Introducing Outtakes from the Reign of ......, "CD-14 City Councilman K. Antonio Jose (of or de) Leon 2.0"

The Mayor Sam Blog introduces "Outtakes from the Reign of CD-14 City Councilman K. Antonio Jose (of or de) Leon 2.0)" as the Uber 2022 Mayoral Aspirant completes his first full week on the City Council, by making paramount continuing loyalty to political allies, over those seeking Environmental Justice in the City of Vernon …………, and support for Armenia.

Temporary "CD-14 City Councilman K. Antonio Jose (of or de) Leon 2.0" never ceasing to place paramount his 2022 Mayoral (or higher) Ambition.

** Blogger's Notes: Hola from Jose Luis Huizar (and Relatives)-cleansed Council District Fourteen as we introduce our newest bloggin feature, bestowed affectionally as "Outtakes from the Reign of CD-14 City Councilman K. Antonio Jose (of or de) Leon 2.0".

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A Bloggin Mayor Sam Sister City News Group Re-Opening

After a too-long hiatus, the Mayor Sam Sister City News Group commences its bloggin Re-Opening, as a City, State, Nation and World, seeks an arduous return to a previous normal, while holding accountable those who have fail their fellow citizens, via episodes of ethical, moral and character breaches of behavior.  

A Failure Mayor 2.0 Unmasked

** Blogger's Notes: A too-long hiatus comes to a needed ending.

Since our last post in March, these last three historic months has seen a World, Nation, State, City, Friends and Family, endure a Pandemic originating in a Communist-controlled Country, then witness a heinous breach of moral conduct (the Death of George Floyd), that has profound implications on the stability of our already-wounded society.

As with any crisis, those that we appoint into position of leadership, are expected to conduct themselves and execute their authority, with respect to the laws that supposedly safeguard our rights granted to us by the Constitution .........., or so we thought.

In the days ahead as the Mayor Sam Sister City News Group re-commences its cyber-dialog, its our paramount priority to promote a non-conditional discussion (no Cancel Culture Threats withstanding), on those who have used a Pandemic, and a senseless Death, to promote a self-serving agenda that takes for granted the Rule of Law and the Rights accorded us by a "Timeless Document" that is truly "Color-Blind" .........., when strictly-interpretive. Below are brief missives on content coverage in the days ahead-----Scott Johnson.

The Congratulations for "Councilman A and Relative" continues. 

To all our cyber-friends in "Council District A", enduring the Wuhan Virus-related restrictions has been somewhat elevated by the drip, drip, drip, drip outing of what we have reported all along .........., that the Princeton-educated Founder (with support of others) of a Political Criminal Enterprise ......., will be hopefully, relocated to a Federal Property in the near future and a certain "Scheduler, turned Deputy Chief of Staff" ..............., was paid off with Dirty Money. More later.

Former Roybal Foundation President Lou Roybal Gardner (and Wife) at last October's Congressman Edward Roybal Foundation Gala in Pasadena.

In an ideal world, a formerly Family Foundation (now a formal 501-C3 Non-Profit), rooted in preserving the Legacy of Latino Political Pioneer Congressman Edward Roybal, would be inclusive of those who share the values of the late Los Angeles Icon ........, or so we sought. In the days ahead, the Mayor Sam Sister City News Group will exclusively disclose how those once in control of a Family Foundation, now are seeking to arbitrarily oust the current 501-C3 Board Incarnation, in a style of politics that the late Congressman would find lacking in moral ......, and ethical standing.  

Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and enabling Republican RINO Friend.

As friends were losing elder family members to the Wuhan Virus, the likes of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, now a well-compensated Lobbyist for the Mercury Group, was resorting to the old Democratic Party tactic of not letting a Crisis go to waste ........, by allegedly enabling a PR/Communications Contract for his current Employer. In response the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is seeking to stonewall a Fox News 11 Exclusive on the genesis of this latest paid-patronage resulting from a Mercury-Nunez Contribution. 

Black Lives Matter LA Leader and Cal State LA Professor Melina Abdullah.

In the wake of the LA Rioting that took place following the inept Mayor Eric Garcetti response to the Death of George Floyd, local Black Lives Matter Leader and Cal State LA Professor Melina Abdullah has garnered increase attention within the Progressive Media. That stated, those who have witness Professor Abdullah and followers conduct at past Police Commission Hearings, will find nothing progressive in their collective conduct .........., or her social media comments. 

COMMUNITY ALERT!! "Son of Fabian (Nunez)" to be Freed from Prison

Thanks to a friendly favor from a disgraced, former "Kennedy Republican Governor", the thug, "Son of Fabian (Nunez)" is to be freed from State Prison ............, while a grieving (Santos) Family endures a Life Sentence of Sorrow and Anger, inflicted upon them via Crony Politics. 

CORRECTION!! Esteban Nunezs soon to be Freed after serving Seven (instead of 16) Years, thanks to Arnold.

Justice commuted ........., and the Family of Luis Santos Life Sentence of Sorrow continues.

From the San Diego Union Tribune.

