Hot Morning Briefs on the "Anti-Broken Deal Cedillo NELA Political Scene" for Monday

As CD 1 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil (formerly One Bill) Cedillo nears the end of his First Term, its becoming clear to a growing number of disenchanted Northeast LA constituents, that their Officeholder is becoming the official purveyor of Crony Capitalism ....., at the expense of Broken Promises to the Greater NELA Community.

Has the former "One Bill Gil" become the Crony Capitalist Opportunist known as "Broken Deal Cedillo"?

** Blogger's Note: For a former, career Sacramento Lawmaker, now First Term member of the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee, who's singular pursuit of entitlements for the Undocumented, earned him the moniker of "One Bill Gil", is exhibiting a new political persona that is bound to have his Progressive followers wandering if he spent to much time absorbing the Free Enterprise proclivities (minus the ethics) of his Legislative, Republican friends. Since his victory over former CD 1 Clowncil Ed "Density" Reyes Chief of Staff Jose Gardea, many who were part of the Northeast LA Coalition that gave the friend of former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar, his slim margin of victory, are now openly condemning their former candidate of choice for numerous broken promises, which prompted a certain blogger to bestow the CD 1 Officeholder with the moniker of "BROKEN DEAL CEDILLO". Its been bloggin clear to most objective political observers that material self-interest (via the accumulation of campaign contributions) and its desired benefits for a select group of cronies (ie. Crony Capitalism), has become paramount for Cedillo, when deciding his course of action on a particular policy issue. Below, we extrapolate upon how the Crony Capitalist desires of "Broken Deal Cedillo" has adversely affected policy direction on four on-going issues within Northeast LA---Scott Johnson.

Is Northeast CD 1 becoming less safe under the supposed leadership of "Broken Deal Cedillo"?

** Safety on the Northeast LA Figueroa Corridor: For those who were involve in the vigil for Yolanda Lugo, who was killed September 18 in a "Hit and Run Incident" at Figueroa and Ave. 55. The tragedy of Ms. Lugo's death is compounded by the fact that "Broken Deal Cedillo" views those who are the regular voices calling for increase pedestrian safety as the "One Percent". 

Do Northeast CD 1 Constituents have any say when "Broken Deal Cedillo" supports major Crony Capitalist Developments?

** The Proposed McCormick, Barron and Salazar Highland Park Transit Village: When you put self-interest before the concerns of the community, sometimes the results can become litigious as residents (Friends of Highland Park) use their legal rights to preserve their neighborhood character. Conceived during the reign of Clowncilman Reyes, the proposed Transit Village had the backing of the local political establishment, which were given their pieces of the Crony Capitalists payouts. But under the reign of Cedillo, a promise to revisit the project, has became just another Broken Deal via Cedillo (allegedly).

Will the goal of a rehabilitated and open Southwest Museum become a casualty of the latest "Broken Deal Cedillo" Crony Capitalist Scheme?

** The Future of the Southwest Museum: What should of been a policy priority for the latest CD 1 Clowncil, has instead, become a "El Plan" how to put Crony Capitalistism, Self-Interest before preserving and re-opening Los Angeles Oldest Museum. What is readily apparent is that Broken Deal Cedillo has created bad, political Ju Ju for himself by aligning himself with the likes of Gabriel Buelna, who see real estate exploitation as being paramount, instead of a stand alone, reopen museum.

What is the effect on a community when their voice is ignore in favor of a backroom dictated exercise of Crony Capitalism?

** Cypress Park Community Center/GRYD Prevention Contract: Since being awarded the Northeast LA GRYD Prevention $800,000 Contract, El Centro del Pueblo's Program Director Fernando Chacon has found some quality time (away from work) to run for City Council in Montebello.  That said, we would advise community members within the boundaries of the contract area, to practice oversight in how contract money is dispense .............., considering these FPPC Actions again his brothers Art and Hector ........., and his involvement with both.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

The Fifth Annual Friends of the Southwest Museum Soda Tasting Fundraiser

The Mayor Sam Blog strongly endorses the continuing efforts of The Friends of the Southwest Museum, to raise funds and awareness in seeking to reopen the City of LA's First Museum (with its complete collection).

Please support the Fifth Annual Soda Tasting Event at Galco's on Sunday, July 19.

“Around the World in 80 Sips”
Summer Soda Tasting 5 at
Galco’s Soda Pop Stop on July 19, 2015

L.A.’s Famed Soda Store hosts its Annual Summer Soda Tasting event with sampling, soda-related fun, entertainment, music and more. Fundraiser for the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition.

WHO:       Galco’s Soda Pop Stop, known around the world for its extensive 500+ sodas, is throwing its annual soda tasting party.

WHAT:      Summer Soda Tasting invites soda-lovers of all ages to sample a wide selection of carbonated bubbly beverages. In addition, guests can enjoy music and soda fun in the parking lot and stock up on all of Galco’s beverage offerings.

This year, the theme is “International Sodas” and participants can sample offerings from Italy, France, England and more.

Galco’s Summer Soda Tasting 5 is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition that is actively working to re-open Los Angeles’ first museum as well as the Casa de Adobe to display portions of the museum’s spectacular collections.

Online purchases: Adult tickets are $12, Children are $5, ages 5-11. May also be purchased at Galco’s (cash or check only). Adult tickets are $15 on day of event. HPHT, a nonprofit 501C3 isthe fiscal sponsor and processes the tickets for Friends of SWM Soda Tasting event.

