Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Halloween Eve

Its time for the Eighth Annual "Happy City Hall-oween Missive" via  the Downtown News Editor and "Reigning Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie.

From the Downtown News: The Wicked Witch of DWP/IBEW Wendy "Boss D'Arcy's" Greuel seeking some haunted accommodations at 200 Spring Street. 

** Blogger's Note: A bloggin Fall Season coverage of the Los Angeles Political Machine is not complete come the Winter Solstice without the now Eighth Annual "Happy City Hall-oween Missive" via the keyboard of Downtown News Editor ......., and "Reigning Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie. Surely, there will be some "Huizzy Zombinistas" who will claim that I am possess by the "Demons of Past Campaigns Lost (Rudy Martinez in 2011 and Gloria Molina in 2015)". But regardless of my alleged "Bloggin PTSD", we always find a chuckle from the yearly, creative Regardie City Hall-oween Missive as excerpted below----Scott Johnson.

"Train to Nowhere" 

"The Poltergeist of a Huizzy Broadway Streetcar Legacy" 

** Toot toot! What’s that sound? Chugga chugga! Could it be? You look around and, wow, it’s the Broadway streetcar. But where’s it going? You see it halt at a stop labeled $100 million. Then it stops at a station dubbed $125 million. It rolls again but stops at $327.8 million. You look around and there’s a $275 million stop, a $281 million stop and a $250 million stop. Which one is right, what’s the thing really cost and can you ride it? You try to climb aboard but your body passes right through and, heavens to José, the streetcar just seems to be a fantasy! Will it ever come to reality? You have no idea.

** For those who thought that longtime South LA Columnist Betty Pleasant had ascended the "Soulvine to the Great Beyond", she is alive and well, producing her regular "WMD's" (either "Wanton Missives of Distortions" or rare "Written Missive of Distinction") for the Compton Herald ......., and the content never fails to provoke considering ,.........., Florida congressman Alcee Hastings is being lambasted for calling the state of Texas “crazy” for which the state’s congress members are demanding an apology. During a heated congressional debate on President Obama’sAffordable Care Act last month, tempers flared among the Democrats and Republicans to the point where Hastings called the entire red state of Texas “crazy” because, not only was its congressmen trying to destroy Obamacare, but its state legislators tried to pass a “dildo law” that specified the number of dildos Texas women could legally own—as well as their sizes and shapes! 

**  As the Joint DWP/IBEW Joint Job Training/Safety Non-Profits lost their desire to remain a non-audited entity within the "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" Empire, Village to Village Blogger Paul Hatfield was none too shy in suggesting that a "Top Down Change" needed to be made at LA's utility to affect positive reforms ......., It is time for the city to replace Edwards as the one to track reforms. Appoint an individual from the private sector, independent of the utility. Someone not afraid to speak frankly. It need not – and should not – be a highly paid position. The individual could leverage off of the Ratepayer Advocate, the Neighborhood Council’s DWP working group, retired business people and local business schools.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Newly-elected CD 4 City Councilman David Ryu remains true to his outsider political persona ........., and his colleagues stay faithful their Special Interest benefactors as the Korean-American Councilman's proposal to ban Business and Union Campaign Contributions goes wanting for a second signature.

The Euphoria of Victory meets a stonewall of political reality for CD 4 City Councilman David Ryu.

Please pause as we get a Second Signature to approve our Morning Briefs .................................. 

Ryu!! That took longer than normal this A.M. due to wandering the halls of the cybersphere in search of someone who agrees with our bloggin premise, in supporting new CD 4 City Councilman David Ryu's "Outsider Persona".

But as the first Korean-American elected to the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee is learning, adopting an "Outsider Persona" can quickly become a solitary pursuit ............, especially if policy initiatives run counter to the established Status Quo.  

Thus, it should come as no surprise that Councilman Ryu's proposal to ban Campaign Contributions from Business and Unions fail to garner a second signature from his Clowncil Colleagues .........., and who was the responsible party for putting the "Outsider Persona" in the "Policy Corner" for bucking the Status Quo? From the LA Times .............. 

Among those who raised concerns was Andrew Westall, a policy aide to council President Herb Wesson. Westall told Ryu aides that the proposal would be premature because city ethics officials would soon make recommendations about group donations, according to Wesson spokeswoman Vanessa Rodriguez.   

