Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Do the CD 14 Political Papi and Mijo Duo of former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar and current City Clowncil Central Committee Member Jose "The Tonto Huevon" Huizar deserve another Political Tomorrow? 

Do CD 14, City of LA and California voters want a continuation of the ethically-challenged Pay to Play Politics personified by the "Political Papi and Mijo Duo" of former Failure Mayor Antonio Villar and the self-noting Princeton Graduate?

Read more »

Bedtime Snack from your Uncle Sam

Happenings around the LA political world to chew on before you go to bed...just about every one of these stories constitutes billable work for Political Consultant/Private Citizen John Shallman.

Greg NOT Greig

City Attorney candidate Mike Feuer wants you to remember that opponent Greg Smith is not Greig Smith, former Councilman. So he has sent out a mailer. No matter. The only two names you'll need to know come the general election is Smith and Trutanich.

Clinging to her Mayoral campaign, Wendy Greuel, in a Bob Dole move, sends a piece to mailboxes accusing fellow candidates Eric Garcetti and Jan Perry of lying about her record. Next thing she'll be telling us she paid for the microphone.

Jan Perry puts out a mailer with Wendy Greuel's Republican voter registration. Wendy shoots back with a photo of the pixie at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. It was probably shot right after this great moment for LA Democrats:

A big day in endorsements for Wendy Greuel. First, she got the nod from Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, best known for her "colorful" Christmas cards and alleged affairs with military officers turned lobbyists. Later in the day, Wendy was backed by the far more boring  Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles; the endorsement now raising significant concerns with tenant and affordable housing advocates.

Hey, Loretta!

Meet Dante Atkins. DailyKos blogger and Democratic Party activist who may be Wendy Greuel's worst nightmare. Atkins is a prolific Tweeter with fairly frequent posts at Twitter hitting hard on Greuel's misdeeds and missteps. Of note, Atkins catches that Wendy's new "Truth Squad" web pages is still claiming the millions of dollars Greuel says her office save the City, yet debunked by the LA Times, and the slimeball move by the Greuel campaign to release the past arrest record of a reporter who made public records requests of the Controller's office.

Familiar with the Hollywood Community Plan? Wendy Greuel was against it before she was for it, most likely the result of a come-to-Jesus sit down with Boss D'Arcy. Former City Planner and hero to low-density activists, Dick Platkin, writes at Ron Kaye why the Plan, based on completely inaccurate data about the expected growth of Los Angeles, is a really bad idea. If adopted citywide, it could lead to massive densification and perhaps high rises in bucolic places like Sunland-Tujunga, Studio City, Valley Village and elsewhere. But Wendy now LOVES it!

We alluded to Wendy's "Truth Squad" (snicker)...LOTS more on that in the coming days.

And finally, if you want a laugh in this election season (and we all need one about now), check out the Twitter page of @eric_garcetti. Nope, not that Eric Garcetti, but a fictionalized version of the District 13 Councilman turned Mayoral candidate who Tweets that "The #ecofriendly future #vegan in me wants 2 say "No" to #tacos de carnitas but the #Latino side of me keeps saying "Si! Si!"" and that "#teamgarcetti has harvested enough rainwater to irrigate every lawn in Studio City today!" This Eric Garcetti not only wants to be your next Mayor but "Your next best friend. Your next everything."

Sweet dreams!

Jan Perry On The Offensive

If you're running against Wendy Greuel, the one simple but powerful message to get voters to your side surrounds rapidly increasing DWP bills.

One the one hand, the public owned utility has been involved in multi-million dollar boondoggles such as the controversial LA River and San Fernando Valley Children's Museum projects. More importantly, rising salaries - creating pay levels higher than any other comparable utility in the nation - have led to water and power charges that are through the roof for ratepayers.

Much of this can easily be laid at the feet of Wendy Greuel, who as a Councilmember and as City Controller has been the recipient of much DWP union largesse and has actively sought to increase salaries and costs.

A recent LA Weekly piece by Gene Maddaus details this perfectly.

All of the candidates for Mayor have pointed this out during the debates and other appearances. But now Jan Perry is taking it to the voters - with a powerful and dramatic new piece "I Sold You Out." Sure, it's got all the usual campaign mailer devices intend to shock and awe, but it's a simple message - and true.  That message is one of the most potent weapons Greuel's opponents can toss out there - easy for voters to understand and free of the wonkishness of the many other fine messes Greuel has gotten herself into over the years.

Jan Perry: If You Like Antonio, You'll Love Wendy!