The son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez whose conviction in the death of a college student was commuted by Arnold Schwarzenegger will soon be a free man. The parents of victim Luis Santos, who was stabbed to death in a 2008 fight on the San Diego State University campus involving Esteban Núñez and others, said this week that they have been notified of his impending release.The pair spoke Thursday at a victim’s rights rally in the state capital where they told CBS Sacramento it would happen within a week. Nunez pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his part in the brawl and was sentenced in 2010 to 16 years in prison. But the following year, then-Governor Schwarzenegger commuted the sentence to just seven years saying that Nunez, whose father was a political ally, had no prior criminal record and that the sentence was excessive. When asked if his ruling had anything to do with his relationship with Núñez , Schwarzenegger was later quoted as saying “Well, hello! I mean, of course you help a friend.”

Our Prayers to the Santos Family. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

The Former Men (Fabian and Antonio) of Mirthala Salinas take opposite sides in the alleged Herbalife Pyramid Scheme Controversy.

 The Central Figure of Mayor Sam's "Sancha Watch" Mirthala Salinas.

** Morning disclaimer: Please pardon the absence of our normal cheerful bloggin demeanor, as this blogger battles a stomach virus. Thus, if our blogging content today takes on an edgy, snarky persona, you have been warned---Scott Johnson.

With no apologies to the poster girl for aspiring Telebimbos, we check in on the current status of the central figure of Mayor Sam's "Sancha Watch" Mirthala Salinas. Last we saw Mirthala, she was trying to salvage her journalism career in Riverside, after being branded as the "other woman", that send Antonio Villar and Corina Raigosa to Divorce Court. Judging from Mirthala's website, her professional rehabilitation is preceding well as she is again reading the news, in Espanol, for the 11 PM, Channel 62 Newscast.

Our Mirthala update is predicated on LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus latest musing regarding former Mirthala's "lover of the moment" ex Mayor Antonio Villar new job as an advisor for Herbalife and the fact that another Mirthala "ex lover of the moment", former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, has been retain by Herbalife's primary critic Hedge Fund Manager Bill Ackman.

We would love to translate Mirthala's take on the roles her "ex lovers of the moment" are playing in the Herbalife Controversy. But we all know what happen the last time Mirthala reported, on air, about a "lover of the moment". 

** In the latest political faceoff between the City Councilman Paul Krekorian Political Machine and the Congressman Brad Sherman/ Assemblyman Mike "Lil Porno Mikey" Gatto Political Cabal, the Sherman/ Gatto Cabal was victorious as Congressman Sherman staffer Matt Dababneh was the top Dependentcrat vote getter in the 45 Assembly District Special Election. Finishing a surprising second in the overall vote, was Republican Susan Shelley, who will face Dababneh in a November Runoff.

** We put our current bloggin snarky demeaner on hold for the moment to bring you the latest "Regardie Report" via the reigning "Scribe of Wit" Downtown News Editor Jon Regardie. In his latest missive, Regardie chats it up with new CD 3 City Councilman Bob "Two Face" Blumenfield. Its refreshing to note that "Two-Face Bob" is willing the defy the past City Clowncil Central Committee practice of unanimous consent on issues, by simply voting "Nyet". Hopefully in the future, we may be treated to a Regardie Report on CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar pledge not to "play around" with the hire help (allegedly).

** Lastly ................, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANA CUBAS!! In honor of the former CD 14 Chief of Staff and CD 9 City Council Candidate Ana Cubas. We bring you this CD 9 Campaign Flashback as Cubas counts down the hours to her birthday bash this evening.

  Mission Distributors may want to get the Bud Lite on ice early.    

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14     



Wendy and Her Bagman

Is Wendy Greuel really an outsider? Does she share common middle class values with folks in Sunland-Tujunga, North Hollywood, Boyle Heights, South LA or even Valley Village? 

Nope. She's a millionaire spending millions to take control of the second largest City on behalf of a few key interest groups who could care less about you.

Hubert Humphrey is turning in his grave as this shadiness is wrapped up in the blue cloth coat of "Hey, I'm a Democrat!"

One little tidbit is that Wendy has paid Democratic rainmaker Daniel C. Weitzman to earn some dough for her. Filings with city ethics officials show several meetings that Greuel paid for Weitzman's travels.

Weitzman is on Campaign and Election's Top 50 list of Most Powerful Democrats in California and notes he is "head fundraiser for Democratic leaders" 

Weitzman has had a long association with some really nice guys such as current Assembly Speaker - and primo of Mayor Villaraigosa - John Perez and former Assembly Speaker and Tony V BFF, Fabian Nunez. 

When the California legislative session came to it's end for the year, Perez saw it as an opportunity to raise a buck and schedule a high priced fundraiser in Sacramento where tickets STARTED at $2,000 for those wishing to get some face time with the Speaker. Weitzman produced that event. Does the average resident of Sunland have that kind of jack to get access to their legislative leaders? Probably not. 

A housing deal that anyone from say, oh, City Terrace, would love is the one that Weitzman gave Nunez. at $1,000 a month rent to live in a luxury Downtown LA penthouse with 20 foot ceilings and jetliner views. The "loft" as Fabian calls it is owned by Weitzman.

According to the filings, the meetings that Weitzman was brought in for appear to be during working hours. But Wendy would never do political work on company time, right? 