Lesson learned .......,, no "Outsider Persona" shall buck the Absolute Authority of City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson.

** While LA City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Merman "Mini Amin" Wesson was putting a "policy lockdown" on the "CD 4 Outsider Persona", another perceived "Political Outsider, City Controller Ron Galperin", was getting another dose of political reality as the "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo-controlled" Board of Trustees, who oversee the Joint DWP IBEW Job Training and Safety Non-Profits, rejected the City Controller's recommendation  and kept $11 Million dollars in surplus money, in a "Rainy Day Fund".

** Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, who received united support from the Political Machine in his resounding victory over indicted former Under sheriff Paul Tanaka, is sure to draw the ire of the rabid, illegal immigrant rights activists, as he continues the Sheriff Department's cooperation with ICE.

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

Hey Dennis Que Paso, Are You Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's Shilling Bato?

Who did KCAL/KCBS Investigative Reporter David Goldstein find with IBEW/DWP/City Hall Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" as his irascible persona minces few words in calling the audit of the Joint DWP/IBEW Safety-Job Training Non-Profits politically motivated?    

Who that in front of "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" and KCAL/KCBS David Goldstein? Hint, think alter ego "Denise"?

 Hmm. Is that ex CD 3 City Councilman Dennis Zine doing some undisclosed work for his former City Controller Campaign Supporter?

** Blogger's Note: Never underestimate KCAL/KCBS Investigative Reporter David Goldstein's ability to find a sub plot within an exclusive report, as witness with his exclusive chit chat with IBEW/DWP/City Hall Strongman Brian "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo". The fact that Goldstein was able to get the uber irascible City Hall Strongman to comment on camera regarding the recent audit of the Joint DWP/IBEW Job and Safety Training Non-Profits was an exclusive feat. But Goldstein also scored a bonus scoop in finding a certain former CD 3 City Councilman and a failed City Controller Candidate Dennis Zine, in the company of "The Boss", as they exited an apparent "working lunch" at Taylor's Steak House. Zine's outing in the company of "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" is bound to raise discerning eyebrows as he retains a visible profile with his recent appearances on the KRLA 870 AM Randy Economy Show and in keyboarding opinion missives for City Watch ........, which includes his latest "City Controller’s Grandstanding DWP Audit is the Real Waste of Ratepayer Dollars". Since perception can be accepted political reality in Ciudad de Los Angeles, especially when caught on camera, with binder in hand, leaving a "filling power lunch (judging from the respective girths of Zine and Boss D'Arcy Rizzo)", then followed by a perceived bitter, former Controller Candidate's hit piece against his victorious challenger, now City Controller Ron Galperin, we have this simple question for Dennis (to the tune of the Texas Tornado's great song "Hey Baby Que Paso") ........, hey Dennis que paso, are you (or still) "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" (now consulting/shilling) Bato? Maybe that can be the topic for a future Randy Economy Show?---Scott Johnson. 

"Hey Dennis Que Paso, Are You Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's Shilling Bato?"

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Its Official!! Congresswoman Janice "Babs" Hahn is running for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, seeking to follow in her legendary Father's footsteps.

We wonder what uber-Hahn booster Noel Weiss, thinks of "Daughter of Kenny's" next political endeavor? 

Could the political entity known for its "Five Kingmakers" become majority "Queen" in 2016?

That is a strong possibility as Congresswoman Janice Hahn announced this A.M. that she will forgo reelection to her Congressional Seat to hopefully replace termed-out Supervisor Don Knabe on the five member Board.

The Liberal Congresswoman and former CD 15 City Councilwoman will have a obvious name recognition advantage but her distinctly, left of center record may cause some consternation in the moderate-leaning district.
AFTERNOON UPDATE: Hahn endorses State Senator Isadore Hall for her Congressional Seat. Republican Mike Gin, former Mayor of Redondo Beach joins the list to replace Knabe on the Board of Supervisors.

** The sun rose on the Hollywood Hills this morning to reveal another man-made deluge of water via a 1920s-installed cast iron pipe, which submerged a pair of cars and renewed, again the debate over the need to overhaul a failing water system infrastructure.

