Happy Bloggin 50th Birthday to Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby!!

Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby is fifty years young today as we send bloggin B-day wishes to the man behind Los Angeles premiere political blog.

Mayor Sam with B-day Cake and wearing the Official B-day of Sunland-Tujunga's Joselito's Restaurant Saturday.

** Blogger's Note: We are sure that the likes of Jim Alger, "MEAT", Zuma Dogg, Betty Pleasant, "Mayor Frank", Ex "Mayor Poopy", Mary Cummins and Gatto Truthers will join in wishing Michael "Mayor Sam" Higby a most bloggin sincere 50th Year of Being. A great crowd (including Joseph Mailander and wife Lynn, Ed Padgett and lovely daughter Kristin, David Hernandez and lovel spouse) was on hand Saturday evening at Sunland-Tujunga's Joselito's Restaurant to celebrate, with chocolate party treats via Frank Sheftel's Chocolate Factory, great food and of course, Mayor Sam. As can be seen below, Political Consultant John Thomas was on hand, taking a brief break from the Elon Carr for Congress Campaign, as he takes a moment to display a CD 14-centric B-day Gift from a certain "Spoll-checking Blogger"---Scott Johnson.

Who needs a City of LA Certificate of Appreciation when you can have a framed, autographed (by a certain CD 14 Blogger) copy of the 2011 Rudy Martinez for City Council Campaign's "Councilman Huizar (still?) under FBI Investigation Mailer" as modeled by Political Campaign Consultant John Thomas?

MayorSam Tidbits

The Downey Police Officers Association endorsed Downey City Councilman Mario A. Guerra for State

Senate. This is the first time that the Downey Police Officers Association has endorsed any candidate for state office in their 55 year history. Downey Police Officers Association President Michael Pope, stated "This is something we take very serious – not only is Mario one of us, having served as our Chaplain for over a decade, but he has always supported our officers regardless of the political cost to him personally.” Guerra is running to represent the 32nd State Senatorial District. It is a new re-districted seat that has no incumbent.

In a letter to his staff today, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Director of the Department of Public Health and County Health Officer, announced his retirement. Fielding has been in the position for the last 16 years.

The issue of the homeless and that of aggressive behavior by such has been growing in the community of Sunland-Tujunga, LA's last rural outpost. In recent days, Facebook pages have overflowed with reports of incidents of customers at fast food outlets being accosted by homeless, various indigents trying to get inside cars with motorists and the report that a self-storage location was being lived in by homeless (we understand that situation has now been corrected). Many residents have expressed anger at the City's homeless policy and that local officials are pursuing policies that are drawing new homeless to the area from Downtown Los Angeles and other areas. Stay tuned.

This weekend sees the latest release of the latest book by our friend and former MayorSam blogger, Joseph

Mailander, LA at Intermission: A City Mingling Towards Identity. Mailander says the the book is about "the disintegration of identity in Los Angeles, and the re-emergence of a kind of more neutral, breezing, and shiftless civic identity." Hits Kindle this weekend.

Mailander: Irregularities Mar Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Election

Editor's Note: Neighborhood Council elections have been a controversial subject for some time, and the latest round of contests for the advisory panels have been no exception. From Silver Lake to Sherman Oaks to Chatsworth, many Councils are facing issues with notification, location changes, pseudo-slate mailers on the public dime and stakeholder eligibility questions. One of the elections held during Saturday's first round was in Sunland-Tujunga. Joseph Mailander offers this special report

By Joseph Mailander

Special to MayorSam's Sister City

Sunland-Tujunga's record turnout for Saturday's long anticipated Neighborhood Council election suddenly went sour late Saturday night as election results were leaked from the counting room to an operative in advance of being posted by any member of the Neighborhood Council, EmpowerLA, or City Clerk's office.

Nearly 700 residents and stakeholders participated in the election that was celebrated for its enthusiastic turnout but quickly became tarnished by reporting irregularities.

Late in the evening, voters lingering on various social media message boards, concerned about the outcome of the election, were shocked to observe not a Neighborhood Council or EmpowerLA representative but a local political operative first posting results to Facebook, in some cases even while the votes were being counted.

