Friday's Bloggin Eighties Dedications for the Afflicted within LA's Political Establishment

Its a TGIF Time for Bloggin Video Dedications for some of the Afflicted Members of the Los Angeles Political Establishment, featuring the likes of Congressman Tony Cardenas, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, a USC Gynecologist, State Senator Kevin Alexander (de or of) Leon .........., and his anointed successor Maria Elena Durazo. 

** Blogger's Notes: Great Friday-before, the start of Political Summer 2018, where observers on the Left Coast of Cubafornia (on the Pacific), wait in anticipation of an hyped Blue Wave, but may instead be witness to a June (and November-repeating) Red Tide (more on that looming reality later). But in the interim, we want to bless this latest TGIF moment with some video musical dedications to the afflicted few within the Los Angeles Political Establishment as they face their "Election Day of Reckoning" ....... or in the case of an Ex. "University of Scandalous Conduct (aka USC)" Gynecologist, become the latest reason for the Termination of President Max Nikias----Scott Johnson.

Congressman Tony Cardenas: The top-ranking Politico of the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine Congressman Tony Cardenas, is the latest Machine Member with a issue ......, and its SERIOUS. With a Judge allowing the naming of the former CD-6 City Councilman as the defendant in an alleged 2007 Sexual Assault of a then teenage girl, Congressman Cardenas, joins former Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra and Husband of current CD-6 City Councilwoman Nury Martinez Gerry Guzman, as the latest Bad Boy (with underage cravings?), within the NSFV Machine (allegedly). 

Oingo Boingo: "Little Girls"

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Maria Elena Durazo to Step Down as Leader of the LA County Labor Federation

The Former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar Comadre and Widow of the Late Miguel Contreras, Maria Elena Durazo, announces her Resignation as the Leader of the Los Angeles County Labor Federation.

Were recent political defeats (LAUSD District One and 2013 Mayoral Election) part of the reason for Durazo's Resignation?

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Morning Briefs on the "Detroit on the Pacific" Political Machine

The Los Angeles Political Machine's Progressive/Hard Left Brothers and Sisters led by LA County Labor Federation Leader Maria Elena Durazo, are all smiles as a majority of the City Clowncil Central Committee vote 12-3 to raise the Minimum Wage for Large Hotel Workers, to $15.37 per hour.

When the late Mrs. Miguel Contreras smiles, the dwindling Los Angeles Business Class cringes.

The Los Angeles War on Poverty is over ......., at least for a day.

Judging by the reaction of the assembled Progressive/Hard Left Brothers and Sisters under the John Ferraro City Clowncil Big Top, the mere act of twelve City Clowncil Central Committee Members in voting to outsource jobs, whoops, raise the Minimum Wage for Large (300 rooms or more) to $15.37 per hour, is the collectivist turning point in the War on Poverty within Ciudad de Los Angeles.

After five decades and TRILLIONS of dollars spent on a endless quest to fund government expansion/dependency, darn I meant abolishing poverty, a collectivist MISSION ACCOMPLISH was achieved by simply mandating that businesses pay a base wage. That deserves a Dolores Huerta-led SI SE PUEDE rendition.

But while the media and bloggin community are fixated on the reactions of the likes Durazo, Mayor Garcetti, and those who will benefit (before their jobs are outsource across the city boundaries), Angelinos should beware of the glee of "Mr. CPI" as in Consumer Price Index, as he looks forward to another height (and increase costs to consumers) in importance.

That glee is shared by the leaders within Organize Labor which will use the new benchmark wage and increase in the CPI to demand private and public entities to increase wages, which will result in the likes of Mayor Garcetti in abandoning his fiscal austerity pledges and speed LA on the path to a fiscal rechristening as "Detroit on the Pacific".  

** With apologies to the "Daily Valley Moldy Green Sheet" (aka LA Daily News) longtime City Hall Beat Writer Rick Orlov, we belatedly take notice on the speculation that Assemblyman Adrin "Mini Paul Krekorian" Nazarian, is mulling a run for CD 4, while protecting his Assembly Seat. Can you "Two Face Bob" revisited?  