** Staying on the DWP topic, DWP Watchdog Jack Humphreville opines whether it was a good think that IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" stop cooperating with an agreed-upon Audit on the Joint Safety and Job Training Non Profits considering ........., This will allow Ratepayers to ask even more questions about the terms of the settlement agreement and why it does not extend back to 2000 when the Joint Safety Institute received its initial funding of $1.2 million.  And why the unusual terms which prohibit the Controller and CAO from making and preserving copies of appropriate documents?

** Meanwhile, Village to Village Blogger Paul Hatfield muses on the predictability of the breakdown in the agreed upon Audit and cites possible actions that can be taken lieu of a City Council acting decisively in requesting accountability ......, whoops, pardon the blogging day dream.

** Memo to City, County, State and Federal Officials seeking a resolution to the labor turmoil at the Port of LA and Long Beach. Please explain how a small union with members making up to $42 per hour, with FREE Medical Insurance, is going to garner popular support for its latest grievances? Plus, lets not forget looming south of us is a widen Panama Canal, opening soon.

** THIS IS ANOTHER FUENTES/MARTINEZ/CARDENAS/PADILLA/BOCANEGRA MACHINE CHARACTER ASSASSINATION MISSIVE WARNING!!

Northeast San Fernando Valley Democrat Machine Bloggin Tool Rosemary Jenkins, has keyboard another "Wanton Missive of Distortion" (WMD) against a perceived enemy of the NESFV Democratic Machine. This time, with the CD 6 City Council Elections less than two weeks away, "The Bloggin Tool" goes caustic and personal on the latest Grass Roots Challenger to the supposed Ruling Class, Cindy Montanez.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 



TGIF Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine

Saturday Evening KRLA 870 AM Talk Show Host and Investigative Reporter Randy Economy will have the Attorney for the Wife of murdered City of Bell Garden Mayor Daniel Crespo Eber Bayona in studio tomorrow between 8-9 PM.

KRLA Saturday Evening Talk Show Host Randy Economy.

** Blogger's Note: With a beautiful President's Day Holiday Weekend upon us, please pardon the bloggin break to recommend that you spent a quality hour tomorrow night listen to a must-hear hour on the Randy Economy Show on KRLA 870 AM from 8-9 PM. In studio will be the Attorney Eber Bayona represent wife, turned alleged trigger women Lyvette Crespo, who allegedly gunned down her late husband, City of Bell Gardens Mayor Daniel Crespo. As the parties involve await whether the District Attorney will file charges, some interest surprises and relaxations, may be disclosed for the first time---Scott Johnson. 

** Memo to City Controller Ron Galperin, what are your office's issues in executing promised audits? First, IBEW Strongman Brian "D"Arcy Rizzo" stops cooperating with the agreed-upon review of the books for the DWP-IBEW Joint Safety/Job Training Non Profits, why? Supposedly because someone was taking "too much notes". But you also have seem to forget that promise you made at a LANCC Meeting to audit the CD 14 CLARTS Fund. Meanwhile, a California Public Records Act request on CLARTS received the following response via the staff.

2.) A line item expenditure on all recipients of CLARTS Fund allocations for the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year.

ttached please find a document from the Office of the Controller pertinent to item Number One of your request. 

Regarding item Number Two of your request, please be advised that this office finds that "unusual circumstances" exist with respect to the request, as that term is defined in California Government Code section 6253(c). "Unusual circumstances” exist because of the need to compile data, to write programming language or a computer program, or to construct a computer report to extract data.

In addition, pursuant to California Government Code 6253.9(b), “the requester shall bear the cost of producing a copy of the record, including the cost to construct a record, and the cost of programming”.

Should you wish our office to proceed with data extraction, please notify this office of your request and the cost of programming will be calculated and communicated to you. Please note that a check payable to the City of Los Angeles for the programming fee must be received by this office prior to data extraction.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (213) 978-7291.  
Kevin McNeely
Senior Management Analyst II

Office of the Controller
 

......., so much for a timely accounting on CLARTS from Controller Galperin.

Your thoughts ..............
 

