Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Another old "Cut and Paste Campaign Proposal" by the Villar Greuel for Mayor Campaign?

Was it right for the Villar Greuel Campaign to resurrect a Huggy Bob Hertzberg 2005 Mayoral Campaign leftover proposal?

Hmm, we wonder if "Private Citizen/ The Villar Greuel Campaign Consultant John Shallman would disclose the going rate for cut and pasting past campaign proposal?

As the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" reports on the latest "Oh Plez Moment" from the Villar Greuel Campaign regarding its proposal to expand LAPD by 2,000 officers. The Jan Perry Campaign released this statement, taking to task the Villar Greuel Campaign's proclivities to "cut and paste" past campaign proposals as fresh ideas.

Statement: Councilwoman Jan Perry’s Response To Controller Greuel’s Public

Safety Plan

This plan is just a cut and paste job of a proposal put out by Bob Hertzberg’s failedmayoral campaign of 2005. The truth is that we already spend 70 percent of the citybudget on police and fire and future, will most likely dedicate more than 25 percent offuture revenue to public safety.The greatest threat to the future of public safety spending in Los Angeles is our city'sstructural budget deficit, which is driven by the city’s out of control pension system thatWendy has consistently supported. In fact, she has actually opposed any reforms to thepension system.I think Wendy's plan is more of a reflection of her failing campaign, and what shepromised to police and fire unions behind closed doors in exchange for their endorsementof her campaign.For reference, link to Hertzberg Wikipedia page:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hertzberg#2005_Campaign_for_Mayor  

** The candidates for City Attorney, turned a KPCC "radio forum" into a testy exchange of attacks and counterattacks yesterday. Meanwhile, we hear that officials of Bet Tzedek were quite taken aback by our exclusive coverage of their questionable contributions to the Mike Feuer Campaign..

** Latino Mayoral Candidate Emanuel Pleitez is attempting to move beyond the perception that he is a mere protest choice by outlining a seven step economic plan during a presser at LA Trade Tech College.

** Ron Kaye has a great follow up on the ethnic cleansing proclivities of Assemblyman Slobo Mikey Gatto. With the California Democratic Party now investigating Slobo Mikey's actions at the recent 43rd AD delegate selection process, Slobo Mikey may have BIG political problems ahead.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky pondering whether to add more years of political service to the  nearly 42 years already accounted for. 

Will former State Assembly Speaker Bob "Huggy" Hertzberg embrace the rigors of political campaigning again in the near future?

This is the crossroads moment in the political lives of two men who would or could be mayor of the nation's second largest city, one fell a few thousand Walter Moore votes short in 2001 to qualify for a runoff that could of led to an "Mayor Hertzberg Era"at 200 Spring Street. The other still ponders whether a run for the Third Floor is worthy of a late life political commitment. But for former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, "time and place" are the keys whether to move forward with the another political quest. 

Speaker Hertzberg transition from hugs on the campaign trails to the embrace of business interest since 2001, but the inner fire of campaigning may of been reignited with the redrawing of the 27th State Senate District. Hertzberg tells the Daily News Rick Orlov that the moderate demographics of the new district fit his political leanings and that current Eco-progressive State Senator Fran Pavley, who now resides in the district, is too liberal to win. This prompted Pavley's Campaign Consultant Parke Skelton to respond with ......... "I can't imagine he is in this without thinking it's a stepping stone to something else," Skelton said. "We hear he is being encouraged to run by business interests. No one in the (Democratic) caucus will support him. He will become toxic in Sacramento if he is elected."    

For Supervisor Yaroslavsky, he stated that his final determination whether to seek the city's top job is predicated on whether to devote time from other late life desires into a 2013 run. And lets not forget the recent tumult over redistricting in Los Angeles County, with its divisive racial overtones, may have diminish Yaroslavsky's desire to seek a return to City Hall.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Breaking News from the Ethics Commission on CD-2 and 2005 Mayoral Race

"The political act of carpetbagging is not only claiming residency within political boundries but also how much outside money you pack within your carpetbags".

The latest monetary reports from the respective CD-2 candidates were due yesterday and here are the numbers as of this afternoon.

Chris Essel: $198,299.69, Cash on hand $76,869.68

Paul Krekorian: $96,891, Cash on hand $77,305.68

Tamar Galatzan : $46,151, Cash on hand $44,590.56

The other seven candidates combine for less than $10,000. Here some notes on the contributions to the "Big Three".