** Continuing with a possible "Two Face Mini Krekorian CD 4 Campaign", Jack Humphreville has the following observation on this backroom-originating scheme ........,

But some of the power elite that occupy City Hall are not comfortable with the present line up of  (CD 4) candidates and are plotting the entry of State Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian into the race. Nazarian, the former Chief of Staff for his mentor, Paul Krekorian, has been planning his entre into the race to replace Tom LaBonge ever since he was elected to the Assembly in 2012, despite his comments to the contrary.  At the same time, Nazarian is running for reelection in November to the State Assembly against an underfunded and unknown opponent. But this is all part of the scheme as Nazarian will be able to funnel surplus money from his Assembly reelection effort - extracted from the unions, corporations, and special interests who need to curry favor with the State Legislature - to his City Council campaign coffers. These donors include the Los Angeles Police Protective League, SEIU 721, and the American Federation of Federal, State, County, and Municipal Employees, all of whom are currently negotiating contracts with our cash strapped City.

 

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



Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Mayor Eric Garcetti uses AFL-CIO National Convention Speech to mend relations with Organize Labor, Will a "Brother and Sister, Cutting of the Bread" with LA County Labor Federation Strongsister Maria Elena Durazo happen in the near future?

Mayor Eric Garcetti gets lift from his Brothers and Sisters in Labor.

Great Thursday to everyone as the healing vibes of progressive brother and sister reconciliation fill the Third Floor Corridor of 200 Spring Street. The "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" ( aka LA Times), is gushing this AM about the pending healing of the riff between Mayor Garcetti and County Labor Federation Strongsister Maria Elena Durazo. What is the big surprise here? Mayor Garcetti was, is and always will be a progressive friend of true laborites, who help him win in May. Thus, the likes of local labor elites such as Boss D'Arcy, Bob Schoonover and Durazo, will only do what comes naturally, that is mend the political fences and push the collectivist agenda forward.

** While the labor progressives make up, the post election honeymoon is over for former Radio Talk Show Host/ Mayoral Candidate/ now Board of Public Works President Kevin James. James takes it on the political chin in a piece by superb ( and sadly), outgoing LA Weekly Writer Patrick Range McDonald, who reports on the secretive process of bypassing community input, in approving a new CD 4/6 Fire Station. We want to wish the blogging best to McDonald as he leaves the "Weekly of Record" to write a book.

** As McDonald sadly moves on from the "Weekly of Record", recent musings from its "Informer Blog" by Dennis "Bloggin Comandante" Romero, are causing us to wonder if he has become the "Lil Assemblyman Mikey Gatto Bloggin Informer". Follow along, Assemblyman Gatto proposes a Bill on broken parking meters, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses. Assemblyman "Lil Porno Mikey" stonewalls on Porn/ HIV Bill, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses. Assemblyman Gatto proposes legislation on Hit and Run Accidents, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses. Then yesterday, Assemblyman Gatto proposes a bill on Carpoll Lanes Assess, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses again. Maybe "Journalist Jill" should ask Gatto Campaign Consultant Parke Skelton to offset the "Gatto Bloggin Informer's" salary?

** Speaking of Parke, if his client is going to run for CD 4, he may want to look up the Silver Lake Environmentalists, who whacked declared CD 4 City Council Candidate and State Senator Kevin De Leon Staffer Steve Veres, with this opinion piece in the Echo Park Patch. Rest assure that Veres Boss proclivities to support plastic bags, is just the beginning of this latest John Shallman Consulting debacle.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14    



Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

Former friend of labor? Mayor Antonio Villar in the background as Los Angeles County Labor Federation Leader Maria Elena Durazo speaks at Councilman Jose Huizar's Campaign Kickoff  "Photo via Ed Headington".

Union buster to the back?

That is discreetly and privately what some in the Los Angeles Labor Community are saying about Mayor Antonio Villar. But try to get these frontline labor leaders to state that for the record? Good friggin luck! These labor brothers and sisters do remember that the Mayor's "long time partner in labor" Maria Elena Durazo is the leader of the LA County Labor Federation.

But these private thoughts among Mayor Villar's supposed progressive allies may be the root of the mayor's "latest whine" (wonder if buddy Fabian Nunez had a special choice in mind?) to Daily News Rick Orlov, other scribes and editors on a recent visit to the Valley Daily Moldy Green Sheet of Record.