Scott Johnson in CD 14                                                                                 

Morning Briefs on Appeasing the Boss D'Arcy Rizzo Political Machine for Wednesday

Appeasement in Our Time at 200 Spring Street as the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee, with help from City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Controller Ron "Neville" Galperin sent a proposed settlement of the litigious Boss D"Arcy Rizzo's IBEW/ DWP Joint Safety and Job Training Non-Profits Audits, to the DWP Commission for approval.

From City Controller Ron "Neville" Galperin's Facebook Page: "The agreement protects ratepayer money by requiring the trusts to cooperate fully with my office’s audit before any money is released to them. I believe these actions will make the operations of the trusts transparent and guarantee that the trustees are accountable to DWP ratepayers".

But the discerning observers are musing about the lack of details as noted below .........

Paul Hatfield: The IBEW should not have a say in who represents the city on the trusts' boards. That is a conflict of interest. This settlement should be killed on that basis alone.

Jack Humphreville: Ron Galperin has done a very good job. But why can't we see the agreement? After all, we are the slobs paying the bill. Do you trust City Hall?

Jose G. Castillo Mba: Why doesn't the IRS revoke their nonprofit status??? This is tax payer monies we are talking about!! There should be a criminal investigation if fraud has been committed.

Comments aside, Galperin gives its his best Neville Chamberlin (sans a transparent document to wave at the discerning masses) as reported by Rick Orlov in the Daily News.

 “(We) crafted an agreement that finally brings transparency to the two ... trusts jointly managed by the Department of Water and Power and its largest union,” he said, adding that he looks forward to being able to finally audit the trusts.

Yet, with the details lacking for the public to ascertain, ratepayers, like Winston Churchill in 1939, can't be faulted for questioning the true facts behind the City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson's led efforts to appease, whoops settle with "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" as exemplified below.

Leonard H Horowitz: Ratepayers will not trust DWP, mayor and unethical city council until the two DWP safety non-profits are audited from 2003. No new rate increases until Brian D'Arcy is removed from union, working Californian's & safety non-profits. In the old days they would have been tarred and feathered and then thrown out of town. 

......, but in 2014, the City Clowncil Central Committee, along with Mayor Garcetti, City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Controller "Neville" Galperin, disclose no documentation on the latest act of appeasing a City Hall Bully.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14



Late Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

What well-known former (or current) Political Officeholder could be looking for a Northeast CD 14 Rental Property?

A new CD 14 Home Address can establish Domicile for a possible CD 14 challenge of current City Clowncil Member Jose Huizar.

Lets get straight to the Hot Morning Chisme out of CD 14.

Reports from the Northeast LA area of City Clowncilman Jose Huizar's District, have associates of a former (or current) Political Officeholder, seeking a rental property to establish domicile for a possible challenge of the Princeton Graduate.

As an exercise of provoking speculation (and paranoia within the insecure persona of the current Officeholder), we list the following names;

1. LA School Board Member Monica "Gorda Boo Boo" Garcia.
2. Former LAUSD School Board Member David Tokofsky.
3. Assemblyman "Tony Villar's First Cousin John" (Perez).
4. Termed-out LA County Supervisor Gloria "Molina Boo Boo".
5. Former CD 14 City Councilman Nick Pacheco.
6. State Senator Kevin de Leon.
7. Former State Senator/Assemblyman Richard Polanco.
8. Former LAUSD School Board Member and Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg.
9. Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez.
10. Former 1999 City Council Candidate Victor Griego.

We are sure that some will bloggin comment on this.

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Two City Hall Strongmen come together to jointly cry UNCLE as an apparent agreement between Mayor Eric Garcetti, the City Clowncil Central Committee and IBEW's Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo", on the continuing funding of the DWP/IBEW Joint Job Training and Safety Non-Profits, is ironed out behind closed City Hall doors. 

 The two reigning City Hall Strongmen, City Clowncil Central Committee General Secretary Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson (top) and IBEW's Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" (bottom) agree on conditions (including auditing) for the continued funding of "Working Californians", whoops, the Joint DWP/IBEW Job Safety and Training Non-Profits.

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

What will be the reaction from IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" after both City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Controller Ron Galperin called the reigning City Hall Bully's bluff, in withholding the latest payment to the Joint IBEW/DWP Job Training and Safety Non-Profits?

The Bully that is IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo".