Chris Essel, special interest money galore from downtown and entertainment sources.

Paul Krekorian, has tapped into the monetary resources of the Armenian Community, unions, and Sacramento politicos.

Tamar Galatzan, gave her campaign a $25,000 loan, plus donations from women in education.

Conventional wisdom would dictate that the candidates with the most money, wins on election day. But if one looks at the level of expenditures in the Essel Campaign and compares it to the level of "positive buzz" or lack of, then one can surmise that the candidate who gets out the "troops", will be in the runoff.

Ethics Commission to file complaint against Ten Unions Pacs in 2005 Mayoral Race.

From Ethics Commission Press Release,

Probable cause exists to believe that Plumbers Local No. 78 PAC violated City law by accepting nine contributions in the 2005 Primary municipal election in excess of the $500 limit established by the Los Angeles City Charter, according to a public Accusation issued today by Los Angeles City Ethics Commission Executive Director, LeeAnn Pelham. The Accusation charges that Plumbers Local No. 78 PAC, a non-candidate controlled committee that raised funds and made an independent expenditure to oppose then mayoral candidate Robert Hertzberg during the City’s 2005 Primary, violated Charter Section 470(c)(5) and LAMC Section 49.7.24 by accepting contributions in excess of allowable limits. In addition, the Accusation charges nine other committees with making contributions to Plumbers Local No. 78 PAC in excess of limits established in Charter Section 470(c)(5).

Question is whether they were working for then Mayor James Hahn or current Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ??

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

Caption this.........................

Your thoughts and creative insights greatly appreciated.

Zuma Dogg Exclusive on Trutanich Transition

This morning I was tipped off by a private Mayor Sam snoop that Zuma Dogg was inolved in a high level conference call with City Attorney-Elect Carmen Trutanich.  According to my high level snoop Mr. Dogg and Mr. Trutanich reviewed some breaking details on the coming Los Angeles Reformation, that is the escorting out of the City Attorney's office of a one Mr. Rockard J. Delgadillo and the impending disinfecting of that office by Mr. Nuch.

You could read the full details at Zuma's blog however the most significant item is that Trutanich has designated the Republican-Democratic Armenian- Jewish duality of Roberts featuring former District Attorney Robert Philobosian and former California Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg to head up the transition team and to make all the major hiring decisions.

I can hear the dum dums crying now.

Once again, Bob Hertzberg is Shining Star

Bob Hertzberg proves once again to be a successful visionary and problem solver. This, while Antonio was in Denver all last week scrounging for a bigger gig, and crying about not being invited to speak at the Democratic convention. Always the bigger gigger.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Tuesday

Department of Water and Power General Manager H. David Nahai was booed and heckled at a recent community meeting.  No, this wasn't in Koreatown where the lights went out this weekend but in a Riverside County community where the DWP wants to build power plants near the Salton Sea. The Riverside Press Enterprise said E. Wastewater Pluribus was at the mercy of a "boisterous and sometimes angry crowd." 





Goofy Council Member Jan Perry's fast food ban made the pages of the Wall Street Journal.  Perry who believes that low-income Blacks and Hispanics in her District are incapable of making healthy food choices and therefore wants the City to make those choices for them.  As political consultant Alan Hoffenblum told the Journal, "It's very much the example of a nanny state."



Zuma Dogg runs a long screed provided him that accuses City Council Member and City Attorney hopeful Jack Weiss of everything from kidnapping the Lindbergh baby to being the third shot on the grassy knoll.  Most likely the odd piece which also calls on Zuma to appear before the City Council claiming to be the grandson of Jake Gittes, Jack Nicholson's character from the film Chinatown was composed by supporters of Weiss opponent Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich.  I haven't decided whom I'm supporting for this post but do we want someone named Nuch as City Attorney?  Bob Hertzberg you going to run?





The fantasy that the LA River is a waterway like the Danube, Mississippi or even Cosumnes continues.  River activists think that by paddling canoes down the storm drain they can convince the Federal Government the LA is a real river.  This is a combination of idealist hogwash and developer greed - if taxpayers can pay to clean and green the "river" it opens up the land surrounding it to development, much of which with government subsidy.  I'm all for cleaning up the storm drains and where appropriate building public parks or other open space around them but lets stop kidding ourselves.  We aren't going to see steamboats paddling along Riverside Drive anytime soon.