"I am a Democrat," Villaraigosa said, during a meeting with Daily News reporters and editors last week. "But I have been willing to make the tough decisions. We have laid off 400 workers. That is more than (former mayors) Sam Yorty, Tom Bradley, Dick Riordan or James Hahn did combined."

One can feel Villar's self-serving comments through the protesting masses of city employees who have long ago given up on awaiting any substanant fiscal leadership from the third floor and now await in patience the end of the Mayor Villar Era.

But still the clout of labor is not one to dismiss as seen with the recent deal between the Wyvernwood Apartment Complex's Fifteen Group owners and the County Fed led group of unions and community non-profits.   Something that Councilman Huizar will have to contend with as he opposes the Wyvernwood plans.

More news after the bloggin leap.

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Los Angeles "Poverty Pimps" rally to ACORN's Defence

" ACORN and assorted Poverty Pimps ties to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa"

These people pimp poverty.

The names are familiar to those who follow the doings of the connected non-profits in Los Angeles and their relationships to the politicos on Spring Street. Thus it should surprise no one that they would band together in supporting ACORN as the LA Times reports.

A coalition of two dozen community organizers, labor leaders and clergy rallied in Watts on Thursday in support of ACORN, the embattled community organizing group.

Note the names as the story continues.

"It’s a witch hunt after a segment of the progressive populations," Paul Zimmerman, director of the California Assn. of Non-Profit Housing, said in a telephone interview after the news conference. "I have McCarthy-era deja vu."

The Rev. Richard Estrada, an associate pastor at our Our Lady Queen of the Angels/La Placita church, said the attacks on ACORN have made other community organizers fear that “one day they may come after us.”

"We feel there’s something larger going on," he said. "Progressive organizations that are being effective and are working to enable the working poor, the immigrant communities and the gay and lesbian communities are being targeted."

Estrada, an immigrant rights advocate, said he thought ACORN, the Assn. of Community Organizations of Reform Now, had allayed concerns that the problems went beyond individuals and affected the entire organization. "We understand that the employees [who were videotaped] were fired and that there was an audit and an attempt to fix the problems," he said.

Other community leaders who attended the Watts event included Father Greg Boyle, the director of Homeboy Industries, Betty Day, the director of the Watts Gang Task Force, and Maria Elena Durazo, of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. They were joined by members of the Los Angeles office of ACORN.

Since the time of late President Lyndon Baines Johnson unveiling of his "Great Society Program" in the 1960's, trillions of dollars have been spent in the on-going effort to redistribute wealth, errr, eradicate poverty in the United States, and the results?

In Los Angeles, it has been an decades long evolution of connected non-profits that are "progressive" in regards to promoting governmental dependency, while sustaining themselves by becoming political tools in the communities they serve.

The likes of ACORN when not providing "services" to their targeted communities, become "rent a mobs" and "rent a precinct walkers" when election time rolls around. They are rewarded with government contracts and oversight on their work becomes nil. Then when enquiring minds question the veracity of their work, they cry racism and resort to class warfare, in deflecting criticism.

But the ultimate scare for these non-profits are not the make believe charges of witch hunts from conservatives, but something called an audit, which should become more common place in Los Angeles.

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

Who the Hell is Betty Pleasant?

'Independent Paper May Be Even More Shady Than The LA Times'

Betty Pleasant is a longtime "writer" for the "independent" South Los Angeles based "newspaper" The Wave.  Betty completely aghast that a federal investigation of shady dealings of the campaign of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has decided the tack to take is to completely slime Ridley-Thomas' former opponent, Councilmember Bernie Parks.

Rather than honestly report on the serious investigation - which has even potentially extended to include Chief Bratton - as opposed to Patrick Range McDonald in the LA Weekly - Betty decides to go after Parks.  Pleasant calls parks "one of the worst and most vicious officials"  LA has ever had.  She even goes further to call Parks a "sore loser." To continue the looniness Betty even digs up the ghost of long ago LAPD Chief Willie Williams who has never met a free Vegas hotel room or buffet that he didn't like.  Great journalism Betty!