WHEN:      Sunday July 19, 2015, from 5 – 8 p.m.

WHERE:    Galco’s Soda Pop Stop                     5702 York Boulevard                     Los Angeles CA 90042                     (323) 255-7115

 

** Buy Tickets (click here)

Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Is CD 1 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo" cooperating in another Autry National Center "Big Announcement" smoke screen?

 There is only one future option for the Southwest Museum and that is to reopen it. 

Is Clowncilman Gil enabling another "Broken Deal Cedillo Moment"?



** Eagle Rock's Boulevard Sentinel Editor and Publisher Tom Topping has the specifics of tomorrow morning's Big Announcement regarding the collaboration between The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Autry National Center, with cooperation of Clowncilman Broken Deal Cedillo, on a Two-Year Study regarding the future usage of the Southwest Museum location.

In the spirit of interactive involvement, we offer up these options on what the future should entail for the location of the City of Los Angeles First Museum.

WORK WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE SOUTHWEST MUSEUM IN IMPLEMENTING ITS AMBITIOUS PLAN TO REOPEN LOS ANGELES OLDEST MUSEUM ............, PERIOD!

** Just in time for the 2015 Election Season, the MTA is apparently having second thoughts about  Development Plans for its Boyle Heights Mariachi Plaza. As a MTA staffer states .........., "Generally there has not been much support for Mariachi Plaza. We might start over from scratch," said MTA development officer Jenna Hornstock. She said the agency has been trying to gather community input since the proposal was announced in the fall. Results are to be presented to the MTA board next month.

** CD 14 City Clowncilman Jose "The Tonto Huevon" Huizar, should be all smiles knowing that his favorite, enabling journalistic stringer, Alice "The City Maven" Walton, has been hired by the Los Angeles Times. In honor of the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalist Graduate (with Masters) we bring you this "Bloggin Flashback", involving her, Michael "MEAT" Trujillo and the 2013 John Choi for CD 13 Campaign ........,

On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 1:05 PM, Michael Trujillo wrote:
So in a few moments Alice Walton at KPCC will be writing about Choi's impressive haul - 100k in 19 days.
Would really appreciate it you could all link to it on your FB accounts - i'll send out the link once it posts.
Its critical that many people (the right people) read this - since there are many political hurdles we have to navigate and getting this piece of critical information out - might slow some people down from even entering the race.
thanks!

More like ......., thank you naught MEAT.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14



Morning Briefs on the Dysfunctional Broken Deal Cedillo Political Machine for Wednesday

We detail the growing backlash in CD 1 over alleged broken promises via its City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo". 

Who will be next in CD 1 to renounce City Clowncilman Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo" over a broken promise?

Being known as "One Bill Gil" can't offset the most recent moniker bestowed on the latest CD 1 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo".

From Lincoln Heights, through Cypress Park, up the Figueroa Corridor,, to the crest of Mount Washington, the recriminations against alleged broken promises by the "Champion of the Undocument" are being noted for the record as numerous "Broken Deal Cedillo Episodes". Follow along on our bloggin tour of the exclusive false promises trail of "Broken Deal Cedillo".

Read more »

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

As Mayor Eric Garcetti "hashtag shills" for Los Angeles to become the Museum Home for Star Wars George Lucas Art Collection, we like to remind the former Charter Member of the Autry's "Southwest Society" of some unfinished business on Mt. Washington involving the still shuttered Southwest Museum. 

While we can agree that LA would make a great home for George Lucas Art Collection .......

......, can we also #bringitback in seeking to reopen Los Angeles First Museum with its complete collection on display? 

As Mayor Eric Garcetti nears his first year anniversary in office, its no understatement to state that the Rhodes Scholar Politico has embraced "Hashtag Messaging".

In the age of Twitter, the tech-savvy Mayor Garcetti can tweet pronouncements on policy issues in the fraction of the time (and staff cost) of a former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar Photo Op.  Yet, both diverse styles do mostly share the same end product, symbolism over substance.

While we would like to join Mayor Garcetti in helping to grow LA's museum choices (just think how many DWP/IBEW employees would pay to view to original mold of "Jabba the D'Arcy", but I digress), we call upon Mayor Garcetti to make a cultural priority, the reopening of the Southwest Museum.

Mayor Garcetti knows all too well how being associated with an Act of Symbolism (the defunct Southwest Society), has resulted with most of LA's First Museum Collection, still sitting in a Burbank Warehouse.

In recent months, the Friends of the Southwest Museum have unveiled an exciting, ambitious plan that features a restored, reopen museum, with surrounding investment in the heritage of the Arroyo Seco.

Thus, now is the time to move beyond hashtag symbolism and come together in supporting a plan of substance to help bring back to life LA's First Museum.

** As "#SaveourStreetsLA" gets placed on cyber hold, Jack Humphreville has some thoughts how the duo of City Clowncil Central Committee Members Mitch Englander and Joe Buscaino, can sell a cynical electorate on a rise in the Sale Tax. To convince the voters to pay for the repair of the streets for a second time, the City Council will need to place a charter amendment on the ballot that mandates that the City to Live Within Its Means.  This will require the City to develop and adhere to a Five Year Financial Plan, pass two year balanced budgets, and over the next twenty years, fully fund the City’s two underwater pension plans and repair our streets and the rest of our deteriorating infrastructure.

** Ron Kaye reconnects with keyboard to broach on why California is losing the race in prosecuting corrupt politicos. Part of the answer may have to do with California's prominence among states, with the ruling political party's ability to influence appointments of US Attorneys.

