In Thick Of Bribery Scheme, Mark Ridley-Thomas Gave This Richly Ironic Advice

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport on Twitter - An amusing part of watching wonky and tedious government meetings is when agitating gadflies such as Zuma Dogg, Wayne Spindler and the late John Walsh make, and sometimes sing, obnoxious public comments that get under the skin of tightly wrapped politicians.

For example, there's the nugget from 2018 that we're going to revisit today, when then-LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was convicted last week on seven federal corruption counts, interrupted Spindler's button-pushing for, what he described as, a "point of personal privilege."

If only Ridley-Thomas had followed his own advice.

If only all politicians did.

To read the whole column, head on over to DanielGuss.Substack.com and sign-up for my free newsletter.  Also follow me on The Twitters @TheGussReport.

HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

From "Boy Wonder Republican Consultant (with help of Daddy's Money?)" who managed an Upstart Barrister into the One-term incarnation of City Attorney Carman Trutanich (before turning on him), John Thomas has now been relegated to consulting the likes of Central Basin Water District Bad Boy Art Chacon, damned the potential ethical consequences. 

John Thomas with his California Alliance Group Teammates.

** Pardon the bloggin pause .............., but isn't that the former "Boy Wonder Republican Campaign Consultant" John Thomas, standing behind (and to the right) of infamous Southeast LA Political Operative Hector Chacon, his partner in FPPC-sanctioning campaign practices, Paul Fickas ........, and former California Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante?

Read more »

Happy April Fools from Mayor Sam!

Normally, for April Fools' Day, we craft up some jokey, satirical nonsense fake stories. You can see some of our past work here.

This year, I thought funny photos might be more fun. Enjoy.

John Walsh on Cirque du Soleil Closing

By John Walsh, HollywoodHighlands.org 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL closes tonight in Hollywood:Lays $100 Million Egg: The Largest in Show Biz history!

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT! THE CURTAIN COLLAPSES ON CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN LOS ANGELES!!!

HOLLYWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVISTS' PREDICTION PROVEN ACCURATE!

IRIS is the most costly flop in theatrical history! News reports indicate CIRQUE DU SOLEIL is now laying off 400 employees at Corporate Headquarters in Montreal due to a ripple effect!

Read the LA CURBED story from August 5, 2009 the day after The L.A City Council disastrously approved the deal that sent thirty million Obama Stimulus dollars down the Kodak theater rat hole!

Mayor Villarigosa and currently Mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti were the chief Angels behind that Deal With the Devil costing American Taxpayers $30 MILLION!

THE MAYOR OF L.A. PREDICTED THAT IRIS, THE MEGA SHOW WITH A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR PRICE TAG,WOULD RUN FOR TEN YEARS!

POOR "IRIS" DIDN'T EVEN LAST ON HOLLYWOOD BLVD. FOR THREE YEARS!

Krekorian's Biden/Kinnock Moment

It was a seminal moment of the 1988 Presidential campaign when now Vice President and then Democratic Senator Joe Biden plagiarized a speech originally given by Neil Kinnock, a member of the British Labour Party. Biden was later discovered to have "borrowed" from speeches by Robert Kennedy and others. Needless to say, Biden was forced to abandon his campaign for the Democratic nomination that year.

Since politicians are always spinning, it's not unexpected that we find them re-inventing portions of their personal narrative. Both President Obama and Governor Romney were accused of such during the now shuttered 2012 campaign. 

How interesting it is though, when we find an elected official creating out of whole cloth, letters and comments from "constituents," when often these very communications are used quite frequently to document or gauge where stakeholders' views are on a certain pressing issue.

Which brings us to Los Angeles City Council Member Paul Krekorian.

PURE IMAGINATION:
City Council Member Paul Krekorian

The latest kerfuffle to hit the Second District rep involves his monthly column "Ask Paul" which runs in  various editions of Patch, an online newspaper of sorts that targets hyper-local news and issues.

Krekorian was recently using his latest column to gin up support for a controversial plan addressing billboards in Los Angeles - and to deflect criticism from billboard critics of Krekorian's plan away from the Council Member himself. 

Cupcakes, anyone?
Jeremy Oberstein,
Krekorian Spin-meister

According to a story by Dakota Smith in the Los Angeles Daily News, Krekorian's column (actually written by longtime communications director and former journalist, Jeremy Oberstein) referred to a Studio City resident who questioned the plan but praised Krekorian's "integrity."  Turns out, not only the question but the "resident" was a fabrication created by Oberstein.

Krekorian's office had claimed that the voter in question is a "composite" of the many types of comments they receive. 

