Another Broken Deal Cedillo (and Supervisor Solis) Moment regarding the Flat Top Open Space Acquisition?

In her first Public Policy-related appearance since the 2015 CD 14 City Council Elections, former LA County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina, is taking a leadership role, in demanding that CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo and LA County Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis, follow through on her crafted deal that financed the purchase of the Montecito Heights "Flat Top Open Space", with the intent of giving the land to the City of Los Angeles Recreation & Parks Department (and not Joe Edmiston's "Mountain Recreation, Conservation Authority").

The Montecito/Lincoln Heights Flat Top Open Space.

** Blogger's Note: For those who thought that former LA County Board of Supervisor (and CD 14 City Council Candidate) Gloria Molina, would trek quietly off into the political sunset after her unsuccessful campaign for the CD 14 City Council Seat last Spring .........,, there is no quiet in the trail-blazing Latina Politico's vocabulary.

In her first appearance regarding a public policy issue since last Spring, the former LA County Board of Supervisor (and CD 1 City Councilperson), demanded that CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo and her replacement Hilda Solis, stand by the LA County-approved purchase of the Montecito/Lincoln Heights "Flat Top Open Space".  

Former LA County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina with ASNC Member and Flat Top Open Space Advocate Roy Payan.

The acquisition of the Flat Top Open Space acreage, was a supposed culmination of a multi-years effort by Montecito Heights Improvement Association President and Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Member Roy Payan, to preserve the community-renowned locale, with a superb view of the Downtown LA Skyline (especially at night), by being designated Open Space ........, as noted via The Eastsider in the Fall of 2014.

The purchase of about 37 acres is expected to be completed next month, said Megan Moret, press deputy for County Supervisor Gloria Molina, who agreed to use her office’s allocation of Prop A funds to finance the deal. The funds will allow North East Trees, an environmental group,  to purchase the property but the City of Los Angeles will eventually take control of the property, Moret said. 

........, or so they thought.

Santa Monica Mountains Conservacy/Mountain Recreation Conservation Authority Strongman Joe Edmiston.

But in a meeting of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Montecito Heights Issues Committee, Payan, with former Supervisor Molina concuring, stated that Northeast Trees was reneging on its plans to turn the land over to the City of Los Angeles Recreation & Parks ......., and instead, was planning to give the acreage to the controversial Joe Edminston-controlled, Mountain Recreation, Conservation Authority (MCRA), with the support of CD 1 City Councilman Gil Cedillo, along with LA County Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis.

Edmiston, a former East Los Angeles College Student, Sierra Club Lobbyist and self-created Chief Ranger (with gun) of his own Open Space Preserve/Land Bank Fiefdom via the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy/MRCA, has longed craved adding Northeast LA acreage (including Flat Top) to his control. 

Yet, the supposed master of crafting deals to purchase property for Open Space Preservation, has garnered a Tsunami-size backlash from many preservation advocates (including Supervisor Molina), regarding his "surprise support" of Oil Drilling within the Proposition A-financed Whittier Hills Preserve as noted in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

However, MRCA, the operational arm of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the largest conservancy in the nation, surprised the county by saying it would drop its lawsuit in exchange for cash. If the drilling project moves forward and oil is extracted and sold, MRCA would get $280 million, or about $11.25 million a year for the life of the project.  

Thus, is it fair to ponder whether "Ranger Joe" is scheming to "Land Bank" the prime real estate of Flat Top, until the market presents the best opportunity to sell off the acreage to a Developer?

Northeast Trees Executive Director Mark Kenyon.

In the interim, the paramount question that needs answering by the likes of Northeast Trees Executive Director Mark Kenyon (Husband of former Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board Member Clare Marter Kenyon), CD 1 City Councilman Gil "Chevron" Cedillo and LA County Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis, is why they are attempting to modify a much-wanted act of Open Space Preservation, that would of added a new preserve jewel to the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department ........., and instead, place a beloved community locale, in the trust of a self-made Land Bank Baron, not beyond exploiting (and scaring) the same Open Space, supposedly being preserved? 

** Link here for details on the Monday, February 22, 2016 Meeting of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council at Ramona Hall at 7:00 PM.

