Fact checking Councilman Jose Huizar on Hazard Park Armory and Legacy LA

No doubt about it, Councilman Jose Huizar can tell "tall tales" of policy initatives and community action.

Just from viewing the video above, one can gather that Recreation and Parks had no plan for the Hazard Park Armory and along came Legacy LA to the rescue, providing innovated programing at the site. 

But as the emails and photo below will show, their is an inconvenient truth to what transpired at Hazard Park.

Read more »

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..........................

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...................................

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

Mayor Sam Exclusive!! David Tokofsky meet the Hazard Park Advisory Board, "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN INVESTIGATING OTHERS AS JOSE HUIZAR", exposed again!!

Interesting e-mail making the rounds in CD-14.

Apparently a group called the Hazard Park Advisory Board got under the skin of Southwest Society Member/Legacy LA Front Person Jenny Krusoe and she went whining to fellow Southwest Society Member Jose Huizar.

So what recourse does the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" undertake in dealing with this situation?

Its seems that despite the denials that were stated in this e-mail, the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN INVESTIGATING OTHERS AS JOSE HUIZAR" orders his Boyle Heights Field Director (who shortly after resigned to pursue other employment) to investigate Jenny Krusoe's complaints further.

One must wonder if the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN INVESTIGATING OTHERS AS JOSE HUIZAR" even bothered to attempt communicating with the members of the Hazard Park Advisory Board to get their side of the story.

It was this type of behavior that led to the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN INVESTIGATING OTHERS AS JOSE HUIZAR" being fined $15,000 for using campaign funds to "secretly research" former LAUSD Board Member David Tokofsky policy decisions.

With this sort of behavior, maybe it is now time to investigate and question whether the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" is misusing tax dollars in needless acts of "creepy investigations" of his own constituents.

Makes you wonder who will be lurking in the shadows tonight for the Mayor Sam's Bash in Highland Park.

***Is the Mrs. Huizar expecting # 4??***

Southwest Museum Community College??

These are the words of the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN CLAIMING VICTORY FOR THE SOUTHWEST MUSEUM AS JOSE HUIZAR", which were printed in his booklet "TOGETHER: Creating a Better Community", handed out to the masses at the "GREAT CD 14 FILIBUSTER EVENT".

"In september 2007, Councilmember Huizar announced the formation of the New Southwest Society, which will raise funds to restore and revitalize the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and Casa de Adobe, two cultural cornerstones in the Mt. Washington community. The Southwest Society has 30 members, including Councilman Huizar, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council President Eric Garcetti, County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Representative Xavier Bacerra (D-Los Angeles); Assemblymember Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles); Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena); John Gray, President of the Autry National Center, and Suzanne Lummis, granddaughter of the museum's founder.

Councilmember Huizar will continue working with the Autry National Center to ensure that the Southwest Museum's historic buildings and priceless collection are protected and restore for generations to come in Northeast Los Angeles. (page 13 of booklet).

Then there is this today from Ron Kaye.

Under an extraordinary deal, the Los Angeles Community College District quietly agreed to use money from its $3.5 billion bond issue on the Nov. 4 ballot to renovate the Southwest Museum and use it as a satellite campus, thus relieving those costs from the financially-burdened Autry.

The deal was cut without community involvement or discussion and inserted as a line item in the bond issue by College Trustee Mona Field, according to the Arroyo Seco Journal.

"The bond measure plan came as a surprise to participants" at the City Hall hearing, it reported.

Kaye's post on the saga of Los Angeles oldest museum is a "thread of tears" that chronicles the deception of the Autry and their willing political and community enablers.

Yet, due to the diligence of organizations like the Friends of the Southwest Museum, Neighborhood Councils, Newspapers, Blogs and the average citizen, the battle to save one of Los Angeles historic institution can be won.

Your thoughts.........

Controversy over the Hazard Park Armory reaches Newsprint

The controversy over the future of the Hazard Park Armory has made it to the front pages of the Eastern Group Publications.

Much has been written here about Legacy LA and its founder, Southwest Society Member Jenny Krusoe. In the days ahead Ms. Krusoe will have her hands full with Legacy LA and as an active supporter of the Autry atttempt to expand their space in Griffith Park.

