HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine Propaganda Hag for Monday

As the 2015 Christmas Season commences, Tribune-financed Buyouts of Los Angeles Times Scribes, Editors and Support Employees, are a barometer of leaner times ahead for the supposed "Fishwrap of Record", in reality, the "Democratic Propaganda Tool of Choice" for the LA Political Elites. 

The increasingly-empty "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street".

** Blogger's Note: On this first Monday after the Thanksgiving Holiday, we want to be the first to wish our cyber-audience a politically-incorrect, MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON. 

Quickly assuming our MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON bloggin persona, we want to spread the CHRISTMAS cheer to counter the UNHAPPY HOLIDAYS PERIOD of those bemoaning the latest constriction underway at the local, "Democratic Propaganda/Agenda Journalism Tool of Choice" known affectionately as the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street (aka LA Times)". 

It would be a copy-edited understatement to keyboard that the once "Fishwrap of Record", is going through a extended period of tumult, which began with the termination of Publisher Austin "Mini Riordan II" Beutner by its corporate Tribune overseers........., and now is manifesting itself, via the latest round of buyouts of Scribes, Editors and assorted support staff. 

To gauge the level of despondence within the Otis Chandler-conceived, "Old Gray Collectivist Hag" aging support base, one merely needs to venture, cyber-westward to the LA Observed Blog where the likes of former Times Scribes Kevin "Westside White Guy" Roderick and Bill "Westside White Guy Emeritus" Boyarski, provide instantaneous updates on who of their former, democratic-leaning brethren, have accepted taken Tribune money in ending their employment.

But while the likes of "WWG", "WWG Emeritus", Jack Humphreville and the Los Angeles Political Machine await in denial, the appearance of the Eli Broad-financed Mothership (with David Geffen and Richard Riordan on board) to return Austin Beutner, to a future, locally-owned, "Hag, turned Agenda Tramp for the Elites", pardon us for this momentary, politically-incorrect musing on the real reasons for the demise of the Times.

First, the Times while espousing diversity, did not back the talk, as its send walking the likes of T.J. Simers, "GOP Blogger" Andrew Malcolm and cartoonist Michael Ramirez in recent years.

Second, the Times ceded its role as a objective, discerning observer of the Los Angeles Political Machine, by its newsroom, editorial wall of separation-breaking, shilling for local democratic candidates (remember the "LA Antonio Times Era"?) .........., and best exampled on its lack of reporting regarding the "background" behind the death of Los Angeles County Labor Federation Leader Miguel Contreras. 

Third, the absence of objective reporting, replaced by Agenda Musings regarding the issues of  Race, Climate Change and ILLEGAL Immigration.

Simply, a objective "Fishwrap of Record", ceases being such, when its factual news missives, are mixed with the agenda desires of a editorial mindset that is exampled by the Times constricting,  circulation Liberal Westside readership. Thus, its time for a new evolution of cyber-Journalism based upon the basic "Who, What, Where, When, How and Why of Reporting" ......, and a healthy, diverse dialog on the opinions, derided from reviewing the contents of record----Scott Johnson.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Machine for Friday

The laugh was short for "re-indicted" CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard AlarCON.

Hola on this pre Cinco de Mayo TGIF, but before we move on to the likes of AlarCON and other topics, we like your answer to this LAUSD-like multiple choice question . "What was the origin of our annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo"? A.) A creation of Dos Equis's "Most Interesting Man in the World". B.) Some battle the French lost on the Plains of Puebla in the early 1860's  C.) Collaboration of former CD 14 City Councilman Art Snyder and Mission Distributors to promote Mexican heritage at Lincoln Park D.) The date of the Mexican-American version of Woodstock at Lincoln Park with the likes of Carlos Santana, Tierra, War, El Chicano, Tower of Power and Los Lobos performing. (** before the homies started throwing blows) E.) All of the above.

Back to the CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard AlarCON, roaming the cyber pages of Facebook last evening, we came across numerous discussions on the dismissal, then re-indictment of the long time public servant. But one intriguing angle on the dismissal of charges against AlarCON centers around the judge Kathleen Kennedy and a possible CD 14 connection. We are being very sensitive in not putting out information that is not based on fact, but we did take time yesterday to discuss some possible background with the District Attorney Office of Public Integrity, more later if warranted. But one can bet another Councilman Huizar California Public Records Act violation that Judge Kennedy will have nothing to do with the second AlarCON Trial.

