"Chief of Staff for Mayoral Fence Building" Jeff Carr? ** Plus, tales of Third Floor Infighting

Job Discription: Chief of Staff to oversee wall construction at Getty House

File this under creative job creation (or hush money) via Mayor Antonio Villar. Los Angeles Times City Hall Scribe David Zahniser uncovers the latest recipient of Mayor Villar's expensive "golden parachute" for those who's services are no longer needed or a political liability. 

Former Mayor Villar's Chief of Staff and "General Secretary of Gang Intervention" Jeff Carr is still getting full pay some months after getting shone the Third Floor door. Carr who wanted the General Manager position at Recreation and Park, instead was retain at his same level of pay to oversee the moat, whoops security wall construction at Getty House. In addition, Carr was to advise the city on 21st Century innovations for its golf courses but as Rec. and Parks GM Jon Kirk Mukri noted in the Times, he was unclear on how much time Carr had devoted to the golf course issue since announcing he was stepping aside. Over the past four months, Carr asked three times about the completion of a consulting report on the topic. "I only received two emails and a phone call," Mukri said.

"The Ant-Jeff Carr Fan Club Janelle Erickson and Matt Szabo".

Jeff Carr, who had a reputation as a bully, was forced out after Erickson and Szabo went to Mayor Villar. As reported in the Times, Erickson, with the mayor's blessing, met personally with Carr on July 1 to tell him that it was time to go, said four people familiar with the situation, all of whom sought anonymity either because they were not authorized to speak or feared retaliation. That meeting was also attended by one of the mayor's lawyers.

After Erickson left, those sources said, Carr began calling Villaraigosa to demand a one-on-one meeting. The mayor could not immediately provide one because he was at the Aspen Institute's Ideas Festival in Colorado. Villar out of town and away from reality as usual ...........

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

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

"Bitter Jerry raising Arizona tourism revenue"

Nothing like a little liberal hypocrisy to awaken one from a self-impose bloggin slumber.

This latest example of liberal hypocrisy comes courtesy of former Governor Moonbeam, now elected Governor Bitter Jerry Brown and how does he show his thanks to the Latino Community for their overwhelming support? Paraphrasing Disney, "Jerry Brown, you were just elected California Governor again! Where are you going after your election? I'm going to Arizona!! LMAO!!

From the man who's union supporters attack Meg Whitman for hiring a illegal fraud unknowingly by the way, at $23 per hour, the Latino voters who bought into Gloria Allred and Housekeeper Nicky's theatrics are rewarded with this arrogant, in your face gesture, courtesy of Bitter Jerry. Gracias indeed!!

Thus, the Latino Community once again is treated to another glaring example of hypocrisy, courtesy of the political party that they support. And no outrage from the likes of City Councilman Ed Reyes, State Senator Gil Cedillo, Assemblyman Kevin De Leon or Mayor Antonio Villar? Go figure ..........

But then, every supposed political ideal from this crowd, has a low "build-in price" for looking the other way when the pursuit of political power, becomes more paramount.

BTW, did Joe B. take his video camera with Jerry, to film "Bitter Jerry's Raising Arizona Adventures? : )

Read more »

Revolution by Newsrack

If the revolution that takes down LA's kleptocracy happens in 2009 it will no doubt be due in part to the excellent reportage of David Zahniser in the LA Times and the folks at the LA Weekly namely, Jill Stewart, Daniel Heimpel and Patrick Range McDonald.

Indeed, Weekly helmstress Stewart offers up thanks for her former colleague David Z., one of a few honest reporters at the Times not enamored with the 11% mayor, who recently broke the story of a secret report critical of the City's solar energy boondoggle, Measure B, which has us asking the question "What did Eric Garcetti know and when did he know it." Heimpel's excellent reportage has been dishing out the outrageous details of Jeff Carr's secret panel of "deciders" who dole out millions of taxpayer dollars for mysterious "anti- gang" programs.

Rounding out the foursome with their finger on the reality of what's happening on Spring Street is McDonald whose expository composition on the phenomenon that is Zuma Dogg was an excellent introduction to the deeper story of the shadniness around fellow Mirthala banger Fabian Nunez and his giveaway legislation benefitting cable television providers. A piece that well past his prime "blogger" Kevin Roderick dismissed as a "puff piece."