Mayoral candidate Jan Perry reminds voters of Wendy Gruel's deep ties to Antonio Villaraigosa. Click here for link to full mailer, print them out and send to your friends!


 

Chasing The News Again

Remember us?

It would really be nice if our City Council members were pro-active in chasing down real problems our City is having than coming up with feel-good legislation based on whatever is in the news at the moment.

On the docket:

13-0056
Motion (Perry-Parks) requesting that the Office of Finance, the City's three pension fund systems, and any other City investment entity, report on the feasibility of divestment of any City funds from companies that produce, manufacture, sell, or market assault weapons, high volume ammunition magazines, high caliber ammunition, and related equipment. 

Community Impact Statement: None submitted

Considering that the City's pensions are in huge financial trouble, it might be fiscally negligent to divest these securities, assuming they own them to begin with. Since President Obama has set his sights on the NRA, gun sales have skyrocketed. The stocks of these firms must be through the roof. Now that's a fiscally prudent move for the retirees.

Jan Perry Endorsed by Dave Jones

Candidate for Mayor, Jan Perry, announces endorsement from California State Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones. Perry's statement below:

Los Angeles, Calif. (January 23, 2013) – California’s Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has endorsed Jan Perry’s candidacy for Mayor of Los Angeles. The endorsement comes as Perry’s campaign gains momentum into the March 5 election.

“Jan Perry will bring the type of tenacious leadership Los Angeles needs to make it work for everyone,” said Jones. “Jan is honest, hardworking and has a strong track record of creating jobs, generating new revenues for the city and ensuring her constituents have access to recreational activities and green space.”

Jones was elected California Insurance Commissioner in 2010. Prior to that he served in the California State Assembly from 2004 through 2010, where he chaired the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. In 2008, he was named "Consumer Champion" by the California Consumer Federation; was awarded the "Leadership Award" by the Western Center on Law and Poverty and, Capitol Weekly named Jones California's "most effective legislator" other than the Assembly Speaker and the Senate President Pro Tempore.

“I am proud to receive Dave Jones’ endorsement,” said Perry. “I deeply respect him as a state leader and for his advocacy for the people of California. I feel we share the same values of putting petty politics aside to work toward what is right for the people.”

Curren Price: The Wal-Mart Candidate?

It used to be the way you slammed someone in politics was to call them a communist or perhaps, socialist.

Today, however, there's a new pejorative that's tossed around: Wal-Mart supporter.

That may be one that opponents of State Senator Curren Price are throwing at the elected official, the latest former elected official from another City, currently serving the in the California State Legislature, eyeing the big prize of California politics, a seat on the Los Angeles City Clowncil.

Price is one of several seeking to replace Jan Curry as she leaves the Council hoping to be elected Mayor.

Apparently someone connected to someone who doesn't want to see Price elected to the Council has begun a campaign to note that Price has received several thousand dollars in campaign contributions from the controversial Arkansas based retailer.

And I remember when it was bad if a politician went to a strip club.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

CD 1 City Councilman Ed "Density" Reyes.

Will CD 1 City Councilman Ed "Density" Reyes "give himself in" on the true motive for his new found crusade against the proposed Chinatown "Mini Walmart Supermarket"?

Not content to acquiesce to the Planning Committee decision that would allow the propose market to move forward, "Density Ed" now will take his "Mini Walmart" crusade to the City Council  PLUM Committee. We have no doubt that PLUM members Paul Krekorian and Jose Huizar will join colleague "Density Ed" in moving the "Mini Walmart" crusade to the horseshoe for a floor vote.

That said, we are left to ponder this, why would "Density Ed" rile against the evil "Mini Walmart" while corporate, non union 7 Elevens are replacing community beloved small businesses throughout his district? Maybe in Density Ed's convoluted thought process, its more acceptable to grow corporate, non union cheap beer and wine outlets (at the expense of established small businesses) than allow mini-supermarkets with fresh food? But then we would be giving Density Ed too much credit if his crusade against "Mini Walmart" was base upon public policy.

Follow along as we conduct an exercise in political deductive reasoning. First, Density Ed is termed out in 2013 and wants his Chief of Staff Jose Gardea to continue the "Density Ed Way" in CD 1. Second, "Density Ed" and staff spent large amount of time supporting the latest union-backed carpetbagger Jimmy "PACman" Gomez for the 51st Assembly District seat. Third, its an open secret that many politicos who endorsed "PACman" have an "understanding" that union PAC money will flow to their respective campaigns, for their support of  "PACman's" political ambitions..