Millionaire politicians, millionaire political power brokers, hob nobbing with special interests who want to screw you, housing deals you could not get and parties you can't afford to go to. That's the world of Wendy Greuel, who says she feels your pain, but has no reason to. 

Fabian Nunez "cries politics" in Santo Family lawsuit against former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Fabian Nunez needs some special interest cheese to go with this latest whine.

Fabian Nunez and some of his political friends.

Fabian Nunez came "this close" to becoming the latest political recipient of the "crying baby treatment" usually reserved for the infantile antics of Assemblyman Mike Gatto, but the above photo of his political friends who wrote letters on the behalf of his convicted shanker son Esteban will do.

For the family of Luis Santos who's life was ended at the sharp edge of Esteban's thug friends knifes, the latest verbiage via the mouth of former California Speaker Fabian Nunez, has only strengthen their resolve to pursue those who saw political calculations in striping justice from them in the theme of "friendship".

While the hypocritical cries of the former "Chief Winetaster of Sacramento" will meet with derision, the Santos Family will reap the support of thousands who share their quest for justice on the behalf of Luis Santos.

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

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

Feds look for the finances behind the patch.

Does the public have a right to view the background of those hire by the City of Los Angeles's GRYD Program?

In a ideal Mayor Antonio Villar political world, what would come first? Financial records of LAPD officers who work in gang suppression units, or background records on those hire by the numerous contractors and sub-contractors of Mayor Villar's GRYD Program?

One should pause to ponder this question in the light of the news out of Northeast LA regarding the disbanding of the LAPD's Northeast Division's gang unit. The story which was reported to this blogger last week, has gone viral on the web, with a link on the Drudge Report.

The breakup of the Northeast LA gang unit is an outgrowth of a new LAPD policy that requires officers who serve on gang units to submit personal financial records. This new policy is the collateral damage of the Rampart Scandal, and the United States Department of Justice findings, which initiated this policy in name of reform.

But while LAPD deals with new post Rampart policies, questions are being ask about the oversight of Mayor Villar's GRYD Program. Last week, Mayor Sam posted some information pertaining to the CD 14 "connected non-profit Legacy LA. The business card posted above is of one Legacy LA employee who may have "family ties" to its Executive Director Lou Calanche.

Since most of the contractors and sub-contractors operate under diverse employment rules, is it fair to ask that all groups that are contracted by the Mayor's GRYD Office, disclose financial records regarding their respective usage of GRYD money and their hiring practices? After all, there was some past dubious gang program called LA Bridges I and II, with their poster child of graft, Hector "No Guns" Marroquin.

OTHER NEWS:

** Question for the discerning CD 14 political observers, why was Councilman Jose Huizar absent from the horseshoe on Monday, when his council colleagues voted to join Mayor Antonio Villar in crafting an "legislated Alamo plan" for CRA/LA? Was he celebrating his fundraising efforts against challenger Rudy Martinez? Working with Wendy Greuel on the City Controller's computer issues regarding CLARTSgate? Or our his thoughts focus somewhere else on Spring Street?

** The now mere citizen "Kennedy Republican", just found time to write a letter of apology to the family of Luis Santos, who the former governor did not care to notify that he was "making a political consideration" in reducing the sentence of Esteban Nunez, son of Fabian. Lets hope that the Santos family files a "Victim Rights Lawsuit" against California over the actions of the "Kennedy Republican".

** The shooting of Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Mohamed Ahmed, is the latest high-profile incident that highlights the pitfalls of the dumping of parolees due to the state's budget crisis. Our prayers go out to the deputy and his family.

** Memo to former Lt. Governor Candidate Janice Hahn Campaign Manager Michael Trujillo. Ron Kaye highlights why it was good that Councilwoman Janice Hahn, did not become California's Lt. Governor. Give Janice "some campaign scratch" and she off screwing up some needed work at the Port of Los Angeles.

** Former CD 14 Candidate Tony Butka takes the time to remind us that Councilman Huizar and his clowncil colleagues had some $40 million dollars in discretionary funds, stashed away in accounts that City Controller Wendy Greuel's "lack of Excel software", inhibits constituents from accessing. Butka summerizes his thoughts by asking that Councilman Huizar come clean on CLARTSgate and create an transparent process for community groups to request funding without political pre-conditions.

** Lastly, CD 14 City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez took the proactive approach to return $6,000 in campaign contributions from former City Councilman Nick Pacheco and employees of his law firm. Supporters of Councilman Huizar and his "political Papi" Mayor Villar might remember the 31 ethics violations that "Team Villar" was charged with for actions during the 2003 CD 14 Council Election. More recently, Councilman Jose Huizar paid $15,000 in ethics fines after being caught snooping on former LAUSD School Board Member David Tokofsky. Thus, we commend Martinez for his prompt action on this issue and not resorting to asking others to pay for his ethical misdeeds, like Huizzy?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

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

Will Governor Moonbeam II take out CRA's in California?

Will Chris Essel's CRA/LA survive the wrath of Bitter Jerry?

If Governor Moonbeam II needs any help in finding the office of CRA/LA in his quest to liquidate the functions of CRA's statewide, many in the local political bloggersphere are waiting and willing to point the way.