9. FLAT TOP OPEN SPACE: MOTION: The ASNC Board moves to send letters to Councilman Gil Cedillo and Supervisor Hilda Solis in support of the community’s wishes that Northeast Trees adhere to the purchase agreement’s original intent as adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on September 30, 2014 that the “City of Los Angeles will ultimately be the owner of the property and the and the successor to the grant obligations” among other points. (The full agreement is available at http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/supdocs/88363.pdf).

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

"Telebimbo Numero Uno Mirthala Salinas".

As the designated Democratic Brown Face Window Payaso Mayor Antonio Villar gets ready to execute his assigned tasks as the Democratic Convention Chairperson, we could not help but post this beautiful Los Angeles Magazine cover of the inspiration for "Sancha Watch", former Telemundo Telebimbo Mirthala Salinas.

For the eligible aspiring Telebimbos that will be within proximity of Mayor Villar this weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, we bring you in Mirthala's own words, what type of man Tony V. is in the presence of young Telebimbos.

What was he like? (when cheating on his wife)Mirthala Salinas smiles fondly and takes a deep breath. (flash back moments of pleasure) “A happy person. (happy to cheat with Telebimbo twenty years younger) A good-hearted person. Humble (????). Outgoing but cautious (no messages of love on city-owned Blackberry please!!). Not shy, but he observes people (what Telebimbo or chulita is next). Like I can be outgoing, but I’m shy (Fabian and Tony laugh at that), and I think he’s more outgoing (especially with women), but cautious (cheating on wife can cause loss of approval ratings). And, you know, I don’t blame him (what about Corina?). In the world he’s in, it’s hard (but you made it easy). He’s slow in getting to know you (Ahhhh?), but he’s a very positive person, very energetic person (Viagra?). He’s very—what’s the word? Positive (unlike the state of the city)? Like in his mind, there’s no room for negative thinking. Everything is good. Life is beautiful (especially with a younger Sancha).” 

Thus, you have the "face" of "Democratic Family Values".

He's Back in the Foothills seeking Tax Assessments!!

 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy/Mountain Recreation Conservation Authority Strongman Joe Edmiston.

Once again the residents of the Santa Monica Mountains are facing future fiscal bites to the wallet, from none other than the reigning "political predator" of open space SMMC/MRCA's Joe Edmiston. KABC 790 AM Morning Drive Host and Daily News Columnist Doug McIntyre has the details ........

Measure HH would slap a $24 per parcel tax on land east of the 405, including the Hollywood Hills, while Measure MM will ding property owners west of the 405 $19 a year for the next 10 years. Stolarz claims the money will allow the MRCA to maintain and acquire additional open space, parkland, wildlife corridors, natural habitats, waters and facilities in two "zones" targeted for taxation by Joe Edmiston.

Lets get real, the money goes towards sustaining Ranger Joe's (who wears hat and carries gun) fiefdom with perks for his political friends..

Looking for the Political Special Someone (political failure) to Share your DNC Experience?

Beyond the toughness is well ...........

The Downtown News Editor and Scribe of Wit once again channels the inner persona of former City Terrace tough guy, turn progressive politico Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Thus, if you are a single brunette aspiring telebimbo, we have your match. 

Impossible Dreamer Seeks Same: Who says all the good ones are taken? Mentally and physically buff mayor (I once worked out so much my rings stopped fitting) in search of refined Democratic lady for laughs, dancing and midnight subway rides to the sea. My hobbies: planting 1 million trees, giving out rain ponchos to protesters and appearing on national television. I’ve got a never-say-die attitude and dream about making things better, and if you have the same dream and no longer read local newspapers because you’re turned off by the Negative Nellies, then we should meet and have lunch. And maybe some sex. 

Disclosure: He comes with mansion with an termination date of July 1, 2013.

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

What "Predatory Creature" is the bigger danger to Foothill Residents and Visitors?

** Blogger's Note: As the "Old Gray Eco-Hag on Spring Street " notes today, above the fold and to the left, the mountain lion known as "P-22" has set up residence in the nation's largest municipal park In honor of the return of another link in the food chain to Griffith Park and in the spirit of educating our cyber audience, we bring you this tutorial comparison on "two predatory creatures" (one natural and the other political) that make their home (or grow their political empire) within our foothill interface habitat/communities---Scott Johnson.

"Natural Predator": The P-22 Mountain Lion of Griffith Park (photo via LA Times). 

"Oops P-22, caught on the remote camera again".