** Well, well it is nice to know that a "125+ year Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" can still attract a sugar daddy and a rich elitist one at that. It seems that the "Overlord of the Elite Los Angeles Insider Community" Eli Broad wants to squire and buy the former "fishwrap of record".

** Quick Higby, get me the bloggin defib paddles!! The "Aunt Esther" of South LA Journalism and the admirer of "Little Short Guy" City Clowncil Central Committee Chairperson Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson Betty Pleasant has some commentary on LAPD treatment of the elderly and surprise, no mention of CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks.

** In the spirit of openness and friendship, we would like make CD 14's "Princeton Graduate Dear Charro" Councilman Jose Huizar aware of this Saturday Class at the University of South Central on Ethics and Transparency in Government. Just think of the opportunities to regaling the politicos from cities of Walnut, Montebello, West Hollywood on your educational exploits at Princeton (and how you almost got away with having the taxpayers pay for your reunion) and selflessly offer yourself as a teachable moment on how to stonewall on California Public Records Act. Plus, you can bring along the latest duo in political outreach, Samuel In and Gustavo Valdivia to "role play" various scenarios regarding ethics in contracting and inspections within public government.          

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

Evening Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Hump Day

City Councilman Mitch Englander and Joe Buscaino vote against racial double standard regarding KFI.

Its 9:15 P.M. and guess which local City Clowncil Central Committee is the top story on the Drudge Report?.

The terms "Crack Ho", "Slut" and "Whore", which were uttered on KFI 640 A.M. by white radio hosts, was the cause for the reunification of the Clowncil Central Committee three African-Americans representatives. After weeks of racial accusations over Redistricting 2012, Councilpersons Jan Perry, Bernard Parks and Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson join together in a double standard attack on the "supposed radio beacon of hate" KFI 640 A.M. There is nothing like freshening the street creed by attacking "Whitey" (Rush and "John and Ken") and his grip on the talk radio air waves. 

The usual racial bean counters and their politically correct allies took to the podium in attacking "hate radio". Except they fail to mention the likes of MSNBC's Ed Schultz or HBO's Bill Maher who have been more explicated and constant with their bile commentary. But in the end, two voted to stand against this exercise in double standard race baiting, Councilman Mitch Englander and Joe Buscaino.

** Mayor Antonio Villar would not make a good fire fighter as he is having great difficulty handing the "political fire hose" in dousing the growing LAFD Scandal over the cooked response times  It may not be too early to think that Chief Brian Cummings may lose his job in protecting the political ambitions .....  and political payback against UFLAC President Pat McOsker. 

** Which of the "Hamlets" of the 2013 Mayoral Elections potential candidates will say "yea" or "nay" in the near future? Political pundits are putting Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky on the political clock to make his choice.   

** The Downtown News reports that Billionaire Eli "Lord" Broad "Museum to Self" his been issue the appropriate permits and will break ground soon, joining its CRA funded parking garage on Bunker Hill.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

"Big Montiel is watching you in public housing".

Great bloated Monday and start to Rivalry Week in Ciudad de Los Angeles, as the City Council adjourns its high-salary proceedings for the annual junket to the "League of Municipal Fiefdoms Conference". Wonder if former City of Bell Administrator "Ratzo Rizzo" will host a workshop on municipal self-enrichment?

One person who is enriching himself courtesy of the taxpayers is Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA for short) $400,000+ Executive Director Rudy Montiel, who is quickly becoming the LA Times latest "poster bureaucrat" for public salary scrutiny.

Montiel, with his willing allies in City Hall, has attempted to franchise out HACLA's various housing projects and reap the financial windfalls of this endeavor. Thus, you get Montiel's current salary. But it is Montiel's actions against those who dare protest his efforts that is making Montiel the latest "paranoid bureaucrat". This in light of his actions that may cost the City of Los Angeles money in lawsuits by HACLA tenants, who faced wrongful-eviction for protesting Montiel's proposals.