 Los Angeles Fifth District Council Candidate Robin Ritter Simon has set up a Facebook page for her campaign.  According to the candidate her 17 year old son encouraged Ritter Simon to do so and created the page for her.



Big doins in the sleepy little town of San Fernando.  The postage stamp sized municipality completely surrounded by the City of Los Angeles - one whose largest employer is the LAUSD - is the scene of a political brawl to end all brawls.  A group of residents are seeking to recall Councilmembers Jose Hernandez and Julie Ruelas for among other reasons because they voted to approve a controversial development headed by a developer who allegedly bounced a $50,000 check to the city.



Rising gas prices and other factors are driving an increase in bicycling across the city.  Most drivers don't know how or refuse to share the road with cyclists and the problems are piling up.  Here's an interesting look at the situation and what the City is doing about the bike issue.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Monday

Same-sex marriage begins in California on Tuesday. However gays and lesbians who marry will not have the same rights as heterosexual married couples, particularly with respect to Federal matters such as taxes or Social Security and may have issues if they own property in other states and have children. An article in the Daily News breaks this down and offers advice for additional steps and documentation that gay couples will have to consider to avoid problems later.

Former Neighborhood Council leader Jim Alger takes on Walter Moore at CityWatch in a screed against the free market and the right of people who work hard to increase their income the opportunity to buy the vehicle they wish. After misspelling Moore's name Alger senses a global conspiracy amongst the oil companies who wish nothing more than to poison children and increase global warming.

Los Angeles firefighters are up in arms over a new policy issued by the Department. Firefighters who have tattoos must either cover them up with clothing or bandages. Does this policy apply to the Mayor too? I can understand that Fire Department brass may be nervous that some folks could get the impression that firefighters with tats are gangbangers. But the truth is that many LAFD members are former military officers where it's common to get tattoos. The Department's policy is unrealistic and a slap to the men and women who give their lives everyday and are increasingly getting little for it.

A website is beginning to start polling support for announced and potential candidates for Mayor of Los Angeles during the 09 campaign. Mayor09.com wants you to email them your choice for Mayor as they begin a series of polls to be issued over the next several months.

Steve Hymon reports that ridership is up on the MTA's Red Line, Gold Line, Purple Line, Blue Line and Orange Line over the last year. Interestingly the Green Line has dropped in ridership. High gas prices are surely spurring at least a few folks to use public transit where they can.

We have a reader who is frequently obsessed with former Assembly Speaker and Mayoral candidate Bob Hertzberg. He seems to think I'm equally obsessed with the hugging former pol. To paraphrase former President Richard Nixon, let me make one thing perfectly clear: I am not supporting Bob Hertzberg for Mayor. Nor is he running - unless Magic or Caruso don't.

Just because you live in a poor neighborhood doesn't mean people have to dump trash on your streets. But it's happening in low income communities in Los Angeles and apparently the City doesn't have the resources to help these people creating an ever increasing cycle of despair and opportunity for more crime.

If anyone thought that in the wake of Hillary Clinton's departure from the race that women voters would not switch to Barack Obama they were wrong. The LA Times says that females are "lining up to vote" for the presumptive Democratic nominee. Probably time for McCain to pick Sarah Palin as VP.

Britney Spears may be considered for an Emmy. That's right that is not a misprint. Producers of the sitcom How I Met Your Mother are planning to submit the pop diva for recognition for her two guest starring spots on the show.

Morning musings and open thread

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

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

Last shots from the "Sniper" at City Beat

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

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

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

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

and this..

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

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

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

Your thoughts greatly appreciated.

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

A "Magic" Mayor?

No matter what you think of Zuma Dogg; he hears things and no not just the voices in Bill Rosendahl's head. I've been telling you that Richard Riordan and Eli Broad are planning to throw Tony under the bus; looking for that pro-developer mayoral candidate that can get elected as the antidote to the Coming City Superstorm and the force of Hurricane Zev. Everyone from Bob Hertzberg to Rick Caruso has been mentioned. The challenge for Mssrs. Riordan and Broad is that they need someone who 1) they can work with 2) is pro-development and 3) can overcome #1 and #2 enough to dull the pitchforks and torches coming from Sunland-Tujunga, Studio City, West LA, Granada Hills, CD14, et al.