** CD 1 City Clowncilman Gil Cedillo is bring about unity on the Eastside of the LA River ......, by growing discontent among his supposed supporters. Many are openly frustrated at Clowncilman Cedillo and staff for broken pledges, which are quickly growing into big problems for Gil.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

2014 Predictions

After a two-year hiatus, I'm back with your annual predictions post. You should be warned, I have a horrible track record here, so take each prognostication with a grain of salt. Here we go...

Mayor Eric Garcetti's Chief of Staff, Ana Guerrero, will continue to earn electability chops in Jose Huizar's Council District, much to the chagrin of the incumbent and his supporters. Following her appearance in the Boyle Heights Christmas Parade - which included distributions from an 18 wheeler filled with toys and goodies - Guerrero will stage a special production of Ana Lloyd Weber's "Evita" where she will give a stunning performance of "Don't Cry for Me CD Catorce," at the bandstand at Olvera Street, followed up by Target gift cards raining from the sky.

Much to the chagrin of Blogger Scott Johnson and the community around the Arroyo Seco, the former site of the Southwest Musuem will be rededicated as "Villaraigosa University," with a special degree program in broadcast journalism taught by the ex-Mayor.

Following a special election in the summer of 2014, LA Fire Commissioner and former teacher Jimmie Woods-Gray will pull out a surprise win in the race to replace the late Marguerite LaMotte. Woods-Gray's victory, will deal a severe blow to LA's charter school movement.

Blogger/Writer Joseph Mailander will sign a deal for the movie version of his non-fiction book "Days Change at Night: LA's Decade of Decline." Esai Morales will be signed to play Mayor Villaraigosa and the film will feature a cameo by Randy Quaid as blogger Scott "Red Spot" Johnson.

The storied Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, which spent it's salad days with wins such as blocking a controversial Home Depot store, but in recent years has found itself the subject of questions on finances and it's policies on the homeless issue, will find it's incumbent members facing an electoral challenge in the spring from a coalition assembled by controversial local newspaper publisher David "Doc" DeMulle. The uprising will fail when all realize that Joseph Mailander was right when he said that the community is "18 people arguing with 17 people over 14 microphones and 60,000 that don't care." (Turns out the finals of Dancing With the Stars featuring Chaz Bono and Kim Kardashian is on TV the same night as the elections.)

Former City Controller and failed Mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel will jump into the race to succeed termed out LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Once again Greuel will use "Political Consultant/Private Citizen" John Shallman to helm her campaign and once again will lose, this time to former State Senator Sheila James Kuehl, "The Child Start Formerly Referred to as Zelda."

California Republican candidates for the State Assembly will pick up some unexpected wins in various races around the state, it won't be enough to assume control of the lower chamber, but it will take away the Democrats current veto-proof majority, leading to several deals between Republican legislators and Governor Jerry Brown, who will be by the way, re-elected handily.

Former radio talk show host and Mayoral candidate and current President of the Board of Public Works, Kevin James, will announce he is leaving the Republican party and register as "Decline to State." James will then announce his candidacy for the Council District 4 seat being vacated by Tom LaBonge.

County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas will announce that he has brokered a deal for an existing NFL football team to move to the LA Coliseum with the 2017-18 season, but the deal will fall apart at the last minute. An expansion team for Los Angeles will eventually be located in a yet to be built stadium outside the city limits.

And finally, on the steps of the State Capitol, just after Thanksgiving, Governor Jerry Brown will announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President in 2016.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

The Southwest Museum, the City of Los Angeles oldest historic exhibit space above the Arroyo Seco.

** In the spirit of promoting visitation to our City of Los Angeles historic institutions, we would invite all of you to partake in the partial reopening of exhibit space at the Southwest Museum, from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. this Saturday, May 19, 2012. Our Friends of the Southwest Museum will be gathering at 10 A.M. to kick off the opening of the lower exhibit lobby to viewing and visitation of just a fraction of the collection stored on site. 

The irony in this surprise partial reopening of exhibit space at the Southwest Museum is that the Autry National Center, which controls the Southwest Museum and its collection, is doing nearly nothing to promote Saturday's event. According to sources, the primary reason for the re-opening is financial. In order to qualify for FEMA money to repair earthquake damage on the Southwest property, the museum needs to meet the provision that it be open to the public in some capacity. Thus, we here at Mayor Sam in promoting local tourism and commerce, implore you to take some quality time this Saturday to visit Los Angeles oldest museum (via mass transit on the MTA Gold Line) and send a message to the Autry National Center, that a refurbish and reopen Southwest Museum, can be a viable tourist attraction in Northeast LA.

** OTHER NEWS **:

Southeast  Politico turn LA County Assessor John Noguez.

** This never happens in the public sector in the County of Los Angeles. The LA District Attorney Office of Public Integrity is accusing the union for assessor office employees of impeding its investigation on the actions of LA County Assessor John Noguez.

** City Clowncil Central Committee Budget Chairperson Paul Krekorian is working hard to maintain his "90+ Union Score Card" This by searching for all revenue streams for monetary flow to prevent any layoffs of mostly female employees. 

** While areas such as Fortress USC get 30 LAPD officers redeployed to protect its exclusive enclave, families in areas of El Sereno are daily expose to random gang attacks and other acts of violence that claim lives. ..... and somewhere CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar is still monitoring the situation.. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Friday Free for All

I'm back.  Yet another visit to the Pacific Northwest with the added opportunity to avoid YAWNmageddon.

