Afternoon Briefs regarding the Hypocritical Los Angeles Political Machine on this "Monday After" Charlottesville

As the Local Political Establishment (including CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar) parrots the Main Stream Media's (MSM) condemnation of President Donald Trump over Saturdays despicable events in Charlottesville, Virginia, we bloggin note the DOCUMENTED lack of rapid repudiation to past Racial Attacks in CD-14. 

The Scene of Firebombings of African-American Families in Ramona Gardens.

** Blogger's Notes: So damned predictable ........., again. It never fails that when two repugnant factions of the Racist Left (Nazi/Klan Kluckers vs. Communists/Anarchists/the ANTIFA Group/Black Lives Matter) collide at the crossroads of a protest, the innocent get hurt (or tragically killed) and Political Hypocrisy REIGNS ..........., especially if the President happens to be a Republican. 

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A Special Bloggin Deconstruction of Mayor Eric Gar-SOFT-ee's Statement on ICE Raids

The MIA, Second Term-seeking Mayor Eric Gar-SOFT-ee has released a Statement on the alleged, community-disrupting, SURGE of ICE Raids ............, which is the subject of a Special Bloggin Deconstruction of its contents, that the Upward-aspiring Politico will not defend in any Candidate Forums/Debates.  

FEBRUARY 10, 2017

"Today I spoke to the Deputy Director of ICE’s Los Angeles Field Office and made it very clear that I want greater transparency about ongoing operations and the status of all Los Angeles residents who may have been arrested or detained.

From the LA Daily News regarding ICE Raid ......, targeting Criminal Aliens.

Among those arrested, according to ICE:

• A Salvadoran national who was allegedly part of the MS-13 gang. He was arrested in Huntington Park and was wanted in his native country for aggravated extortion, ICE said.

• A Brazilian national arrested in L.A. and wanted in Brazil for alleged cocaine trafficking.

• An Australian national from West Hollywood. He was wanted on suspicion of lewd acts with a child.

Did Mayor Gar-SOFT-ee spaek out so FORCEFULLY (or after be force by Najee Ali and Earl Ofari Hutchison) in the aftermath of the African-American-targeted Firebombings in Ramona Gardens?

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HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

As a Country continues to mourn (and coalesce its support) for those Killed and Wounded in the Dallas, Texas Domestic Terrorist Assault, targeting White Law Enforcement Officers, discerning local observers are questioning why Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Charlie Beck would meet with Rappers "Snoop Dog" and "The Game" ........., who is facing civil and legal sanctions for an assault on a Off-duty LAPD Officer.

From left to right: LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, "The Game", Mayor Eric Garcetti and Snoop Dogg,

** As the protests (and Leftist/Anarchists choreographed violence) continues in the wake of last Thursday's Act of Domestic Terrorism, targeting Dallas, Texas Law Enforcement, the efforts of those seeking to commence dialog in the hopes of bridging a widening, segregating  "Moot of Racial Animosity", is creating the stage for "Chance Interactions" in need of background vetting, as exampled by last Friday's spontaneous gathering at LAPD Headquarters. 

With the setting being the Latest LAPD Police Academy Graduating Class Ceremony, Rappers Snoop Dogg and "The Game" led a peaceful procession of Minority-American Males, that sought to reestablish "respect and dialog" which evolved into an after-graduation ceremony meeting with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Mayor Eric Garcetti and other Public Officials. 

But as the video below shows, "The Game" has some pending legal and civil issues regarding a 2015 physical assault of an Off-duty LAPD Officer during a basketball game. 

Discerning observers are pondering why Mayor Garcetti and LAPD Brass would involve themselves in a meeting with someone still facing a Felony for assaulting a Police Office ........, but then the need to be a "part of the story" sometimes corrupts the normal protocols of official interactions. 

TMZ Video of Rapper The Game punching Off-duty LAPD Officer Onyebuchi Awaji.

** We should note that the likes of Snoop Dog, The Game, Mayor Garcetti,  LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and MOST Public Officials ......................, were SILENT regarding the FBI/Department of Justice Indictment's of seven Latino Gang Members for the racial fire bomb targeting of African American Families, residing in the Ramona Gardens Housing Project. We noted here at Mayor Sam right after the attacks took place, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar and Mayor Garcetti sought to avoided any mention of this "Act of Communal Terrorism" until the likes of Earl Ofari Hutchison and Najee Ali, pressed the Second Term-seeking Mayor to speak out. Why the SILENCE regarding the Indictments? Maybe it has to do with the BLUNT FACTS that Brown on Black Gang Crimes, kill more young men (and innocent children) .........., than the LAPD in South LA.

