Legendary Political Consultant Joe Cerrell dead at 75

Progressive Democrat, Legendary Political Consultant, Longtime City Hall Lobbyist Joe Cerrell dead at 75.

Tributes are lighting up the California political cybersphere, in the wake of the death of Legendary Political Consultant Joe Cerrell at the age of 75, of complications related to pnuemonia. This blogger will remember Cerrell's insightful discussions on the local, state and national political landscape, with the likes of the late great radio and television broadcaster George Putnam, on many a election night via KTTV now Fox News 11, with veteran reporter Tony Valdez moderating.

We received this statement from the office of CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian, who was a former student of Cerrell at USC.

LOS ANGELES – Following the passing of Joe Cerrell Thursday, Councilmember Paul Krekorian released the following statement. Joe passed away at St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo following complications related to pneumonia. He was 75.

“Joe Cerrell was a friend and inspiration to me for more than 30 years, and I will miss him dearly,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “When I was an 18-year-old student at USC, Joe was my professor and my mentor. When I restarted the first USC Trojan Democratic Club in many years, and served as its president, Joe was my guide, helping to impart the lessons community empowerment that have been the cornerstone of my public service career. Joe was the dean of political consultants and personified honest, ethical and responsible campaigning. While I am deeply saddened to lose Joe, I know that his influence on me and everyone whose lives he touched will never be forgotten and will be his lasting legacy.”

Our prayers go out to the Cerrell Family.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Public memorial service set for George Putnam

A public memorial service for pioneering television news anchorman George Putnam, who died Sept. 12 at age 94, will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Jeffers' estate, 1823 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge.

So Long George

Mayor Sam Yorty (the real one) and George Putnam in 1994

We didn't mention the passing Friday of legendary broadcaster George Putnam at the age of 94 of heart failure.  Putnam's career lasted nearly 75 years and spanned from the eras from Walter Winchell to Bill O'Reilly.

George had a long career in both radio and television having anchored the news for years in Los Angeles on most of the local independent stations.  Following his "retirement" from television, Putnam hosted a daily radio talk show, first on KIEV (now KRLA) and later on Cable Radio Network until just a few months before his death.  George was also a regular fixture in the Tournament of Roses Parade, riding his horse, until his horse passed away and George felt too old to train a new horse.

I once had the opportunity to meet George, albeit in an awkward way.  In the early 80s, George hosted his radio show from a studio in the basement mall below Arco Plaza in Downtown LA.  There was a small public seating area where the audience could watch George interview his guests.  Following the broadcast, I made my way to the men's room and George entered following me.  He said hello and I said "How are you doing George?" He was as friendly and genial as he has been described to me, even in a "private" moment.

George was really neither liberal nor conservative, he was a registered Democrat who was active in the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s but in recent years opposed both illegal immigration and the Bush administration.  He was really the last of the good guys and will be sorely missed.