According to Zuma, that someone could very well be the individual that wore a number 32 for 13 years:

ZUMA PREDICT NEXT MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES: AND SPEAKING OF LAKERS...looks like Los Angeles is going to have a former one for mayor in '09.

So while observant blogs play around with current Lakers who allegedly play around, visit Zuma Dogg's LA Daily Blog (and Mayor Sam too!) for more on who will replace Tony in the driver seat on Grandpa Dick's bus.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Tuesday

I say he's running, he says he's not. The Times thinks that if Zev tells a bunch of reporters he's not running for Mayor in 2009, he's not running. Didn't Tony Villar say the same thing? Oh, and Bob Hertzberg's running too.

The No2HomeDepot website is reporting that massive stakeholder meetings will be held featuring "1000 or more residents and 100 facilitators" as part of the shady deal, uh, settlement worked out between the City and Home Depot in the hardware giant's effort to open a controversial branch in the rural community of Sunland-Tujunga. Other shady dealings reported on the No2HomeDepot site as well, check it out.

Team Clinton gets more desperate. Following the endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama by former candidate and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, perennial Clinton slimeball James Carville referred to Richardson - a longtime Clinton confidant - as "Judas." Latinopoliticsblog.com views Carville's and other Clintonista comments as anti-Latino and calls on Hispanic leaders who support Hillary Clinton such as Mayor Villaraigosa and Dolores Huerta to speak up. We saw how the Clintons have slimed Barack, its not surprising they'd attack another person of color to go against them.

If you want some entertaining reading check out the "talk" page for Mayor Villaraigosa's entry in Wikipedia. The discussion includes interesting debate among Wikipedia's volunteer editors and contributors about what should and shouldn't be said about Tony Villar (including "Should it be noted his birth name is Tony Villar?" Answer: yes).

City Controller Laura Chick has a plan to get more police officers on the street - get them away from working desk jobs that civilians could do. Makes sense to me.

And finally, for one there's a ballot measure that isn't a Tony Villar sham. The folks at Guiness sponsored a petition drive for Proposition 3-17, to get one million signatures by March 16th in order to call on Congress to declare St. Patrick's Day a national holiday. Looks like they fell fall short. I guess not enough people drink Irish beer.

The Throw Tony Under the Bus Tour

As of late, it seems as if former Richard Riordan is throwing Tony Villar under the bus. See here and here.

You might wonder why.

Call it a hunch, but I think that Riordan, Eli Broad and all their developer buddies might sense that Antonio's damaged goods.

They may also sense the coming Summer of Hate (as opposed to last year's Summer of Love) where NIMBYs, Neighborhood Council leaders and others are going to band together with the pitchforks against what they see as overarching real estate development and a near lack of candor and listening from their government officials.

And they're sniffing Zev Yaroslavsky revving his engines as the number one potential challenger to the Mayor. With the burning anger and the trouble Tony's in, Zev has a significant shot.

Nothing would scare the bejesus out of Riordan and his developer buddies more.

Their plan? Throw Tony under the bus now and find a friendly candidate who can cut into both Zev's Westside-Valley-Jewish base and Tony's Latino base. One who has money and citywide name ID.

Who?

I know that one guy who always posts about him is probably going in his pants right now, but that candidate would be none other than former Assembly Speaker and past Mayoral candidate Bob Hertzberg.

Stay tuned.

PS: In as much as 1967 was the Summer of Love where hippies gathered for music, drugs, sex and fun, so it was forty years later when political watchers in Los Angeles spent the whole summer watching the Antonio-Villaraigosa-Mirthala Salinas affair. Too like the original, 2007's Summer of Love came to an end. 1968 was a hateful, awful time, among other things marred by a divisive Democratic convention. The prospect of Mayor Villaraigosa's Presidential candidate going down in flames and the growing anger of the local populace could make 2008 not as nice as 2007.

Nine for DONE General Manager Post

Following the sad passing of DONE General Manager Dr. Carol Baker Tharp, speculation has turned to who will assume her role at the Department. Assistant DONE General Manager BongHwan Kim has been appointed Interim General Manager by Mayor Villaraigosa, however several leaders throughout Los Angeles have expressed concern that Baker Tharp's successor have the mettle to continue the work she had just barley got started. Rather than yet another faceless bureaucrat or a divisive manager such as predecessor Lisa Sarno, a good, solid, bold pick must be made to fill the top post at DONE.