The same operative had previously pushed his own slate of endorsements for the election, and openly derided many challenger candidates.

"[I]f someone was observing from the designated area where those who signed in were to be seated, they could of [sic] texted him that information. The Poll Manager (Terrance), the Election IEA (Alisa) and myself were the only one privy to the overall vote tally until release to everyone. For the record, there was about 10-15 observers in the room," vote counter Scott Johnson said on Facebook.

Commissioner Lydia Grant, who was on hand for the counting, did not return phone calls or email

regarding the incident. EmpowerLA General Manager Grayce Liu also has not returned inquiries as of publication time.

Voters also encountered some irregularities earlier in the day as business and organizational stakeholders were told they were obliged to present documentation on organizational letterhead that they indeed worked or belong to an organization in Sunland-Tujunga.

No election materials printed in advance of the election specified this. Those who could not provide documentation on the spot were obliged to vote via provisional ballot and submit their documentation within three days time. The provisionals cast may affect the outcome of one race, for a Regional slot on the board, in which two candidates tied for the final seat.

The NC's president-elect, Mark Seigel, barely missed fetching half the total vote, receiving 332 of 676 votes cast.

2014 Predictions

After a two-year hiatus, I'm back with your annual predictions post. You should be warned, I have a horrible track record here, so take each prognostication with a grain of salt. Here we go...

Mayor Eric Garcetti's Chief of Staff, Ana Guerrero, will continue to earn electability chops in Jose Huizar's Council District, much to the chagrin of the incumbent and his supporters. Following her appearance in the Boyle Heights Christmas Parade - which included distributions from an 18 wheeler filled with toys and goodies - Guerrero will stage a special production of Ana Lloyd Weber's "Evita" where she will give a stunning performance of "Don't Cry for Me CD Catorce," at the bandstand at Olvera Street, followed up by Target gift cards raining from the sky.

Much to the chagrin of Blogger Scott Johnson and the community around the Arroyo Seco, the former site of the Southwest Musuem will be rededicated as "Villaraigosa University," with a special degree program in broadcast journalism taught by the ex-Mayor.

Following a special election in the summer of 2014, LA Fire Commissioner and former teacher Jimmie Woods-Gray will pull out a surprise win in the race to replace the late Marguerite LaMotte. Woods-Gray's victory, will deal a severe blow to LA's charter school movement.

Blogger/Writer Joseph Mailander will sign a deal for the movie version of his non-fiction book "Days Change at Night: LA's Decade of Decline." Esai Morales will be signed to play Mayor Villaraigosa and the film will feature a cameo by Randy Quaid as blogger Scott "Red Spot" Johnson.

The storied Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, which spent it's salad days with wins such as blocking a controversial Home Depot store, but in recent years has found itself the subject of questions on finances and it's policies on the homeless issue, will find it's incumbent members facing an electoral challenge in the spring from a coalition assembled by controversial local newspaper publisher David "Doc" DeMulle. The uprising will fail when all realize that Joseph Mailander was right when he said that the community is "18 people arguing with 17 people over 14 microphones and 60,000 that don't care." (Turns out the finals of Dancing With the Stars featuring Chaz Bono and Kim Kardashian is on TV the same night as the elections.)

Former City Controller and failed Mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel will jump into the race to succeed termed out LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Once again Greuel will use "Political Consultant/Private Citizen" John Shallman to helm her campaign and once again will lose, this time to former State Senator Sheila James Kuehl, "The Child Start Formerly Referred to as Zelda."

California Republican candidates for the State Assembly will pick up some unexpected wins in various races around the state, it won't be enough to assume control of the lower chamber, but it will take away the Democrats current veto-proof majority, leading to several deals between Republican legislators and Governor Jerry Brown, who will be by the way, re-elected handily.

Former radio talk show host and Mayoral candidate and current President of the Board of Public Works, Kevin James, will announce he is leaving the Republican party and register as "Decline to State." James will then announce his candidacy for the Council District 4 seat being vacated by Tom LaBonge.