Free Matt Dowd!

Now that Janice Hahn is going to Congress, the fight begins for her seat with yet another special election. While I don't have a horse in this race, it appears that firefighter union head Pat McOsker is quickly becoming the bloggers' favorite to be the whipping boy of this race.  McOsker, part of a politically connected family equally known for it's salty and surly aggressiveness as for it's dominance on the LA political scene, is already showing a need for anger management therapy.  Street Hassle reports that McOsker gave an expletive laden retort to questions as to his ability to simultaneously helm the union and run for Council. In the meantime, anonymous detractors of McOkser have started a blog and apparently endured the wrath of McOsker's brother, Mike.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

We reported last week on how, due to budget cuts, LA County beaches' restrooms are getting cleaned and are quite filthy.  Radio talk show hosts John and Ken led a harangue against County Stupidvisor Zev Yaroslavsky which led to Zev yelling at fellow Stupidvisor Don Knabe. Maybe Zev should just get a mop - or he can call Mayor Villaraigosa.

This blog has chronicled for sometime the controversy around the Autry National Center's takeover of the Southwest Musuem.  Now it appears the matter could lose a significant grant for the Autry.

Read more »

Councilman Huizar and Reyes take action regarding illegal Rec. and Parks Commission vote on Autry National Center expansion

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar and CD 1 Councilman Ed Reyes's Motion to assert council jurisdiction over the recent illegal action of the Recreation and Parks Commission to allow expansion of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park. The Friends of the Southwest Museum are asking museum supporters to attend Tuesday's May 31, 2011 City Council Meeting to show support for Councilman Huizar and Reyes's Motion.

Why is Councilman Huizar stuck between a "political rock and a hard place" on the fate of the Southwest Museum? (Hint, don't claim victory to after the battle is over) Maybe it also has to do with his "political Papi" Mayor Villar's supposed financial support from Latham &  Watkins? More on that issue in a email commentary from a Southwest Museum supporter after the jump.

Read more »

Noontime Briefs and Outtakes for Thursday

Autry's deceitful behavior at the Southwest Museum"

If Jackie Autry, Autry National Center CEO John Grey and her local stable of "connected vendidos and vendidas" (ie. the Southwest Society), can't loot their way to expansion at Griffith Park, then screw you activists, who want access and improvements to Los Angeles oldest museum.

In breaking news from the slopes of Mt. Washington, Autry National Center announced that public access to the Southwest Museum would be greatly curtail in 2010, as noted by longtime SWM docent Michael Wyman.

I have been both a member and a volunteer/docent with the SouthwestMuseum since 1985. Last Saturday, 12/12/2009, the docents had their annual holiday gathering at the museum. John Gray made a surprise appearance, and announced to our group that the Southwest Museum site at Mt. Washington would be closing to the general public. The reasonhe gave was that they needed space for artifact restoration and conservation. He said that after 12/31/2009, the bookstore area will be closed and used to do work on the bead-work portion of the collection. Any public events now taking place at the museum will cease. Museum access will be given only to museum members--for example, the monthly tours of the building. It was unclear whether the NELA art openings would be open to the public or members only (the next show is 1/23/2010). No public annoucement would be made regarding either the closing of the store or the site itself.

Further, it was disclosed by the "Friends of the Southwest Museum", that the Autry has return State of California grant money for improvements at the Southwest Museum. For his part, CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar, has requested a meeting with Autry officials to discuss funding options to reopen the museum.

In recent months, Councilman Huizar has shown positive leadership, in changing his stance on maintaining the Southwest Museum. But Huizar and museums supporters must sit down and craft the "end game" or else a priceless part of our cultural history, will be lost for future generations.

OTHER NEWS:

** Ex. LAPD Chief Bill Bratton's accounting skills, or should we call it "financial oversight?", is likely to impact the legacy of LA's former top cop.

** We found this little gem in the latest Los Angeles Garment and Citizen's "Dot, Dot, Dish Column".

COCA PUFFS: The new slang term for any cheap shots sent along anonymously to the local blogosphere by Rick Coca, who handles communications for Huizar…AD HOMINEM: That’s Latin for cheap shots that attack the messenger rather than answering questions with facts…

It seems that Coca doesn't return many calls on subject matters affecting Councilman Huizar, but he allegedly has time to blog his comments.

** The never-ending Medical Marijuana saga has a new twist this early afternoon. City Clowncil Ringmaster/ President Eric Garcetti, is "flip-flopping" according to the LA Weekly, on the issue of dispensary locations.

** No more "payday Wednesdays drinkfest" at the Police Academy.

** Record low poll numbers for Governor "Kennedy Republican".

** Saying "no" to billboard modernization, now official city policy.

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

Outtakes from CD-14: "The Cut and Paste Capital of Los Angeles"

Hola and TGIF from the "Cut and Paste Barrio of Los Angeles".

We start today's edition of CD-14 Outtakes with this from the "Dot, Dot, Dish" column at the "Downtown Garment and Citizen Fishwrap".