BTW, we hear that someone in HACLA's upper management may have bail out the "connected non-profit Legacy LA", with a new home in the Ramona Gardens Projects. A source speculated that Legacy LA Executive Director Lou Calanche went to someone in HACLA and all of a sudden, a portable trailer was installed.

It should be noted that when Legacy LA was constituted, they had as an "advisor for redevelopment" Dalila Sotelo, who once was a Vice-President for the connected affordable-housing builder McCormick, Barron and Salazar. Sotelo now earns her public paycheck as an employee of CRA.

Can you follow the flow of money and public property, to the "connected-few" here?

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Dream with me!

Bloomberg profiles Villaraigosa hatchet man Austin Beutner who says that LA needs to "grow up and focus on things that matter." In the piece former Mayor Dick Riordan says Beutner could be a possible candidate for Mayor in 2013.  That probably won't sit well with Riordan's buddies at the Clean Sweep campaign. Oh, Eli Broad agrees too.

Jane the Joker on Clownman's jihad against pot shops: "We're trying to be proactive."

A bunch of NIMBYS and Dangerous Enemies of Freedom (and prosperity) in Stupido City have been fighting to block NBC from moving thousands of high paying entertainment jobs from Burbank to the City of Los Angeles at the Universal City Metro Station.  Their economic terrorism has resulted in a delay to the NBC project however the Conan O'Brien debacle is at least providing an opportunity for NBC to make a partial move. The studio created for the red headed comedian's version of the NBC at Universal Studios institution is being retrofitted for the KNBC local news operation to move over along with some of their tabloid entertainment news shows.  NBC has sold their historic Burbank facilities to developers and will eventually have to move out.

Betty Pleasant is finding picking friends based on their enmity to Bernard Parks isn't working out for her.

Emergency Preparedness Month kicked off last week.  The LA Fire Department Blog has good tips on being prepared for good sanitation and being safely and comfortably dressed in a disaster.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Well, well, well.  Guess who spent $50 million to save $13 million? Nope not the DWP.  Nope, not Tom LaBonge. You're incorrect if you said Kim Kardashian. Give up? Your Los Angeles MTA spent that amount to install turnstiles at it's subway and light rail stations - except it currently can not issue the fare media the gates require and can not be locked.




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Saturday Hotsheet

We've all been waiting for "The Big One" earthquake on the San Andreas Fault for some time now.  New studies show that there may have been more large quakes on the fault in past centuries than previously thought.  The last one was in 1857. Better start getting ready.

From the "Noone Cares" department: Eli Broad says he didn't tell Zev Yaroslavsky that he was for sure bringing his museum to Downtown LA.



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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

Councilman Bill Rosendahl is awfully upset about all the traffic on the Westside caused by President Obama when he came to LA to raise some money for local Dems.  Rosendahl wants a report saying that Obama created a lot of frustration with his visit and he wants answers now!

Despite a competing offer from Santa Monica County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky says that Eli Broad is absolutely going to build his controversial multi-million dollar museum in Downtown LA.  But hold the phone! Broad says that a post by Zev's web writer for arts and culture (did you know that County Supervisors have web writers for arts and culture? Do they do cooking shows too?) is wrong; no decision has been made yet.

A blogger in Woodland Hills is peeved that Dennis Zine has foisted a Costco on them.  He should have called Joe B.

Ugly Betty Pleasant gets even uglier.  Her latest? She "OWNS" the Black community.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

As public employee pensions become a bigger and bigger issue in the news the City of Los Angeles received even more bad news.  According to Chief Administrative Officer Miguel Santana pensions and health benefits for City workers will jump nearly $800 million in the next four years so much so that by 2015 the cost for these pensions will consume nearly a third of the City's budget. While the Council looks for a way out of the mess they received stern warnings from union leaders about messing with the pensions.

The Daily News reminds us that when Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was sworn in in 2005 he laid out a grand vision of Los Angeles as a "Venice of the 21st century."  Yet the City remains to be perceived as unfriendly to business and the local economy is in the crapper.  The News recommends three courses of action where the Mayor could "re-brand" the City as amenable to business.  Among them; streamline city permitting and processing, have Villaraigosa serve as the "pitchman" for LA (okay that one is funny), and repealing the business tax (won't happen until there is new leadership in LA).