County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas will announce that he has brokered a deal for an existing NFL football team to move to the LA Coliseum with the 2017-18 season, but the deal will fall apart at the last minute. An expansion team for Los Angeles will eventually be located in a yet to be built stadium outside the city limits.

And finally, on the steps of the State Capitol, just after Thanksgiving, Governor Jerry Brown will announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President in 2016.

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!

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

Did Mayor Eric Garcetti blink before reaching the supposed end game of DWP Employee Health Care Cost Reform?

Why can't Mayor Garcetti find any contributions from DWP Employees for their health care?

 

Angelinos can supposedly rest assure that the DWP Contract Proposal Crisis on Spring Street has been resolved by all the parties involve.

But as Mayor Eric Garcetti moves past the fifty day mark of his mayoral first term, what amount of political capital did he gain (or lose) with his compromise on the soon to be agree upon DWP Contract? Excerpts and links below.

From the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" (aka LA Times) ............

 

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti emerged from his first labor showdown with some financial concessions on Department of Water and Power salaries but little progress on a key goal: getting employees to pay out of their own pockets for rising health insurance costs.

The deal is expected to save $6.1 billion over 30 years, in large part by cutting pension benefits for new hires and having workers go three years without raises, according to budget officials. But the DWP will continue its practice of covering 100% of employees' healthcare premiums, despite Garcetti's call for more concessions....

From Joseph Mailander at "MSMNBC City Watch" ..............

Team Garcetti's math-challenged scrubs failed to add two plus two in the new deal to compare it to the old one. 
The new agreement, for instance, supersedes an earlier agreement that would have called for a 4% raise after four years.  That meant that under the abandoned agreement, for the average DWP worker making $100,000 a year--and that is just a little below average for a DWP worker--the payout would be $100,000 for the first three years and $104,000 for the final year, totaling $404,000 over four years. 
But watch what happens with the new contract. 
The average DWP worker makes $100,000 for the first two years.  Then, with a prospective 2% hike, she makes up to $102,000 the third year.  And then she can go up to 2% of that, or $104,040, the fourth year. 
Total payout: $406,040 over four years.  Yes, she actually stands a good chance to make more money than under the stipulations of the contract Garcetti tore up to get this new "deal."

From Paul Hatfield at the "Village to Village Blog" ................

According to the Patch, the raise deferral from 2013 to 2016 amounts to savings of $385 million. That’s the net amount we will not have to pay to the well-compensated DWP workforce for three years.
The article goes on to say that the deferral will save $3.9 billion over 30 years.
It’s a very hypothetical calculation that appears to be based on the assumption of investing the $385 million at around 8.9% for the 27 years following the three-year deferral period.
Perhaps there are other factors as well, but the city seems reluctant to disclose them.
Ask yourself, who besides Bernie Madoff would guarantee 8.9% on your investment for 27 years?
City Hall, of course!

....... and from the reigning "Scribe of Wit" Downtown News Editor Jon Regardie on a certain "three letter sickness".

The Sickness of the DWP: Much has been made about the negotiations for new labor contracts for Department of Water & Power employees, with Garcetti trying for a more cost-conscious deal than the one Villaraigosa was pushing. The most interesting aspect of the process to date is that just as news of the negotiations erupted, so did a Los Angeles Times report revealing that DWP employees get essentially unlimited paid sick time. It was the latest black eye for the DWP and its union, and Garcetti’s office was quick to pounce, as he and other pols called for an investigation. A week later a chastened DWP altered its policy, requiring a doctor’s note for those out three days or longer. Call it a victory for Garcetti, even if it’s just a battle and not the war.

Judging from the commentary above, the "sickness" continues.

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



Details of Tujunga Golf Course Developer Lawsuit Emerge

Idyllic day at Verdugo Hills Golf Course, Photo by Joseph Mailander

Our friend Joseph Mailander visited Sunland-Tujunga Friday, did some digging and unearthed some details on the lawsuit that Snowball West Investments, owners of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course in Tujunga, has filed against the City of Los Angeles over it's designation of a small piece of the property as a "historic landmark."

You may remember that last fall, Alarcon presented to the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council a strategy to block development of 229 homes on the site, by declaring the property, which was used during World War II as a detention camp for Japanese-Americans and others, a "historic landmark."