WONDERING ABOUT HUIZAR ALUMNI: Word on the street says that an ex-staffer who decided to sing to the feds started the investigation into a $30,000 consulting fee that current City Councilember Jose Huizar collected from a non-profit organization while still a member of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board. Bad news for Huizar, who has quite a few ex-staffers floating around after just four years in office. One of them is LAUSD board president Monica Garcia, who worked for Huizar before his election to the City Council and later succeeded him on the school board. Garcia has been summoned by a federal grand jury in the matter. Huizar says he followed the rules while on the school board, by the way, adding that he’ll co-operate with investigators (see related photo, home page)…

Question of the day for the CD-14 "Cut and Pasters" is this. What former staffer went singing to the Feds about Huizar's "work" with Miguel Contreras's "V.I.P". non-profit ?? There are 26 letters in the alphabet, plus we can use letters from the Greek alphabet to list all the ex. staffers, who would be candidates to rat out Huizar.

Other CD-14 News:

** Hey Homie, can you spare some change ?? Or in the case of Homeboy Industries, spare change, donations, grants and government contracts can go only so far. Father Boyle's non-profit is $5,000,000 in the hole and services are in danger of being cut. But City Hall is steering what they can spare as stated below.

City Hall has been trying to help, said Jeff Carr, director of the mayor's anti-gang office. Carr is turning over the $500,000 remainder of a federal gang-prevention grant to Homeboy and this summer gave the organization's silk screening shop a $250,000 order for T-shirts and jerseys. He even took 25 staffers to a going-away lunch at Homegirl Cafe.

Just wondering what campaign will get donations for this kind gesture ??

** For decades political leaders in CD-14 and in cities such as South Pasadena, Alhambra, Pasadena, have debated, litigated and study solutions to the 710 Freeway issue. The current flavor of the moment in regards to the 710 Freeway, is to "tunnel" the gap between the northern terminus in Alhambra and the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. But as Caltrans drills "test bores" west, north and east of the end of the 710, numerous community groups are voicing opposition to Caltran's "Tunnel Proposal".

** Just wondering what former Councilman Jose Huizar's Deputy Chief of Staff Henry Casas is doing these days when he is not being "lo-jacked" at community events.

A. Hanging out at the beach ??

B. Spending late nights blogging ??

C. In hiding as part of Federal Witness Protection Program ??

D. Working for the National Organization for Woman ??

E. Working for Assemblyman John Perez ??

F. Writing tell all book on his former boss ??

G. E-mailing advise to a certain female staffer who was berated by his former boss ??

** "Autry says that Southwest Museum in Grave Danger", is the headline of Eastern Group Publications story on the Autry's withdrawal of their expansion proposal in Griffith Park and what ramifications it has for the future of the Southwest Museum. And as in past stories, it does not surprise us to find quotes/spin from the "Southwest Society's Minister of Spin", Eliot Sekuler. That said, we highlight Eliot's latest "talking points" below, with rebuttal in (bold).

For another northeast Los Angeles resident who has followed the project closely, the decision did not signal any kind of victory. (It pays to follow closely the edits of your political allies)

Elliot Sekuler said the after reviewing Gray’s letter to the board on Tuesday, he is confident that the Autry remains committed to its operations of the Mt. Washington facility. As a member of the Southwest Society, Sekuler supports a proposal from the Autry that represents a scaled-down version of the proposal sought by the Friends of the Southwest coalition. (The exclusive vendidos and vendidas were most likely acting as a "focus group" to help John Gray craft his unprofessional letter)

Sekuler said the objective of the Southwest Society remains to partner with the Autry to maintain the Mt. Washington facility as community center with sufficient gallery space that would allow a sizable amount of the Southwest collection to remain at its historic home. He said he hopes that the Autry’s decision does not alter its relationship with the Southwest Society. (This reinforces Sekuler's claim to the title of "Spin Crafter/BS artist)

“I’m still hopeful to partner with them,” he said.(And your fellow exclusive vendidos and vendidas do not want to lose their "access to graft", which includes non-profit contracts, commission appointments, free public facilities and invitations to insiders conclaves/parties.)

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

Autry National Center Withdrawls Proposed Expansion Plans at Griffith Park

"No Expansion For Now"

Another victory for Grassroots Activists in Los Angeles.

From the Autry National Center with the help of Steve Sugerman and Latham & Watkins, (Discretion advise for unprofessional whining.)

Because you are a valued member (Southwest Society members) of the Autry National Center whose loyal support is vital to our institution, I want to make sure that you learn directly from us about a recent decision of our Trustees.

Today, with great reluctance, we informed the City's Board of Referred Powers that we are withdrawing our proposal to build an expansion of the Autry's building in Griffith Park. It has become clear to us that if we were to go on seeking approval for our proposal, our plans would be subjected to expensive and virtually endless official delays, while the Autry itself would be under constant threat of costly litigation. Given these circumstances, we have concluded that any further attempt to proceed with the expansion would be an ill-advised diversion of our financial resources, and an insupportable distraction from our work in serving the community.

We want you to know that this difficult decision follows upon the latest delay in the political process for approving the expansion. We have been informed that the Board of Referred Powers has postponed ruling on our proposal indefinitely, until such time as we contract to operate our Mt. Washington campus solely as a freestanding facility for the Southwest Museum. No responsible Board of Trustees could agree to this commitment. If imposed on us, it would return the Mt. Washington campus to a model of operation that has been conclusively proved to be financially destructive and curatorially unviable.

We cannot and must not go backward-and so, having made the only feasible decision, we will now move forward on two fronts.

On the first front, at Griffith Park, we will be developing fresh options for creating an inclusive and exciting experience within the existing facility. To some extent, this process has already begun through our ambitious schedule of exhibitions and programs. This fall, we will present The Art of Native American Basketry, revealing for the first time more than 250 baskets from the premier collection of the Southwest Museum. In spring 2010 we will present Home Lands: How Women Made the West, which will use historic artifacts, art, photographs, and biographies of individual women to show how women have been at the heart of the West across cultures and over time. We will continue to develop the Griffith Park building into a new treasure for Los Angeles, honoring all the diverse peoples of the American West.