In creating a list of possible candidates, I've separated the group into safe but solid picks, big and bold choices and a short list of dark horse possibilities. They are as follows:

Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein - professor of political science at Cal State Fullerton, the Princeton-Yale educated Sonenshein was the executive director of the Appointed Charter Reform Commission which eventually birthed Neighborhood Councils. Gentlemanly and wise, Sonenshein literally wrote the book on charter reform and it's attendant issues, The City at Stake: Secession, Reform, and the Battle for Los Angeles.

Joe Hicks - Vice President of Community Advocates, Inc. and KFI talk radio host, Hicks was the Executive Director of the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission, where he served from 1997 to 2001 under Mayor Richard Riordan. In the early 1990s, Hicks was Executive Director of the Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Thoughtful with an evolving philosophy, Hicks' roots in LA are deep and could be the right guy for the job.

Linda Griego - President/CEO of Griego Enterprises Inc. which develops television programming through Zapgo Entertainment Group. Griego has had stints as the interim president and chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Community Development Bank, president and chief executive officer of Rebuild LA and a deputy mayor of Los Angeles. In 1993, Griego was the first major female candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles. As well, she serves on a number of major corporate boards such as CBS and City National Bank. Griego has developed strong ties in the corporate, government and non-profit worlds which could help take DONE and the Neighborhood Councils to the next level.

Dr. Denise Fairchild - Executive director of the Community Development Technologies Center, she has more than 30 years experience in the private, nonprofit and public sector. Previously Fairchild was Director of the Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Fairchild even considered running against Herb Wesson for the City Council but withdrew from the race to join the Mayor Villaraigosa's transition team. Recognized nationally as an expert in community development, Fairchild is a natural heir to Dr. Tharp.

If the Mayor didn't want to go with one of the safe picks noted above, he could go a different direction and pick a big name (and in this case big men) to really shake things up at DONE.

Huell Howser - The KCET host and television producer knows LA and its people inside out. For over twenty-five years Tennessee native Howser has prowled LA and has met its people of every stripe and station, first for CBS-TV and later for public television. As seen on his prolific library of television programs, Howser has an unshakable love for Los Angeles and those who live here. With a degree in history from the University of Tennessee (where he served as student body president), Howell worked for US Senator Howard Baker and has held posts on many boards and commissions over the years. Uber friendly with a slightly goofy side, the super smart Howser could be a great face for citizen leadership.

Bob Hertzberg - The former State Assembly Speaker and Valley based candidate for Mayor is a serious policy wonk and probably knows the City Charter more than just about anyone. His idea for a borough system for Los Angeles could be the next step for Neighborhood Councils. A successful attorney and entrepreneur, the job would represent a serious cut in pay for the man who likes to hug, but the challenge nonetheless would be attractive to him. Charismatic and unflappable Hertzberg could also be a great spokesman for DONE.

Finally, if the Mayor felt like going in a completely different direction and bring in someone unknown to the public but still well known to local leaders, he could select one of the following:

Joseph Mailander - Our fellow "blogging burro," is a native Angeleno who has quite frankly seen and done it almost all. Writer, artist, bank executive, owner of publishing imprint St. Genevieve Press, Mailander is beyond thoughtful; one would not be incorrect to call him a genius. Frequently sought by local blogs and publications for his reasoned insight about life in LA, Joseph leans to the left but doesn't lock step when he feels the orthodoxy has to be challenged. Mailander would be a quiet revolutionary who could bring the discussion at Neighborhood Councils to a new level.

Edward Headington - Principal of Headington Media Group and longtime friend to the Sister City, Headington has a breadth of experience in the public and private sector with significant leadership and communications expertise. Educated at USC and George Washington University, Headington has worked for elected officials such as former Mayor Richard Riordan, Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski and State Senator Gilbert Cedillo. Headington was the Public Affairs Manager for the National Small Business Association in Washington, DC. He's served up political opinion for MSNBC, NPR, the Daily News and several other media outlets. For some time, Edward has had an association with Coro Southern California, the public affairs organization, where he worked with Baker Tharp during her days as their Executive Director. Currently Headington is working on a book that looks at the nexus between politics, communications and image management. Diplomatic with a sense of humor, Headington represents the best of the leadership of Generation X and could potentially engage young professionals who are often not represented at the table.

