Former City of San Fernando Politico, Senator De Leon Staffer and current LACCD Trustee Steve Veres declares for CD 4

From the "Political Novellas" of the City of San Fernando, with a state pay check as a staffer to State Senator Kevin De Leon and moonlighting as a Los Angeles Community College District Board Of Trustee Member, Steve Veres want to be the next CD 4 City Councilman in 2015.

The affable and upward conscious, now CD 4 City Council Candidate Steve Veres.

 

** Blogger's note: The Campaign to replace CD 4 City Councilman ( and Marshall Gridiron Star) Tom LaBonge, grew by one today as LACCD Trustee and State Senator Kevin De Leon Office Director Steve Veres declared his candidacy with the Press Release below. Veres, as the smile indicates is an affable and seasoned political player. Upon his current boss State Senator Kevin De Leon's election to his previous Assembly seat, the insider joke in the CD 14 portion of the Assembly District, was that the Assembly District Office supervised by Veres, provided better constituent services that the three CD 14 Field Offices combine. That said, Veres will face the same political rhetoric the San Diego native Senortor De Leon had to endure, being a political carpetbagger. Then, surely, his City of San Fernando links, especially to the recent political novella, starring former City of San Fernando Politicos Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre and Mario "Tonto" Hernandez, are only a couple of You Tube videos away below. As a side note, we wonder how potential CD 4 Candidate, Assemblyman Mike "Lil Porno Mikey" Gatto, feels about Senator De Leon's staffer jumping in on his turf? Stay tune!!---Scott Johnson.









Videos from the 2009 City of San Fernando Recall Victory Party. Who would be Recalled four years later?

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

September 9, 2013

 

Contact: Dave Jacobson, (818) 943-2348

Shallman Communications (NOT SHALLMAN STEVE!!)

STEVE VERES ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL  

Elected Member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees Announces Candidacy in the Race for L.A.’s 4^th Council Seat

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"Oh Mario y Maribel": The Charges after the Breakup

City of San Fernando City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre.

The City of San Fernando Political Novella "Mario y Maribel" featuring former City Councilman Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre has garnered "further bookings".

But today's bookings by the San Fernando Police Department involving "Sancha" may spell the end of the sibling of former Assemblywoman and San Fernando politico Cindy Montanez's  political reign.

From the LA Times ........

San Fernando Councilwoman Maribel de la Torre was charged Friday with vandalism and battery of her former lover and council colleague Mario Hernandez during an acrimonious breakup last month.The Los Angeles County district attorney's office filed the two misdemeanor charges against the 41-year-old councilwoman in the June 28 incident, which Hernandez reported to San Fernando police. 

Now Sancha is going to have a rap sheet.

"Sancha's" episode of rage.....

Hernandez told police that De La Torre arrived at his residence June 28 shortly before 6 p.m. to retrieve an iPad she had given him for his birthday and pushed past him into the home, according to a police report. When he told her he did not have the iPad there, she punched him in the left cheek and slapped him in the face before “ransacking his bedroom,” smashing the glass of a picture frame and breaking his laptop by slamming it on the floor, according to his version of events in the police report.He told police she then grabbed him by the neck with both hands and began to squeeze his throat while yelling that she was going to kill him. A police officer reported finding the bedroom ransacked and saw swelling on Hernandez’s face, marks on his arms and scratches and redness around his throat.

Lucky for Tonto that Sancha was not Loreena

Lastly, some contrite words from Sancha.

In an email to The Times on July 6, De la Torre said: "Words cannot begin to express how saddened I am over the events of the past several days."She added, "It would be inappropriate to discuss this matter until any potential legal issues are resolved." 

...... until the next episode of "Oh Mario y Maribel".

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Another Happy Hour Drink via Tony V.

Great Happy Hour Musings on the LA Political Machine for All Star Game Tuesday. Join us as we tip the glass and enlighten you on these political items that may find their way into someone's decaff morning coffee in the A.M. ; ) --- Scott Johnson.

San Fernando City Councilman Mario "Tonto" Hernandez Resigns!

"Former" San Fernando Mayor and City Councilman Mario "Tonto" Hernandez

One-third of the City of San Fernando City Council Novella Trio has resign.

City Councilman Mario "Tonto" Hernandez announced his resignation this afternoon leaving his former political allies Mayor  Brenda "The Other Woman" Esqueda and former item City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre to face a Recall Election this Fall.