Thus, what is good for the political future of "Density Ed", his Chief of Staff Jose Gardea and Jimmy "PACman" Gomez, have found common ground in a crusade against a mini-supermarket.

** OTHER NEWS:

** As the Downtown News reflects upon the golden era of downtown leadership within City Councilwoman Jan Perry's CD 9, we have this words of advise in the form of two numbers for CD 14 newest constituents, "3 and 5". "Three" is for your absolute loyalty to your new city councilperson.. "Five" is for the level of influence, if you can turn out the contributions and votes in that order, then your phone call actually will get returned before the next weekly Friday email blast.

** KCBS/KCAL Investigative Reporter David Goldstein strikes again and Mayor Antonio Villar is minus a IT General Manager. But as we get ever nearer to the end of the "Reign of Villar, when will the staffers start jumping ship in search of future political employment as Rick Orlov highlights in today's "Tipoff Column"?

** Lastly, we have video of a certain political figure who showcases the fine art of political narcissism in the form of a mea culpa before members of the cloth. But while forgiveness may be a virtue to those spreading the word of God, the local political community is full of those who act god-like without virtues, especially when it comes to political forgiveness.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14           

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

Another Happy Hour Drink via Tony

Great Happy Hour Musings on the LA Political Machine for Monday. Join us as we tip the glass and enlighten you on these political items that may find their way into someone's decaff morning coffee in the A.M. ; ) --- Scott Johnson.

Former Sierra Club Conservation Coordinator and Coalition for Clean Air Campaign Director, now Senior Policy Advisor for CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar Martin Schlageter.

For those who wonder what is the value of a Los Angeles County Sierra Club Endorsement (for democrats only of course), maybe would should rephrase the question this way. What is the value to me for being part of the Los Angeles County Sierra Club Endorsement Committee (** some background on one CD 14 endorsement via "Jack Sparrow") and supporting (with LA County Political Committee Co-Chair Susana Reyes) most of Mayor Antonio Villar's "Green Initiatives" (Unionize Green Trucks at LA Ports, Measure B)?

For Eagle Rock resident and reliable "green ally" Martin Schlageter, this means that you can cash in on years of endorsing Blue/Greeen Labor Democrats and get appointed to a high paid staff position with CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar.

As the City Council continues its summer sabbatical, Councilman Huizar is quietly gaining, losing and moving staff as the latest revisions to its staff directory notes. For example ......

** Former Chief of Staff Ana Cubas is now merely an Advisor.

** Paul Habib is the Interim Chief of Staff. 

** Cecilia Alatorre has moved from the El Sereno to Eagle Rock office
** Sara Hernandez is the Downtown Director.

** Tanner Blackman is the new Planning Director.

** Some long hair guy name Kai is no longer a Huizar staffer

** Two Julios, Julio Esperias and Julio "Perfect Loyalty Score" Torres join the El Sereno Office.

** ....... and Francine Godoy is still the Deputy Chief of Staff.

The revolving door in CD 14 continues ......

OTHER NEWS BRIEFS:

** Great read today via Downtown News Editor and Scribe of Wit Jon Regardie as he sits down with out going Downtown and CD 9 Councilwoman Jan Perry. The focus of their Q and A chat centered on her now past tenure as the Downtown rep for areas such as Little Tokyo Skid Row and South Park. BTW, that battle over signage in South Park with Councilman Jose Huizar has quietly played out. More on Perry via LA Times Columnist Jim Newton who finds many positives on "Jan the Mayoral Candidate".

** Public Health Notice for residents of the 46th Assembly District, you can rest assure knowing that any future cases of Brian Johnson Myopia will go the way of Small Pox as he concedes that ED Voice could only buy him third place in his first bid for public office.

Daily News Journalist Tony Castro was the first to deconstruct the political mythology of Mayor Antonio Villar and chronicled the legal problems of the former City Councilman turned convicted LA County Labor Federation Leader Martin Ludlow.

With the days falling away as July 1, 2013 gets ever closer, Journalist Tony Castro returns with another missive on Mayor Antonio Villar that chronicles the political survival of a former City Terrace kid name Tony ...... and a sampling.