This was at the height of Alarcon's campaign for the State Assembly; a race he later lost.

At some point during the process for historic designation, the stated intent of the effort changed; not to block development, but to provide some historic mitigation to the Japanese community, and acquire some sort of recognition and memorial at the site.  As Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council board member Krystee Clark told the Glendale News-Press, "Well, it's not really about the golf course," she said. "It's about making sure the area is preserved in a way that satisfies the Japanese American community."

The following is courtesy of Joseph Mailander:

The suit that the owners of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course have brought against the City of Los Angeles is mostly pointed at Alarcon's actions in his final days as a Council Member. 

It notes how Alarcon introduced the motion to designate the site as a Japanese monument on October 12, 2012..."25 days before the General Election and without notice to Snowball."
It references an LA Times report noting that Alarcon had hoped to "save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course from residential development by adding it to the list of historic and cultural monuments"--something Alarcon's office and others were denying when they found later that this might constitute deprivation of due process. 

It alleges that Alarcon refused to talk about the designation with Snowball. [BTW, it notes how the community within the development is to be privately gated.] It claims that Alarcon in bringing the motion to Council on June 21, surprised the developer, because the PLUM Committee had asked for a working Committee to work on a solution 60 days subsequent to June 11, 2013--but brought the matter before Council before his term ended, a scant ten days later. 

It alleges that in Alarcon's "rush to prevent, delay, and impact" the Project, "no research was conducted, no reports or maps were consulted, and no findings were made to determine the boundaries of the detention station or exactly where the use was previously located on the property. It alleges the box drawn around the oaks was "nearly arbitrary." 

It suggests Alarcon's motivation was originally to please voters in running for his Assembly race, which he did not win. 

It requests a jury trial and names the sum of $20 million as compensatory damages.

Nuch picking up Bloggin Momentum from Unexpected Sources

As the Kevin James Endorsement gives a big boost to the re-election chances of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, unexpected momentum is rising from a formerly hostile local blogger's sphere.

 City Attorney Carmen Trutanich shakes hands with Third Place Mayoral Candidate Kevin James.

** Blogger's notes: Every once in a while, its nice to have laptop and cellphone camera at the ready, for little bloggin field trip. Yesterday's scheduling was perfect for a morning stop-by at the South Steps of City Hall, to partake in Kevin James Endorsement of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich for a second term. Trutanich was jovial and at ease during the presser (maybe the settlement of his lawsuit with John Shallman, stemming from his failed District Attorney Campaign, played a role?). For the record, Trutanich would not personally comment on the specifics of the settlement, citing a confidentiality agreement between the parties. Regarding the James Endorsement, the former Federal Prosecutor cited Trutanich past trial lawyer experience and chided challenger Mike Feuer for being a co-sponsor of the AB-109 Prison Realignment Scandal. Our notes and and other related thoughts continue below. 

As noted above, James was critical of Mike Feuer's co sponsorship of AB 109. James cited his computer search that turned up an increased number of AB 109 related crimes within California. LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus reminded Trutanich that he was a early supporter of AB 109, to which Trutanich replied that his job was to "make lemonade out of a lemon". The subject of AB 109 was also the basis for A question directed  at Trutanich by this blogger, that cited a recent comment by LA Dragnet Blogger and LA County Deputy District Attorney David Berger, which he stated the reason for Trutanich's support of AB 109, was predicated in Trutanich's desire to get California Governor Jerry Brown's support for his losing District Attorney Campaign. Trutanich responded that "Berger is a cyber stalker" and his relationship with Governor Brown predated AB 109.

 

 Trutanich and James remarks did not go unnoticed by the Feuer Campaign. At one point, an observer who was supposedly linked to Feuer's Consultant John Shallman, broached loudly on the tired subject of Trutanich's pledge to donate $100,000 dollars to LA Best, which Trutanich deflected with a "have a good day" comment and a matching pledge request of the "walk by shill". But what should concern the Feuer Campaign is a growing momentum in the local blogger's sphere, against his ethically-challenged antics. From Joseph Mailander today .............