Immediate Aftermath  of Ramona Gardens Fire Bombing.

** We want to give bloggin witness to PSA Video below created by African-American Country Singer Coffee Anderson .........., that will SAVE LIVES. Please take the time to share Anderson's GREAT TEACHING TOOL, on how to conduct yourself if pulled over by Law Enforcement. We all need to remember that Police ........., and you are Human Beings, that should be accorded respect ..........., and the right to return home every evening.

Country Singer Coffee Anderson Life-saving PSA Video.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

As Federal Arson Investigators team up with their LAFD Counterparts to find the cause of Sunday night's massive blaze at Downtown Developer (and past Councilman Huizar Campaign Donor) Geoffrey Palmer's DaVinci Apartment Complex, we highlight the contrasting responses from CD 14 City Clowncilman Jose Huizar, to the DeVinci Fire and the recent Firebombings targeting African-American Families in Ramona Gardens.

The massive DaVinci Fire  from north of Downtown LA.

LAFD Firefights at the scene of one of the Ramona Gardens Firebombings targeting African-American Families.

Will call this the tales of CD 14 City Clowncilman Jose Huizar's responses to two, high-profile fires within his Council District.

First, on the day after the massive, suspicious fire at noted Developer Geoffrey Palmer's controversial DaVinci Apartment Development, the Downtown LA Representative to the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee meets with the media, insinuating possible homeless population connection to the blaze and imploring those with information , to contact authorities.

But most discerning political observers will remember Clowncilman Huizar's controversial role in getting approval for an exclusive DaVinci Tenants Bridge that would connect the fortress-like, insular portions of the complex above street level ........., and away from the homeless population that Clowncilman Huizar insinuated, could of played a role in the fire.



From Clowncilman Huizar's Facebook Page.

Second, on the day after the Firebombings in Ramona Gardens that targeted African-American Families, what was the response from the self-noting Princeton Graduate?

Crickets!!

.........., did Clowncilman Huizar have a statement a week later?

Crickets!!

For the record, it was on June 18, 2014 that Clowncilman Huizar could be attributed in broaching that the Firebombings in Ramona Gardens were "despicable" as he stood before the cameras announcing a $100,000 total Reward for information on the crimes ........., and why the month delay in commenting on a possible Hate Crime? As we noted on May 18, 2014, the Princeton Graduate was tending to other "business".

** If anyone was pondering why CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar has been quiet regarding the Ramona Gardens Fire-bombings, it may have to do with the fact that the Princeton Graduate is more concern about helping Downtown LA Developers build bridges over homeless encampments.

.........., with contribution to Reelection Fund pending.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

The retrial of former CD 2/7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Richard "The Zorro Marxist" AlarCON and wife, begins today as the LA County District Attorney's Office of Public Integrity seeks a conviction on both for Voter Fraud.

The Booking Photos of former CD 2/7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Richard "The Zorro Marxist" AlarCON and wife Flora Monte del Oca AlarCON.

Its Judgment Time, Part Two for the former CD 2/7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Richard "The Zorro Marxist" AlarCON and wife.

As new CD 7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes awaits his moment to become the next Clowncil Central Committee General Secretary/President, the AlarCONs have been awaiting the LA County District Attorney's Office of Public Integrity second and last chance to prosecute the duo on Voter Fraud charges.

Observers close to the AlarCON Family have notice in recent months that the former CD 2/7 Clowncil Central Committee Member, has lost weight and exhibited melancholy behavior (especially after losing his Michael Trujillo-consulted Assembly bid) as the days to his next appointed time of justice, ticked away to today.

** The weeks-long silence from CD 14 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar, regarding the fire bombings of African-American Families within the Ramona Gardens Housing Development, ended yesterday as the Princeton Graduate, with law enforcement officials, announced an $100,000 Reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.

** For those who follow the Twitter pronouncements of CD 14 Clowncil Central Committee Communications Director Rick Coca, whoops, we meant Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose Huizar, will notice the regular supportive twitting of noted Land Use Attorney Ben Reznik (of the dubious Elephant Hill Deal). In a classic "Do as I Say, Don't Do as I Do Moment", Reznik is crying foul about a rival developer's payoff for support on a Century City Development as Bill "The Westside White Guy Emeritus" Boyarsky muses for "West LA Observed" ......