"WWG 2", known to the thinning ranks of graying readers of the Old Gray Hag on Spring Street as Bill Boyarsky, pens "right on Jerry"! Ron Kaye, formerly the editor of the Daily Valley Moldy Green Sheet, says "Abolish the CRA" Cary Brazeman, penning his thoughts at the "blogging cyber commune of neighborhood council activists" City Watch, calls it "Time for a New Way". Can we call this a bloggin consensus?

For this blogger, CRA's Adelante Eastside and its Biotech Corridor Project area, has provided a education on the brute force of mis-guided government. In 1999, without any notice to community members and park activists, Hazard Park was place within the Adelante Biotech Corridor Project Area. The CRA employee who I discussed this finding with, stated that the park was included due to "criminal blight". But the likes of longtime Hazard Park Activist Alex Man have stated for decades that Hazard Park, has been targeted by USC and LA County for hospital expansion. Thus, it was no surprise that the likes of USC's City Hall Lobbyist David Galaviz was a member of the CRA Adelante Advisory Board

With the powers granted CRA's across America by the repugnant Kelo Decision of the United States Supreme Court in 2005, the likes of CRA/LA had a new way of taking decades long homes of many and giving them to the connected developers like USC (one should see the former home sites on Playground St next to Hazard Park) . Thus, if Governor Moonbeam II can put a stop to this egregious practice of taking private property and selling it in return for campaign contributions (the LA way). Then lets point Jerry in the direction of CRA/LA.

OTHER NEWS:

** The latest batch of financial reports for the March 2011 LA Municipal Elections, are online at the City Ethics Commission Website.

** Assemblyman Gil Cedillo crusades on the behalf of the undocumented, continues with his California version of the Dream Act.

** Will Governor Moonbeam II get any republican support for his plans to raise taxes for the next five years?

** Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez can't break those bad political habits regarding gifts. This time to prison officials.

** Shout out to Michael Trujillo, guess who finally took the Lt. Governor's "Oath of Office"?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

OUTRAGE! SCHWARZENEGGER COMMUTES SENTENCE OF ESTEBAN NUNEZ

Esteban Nunez in happier times at a wedding with his family
including Michael Trujillo's svengali, Antonio "Uncle
Tony" Villaraigosa who said Esteban is a "Good boy."

As the crap-inator is about to leave office in just a few hours, he used his powers to commute the sentence of convicted murderer Esteban Nunez, the son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian "Gucci" Nunez.

According to the LA Times' the elder Nunez and Schwarzenegger "grew closer" over the issue of global warming.

It's nice to see that regardless of race, rank has it's privilege.  How many poor Latino kids sitting in prison in similar circumstances whose fathers are not former Assembly Speakers would get the same kind of consideration? That's not to even mention kids like Jeremy Marks who went to prison for no reason.

Unbelievable.  This actually makes me look forward to Jerry Brown taking over.

Guilty!

From The San Diego Union-Tribune

SAN DIEGO COURTS — The son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and another young man pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter today for the stabbing death of a college student on the San Diego State University campus.

Remember, Esteban was the one that Mayor Villaraigosa said was a "good boy."

Cut and Paste Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Thursday

"Mayor Antonio Parkervillar expresses his disdain of Neighborhood Councils"

Today is Neighborhood Council Election Day!!

Neighborhood Councils in Region G (in the Northeast and Eastside of the city), are up for grabs today. The Eastern Group Publications has done yeoman work in listing the neighborhood councils and their respective polling locations, that are being contested. We provide brief comments in bold.

Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council There are 12 certified and two write-in candidates running for 19 seats on the council that represents Mt Washington, Hermon, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, and Sycamore Grove. Polling is at Ramona Hall (lobby) 4580 N. Figueroa St., LA 90065. (Friends of the Southwest Museum's Ann Walnum and her co-horts deserve another term).

Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council 25 certified and four write-in candidates are running for 35 seats on the council that represents the northwest, northeast, southeast and southwest regions of Boyle Heights. Polling is at the Hollenbeck Recreation Center (Boyle Heights Room), 415 South Saint Louis St., LA 90033.( "Battle of the BH Barrio Titans": Its Parkervillar/ Huizar crony Sal Martinez vs. Mayor Sam Friend Jose Aguilar for BHNC President).

Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council There are 10 certified candidates and one write-in candidate running for one of 18 seats on the council that represents eight districts. Polling is at the Eagle Rock City Hall (Community Room) 2035 Colorado Blvd. LA 90041. (Any Huizar staffers, both ex. and current, running for seats on this NC?)

Glassell Park Neighborhood Council There are 9 certified and two write-in candidates running the 15 seats on the council that represents seven regions. Polling is at the Glassell Park Community/Senior Center (Conference Room 2), 3750 North Verdugo Rd., LA 90065. ( "Bradley", Tony and Paula want to continue their "hillside crusade")

Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council There are three certified and five write-in candidates running for one of 15 positions. Polling is at the Cypress Park Recreation Center (Auditorium) 2630 Pepper Ave., LA 90065. ( What ever happen to former Prez Art Pulido?)

Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council There are 15 certified and three write-in candidates running for 21 positions. Polling is at the Highland Park Recreation Center (Dining Room), 6150 Piedmont Ave., LA 90042. ( Do the victors in this race, get to spend $$$$ on local restaurants?) ** Franklin High School students are organizing a unofficial write-in campaign for vacant seats in this election.

LA- 32 (El Sereno) Neighborhood Council There are 17 certified and no write-in candidates running to hold one of 21 positions that represent 4 regions. Polling is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Sereno Senior Center (Lobby/Music Room) 418 Klamath Place, LA 90032. (No word on whether Marcos Aguilar and outgoing Presidente Hugo Garcia, will bless these elections with an Aztec Sacrifice).

Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council There are 28 certified and 3 write-in candidates running for 26 positions that represent 7 regions. Polling is at the Lincoln Park Recreation Center (Senior Room), 3501 Valley Blvd., LA 90031. ( Its the grass-roots movement of "Club Lincoln" against the old-guard elitists "Action Slate")

Historic Cultural Neighborhood Council. Polling is at Pico House within the "El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Area". (Vote for Tenants Rights at El Pueblo!!)

Elysian Valley Riverside Neighborhood Council. Polling will take place on Friday April 29, 2010 at Elysian Valley Recreation Center. ( What about renaming this NC the "Frogtown NC"??)

** BTW, if anyone of these NC's is looking for voters, they may want to contact San Pedro's Doug Epperhart. You may remember Epperharts "travels" in the 2008 NC Elections, which he became "Mr. Stakeholder to all".

OTHER NEWS:

** Business as usual at 200 Spring Street. Billionaire and "shadow Mayor" Eli "Lord" Broad has a home for his "museum to self" on Bunker Hill and one can't beat the rent rates that "Lord Broad's political underlings" bestowed upon him, $1.00 per year. A just rent befitting a "Angelino Lord".

** The murder trial for former State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez's son is set to begin soon in San Diego. LA Weekly's Christine Pelizek has the background on the upcoming legal proceedings.

** Tick, tick, tick, ............, is the looming unfunded pension time bomb, getting closer to exploding in a town near you.

** What would my "Bloggin Friend Joe B." say if the nation-wide Tea Party Movement was Black?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Afternoon Briefs on Politics, Money, Spin and Innuendos.

"Paul Krekorian can breathe easier when you see this photo"

Politics always first:

Excuse the momentary diversion from our local "three ring political circus" at 200 Spring Street, to give these brief summaries on yesterday's events. The two regional fishwraps that comprise local print coverage, the Westside's "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street" and the Valley's own "Moldy Green Sheet" give their respective takes on yesterday's outcomes. Newsbusters blog takes the Times to task for this headline that surely was crafted for their base readership.

In Sacramento, Governor Arnold "Kennedy Republican" Schwartzenegger has a decision to make on replacing Lt. Governor John Garamendi, this after Garamendi's win in the vacant Tenth Congressional District Special Election. Speculation is rampant that none other than "Huggy Boy" and former democratic State Speaker Bob Hertzberg, is being strongly consider for the now vacant Lt. Governor position. Governor candidate Meg Whitman's spending is causing consternation for some and another GOP businesswomen, former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Carly Fiorina has formally announce her run for the U.S. Senate this morning at a news conference in Garden Grove. Here is hoping that the "reign of Senator Barbara Boxer" ends in 2010.

Following the money:

MTA money will not be thankfully heading to Italian light rail car manufacturer AnsaldoBreda, who cars have weight, price and political connection issues. Former Richard Roirdan Deputy Mayor Alfred Villalobos has found the "$53,000,000 dollar pot of pension funds at the end of the CalPERs rainbow", learn how his middle-man dealings are casting light on "Pensiongate 09". OurLA.org picks up on the $9,000,000 payoff to the Councilman Jose Huizar's campaign contributor who owned Elephant Hill in El Sereno.

Then there is the former "Official State Wine Taster" and when he was not imbibing the "finer ghetto birds of the world", State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. Former Nunez "spincrafter" Steve "Moo Boy" Maviglio remains loyal to his former boss with this post at Majority Report regarding the FPPC's decision that Nunez's spending excesses were not illegal. But the Los Angeles Times, while agreeing with the FPPC's decision , rains on Nunez' "day of vindication" with this damning editorial

Spinning the selection of the new LAPD Chief:

Here is the spin regarding the selection of Deputy Chief Charlie Beck. From the "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street. Tim Rutten, the editorial board, and the newsroom staff, on the other side of the "mystical wall of separation", penned their respective missives/opinions on the selection of Beck.

Tim Rutten's fellow progressive Celeste Fremon at Witness LA, has great admiration for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's choice for LA's top cop.

Then spinning the Valley's perspective on Mayor Villaraigosa's selection, the Daily News "hails the selection of Deputy Chief Charlie Beck.

NEWLY nominated LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was reportedly former Chief William Bratton's hand-picked successor. One can only assume he was chosen because Bratton felt Beck was the man best able to continue the transformation of the department.

Amazing how some stumble into the truth on occasions........

....and we end with political innuendos and their "local" consenquences:

Former Assemblyman Michael Duvall of Yorba Linda will not face any federal charges after an FBI investigation into his comments, made over an open microphone, that he had a sexual relationship with a woman who was believed to be a Sempra Energy lobbyist, officials announced Monday, as the LA Times reports.