In the recent weeks the Southwest Society has been active in supporting the McCormick, Baron, and Salazar Transit Development Proposal in Highland Park with Grayson Cook, Carol Jacques and Jenny Krusoe helping with facilitating a presentation by Dalila Sotelo's old bosses. Some speculate that this was done to win favor with Councilman Ed Reyes .

Meanwhile an important meeting will take place Monday at 10:00 AM in City Hall on Zoning Issues pertaining to the proposed Autry Expansion in Griffith Park.

Back to the Hazard Park Armory, Krusoe and her associate Lou Calanche had these remarks in response to concerns of community activists such as Jose Aguilar.

For Jose Aguilar, Urban Park Community Chair, the development of the buildings and the services planned are positive plans, but he worries about the possibility of a 30-year contract with an entity that is not public.

“They are using private money for the project, and besides talking to the residents of the area, there is no guarantee that Legacy L.A. will always have the best interest of the community in mind or reflect what the community wants,” Aguilar told EGP. Aguilar compares it with the Southwest Museum which began with community members wanting to preserve and keep historical artifacts in Arroyo Seco, but now feel that they have been robbed of a valuable resource, since the privately run Autry National Museum assumed control of the museum.

From Krusoe,
Krusoe says Legacy L.A. is trying to create a partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Councilman Huizar echoed that concept.

“The details have yet to be worked out, but Legacy L.A. will be in a partnership with Recreation and Parks, but Rec and Parks will retain ownership of the actual property.”

According to Krusoe, next month they will complete their studies and present their findings to the community.

“We are doing everything we can do be transparent,” Krusoe said.

She also said the Web Site does not contain more information because they currently don’t have the funds to update it.

Hmmm., did someone just get a $200,000 grant??

From Calanche,
Executive Director of Legacy L.A. Lou Calanche grew up in Ramona Gardens and says the majority of the people who make up the organization are from the area and are excited that the armory (which was off-limits to civilians in the past) may be used by the community.

“Legacy L.A. began as an umbrella to house local community organizations,” Calanche told EGP,

“But the program has evolved and now we plan to provide services to the community.”

Calanche said the city had thought about using the buildings for a youth boxing center but the city does not have the funds or capacity to do it.

Calanche recently express her appreciation to Mayor Villaraigosa by doing this,

06/27/08
Maria Lourdes Calanche (Instructor, LA Community College District) Los Angeles, CA 90031
Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor 1305101 - Antonio R. Villaraigosa for Mayor 2009 A - Monetary Contribution Received (IND - Individual) [Period: 01/01/08-06/30/08] $1,000.00

And Councilman Jose Huizar said this,
In a statement responding to questions from EGP, Councilman Jose Huizar pointed out that often community programs are created without community input, and said, “this will be the opposite.”

“Contrary to some fringe opinions, the board is not uniformly filled with supporters of one group over another,” Huizar wrote. “There was a lot of painstaking effort to ensure it included a fair mix of people and it obviously includes community members. Again, the whole basis of the program is to promote community ideas and community support and that will continue throughout the duration once the community decides what programs it wants.”

Will that include dialog with community members??

More in the days ahead............

Ass Clown Award for the month of July

Pondering your comments and the wealth of candidates within the local political community, this month's selection of Mayor Frank's creation has been an arduous task.

But what solidify this month's winner is something contain in the Constitution of the United States and what this month's Award winner is doing to counter the First Amendment.

Witness a recent "Townhall Meeting/Filibuster"where the overflow crowd was instructed to put all questions for this month's award winner on paper and as Elena Popp and one young man found out, your right to engage in something call "Free Speech" was met with a visit by "men in uniform", at least in the Soviet Union the KGB had a clothing budget!

With that, we name the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN SPEAKING AS JOSE HUIZAR" as the Ass Clown Award winner for the month of July.

Much was expected from the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN SPEAKING AS JOSE HUIZAR" when he was elected to the LAUSD School Board. He aligned himself with the like minded, moderated political establishment which best reflected the Latino community.

Yet somewhere along in the political evolution of the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN SPEAKING AS JOSE HUIZAR", the "worship of me" took sway from the "advocate of community". One can see "Huizar's Winter Wonderland" as an example of that.