These payments, although long a dubious part of the developer-homeowner association relationship, are legal. Nobody is alleging wrongdoing. But they have become an issue in a fight over JMB Realty’s proposed 37-story Century City office building at Constellation Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars. Attorney Benjamin Reznik, who represents rival Century City property owner J.P. Morgan and the Beverlywood Homeowners Association, complained to the City Planning Commission of the conduct of four other homeowner groups who support the high rise.
He’s unhappy with JMB paying, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, $7.25 million to an organization, Friends of West L.A. for distribution to local civic institutions. Friends of West L.A. is composed of the Tract 7260 organization, California Country Club Homes Assn. Cheviot Hills Homeowners Assn. and Westwood Homeowners Assn. The associations have dropped their opposition to the project, angering homeowner groups that still oppose it.

......, meanwhile, the taxpayers are stuck with paying off the loan on a inflated-price land swindle.

** Lastly, Downtown News Editor and reigning "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie was channeling the poetic proclivities of the likes of the Princeton Graduate and his City Clowncil Central Committee Comrades as we excerpt below .........

Why Me?

By José Huizar

You think ruling a fiefdom is easy?

Nay sir, nay ma’am.

You do not know my burden.

You do not understand the 14th.

You do not know what it is like

   To have a $125 million streetcar

   Zoom up to $328 million.

You do not know what it is like

   To have your car go boom-crash

   Into another car,

   And to have the city attorney

   Settle the case for $185,000.

You do not know what it is like

   To back the wrong horse 

   In the mayor’s race.

You do not know what it feels like

   To have the new mayor

   Hang out with Jay-Z

   And plan a giant concert

   In your council district.

You do not know what it is like

   To have a consensual relationship

   With Francine Godoy

   And to get sued

   Because of it.

Why me?

Yet, despite all of this,

You do not know what it is like

   To know that

   You will still skate to a third term

In next March’s election.

Maybe me isn’t so bad.  

........, did Huizar mention that he went to Princeton in that long-wind rant?   

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

A Healing Gathering of "Blue Heaven on Earth" comes to Ramona Gardens

As tensions ease within the Ramona Gardens Community from the recent Fire-bombing Attacks targeting African-American Families, a healing dose of "Blue Heaven on Earth" makes a community visit.  

 Israel Ortiz (and infant son) with LA Dodgers First Baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

**Blogger's Note: Please pardon this Blogger on a Father's Day morning for sharing a moment of RG community pride. In the weeks following the race-targeting Fire-bombings of African-American Families within the Ramona Gardens Housing Development, a peaceful calm has return to the neighborhood, thanks in part to the joint efforts from the likes of the Housing Authority of the City Los Angeles (HACLA), the LAPD's Community Safety Policing (CSP) Officers assigned to Ramona Gardens, and the RG Resident Advisory Council among others. The cause of Community Healing and Unity was further served by a visit by players from "Blue Heaven on Earth", the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. The likes of Clayton Kershaw, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Either and Manager Don Mattingly spent some quality time among community members as photos via RG RAC President Maggie Ortiz clearly show. President Ortiz, HACLA, LA City Recreation & Park, the LAPD CSP Officers, Doritos, the Dream Center and the Los Angeles Dodgers Organization, should be commended for their efforts in coordinating this healing event----Scott Johnson       



 A early Father's Day gift for Israel Ortiz

 LA Dodgers Andre Either signing autographs.

 LA Dodgers Clayton Kershaw spending quality time among the youth of the community (above and below). 

LA Dodgers Andre Either as the Dream Center coordinates food giveaway in the background.

Happy Father's Day!!

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Huizar remain silent on Ramona Gardens Firebombings targeting African-American Families

As the likes of Mayor Eric Garcetti and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar continue to focus on the racist follies of a "Feeble Old Man" (aka Donald Sterling), they remain silent regarding last Sunday night's Fire-Bombings, targeting African-American Families in the Ramona Garden Housing Project.

 

 LAFD Firefighters at the scene of one of the four Fire-bombings within the Ramona Gardens Housing Project, targeting African-American Families on Sunday night.