It seems that Duvall's recorded comments, which can consider as "explicted jock talk" , were only talk. Agreeing with that accessment, Sempra Energy has reinstated lobbyist Heidi Barsuglia, pictured above with Assembly Ethics Committee Co-Chair/CD 2 City Council Candidate Paul Krekorian, she issue this statement.

"This experience has been a professional and personal nightmare. I did nothing whatsoever illegal or unethical with former Assemblyman Duvall or anyone else."

Krekorian, as Capital Alert reported on October 5, 2009, continue with his investigation of Duvall, despite a decision by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass to pull the plug.

Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Burbank, said Friday that he wants to be "crystal clear" about the committee's legal authority before he throws in the towel on probing Duvall's behavior.

Bass quickly ordered the ethics committee to investigate Duvall when the matter surfaced last month (September), but she dropped the idea Friday after state attorneys concluded that Duvall's resignation ended the Assembly's jurisdiction. Bass said the ethics committee should focus now on "additional safeguards" to ensure that future contacts between lawmakers and lobbyists "remain totally aboveboard."

Krekorian does not dispute that the Assembly lacks authority to punish a member after resignation. But the ethics committee may want to probe Duvall's behavior, nonetheless, as it devises the safeguards sought by Bass, he said.

"As far as I'm concerned, part of that exploration (of safeguards) will also involve what the limits of our legal authority are to investigate this particular incident," Krekorian said Friday.

Bass has set no deadline for receiving recommendations for new safeguards, Krekorian said.

Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, a Redlands Republican who chairs the committee with Krekorian, characterized the Duvall incident as a "human tragedy" but said he sees no reason to continue pushing for an Assembly investigation.

For Sempra Lobbyist Heidi Barsuglia, it can be said that she was victimize twice in this sad saga. First, by a foul mouth purveyor of sexist, jock talk. Then second, by an overzealous partisan crusader who's sole intent was to maximize the political benefits that could be harvested from this sad affair.

This blogger sole reason for highlighting the above story is as follow, in light of Krekorian's evasive behavior that ran counter to the nervous demeaner exhibited by Chris Essel, during KRLA's Kevin James CD 2 Special Election Debate last Friday. It is paramount that CD 2 Candidate Krekorian's past behavior in his current position as an assemblyman, be noted so that voters can make an inform decision regarding the future of CD 2 and the City of Los Angeles.

** In the spirit of objectivity, let me post this from those leftie progressives at the Calitics Blog.Did Chris Essel's campaign circumvent campaign finance laws in Council District 2? This should provide some "clickety clicks" of comments.

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

"Green Hypocrisy" from the Likes of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, DWP, Former Speaker Fabian Nunez, Cindy Montanez and the Sierra Club

"Green Falsehoods and Green Payouts, from and to, Friends of Villaraigosa"

Sadly for true conservationists, today's story in the Los Angeles Times reminds us how preservation of our natural world, has been co-oped by the "Eco-left". Those, who's leftist, anti-business agenda is masked by a progressive ecological agenda.

The likes of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, State Senator Fran Pavley, the Sierra Club and other members of the "Eco Labor Left" tout their green creed with legislation such as AB-32 which is suppose to reduce our state's "Carbon Footprint" but is in really, producing mass "footprints" of businesses leaving California.

Who can blame our state's business community for wanting to escape "carbon offset accessments" which are based upon some dubious science theory, that hijacks the concept of "Natural Climate Change" and spins it into industrial caused, "Global Warming" ??

And with the DWP, the Nation's Largest Public Utility, now wanting to spend our utility payments on the likes of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and former Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez to help DWP lobbyists in the quest of lowering our "Cap and Trade" cost. I propose that Mayor Villaraigosa, Speaker Nunez, Montanez and their allies on the "Eco-left" come forward and state the following.

THAT THE AB-32 "CAP AND TRADE PROGRAM" IS A BUSINESS KILLING SCAM, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

And with the likes of Fabian Nunez and Cindy Montanez, who are endorsed and honored by the Sierra Club's Angeles Chapter for their environmental and political leadership. They have a "green cover" to insulate them in helping the DWP, usurp the very legislation they championed in their previous political incarnation.

Then there is this, name the DWP's Human Resources Director, who's job is to create the job discriptions for the likes of Nunez and Montanez ??

That would be Susana Reyes, who is in her private time, the Los Angeles County Co-Political Director for the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club.

And one wonders why there is a growing backlash against "Global Warming".

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

Creation of a "Connected Non-Profit" and the "Pimping" of Public Facilities, Part One

"Connected one gains access to Public Facility"

Many activists throughout the city are up in arms over the role of "connected non-profits" in the body politics.

While most private non-profits operate in an positive ethical manner and do good in the communities they serve, there are a "connected few" that are created for benefiting the friends, cronies and the political desires of the local politicos, can one remember Fabian Nunez's favorite, "A Collective SPACE" ??

Above is one of many e-mails that are making the rounds that chronicle the outright giveaway of public property to the latest "connected non-profit", Legacy LA.

In reading the above e-mail, one can see the corporation between Jenny Krusoe and the office of Councilman Jose Huizar as they "push" to get entry to facility.