Hey, don't faint.  But here's an excellent summary of a City Attorney debate by Paul Hatfield that may cause you to take a second peek at Carmen Trutanich.

While we have yet to see a LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus report on last night's City Attorney Debate, the Feuer Campaign (and Shallman) may want to take pause, From debate observer and blogger Paul Hatfield.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .

The only thing missing in tonight’s City Attorney debate in Valley Village was one of the candidates shouting, “You can’t handle the truth!”

The heat did match the final courtroom scene between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise on two of the subjects.

The first was Feuer’s controversial contract with his campaign manager John Shallman.

Feuer claims the Ethics Commission told him his contract passed muster. Trutanich flashed a document purporting that the Commission has no record of Feuer’s inquiry. Feuer countered that the Commission was not allowed to comment on his inquiry. Trutanich fired back saying if the discussion was confidential, it violated the Brown Act, which requires public transparency. He went on to chide Feuer about relying on an oral statement to support such a critical matter, implying it was sloppy practice.

I spoke briefly with Trutanich after the debate concerning the related court case filed against Feuer by an activist. He said the worst that could happen to Feuer would be the removal of his name from the ballot.

 Thus, with Mailander and Hatfield opining on the ethical issues pertaining to Mike Feuer, the time was also right to question Trutanich on the root reason for the breach between himself and former employee, turned LA Dragnet Blogger David Berger (who's supported candidate Greg Smith endorsed Feuer yesterday). Trutanich cited city confidential personal codes for not commenting directly on Berger's departure from the City Attorney Office. But as former uber critical bloggers of Trutanich now take a second look, maybe Berger will be transparent on the "root reason" for his current bloggin vitriol directed at his former boss and why he ended up back at the District Attorney's office?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Greuel Campaign in Tailspin?

Political wags in LA were shocked Friday evening when four key staffers for the Wendy Greuel for Mayor Campaign, top veterans of the well oiled Obama get out the vote machine, abruptly quit over a "change in direction."

This news is on the heels of the announcement that Greuel received the endorsement of former Republican Mayor Richard Riordan, who had supported Kevin James in the primary. Not only did Greuel announce Riordan's backing, but said he'd be her first hire to play a significant role in handling the City budget. This revelation caught union leaders by surprise, the vast majority who have supported Greuel including spending millions of dollars in members' dues for the City Controller's campaign for Mayor.

MayorSam favorite political consultant Parke "Parque Esqueleto" Skelton, who is not associated with any mayoral campaign this cycle was dumbfounded by the move, telling the LA Times, "To adopt a new field strategy two months out seems like a recipe for dysfunction to me."

As noted by Joseph Mailander, writing at CityWatch, LA's progressives and union leaders are dumbfounded by the Riordan role in the Greuel campaign and potential administration, given that the financier turned Mayor is seen as a "pension buster." For sure, many a text message and email must have come out of IBEW, SEIU and LA County Fed iPhone, tablets and laptops with the subject line "WTF?"

We'll know soon enough if Greuel's change of field succeeds in turning out the mostly conservative Kevin James voters from the West Valley that Greuel needs to have a chance against frontrunner, Councilman Eric Garcetti. On the other hand it could fall flat should James announce for Garcetti and Wendy's campaign further alienates her most committed and loyal troops.

Saturday HotSheet

Who will he pick?

Courting of the losers by the winners in Tuesday's Mayoral race is already underway. The LA Times reports that both Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti are seeking the endorsement of former opponent, Kevin James, who came in third place. James has not yet stated if he will endorse and if so, who he leans towards. It's highly unlikely, given his criticism of Wendy Greuel's lack of independence from special interests he could support the Controller yet as well James was highly suspect of Garcetti's leadership as City Council President during the years Los Angeles slipped into steep decline.  James met with Greuel on Friday and will meet with Garcetti over the weekend. Perhaps he will announce his decision as well as comment on speculation he may seek the GOP nomination for Governor in 2014, when he guest hosts on KRLA AM 870's "The Morning Answer" on Monday morning.