** Blogger's Note: As a bloggin disclosure, please do not disregard the following missive of rage directed at those who would seek to inflict harm on those based upon race (and the politicians who remain silent when leadership is wanting). For the last couple of weeks, Angelinos and those beyond the boundaries of "Seven Suburbs in search of Civic Leadership" (to paraphrase the late Dragnet Actor/Director Jack Webb), have been treated to the spiteful outing of a Feeble Old Man's (aka Donald Sterling) tormented soul. Being that Sterling is rich, white, with the proclivity to espouse asinine opinions, the resulting media firestorm (with politico pile on via symbolic pronouncements from the likes of Mayor Garcetti), has showcased again that the issue of racism is also rooted in exploitation for personal (and political) advancement. That said, those who are truly objective in outing all forms of racism, especially in the form of violence, should be denouncing Sunday's attacks in Ramona Gardens. Yet, Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Huizar have so far remain shamefully silent, why? The blunt truth is that Brown vs. Black Racism in Los Angeles is more prevalent than the racist rantings of a Old Rich, Feeble Westside White Guy, with a gold-digging Mistress. Those who want to gloss over this inconvenient truth, should count the dead of Latinos and Blacks who have died over the recent decades across this city in senseless turf battles, with too many innocent bystanders losing their lives in the crossfire. In recent years, the residents of Ramona Gardens, have made strides (with the help of LAPD's CSP Program) in bridging the racial divide between Brown and Black but Sunday's attack by a vile few, have tinged the progress of race relations with the flames of hatred. Thus, as the community meets tonight at 6 PM at the Ramona Gardens Recreation Center, we ponder if Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Huizar will exercise objective leadership in denouncing violent acts of hate ........, or merely choose to espouse more tired, symbolic condemnations aimed at a Old Rich, Feeble Westside White Guy, that can be exploited for a better political tomorrow?---Scott Johnson in CD 14.         

 Mayor Garcetti finds its easy to garner media time in attacking the racist ramblings of a "Feeble Old Man" but sadly, has remain silent on the recent Fire-Bombings targeting African-American Families.  

 Sadly again, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's leadership is wanting in regards to condemning the recent targeting of African-American Families within his Council District. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Showcasing potential "Waste, Fraud and Abuse" in CD 14 CLARTS Fund Allocations

In honor of Mayoral Candidate Wendy "The Villar Greuel" Eagle Rock "Meet and Greet' with CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, we bring  you this bloggin teachable moment in identifying potential "Waste, Fraud and Abuse", in the latest Central Los Angeles Refuge Transfer Station (CLARTS) Amenities Fund allocation request. 

Would the current City Controller and Mayoral Candidate Wendy "The Villar Greuel" care to comment about the vagueness of the Motion pertaining to the latest CLARTS Fund allocation request?

** Blogger's note: As supporters, associates and staffers of CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar and Mayoral Candidate Wendy "The Villar Greuel" coalesce this afternoon for their "Meet and Greet" enabling at the home of Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council President Michael Nogueira, we bring your attention to a questionable CLARTS fund allocation Motion and provide background on the possible usage of this fiscal request. Further, we provide documentation that cast a troubling light on possible illegal past fiscal abuses by associates of the group LA Vioce PICO/ Legacy LA. We would invite CD 14 Boyle Heights Field Office Director Jennifer Martinez, along with representatives of LA Voice PICO, Legacy LA, HACLA and the City Controller's Office to respond to our missive. We should state that this post is an exercise in asking detail questions about the specific usage of the proposed allocation and demanding answers to the alleged questionable past actions of the associates of the organizations and agencies involved---Scott Johnson.

Late last week a Mayor Sam reader brought our attention to this upcoming Wednesday City Council Motion by CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar to allocate $17,000 dollars from the CD 14 CLARTS Fund to LA Voice PICO, a Catholic Church affiliated, progressive practitioner of liberation theology organization.

MOTION The Central Los Angeles Recycling and Transfer Station (CLARTS) Community Amenities Trust Fund provides funding for community amenities within Council District 14.LA Voice PICO works to promote policies that strengthen families and improve quality of life in communities.This effort is of special benefit for the residents of the City and for CD 14 and deserves financial assistance from the City.Sufficient funds are available in the CLARTS Community Amenities Trust Fund for this purpose.I THEREFORE MOVE that $17,000 in the Central Los Angeles Recycling and Transfer Station (CLARTS) Community Amenities Trust Fund No. 47S, Department 14, be utilized to fund any aspect of the activities of LA Voice PICO to promote policies that strengthen families and improve quality of life in communities. I FURTHER MOVE that the City Clerk be directed to prepare the necessary document(s) with, and/or payment(s) to LA Voice PICOa, or any other agency or organization, as appropriate, in the above amount, for the above purpose, subject to the approval of the City Attorney, if needed; and that the Council member of the District be authorized to execute any such documents on behalf of the City. I FURTHER MOVE that the City Clerk be authorized to make any technical corrections or clarifications to the above instructions in order to effectuate the intent of this Motion.