Constituents and groups who run counter to the political directives and desires of the "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN SPEAKING AS JOSE HUIZAR", are met with disdain and derision from a "revolving door of staffers" and operatives such as the "Southwest Society" , David Galaviz , the likes of Don Jones, with help from Latham and Watkins and Steve Sugerman.

Nor are any cultural or historical places and institutions in CD 14 beyond being sold to a perspective donor/ special interest. Witness the on-going and growing controversies involving Wyvernwood, the Southwest Museum, Elephant Hill, Hazard Park and Avery Park/Connector Road in El Sereno.

........in ending, practice your CD 14 Constitutional Right to "Cut and Paste" before the "cyber man in uniform" comes to cut you offline.

"Spoils" of Membership in the Southwest Society

The "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" held a brief news conference with "Spanish Media" and local fishwraps to show support for fellow "Southwest Society " of the Southwest Museum member Jenny Krusoe's "Legacy LA Project".

Excerpts from the Eastern Group Publication's press release/story on Huizar's remarks.

Legacy L.A., a nonprofit organization ( should someone ask for their tax I.D. number??) that provides youth development services (hmmm, since when??) in the Boyle Heights community, received $200,000 in funding from the California Endowment, a Los Angeles city councilman announced Wednesday.

Legacy L.A. (land grab for politically connected non-profits and David Galaviz's employer, USC) is in the process of signing a lease with the city Department of Recreation and Parks to use a former federal armory at Hazard Park as an arts and nature center for at-risk teenagers.

“Gang life (ie. current state of politics on Spring Street) and violence is like an illness (so is corruption) in our community, and unless we treat it immediately and aggressively (Ron Kaye's event on Monday) , our kids are in serious jeopardy,” said Councilman Jose Huizar, who represents the area. (when someone makes a contribution)

Huizar also announced the winners of Legacy L.A.’s Dream Big fellowships. The 10 high school students, who live in Boyle Heights, El Sereno and Lincoln Heights, will spend the next year studying what programs are needed in their communities to address gangs, poverty and opportunities for young people.

“It is much easier for youth in this community to be recruited into leadership positions in the neighborhood gang,” said Lou Calanche, co-director of Legacy L.A. (former LAUSD School Board candidate and employee for Richard Alatorre and USC)

“To end the cycle of gang affiliation and sense of hopelessness in this community, we have to take the time to develop and foster positive leadership that gives youth an opportunity to develop personally, academically and lead change in their own communities,’’ he said.

The "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR" who earlier in the week raised a few eye brows with these remarks, "I am not comfortable with having a parcel tax pay for programs," he said. "It's one thing to use these kind of taxes to build things, it's another to use it to fund what we should be paying for out of the general fund." , shows with his support for Legacy LA, that he and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are not above giving away public property to politically connected friends and non-profits for political gains and contributions.

RE-ELECT JOSE HUIZAR I.D. NUMBER 1291807
Statement Period from01/01/2007 to 01/20/2007


01/18/07
Krusoe, Jenny S. Pasadena , CA 91030 Individual
Executive Director Center For The Arts, Eagle Rock $250.00
$250.00
$0.00

Makes you wonder what Huizar and Villaraigosa will try to sell next, maybe the rights to "80 FAKE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES"..........

Lobbyist Steve Sugerman to Host Fundraiser for Jack Weiss tonight

With the fate of the Southwest Museum and Griffith Park Open Space in limbo, Autry National Center Lobbyist and former Fleschman Hillard employee Steve Sugerman will host a fundraiser for City Councilman Jack Weiss in Santa Monica.

This evening's event was brought to the attention of the political bloggersphere by both Ron Kaye,

And the man who would be the people's lawyer, lackluster Councilman Jack Weiss, has taken a noblesse oblige attitude about consorting with felons as long as he can raise a lot of money for his campaign for City Attorney next year.

Weiss shows no shame about well-connected public relations operative Steve Sugerman holding a $500 a person fundraising event June 10 in Santa Monica even though Sugerman admitted to felony misconduct in the DWP/Fleishman-Hillard billing case. Of course, Weiss isn't alone in seeing nothing wrong with the involvement of Sugerman who operates freely in City Hall despite having confessed to bilking the city.

and the "WWG",

Steve Sugerman, who pleaded guilty in the Fleishman-Hillard scandal a few years back, is co-hosting a $500 per person fundraiser for Weiss on June 10 in Santa Monica.