Meanwhile, on the second front, we are working on an exciting and sustainable plan for our Mt. Washington campus. Since 2003, we have invested approximately $7.5 million in conserving the Southwest Museum collections that have been housed there and in repairing and stabilizing the landmark building. While this work continues, we are studying how to transform the Mt. Washington campus into a multi-use educational and cultural center, with publicly accessible exhibitions and collections from the Southwest Museum at its core. The center would also incorporate classes for all ages, conducted with partner institutions; an archaeology study center; research facilities; and space for cultural activities of Native American communities.

An institution is more than its buildings. It is a shared vision. We feel confident that we will realize our vision of a nationally recognized Autry National Center-one that will celebrate the American West and explore the interactions of all of its cultures and peoples.

Should you be interested, a copy of the letter we sent to the Board of Referred Powers is posted on our website, www.autrynationalcenter.org. We are deeply grateful to you, as always, for your understanding and support. We look forward to sharing our plans with you as they evolve.

Sincerely,
John L. Gray President and CEO

In discussions with members of the "Friends of the Southwest Museum" this afternoon, the Autry's decision to halt their expansion plans comes down to one word, "MONEY". The Autry has inflated their monetary backing, according to sources. Further, monetary pledges to the expansion plans at Griffith Park were predicated on approval and allocation of free public land at Griffith Park. With approval not looking promising from the Board of Referred Power and with CD-14 Councilman Jose Huizar flip-flopping into a leadership role for once. The Autry had no choice but to withdrawal their expansion plans.

With today's announcement from the Autry, museum activists are now focusing their attention on the Autry's plans for storing the Southwest Museum artifacts and future plans for the Southwest Museum site ("For Sale Signs ??") on Mt. Washington.

.......and somewhere on the flanks of Mt. Washington, "an exclusive society" and the vendidos and vendidas that constituted it, just became irrelevant.

Your thoughts....

Southwest Museum Update: "Autry Stonewalling on Negotiations"

"Another Broken Treaty by the Autry ?? "

One month ago tomorrow, hundreds turned out at City Hall for the Board of Referred Powers hearing on the proposed Autry National Center Expansion at Griffith Park.

Whether you were Pro Autry, Pro Southwest Museum, or an advocate of preserving Open Space. Mostly all agree that a cooling off period with discussions involving the pertinent parties was in the best interest of the city.

That is unless you are the Autry National Center, who is balking at negotiating in good faith via this announcement from Councilman Jose Huizar which is posted at the "Friends of the Southwest Museum" Website.

“I have been acting in good faith to bring agreement and/or compromise to the issue at hand. However, I do not believe that the Autry has taken seriously the Board of Referred Power’s instructions to work out with me options for a legally binding document. The Autry Center has essentially threatened to abandon its expansion project at Griffith Park altogether if I continue to pursue with them any document which legally binds them to its commitments made to me and to the City of Los Angeles.”

Thus with the Autry's "drawing of their line of defiance in the dirt of free public land", the upcoming meeting of the Board of Referred Powers, regarding the Autry Expansion Plans, has been postpone.

Councilman Jose Huizar will draw some rare praise from this blogger for his sudden burst of leadership in this matter, but let not forget that 2011/ re election time, is fast approaching for Councilman Huizar.

But for Councilman Huizar, many in the know within CD-14 will not easily forget the multitude of favors made to the likes of the "Southwest Society" that right now is seen as an worthless entity.

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

Board of Referred Powers delays decision on Autry Expansion for four weeks

" Still a Chance for Victory"

In a stunning rebuke to the Autry National Center plans for expansion in Griffith Park, the Board of Referred Powers voted 5-0 to delay a final vote on the proposed project for four weeks.

Board Chairperson Janice Hahn, along with Councilmembers Ed Reyes, Bernard Parks, Tony Cardenas and Bill Rosendahl acted in unison and implored that all the parties in the Autry/Southwest Museum saga have a voice in crafting an solution to protect the Southwest Museum.

Both sides in this contentious battle had their supporters in place. So many in fact that the meeting had to be moved to the main council chambers due to the overflowing crowd.

Both sides were allocated equal time for presentation and public comments.

In addition, Councilman Jose Huizar addressed the masses and in a surprise, ask that the final vote be delayed so that an final agreement, or a "pre-nump", in his words, be crafted to safe guard the Southwest.

Absence from today's proceedings was anyone from the Mayor's Office voicing their support for the Autry.

One cannot underestimate this victory today in delaying the Autry's desires, but all must remain vigilant in protecting Los Angeles Oldest Museum.

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

Deja vu! Autry Likely to be Handed At-Will Use of Public Land for $1 per Year.

In a backroom deal by "the late great John Ferraro" in 1987, the Board of Referred Powers which is made up of LA City councilmembers, met to hand over a ten acre parcel of prime real estate in Griffith Park to Gene Autry for the sum of just $1 per year.

Tomorrow, in a backroom deal by high school football star Tom LeBong, the Board of Referred Powers meets once again to basically do the exact same thing -- allow the Autry to expand at will on public open space for the sum of ..... $1 per year.