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Saturday Hotsheet

The Lu Parker Project

Want yet another way to buy some influence with the Mayor? Now you can donate to his TV anchor girlfriend Lu Parker's "charity" which doesn't seem to be doing anything innovative or different with it's most recent achievement being the painting of the lobby of animal shelter. Kathy Cheng of California Common Cause told the LA Times that "vigilance is needed with such charities to make sure they are not a back channel way for special interests to find special access to electeds that regular constituents don’t have." According to Parker her "The Lu Parker Project" is an "outlet to express love and compassion." I thought that was the Mayor's Lu Parker Project.

As the City Council is considering an elected DWP Ratepayer Advocate Jack Humphreville has a suggestion.  Writing in CityWatch the presumptive CD4 challenger suggests the Council hire a consultant who can clearly define the role of the position.

Much has been written about the sweetheart giveaway the City has in store for billionaire Eli Broad to build a memorial to himself downtown (also called an art museum).  But now another organization has come forward to lay claim to the Grand Avenue parcel that Broad has been salivating for.  The Shen Yun Performing Arts Organization is vying to build a 3000 seat theatre and arts training center.  However they can't seem to get a fair shake from the CRA or City Council who has the fix in for the politically connected Broad.  Incredibly the CRA staff told the Chinese organization that they would be better off at one of several sites in Chinatown.  Hmmm, is this 1953?

Don't forget today is the day.  The launch party for the Clean Sweep Movement is happening in North Hollywood.  Speakers include former Mayor Richard Riordan, Walter Moore, radio talk show host Kevin James and South Central Farmer Tezozmoc.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Hey buddy how come there's no story about me in today's hotsheet?

When you're on old billionaire who made mega-profits selling cheap homes to people who couldn't afford them what else is there left to do? Build a shrine to yourself and call it an art museum - and better yet - do it at taxpayer expense.  And Eli Broad is going to get even more taxpayer money to do it.  Read more at Walter Moore's blog.

John Longenecker writing in the Los Angeles Examiner notes an amazing occurrence - a fairly written article at the local fishwrap of record.  This time it's about Second Amendment activists who openly bore arms in Hermosa Beach.  This is part of a trend to educate the public on their gun rights which are often under attack from do-gooding politicians and the media.  The Hermosa Beach gunowners received mostly positive feedback from citizens.  Having heard a volley of thug gunfire outside my own home Saturday evening - in a high rent section of town - the right to responsible gun ownership is comforting counterbalance against gangs, thugs and criminals that are both home grown and imported from every corner of the world.

If you hope to get through LAX without being accosted by Hare Krishnas, LaRouchies and fake nurses asking for money you're in luck.  The Ninth District Court of Appeals upheld Los Angeles' enforcement of an ordinance banning such solicitation.  Now if we can apply that to the homeless we'd be in good shape.

The City of Glendale is considering spending between $2 to $30 million on a bridge over Interstate 5 to connect that city to Griffith Park.  Wonder what folks on the LA side of the line think about additional traffic into the already distressed park.

And finally Phil Jennerjahn has a message for the "birther" crowd; those opponents of President Obama who have a nearly irrational and obsessed notion that Obama was not born within the United States; shut up.  Jennerjahn correctly notes that such silliness is distraction from more important reasons to oppose Obama and the Democrats.  I would say the same about those Republicans who are fanatical about the gay marriage issue.

Tune into Mayor Sam later this morning for an important announcement.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Tuesday

Score one for Antonio Villaraigosa and Eli Broad and one against Zev Yaroslavsky and the taxpayers.  Tom Christie writes at the LA Weekly blog that Tuesday Villaraigosa and Broad will join to announce the selection of a new CEO for LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and that the troubled MOCA has rejected a proposed merger offer with the more solid LA County Museum of Art, a plan supported by the County Supervisor as well as art lovers concerned about a potential Broad takeover of MOCA. Also figure on more CRA subsidies for the free-spending MOCA.

Two Mayoral candidates have unveiled websites encouraging voters to take positions they are supporting.  Zuma Dogg has created LAVotersforChange.com offering up endorsments of candidates for other offices and information on various issues.  Meanwhile, Walter Moore has launched VoteNoLA.com expressing opposition to three measures on the March primary ballot.