But when you dig deeper you may find the true source of Betty's motivation. First off, county records show that Ridley-Thomas spent extensively on campaign advertising in the paper while Parks spent nothing.  An independent expenditure by an SEIU backed independent expenditure committee placed $180,000 in advertising for Ridley-Thomas in the paper.  Is The Wave pay for play? We don't know but at least one political consultant has confidentially told us Wave management allegedly said that lack of positive coverage was tied to a lack of advertising in the paper.

The bottom line is that Pleasant's screed is a sign that Ridley-Thomas supporters are desperate to deflect attention from a very real federal investigation. But we need not give Pleasant much credit.  This deep thinker has also opined that the recent conversion from analog to digital television was a conspiracy similar to the much ballyhooed but totally false notion the oil companies hunkered down to rid Los Angeles of streetcars.  Looks like we've found another loon.

Morning Briefs and Outtakes on the Local Political News

"ALL IN THE LOCAL POLITICAL FAMILIA"

Meet the familia that doubles as the local political machine in Los Angeles.

And when the mijos or mijas of machine members get in trouble like "Lil Fabian", Esteban Nunez and his "Hazard Crew Homies", what actions do the elders of the "familia" undertake in protecting their own ??

Letters and more letters, as LA Weekly Christine Pelisek reports in her extensive article, "Esteban Nunez Case: Bad Little Suburban Boys". , and their results ??

Lawyering up with top firepower worked well. A week later, on December 9, though it shocked Santos’ friends and family, Judge Szumowski reduced bail from $2 million to $1 million for all the men — after dozens of character letters seeking leniency arrived at the court.

While not uncommon in murder cases, these particular letters really stood out. They came from union honchos, California politicos and high-powered friends of Fabian Núñez, including Villaraigosa, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, former and current California Assembly members Dario Frommer and Kevin De Leon, and many others.

“In my heart, I know Esteban Núñez as a young man of good and upright character,” wrote Villaraigosa. Assemblyman De Leon described Núñez as “considerate, gentle and well-mannered.” Labor honcho Durazo wrote that young Núñez “took responsibility by working” at a grocery store. “Going to college showed me that he was preparing for his future. He didn’t take anything for granted.”

Núñez “is a nonviolent, sweet young man” who “has stayed in school and perseveres on,” wrote Tracy Campbell of the California Hospital Association — a close associate of Esteban Núñez’ high-powered mom.

Even Corina Villaraigosa, the mayor’s publicity-shy ex-wife, weighed in. “I know that Esteban is in school and working toward a bachelor’s degree.”

One can grasp the power of written spin, errrr, written testimonials.

City O.K.'s 7 Billion Dollar Budget, for now.

City Council members unanimously approved a $7.01 billion budget on Wednesday but warned that spending could be cut if city unions fail to make concessions and if the state takes local money to fix its own financial mess.

The budget calls for some 2,000 layoffs, scales back many city programs and essentially slices about 15 percent, on average, from every city department.

As Rick Orlov reports, this not a done deal, but the unions should ask the mayor why non-profits are being given city money to undertake tasks that the likes of Recreation and Parks have done in the past..., see Legacy LA.

Councilman Parks and Zine, Mayor shouldn't control Pension Boards.

Responding to investigations of public pension systems across the country, two members of the Los Angeles City Council called Wednesday for a reduction in Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's power to pick pension board members.

Councilmen Dennis Zine and Bernard C. Parks said no single politician should be able to control a board majority at both the Los Angeles City Employees' Retirement System and Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions -- agencies that invest billions of dollars on behalf of retired public employees.

Note to Zine and Parks, This is yours and the other 12 clowns, (minus Mayor Papi's "Lil Mijo" in CD-14), time to reassert control over the Mayor's politicalization of various city departments.

Teacher starts hunger strike to protest.

A group of teachers and community activists started a hunger strike Wednesday in protest of the Los Angeles Unified School District's plan to lay off thousands of teachers.

At least nine teachers and two activists are participating in the action, said Sean Leys, a Lincoln High School teacher.

What you know!! a rare teachable moment in LAUSD on dieting, advocating and not teaching at the same time.

"Landslide Koretz" still not "Councilman Koretz".

As of Tuesday, Koretz led challenger David "Ty" Vahedi by 702 votes, winning 18,286 in last week's election compared to Vahedi's 17,584 in the 5th Council District race.