Below are the payments from the Autry National Center to Steve Sugerman for espousing the "Autry's Lies" regarding the proposed move of the Southwest artifacts to a expanded Museum in Griffith Park.

Q2 2007 Sugerman Communications Group Autry National Center Los Angeles, CA 90027 Autry National Center Improvement Project $10,000.00

Q3 2007 Sugerman Communications Group Autry National Center Los Angeles, CA 90027 Autry National Center Improvement Project $18,061.80

Q4 2007 Sugerman Communications Group Autry National Center Los Angeles, CA 90027 Autry National Center Improvement Project $18,000.00

Q1 2008 Sugerman Communications Group Autry National Center Los Angeles, CA 90027 Autry National Center Improvement Project $25,531.82

Total Payments Received from Clients : $71,593.62

For groups like the Friends of the Southwest Museum, Sierra Club, Col. Griffith family members and the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council, the irony is not lost how in 2005 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, stake his campaign for Mayor on cleaning up the corruption of Fleschman Hillard.

But now in 2008, the likes of Jackie Autry, Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilman Jose Huizar and Councilman Tom LaBonge, are collaborating with Latham and Watkins and the same F.H. Steve Sugerman to pull off the heist of the Southwest Museum collection to Griffith Park.

Just wondering if any of the Southwest Society will be in attendance this evening.

Outtakes from the "PEOPLE'S ENCLAVE OF MT. WASHINGTON"

File this under the "GOOD PEOPLE DO WIN" category.

"Friends of the Southwest Museum" co-chair Ann Walnum was the top vote getter in the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council re vote for the Mt. Washington area.

This re vote was called for when Eliot Sekuler challenge the previous election results siting faulty instructions printed on the ballots.

Results are below,

Averell Eshaghian / 35
Ann Walnum / 127
Hank Shaeffer / 119
Scott M. Folsom / 115

In other enclave news, "HUSBAND OF CAROL" Bill "Clinton" Rumble faces a crowded field in his re-election campaign for the 45th Assembly District Central Committee race, candidates are listed below.

William "Bill Clinton" Rumble
Scott Rufsvold
Hector Rivas
Paul Nueman
Robert Negrete
Robert Nakahiro
Renee Nahum
Ruby Yolanda Medrano
Carlos Jude Leon
Bill Kysella
Margaret Hoyos
Erika Gallos
Benita Duran
Colleen Colson
Cecilia Cabello
Christopher Arellano

This adds up to a bunch with illusions of power.

And lastly, is Jackie Autry the "Frank McCourt" of the Museum business?

For die heart Dodgers fans, we all know that McCourt bought the Dodgers with other peoples money. Now a report from the "Friends of the Southwest Museum" paints a picture of a cash poor Autry giving false information to the Board of the Southwest Museum about their financial standing during merger discussions. Thus do the Autry Museum have the financial standing to follow through on their commitment to the Autry Center Expansion Plans??

Makes more sense why the Autry set their sites on the collection at the Southwest Museum.

.....and the latest from Eliot

To: L.A. Weekly
From: Eliot Sekuler

Dear Editor,

When, in the story, "Villaraigosa's Autry National Center Hubbub," writer Max Taves glibly reported that Northeast L.A residents fear the historic Southwest Museum, the first museum chartered in the city of L.A., would become "a development of high-priced condos" he glossed over the current multi-million dollar restoration that is well underway at the Southwest Museum campus, a painstaking project that is being supervised by restoration architect Brenda Levin, whose work on City Hall, the Griffith Park Observatory, the Bradbury Building, Hollyhock House and the Wiltern Theater has won awards and the universal admiration of the historical conservancy community. (QUE?? Still waiting for Southwest Society fund raiser)

The story makes no mention of the plans contained in the compromise agreement brokered with the Autry by Villaraigosa and Councilmember Jose Huizar, a highly attractive and practical plan for reopening the 100-year-old Southwest Museum as a dynamic, rotating exhibition center for its original Lummis collection of Native Americana as well as a center for relevant contemporary art and performance.(Rotate out but never come back)

The Autry's plans and investment would result in Northeast L.A.'s most significant and compelling cultural attraction.Your writer missed the point completely in reporting that, as a co-founder of the dwindling Southwest Museum Coalition, I had "gone over to the over side."Instead, I joined with about half the original leadership of the Southwest Museum Coalition--activists from Eagle Rock,Glassell Park, Highland Park and Mount Washington--in creating a new group that would work in partnership with the Autry to help shape the Southwest Museum's future. (Dwindling = LAUSD math by Eliot, did Sierra Club just announce their support for the Museum??)