The Autry's massive expansion plans effectively triple the size of the institution as well as allow a number of additional conditional uses (more alcohol) and sign variances to advertise their facility for some uses other than public benefit. At the 3pm meeting, the Board of Referred Powers will likely approve the Environmental Impact Report essentially as-is, with no appreciable change from the draft version of the report. Once passed, the Autry has essentially free rein to move forward exactly as planned, and the City loses most if not all of its ability to negotiate on the Autry's new land lease.

The Board of Referred Powers (Hahn -ch, Cardenas, Parks, Reyes, Rosendahl) is hearing the Autry's EIR in place of the Recreation and Parks Commission because current Commission president Barry Sanders used to be employed by Latham and Watkins who is the Autry's legal firm. A relatively recent addition to the commission, it is possible that Sanders was selected with this exact idea in mind. Although it helps to make Recreation and Parks look less the bad guy, most observers do not believe this switch ultimately affects the outcome since the entire issue is highly political and the Recreation and Parks department has no option but to hand LeBong and the Mayor exactly what they want.

The Autry stands to make a lot of money on the deal. They already have, with the Southwest Museum's collection worth hundreds of millions being given over to them in a related string of City payouts without accountability since the 1987 Ferraro double-deal. Recently, the Autry has begun renting their $1/yr property to commercial entities for events that are entirely inappropriate for public park land. One example, the "Brew-Ha-Ha" beer event ostensibly benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is returning to the Autry this Fall for a second round. The Brew-Ha-Ha has appropriately been described as 'drinking for a good cause'. The Autry has also begun renting its venue out for other more commercial private events and will likely expand this revenue-making activity once their own expansion is passed by the board.

The EIR that the Board of Referred Powers will be approving is essentially identical to the draft version that was open to public comment. No significant changes or mitigation measures were added in spite of the fact that there was ample public input, some of which was directly linked to required City code. A good example of the blatantly ignored comment can be found at the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council's web site, with two important letters (1, 2) outlining what code is being violated and as well as some of the major concerns of park stakeholders.

It's interesting to note that this important vote comes less than 24 hours before new City Attorney Carmen Trutanich takes office. Trutanich has a strong environmental background and during his campaign stated he would be a tough fighter for social and environmental justice. Handing over 10 acres of Griffith Park to an entity who doesn't even bother to pretend anymore that their mission is public-benefit driven for just $1 per year hardly seems just.

June 30, 2009, "Day of Reckoning" for the Southwest Museum

Los Angeles Oldest Museum

As a child growing up in Council District 14, I was blessed to be exposed to the vast collection of the Southwest Museum.

Childhood exposure has turn into adulthood appreciation of the contributions of the Native American Culture and the impact on our local history.

In recent years, earthquakes, mis-management, and the ravages of time has taken its toll on this cultural icon, but the museum still stands as a proud symbol of our city's and community cultural identity.

But now in the biggest challenge to the Museum, the Los Angeles City Council Board of Referred Powers will take up the Autry National Center proposal to expand their site in Griffith Park and relocating the vast collection of the Southwest to newly expanded location, if approved.

This saga has played out here in cyberspace, on the the pages of local newspapers (but rarely in the "OLD GRAY HAG ON SPRING STREET", aka LA Times), has been debated thoroughly in the local community and in the chambers of City Hall.

The cast of characters have included an convicted felon, a ruthless law firm, widow of a singing cowboy, flip-flopping politicians, a "Barrio Pimp" and citizens across the community who care about preserving our cultural identity.

Then there is the cost, in terms of payouts to lobbyists, payoffs to the "connected few", favors for the political class, and the cost to our community heritage.

My hope is that the five members of the Board of Referred Power will pause and give thought to what damage a gutted and hollow Southwest Museum would have on our community heritage and city history.

Your thought...................

**Board of Referred Powers Special Meeting Los Angeles City Hall, Room 350Board of Public Works Hearing200 N Spring St., Los AngelesTuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 3:00pm

The future fate of the first museum in Los Angeles, the Southwest Museum, is tied to a set of decisions to be made by the City of Los Angeles. A June 30 th special hearing is the pivotal meeting. The City will decide whether to approve Autry’s proposed project to double its size in Griffith Park and absorb the Southwest Museum.

The Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council and the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition are opposed to the three requested actions as presented in the staff report without modifications to protect the Southwest Museum and Casa de Adobe’s future.

*autrylies.com/

*Eastern Group Publication Editorial

Battle Time Nearing to Protect the Southwest Museum

"Los Angeles First Museum Endangered"

This was posted on Ron Kaye's Blog regarding the next move in the Southwest Museum Saga.

Ron-

I have just heard that another rat on the slime boat of City Hall, the Autry Museum, has gotten the City to schedule a meeting of the Board of Referred Powers to hear Autry's application to expand its building on taxpayer land in Griffith Park. This is the extremely controversial proposal of the Autry to build a new wing to enable it to swallow the historic Southwest Museum an destroy the separate institution of the Southwest.

Now get this Ron, I heard it is scheduled for June 16, 2009 at City Hall at 9:00 a.m. -- one hour before a Wednesday City Council meeting. I was at the other public hearing in August last year on this issue. There were so many people there the testimony before the Planning Department took 4 hours.

Is the City Council really so arrogant and out of touch that they will try to limit the testimony in opposition to the Autry's destruction of the Southwest Museum to like 50 minutes? Does the City's first museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, warrant just 50 lousy minutes of time of our City Council when Billy the Elephant got days of testimony?