On Friday, this blogger was made aware of a 6:30 PM meeting of the Santa Teresita Chapter of LA Voice PICO which the main item of discussion was the future of Ramona Gardens Saturday Farmers Market. According to a source who was in attendance, CD 14 Boyle Heights Field Office Director Jennifer Martinez stated that LA Vioce PICO and Legacy LA would take over the operation from the current person who is permitted to operate the weekly event Toni Juarez. Further, it was alleged that CD 14 staff was working on a business plan with LA Voice PICO/ Legacy LA in regards to the operation of the Farmers Market

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Morning Briehs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti does a Ramona Gardens Christmas

The Fifth Annual Gabriel Acosta Christmas Celebration in Ramona Gardens. Photo via Eric Garcetti Twitter page.

Memo to CD 14 City Councilman and Wendy "The Villar Greuel" supporter Jose Huizar, your city council colleague and mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, came in deep into CD 14 to help former RG gangster Gabriel Acosta celebrate his Fifth Annual Christmas Miracle for the youth and families in Ramona Gardens.

Reports from those on hand was very positive of Garcetti, who served pancakes to the gift-bearing  bikers and worked the crowd for over an hour. As you can tell from above, Garcetti rode in on a fire truck ans was warmly greeted by the community.

It is safe to say that many RG voters will remember Eric Garcetti come election time in March.

** The Daily News rightfully outs the City Clowncil Central Committee for allocating DWP and Sanitation money to feed the wasteful money beast that is the proposed Children Museum near Hanson Dam.

** LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Antonio Villar had time for some media pandering yesterday to announced stepped-up visitation of K-5 school campuses by LAPD, in wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy. The two also took time to implore residents to give up their firearms. But as the under-reported death total continues to rise in regards to the failure of AB 109 mandated prison realignment, now is the time to have firearm protection from thousands of so called "Low Level, Non Violent Offender Paroles" now roaming the streets. 

** Surprise, surprise, mayoral candidate City Controller Wendy "The Villar Greuel" wants to let former Mayor Villar staffer and fellow mayoral candidate Emanuel Pleitez be included in all future debates. Many see Pleitez's mayoral bid as a protest campaign against supposed Latino Eric Garcetti. In addition to the Pleitez debate inclusion issue, LA Weekly Gene Maddaus has this comment on candidate Kevin James via "The Villar Greuel's" Campaign Consultant John Shallman, regarding "The Villar Greuel" attack on James at Saturday's debate.

James told the Weekly the question shows that she thinks of him as a threat. "Her stretch to apply it in the debate showed desperation," he said.
The other candidates usually ignore James -- who routinely accuses them of being corrupt -- but Greuel decided it was high time to go after him.
"No one has been talking about the GOP elephant in the room," Shallman said. "Kevin James is a Tea Party, right-wing radical who is a shock-jock radio guy. The issue with Kevin James is his recklessness. If you're running for mayor, you want to know that the person who has his hand on the wheel is in firm control of the facts and can handle a crisis without doing crazy things."

Strange, the "Private Citizen/Political Consultant" handles alleged monetary crisis in his supposed two consultant household, by doing business (allegedly) with whom?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

"Checks to Self" via the former Ramona Gardens "Resident Advisory Council"and Legacy LA Supporters

** Blogger's note:: Recently, this blogger obtain hundred of pages of public documents from the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) pertaining to the financial operations of the Ramona Gardens Housing Project Resident Advisory Council.Late last spring, HACLA dissolved the RG RAC due to financial questions (ie.embezzlement, graft, fraud). Over the next few days, we will share documentation that will show how questionable legal behavior is not only confined to the gangs that inhabit the various public housing projects, but to politically connected organizations---Scott Johnson. 

Previously here at Mayor Sam, we noted that Liliana Martinez had spoke (at the 26:30 mark on the video) on behalf (with Hollenbeck CPAB co-chair Margo Amador translating)of the Ramona Gardens RAC and Mayor's Villaraigosa's Gang Reduction and Youth Developement Program sub-contractor Legacy LA, in supporting 7-Eleven's successful efforts to build a store that displace the community respected business of United States Navy Veteran and Cambodia "Killing Fields" survivor Ben Lee. While documentation that Martinez had the approval to speak on the behalf of the Ramona Gardens RAC is in dispute, it is clear that Legacy LA derided benefits from Martinez support of 7-Eleven.