Following the discovery, the editors of Patch removed the original story with an explanation and allowed the Krekorian team to publish raw comments they claim their office has received on the billboards plan.

In the meantime, Krekorian has found himself coming under fire from many sources, including long-time anti-billboard activist Dennis Hathaway who was dubious of Krekorian's plan to begin with and was of the mind that Krekorian was shilling for the billboard industry, not really responding to his constituents' concerns on how to address the problem.

The Council Member's misstep even caught the attention of famed blogger and gadfly, John Walsh, who offered to stage a "Fake Letters to Paul" contest, offering, in his usual flamboyant fashion, the winner "First Booby Prize is Breakfast with Paul Krekorian. Second Booby Prize is Breakfast and Lunch with Paul Krekorian and Third Booby Prize is Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Paul Krekorian."

Los Angeles continues to remain fun!

The New Soncha?

Is the latest email from Hollywood gadfly, John Walsh, true? Kate del Castillo is a popular Mexican actress best known for a sapphic slip and slide with Barack Obama supporter, Eva Longoria, in the film Without Men. Developing...

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

"I’m the mayor. I knew. I’m the mayor, and I knew. Let me be clear about something — I’m the mayor and I knew," via The City Maven

LA's press corps and bloggin community awaits an open and transparent reply from Mayor Villar regarding his knowledge of AEG's plans to sell its LA LIVE complex.

Hey Tony!

As many in City Hall and within the new/old media community, openly question your motives regarding your decision not to divulge the now public attempts by AEG to sell its LA LIVE City State holdings, would you care if I offer this bit of advise? Come clean on how a profitable AEG sale of the LA LIVE City State,.bids well for the future of one Antonio "Tony" Ramon Villar.

Longtime observers of your various political incarnations will agree that enabling favors for your political friends, commonly result in material gain for yourself.

Whether it was Cadiz's Keith Brackpool who gave you a consulting gig at the end of your days as Assembly Speaker, former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt who made you his box seat buddy, or AEG who granted you free tickets that led to ethics fines, you have always found ways to benefit off your enabling pursuits, that reaps riches for your exclusive friends.

Thus, it would come as no surprise that your reluctance to out AEG intentions, will surely have some future benefit for you beyond July 1, 2013, just how is up to you to ethically disclose now.

** The new look Wendy but still "The Valley Greuel" at the Hollywood Mayoral Candidate Forum

From left to right, Mayoral Candidates City Councilwoman Jan Perry, former KRLA Talk Show Host Kevin James and new look City Controller Wendy "The Valley Greuel" (What is the "Private Citizen/ Political Consultant" John Shallman rate for "extreme candidate makeovers"?) Photo by Phil Jennerjahn.

The former signature mane of "The Valley Greuel".

** Republican Congressional Candidate Phil Jennerjahn was in the audience last night at the Hollywood Mayoral Candidate Forum. Jennerjahn takes the time to pen a missive on last nights proceedings and it is surprising which candidate nibble away at his inner cheesy heart.

** Hollywood Blogger John Walsh has this take on a awkward moment for Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti, when an attempted joke regarding the mom of debate moderator Traci Savage, went sideways.

MS. TRACI SAVAGE DURING HER OPENING REMARKS PROUDLY INTRODUCED HER MOTHER JUDY SAVAGE SITTING IN THE AUDIENCE,MENTIONING THAT JUDY RAN A SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN’S TALENT AGENCY FOR MANY YEARS LOCATED NEAR THE SITE OF TONIGHT’S DEBATE ON VINE STREET.SHORTLY THEREAFTER ,WHEN COUNCILMAN GARCETTI’S TURN TO FIRST ADDRESS THE DEBATE AUDIENCE ARRIVED, THE L.A. CITY COUNCILMAN AND CURRENT MAYORAL CANDIDATE QUICKLY WANDERED OFF TOPIC TO INFORM THE PUBLIC AND THE ASSEMBLED MEDIA THAT TRACI SAVAGE’S MOTHER HAD ACTUALLY BEEN HIS TALENT AGENT FOR A TIME DURING ERIC’S CHILD ACTING DAYS.THEN ERIC ADDED IN A POOR ATTEMPT AT SUPPOSED HUMOR THAT TRACI SAVAGE’S MOTHER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR NEVER GETTING HIM A JOB , CAUSING HER PROUD DAUGHTER TO FLINCH NOTICEABLY AT THE PODIUM ON STAGE DUE TO THIS INSENSITIVE REMARK.

May we dare say that Garcetti has not master the art of stand up comedy?