Kim Thompson - Referred to as the North Valley's version of Erin Brockovich, Kim Thompson started out as a mom and housewife that stepped up when she saw something happening that she didn't like. Fighting against the Sunshine Canyon Landfill and more recently the Las Lomas mega-development and a proposed addition to Providence Holy Cross Hospital, Thompson is a quick study who can quote the details from EIRs and MNDs like there's no tomorrow. A feisty fighter who doesn't give up - and with extensive Neighborhood Council experience of her own - Thompson could be the "everywoman" leader of DONE who could speak the language of most NC members better than anyone.

It's likely the Mayor will choose none of these, but we challenge him and his staff to study each of these individuals and consider pressing them into service.

Rocky's City Hall Concierge Service

It doesn't get any better than this. Nor any worse for Rocky who has already been dealing with the scandal known as "THE ROCKTARD FILES" or "DRIVING MRS. ROCKTARD." Someone is leaking big time to the LA Times about Rocky all of a sudden. Gee, I wonder who it is that is so upset with all of a sudden that the Delgadillo family abuses of city resources is making the papers. Hmm, could it be...

The LA Times reports this morning that the City Attorney used members of his office staff to run errands, babysit his kids, take them to the museum, even do handyman chores on his home, etc.

I know a guy who works for Fox who had to get ice cream for his boss' wife. But that's their problem. This is on our dime.

To give Rocky's side of the story, the staffers either 1) were paid by Rocky himself not the city for this work, 2) volunteered, 3) did it on their lunch hour (which by the way is a possible violation of state wage and hour laws, any of you HR experts out there I would appreciate your opinion). All in all, more reckless decision making from our City's chief law enforcement officer.

Its over Rocky. Time to pack it in. Bob Hertzberg would be a great replacement for you.

Huggy Goes to the Mat for Waldman

The following e-mail message from Bob "Huggy" Herztberg showed up in all my inboxes Tuesday. Its the same text as a snail mail piece I got the day after last week's election. Bob is definitely going all out for his former Chief of Staff - Stuart Waldman - as he seeks election to the same seat Hertzberg once held; now held by Lloyd "The Bachelor" Levine. Indeed, this early assault may make any other comers think twice before entering the Democratic primary.

Can you believe it has been almost 5 years since I left the State Assembly? It is already time for voters to pick a new Assemblymember for my old San Fernando Valley seat, and I am excited to tell you that Stuart Waldman, my former Chief of Staff, is in the running. As you may know, Stuart worked for me for seven years, the last two as my Chief of Staff. Most recently Stuart spent five years as Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Lloyd Levine. He is ready for this seat, and that is why I am asking you to support Stuart in his run for the 40th Assembly District.

Stuart was part of my team and shared in my successes. Stuart worked with me to secure $145 million for the Orange Line, worked to bring home $16 million to synchronize traffic lights along Ventura, Victory, and Sepulveda boulevards, and as my public safety deputy, Stuart worked on legislation creating C.L.E.A.R., an effective anti-gang program.

Stuart has worked with numerous community groups. On the board of the Mid Valley YMCA he worked to keep kids safe by providing after-school alternatives, and at the Valley Community Clinic he worked to keep health care accessible to all. He currently serves on the board of Grandparents as Parents and on the Leadership Council for the American Diabetes Association - SFV Chapter.

For more information on Stuart, please check out his website at www.StuartWaldman.com.

The early signs show that Stuart can and will win this race - with your help! Please join me in supporting Stuart. Your support would go a long way to help Stuart win. There is an important filing deadline on June 30. I would consider it a personal favor if you helped Stuart.

Bob

Job Opening: CD2

Now that District 2 Councilmember Wendy Greuel has announced her plans to run for City Controller in 2009, the sweepstakes is on for those who will finish up her remaining two years and serve another eight years after that.

The following is a list of names of possible contenders; feel free to comment, anaylze and add your own candidates to the list:

• Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg
• Zuma Dogg
  
• Former Assemblywoman and San Fernando Mayor Cindy Montanez
• Former Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Member Ken Gerston
• Business Owner/Former Porn Star Charles "Jeff Stryker" Peyton
• Anti-Big Box Activist and Mayor Sam Blogger Joe Barrett
• City Controller Laura Chick
• Blogger/Neighborhood Council Member/Alleged CityNerd, Zach Behrens
  
• Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, Stuart Waldman
  
• Potential School Board Member Tamar Galatzan
• Richard Alarcon (just kidding)