It reminded me of the first time I saw Antonio. It was 1978 on the UCLA campus, and he was a speaker at a Chicano protest rally at the university. His look was appropriate for the time: Long, wavy hair and mustache that made him look a lot like Geraldo Rivera.“Who’s he?” I remember a striking blonde student asking.“That’s Tony Villar,” someone told her. She smiled and kept looking at him. She didn’t care about Chicano rights, the movement or the cause. She was focused on the messenger.And that’s been Villaraigosa — he added his ex-wife’s name to his when they married — his entire public life. He’s been a messenger and when the message hasn’t registered, he’s been smart enough to change it, the way populists have long done it, regardless of whether it’s the personal biographical narrative or a position on policy.This is the politics Antonio has always understood and practiced — and which few like to talk about. We like to envelop our politics in professional discourse about policy, polls, opinion and it’s-the-economy-stupid-BS. But the politics of charisma that has always defined Villaraigosa and that now so heavily sways America is more visceral. It’s about feel and touch. It’s about how a candidate looks and talks, dresses and walks.

The message and name will change again come July 1, 2013.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Noontime Munchies on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Two well-known politicos enjoying some lunch time King Tacos.

Great Thursday Lunch Hour to all as we near the end of another work week and cruise into the next weekend. Here are some tasty lunch time political bloggin munchie missives to ward away the post noontime political brain drain.

What honors (of dubious distinction?) await CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar?

Oh so close!

Awaiting the signature of his Political Papi Mayor Antonio Villar on the final approved backroom-drawn maps that will become the litigious byproduct of City "City Redistricting 2012", the "Princeton Graduate Dear Charro" of Boyle Heights can't hold back his thirst for exerting political control over most of Downtown LA. Just as the public was excluded from commenting on the City Clowncil Central Committee's final act to approve the boundaries of its "fifteen self-enrichment zones" , the "Princeton Graduate Dear Charro Corleone" was exerting his will upon the weaken out-going CD 9 Councilwoman Jan Perry regarding a signage zone in the South Park area of downtown.

For months now, the office of "Princeton Graduate Dear Charro Corleone" has fixated its collective attention on the desire of their boss to control downtown via the newly redrawn council district maps. Visit the official CD 14 website and see for yourself the singular fixation on downtown issues. From saving a mural on Broadway to promoting a new business on the same street via the councilman's Twitter, ......

Jose Huizar ‏@josehuizarThe Great One @OfficialGretzky will be @ LA Brewing Co on Broadway in DTLA tonite 4 @LAKings Game-Gretzky Bringing Back Brdway-Go Kings Go! (** We ascertain via the Facebook comments of one Michael "MEAT" Trujillo, former Councilman Huizar Campaign Manager and Redistricting 2012 Commissioner, that he is a co-owner of this establishment).

..... marketing the councilman as the best option for a better downtown has been the paramount priority of Team Huizar.


But meanwhile in "old CD 14", an historic mural is no more.

"Mujer Del Este De Los Angeles" by George Yepes at 418 South Pecan Street in Boyle Heights has become ................

....... another tragic lost of CD 14 cultural history which prompted this response by former CD 14 City Councilman Nick Pacheco.

Nick Pacheco How in the hell does the building owner get permits to convert the building to lofts and no one at City Hall or Councilman Huizar protect the mural.... tragic!!! I can't stay quiet on this one!! I love George Yepes' work.... too bad I can't afford it.

...... and CD 14 can't afford six years of singular downtown attention.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

BREAKING NEWS: Times Says Beutner Out

LA Times reports that former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has said Austin Beutner is ending his candidacy for Mayor of Los Angeles to "spend more time with his family."

While there are some who are not thrilled with the idea of a Jan Perry, Eric Garcetti or Wendy "Valley Greuel" Greuel pining for an entry into the race by County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, this is actually excellent news for former Federal prosecutor and broadcaster, Kevin James, who in early polling was showing some strength as non-insider candidate.

UPDATE: KEVIN JAMES REACTS TO AUSTIN BEUTNER'S RESIGNATION FROM MAYORS RACE

"I commend Austin Beutner for his work in being part of the solution at City Hall while others are merely contributing to the problems. Austin's focus on job creation has been important to the City. We shared a mutual disgust for business as usual in City Hall and I will work as hard as I can to carry on our similar sentiments to make Los Angeles great again. I also want to wish Austin the best in his future endeavors and a speedy recovery to his father," stated Kevin James.

"Another Soulvine Thursday": A Great Day for Betty Pleasant!

Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Columnist Betty Pleasant (on top) and her "little short guy" City Clowncil Central Committee Dictator Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson.

Betty regales readers about her GREAT DAY! 

"Can't get enough of your political love Herb!"

With a little help of the late great Barry White, we bring you this special edition of "Another Soulvine Thursday", post Redistricting 2012. In Betty's own words, you can feel the love radiating from each syllable as she retells how her "little short guy", City Clowncil Central Committee Dictator Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson, put City Councilpersons Jan Perry and Bernard Parks in their place. .