Koretz, a former state assemblyman, sent an e-mail to supporters shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, saying that 100 votes were left to count and that he could safely call himself the winner.

However, Los Angeles County election officials said his declaration of victory was premature. The Registrar's Office estimates that 500 to 1,000 ballots remain uncounted. Those include 100 damaged ballots, with the remainder being uncounted mail-in or provisional ballots.

Wow, no comment or mutterings from the "Progressive Viking of Spin" ??

Your thoughts........

Tony and "Comadre Maria" raise the financial stakes in City Attorney Race

Are Antonio Ramon Villar and his "comadre" Maria Elena Durazo getting nervous that their "westside political guy" Jack Weiss, will not bring home the "political bacon", err City Attorney office to the left wing of the machine they led??

Witness the outlay of cash from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor as reported tonight on the Los Angeles Times Web Site.

The political action committee of the powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor -- closely allied with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is the chairman of the election committee of City Councilman and candidate Jack Weiss -- notified the city Ethics Commission this week that it was spending $335,309 on media spots to oppose Weiss' foe, Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich.

One must wonder if Villar and Durazo are concern about what a Trutanich victory would mean to their machine as it gears up for a possible march towards Sacramento in 2010.

****By the way, whatever happen to the guy on the left????

Nahai Defeats Truman: Ooops

Hat tap to the awesome Twitters at the now rock star godlike No On Measure B Campaign for a fun tweet:

DEWEY WINS "Los Angeles Labor, Environmental, Community Leaders Celebrate Passage of Measure B"

Hold the phone Batman! Those chomping at the bit for some of the Measure B jack were ready to pounce even before the last Minuteman left Walter Moore's rally at Dupars, issuing some bold statements. From the Times:

First up was H. David Nahai, the head of the Department of Water and Power, who sent an e-mail statement to reporters at 11:12 p.m. hailing Measure B's passage and congratulating voters for making "a bold choice for the environment." In his statement, Nahai said the DWP "has already laid the groundwork for ramping up the workforce required to begin implementing Measure B."

But wait there's more:

And shortly after midnight, the head of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor sent her own statement touting her group's involvement in the Measure B campaign. "Tonight, voters clearly agreed that Measure B is more of what we need to get our environment and economy back on track," said Maria Elena Durazo, the federation's secretary treasurer.

Looks like Measure B isn't shovel ready quite yet. A spate of uncounted provisional, absentee and hanging-ink-a-spot ballots could change course but not likely at this point.

And Justice for Some

If you're a 19 year old charged with a heinous murder how can you get your bail reduced and be released from jail?

Hope that your father is a well connected former Speaker of the California Assembly and that his powerful friends write letters on your behalf to the judge.

That's what happened, according to the LA Times Hector Tobar who said that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines and Assemblyman Kevin DeLeon were among those who wrote letters to Judge David Szumowski urging the jurist to go easy on Esteban Nunez, son of recently deposed Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

Nunez was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of the murder of a San Diego college student back in October.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines and Assemblyman Kevin DeLeon were among those who wrote letters to Judge David Szumowski seeking special treatment for Esteban.

In the testimonial Mayor Villaraigosa wrote for the younger Nunez on City letterhead he told the judge "In my heart, I know Esteban Nuñez as a young man of good and upright character." Amazingly Vlines apparently doesn't even know the younger Nunez and based his vouchment on his own perception of the former Speaker's character.

Tobar posits that without the high powered help Esteban could have sat for up to a year in County Jail while his trial was prepared to go to court.

And who says we don't have two systems of justice?

Villaraigosa to meet with Obama in Miami.....and raise cash in the weeks ahead

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be granted a closed door meeting with Presidential Candidate Barack Obama this weekend in Miami. Villaraigosa and Obama will both be attending the Mayor's Conference in the city.

Villaraigosa and Obama's discussion will center on what role the mayor will play in Obama's Campaign, and in extention members of "Team Villar", ie. Parke, Ace, Espinosa and Trujillo. The mayor's long time friend and confidant Labor Leader Maria Elena Durazo was a National Co-Chair for the Obama Campaign which should help grease details of coordination.

