and this weeks edition finds Betty "musing with praise" none other than our favorite Infant Assembly, turned Ethnic Cleanser (or Armenians from 43rd AD Central Committee Voting Sheets, allegedly) Assemblyman Mike "Slobo Mikey" Gatto. An excerpt below.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s legislation to prohibit local governments from fleecing motorists who park at broken meters was signed into law Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown. The measure will ensure cities such as Los Angeles repair their broken meters in a responsive and timely manner by prohibiting them from ticketing cars parked at such meters. In response to Gatto’s legislation, the Los Angeles City Council recently rushed to temporarily repeal its ordinance that allows for ticketing at broken meters. But the council voted to preserve its ability to reinstate the unfair ticketing policy after a six-month trial. However, Gatto’s newly signed AB 61would eliminate this authority and allow motorists to park in spaces controlled by a broken meter for the maximum time allowed by the meter
“Local control does not provide the right to fleece taxpayers,” Gatto said. “The question of parking at a broken meter should not be up for review or reconsideration every six months, nor should motorists be subject to confusing ordinances as they drive from city to city. It’s time to end this unfair practice throughout California.”

..........and now wondering if Parke Skelton will put Betty on the "Slobo Gatto for CD 4" in 2015?

 ** We want to bring your attention to a growing "David vs. Goliath Story" involving the "University of Scandalous Conduct" (USC) proposed takeover of park land at Historic Hazard Park. As the Eastern Group Publication reported, local community members came out in force to oppose this land grab. We post this brief video of the recent community meetings, with a more in depth report coming this weekend.









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







Will the Destruction of Parkland for USC, come before Memorial to Sal Castro at Historic Hazard Park?

As famed Chicano/ Education Rights Advocate Sal Castro is remembered, what will come first at historic Hazard Park, a completed memorial to him and thousands who joined together in marching for education equality ......., or the destruction of parkland for USC's Health Science Campus "Beautification/ Expansion Plan"? 

As hundreds of political leaders, friends and former students gather yesterday to say final thanks and goodbyes to a local community legend Sal Castro, an area at historic Hazard Park, awaits its appointed designation as the location for the memorial to Sal Castro and his thousands of supporters who stood up for education equality. 

Area of the proposed memorial to Sal Castro and those who joined with him in supporting educational equality. The site for the monument was approved in 2008, but awaited the final details that were in the works up to the time of Castro's death. With Castro's death should a new push for National Historical Designation be part of a future memorial, as supported by Mayor Antonio Villar? 

The walkouts produced a new generation of Latino professionals and politicians who are aware of the debt they owe Castro and the blowout students. Politicians like L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who attended Castro's Latino youth leadership program. "I helped Tony when he was 15 get into UCLA," Castro said. Villaraigosa said Monday he backed federal recognition for the memorial.

But as historic Hazard Park is now, under threat from the expansion/beautification plans of the USC Health Science Campus Master Plan, we must ask Mayor Villar and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, whether they will stand up in preserving historic hollow ground for the thousands that stood with Sal Castro and preserving parkland that been use by multiple generations of working families?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14   

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

As the "polling rate of return" becomes apparent regarding the "mega-endorsements" of the Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel Campaign for Mayor. Mayor Sam uncovers the true monetary cost of Impeached Ex President Bill Clinton endorsement of the "Embrace Villar Greuel".

As Eric Garcetti was growing his coalition this past weekend with "Meet and Greets", the elite insider supporters of the "Embraced Villar Greuel" gathered at Cantor's Deli on Saturday, for a choreographed pandering session with Wendy and Willie. Not surprising, was the presence of our former blogger, turned perennial losing campaign consultant Michael Trujillo. MEAT was full of his usual self with this comment.

Recap of today's (Saturday) LA Mayors race. Today Wendy Greuel hung out with President Clinton a man who brought more people out of poverty than any modern President ever, a lot of Latinos were helped. While Eric Garcetti hung out with shock jock Kevin James who believes sheriff Joe Arpaio should be Chief of LAPD. Nuff said.

We're surprise that "MEAT" would not mention his former bloggin comrades, but maybe he would like to comment on this fiscal arraignment between the "Embraced Villar Greuel Campaign" and the Clintons? After all, if the "Embraced Villar Greuel" was to dream her way into a new third floor office on May 21, the public should know how the true cost of the Willie/Wendy Relationship, could affect their future.  

01/01/13*

Friends of Hillary   Washington, DC 20036

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

E - Payment  (OFC - Office Expenses) [Period: 01/01/13 to 04/06/13]

$6,577.58 [Election: 05/21/13]

The "Embraced Villar Greuel" shares some quality moments with Mayor Antonio Villar yesterday.

** As we near one month and counting to Election Day, be on the watch for multiple planned episodes of "Political Agenda Journalism" from the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street". Notice how the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag" turned a story on City Controller Candidate Dennis Zine's pledge to audit LAPD lawsuits into an exclusive on a past sexual harassment claim against the ex motor cop. 

** We hear that former Mayor Sam Award Winner "Tony the Scud" and his Northeast Democrats enablers, were playing dirty for CD 13 City Council Candidate John Choi, in denying an endorsement of either candidate by the Northeast Democratic Enablers.

** We can again safely link to the LA Weekly story by Gene Maddaus which highlights the hypocrisy of Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel in her latest TV attack ad.

 The 2013 Mayoral Debate Series makes stop at the "University of Scandalous Community Conduct" USC Health Science Campus this evening.

We wonder if USC's scandalous quest to destroy open space at Hazard Park will become a question topic at tonight's mayoral debate at USC's Health Science Campus?

Without the benefit of EIRs and a CEQA process, USC wants to destroy open space and recreational acreage for the purpose of expanding access to their Health Science Campus. Will both candidates take a stand in preserving Hazard Park in its current state? Thus, preserving the hollow ground that many in 1968, joined with the late Sal Castro, in calling for educational equality?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14