Hernandez in a letter to City Clerk Elena Chavez said briefly .......

"It is with sadness," he writes, "as it has been an honor and privilege to serve the community and the fine men and women of the city." 

"Tonto" finally found his manhood and did the right thing.

Political Analyst Fernando Guerra on "Emanuel Pleitez for Mayor".

2013 Mayoral Candidate Emanuel Pleitez

El Sereno's Emanuel Pleitez gave a call to veteran Los Angeles Political analyst Fernando Guerra to gauge his thoughts about a possible run for Mayor in 2013. Via the LA Weekly's Mike Maddaus, we share Guerra's thoughts and lets just say that you can't fault Pleitez for a lack of audacity.

Guerra on Pleitez's chance of becoming Mayor in 2013.

"I don't think he stands a chance," Guerra says. "He has no name recognition, no money, no endorsements, no particular issue, no base. So it's like, no chance."

Guerra on Pleitez taking away votes from Candidate City Councilman Eric Garcetti.

"I don't think Eric Garcetti is worried about him running," Guerra says. "He should run for council or something like that. He's potentially a great candidate. But now, if he tries to do that later, he's gonna be a two-time loser. I'm boggled."

....... and "Assemblyman Gil Cedillo" still wonders why he is not "Congressman One Bill Cedillo".

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

"Oh Mario y Maribel": A San Fernando Novella Breakup in need of Restraint

San Fernando City Councilman Mario "Tonto" Hernandez y San Fernando City "Sancha" Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre.

The City of San Fernando City Council in Happier Times.

What were the odds that the "personal relationship" between City of San Fernando City Councilman Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City "Sancha" Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre would survive the political turmoil within its Bell size enclave in the San Fernando Valley? Slim? Little? Who cares?

But what was a bloggin political novella/comedy, took a serious turn this week when "Tonto" and "Sancha" both accuse each other of domestic violence.

The once hot, steamy political duo apparently under stress via a Recall attempt by San Fernando constituents, sought and were granted restraining orders from each other after a confrontation at the home of "Tonto". While they agree that a confrontation took place, the details ..... well.

From "Tonto" via the Daily News.

Hernandez wrote that he met De La Torre at his front door and she pushed him back inside, then slapped and punched him. She then went into his bedroom, threw his clothes on the floor and smashed a glass frame and a laptop computer on the floor, Hernandez wrote.He said De La Torre told him, "If I could kill you right now, I would. I f----- hate you," then choked him.

From "Sancha" via Daily News:

De La Torre said the two argued about the iPad, then she went into his room to look for it. Hernandez said in his own report that he reminded her the iPad was a birthday present.De La Torre said Hernandez then came in, slammed the door on her shoulder and pushed her down onto the bed. After she got up, Hernandez slammed her into the hardwood floor and she blacked out, she wrote. 

The damage to flesh and property.

In the police report, a copy of which Hernandez attached to his filing, Officer Jorge Bayardo wrote that Hernandez had injuries including redness and swelling on his cheek, scratches and redness on his throat and a swollen, bruised thumb. He declined to go to the hospital.Police said there were broken glass, a broken wood frame and a damaged laptop computer in Hernandez's bedroom.Hernandez asked in his filing for reimbursement of $400 for the damaged laptop, a request that was denied by the court. The court also denied his request to order her to attend a 52-week batterer intervention program. The court did grant his request to keep her away from his 11-year-old son.

"Sancha" uses the abusive man card on "Tonto".

In her statement, De La Torre said this wasn't the first time things turned violent. She wrote that Hernandez choked her and slammed her against a wall in December. De La Torre did not call police then or June 28. 

What will transpire in the next installment of  "Oh Mario y Maribel" via Mayor Brenda "The Other Woman" Esqueda?

Mayor Brenda Esqueda, who will preside over Tuesday's meeting, said she was unaware of the restraining order until a reporter called her Friday.After talking to the city attorney and acting police chief, she said she believed both Hernandez and De La Torre could attend the meeting without violating the court orders. But she did not know whether either will show up.

Thus, after a week which saw the termination of Acting Police Chief Gil Carrilllo and the latest sordid episode of  "Oh Mario y Maribel", a "total recall" of  "Tonto", "Sancha" and "The Other Woman" can't happen soon enough for San Fernando..