Locally, Obama's sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, will be campaigning on his behalf this Saturday at a lunch saluting his volunteers and begin the effort for the Nov. 3 election.Soetoro-Ng will be at Hecho en Mexico, 4976 Huntington Drive, Los Angeles, starting at 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. As noted by Rick Orlov of the Dail News.

.........and in the weeks ahead, don't go looking for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on the "Third Floor" as he travels in search of cash for his re-election campaign, Zahniser has the details.

Villaraigosa and other big-city mayors will get an audience on Saturday
with Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

On the same day, Villaraigosa will raise money for his reelection at the Indian Creek
Island, Fla., home of Bernard Klepach, chairman and chief executive of the
airport concession company known as DFASS Group, or Duty Free Air and Ship
Supply.

......More Breaking Villaraigosa News

KFI's Eric Leonard reports that the Mayor's Trip to Israel cost Los Angeles taxpayers $240,000 split between the Ports, Airports, and DWP Departments.

Outtakes and "Cut and Paste" from CD 14

Nick Pacheco is still a big, fat zero!!!

That is a big, fat zero for no ethics violations

Our former "Bloggin Mentor" Joseph Mailander has commentary at the "HASSEL ON THE STREETS" regarding ethics fines involving contributers to the re-election campaign of the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR".

"Rubalcava is a former DWP Board Commission chair, well-known to followers of City politics; Amy Forbes, a Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher mainstay and land use attorney, repped Lilian Disney's interests through the building of the Disney Hall along with GDC nabob Ron Gother. Forbes was also on the board of the Los Angeles Conservancy in the early nineties and advised LA developer Robertson Properties on a co-acquisition with the LAUSD in 2003, when Huizar was still LAUSD prez."

Trivia question, who was hit with 31 counts of ethics violations for his 2003 City Council Race??

From "LA Curb", Oscar De La Hoya has walked away for the second and final time?, from a deal to buy the historic Sears Tower on Soto and Olympic.

El Sereno resident and comadre of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Maria Elena Durazo will tour the "Holy Land" when the latest installment of "Travels with Villar" takes to the air. "WWG" has this take,

"Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary of the County Labor Federation, will join Mayor Villaraigosa and his coterie of city employees and Jewish community leaders on the trip to Israel that begins today. Durazo is neither an elected official nor a Jewish leader, nor will she ever be an expert on airport security or whatever other reason the mayor gives for the trip. But she is the most powerful labor official in town, a national co-chair of the Obama campaign, and a confidante of Villaraigosa's. She also went along on the mayoral junket to Asia in 2006. Today's junketeers as reported by new City Hall reporter Phil Willon in the Times and Rick Orlov in the Daily News, whose lists don't completely agree:"

The "Bloggin Mentor" has his take on the Times coverage of Mayor's trip

Villar's comadre also in the news for supporting a new digital billboard on union property in downtown.

In "Northern Boyle Heights", the "Four year community college on Fig." is moving forward with their plans to develope a "Biotech Park". This could be the seed that grows into the proposed Biotech Corridor along Valley Blvd. What effects this has on the surrounding communities is yet to be seen. but be sure that Mayor Sam award winner, David Galaviz will be front and center.

....and in closing, sad, sad news out of "Pueblo de Sereno". The coffee house for the collective, progressive community and the location of "alleged meetings", is relocating to Cypress Park.

Antigua Coffee House's lease is not being renew, we will dedicated a exclusive thread to the demise of the progressive meeting place in El Sereno.

Morning musings and open thread

Quick shout out, where is the nearest "Work Source Center" for a out of work "Field Director"?? But I digress....

What with the continual comments about Jamiel Shaw Jr.??

Last shots from the "Sniper" at City Beat

"Red Spotism" from the "WWG Roderick", Delgadillo to sure Time Warner Cable

Who are the local political winners (Maria Elena Durazo) and losers (Villar) in the Obama/Clinton Race??

Word is out that the "BIG HUG" will not run for office in 2009, or is he??......

Okay, Higby, this should put it to rest even for you: David Z reports tonight
that Hertzberg definitely is NOT running for anything this year or next. Says
he'd love to get back in the game, but obviously realized that he doesn't have a
chance. Sayonara.
June 05, 2008 1:53 AM

and this..