I saw where Carmen Trutanich asked Council to delay the billboard ordinance until he could review. Here's another issue that is a hint of how this Mayor and this City Council has lost its way and needs review by the new City Attorney. To give serious consideration to the Autry's blatant breach of merger agreement promises with the Southwest Museum is PROOF that pay to play and utter corruption of our City's political process is complete.

The possible unnecessary loss of the Southwest Museum using campaign contributions and three registered lobbyists paid for by the Autry demonstrates that there is nothing sacred that this Mayor and some Council Members will not flush down the toilet for their own personal political ambition. Our City Hall is very very sick.

Let's try "F...ing disgrace!!

Everyone who cares about protecting our civic and cultural history should call Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilman Huizar and the members of the Board of Referred Powers, to demand that a public hearing, with ample public testimony time be schedule so that the concerns of the public are fully vetted.

Mayor Villaraigosa (213) 978-0600

Councilman Jose Huizar (213) 473-7014

BOARD OF REFERRED POWERS
HAHN(e.o.)
CARDENAS
PARKS (e.o.)
REYES (e.o.)
ROSENDAHL
B. Greaves (213) 978-1068
Barbara.Greaves@lacity.org
P. Lattimore (213) 978-1074
Patrice.Lattimore@lacity.org

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

From GetLiberty.org.  Used with permission.

The Expo Light Rail line from LA to Culver City has hit a roadblock.  A California Public Utilities Commission Judge has ruled against the authority building the train and their desire to have two at grade crossings near Dorsey High and Foshay Learning Center.  Community activitists as well as the LAUSD argued that these crossings would be dangerous to children walking to school and the judge agreed, ordering the Expo Line authority to construct bridges at the crossing adding perhaps $18 million and three years to the project.  The Commission itself will have the final say in November.

A Glassell Park community forum turned into a debate on the fate of the Southwest Museum and a controversial plan to use funds from a bond measure to fund facilities for the Los Angeles Community College at the Museum.  Though the District denies this, activists say that the Southwest is included in an LACCD "wish list" of projects should the measure pass. 

Like Mayor Villaraigosa, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has managed to pass his own version of shady term limits extension but he didn't have to bamboozle the voters to do it.  The New York City Council voted 29-22 (God damn, could you imagine having 51 CLOWNCIL MEMBERS?) to extend his (and their) terms by another four years, despite the fact that Big Apple voters have twice passed term limits meaures capping the Mayor and Clowncil at two four year terms.  Dang and we thought our Clowncil was shady!

An attorney for John McCain's wife Cindy has sent a protest letter to the New York Times for their recent hatchet job story on Cindy McCain.  That's part of the usual bloviating of campaigns though it does seem unfair the Obama Times would dredge up McCain's past but not look at Mrs. Obama's background, of which there are some questions.  That being said the more disturbing issue of the whole affair is that the writer of the story - Jodi Kantor - scoured the Facebook profile of McCain's 16 year old daughter Bridget and contacted classmates of Bridget McCain in order to dig up dirt on the McCains.  Incredible.

And fnally, Britney Spears has decided what she's going to dress up as for Halloween: herself.  Brit's going to put on a bald wig and trick or treat as her old crazy self a few years ago. 

Fate of two Los Angeles cultural icons unites activists,....with some conditions

The efforts to preserve Griffith Park and the Southwest Museum will continue this Wednesday, October 15, with activists converging on City Hall for the regular 10:00 AM meeting of the City Council.

The Save Los Angeles Project with a broad spectrum of community groups, plan on taking their campaign to gain "historic cultural monument status" for Griffith Park and preserving the Southwest Museum with its collection of art work, on the slopes of Mt. Washington in Council District 14, directly to the fifteen people that will decide their respective futures.

But as more citizens and groups join the growing movement to grant historical status for Griffith Park, do they all care in preserving the Southwest Museum in its current location??

The Los Angeles Conservancy for example has jumped on the "Cultural Historical Monument Bandwagon" and has posted a "action alert" on their web site that call upon their supporters to attend the October 30, 2008 meeting of the The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission, which will vote on the Griffith Park's HCM nomination.

But its Executive Director, Linda Dishman is a founding, blue-ribbon member of the "Southwest Society", a group of political hacks and associates of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Jose Huizar who were suppose to raise money to restore the museum. Thus you have the Executive Director of LA's leading preservation organization backing the effort to preserve Griffith Park but yet is supporting the expansion of the Autry National Center which would adversely impact the park, what gives??

Associations?? One can type into the Google search engine, William Delvac of Latham and Watkins, Brenda Levin, and Linda Dishman and get this .

All three contribute to the Los Angeles Historic Resource Assessment Project, a project of the Getty Conservation Institute. This summery report came up with strategies for preservation of cultural entities such as neighborhoods, churches, buildings, and yes, museums.

But when preservation of our cultural, historic locations is predicated on our public institutions and their political overseers, then the best of intentions become political considerations that are expose to the whims and political needs of the powers to be, and those who seek to preserve our civic treasures become beholden to those who control preservation funds.

Thus a person such as Jackie Autry can spread around the "Benjamin's" to the likes of Steve Sugerman, William Delvac, Brenda Levin, Linda Dishman, Councilman Jose Huizar, Councilman Tom LaBonge and Mayor Villaraigosa, in her quest to make off with the Southwest collection, in what would go down as the greatest "legalize" heist of Northeast Los Angeles Cultural History.

........and spread the "cancer of development" on the sacred land that Col. Griffith sought to preserve in its natural state.