In the second half of the decade of the 1980's, this blogger worked within Griffith Park at the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Griffith Park Boys Camp facility. During the course of my duties, I led countless of hikes through all corners of the park, from the flats to the top of Mt. Hollywood. The only story of Mountain Lions roaming the park that I could remember, was centered on one that escape the LA Zoo. But in recorded history, mountain lions along with Grizzlies, with Condors overhead, once roam the Griffith Park parkland and surrounding areas. 

It is a rare and special moment to observe a mountain lion in the wild (lucky to experience this twice), let alone our interfacing communities. But don;t forget that the pretty picture of P-22 above is countered with the reality that this animal will protect itself to the fullest  If you ever come face to face with a mountain lion, NEVER PANIC AND RUN! STAND YOUR GROUND, ASSUME A LARGER AND LOUD PERSONA.  What could happen if  you  panic and run?. In the eyes of "P-22" and his brothers and sisters, you have become prey, with your life coming to a possible end as a lower part of the food chain..

"Political Predator": Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy/Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority Strongman Joe Edmiston .

"The Predatory Joe Edmiston searching for cheap land and sources of revenue to grow and sustain his SMMC/MRCA habitat".

Just as much as an one and one encounter with "P-22" can be life altering, an encounter with the political predator Joe Edmiston can be life-changing, especially if  he desires your land, money or if you are caught violating the Predatory Joe's habitat..

Some background on the Predatory Joe Edmiston. Predatory Joe has evolved from his initial habitat creation via California Governor Jerry "Moonbeam I" Brown , into a larger political-than-life predator that some feel has grown too far beyond its past politically-intended habitat. Once only mandated to grow open space for natural predators such as "P-22", the Predatory Joe has assumed "top predator status" over his own growing habitat by parasitic and mutualistic adaptations.

The Predatory Joe has evolved his parasitic abilities to ensure the sustainability of his habitat. Unlike "P-22" who bites his prey in the neck for the kill, the "Predatory Joe" aims for the wallet of its intended victim (more like thousands of victims) and proceeds to eat away at the monetary resources. This fiscal parasitic bite can came in many forms. For example, if you dare venture into "Predatory Joe's" habitat (SMMC/MRCA Land) via vehicle and you come to a stop sign, STOP!! If you don't, the chances are good that Predatory Joe will bite you for $175 dollars.

Another form of parasitic behavior via "Predatory Joe", is noted by one of the reigning authorities on the unique political predator, KABC Talk Radio Host Doug McIntyre. McIntyre himself was a victim of this assessment bite to the wallet area via mutualistic ignorance of foothill property owners,

The SMMC and MRCA are the perpetrators of the Stealth of Election of ’03.  They created an election to give them an enormous new source of funds for the acquisition of public lands, the maintenance of public lands, including brush clearance, and the further entrenchment of their own power..

Thus, once the "Predatory Joe" gets his share of  fiscal tidings from thousands of bites to the wallets, he crafts mutualistic relationships with other political predators.This helps grows his habitat in places such as Elephant Hill in CD 14 with little notice and  a big cost to taxpayers

......... and who is afraid of a little "P-22" now?

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

Mayor Sam Exclusive: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to pay $495.000 for 25% of Elephant Hill that City of Los Angeles barrowed $9,000,000 to purchase from Councilman Huizar campaign fundraiser client

The Elephant Hill Land Bank set aside for Joe Edmiston's land empire.

Pause with me as we flashback to the day when CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar became a hero to the myopic Northeast LA Green Community as the LA Times reported on November 3, 2009.

The Los Angeles City Council voted today to settle a lawsuit over a contested 24-home subdivision planned for El Sereno, agreeing to buy the property for $9 million so it can be converted into a park.

The developers of the property, Monterey Hills Investors, sued the city last year after the council demanded more environmental review of the project, planned for a site known as Elephant Hill.

Councilman Jose Huizar said the city would borrow money in the short term to pay for the purchase of the 19-acre site. Over the long term the city will seek state funding to help defray the cost, he said.

"This is an environmental justice victory because proper environmental review was not conducted" on the planned subdivision, said Huizar, whose district includes El Sereno. 

Not all were ready to give Councilman Huizar credit that day as we noted here at Mayor Sam, but some 21 months later, the true winners and losers in this deal are becoming ever clearer. More on that after the bloggin leap.