** If you are in the mood for "spontaneous political theater" this evening, then Ron Kaye has just the right event for you.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of an historic moment tonight when constituents and challengers pop the question to Assemblyman Bob “2JobBob” Blumenfield:Which job, Bob, State Assembly or City Council?Be on hand for the festivities at Canoga Park’s ArtRageous Art Walk where Blumenfield — Assembly Budget chairman and architect of the last four disastrous California budgets — is holding what he calls “Sidewalk Office” hours to turn a community cultural event into a political theater for himself.2JobBob plans to meet and greet constituents from 6 to 8 p.m. at 7248 Owensmouth Ave., the mid-point of the event on Sherman Way between Topanga and Canoga. 

Something tells me that "2JobBob" may practice the art form of dodging tonight.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

HAHA!! This CD 2/7 illegal resident (allegedly) wants to make your book card a legal ID.

Audacity!! ........ but all too predictable for the City Clowncil Central Committee.

"The Southern Sanctuary City State" along the coast of  "Greece on the Pacific" voted to explore the idea via the CD 2/7 Indicted Clowncilman Richard AlarCON, to convert library cards into a legal form of ID.

If this comes to fruition, those among us who are residing in this country illegally would be able to use their library cards to open bank accounts, but rest assure that library cards will not double as driver licenses.

But just wondering if someday, your City of LA library card, could be use by someone who wants register for flight school and embark on a one way flight to a certain Library Tower? Enough said. 

** The "Weekly of Record" via the "Snarky One", explores whether Mayor Antonio Ramon Villar (minus Raigosa out of respect to Corina) has embellish allegations regarding his father. Simple response is yes. Plus, do you hear "Tony" telling stories how is mom was a state employee at Cal Trans? That fact did not fit into the Parke Skelton crafted narrative that "Tony" regurgitates as truth. 

** The duo political personas that is "Assembly Candidate/CD 3 City Council Candidate Bob Blumenfeld", really hit a ethical sore spot with CD 3 Resident/Blogger Ron Kaye. The verbal bites from Kaye's latest missive are bound to ignite speculation from some whether Kaye is exploring his own CD 3 Candidacy. 

** Hollywood Blogger John Walsh had these comments regarding the Obama Campaign oversight of Mayor Antonio Villar's DNC Chairperson "performance".

BARACK ASSIGNED ” A MINDER” TO SHADOW ANTONIO WHEREVER HE WENT IN CHARLOTTE TO AVOID ANTONIO CAUSING EMBARRASSMENT TO HIS ADMINISTRATION OR THE PARTY.BETWEEN THE SECOND AND THIRD VOTE, ANTONIO LOOKS AROUND , SEARCHING FOR HIS MINDER. SHE THEN APPEARS : THE MIDDLE-AGED MYSTERY LADY. YOU HEAR HER TELL ANTONIO TO “DO WHAT THEY’RE GONNA DO.” IN OTHER WORDS, STAY THE COURSE AND READ OFF THE TELEPROMPTER. SHE STANDS NEXT TO ANTONIO UNTIL HE DOES WHAT THE MINDER TELLS HIM TO DO. AND THEN THE MINDER LEAVES THE STAGE.OUR WEBSITE IS TRYING TO ASCERTAIN THE IDENTITY OF THE MINDER.INCIDENTALLY, THAT DAZED LOOK ON HIS FACE ALL THROUGHOUT THIS CRINGE-WORTHY CONVENTION EPISODE IS THE EXACT SAME LOOK HE HAD ON HIS FACE THE TIME I WOKE HIM UP BY RAISING MY VOICE DURING PUBLIC COMMENT AFTER HE HAD NODDED OFF AT AN MTA BOARD MEETING!   

How many local "minders" are on city payroll?

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

Jerry Brown Stumps Hard for Carmen the Clown

Old Buddies

Why anyone would vote for Carmen Trutanich boggles the mind but why any Republican would vote for this shady former tuna packer completely erases the sane mind.

Republicans need to support Allan Jackson - rational minded independents, Democrats, Libertarians, etc. should also back Allan. He's received support ranging from moi to Joseph Mailander to Walter Moore to Ron Kaye (who gave a two-way nod to both Jackson and fellow Deputy DA, Jackie Lacey). Not often do those guys agree.

"Los Angeles County voters need only remember three letters when they cast their ballot for district attorney on June 5: ABC. Anybody But Carmen." - LA Daily News 

Carmen's biggest supporters are Jerry Brown, Antonio Villaraigosa and Phil Jennerjahn.

Hollywood activist John Walsh reports today that he has received robocalls from Jerry Brown on behalf of Trutanich.

Why even Democrats would vote for Carmen when there are perfectly capable progressive choices such as Jackie Lacey or Bobby Grace confuses me as well.

Remember - like the Daily News says "Anybody But Carmen."