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

"Oh Mario y Maribel of San Fernando", A Political Novella continues in 2012

City of San Fernando Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre.

Blogger's Notes: Welcome lovers of "political chisme" to another season of "Oh Mario y Maribel of San Fernando", the "Political Novella" featuring City of San Fernando Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Councilwoman Maribel "Sancha" De La Torre with support from Councilwoman Brenda "The Other Woman" Esqueda, that is bound to garner additional attention in 2012. Through the excellent reporting of the San Fernando Sun's Diane Martinez and supporting stories from the likes of the Daily News (** alleged ticket fixing by current acting police chief), this season's virtual reality of politics in San Fernando, has already feature getaway cars, censure motions, recall petitions and allegations of ticket fixing. Join us after the jump for more from the 2012 Season Opener of "Oh Mario y Maribel of San Fernando"---Scott Johnson.** Video of the ticketing questioned in Daily News just posted (10:20 P.M.) after the jump.

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The latest episode of "Oh Mario y Maribel", a political novella as a city turns via the San Fernando Sun

Blogger notes: As much as we want to have some political comedy at the expense of the "Tonto" and "Sancha" of San Fernando City Government, Mayor Mario Hernandez and City Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre respectively, San Fernando Sun Editor Diana Martinez noted in a phone conversation her frustration that major media outlets are only now paying attention to the questionable political actions in the city. Martinez's "As The City Turns Column" has been a regular feature of the San Fernando Sun for years which has enable her to amass large amounts of documentation on the actions/antics of city government. As noted in her most recent missive the likes of Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez  is not too keen on answering the tough questions of Martinez. Thus, we want to commend Diana Martinez for her dogged pursuit of the truth---Scott Johnson in CD
14.

 

In our latest installment of "Oh Mario y Maribel", Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez is last seen running away from San Fernando Sun Editor Diana Martinez as many in San Fernando are calling on for both the "Tonto" and "Council Sancha" to resign. Meanwhile Council Sancha Maribel De La Torre will not even be in country tomorrow (Monday) as she joins her sister former San Fernando Councilwoman and Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez, on a good will trip to Israel (all expensives paid). Thus, "Tonto" will have to face constituents alone at tomorrows City Council 

Meeting.

Nice of sister Cindy Montanez to give her sibling an escape from tomorrow's proceedings. Local observers note that Montanez has upped her community profile in recent weeks. Rumor has it that Montanez is trying to get her Council Sancha sister, Tonto and their "constituent servicing supporter" (or is it servicing SFPD Sancho) Mayor Pro-Tem Brenda Esqueda to renew the firefighting contract with the Los Angeles Fire Department. Thus, hopefully Montanez can use the contract retention to garner UFLAC support for her run to replace Councilman Tony Cardenas in LA City Hall.

More "Oh Mario y Maribel" to come.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

"Oh Mario y Maribel!", A Political Novella via the San Fernando Sun

** Afternoon Update: We found this video of the San Fernando City Council celebrating the city's 100 Birthday. Can you find the "Tonto" and his "Council Sancha"?

City of San Fernando Mayor Mario "Tonto" Hernandez and City Council "Sancha" Maribel de la Torre.

City Council Sancha Maribel de la Torre sister and former Assemblywoman/San Fernando Councilwoman Cindy Montanez. 

The mayor's wife Anna, who's position in the front row cause her cheating husband to admit his current relationship with former Assemblywoman and San Fernando Councilperson Cindy Montanez sister Councilwoman Maribel de la Torre.

** Bloggin Disclaimer: The following blog post contains explicit content of power, betrayal and lust run amok in the City of San Fernando. The characters are too many for civic ethical comfort but what many are discussing are potentially "disgusting Brown Act violations" by city leaders Mayor Mario Hernandez and Councilwoman Maribel de la Torre. The San Fernando Sun Newspaper has all the lurid details on an affair that has serious ethical ramifications for the City of San Fernando. Thus, move over "Antonio y Mirthala" as we bring you excerpts from "Mario y Maribel"---Scott Johnson. 

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Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Thursday

Thursday City Controller Laura Chick will release two audits covering the City's take home cars for elected officials, staff, general managers, LAFD and LAPD; the City's central fleet of passenger vehicles; and fuel usage. Does that include Michelle Delgadillo?