Read more »

Would "Ranger Joe" benefit from Ed "Density" Reyes latest land-use scheme??

Beware of this bear-size man lurking near your hillside property.

For this is the former Governor Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown appointee Joe Edmiston, "self-appointed ranger with gun" who reigns over his creation known as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy/Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA).

No level of deceit in raising revenues (through confusing ballots) or lateness in defending his deceitful behavior on late-night talk-radio shows, keeps "Ranger Joe" from his goal of growing his empire through "deposits of land" into his personal "Land Bank of Joe".

"Ranger Joe's" latest effort to "grow deposits" may have him linking up with Councilman Ed "Density" Reyes who knows no bounds in his quest to unite rich and poor alike in his vision of "density in the community".

The former "density planner" latest creation dubbed the "I.C.O." or Interim Control Ordinance places new onerous restrictions on development of hillside parcels and have drawn the ire of hillside property owners across the city.

From Highland Park to El Sereno, public meetings have been standing-room only affairs where criticisms of the I.C.O. has been paramount in the public discourse. Property owners, especially ones with undeveloped lots, see these restrictions as roadblocks in developing their investments.

Some critics of the I.C.O. see more sinister motives in the Councilman's plans.

If property owners were to not have the capital to develop their properties under the mandates of the I.C.O., then they would be force to sell their lots at a lower than market prices. Thus public entities such as the SMMC/MRCA are set to pounce on the opportunity to grow their domains.

Maybe that is why this I.C.O. comes on the heels of the SMMC's Northeast Los Angeles Open Space Master Plan completed in March of 2006.

Interesting timing??? One must think so...................

The "I.C.O". Debate Continues

LINCOLN HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
Thursday, October 16, 2008
6:00- 8:00 pm
Lincoln Heights Library
Community Room
2530 Workman Street, L.A., CA 90031

1. Welcome/Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Minutes (10/2/08)
2. Non-Agenda Related Public Comment (10 minutes total)
3. Community & Board Announcements
4. City Reports
MAYOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 LAPD DONE
5. Committee Reports
Executive Finance & Budget Outreach, Communication, & Events
Election Programs & Services City & Government Liaison
Grievance Annual Holiday Parade Planning & Land-Use
6. Treasurer’s Report
Hazard Park Bike Ride for $450
7. Community Presentation – Victim Assistance (6:30 pm)
-- Brewery Art Walk
-- Hillside Ordinance (Pro/Con 10 minutes each side)
8. Old Business
9. New Business
Health & Safety Committee
10. Public Comment
11. Adjournment

Afternoon updates from the "RED SPOT INSTITUTE"

CARDINAL MAHONY FILES RESTRAINING ORDER:

Cardinal Roger Mahony has requested a Restraining Order against a 61 year old man who threaten him recently. This recent episode is unrelated to the summertime assault

This comes a day after the Cardinal sat down with the LAPD to discuss the July episode where Mahony was beaten during a stroll to a nearby mailbox.

The attacker physically express his anger over the Priest abuse scandal, leaving the Los Angeles rep. to the "Holy See" with injuries to his body.

"BIG JOE" STRIKES THE TENT IN MALIBU:

Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy's "LAND BANKING CZAR" Joe Edmiston came up a loser in his bid to open up SMMC/MCRA land within the City of Malibu to camping.

Malibu residents and the full City Council were in solidarity against the burly ranger with hat, gun, and "NO ACCOUNTABILITY" to anyone.

"RANGER JOE" plans to appeal the cities decision to the California Coastal Commission. No word whether the "LAND BANKING CZAR" would plan to access a hidden fee on the fire weary residents of Malibu.

"CLOWNCIL" DELAYS DWP FEE INCREASES:

What should of been a momentous day for "VILLAR DINNER FRIEND" H. David Hahai was outshined by the "CITY CLOWNCIL" new found want for accountability from the newly installed DWP General Manager.

After being confirmed for GM by the "FIFTEEN CLOWNS". Nahai's plans for fee increases in water and electricity to sustain the General Fund, errrrr, infrastructure improvements, was put on the shelf for the next couple on months.

No word how this went over with "BOSS D'ARCY" upon Nahai's report to the DWP "OVERLORD".

"STORM WATCH 2007":

Winter storm has local officials on stand by. Here are some sites to keep up to date on the storm's progression.