Lloyd Levine's Liquor Store, Tobacco Money Mailer

Lloyd Levine

Remember our old friend, Lloyd "The Nanny" (or "The Bachelor") Levine, former San Fernando Valley Assemblyman who traded on his political consultant daddy's name to get on the government payroll for six years?

Assemblyman Levine, who on his way to become California's nanny targeted everything from light bulbs to plastic bags, has been eclipsed by bigger nannies of late such as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg or First Lady Michelle Obama, but I digress.

Around the Capitol reports that he's back, trading on all of that to live off the money of political candidates and special interest groups seeking to influence Tuesday's election.

Levine is helming a "slate mailer," those erstwhile pieces of former pulp that wind up en masse in your mailbox every election cycle. While they try to create the image of a political party or some community organization cheerfully cheering on their favorite candidates and cause, as some of sort of altruistic team effort, the truth is (most of the time except for some throwaways like to Presidential candidates who have no need for the mailer) each and every ballot recommendation on the slate was bought and paid for. Many times the mailer can pair candidates and props who absolutely are not simpatico.

For those who produce the mailers, it can be quite financially lucrative. For those who appear it's a cost effective way to keep the mailbox war going and to be associated with other candidates and causes (and worthy sounding "organizations) that could help push a voter their way.

Levine's "Coalition for Literacy" AKA Cory's Liquor

Levine's latest mailer, for which he and his father's company pulled down nearly $350K from moneyed interests, including payments from pro-tobacco interests, seeking the spotlight, is in the name of some organization called Coalition for Literacy.

Both Around the Capitol and the bombastic Hollywood gadfly/activist John Walsh report that the address on the mailer for the Coalition is 1954 West Carson Street in Torrance.

John Walsh and Friends on Cable TV

A quick Google Maps search for that address reveals it's the home of Cory's Liquor Store.  According to Around the Capitol, cash is sent to the Levine office in Sherman Oaks.

Among a series of local candidates (and freebies for Obama and DiFi) who paid to be on the mailer, one of the more prominent appearances is by the "No on 29" campaign, an effort funded by tobacco companies to fight yet another tax on cigarettes. Around the Capitol reports that Nanny Levine told them he received no tobacco money for the mailer, yet records show No on 29 paid at least $17,500 for their appearance.

When voter turn out is lower than ever, local and state government has reached levels of corruption that would make former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley blush, and the City is literally crumbling, it's no wonder citizens are cynical when political interests can get personally rich playing this game.

One wonders if and when the populace will ever wake up. Levine is betting no.

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the LA Political Machine for Wednesday

Great Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the local political machine for Hump Day. Join us as we tip the glass and enlighten you on these political musings that may find their way into someone's decaff morning coffee in the A.M. ; ) --- Scott Johnson..

Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson.

** Great Hump Day happy Hour as many depart with their suits and ties, to don Lakers gear for tonight's Game Two against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As we near tipoff, here are some quick hits from today's political festivities.

CD 10 and City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson's appetite for absolute power, "may have crossed a brown line" today as HOLLYWOODHIGHLANDS.org blogger and civic activist John Walsh reports.

AT ABOUT NOON TODAY 5/16/12 PRESIDENT WESSON CALLED A RECESS TO SETTLE A DISPUTE BETWEEN KORETZ AND HUIZAR.
 A MAJORITY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS SURROUNDED WESSON WHO WAS SEATED IN THE COUNCIL  PRESIDENT'S CHAIR AND SPOKE TO ONE ANOTHER ANIMATEDLY IN VIOLATION OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN MEETINGS LAW. The DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY WAS NOWHERE IN SIGHT. THIS HAPPENED IN FRONT OF APPROXIMATELY100 EYEWITNESSES AND UNDER THE NOSES OF THE CITY HALL'S PLIANT PRESS CORPS.
 THE MAJORITY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS   WHO VIOLATED THE BROWN ACT BY DISCUSSING CITY BUSINESS OUTSIDE THE  CITY COUNCIL MEETING INCLUDED  A COUPLE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO  WERE PARTICIPANTS IN THE ILLEGAL DISCUSSION BY VIRTUE  OF SITTING  OR STANDING WITHIN EARSHOT OF THOSE COUNCIL MEMBERS SURROUNDING  PRESIDENT WESSON. THIS WOULD  INCLUDE

COUNCILMAN  PARKS WHO WAS SEATED

THE TOPIC OF THE ILLEGAT CONVERSATION WAS KORETZ'S AND HUIZAR'S COMPETING MARIJUANA MOTIONS.
I   USED MY IPAD TO RECORD THIS VIOLATIONS.  IT WAS A CITY COUNCIL GANG BANGWITH THE BROWN ACT AS  RAPE VICTIM!