The Los Angeles City Council approved the city’s redistricting maps Friday by a vote of 13-2, thus handing theBernard Parks/Jan Perry duo a resounding defeat in their attempts to maintain the fractured status quo in their 8th and 9th districts. Parks and Perry could get no purchase on any dissenting issue they raised. It was beautiful.Friday’s council meeting was the best I’ve watched in my entire life. Even the usually boring long public comment portion before the vote was interesting as it included repeated threats from the maps’ opposers that they are going to sue the city if the council approved the maps. That dog didn’t hunt because the city is sued by somebody over something every day. Now, in his newsletter this week, Parks is urging his followers to write and call MayorAntonio Villaraigosa and tell him to veto the council’s approval of the maps. That’s odd, as it was just the other day that Parks was accusing Villaraigosa of having actually created the maps! Where’s the logic in that? If Parks believes the Redistricting Commission’s maps were actually Villaraigosa’s, then what would make him think the mayor could be pressured into vetoing their approval? It’s circular insanity. Oh, and by the way, I keep telling the L.A. Times to stay out of Black folks’ business, but they won’t listen.

Betty does the 30th Congressional District Race:

I’ve already reconsidered Rep. Brad Sherman, who is running for re-election against Rep. Howard Berman in the newly created 30th Congressional District where both of these fine, veteran incumbent Democrats must fight each other to remain in Congress. I reside in the newly redistricted 30th Congressional District. I was all torn up over this Sherman vs. Berman shootout, as I was very fond of those two guys and was hard-pressed to decide which of these really great representatives I wanted to keep. The idea of losing either one of them was simply ripping me apart. But then, I got a press release announcing that Sherman had endorsed Lietunich for district attorney, this ending my quandary and sending all my love, respect and admiration over to Berman. I ran to Berman’s campaign office and got some yard signs for my property and volunteered to work my neighborhood on Berman’s behalf. Obviously, there’s a flaw in Sherman’s character I had never seen — until he endorsed Lietunich. 

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

LA City Council President "Mini Amin" Wesson strong arms passage of Redistricting 2012

The Dictator of the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson. (or is it "Uncle Tom Wesson"?)

CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks and CD 9 City Councilwoman Jan Perry.

The outcome was assured (at least before the attorneys get involve), but the public response to a blatant power grab was an inspiration as the City Council voted to set back democracy in the form of open and transparent redistricting 13-2. 

Make no doubt, there was nothing open and transparent about Redistricting 2012. From the hiring of City Council President Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson former staffer Andrew Westall as the committee's Executive Director to the appointment of local political cartoon characters such as Michael "MEAT" Trujillo to the committee, this process redefine political backroom dealing in Los Angeles.

But if the council decided today to switch to a direct democracy voting format today to decide Redistricting 2012, then the big loser would be Council President "Mini Amin" Wesson and his political partner Mayor Antonio Villar (with "political mijo." Councilman Jose Huizar). The African-American activists from South LA packed the council chambers by the hundreds, public comment lasted close to three hours with an about 70-30% split between anti and pro maps comments.Yet when the time came to vote, Parks and Perry stood alone as their colleagues voted with the "Mini Amin/Villar Machine"..

Surely, lawsuits are coming in the wake of today's choreographed outcome  Yet for Africam-Americans who took a stand for fair redistricting today, they should go home knowing that one of their own, was willing to use his own people in an act of political self-preservation (maintaining a majority African-American voting demographic in CD 10) while selling out the proud remnants of African-American culture in CD 8 and 9 

That I think qualifies you as an UNCLE TOM.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14. 

A Open Letter from City Councilman Bernard Parks

Dear Friends,

This Friday, March 16 at 10 AM, the Los Angeles City Council will vote on a very important issue that will affect you for the next decade: a proposal submitted by the Redistircting Commission that will gut the Eighth and Ninth Districts of all middle class and afluent neighborhoods, all thriving business districts and economic engines, and leave nothing but poverty.

It's not right, and I am going to stand with my colleage - Councilwoman Jan Perry - and fight this with every tool and resource at my disposal.

But, I NEED YOUR HELP.

I need you to attend the Council meeting on Friday and stand up for your neighborhood and South LA! We need to show the other 13 councilmembers that South LA is united and determined to fight this injustice.

Friday, March 16

10:00 AMLos Angeles City Hall200 N. Spring St. (entrance on Main St.)Council Chamber (Room 340)Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you can't make the meeting, please write, call or email Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Council President Herb Wesson and let them know what you think!