Angelinos need to be made aware of a pending Bully Temper Tantrum.

For those who were unfortunate to be on the receiving end of threats from bullies, know all too well that when a uber thug does not get their requested extortion, it can get ugly, real ugly.

Thus, what should Angelinos expect from reigning City Hall Bully, IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" after City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Controller Ron Galperin initiated plans to put a new overseer and deny the latest payment to his "Joint IBEW/DWP Job Training and Safety Non-Profits respectively? Blackouts? Cut off in water deliveries? More "Working Californians Independent Expenditures" to City Clowncil Central Committee Members such as Curren Price, Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson, Jose Huizar, Felipe Fuentes and Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo" to do nothing in response to a Bully's latest threats? 

The latter is most likely unless pressure is put on the City Clowncil Central Committee to cut off this annual $4 Million Dollars bailout to sustain "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" operating excesses and .........., campaign contribution kickbacks to the majority of those within the Horseshoe who remain silent on this growing scandal.

** Surprise, surprise!! LAPD's computer software program known to the discerning political observer simply as COMPSTAT, is showing an increase in Aggravated Assaults as noted by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Eric Garcetti in a recent photo op. Normally, COMPSTAT is program to show decreases in all crimes (especially violent types) by dumbing down what is supposedly a violent act of law breaking. Thus, in the near future, will we see an expose on the truth of COMPSTAT? BTW, lets not forget the impact of now City Attorney Mike Feuer's co-authoring of AB-109 on the rise in crime.

** Mayor Eric Garcetti has a surge of a crisis coming ashore at the Port of LA as a hundred, union-inspired truckers are striking, seeking to become "employees", instead of merely operators. If this job action gain support of unionized Longshoremens via work stoppages, the long-term ramification for the Port of LA and Long Beach could see Shipping Companies bypass the twin ports, in favor of business friendly Ports of Calls by a newly-widened Panama Canal.  

** Former SEIU 347 and 721 Union Leader Julie Butcher is leaving Andy Stern's Fiefdom for a new gig as the Business Representative for Teamsters Local 911. Meanwhile, the Fourth Annual Matt Butcher Memorial Golf Tournament is on July 19 at the Brookside Golf Course, next to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.                 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

End of Fiscal Year 2013/2014 (and Vacation Getaway day) Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Its time for the annual Getaway Celebration of another pending "New Fiscal New Year" and Birthday in the Great Outdoors. Thus after today, this blogger will be on hiatus until next Monday (with a bloggin surprise or two, between now and Monday).

Somewhere far away in the Great Outdoors.

Happy 2014/2015 Fiscal New Year Everyone!

As Public Department Heads engage in last minute stashing of unspent funds for the soon to be 2013/2014 Fiscal Year, this blogger preps for the annual getaway to celebrate another bloggin year of being. Thus before we depart for a soothing break from the political, cyber world, here are some topics for musing.

** Lincoln Heights residents are venting their anger over the latest CD 1 act of broken promises from the Office of City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo", According to a source, negotiations over plans for a return of the Lincoln Park Fireworks Show, fell apart at the last minute when the Office of Clowncil Member "Broken Deal Cedillo", reneged on a promise to fund the show..........., and when "Broken Deal Cedillo" was confronted about this, he allegedly knew nothing. 

** Activists within the membership of SEIU 99 are up in arms over what they see as a sell out by their leadership in regards to a new contract as noted below ..........

FYI Union Brothers and Sisters, SEIU 99 sold out it's members, please visit the website seiu99.org for the TA agreement, it's highlights, not the actual language. Spread the word to classified members. As a rank and file member I urge everyone to Vote No!!! 

** Will someone find Michael "MEAT/Chief Parker" Trujillo a pacifier quick! It seems that MEAT has some issue with Mayor Garcetti setting up a new "Connected Non-Profit" to raise money for policy initiatives. Lil Mikey needs to reacquaint himself with his former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar's proclivities for "Pay to Play" with the likes of Million Tree LA and lets not forget all those free Laker tickets.

** With no apologies to Team Garcetti, but we must ponder whether the Mayor will have the "Political Cajones" to exploit the supposed loop hole in its agreement with IBEW/DWP "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" Joint Job Training and Safety Non-Profits? 

