Breaking News!! CD 7 Clowncilman Fuentes ** Ousts Sunland-Tujunga NC from Longtime Meeting Location

BREAKING NEWS!!! CD 7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes allegedly evicts Sunland-Tujunga NC from longtime Meeting Location

Member of the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine, CD 7 Clowncilman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes.

** Blogger's Note: We received the following from longtime San Fernando Valley Businessman, Activist and former CD 2 City Council Candidate Frank Sheftel, regarding the (now-confirmed) actions of CD 7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes, against the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. At this time, we are seeking verification (it did) whether this has taken place and will post an update when more information is forthcoming Update: We made a phone call to Fuente's City Hall Office (213) 473-7007 and the young lady took down this blogger's contact info for a returned call (1:40 PM) ** Evening Update: This has been confirmed by a STNC Member---Scott Johnson.

From Frank Sheftel's Facebook Page

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

MayorSam on the Air!

Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., I'll be guest co-hosting with Frank Sheftel on LATalkRadio.com on his Frank Talk program.

Our guests include Mel Tillekeratne, Founder and Leader of the Monday Night Mission. Tillekeratne is leading a campaign entitled "Mitch O'Farrell's War On The Poor" protesting an LA City Council motion supported by O'Farrell which looks to ban feeding homeless people in public spaces. Progressive human rights organizations and evangelical Christian groups who provide services to homeless and poverty stricken individuals have formed an unlikely coalition over the matter.

Also joining us will be Steven Vincent and Jay Beeber of the Los Angeles Parking Freedom Initiative, a citizen movement to sponsor a municipal ballot initiative to rectify the abuses of the current parking enforcement policy in Los Angeles.

We'll be discussing other news items of the week and perhaps taking your phone calls at 818.324.0815.

You can listen live on your computer at www.latalkradio.com or on a mobile device via the LATalkRadio iPhone app, the LATalkRadio Android app or the TuneInRadio app (for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry or Amazon Kindle).

I'm On The Radio Again!

Back behind the mic again as I take the reins of "Frank and Tai Talk" on LATalkRadio on Sunday, September 8th at 4:00 p.m. PDT. Frank Sheftel and Tai Babalonia are "on assignment."

I will be talking about the news of the day. And I will be interviewing local writer, Joseph Mailander, about his new book, Days Change at Night: Notes on LA's Decade of Decline, 2003-2013 and other topics of note.

We'll also take your calls at 1-323-203-0815.

Joseph Mailander

The show is brought to you by The Thalians Charity for Mental Health, the El Portal Theatre in NoHo and TLC Eldercare and Collective.

You can listen at www.latalkradio.com or download the Android LATalkRadio app at the Google Play Store or the iPhone App Store or use TuneInRadio for BlackBerry users.

See you on the radio!

We're on the Radio Sunday Afternoon!

Back behind the mic again as I take the reins of "Frank and Tai Talk" on LATalkRadio on Sunday, June 9th at 4:00 p.m. PDT. Frank Sheftel and Tai Babalonia are "on assignment."

Joining me as co-host is the ever lovely Suzanne Lauer.

We'll be talking about the Mayor Villaraigosa goodbye party, the Santa Monica shooting spree, the NSA Verizon scandal and several other political and pop culture topics.

We'll also take your calls at 1-323-203-0815.

The show is brought to you by The Thalians Charity for Mental Health, the El Portal Theatre in NoHo and TLC Eldercare and Collective.

You can listen at www.latalkradio.com or download the Android LATalkRadio app at the Google Play Store or the iPhone App Store or use TuneInRadio for BlackBerry users.

See you on the radio!

Speaking Frankly

It's been a while since we've introduced any new blogging burros to the line up here at MayorSam, but it's about time we did and this is a good one.

Today we announce Frank Sheftel joins us as a contributor to the blog.