Jesus, are you guys off; Huggy WILL DEFINITELY run for City Attorney, if not the Mayor's office.Bank on it. He personally told ME.He was going to "just" run for city attorney, because Jack Weiss is such an arrogant, recall-ish, idiot. But he never expected that Antonio would be such a screw-up that he's now considering that office.Can you please show pictures and ask why Antonio always has that idiotic, OPEN MOUTHED grin? He even LOOKS like an idiot in addition to being one.
June 05, 2008 10:01 AM

LA Weekly's Jill Steward offers post mortom on Tuesday's election.....Hint, Unions, Mark Ridley Thomas and Tony's cousin John the big losers......

......And this, is the new gang program under the auspices of the "General Secretary of Gang Intervention", Jeff Carr, one big payola for the "Tony in 2009 Campaign"???

Your thoughts greatly appreciated.

***ASS CLOWN AWARD for MAY tomorrow***

Clinton "LITTLE O TONIO" Yell Leader Watch, Day Three

Just as Rolando "BIG O" Cuevas felt in the waning days in the 2005 Mayoral race, Mayor "LITTLE O TONIO" Villaraigosa is feeling it today.

The feeling that many of your political friends are joining the masses gravitated by the "FRESH MESSAGE" of hope and change, some thing you once were, but failing to achieve and live up to the promise, many no longer rallying to your support.

Maria Elena Durazo, Gloria Romero, Gill Cedillo and others are no longer swayed by your pronoucments. Even your "COMADRE MARIA" will cross your path in the days ahead campaigning for Obama. How does that hurt??

In Nevada, the leading newspaper, The Las Vegas Review Journal has given their Democratic endorsement to Obama. The unions you worked in solidarity are joining with Obama, thus being targeted by the Clintons with lawsuits to limit their role in Saturday's Caucus. Union brothers and sisters who must be questioning the motives of Antonio.

Back in Los Angeles in the days ahead, union members will wonder if you will live up to your contract pledges, contracts that were approved without the foresight to gauge their impact upon a city budget full of false mirrors of fiscal promise.

Empty promises that have forced the unions to spend $$$$ to secure for them what we, the average Angelino, will have to pay for. NO on PROP S!!! for absentee leadership.

Wednesday Hotsheet at 3 a.m.

JM, Dawn: Roses Bushes, 1.16.08


Joseph Mailander a guy in la • elsewhere • email

I know, it's California. But Brand Library and Exposition Park have already done it. I've done it. And you should do it too: cut back your roses. This nice cold morning snap will let their aching bones rest a bit. And feed them when they have an inch of growth on them next month.

"Suicide by cop" is responsible for 11% of all LAPD shootings, the Police Commision learned yesterday. Suicide by cop is shorthand for the shooting of a crazed individual who seems bent on ending it all in a confrontation with police.

If you want to try to navigate the mined waters and file a motion in City Council through a Neighborhood Council, you're going to have to put a financial statement on record, City Council declares as the matter finally comes up for vote after two years of wrangling. (This seems to have the boys here expletive-level angry.)

Indeed, if you believe that this was truly a last-minute sudden thought, and not a long-meditated hijacking of the the spirit of the Motions motion, you just may be naive enough to think your ideas for the City will be heard by Council in good faith.

Speaking of secessionism, there were rumblings of it again in Hollywood last week, ironically just before Johnny Grant died, as the Independent made the idea their headliner. But the idea of Citywide voters becoming willing to ditch Hollywood remains quite farfetched.

"Someone left the crack out in the rain": Nobody covenanted for sustained maintenence of the private surveillance video cameras in the public space known as MacArthur Park, so Council today is obliged to ply its wisdom to the deteriorating situation. The former fishwrap of record says as much in about 1500 words. Thus it ever is when private public "partnerships" by committee require sustained economic support: the private businesses spring for the razors, and the City gets stuck with the blades.

If you want to try to navigate the mined waters and file a motion in City Council through a Neighborhood Council, you're going to have to put a financial statement on record, City Council declares as the matter finally comes up for vote after two years of wrangling. [This seems to have the boys here expletive-level angry, fwiw.]