...... at lease "Mini Amin" Wesson did not eat the Brown Act.

City of  Los Angeles Ciity Attorney and District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich (center) 

A bad stretch of news continues for District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich as challenger Deputy DA Prosecutor Alan Jackson picks up big talk radio endorsement yesterday from KRLA AM Talk Show Host Hugh Hewitt

Los Angeles, May 16^th – On Tuesday, national radio broadcaster Hugh Hewitt enthusiastically endorsed gang prosecutor Alan Jackson for District Attorney. Hewitt stressed on-air Jackson’s abilities as a gang prosecutor, his support from over 65,000 police officers, and his relationship with victims and their families. Hewitt applauded Alan’s plan to modernize the District Attorney’s office as well as his strategic approach to dealing with Prison Realignment and the thousands of state felons set for transfer to LA County. Jackson’s campaign continues to gain momentum as we move toward Election Day. Hugh Hewitt stated, “Alan Jackson is without a doubt my choice for District Attorney. I cannot more highly recommend that anyone who lives in Los Angeles County needs to vote Alan Jackson. I wish him best of luck.” Gang prosecutor Alan Jackson declared, “Earning Hugh Hewitt’s endorsement means a tremendous amount to me and my campaign. His respected opinion goes a long way not just in Los Angeles County, but across the nation where he broadcasts daily.”

........ the Nuch of old is waning fast.
Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Walsh: Villaraigosa, Obama's DNC Anti-Occupier Fixer

John Walsh in action

John Walsh (not to be confused with the host of "America's Most Wanted), is a legendary, Hollywood based activist and master of political theater. For years, Walsh has been aligned with organizations that have fought rail transit, government waste, and other municipal misdeeds that he feels unjustly impacts the poor. Though Walsh is a member of the Hollywood Democratic Club, he has no love lost for local elected officials who are Democrats, notably Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Outraged that President Obama has chosen LA's Mayor as Chairman of the Democratic National Convention, Walsh is determined to expose to progressives all of the reasons why Villaraigosa must be dethroned as convention chair. What follows below is Walsh's latest screed, in all it's CAPS lock and bombast, but, a well reasoned analysis in my view.

OBAMA'S WORST NIGHTMARE IS THE NATIONWIDE OCCUPY MOVEMENT RAINING ON THE PRESIDENT'S CONVENTION PARADE IN CHARLOTTE THIS SUMMER.

WILL OCCUPIERS' HEADS BE CRACKED OPEN IN SEPTEMBER ON THE STREETS OF NORTH CAROLINA WHILE BARACK IS GIVING HIS NOMINATION ACCEPTANCE STREET? IF SO, SAY GOODBYE FOR SURE TO THIS STATE'S SWING ELECTORAL VOTES.
Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Gadfly-Hating Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Some current and former members of the City Clowncil Central Committee via KFI's John and Ken Show.

Great morning to all from the "Communal City-State of Los Angeles" where fifteen members of the City Clowncil Central Committee wants to restrict your right to convey via diverse modes of communication, comments regarding actions of the special interest elected City Clowncil Central Committee that reign from 200 Spring Street. As a reminder to the Clowncil Central Committee, we post this ..........

Congress (.... and the City Clowncil Central Committee) shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (that includes Councilman Huizar and the CLARTS Fund).  

The First Amendment must be a foreign concept to the likes of CD 11 Clowncil Central Committee Member Bill Rosendahl and Clowncil Central Committee President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson who are exploring ways to restrict speech from the likes of John Walsh, Chris Shabel and Miki Jackson pictured above, in light of Tuesday's comments in the Clowncil Central Committee Chambers by El Sereno Resident Michael Carreon that provoked feigned acts of victimization from Clowncil Central Committee Members Paul Koretz and Bill Rosendahl. Derided by some in the "establishment media" as "Gadflys", the likes of Walsh and Jackson have been instrumental in exposing safety issues at MTA and questionable actions at LACCD respectively. Others such as Zuma Dogg, Matt Dowd, Mike Hunt and Arnold Sachs have highlighted in public (and courtroom) the free speech hypocrisy of the supposed progressives that control the Clowncil Central Committee. Now, as the Clowncil Central Committee plots its revenge against those first amendment practitioners, Hillel Aron at the "Weekly of Record" profiles those City Hall regulars who are derisively labeled "Gadflys", but in actuality are the citizen watchdogs of an increasingly fascist City Clowncil Central Committee.          

 Zuma Dogg

 Matt Dowd

 Mike Hunt

Arnold Sachs

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14