The Southwest Society, as the group is called, was joined by virtually the entire leadership of L.A.'s Native American community and the family of Museum founder Charles Lummis.

Neither I, nor the Native American community, nor Jose Huizar or Antonio Villaraigosa "went over to the other side." (lesser men would stand on their own and not hide behind Native Americans)

Instead, consistent with a successful negotiation outcome, the two sides met someplace in the middle.Rich in history and boasting some of L.A.¹s best-preserved architectural treasures, Northeast L.A¹s old streets, laced with their vivid patchwork of cultures and ethnicities, could become one of the city¹s most vibrant cultural and historic zones.(In the middle of Jon Grey's office)

In an era of dwindling public resources, the success of the Northeast's revitalization efforts will require partnerships with organizations that have the means and the motivation to put projects in motion.(Paragraph closet to the truth)

Partnering with the Autry to revitalize the Southwest Museum was a smart compromise, not a capitulation.(More like political calculation and contributions)

Eliot Sekuler
The Southwest Society
Los Angeles

March 25, 2008 1:12 PM

LA WEEKLY "Villaraigosa Autry National Center Hubbub"

The counterattack against the Autry National Center attempted removal of the Southwest Museum Native American Collection to Griffith Park continues with an article in the LA Weekly.

The short but concise story paints Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Jose Huizar as flip floppers regarding the preservation of the Southwest Museum in Mt. Washington. Better term would be "SELLOUTS" but I digress.

While on the subject of sellouts, our favorite "MINISTER OF SPIN" and former Mayor Sam awardee Eliot Sekuler is quoted,

Eliot Sekuler was one of the few Mount Washington residents actually
invited to last September’s mayoral press conference — after he switched
sides.
Vice chair of Arroyo Seco’s neighborhood council and president of the
Mount
Washington Association, Sekuler says he realized the locals could
never get what
they wanted. The Autry “doesn’t ‘get’ the Eastside of L.A. at
all,” he says. “It
would have closed [the Southwest] if not for the loud
protests, but we got some
concessions."

As usual Eliot will spin sellout as a form of concession. And you ask if the "Southwest Society" was mentioned ?? Yes, our favorite elite group who mostly reside in the "PEOPLES ENCLAVE OF MT. WASHINGTON" are taken to task for doing nothing.

This article comes on top of today's LA Times piece by David Zahniser which reveals the complaint to the Ethics Commission by advocates of the Museum.

Related links,

Steve Sugerman

Legacy LA

Latham and Watkins

MORNING UPDATE:

Eliot Sekuler is not too happy with the recent transfer of a certain Rec. and Park official. It seems that this official was granting "favors" for events such as Lummis Day and others. This same official was also alleged to have granted "special access" to the Armory site in Boyle Heights while not responding to the needs and requests of the surrounding community.

Southwest Society Member, Carol Jacques named "Woman of the Year"

In our on-going efforts to highlight the exclusive world of politics in the "PEOPLE'S ENCLAVE OF MT. WASHINGTON" within CD14. We bring your attention to the "Mrs. Bill Clinton, err Rumble" of Northeast L.A., and Southwest Society member, Carol Jacques.

"Assistant Majority Leader Kevin de Leon is proud to announce his choice for the California State legislature "Woman of the Year", Mount Washington Association past-president Carol Jacques. (Amazing that a wife of the local Democratic boss would be consider).


The California State Assembly hosts the Woman of the Year ceremony annually to recognize outstanding women who have made significant contributions to communities across California. (By raising $$$ for my campaign).

Once an uprooted resident, "Una desterrada" of Chavez Ravine, Carol is now a powerful community voice for Los Angeles. Carol retired from Los Angeles County, in 2002, after 33 years of service. At retirement, she was the head of the Cival Service Advocacy Unit of the Probation Department. During her Career with the county, Carol was a founding member and co-chair of the Los Angeles County Health Alliance, a Founding member and the first elected woman president of Los Angeles County Chicano Employee's Association. (Uprooting things like museums in the Genes).