Indeed, if you believe that this was truly a last-minute sudden thought, and not a long-meditated hijacking of the the spirit of the Motions motion, you just may be naive enough to think your ideas for the City will be heard by Council in good faith.

Reminds me: a couple years ago, Jason Lyon told me he wasn't a politician. But he's one of the guys backing Prop S on your Voter Information Guide, and he speaks for the NC's quite a bit when they need a quote. There have been accusations in the past that he's used Neighborhood Council-culled email lists for non-NC political purposes---a no-no.

Cooley's raise went through with no opposed. Not even Zev. He now makes far more than any United States Supreme Court justice, and in an easier real estate market. Interesting take: the Daily News article gets into speculation regarding the way Cooley looks the other way on Brown Act violations, which at the County might become fairly routine in a less backroomy political environment.

If you wonder whether or not this is a slap in the face to both Hillary and the Mayor, it is: the region's leading labor leader, Maria Elena Durazo, backs Obama. Do you note how the candidates are arriving here just as absentee ballots arrive in your mailbox? If there had been more absentee balloting in New Hamshire, Obama would be the frontrunner today.

County Labor Chief Maria Elena Durazo to support Obama

HOY!!!

We have a split in the making between Mayor Villaraigosa and County Labor Federation Chief Maria Elena Durazo, or do we??

According to the Los Angeles Times blog, Durazo will announce her support for Barack Obama. This runs counter to the support for Hillary by long time friend and conrade Mayor Villaraigosa.

This development can cause one to opine that a rift between labor and the Clinton Campaign is now carrying over to California from Nevada. This coming on top of the Obama endorsement by the Las Vegas Chapter of SEIU and lawsuit by Clinton supporters to limit caucus sites available for union members.

One can also say that the Villaraigosa/Durazo axis is taking no chances in maintaining contacts and the "REVENUE STREAMS" of tax dollars into Los Angeles County for union supported projects.

But if Durazo were to provide thousands of union foot soldiers for the Obama Campaign, then we can very well be seeing a realignment in the local political landscape........by latinas???

This will get interesting.....

Outtakes from the "RED SPOT INSTITUTE"

Good balmy morning to all in the "City of Angels". Here are some "BLOGGIN TOPICS" to engage the discerning mind.

CARDINAL MAHONY DISCLOSES SUMMER ASSAULT:

Cardinal Roger Mahony reveals in today's Daily News that he was assaulted in July by a person agitated over the Priest Abuse Scandal. While many are right in expressing their collective anger over the scandal, "STREET JUSTICE" is not the proper avenue to express one's feelings.

FPPC TO REVIEW, SCRUTINIZE EXPENSE PROCEDURES:

The fallout from the "LIFE STYLE OF WORKING MAN, FABIAN" continues. The state ethics commission, better known as the FPPC is reviewing new proposals that would require lawmakers to fully disclose the rationale and source of spending for trips such as those that Speaker Nunez engaged in. If these new rules are adopted, I would recommend naming them the "NUNEZ ACT". "MOO BOY MAVIGLIO" will love this.

LABOR TO PLAY MAJOR ROLE IN SUPERVISOR RACE:

Lead by the "FIRST LADY OF LABOR", Maria Elena Durazo, the county labor federation has given top priority to electing a "labor friendly" person to the Supervisor seat being vacated by Supervisor Burke. Can one sense a bad outcome for the "MANIC BITTER BERNIE"? As a side note, the county labor federation endorse the "PHONE TAX".

****DID LABOR LEADER DURAZO CALL OUT FABIAN NUNEZ TODAY??****

We’re certainly dismayed that [Núñez] would abandon 100,000 low-wage workers. He came from modest beginnings himself, and he should know better,” said Art Pulaski, the chief of the state labor federation. Excerpted from "Fabian's Fatwa" by Marc Cooper

"Fabian's Big Break" by Marc Cooper

"Fabian's Fatwa" by Marc Cooper

"Bad Bet?" by Marc Cooper

NAHAI NOMINATION COMES BEFORE COUNCIL COMMITTEE:

The nomination of David Nahai to become the General Manager at the nation's largest public utility, will come before the City Council committee which oversees the DWP. All eyes will be on Councilwoman Jan Perry who was at odds with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa over the selection process.