With "Mayors" like Villaraigosa and "journalists" like Roderick thank God we have Stewart, Heimpel, McDonald and Zahniser to squeeze the truth out of those who are full of something else.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Christmas Eve

If you haven't been following Daniel Heimpel's excellent series at the LA Weekly's Blog about the secrecy drenched Mayor Villaraigosa's $24 million anti-gang program, be sure to read it here and here. According to Heimpel a "secret" panel doles out the tax money to various "anti-gang" programs; a group of people anti-gang czar Jeff Carr apparently can not identify. Apparently the program is so secret that City Council members don't even know what's going on. A US Department of Justice official tells Heimpel she's never seen anything like this.

This morning LAUSD Board of Education candidate Louis Pugliese will attempt to convince a judge that his opponent, San Fernando Mayor Nury Martinez has placed a misleading designation on the ballot. Martinez, whose day job is heading up the non-profit Pacoima Beautiful claims that qualifies her as an "educator" though Martinez does not work as a schoolteacher. Martinez' role with the organization appears to be primarily administrative. The City Clerk refused to address Pugliese's challenge hence the move to Superior Court.

I got my latest copy of The Businesss Perspective, the usual claptrap from the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce which is far more interested in protecting and promoting the Downtown power structure than what is best for Los Angeles as a whole or even just what's good for the economy business as a whole in Los Angeles. The meandering rubbish was something about "leadership" in 2009 yet has the Chamber or the business community produced leadership to take over this City from the anti-business kleptocracy that is in power now? Nope, they embrace it hoping for a few goodies for themselves and the chance to hobnob with the likes of the George Soros of Los Angeles, Eli Broad. Come back folks when you have some ideas.

Lou Grant was the gruff, old school news director on Mary Tyler Moore but in real life Ed Asner is a committed, life-long left wing liberal. So it's no surprise that Ed's behind efforts that amount to essentially a government appropriation of private industry, that is forcing cable providers to supply psychics, charlatans and goofballs with television airtime and equipment. The surprising thing is that conservatives like Leslie Dutton and a man who I have the utmost fondess for, David Hernandez, are pushing this agenda which flies in the face of capitalism.

All of us here at the Sister City want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season. No vacations here so stay tuned to your favorite blog!

Friday Hotsheet for a silly week

Capping off a week the Daily News is calling Silly Season, Councilmembers Jan Perry and Wendy Greuel were spotted hailing cabs with giant foam fingers and Police Chief William Bratton is taking flak from some West Hollywood pol for “outing” Lindsay Lohan.

But it looks more like Gloomy Season back at the Daily News. Denim is out, as is Chris Weinkopf, reports L.A. Observed. Employees unsure of what to wear are advised to “recall how you dressed when you interviewed for your position.” Columnist and Friendly Fire blogger, Weinkopf, will call it quits August 22nd. Perhaps we’ll see more meat on his personal blog in the coming months? Here’s to two ex-DN employees telling us how they really feel.

In case you missed any of our fabulous bloggings this week, here’s a little roundup:

• Mayor Villaraigosa bailed out of a speaking engagement over the weekend.
• Dennis Zine responded to us with a list of synchronized traffic signals in the Valley.
• Maxine Waters went nuts (again) and gang czar Jeff Carr resurfaced.
• There’s more, apparently, to the proposed new anti-gang contracts than meets the eye.
• L.A. shook, Dennis Zine reported live from the scene, and Villaraigosa missed another big-time photo op.
• Leland Wong was nailed hard for corruption (our readers predict his buddies get ratted-out next).
• Greig Smith stuck his finger in your eyes and Jan Perry got her Happy Meal.
• José Huizar’s attempt to run roughshod over Boyle Heights residents became a P.R. problem.
• Ed Reyes, Eric Garcetti, and José Huizar offered up a room at City Hall for car wash owners and workers to negotiate a living wage.
• Mirthala Salinas resurfaced in Studio City.
• William Bratton delivered a very politically-incorrect celebrity gossip report.
• And more proof was offered that you must read Mayor Sam every day if you want to be in the know.