Carol was a former president and is the current Vice President of the City of Los Angeles El Pueblo Historic Monument Board of Commissioners. The 44-acre Historic site is the home to the world-famous Olvera Street, several museums and over 10,000 historic artifacts that attract over two miliion visitors a year. Carol is also a member of the Advisory Board of the East LA Community Corporation, a group that advocates for affordable housing.(Demotion and promotion of a dubious non-profit (Boyle Hotel) comes to mind.)

Her community involvement also includes being the Curator of the "Wish You Were Here" art show at the Bamboo Lane Gallery, in China Town as well the "Los Angel 2000" Latino Art Show presented at the Olvera Street Art Gallery for the Democratic Party National Convention of 2000. She has been a Board Member for the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, President of the Mount Washington Association and past chair and member of the board of directors of the Art in the Park program in Los Angeles. (Resume padding as written by Eliot).

Carol resided in the Los Angeles community of Mount Washington with her husband Bill Rumble. (That is the "PEOPLE"S ENCLAVE OF MOUNT WASHINGTON" and Bill is the President of the Northeast Democrats. Sure this simple fact didn't sway award any.)

It is a great honor to announce Carol Jacques as my choice for the California Legislature's Woman of the Year. Carol is a stellar and inspiring individual who has been a true voice for our community and I am proud to name her "Woman of the Year" Assemblyman Kevin de Leon said." (No word whether this award ceremony will have private security and guest list. We leave the invites to Dalila Sotelo.)

To Eliot, well written!!

Will Bill Rumble be the latest to benefit from his membership in the Southwest Society??

Bill Rumble and his wife Carol Jacques can be describe as the "BILL and MRS. BILL CLINTON" of Northeast Los Angeles.

Jacques was once the Chairperson of the El Pueblo Commission which oversees Olvera Street. But some have speculated that her "MRS. BILL CLINTON" like persona cause her demotion to Vice-Chairperson.

Rumble is the President of the Northeast Democrats. Now he seeks to expand his political base by taking out papers for the 46th Assembly District Central Committee Chairperson position.

Some are speculation that this run for the position currently held by Robert Nakahiro is Rumble's reward for his stance on the Southwest Museum. In his time on the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, it was Rumble aided by the likes of Eliot Sekular and his wife who sought to remove the neighborhood council from the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition.

Now as a charter member of the Southwest Society, some are observing who helps with financing Rumble's campaign for the Central Group Chairperson position.

Hmmmm, wonder who that would be.

****Nicole Possert on Southwest Society's first 100 days****

****Autry Museum PDF on Southwest Society****

Your Southwest Society at work....for their self enrichment

Thanks to you know who for this

Help celebrate Senator Gilbert Cedillo's ten years in the California legislature at a gala reception on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Barragan's Mexican Restaurant, 1538 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90026

Host for the event is Armando Barragan. MC is Herbert Siguenza of Culture Clash.

Event sponsors include: SEIU Local 1000, Carol Jacques, Bill Rumble, Sandra Figueroa Villa, Jesse Villa, Richard Zaldivar, Mario Ceballos, Richard Estrada, Jerry Ruiz, Helen McDonagh, Rose Cano, Fernando Chacon, Gerard Orozco, David Sandoval, Tim Towery, Andrew Garsten, Natalie Seaman, Paul Ahrens, Pete Navarro, Juan Rodriguez, Andy Camacho, Glen Dake,Fredy Perez, Luis Garza, Paul Viscaino, David Diaz, Tim Martella, Keith Rohman, Nilza Serrano, David Galaviz, Eliot Sekuler, Steve Tavera, Sandra Gutierrez, Jenny Krusoe, Maryann Reyes, ElvaYanes, Irma Munoz, Pat Griffith, Mark Masaoka, Gabriel Buelna, Julian Aguirre, John Gamboa, Clare Marter Kenyon, Jenny Carreon, Dalila Sotelo, Doreen Garcia, Bill Watanabe, Al Ballesteros, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, Mark Haupert, Dean McCall, Leonor McCall Rodriguez, Larry Castruita, Damian Jones, Giselle Acevedo, Evangeline Ordaz-Molina, Dr. Brit Ellis Rios,Eddie Martinez.