Legacy LA benefited from the former RAC members Liliana Martinez, Martha Gonzalez and Alma Ortega testimony on behalf of 7 Eleven as seen on the video above and below (at the 21:30 minute mark).

According to HACLA Commission Nominee Isabel Ayala who's husband Lupe was the RAC President" of Ramona Garden, the issue of supporting 7-Eleven was never agendise by the Ramona Gardens RAC. But who did the RAC members (and Legacy LA) support of 7-Eleven's beer and wine license benefit, if not the community?

It also easy to see that community benefit was not the number one priority of the past RAC Board. We found this invoice from a movie production company that gave a $1,000 dollars donation to the Ramona Gardens Community in appreciation for their access to the neighborhood for a film..

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Sunday Blog Feature: HACLA and Partners stage Giveaway for Needy Families in Ramona Gardens

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck with Ramona Gardens family.

 The reincarnation of a much-maligned public agency continue last Friday as the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), with the help of its LAPD partner's Community Safety Program and with the financial backing of a private citizen, staged a giveaway of clothes, toys, food, shoes and school supplies for needy families at the Ramona Gardens Housing Project.

Hundreds of people from within the public housing complex were given the opportunity to take him items donated by a private citizen who wished to remain unidentified. The genesis of  this giveaway originated from the hard work of HACLA Resident Relations Director Joel Lopez and his partners within the  LAPD's Community Policing Partnership with HACLA. The program is a five-year agreement between HACLA and LAPD to assign dedicated officers to patrol HACLA's properties in Watts and Ramona Gardens.

HACLA Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs (center) has been given credit for reinvigorating HACLA's commitment in providing resident services through partnerships and collaborations. Also in the photo above from left to right, are HACLA Resident Services Manager, HACLA Resident Services Asst. Director Connie Alvarez, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and LAPD Sgt. Emada Tingirides, Program Coordinator for the Community Safety Policing Program..

Ramona Garden Resident Advisory Council President Maggie Aguilar with Ramona Gardens CSP LAPD Officer Stacy Vanderpool.

Ramona Gardens resident with box of giveaway items.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

"Sunday Blog Feature": HACLA Cuts Ribbon on its First Public Library in Ramona Gardens

 The reinvention of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) from a scandal plague agency into a public housing service provider, took a big step last Wednesday with the Grand Opening/ Ribbon Cutting of its first Public Library located on HACLA property in Ramona Gardens.

 HACLA C.O.O. Kent Simmons speaks during the opening ceremony. Representatives from Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, City of Los Angeles Public Library, UCLA, LAPD, Barrio Action, SEA, Ramona Gardens RAC, City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks, Scholastic Books were on hand for this historic event (** strangely, no one showed up from CD 14 Councilman Huizar's office)

 Various community collaborators join together in cutting the ribbon.

 Ramona Gardens RAC President Maggie Ortiz-Aguilar, Ramona Gardens Manager Georgina Garcia and Ramona Gardens Recreation Center Facility Director Debra Price share a piece of the ribbon. Ortiz-Aguilar shared these comments with KPCC Radio.

Maggie Aguilar, who has lived in the community for 45 years, says this is one step of many Ramona Gardens has taken in the right direction. 

"Ten years ago it was a really bad community," says Aguilar. "There was a lot of gangs and drugs and police and a lot of everything happening." 

But now? 

"It's beautiful now," she says. "You'll hear laughter. Kids playing. Kids riding their bicycles. Fathers playing with their kids. Throwing the football around. You can come out and barbecue without people messing with you or take something from you." 

 Library interior, more books are always appreciated.

HACLA  Commissioner Margarita Garr conducts the first "story time" within the new library.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14. 

Nefarious Political Behavior begins at the Grass Roots Tips in the Second Ranked Corrupt City in the United States

HACLA email on Ramona Gardens Housing Project Resident Advisory Council.

In light of the City of Los Angeles recent number two ranking as the most corrupt city in the United States, we stop to ponder where do aspiring politicos take their first "one hundred level course" in the art of nefarious political conduct. Chamber of Commerces? Little League Associations? PTA's? Museum Support Groups? Soccer Clubs? 