Whew! I’m ready for a cocktail and a lazy weekend.

Tuesday Hotsheet for Hot Streets

“I don't trust any police department to investigate itself”

Heat on the streets! The media sure know how to play Representative Maxine Waters against Southern California. Listening ad nauseam to her batty sound bites yesterday on KFI, you’d think nothing else was worth reporting in this town. By now, you know the story: Inglewood officer-involved shootings have killed three people in three months; Waters wants a federal investigation; yadda yadda yadda. Is anyone demanding a federal investigation into the San Francisco program that released a dozen felons to the streets of San Bernardino County? Or, into how AK-type assault rifles are finding their way into our communities? Or, perhaps, into the apparent lack of oversight that broke L.A. Bridges?

Speaking of which, Jeff Carr, the city’s gang czar has resurfaced. He and Mayor Villaraigosa recommend awarding half-million-dollar contracts to six anti-gang programs, effectively replacing L.A. Bridges:

“This is arguably the most pressing social problem in the city of Los Angeles. What we’ve been doing for the last 20, 25 years hasn’t been working. So we’re trying to do something different.”

Surely, we can question the mayor’s motives in hiring out-of-towners to handle such menial tasks as reversing multi-generational gang culture, fixing transportation, and city planning, but I will credit Villaraigosa for starting fresh (amazingly, there remain councilmembers who support sinking more money into L.A. Bridges). That said, L.A. Bridges should not be swept under the rug. An audit and investigation are long overdue.

The cool dudes over at LAist have documented a successful journey down the L.A. River by kayak. The purpose was to prove that the river is navigable, and thus, a river that can be “revitalized.” Blogger Zach Behrens declares, “we need this river for the people!” but with special interest man Ed Reyes’ involvement, isn’t this akin to Tom LaBonge’s Griffith Park for the people?

Finally, Los Angeles Downtown News threw a party last week to celebrate the winners of its annual Best Of. Those in attendance included many of our favorites; LaBonge, Greuel, and Reyes. According to reports, a highlight came when Councilmember Jan Perry… well, just click for yourself.

Morning musings and open thread

Quick shout out, where is the nearest "Work Source Center" for a out of work "Field Director"?? But I digress....

What with the continual comments about Jamiel Shaw Jr.??

Last shots from the "Sniper" at City Beat

"Red Spotism" from the "WWG Roderick", Delgadillo to sure Time Warner Cable

Who are the local political winners (Maria Elena Durazo) and losers (Villar) in the Obama/Clinton Race??

Word is out that the "BIG HUG" will not run for office in 2009, or is he??......

Okay, Higby, this should put it to rest even for you: David Z reports tonight
that Hertzberg definitely is NOT running for anything this year or next. Says
he'd love to get back in the game, but obviously realized that he doesn't have a
chance. Sayonara.
June 05, 2008 1:53 AM

and this..

Jesus, are you guys off; Huggy WILL DEFINITELY run for City Attorney, if not the Mayor's office.Bank on it. He personally told ME.He was going to "just" run for city attorney, because Jack Weiss is such an arrogant, recall-ish, idiot. But he never expected that Antonio would be such a screw-up that he's now considering that office.Can you please show pictures and ask why Antonio always has that idiotic, OPEN MOUTHED grin? He even LOOKS like an idiot in addition to being one.
June 05, 2008 10:01 AM

LA Weekly's Jill Steward offers post mortom on Tuesday's election.....Hint, Unions, Mark Ridley Thomas and Tony's cousin John the big losers......

......And this, is the new gang program under the auspices of the "General Secretary of Gang Intervention", Jeff Carr, one big payola for the "Tony in 2009 Campaign"???

Your thoughts greatly appreciated.

***ASS CLOWN AWARD for MAY tomorrow***

Where the Hell is Carrmen Sandiego?

A commenter on the previous thread raises a great question: where in the world is Rev. Jeff Carr? Google News offers few clues and relevant blog hits are pretty dated. So, tell me. Where is Los Angeles’ Gang Czar? Informed comments and conspiracy theories welcomed.