Sponsorship levels:

Gold Sponsor $1,000

Silver Sponsor $500

Bronze Sponsor $100

Contact persons are: Sandra Figueroa Villa or Carol Jacques.

Posted by Eliot Sekuler on behalf of Sandra and Carol.

Bold denotes "Southwest Society Member".

"I" denotes "People of interest".

Perks of membership in the "Southwest Society"

This from the NELA Yahoo Group Site.

Councilmember Jose Huizar joins members of the NELAcommunity in sponsoring a post-Valentine' s Dayget-together on Sunday, February 17, 1PM-3PM, honoring one of our favorite neighbors, Anthony Portantino, and supporting his re-election as California stateAssemblymember for Assembly District 44.

Italian food, beer, wine and music will be served.Suggested minimum donation is $60 per person.

Location for the event is 1109 Oneonta Drive in Mount Washington.Sponsors of the event are: Hon. Jose Huizar, Patricia Alarcon, Paul Ahrens, Jeff Boxer, Scott Burleigh, Doug Dawson, Sandra Figueroa, John Gallogly, Mary Garripoli, Pat Griffith, Carol Jacques, Sharon Kyle, Dick Price, Connie Rohman, Keith Rohman, Bill Rumble, Tony Scudellari, Eliot Sekuler, Jain Sekuler, Hank Shaeffer, Dalila Sotelo, Amy Yeager.

Remember this past award for Eliot

BOLD Denotes "Southwest Society" members

For Jenny Krusoe, the spoils are in Boyle Heights. One needs to check out this deal.

****MORNING UPDATE****

Read about Eliot's attempt to overturn Neighborhood Council election results for the Mt. Washington area.

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

Hola!!

Been a while since we focus on CD 14 issues. Now with issues aplenty it is time to return the spot light to our unique "CANTON", barring any copper wire theft.

COPPER WIRE THEFT HITS LIGHTS IN BOYLE HEIGHTS:
The world's market for copper has spark numerous acts of theft in Boyle Heights and other areas in the city. Some have posted on Mayor Sam that Public Works Commissioner Cynthia Ruiz has been tardy in dealing with these acts of thievery.

FRIENDS OF THE SOUTHWEST MUSEUM RAISE MONEY:
If anyone thought that Councilman Jose Huizar's"Self-proclaim victory" would be the end to the controversy in retaining the "full museum" on the slopes of Mt. Washington. Then you believe in facades, or are an "exclusive" member of the Southwest Society.
Friends of the Southwest announced that they have raised over $20,000 for their righteous fight to preserve a CD 14 cultural icon.

COUNCILMAN HUIZAR LEADS MARCH AGAINST VERNON POWER PLANT:
Councilman Huizar led a march with members of the Boyle Heights community to protest the "MALBURG POWER PLANT" in the City of Vernon.
It should be notice with interest that former CD 14 "COUNCIL DON" Richard Alatorre and South Pasadena resident Victor Griego have lobbied on the behalf of the City of Vernon for the proposed project.

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, COUNCILMAN HUIZAR, SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT = VICTORY FOR MAYOR'S EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP:
Mayor's Villaraigosa "Education Partnership" has proclaim victory in yesterday's election at Roosevelt High School, and its two middle schools, Stevenson and Hollenback. **But losing at Jordan and Santee High Schools.**
The Los Angeles Times stated that stakeholders could vote in this special election regardless of citizenship. One can theorize that "Team Villar" in addition to providing buses and vans for transportation to the polling place, could of hired "COYOTES" to provide additional voters to guarantee victory.
There is one rumor that at the CD 14 Turkey giveaway, recipients of free turkeys were ask to sign "support cards" for the Mayor's Education Partnership. Sounds like a "PRI Tactic" if true.

ELECTION RESULTS FOR ARROYO SECO AND HISTORIC HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS:
Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council
Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council
How will these elections affect the on-going Southwest Museum saga?

HUIZAR'S WINTER WONDERLAND:
This is no joke. This event will take place on Sunday, December 16 on the corner of Huntington Dr. and Van Horne, from 3:00-8:00 PM.