Council President Herb Wesson Jr.
200 N. Spring Street, Room 430
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213)-473-7010
wesson.hj@lacity.org

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
200 N. Spring St., Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-978-0600
mayor@lacity.org

Respectfully,

BERNARD C. PARKS

Councilmember

Redistricting - the process of dividing Los Angeles into 15 districts of equal population - is a very complex issue, and it's asy to get confused by all the tecnhical terminology and details. Here are the most important facts you need to know. Please take a moment to read these bullet points, and if you plan on attending the Council meeting on Friday, feel free to print them out and bring them with you. 

• While this process may serve some politicians and their quest for future elections, the process is not serving you.
  
• The Redistricting Commission was part of a package of reforms approved by voters in 1999 with overwhelming support. The purpose was to make the once-a-decade process of drawing district boundaries less political, more transparent, and give the residents more of a say in how the city would be organized for the purpose of representing their interests and needs on the 15-member City Council. 

• The Commission and the integrity of  the process was corrupted from the very start when they selected Andrew Westall -  Council President Herb Wesson's senior advisor-  to serve as the Executive Director. 

• The Commission lost transparency when they opted to split into three subcommittees to draw the district boundaries in secret

• The Commission lost credibility when they held numerous public hearings in every part of Los Angeles, promising to listen to community input, and then emerged from secret meetings to propose radical changes that the overwhelming majority of residents were opposed to.

• The Commission failed to follow city charter requirements that districts be based on equal population, that neighborhoods and communities not be split and that districts be compact.

• The media, community groups, neighborhood councils, open-government activists and commissioners themselves have described the Commission process as: “Corrupt, ”   “Dysfunctional,”   “Deeply Flawed,”   “a Puppet Show,”    “Devoid of Any Redeeming Qualities,”     “A Mess of Gerrymandered Land Grabs.”
  
• The proposal would turn Districts 8(Councilmember Parks) and 9(Councilmember Perry) into impoverished communities with few opportunities for development
  
• South LA has already been dealt a huge blow by the elimination of the Community Redevelopment Agency and cuts to the federal Community Development Block Grant program. This proposal would doom South LA to a decade of no growth, no development, no jobs, and no hope.

• The driving motivation behind the maps is to segregate voters into districts based upon race

•  The s plan to lop off huge chunks of the African-American vote in CD8 and give them to Council District 10(CD10), would weaken the influence of the only majority African-American district in the city. There are laws, such as the Voting Rights Act, that undeniably protect non-white majority districts like CD8. However, the commission has decided to only acknowledge the laws protecting the majority-Latino districts of 1, 7 and 14.
  
• Proponents will tell you is that they are “trying to save three black seats". That is a lie. Even though Council Districts 9 and 10 have been represented by African American councilmembers since the 1960's, only about 30% of the residents in those districts are voting-age African American citizens. Former councilmembers from those districts - such as 10th District Councilman (and then mayor) Tom Bradley - were elected by a coalition of races. The 8th District is the only majority African American district.
  
• The commission’s push for another Latino seat on the city council is to the detriment of the city’s African-American Community. Creating such a seat calls for a study that proves racially polarized voting exists, an assertion that is contradicted by the voters of this diverse city electing an African-American mayor, a Latino mayor, a Latino sheriff, and a Latino assessor.
  
• The City Attorney’s own representative on the Commission stated in her minority report that Council District 8 was “badly underserved in this process, for no apparent reason” and that the Commission's actions increase the risk of litigation.
  
• South LA should not be treated like a junkyard, with other districts taking the spare parts they want and dumping those they don't.
  
• We demand fair maps with fair boundaries, so that every part of Los Angeles has an equal opportunity to grow and thrive in the 21st century!

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks and CD 9 City Councilwoman Jan Perry.

Surprise!! Redistricting 2012 is heading to litigation.

City Councilpersons Bernard Parks and Jan Perry are loading up in outside legal counsel to challenge the mostly backroom deals of the 2011/12 City Redistricting Committee. From the Daily News.

Attorneys for Council members Bernard Parks and Jan Perry sent a letter to City Attorney Carmen Trutanich questioning the legality of the new map and whether it was drawn based on racial issues."The evidence amply demonstrates that a driving motivation behind the commission's plan was to segregate voters into districts based upon race," wrote attorney Nathan Lowenstein with Goldberg, Lowenstein and Weatherwax of Century City.In addition, Lowenstein said the citizens commission failed to follow city requirements that districts be based on equal population, that neighborhoods and communities not be split and that districts be compact. 

This is not counting what most likely will be a legal challenge from an unified Koreatown supporters.

 Political Consultant John Shallman.

