Nuch picking up Bloggin Momentum from Unexpected Sources

As the Kevin James Endorsement gives a big boost to the re-election chances of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, unexpected momentum is rising from a formerly hostile local blogger's sphere.

 City Attorney Carmen Trutanich shakes hands with Third Place Mayoral Candidate Kevin James.

** Blogger's notes: Every once in a while, its nice to have laptop and cellphone camera at the ready, for little bloggin field trip. Yesterday's scheduling was perfect for a morning stop-by at the South Steps of City Hall, to partake in Kevin James Endorsement of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich for a second term. Trutanich was jovial and at ease during the presser (maybe the settlement of his lawsuit with John Shallman, stemming from his failed District Attorney Campaign, played a role?). For the record, Trutanich would not personally comment on the specifics of the settlement, citing a confidentiality agreement between the parties. Regarding the James Endorsement, the former Federal Prosecutor cited Trutanich past trial lawyer experience and chided challenger Mike Feuer for being a co-sponsor of the AB-109 Prison Realignment Scandal. Our notes and and other related thoughts continue below. 

As noted above, James was critical of Mike Feuer's co sponsorship of AB 109. James cited his computer search that turned up an increased number of AB 109 related crimes within California. LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus reminded Trutanich that he was a early supporter of AB 109, to which Trutanich replied that his job was to "make lemonade out of a lemon". The subject of AB 109 was also the basis for A question directed  at Trutanich by this blogger, that cited a recent comment by LA Dragnet Blogger and LA County Deputy District Attorney David Berger, which he stated the reason for Trutanich's support of AB 109, was predicated in Trutanich's desire to get California Governor Jerry Brown's support for his losing District Attorney Campaign. Trutanich responded that "Berger is a cyber stalker" and his relationship with Governor Brown predated AB 109.

 

 Trutanich and James remarks did not go unnoticed by the Feuer Campaign. At one point, an observer who was supposedly linked to Feuer's Consultant John Shallman, broached loudly on the tired subject of Trutanich's pledge to donate $100,000 dollars to LA Best, which Trutanich deflected with a "have a good day" comment and a matching pledge request of the "walk by shill". But what should concern the Feuer Campaign is a growing momentum in the local blogger's sphere, against his ethically-challenged antics. From Joseph Mailander today .............

Hey, don't faint.  But here's an excellent summary of a City Attorney debate by Paul Hatfield that may cause you to take a second peek at Carmen Trutanich.

While we have yet to see a LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus report on last night's City Attorney Debate, the Feuer Campaign (and Shallman) may want to take pause, From debate observer and blogger Paul Hatfield.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .

The only thing missing in tonight’s City Attorney debate in Valley Village was one of the candidates shouting, “You can’t handle the truth!”

The heat did match the final courtroom scene between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise on two of the subjects.

The first was Feuer’s controversial contract with his campaign manager John Shallman.

Feuer claims the Ethics Commission told him his contract passed muster. Trutanich flashed a document purporting that the Commission has no record of Feuer’s inquiry. Feuer countered that the Commission was not allowed to comment on his inquiry. Trutanich fired back saying if the discussion was confidential, it violated the Brown Act, which requires public transparency. He went on to chide Feuer about relying on an oral statement to support such a critical matter, implying it was sloppy practice.

I spoke briefly with Trutanich after the debate concerning the related court case filed against Feuer by an activist. He said the worst that could happen to Feuer would be the removal of his name from the ballot.

 Thus, with Mailander and Hatfield opining on the ethical issues pertaining to Mike Feuer, the time was also right to question Trutanich on the root reason for the breach between himself and former employee, turned LA Dragnet Blogger David Berger (who's supported candidate Greg Smith endorsed Feuer yesterday). Trutanich cited city confidential personal codes for not commenting directly on Berger's departure from the City Attorney Office. But as former uber critical bloggers of Trutanich now take a second look, maybe Berger will be transparent on the "root reason" for his current bloggin vitriol directed at his former boss and why he ended up back at the District Attorney's office?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics HotSheet for Monday

The well reported Martin Declaration by Deputy City Attorney Claudia Martin isn't helping Carmen Trutanich much. Going into next week the City Council is looking to emasculate Trutanich by pulling various functions from his office and handing them to private attorneys.  We discussed this matter at length on Live LA Saturday Night this past weekend with blogger and activist Zuma Dogg and Deputy DA David Berger.