Frank Sheftel is a native of Hollywood California. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, attending Grant High School and L.A.Valley College. His family has been in the Candy Business for two generations and owns The Candy Factory in North Hollywood for 35 years. He is known as the Candymaker to The Stars.

Frank has been involved in the political arena of L.A. Including running for City Council and advocating for Valley City-hood. Frank has served on the Board of the Thalians, a charity headed by Debbie Reynolds and Ruta Lee, devoted to Mental Health Issues.

Frank also writes a monthly column in the Tolucan Times. The Candy Factory is currently in development of a reality show featuring The entire Sheftel Family including Frank and his parents, sister and niece. Documenting their adventures as Hollywood Chocolatiers. Frank is heard weekly on LATalkRadio on his new talk show, Frank Talk, airing Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

On the Radio Show Tonight...

It's the fastest 50 minutes in radio! Join hosts David Hernandez, Frank Sheftel and Michael Higby for LiveLASaturdayNight, every Saturday night at 8:00 pm PT for the latest news in politics and pop culture and some of the most interesting guests, ever!

Tonight's guest, Rona Barrett is one of the best known pioneers and innovators in entertainment reporting and publishing. She developed the first in-depth personal TV specials about the celebrities of film, television, music, sports and politics, and published a series of magazines on the entertainment industry for consumers and for industry insiders, including Rona Barrett’s Hollywood.

Rona joins us on LiveLASaturdayNight, this Saturday, August 20th, 2011 at 8pm on LATalkRadio.com, Channel 1. Tell your friends!

Happy 50th Birthday, Frank Sheftel!

Yes indeed, it is ironic that Frank Sheftel was born on 4-20.

LaBonge Goes All High School

The day prior to what could be the biggest election of his political career always controversial and never boring Councilman Tom LaBonge finds himself in a minor brouhaha.

He has unfriended local businessman, activist and talkradio host Frank Sheftel on LaBonge's Facebook page.

LaBonge, who is known for starting off introductions asking individuals "What high school did you you go to?" has been at odds with Sheftel in the past over various issues in the District but, according to Sheftel, they have had an amicable working relationship over the years.

Read more »

Magically Delicious! Tomas O'Grady on the Air Tonight!

Los Angeles City Council Candidate for the Fourth District, Tomas O'Grady joins David, Frank and myself this evening on Live LA Saturday Night on LATalkRadio.  

O'Grady, whose life adventure has taken him from the farms of western Ireland to Los Feliz, is seeking to best longtime controversial incumbent (and another Irishman) Tom LaBonge.

Also on the show, as always, from Jackass 3D, comedian Rip Taylor.

Listen tonight at 8:00 p.m.  Call with your questions live at 323-203-0815, or post them here.

Rudy on the Air

CD14 Council Candidate Rudy Martinez will join us tonight, in studio live at 8:00 PM PST on Live LA Saturday Night with David Hernandez, Frank Sheftel and myself on LATalkRadio.com.

Also on the show will be comedian Rip Taylor and West Hollywood City Council candidate, Scott Olin Schmidt.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Calling into the LiveLA Saturday Night talkradio program, MayorSam blogger Joe B. told David Hernandez, Frank Sheftel and myself that a Christmas tree lot that has opened up on the site of a former K-Mart in Sunland-Tujunga is secretly operated by Home Depot, who most of you remember, were booted out of the community following a successful campaign by residents.  While no one begrudges a legal business (certainly a Christmas tree lot) on land leased or owned by a particular organization the reward for Home Depot in this instance certainly can not be commensurate with the risk.  This blog documented for years the continual stupidity let alone near evil this hardware chain did in that community.  Like a crack addict wanting one more fix; they're back. This really doesn't help them any.  We suggest if you are to buy a Christmas tree you purchase it from lots run by non-profit organization, churches, youth groups, etc.

Read more »

Frank Sheftel Drops Out of CD4 Race

The popular owner of The Candy Factory , the Toluca Lake Collective , BFF of Rip Taylor, and former roommate of Chaka Khan, announced tonight on LA Talk Radio that he is withdrawing from the race for CD4 against incumbent Tom LaBonge. Mr. Sheftel cited his potential litigation against the city as his reason for pulling out from the race.