Following the drama and storming of the Bastille in San Fernando where voters recently outsted two longtime Council members Mayor and school board candidate Nury Perez Martinez (dang I keep doing that; Perez was someone I went to school with) was replaced in the Mayor's seat by Council Member Steven Veres. Martinez has asked for a two month leave of absence, presumedly for maternity leave, further adding additional distractions to her campaign to seek the School Board seat of Julie Korenstein, a part time position that pays nearly $200,000 per year.

The local fishwrap of record seems to be geographically challenged when it comes to identfying communties in Los Angeles. Downtown gadfly Brady Westwaters notes that The Times seems to have identified two Pico-Union neigborhoods as well as a number of other apparent flubs in geo-locating LA's complex network of neighborhoods. So the OLD GRAY HAG ON SPRING STREET intends to put together a plan to address the issue and then invite public comment. Which is more than we can say for the DWP when it comes to Measure B.

Good news for the billboard wackos: The Los Angeles Times reports that two Westside buildings have removed supergraphic advertisings from their sides. One tenant remarked that removing the graphic allowed more light to come into their office, "The difference is almost night and day."

I've said that President Obama should be able to keep his BlackBerry which he has found helps him be more productive. However, security officials within the Federal government are skittish about the idea of a President having control over his email and carrying a device which could conceivably pinpoint his physical location. That being said looks like the President truly is Commander in Chief and Obama will get to keep his handy mobile device, bringing the Presidency up to 2003.

Vice President Biden is already keeping his promise to be the most entertaining Vice President in nearly two decades. Wednesday his attempt at humor apparently didn't sit well with a visibly annoyed President Obama.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Wednesday

Zuma Dogg got an interesting phone call.  According to his tipster former DWP head and "Green Cowboy" David Freeman - one of the chief boosters of  the shady solar killing initiative Measure B - allegedly an assistant whose allegedly brother owns a solar panel manufacturing firm in China.  You may remember that Council President Eric Garcetti has stated that the solar panels bought by the DWP under Measure B would have to come from China. And what's worse the tipster alleges that Mayor Villaraigosa visited the solar panel plant  in China on his visit there.

Is Measure B in trouble? Bill Rosendahl is being wishy-washy about his support for the controversial plan; now reports say that CM Janice Hahn is similarly neutral.  It appears some Members of the Council are hearing from their constituents in big numbers and B is becoming something some of them may want to distance themselves from.

Looks like The Related Cos. - the developer behind the controversial Grand Avenue development project - doesn't have enough dough to start the project so they will be forced to pay a $250,000 per month penalty to the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority until they break ground.  The economy is definitely a factor here; why not let them off the hook and put an end to this boondoggle, also known as Eli Broad's Mausoleum?

Word on the street - City Council member and Controller candidate Wendy Greuel is not happy that the city's Engineers and Architects have endorsed her opponent Nick Patsaouras.  Apparently Wendy was overheard whining that the union didn't support her.

Despite Britney Spears' $27,000 awards show ring, the gift bags worth the cost of a new Lexus and the free guitars, video games and liquor provided to artists who show up to the Grammys, they still managed to shake down the near bankrupt city of Los Angeles for $125,000. And the City Clowncil gladly gave it to them at a time when the City is running a deficit and event waivers have been turned off for the City's community and non-profit organizations.

There's always fun in the small cities that surround or are surrounded by Los Angeles.  Though they all almost provide far better local services, they often have their own special dramas and delicious soap operas.  The latest is in the City of San Fernando, not to be confused with the San Fernando Valley, where Council members Julie Ruelas and Jose Hernandez were recalled Tuesday by significant margins.  Ruelas will be replaced by Ernesto Hernandez who voters chose over Ralph Arriorla and Jose Hernandez will make way for Brenda Esqueda who bested Henry Romero.

The social networking site Facebook has banned its members from posting photos of mothers breastfeeding their babies.  What does this have to do with LA? Well, it was back in the 90s when a then Assemblyman Antonio Villaraigosa passed a law that made it legal to breastfeed in public without getting arrested for indecent exposure.  Well, we all know that Antonio likes, well never mind, I won't go there.

Speaking of social networking sites, looks like Kevin Roderick of LA Observed wants to be Mayor Villaraigosa's friend.

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.