For the formerly Mayor Antonio Villar and CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar allied Ramona Gardens Housing Project Resident Advisory Council (RAC), the document above provided by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) as part of a California Public Records Act request, shows that the former RAC board was engaged (allegedly) in the falsification of bank statements in an attempt to cover up financial graft.

The graft in this instance involved the bank account used by the RG RAC for its HACLA allocated budget of funding. Each of HACLA's housing projects has an elected RAC that operates semi-independently of the administrated office on site. A formula is use to determine how much funding is given by calculating occupied units, then the money is used for community activities, at least in theory.

But in some projects, money and other community resources are controlled by a selected few and become patronage for the associates of the controlling boards.Whether it is HACLA funds, turkey drives, field trips or jobs among others, past RG RAC's have spread the patronage among a selected few. Same families and friends would get jobs and seats on buses to field trips while the 90% plus of the rest of the housing project were never given opportunities. Then come election time when more resources appeared, the same chosen few were the anointed middle people who controlled the spoils.

In recent months while the corruption spotlight has been trained on the upper management of HACLA, lower level professionals have been working hard to change the patronage culture of HACLA's housing projects. In at least Ramona Gardens, HACLA's openness and accountability in providing documents will hopefully bring on a new era of fairness in dispensing HACLA's resources within the community. 

In the weeks ahead we will continue to disclose more documents and coverage of HACLA's actions in attempting to foster openness and transparency in its daily operations.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14  

A Christmas Story of Redemption from Ramona Gardens

Blogger's notes: As we are blessed with a beautiful Christmas Day in Los Angeles, this blogger would like to share this story of the blessed redemption of Gabriel Acosta and the power of our better angels overcoming the inner demons of destruction.Years ago as a child, this blogger remembers a drugged-out person behind the wheel of a pick up truck, ramming the front doors of closed Nico's Market in the attempt to gain entry. Back and forth, the truck went knocking the doors off its foundation just in time for LAPD's arrival and the arrest of the driver.Years later and countless battles against drug-feeding demons behind him, that drug out driver was led back to Ramona Gardens in 2008 by his inner better angels, in search of redemption (that story in his own words, was noted in the January, 2010 Issue of The Voice Newspaper). Gabriel Acosta was that driver and his new found inner strength based in faith, is a transformative tale of good overcoming evil. With the help of some, through the powerful conviction of one, Gabriel has brought hope to Ramona Gardens with his now Fourth Annual Toy Giveaway and other events within the community. This year in these hard economic times, Gabriel sold his vehicle to help finance this year's toy giveaway which bares witness to the transcendental change for the good in Gabriel Acosta---Scott Johnson       

Gabriel Acosta and friend.

LAFD Engine 16 brings "Christmas cheer" to Ramona Gardens.

 Some of Gabriel's Christian Bikers friends arriving with toys in Ramona Gardens

 Some of the 200-300 bikes.

 Toys being gather for giveaway.

 Children and their parents during program.

This young lady will always remember her first bike thanks to Gabriel's "transformation of soul".

Merry Christmas.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

HACLA & LAPD bring Christmas cheer to Ramona Gardens

Blogger's notes: We take a break away from our recent HACLA bashing, and reverse gears to praise the housing agency for their partnership with LAPD, in bring the Christmas cheer to the Ramona Gardens Housing Project on Tuesday evening.Working with a newly-elected Ramona Gardens Resident Advisory Council (** under the great leadership of Maggie Ortiz), GRYD Program Provider Barrio Action and City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks, HACLA and LAPD gave out presents to over 350 children residing within Ramona Gardens. LAPD highlighted the festivities by hauling out their specially-modified sleigh for the event. This event was an outgrowth of a new five year agreement between HACLA and the LAPD to provide 10+ specific officers to police the Ramona Gardens Projects, working with Civil Rights Activist Connie Rice's Advancement Project---Scott Johnson    

The cheerful staff of Barrio Action waiting to hand out some Christmas cheer. 

 Ramona Gardens parents and kids line up at sunset to get good tidings from Santa.

 LAPD Pacific Division Officer Marcy Garcia and LAPD Booster Monica Harmon. Officer Garcia grew up in the Ramona Gardens/ Hazard Park Community and it was her idea to bring the sleigh across town from its Pacific Division home, to the neighborhood of her youth.

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HACLA's Ramona Gardens Resident Advisory Council Members in "Good Standing"?