** Whoops!! We almost forgot to note the historic moment coming to CD 14 on Fourth of July as the first ever Medical Marijuana Farmers Market takes place in Boyle Heights. We are sure that the "Dear Charro, Princeton Graduate" will welcome this new growth business with a toke.

Your thoughts and Great Fourth of July to All ...............
Scott Johnson in CD 14        

Time for Mayor Garcetti to get Explicit regarding "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" latest Threats

As IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" demands his next installment of $4 Million Dollars for the supposed Joint Job Training & Safety Non-Profits, we use some expressive verbiage in pondering whether Mayor Eric Garcetti will show "political elan, fortitude, cojones" in standing up against "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" thinly-veiled threats?  

As "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" litigates to delay compiling with audits of the Joint DWP/IBEW Joint Job Training and Safety Non-Profits, his latest act of audacity gains support from LA County Labor Federation Leader Maria Elena Durazo.  

Maybe Mayor Garcetti's choreographed "F-bomb Moment" would have found better acceptance if use in response to "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo's" latest threat?

With respects to our Square Peg Rhodes Scholar, turned First Term Mayor Eric Garcetti, this is not the time to lighten up ......., and were not referring to your choice of vulgarity with empty beer in hand.

To the point Mr. Mayor, you, along with the DWP Commission, City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Controller Ron Gelperin, have been called out by the reigning Bully of City Hall, IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo".

"D'Arcy Rizzo" wants some more lunch money, $4 Million Dollars made payable to the Joint DWP/IBEW Job Training and Safety Non-Profits, and he wants it NOW! And if his latest demand is not met ........, the reigning City Hall Bully is making insinuations (ie. a direct threat) of a long, hot and dry Summer ahead, literally.

But rest assure Mr. Mayor, most bullies, especially the political variety, have deep-seeded insecurity issues and in the case of "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo", the mere thought of having to reveal the secretive expenditures of the Joint Non-Profits, via audits, is the basis for his latest mass gathering of the flock to denounce you.

The fact that "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" called upon LA County Labor Federation's Leader Maria Elena Durazo to stand with him, in calling upon you to stand by a deal crafted back in your City Clowncil Central Committee Era, is evidence of the need to stay the course on auditing on how the $40 Million Dollars allocated to what was designed as a IBEW Bailout (and contribute back to allies) Fund, were spent (** after all, if the LA County Coroner had done an autopsy on Durazo's late husband Miguel Contreras, we may know how he really went on to the "Great Brother and Sister Collective in the Red Sky", but I digress).  

Further, as DWP Watch Dog Jack Humphreville highlights in his most recent City Watch Missive, the search for the past $40 Million in allocations, is entering sensitive line items of dubious expenditures as he notes ........

While the stated purpose of these two Institutes was to fund IBEW Local 18’s efforts to improve the safety and training of workers of our Department of Water and Power, the real purpose was to absorb IBEW salaries and overhead as its revenue from membership dues was hit as a result of the downsizing of the Department’s work force in 2000.  This diversion of Ratepayer money allowed Union Bo$$ d’Arcy to continue to pour money into his political slush fund through which he was able to buy considerable influence with Mayor Villaraigosa and the City Council.    

That noted, its no surprise Mr. Mayor that only the reigning voice of fiscal sanity on the current City Clowncil Central Committee, CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks, was willing to go on the record in suggesting withholding any further payments to the Joint Non-Profits, while the likes of your CD 14 Political Nemesis (and former DWP Oversight Committee Chairperson) Jose Huizar remain silent.

Thus, Mr. Mayor, now is not the time to blink in your stand off with Boss D'Arcy Rizzo, better yet, you may want to channel former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright who uttered the following one-liner after the Communist Cuban Regime shot down two civilian aircraft in 1996, in calling out the Bully's audit non-compliance, ......

 "This is not cojones. This is cowardice."^[ 

.....and when a Political Bully at City Hall is seeking to extort more public money by making threats against rate and tax paying Angelinos, then its time for a supposed reform-minded Mayor to man up and use all remedies (audits, lawsuits, investigations) to stand down "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo ......, and if you need to get profanely explicit  in doing so, don't do it with an empty beer in your hand.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14