** Which one person out of many can prevent City Attorney Carmen Trutanich from replacing District Attorney Steve Cooley as the top attorney in LA County? Hint, he creates endorsements where none exists and develops YouTube viewer ships for a hefty fee. 

LAUSD School Board Member Bennett Kayser.

** What is the political fate for LAUSD School Board Member Bennett Kayser and his UTLA allies, after taking on the Education Machine of Mayor Antonio Villar and sending its anointed candidate Luis Sanchez back to a connected CBO exile in Boyle Heigjhts? If your upset election victory is followed by redistricting, it means that your current district is reconfigure to elect someone else in the next election with a non-anglo surname.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Are Greuel, Perry, Garcetti and Beutner Afraid to Debate Kevin James?

Kevin James, photo by Gary Aminoff

Back in early January, we reported that Mayoral candidate Kevin James had raised enough money to qualify for matching campaign funds from the City. Quite often, this is the threshold that many organizations set for candidates to appear in various debates.

As such, James was invited to appear with the other candidates in a series of events covering a number of important topics, hosted by an organization called Talking About Los Angeles. The events have several sponsors such as Microsoft, AOL Patch and Time-Warner Cable where the events would air.

However, following the announcement that James had been invited to participate in the first of the events, that was to be held on February 23rd at LA Trade Tech College, James' fellow candidates City Controller Wendy Greuel, City Councilmember Jan Perry, former City Council President Eric James and financier Austin Beutner, all mysteriously dropped out from the event.

Kevin James' opponents for Mayor

The campaigns have not made it clear why they will not participate in the debates, but many have their suspicions.

They are afraid to debate James, former host of a popular talk radio show, first on KABC and then on KRLA radio. James, has spent the last few years speaking with individuals, neighborhood councils and other organizations and has developed a deep understanding of a wide number of issues facing the city and has proposed significant plans to address local problems. James is articulate and convincing; certainly the other candidates should be concerned.

James spoke with Frank Sheftel and myself on our show on LATalkRadio Saturday night and said he'll be working to bring this issue to the attention of the press over the next several days. At press time, Talking About Los Angeles has not issued a statement as to the future of their events.

Stay tuned!

Downtown Duel 2012: Councilwoman Jan "The Sedan" Perry vs. Councilman Jose "The Tanker" Huizar

"Downtown Duel 2012": Will "the tanker of CD 14" be able to push "the sedan of CD 9" out of Downtown?

Blogger's note: Great Saturday morning to all as the weekend gives pause to the "Downtown Duel 2012", the contest for control of Downtown LA campaign riches and permit franchises. Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie and his excellent staff , provide extensive coverage of "Downtown Duel 2012" in this weekend's edition of the Downtown News. Both CD 9 City Councilwoman Jan Perry and CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar are given space to state their case for maintaining the status quo or unifying Downtown as part of the 2012 redistricting process respectively. In addition, prominent members of the Downtown Community, state whether they back Perry or Huizar in "Downtown Duel 2012"---Scott Johnson. ** Below excerpts from both Councilwoman Perry's and Councilman Huizar's dueling missives as printed in the Downtown News.

   CD 9 Councilwoman Jan Perry and friends.

The Ninth District is the bridge that links the communities of Downtown with southern portions of Los Angeles — an area rich with economic, cultural and racial diversity. In fact, the diversity of this district drives this part of the city forward, and it is diversity that is at risk in this redistricting. The current configuration promotes the best opportunities for growth, higher density living, and a public-transit oriented future that will improve Downtown and its adjacent communities in the southern part of the district.  

Separating the two major partners in the continued vitality of this area is wrong-headed and ill-considered. Severing Downtown from South Los Angeles will have the effect of creating the poorest council district in the city and isolating Downtown neighborhoods from their existing partnerships. A prime example is the Figueroa Corridor, which has experienced great investment due to the synergy between Downtown and South Los Angeles. We have seen the results of this partnership push investment along the corridor through the introduction of BYD, a Chinese electric car company, and a new Fiat dealership. This kind of synergy has made the Ninth District a great success story.

 CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar and friends.

CD 9’s area of Downtown has experienced wonderful things under Jan Perry’s leadership since 2001. Downtown is a better place thanks to her service, which will end due to term limits in 2013. I commend her for her efforts.  

Similarly, in CD 14’s portion of Downtown we have brought hundreds of jobs, multiple venues and numerous services to Downtown through my Bringing Back Broadway initiative. I fought and won a battle to preserve and expand the Arts District, opened the first and only city park in Skid Row for children and have worked closely with the Fashion District on their priorities. 