In related news, Stephen Box and Tom LaBonge are the only two contenders for the CD4 council seat that have actually qualified as candidates. The deadline to submit petitions is Dec 8.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Due to official concerns over potential protests over new extremely invasive TSA policies Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa subjected himself to the new porno scanners at LAX saying "Let me be clear: My job is to make the airport as safe as possible for all of those passengers.'' We're not sure whose job is to make LA safe for female journalists.

Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

The biggest threat to the LA oligarchy since Tom Bradley busted up the Committee of 25, Rudy Martinez, has opened his first campaign office.



Read more »

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

The Colfax Bridge project in Studio City is dragging on much to the chagrin of locals in the South Valley.  Yet what's afoot that could even further delay completion of the replacement bridge? Dangerous enemy of free movement Lisa Sarkin, Land Use Chair of the Studio City Neighborhood Council, is pushing for  halt to construction on Saturdays.

Paul Krekorian announces for re-election.



Read more »

JoeB and Mayor Sam on the Air

JoeB joins us tonight on Live LA Saturday Night with David Hernandez and Frank Sheftel at 8:00 p.m. PDT on LATalkRadio.com Channel One.

We'll be discussing the upcoming state and national elections with our own votes on each of the propositions on the California ballot.

Certainly no one will agree with anyone.  Join us live, call in number is 323.203.0815.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Over 125 medical marijuana dispensaries filed for permits under the City's new get tough law.  However only 41 of those shops met the criteria in the City's view to qualify. Joseph Mailander's favorite assistant City Attorney told the Daily News "We were surprised more did not meet the standards."  The City may have set itself up for a war with the pot shops' operators however as San Fernando Valley activist/businessman Frank Sheftel, operator of the Toluca Lake Collective, said "The City Clerk gave no reasons for why they deemed someone eligible or ineligible. They are opening themselves to a floodgate of lawsuits."

Curbed LA reports that Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency Chief of Operations Glenn Wasserman has resigned.  This follows the replacement of former chief Cecilia Estolano by former CD 2 Candidate Christine Essel.

Read more »

Guest List for Live LA Saturday Night

Just a reminder tonight at 8pm I'm filling in for David Hernandez on Live LA Saturday Night.  Listen online live here (or download podcasts the day after).

Guests tonight include legendary comedian and star of the coming soon Jackass 3D Rip Taylor, political consultant John Thomas discussing Clean Sweep LA and the local scene and fresh off an appearance on Fox News and live from Tahoe, Paul Hatfield discussing the Grim Sleeper killer's pension and other topics.  It's the fastest 50 minutes in radio!

Mayor Sam on the Air

I'll be guest sidekicking on Live LA Saturday Night tomorrow night (Saturday) at 8:00 pm with Frank Sheftel, filling in for the vacationing David Hernandez.  Yes it's internet radio but it's a lot of fun with regular guest Rip Taylor and whatever else Frank has up his sleeve.  Maybe one of our dum dums will even call in.  Listen online live here (or download podcasts the day after)

Bong the Vote

One of our readers says that the medical marijuana community is coming out strong for candidate Frank Sheftel.  We've found at least some evidence of that at 420 Magazine where a commenter says the following:

"What really catches my fancy is that Frank Sheftel has been a strong voice for services for the valley that benefit the people who live there AND he’s nbeen an educated  advocate on the medical marijuana issues that LA County has faced for the past several years.  We need someone who has this experience and viewpoint on the City Council.  Because heck, as far as I can see, the City Council is slowly but surely eroding and crushing all the rights voters have endorsed to have safe access to medical marijuana dispensaries."

No stems or seeds!

I predict that Sheftel will be very strong in Valley Village and should hit 4th - 6th place depending how the rest of the chips fall.

But again, I could be wrong.