LAPD Police Chief William Bratton, the United Teachers of LA and even the City Council of Carson and others support the naming of a new high school for slain LAPD Officer Randal Simmons who was an active volunteer within the community but now one Council member and Carson's Mayor Jim Dear have reversed their earlier decisions and want the school named after late labor leader Cesar Chavez.  Though supporters of the Chavez name deny it, some are suggesting that racial politics are at play; that many residents of the heavily Latino neighborhood opposed the naming for Simmons who was African-American.

If anyone thought that former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin was going away anytime soon they were sadly mistaken.  A recently launched social networking site dedicated to the Alaska Governor has garnered nearly 70,000 members.  Back from the dead Republican Senator of Georgia Saxby Chambliss says he owes his come from behind victory in this month's special election to Palin's campaigning. And local columnist Sandra Tsing-Loh says a pit bull with lipstick PTA mom like Palin is exactly who the LAUSD needs for it's new superintendent (instead of recently deposed Admiral David Brewer or recently coronated Villaraigosa toadie Ray Cortines).

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

Mayor Villaraigosa calls accused murderer Esteban Nunez, son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, "A good boy." In the meantime, a blog has posted now deleted photos from what is alleged to be Esteban's MySpace page that do not appear too flattering.

Can't Eli Broad just go away? He wants to donate $30 million to the beleagured Museum of Contemporary Art, all part of what some say is his master plan to convert Downtown LA into one big memorial to himself.  There's nothing wrong with Broad making the donation to MOCA but would it be better served helping the homeless or others struggling in this recession, particularly those who bought one of the homes he's built and couldn't afford it.

Buried deep within a blog post about one of the most annoying members of Congress, Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz is the speculation that Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti will seek the US House seat of Xavier Becerra who has been tapped to be President-Elect Obama's Trade Rep.  Garcetti says he is "considering it." While some would like to see Garcetti move up and perhaps other would just like to see him leave town I dread who might replace him.  Please no Jackie Goldberg rerun.

Laura Chick's latest audit blasts the management of the City's animal facilities bond program. The City Controller says that "estimates for building costs were not reality based and were exceedingly low." Chick says that design changes, cost escalation and budgetary constraints all contributed to each of the projects being delayed an average of about two years.

The City of Los Angeles has given up on it's idea to run an airport in Palmdale but it still owns 17,000 acres of land in the Antelope Valley location.  Quick! Let's sell the land and use the money to cover the budget deficit before Tom LeBong turns it into a theme park.

It's time to celebrate the holidays! Zuma Dogg teams up with Mayor Sam for this year's holiday party, Friday, at 7:00 p.m., December 12th, at Casa Princesa in Highland Park.  Come by for karaoke, live performances by local artists, Zuma Dogg's Holiday Gift Store, Casa Princesa's Toys for Tots drive, visits by local politicial candidates and a delicious $10 holiday buffet.  Everyone is welcome.

Monday Hotsheet

Lord Broad Promenade

Would you pay $1.9 million for 2,500 square feet in the Eastern Columbia building? How about $5 million for 3,500 square feet in the Biscuit building? Okay, but what if I were to throw in a private elevator? Downtown penthouses are difficult to sell, in part, says the L.A. Times, because the downtown luxury market faces “hefty competition” from projects in Century City, Westwood, and Beverly Hills. I submit that when a Century City penthouse sells for $47 million before the buyer has even seen the view, there is no competition. Let’s judge downtown on its own merits.

Mayor Villaraigosa was all set to deliver a political speech at the Human Rights Campaign gala dinner last Saturday in San Francisco, when he bailed out last-minute. Spokesman Matt Szabo claims the speech would've required the mayor to cross a picket line. Joseph Mailander offers spot-on analysis of this latest calculation in Villaraigosa’s quest for higher office:

The Mayor's team typically hears pitches only canines can hear when it comes to identity politics. This latest fiasco-for-a-few is a case-in-point as to how far the Mayor's team is willing to go to troll for handfuls of Governor votes.

Three downtown parks, three critiques. L.A. Weekly savages the proposed design for Civic Park (pictured above), while the Downtown News heaps praise and pity on Vista Hermosa Park and Pershing Square, respectively.