I can continue to serve CD 14 for seven more years, until 2019, ensuring Downtown’s 50,000 (and counting) residents, thousands of businesses, 500,000 workers and millions of annual tourists a cohesive, progressive vision for a united Downtown that will serve our entire city for generations.

Yout thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

TGIF Afternoon Political News Dump 1-27-12: City Council President Wesson dumps Parks and Perry from key Committee Chairmanships

 Revenge brings a smile to City Council President Herb Wesson.

Councilman Parks and Councilwoman Perry face the wrath of Council President Wesson ..... and Mayor Antonio Villar.

These acts of political payback defiantly qualify as Friday bad news dump for the City of Los Angeles. City Council President Herb Wesson send a clear and city-wide resonating reminder that you don't snub the new Council President election proceedings by removing City Councilman Bernard Parks and Jan Perry from the Chairmanships of the Budget and Energy & Environment Committees respectively.

The lost of Councilman Parks especially, from the Chairmanship of the Budget Committee, is sure to garners gasps of "Holy Sh..!" from budget watchdogs across the city. It was the fiscally-conservative Parks who kept the lid on many of the "progressive spending proposals" of Mayor Antonio Villar, a close ally of Wesson. Surely somewhere this Friday afternoon, Mayor Villar is smiling on Wesson's actions.

Sure to engender more glee from Mayor Villar and the likes of IBEW strongman Brian D'Arcy, is the replacement of Jan Perry with CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar on the Energy and Environment Committee. Councilman Huizar will now be in position to push through his "Political Papi's" rate increases at the DWP and in return receive copious amounts of contributions from the coffers of IBEW.

..... and Happy Hour cannot start soon enough for the screwed "Shakedown City on the Pacific".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

** BTW, how much political soul did Councilman Paul Krekorian pay for the Chairmanship of the Budget Committee?
** Complete list of committee assignments via the City Maven.    

Morning Briefs on a "Divided Los Angeles Political Machine" for Thursday

The convoluted political boundaries in a divided community.

Welcome to the morning after the unveiling of the first proposed redistricting map for the City of Los Angeles and the reaction? Where do we start? Lets spin the political bottle and it points at Downtown LA.

Downtown Developer Tom Gilmore.

One of the major redistricting battlegrounds in the weeks ahead will be Downtown LA where CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar may expand his downtown territory at a cost to CD 9's Councilwoman Jan Perry. But not if Developer Tom Gilmore has is way, from the LA Times, "In downtown, developer Tom Gilmore said he was shocked that the redistricting panel proposed shifting Councilwoman Jan Perry’s district south, causing her to lose much of the city's central core.

“It’s so counter-intuitive,” said Gilmore, who praised Perry for her role in bringing redevelopment to the area and who said "downtown unity" is key to future growth. “You finally have a downtown that after 30 years is moving ahead. I really have to question why all this incredible gerrymandering is going on to fix something that isn’t broken."

Gilmore and other downtown leaders will appear with Perry at a rally Thursday to protest the changes, which would give Eastside Councilman Jose Huizar large parts of downtown". We should note that Gilmore and Councilman Huizar have had some differences in the past but Gilmore knows Councilman Huizar's "S.O.P." which should cause pause among other downtown leaders.

CD 11 City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl CLAERLY let everyone know how he felt about parts of Westchester being added to CD 8 of Councilman Bernard Parks. An "outrageous case of gerrymandering." 

Sunland-Tujunga Alliance Founder and former Mayor Sam Blogger Joe Barrett.

In the northern hinterlands of the City of Los Angeles, don't expect many in Lake View Terrace and Sunland-Tujunga to welcome CD 7 Councilman Richard AlarCON with open arms. Joe Barrett said members of his Sunland-Tujunga community would "flip out" over a plan to take it out of Councilman Paul Krekorian's district.

Koreatown Sign.

But by far yesterday, the most vocal group were the hundreds of Korean-Americans who attended the Redistricting Committee meeting yesterday in Van Nuys. They all spoke on being united in one council district, especially one that does not have a " number 10 designation".

“When you neglect the Asian community, when you talk about every other ethnic group and yet you forget a population that is 15 percent of this community, it’s hurtful,” said Grace Yoo, executive director of the Korean American Coalition. But more interesting is why the Korean Community wants nothing to do with City Council President Herb Wesson's CD 10.

But then it may be the same reason why some Downtown want nothing to do with CD 14. After all, the "real cost" of doing business in the City of Los Angeles is predicated on what council person controls the services of government.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.