WHO SAID THIS??:
Is Pollo Loco a "fast food restaurant"?

Please send any CD 14 issues to redspotincd14@yahoo.com "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!"

Friday morning outtakes from the "RED SPOT INSTITUTE"

Wet morning to all from the "RED SPOT INSTITUTE". Storm whimper out but streets are still slick. Think safety as you make your way to "SPRING STREET". Topics to ponder.

CHIEF SHILL SPINSTER" FOR THE EXCLUSIVE "SOUTHWEST SOCIETY":

Former Mayor Sam award winner, Universal P.R. flack, Mt. Washington resident, Eliot Sekular(picture above), spins the latest in the contentious Southwest Museum saga.

This blatant attempt to remove the contents of a CD 14 icon and give them over to "BIG AUTRY" has split the Northeast communities into pro and anti Autry factions.

But one needs to probe what "PERKS" members of the "POLITICAL INSIDERS EXCLUSIVE, SOUTHWEST SOCIETY" are receiving for their duplicitous role in the "GIVEAWAY ON MARMION WAY"

**Response from the "Friends of the Southwest Museum"** on the Arroyo Seco Journal web page. Scholl down below "High School story". Thanks to Zuma and Dan Wright for the heads up.

Also, on NELA list yesterday, the Coalition announced that the community's response to the betrayal of the Mayor and Huizar was to raise $21,000 in one night last week. These funds will be used to legally enforce against Autry. Raising so much money in one night, I think, speaks to how pissed people are at the Mayor and Huizar.

DEATHS UP AT ANIMAL SHELTERS:

Daily News reports that deaths from illness and other causes are on the upswing at City of Los Angeles Animal Shelters. I will let the "FRIENDS" of Animal Services GM Ed Boks provide the commentary on this story.

Q and A WITH CLOWNCILMAN LABONGE:

City Beat has interview with City Councilman Tom LaBonge. Labonge shills for his future job as "CITY HISTORIAN"

PORT EXPANSION PLANS "LIME GREEN"?

City leaders reveal their plans for port expansion. Port area residents and environmentalist say plans are not "GREEN" enough.

Your thoughts and contributions appreciated, example below.

Anonymous said...
Villaraigosa always says everyone should support LA businesses and help the economy. Then why was he in Beverly Hills two weeks ago getting a haircut and his hair dyed? The cost was $400.00. Will someone please tell him he can go to the local barber shop and they can do a much better job for $8.95.
December 07, 2007 6:54 AM

Talk about forgetting your roots in C.T.

"Blue Ribbon Committee" of the "Southwest Society"

For the sake of disclosure, here are the "cast of characters" that comprise the "Blue Ribbon Committee" of the new "Southwest Society".

Congressman Xavier Becerra
State Senator Gil Cedillo
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino
County Supervisor, Gloria Molina
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Council President Eric Garcetti
Councilmember Jose Huizar

Michael Alexander, Ex. Director, "Grand Performances"
Al Nodal, Cultural Affairs, Annenberg rep
Richard Montoya, Herbert Siguenza, and Ric Salinas of Culture Clash
Linda Dishman, Los Angeles Conservancy
Sazanne Lummis, granddaughter of Charles Lummis
Paula Starr, Native American activist
Colleen Colson, Democratic activist
Duane Champagne, Director of Indian Studies at UCLA
Paula Villasenor, Fernandeno Tribe member
Anthony Morales, Gabrielino/Tongva member
Cynthia Ruiz, Board of Public Works, "Friend of Antonio"
Bill Rumble, Northeast Democrats, husband of Carol
Carol Jacques, El Pueblo Board member, wife of Bill
Jenny Krusoe, Eagle Rock Center for Arts
***Tony Scudellari***, sounds familiar to this blog ??
***Eliot Sekular***, did this guy win a certain award ??
Grayson Cook, community activist
Pat Griffin, community activist
Natalie Seaman, community activist
Jim Thompson, NC member

Arroyo Seco Journal Article

Jose Huizar's "Victory Letter"

Boulevard Sentinel on "Southwest Society" Press Conference

Autry Center Expansion Plan

****"Kept in the Dark by Huizar"****, A Report from Heinrich Keifer