One would of not want to have been Recreation and Park's Gary Baer as he attempts to state that there were other worthwhile organizations that wanted a chance to tour the facility and give proposals on possible use, while not knowing that Krusoe had the backing of both Mayor Villaraigosa and Councilman Huizar.

.....and in the days ahead more on the creation of the newest "connected non-profit" and the consequences on the community and ethics in City Hall.

Your thoughts.

****Some recent "contributions" from CD-14 Non-Profit Heads and others.

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

06/27/08 Oswaldo Lopez (Exec. Director, L.A. Youth Opportunity Movement, City of Los Angeles) Los Angeles, CA 90032 Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor 1305101 - Antonio R. Villaraigosa for Mayor 2009 A - Monetary Contribution Received (IND - Individual) [Period: 01/01/08-06/30/08] $1,000.00

06/23/08 Sandra L. Figueroa Villa (Social Services Administrator, El Centro del Pueblo) Los Angeles, CA 90041 Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor 1305101 - Antonio R. Villaraigosa for Mayor 2009 A - Monetary Contribution Received (IND - Individual) [Period: 01/01/08-06/30/08] $1,000.00

Morning Briefs and Outtakes on the Local Political News

"ALL IN THE LOCAL POLITICAL FAMILIA"

Meet the familia that doubles as the local political machine in Los Angeles.

And when the mijos or mijas of machine members get in trouble like "Lil Fabian", Esteban Nunez and his "Hazard Crew Homies", what actions do the elders of the "familia" undertake in protecting their own ??

Letters and more letters, as LA Weekly Christine Pelisek reports in her extensive article, "Esteban Nunez Case: Bad Little Suburban Boys". , and their results ??

Lawyering up with top firepower worked well. A week later, on December 9, though it shocked Santos’ friends and family, Judge Szumowski reduced bail from $2 million to $1 million for all the men — after dozens of character letters seeking leniency arrived at the court.

While not uncommon in murder cases, these particular letters really stood out. They came from union honchos, California politicos and high-powered friends of Fabian Núñez, including Villaraigosa, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, former and current California Assembly members Dario Frommer and Kevin De Leon, and many others.

“In my heart, I know Esteban Núñez as a young man of good and upright character,” wrote Villaraigosa. Assemblyman De Leon described Núñez as “considerate, gentle and well-mannered.” Labor honcho Durazo wrote that young Núñez “took responsibility by working” at a grocery store. “Going to college showed me that he was preparing for his future. He didn’t take anything for granted.”

Núñez “is a nonviolent, sweet young man” who “has stayed in school and perseveres on,” wrote Tracy Campbell of the California Hospital Association — a close associate of Esteban Núñez’ high-powered mom.

Even Corina Villaraigosa, the mayor’s publicity-shy ex-wife, weighed in. “I know that Esteban is in school and working toward a bachelor’s degree.”

One can grasp the power of written spin, errrr, written testimonials.

City O.K.'s 7 Billion Dollar Budget, for now.

City Council members unanimously approved a $7.01 billion budget on Wednesday but warned that spending could be cut if city unions fail to make concessions and if the state takes local money to fix its own financial mess.

The budget calls for some 2,000 layoffs, scales back many city programs and essentially slices about 15 percent, on average, from every city department.

As Rick Orlov reports, this not a done deal, but the unions should ask the mayor why non-profits are being given city money to undertake tasks that the likes of Recreation and Parks have done in the past..., see Legacy LA.

Councilman Parks and Zine, Mayor shouldn't control Pension Boards.

Responding to investigations of public pension systems across the country, two members of the Los Angeles City Council called Wednesday for a reduction in Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's power to pick pension board members.

Councilmen Dennis Zine and Bernard C. Parks said no single politician should be able to control a board majority at both the Los Angeles City Employees' Retirement System and Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions -- agencies that invest billions of dollars on behalf of retired public employees.

Note to Zine and Parks, This is yours and the other 12 clowns, (minus Mayor Papi's "Lil Mijo" in CD-14), time to reassert control over the Mayor's politicalization of various city departments.

Teacher starts hunger strike to protest.

A group of teachers and community activists started a hunger strike Wednesday in protest of the Los Angeles Unified School District's plan to lay off thousands of teachers.

At least nine teachers and two activists are participating in the action, said Sean Leys, a Lincoln High School teacher.

What you know!! a rare teachable moment in LAUSD on dieting, advocating and not teaching at the same time.

"Landslide Koretz" still not "Councilman Koretz".

As of Tuesday, Koretz led challenger David "Ty" Vahedi by 702 votes, winning 18,286 in last week's election compared to Vahedi's 17,584 in the 5th Council District race.

Koretz, a former state assemblyman, sent an e-mail to supporters shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, saying that 100 votes were left to count and that he could safely call himself the winner.

However, Los Angeles County election officials said his declaration of victory was premature. The Registrar's Office estimates that 500 to 1,000 ballots remain uncounted. Those include 100 damaged ballots, with the remainder being uncounted mail-in or provisional ballots.

Wow, no comment or mutterings from the "Progressive Viking of Spin" ??

Your thoughts........

And Justice for Some

If you're a 19 year old charged with a heinous murder how can you get your bail reduced and be released from jail?