National Weather Service

Accuweather

Ontario Weather Service

Coliseum, Bitter Bernie and Shadow Governments

Boi from Troy counts up the votes with the coming decision required by the Coliseum Commission on the matter of the USC lease. In less that two days, this group of boobs which include Bitter Bernie, Zev Yarovslasky and Yvonne Burke could chase the Trojans to Pasadena.

Along with the LA Times, I continue my call for the Commission to vote themselves out of business and turn over management (not the pink slip for some of you dummies who don't get it) of the stadium to USC.

In other news, in light of the Commission's nonsense, the Former Fishwrap of Record takes a look at joint powers authorities (of which the Commission is one), a unique Frankenstein monster of governments that allows multiple jurisdictions to take control but avoid accountability to a single group of voters for various government or marginally government functions. The OLD GRAY HAG ON SPRING STREET however fails to note the most notorious and evil of JPAs, that shadow government known as the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority which consists of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and various local agencies.

The Edmiston Empire Expands

It's been a while since we last talked about Joe Edmiston, executive director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservancy Authority. Joe - who has been called "L.A.'s most powerful unelected official" - walks the land in a Smokey the Bear uniform, carries a gun and can take your property at twenty paces faster than Ike Clanton.

Last year, Joe expanded his empire to Santa Clarita and now they're going even further north to grab some of the Antelope Valley.

KABC radio host Doug McIntyre was one of the first to issue the clarion call about the questionable activities of the SMMC and MRCA. It's McIntyre's view that these agencies acting in concert can tax or even take your property without your knowledge and with little recourse - despite laws designed to protect you.

Its a complex issue that is way below the radar of most and its difficult to debate most folks on in that Edmiston's activities are cloaked under the feel good wrappers of "environmentalism" and "open space preservation." Indeed worthy goals but not at the expense of government taking private land unfairly.

Watch Out Santa Clarita! Here Comes Joe Edmiston!

We've detailed before the shadow government that is the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the odd stepchild of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Doug McIntyre of KABC Radio has an excellent treatise not only on how this un-elected, seemingly un-accountable agency works, but on a near bogus election they conducted to tax property owners from Griffith Park to Calabasas.

Key to the functioning of the MRCA is the Joint Powers Act, that allows obscure government agencies to partner, giving them the power to tax, aquire land (including through eminent domain) and all kinds of fun stuff in the name of the very worthy goal of "open space preservation." One of the less than stellar projects of SMMC was to receive as a "gift" the former estate of Barbra Streisand, and giving her a tax break of a far greater amount than the market value of the property (which had sat unsold at that price).

Joe Edmiston is the Executive Director of both the MCRA and its parent body, the SMMC. Joe has his own police force, carries a gun, dresses like Mr. Ranger Sir and can take your house if you look at him wrong. As we reported before, Santa Clarita, Joe is coming to your town.

This morning, Edmiston - with an oak savannah as his backdrop - will join with County Supervisor Mike "I'm supposed to be a Republican" Antonovich and local Santa Clarita leaders to announce the formation of the Newhall Ranch High Country Recreation and Conservation Authority, a joint powers authority between the County of Los Angeles, the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (since when is Santa Clarita in the Santa Monica Mountains?). This will give Edmiston, county bureaucrats and Santa Clarita city officials (note: the area is OUTSIDE the borders of the City) wide ranging authority over the new community of Newhall Ranch.

The land "aquired" by the NRHCRCA will be "managed" by the Center for Natural Lands Management, funded by a small "assessment" on Newhall Ranch homeowners.

Watch your wallet!

Land Grab Coming to Santa Clarita?

One of the items (No. 38) on Tuesday's Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' agenda is the creation of The Newhall Ranch High Country Recreation and Conservation Authority. We haven't spent a whole lot of time here on this blog talking about Joe Edmiston and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, but suffice it to say this shadow government managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has managed to tax property owners in Los Angeles in questionable elections and less than honest dealings.

Talkradio host Doug McIntyre has an excellent article about the MRCA's stealth election that taxed property owners without their full knowledge and put many properties at risk of tax liens.

The citizens in Santa Clarita better watch their wallet as their own version of the MCRA - whose partner agency is - you guessed it - the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy - is about to be formed. Don't say we didn't warn you.