Jerry Brown and the State Legislature are taxing online purchases, leading to e-tailer Amazon shutting down thousands of mom and pop affiliate businesses in California.  Who's behind this travesty? Liberal Democrats? Well, yea, but there's a bigger villain here: Wal-Mart.  Amazon is prepping a ballot measure.


Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Looking good baby, looking real good!

Paul Hatfield has some excellent analysis around why Prop 27 must be defeated and Prop 20 must win in order to bring some sanity to the process of creating legislative districts in California.  Entrenched shady Congressmen like Howard Berman are fighting this because they know taking redistricting out of the politician's hands is bad news for hacks like Berman.

David Berger takes a look at how it easy it is these days to create animated political ads

The Daily News talks to some folks who are perennial candidates for public office.  Yet not one mention of Phil Jennerjahn..

Speaking of Phil Jennerjahn he's figured out a route for District Attorney Steve Cooley to the post of United States Attorney General.

If you like beer, we know many of you do, and you didn't make it to Union Station by Sunday you missed out on the Second Annual Beer Festival.

On the other hand if your tastes go more towards champagne on Tuesday evening the Paley Center hosts a tribute to LA icon Lawrence Welk.  Yes a one and a two celebrating the bubbles, Myron Floren, the luv-ley Lennon Sisters and more, you can't beat that.

Cartoon Animation Political Ads - The Shape Of Things To Come?

By David Berger

Xtranormal.com has been around for a while, and is becoming better known as it has been the source of some hilarious 'debate' animations, like the one that recently went viral over consumer complaints about the iPhone 4.



If you can type, you can create an animated video, quickly, cheaply and actually quite effectively, so it's no surprise that the opportunities presented by Xtranormal for inexpensive but effective political ads has been picked up by underfunded political campaigns.

Here's one for Prop 19 which, is currently going down in flames (51% to 39%) according to a recent LA Times/USC poll.



The possibilities for political comment and satire are endless - just think of Nicky Diaz's first meeting with Gloria Alred? or eMeg's reaction to Whoregate?

David Berger is a Deputy District Attorney for the County of Los Angeles and a former candidate for City Attorney of Los Angeles.

NOTICE: The comments views and opinions expressed above are personal to the writer and are not in any way authorized, approved or endorsed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office or any candidate.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday: The "Bullshit" Edition

Quorum Bullshit: The LA City Council meeting was cancelled Tuesday because not enough members were present to achieve quorum. Gil Garcetti, Jr., Bernard Parks, Sr., Ed Reyes, Dennis Zine, Tom LaBonge, Richard Alarcon, Herb Wesson, Greig Smith, and Paul Krekorian were there and on time. Everyone else was not including Weezy, Hamburger Jan and the Cat Whisperer.

Inconveniencing Commuter Bullshit: Members of a rap band who will get no free publicity here blocked a local freeway Tuesday morning as part of a publicity stunt. This is the same kind of manure as those illegal alien protesters who laid down in the street in West LA.

Read more »

The Socialist Shape of Things To Come (Unless You People Wake Up And Smell the Horse Shit)

By David Berger, Exclusive to Mayor Sam

People often ask me why I left England. Oftentimes the question is posed after they've just come back from a trip to 'Old Blighty' and they've seen sights; Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Guards with their funny furry hats standing to attention outside Buckingham Palace, the Crown Jewels on display at The Tower of London, the Food Court at Harrods, the Hyde Park Memorial to dear departed Princess Diana, and Tower Bridge (you know, the bridge over the River Thames that opens to allow tall ships to pass and that some American millionaire thought he had bought).

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Excitement Builds as the Nuch Era Begins

David Berger reports that the transition team for City Attorney Elect Carment Trutanich met at City Hall Monday evening followed by a repast at a local Mexican restaurant.

The best news in my view to come out of the meeting is that Berger himself will head up the Public Integrity and Ethics Task Force for Trutanich.  This signals that Trutanich - unlike some past and present City/District Attorneys who talked about going after corrupt politicians - may actually mean what he has said.  Placing a pitbull like Berger - who is more than aware of local shadiness - on the task means that Nuch is serious about about ferreting out fraud, waste and abuse.  I would suggest they hire Zuma Dogg as a Senior Inspector General to round out the team.

Read more at David Berger's blog.

David Berger on McIntyre in the Morning