Hope that your father is a well connected former Speaker of the California Assembly and that his powerful friends write letters on your behalf to the judge.

That's what happened, according to the LA Times Hector Tobar who said that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines and Assemblyman Kevin DeLeon were among those who wrote letters to Judge David Szumowski urging the jurist to go easy on Esteban Nunez, son of recently deposed Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

Nunez was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of the murder of a San Diego college student back in October.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines and Assemblyman Kevin DeLeon were among those who wrote letters to Judge David Szumowski seeking special treatment for Esteban.

In the testimonial Mayor Villaraigosa wrote for the younger Nunez on City letterhead he told the judge "In my heart, I know Esteban Nuñez as a young man of good and upright character." Amazingly Vlines apparently doesn't even know the younger Nunez and based his vouchment on his own perception of the former Speaker's character.

Tobar posits that without the high powered help Esteban could have sat for up to a year in County Jail while his trial was prepared to go to court.

And who says we don't have two systems of justice?

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Wednesday

Tuesday a judge reduced the bail for jailed suspected murder Esteban Nunez, son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, from $2 million to $1 million. Reports at press time are that Nunez has raised the bail and has been released.

After a bungled attempt last week by School Board President Monica Garcia to oust Superintendent David Brewer the LAUSD Board of Education voted 5-2 Tuesday to buy out the remaining term of his contract, for about half a million dollars. Brewer told reporters earlier Tuesday that he believed racism was behind his termination.

As reported by Joe B.on Mayor Sam Tuesday, the retail hardware giant Home Depot has revived a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the City to allow the Atlanta based firm to open a controversial branch in the foothill community of Sunland-Tujunga. Interesting comments from readers of the trendy real estate blog CurbedLA who don't apparently understand why residents of Sunland-Tujunga don't want this store forced on them.

Mayor Villaraigosa joined with mayors from other big cities nationwide asking President-Elect Obama for major infusions of Federal cash for "infrastructure" projects. Would that include things like Grand Avenue or LA Live? How about properly spending the money you collect already and you would have sufficient funds for basic needs. President-Elect Obama - watch out for these shady guys!

When times are tough here at home, Sheriff Lee Baca has a goofy idea to send 350 LA County Deputy Sheriffs to provide security at the inaguration of Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. next month. It appears that at least a portion of the expense would be borne by LA County leading Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Mike Antonovich to question the wisdom of such a move.

LA CityWatch reports that the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition has re-elected President Leonard Shaffer over Mid-Town North Hollywod Neighborhood Council member Gary Barrata by "a lopsided vote" at their election meeting on Saturday.

Report: Esteban Nunez Released From Jail

Esteban Nunez, the 19 year old son of immediate past California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, who was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of the murder of a San Diego college student, has been released from jail following the posting of bail by his family, according to a blog run by the news department at San Diego Channel 10.

A search in the San Diego County Sheriff's database shows that Nunez (by using his booking number) is not being held as of 7:30 Tuesday evening.

Earlier in the day a judge reduced by half Nunez's $2 million bail.

So apparently it is still true that we have two systems of justice one for those who have privilege and power and one for those who don't.

But remember - as the Mayor says  - Esteban is a "good boy."

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Monday

Piece in the fishwrap of record celebrates the six year reign of LAPD Chief William Bratton.  With crime significantly down over his term obserevers speculate what is Bratton's next act; will he move on to another role.  Bratton isn't saying and claims he loves LA. 

Though some unions and a handful of community activists oppose the expansion of Holy Cross Hospital in the North San Fernando Valley a broad coalition of hospital leaders, health care professionals, community and business leaders made an impassioned plea before the City Council on Friday to put a stop to a requirement for an environmental impact report that will delay construction of the much needed facilities further.  Councilman Richard Alarcon, in whose district the hospital is located, favors the EIR.

Tim Rutten writing in the LA Times calls for the City to step in and take over the beleagured Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown Los Angeles.  Among other reasons, Rutten's reasoning is that the Museum rents facilities from the City.  Fair enough, however the City should not be in the museum business.  If there is sufficient support from the public for the museum it will survive; the City should require the museum to purchase the facility or at least pay fair market rent for it. 

Blogger Amber Moon is the latest to join the chorus to condemn Mayor Villaraigosa's less than outraged reaction to the arrest of  former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez's son Esteban on suspicion of murder. Following the arrest Villaraigosa released a statement remarking that Esteban was a good boy and lacking an expression of shock over the murder nor remorse for the victim.

We talk a lot about the rough and tumble of City of Los Angeles politics but often times there is often even more excitement going on in the smaller cities surrounding  LA.  Final votes have been certified and controversial City of Commerce Council Member Tina Del Rio was recalled from her seat by a mere 35 vote margin.  Elected to replace Del Rio is former Commerce Council Member and Mayor Lela Leon, who has been active in Commerce politics and community affairs for several years.

A City Council committee is considering a plan that would force owners of apartment properties who wish to sell their investments to offer a first right of refusal to existing tenants who could work to purchase the property or even sell their "right" on the open market for cash.  This would have a chilling effect on investment in housing; including many small rental properties that are owned by individuals, many of them who use them for retirement income.

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.