Finally, 2008 and 2009 are shaping up to be Years of the Pig. Mayor Villaraigosa’s phone and trash taxes, Bill Rosendahl’s parking meters, Janice Hahn’s gang tax, and the M.T.A. sales tax. Now, for you unincorporateds, a Measure S redux; a new and improved L.A. County phone tax that includes text messaging and a trigger to tax internet services, if, and when, the federal ban sunsets. The kicker? You guessed it—it’s billed as a tax cut. Yet another, in a growing list of reasons, to support self-determination for East Los.

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.

Open Thread for Monday

What is it? Steve Lopez details the latest silliness downtown and yes, Eli Broad is mixed up in this one too.

If you've seen what looks like a new Magic Mountain style roller coaster going up off the 101 Freeway downtown, then you've seen the latest LAUSD boondoggle - a piece of art to adorn a $230 million arts high school.

Towering 140 feet above the freeway the "artwork," according to the "artist" "calls out and engages the city, asking students and adults to indulge their imaginations."

Actually it's asking the taxpayers to indulge the $49 million price tag on this part of the overall project.

What say you?

Grand Avenue Project delayed again

Don't waste your time looking for the Grand Avenue Colony of the "OFFICIAL BIRD OF LOS ANGELES".

The wait to break ground on the Grand Avenue Project just got push back to February of 2009, this according to the "OLD GREY HAG ON SPRING STREET", who reports on the latest snag to affect Businessman/Billionaire Eli Broad's vision for the top end of Bunker Hill.

Reported and opine on by many and controlled by a elite few, the Grand Avenue Project has become the latest project affected by the real estate downturn in downtown.

This latest snag centers on getting approval for a loan to start construction. The casual observer with any knowledge of the evolution of this project would had assume that any financial questions had been put to rest with the buy in of $100 Million Petrol Dollars from Dubai.

Yet the Dubai money gets earmarked as equity and does not help with the problem of start up capital which is in short supply with a depressed real estate market.

The best case scenario for obtaining the start up capital and ground breaking is early 2009 with completion of phase one in 2012.

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.

How about $100,000,000?

Not content to soil their own barren consumer dystopia, financiers in Dubai attempt to jump-start the ailing, ill-fated Grand Avenue project to the tune of $100,000,000.

What kind of money comes from Dubai? Most people of culture think that Dubai is the most architecturally monstrous place on the planet, and their developers are both ecologically and aesthetically irresponsible---as was Kaufman & Broad when Eli was building suburbs in Orange County. But whatever your taste may be, you can bet something is terminally awful about a project when the developer has to resort to Monopoly money from a foreign shiekdom just to pull a damn demo permit on a parking garage.

Wild West Side

JM, Westside Woody 2008, 3.14.08

Joseph Mailander a guy in la • elsewhere • email

Things slip through the cracks on the westside...

Ron Galperin, runing for Weiss's Council District 5 spot, leads former Assemblyman Paul Koretz by over two-to-one in fundraising to-date. There's only a year to go in this election...

When downtown LA pols talk affordable housing, they generally talk about slush funds for developers and contractors. They don't talk so much the simple math of Section 8 and conversion, which costs the taxpayers far less. And then there's developer Greg Pearlman, who Westside Today featured last week. Pearlman's company has 12,000 Section 8 units, and hopes to go to 20,000. The taxpayer's bang-to-buck ratio looks pretty good on Pearlman projects, unlike the ratios that come out of the Mayor's office's projects.

And watch the Westside Today family for increasing expressions of disenchantment with the Mayor. They were recently given a big boost by a group that included Steve Soboroff. When Dick Riordan went on KFI last night, broadsiding the Mayor, it wasn't just the usual Riordan open-mouth-insert-foot performance. It was more calculated than that, and there are rumbles that Riordan, Soboroff, Wardlow, and Broad are all ditching the Mayor and looking for a new, er, white knight who can restore some reality to the City and local politics. Match that with Soboroff's investment in Westside Today and you're watching early 2009 unfold in early 2008.

Postscript: Coming home from the Westside, 3:30 p.m.---I don't know how you people put up with that. Venice is now the worst coordinated east-west street in LA, and that is saying very much. Trying to book north, I guess Rimpau is the new Highland---but only up to 3rd. Thanks, Steve, thanks Dick, thanks Tony, thanks Gloria!