Blogger notes: Serious question for Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) employees Sanford Riggs, (** who appeared on behalf of HACLA during KPPC's Patt Morrison "Boyle Heights Townhall") Joel Lopez and Georgina Garcia, are these actions and extracurricular activities of your former Ramona Gardens Resident Advisory Council Members Martha Gonzalez, Alma Ortega and the infamous Lilana Martinez, cause for disqualifying all three for consideration as candidates for the upcoming taxpayer-financed RAC Elections in the Ramona Gardens Housing Projects? Judging by the candidate forum reminder received by residents, your standards of what constitutes a "Resident in Good Standing" may need some serious revision---Scott Johnson

Should misidentifying yourself on the behalf of increasing beer and wine sales opportunity for 7-Eleven disqualify Gonzalez, Martinez and Ortega from holding RAC office? Martinez can be seen with Gonzalez and Ortega standing with her, at the 21:30 part of the video speaking on the behalf of the Ramona Gardens Community in support of 7-Eleven's efforts to secure a beer and wine license for its store on Broadway and Eastlake in Lincoln Heights. According to HACLA Commission Nominee Isabel Ayala who's husband Lupe is the "current President" of the Ramona Gardens RAC, the issue of supporting 7-Eleven was never agendise by the Ramona Gardens RAC. 

Previously here at Mayor Sam, we noted that Liliana Martinez had spoke (at the 26:30 mark on the video) on behalf (with Hollenbeck CPAB co-chair Margo Amador translating) of the Ramona Gardens RAC and Mayor's Villaraigosa's Gang Reduction and Youth Developement Program sub-contractor Legacy LA, in supporting 7-Eleven's successful efforts to build a store that displace the community respected business of United States Navy Veteran and Cambodia "Killing Fields" survivor Ben Lee. While documentation that Martinez had the approval to speak on the behalf of the Ramona Gardens RAC is in dispute, it is clear that Legacy LA derided benefits from Martinez support of 7-Eleven. 

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Outtakes from CD 14. The "CUT AND PASTE CAPITAL" of Los Angeles

Hola and Good Friday to all in the barrios that comprise CD 14.

For the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" Good Friday could not come fast enough.

First, "feeble and shallow" are what describes the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" defence of the Las Lomas Project. Was this the same guy who took a stand for open space regarding Elephant Hill that compares to the Las Lomas Project on a micro level ? But then perspective changes once you look beyond the district boundaries, or do they??

Take the brewing revolt at the Wyvernwood complex over the Fifteen Group expansion plans. Former Assembly candidate and friend of "Jackie G", Elena Popp is organizing the tenants against the property owners. When this FUBAR is done, someone is going to wish that he never went to a certain Super Bowl party.

On the slopes of Mt. Washington, back to back stories in the L.A. Times and L.A. Weekly respectively paint the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" as an enabler to the whims of "BIG AUTRY". Thus you get the selling of rotating pieces of artifacts as a GREAT VICTORY along the lines of saving the 256 bus route.

In "Northern Boyle Heights" tensions are at a flash point in Ramona Gardens Housing Project after the latest LAPD/ Hazard Gang confrontation. What the locals do not realize is that their days in "HAZARD" may be numbered. Can you say Bio-Tech Research Corridor?? One needs to look at the Advisory Board of the Legacy LA website. One will find DAVID GALAVIZ Adelante CRA board member, and........"FRIEND OF CAROL" DALILA SOTELO as redevelopment advisor. Thus will Ramona Gardens become "PUEBLO DEL SOL, NORTH" ?????

****Link to recent You Tube footage filmed in Ramona Gardens, this highlights the state of relations between residents and LAPD****

And not to leave out the "PUEBLO DE SERENO", there may be "light in the end of the tunnel", or simply stated a tunnel in the future for South Pasadena and Eastern Sereno. No word whether South Pasadena resident Victor Griego will have a say in where the tunnel portals are located, but what about those hundreds of Cal Trans houses that the likes of Don Jones and Hugo Garcia are alleged to have their eyes on???

All this adds up to some form of "EC NO CLEANSING/ RELOCATION" of CD 14 population to make way for a "NEW LOOK CD 14, GENTRIFICATION EDITION"....... historical and cultural history be damned.

****Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council/ Mt. Washington Re vote We pass along the endorsement recommendation of "ONE IN FIVE" for Scott Folsom and Ann Walnum.****

BTW, what with the official symbol of Free Enterprise in CD 14, the "PALETA CART" being lefted off the Mural at Hollenbeck??

Happy Easter to all!!