A severe tuberculosis strain has broken out amongst the homeless population of LA's Skid Row and officials are scrambling to address it. Writing at CityWatch, author/blogger Joseph Mailander notes that "Over five of every six cases since 2007 have occurred among those homeless in Skid Row, for whom we have failed to provide housing, despite two decades of affordable housing programs and recent costly developments that are purported to house the greatest at risk." Mailander squarely lays the blame at LA's "Homeless-Industrial Complex" where a web of politically connected non-profit organizations, elected officials and Chamber of Commerce types spend millions in taxpayer dollars that do little to address getting any significant number of the homeless in homes. He observes that while "CEOs" of homeless service organizations get salaries often north of well paid Los Angeles City Council members, and apartment like housing units are developed at costs equivalent to the average single family home, existing stock and facilities which could house more individuals at a lower price point sit fallow. Mailander posits the City's policy of "containment" led to the TB outbreak, as opposed to spreading the homeless out in existing section 8 housing in a "regional approach" that doesn't require massive spending on homeless specific facilities. Blogger and homeless activist, Don Garza, told us he agrees with a regional approach stating "the homeless are in tears and those who have seen the horrors of the containment policy first hand living in the supportive housing in skid row" are hoping to see elected officials take a different approach.

Abraham Lincoln's troops won the battle at Gettysburg 150 years ago, which began to turn things around in the Civil War and likely saved the Union, but Los Angeles Pierce College President Kathleen Burke-Kelly is having none of it.  Burke has cancelled the annual Heritage Days event on the West Valley campus. The event featured highly detailed Civil War re-enactments where children and others can first hand get an idea of what the battle was like and even ask questions of re-enactors who answer in the frame of the period.  Yet, despite that Gettysburg Sesquicentennial observations are going on all around the country - and interest in Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War period is at an all time high with several popular movies, books and TV shows out on the subject - Burke-Kelley gave into naddering NIMBY naybobs in the Woodland Hills neighborhood who did not like "the noise." These are the same type of folks who got the Fourth of July Fireworks show cancelled at LA Valley College. Watch out, they may be coming to YOUR neighborhood

And finally when you consider the results of our Mayoral and other elections on Tuesday, one often wonders "who are these people?" who vote.  We think late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has found them! Watch below!

At Least There's No Hanging Chads!

KCET is reporting that there are about 90,000 uncounted ballots remaining from Tuesday's municipal primary election. This could make a difference in close races such as in CD3 and CD7 where Assemblymen Bob Blumenfeld and Felipe Fuentes respectively avoided a run-off scenario with their next closest challenger. 

In the meantime, Fuentes avoided a runoff by about 200 votes. According to the City Clerk, there are about 35 precincts in CD7. I don't know if challengers Nicole Chase, Krystee Clark and/or David Barron engaged captains in each one of those precincts, but you can be sure Fuentes did. Had any of the three challengers managed to call up and get about 6 more people per precinct out for them, or flip a Fuentes voters, Chase would be in a runoff with the former Assemblyman right now. Despite that, supporters of the challengers in CD7 are talking up the number of candidates, issues with signs, bullying, etc. While each of those issues do need to have a conversation around, the simple truth is it comes down to numbers. 

Speaking of numbers, blogger/writer Joseph Mailander (check out his new book Days Change at Night: Notes from LA's Decade of Decline in Los Angeles 2003-13) crunches some election results out of Sunland-Tujunga and Silver Lake coming up with what we might call an "dis/enchanted index" for Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti:

"Disenchanted v. enchanted? Wendy Greuel carried all precincts in Sunland-Tujunga, but received under 50% in all but one. Eric Garcetti carried all precincts in Silver Lake by over 50%, some over 60%, and one over 70%."

Always remember folks, politics is a numbers game! 

Mailander to Wendy Milhous Greuel: Bring it On!

Growing up as a young Republican in her Granada Hills home, a young Wendy Greuel likely was exposed to family discussions during the Presidency of Richard Nixon. To West Valley, upper middle class families in the late 60s and early 70s, Nixon was a hero, he stood up to the hippies, yippies, anti-America crowd, the Jane Fondas and everything and anything that "isn't us."

UPDATE @ 1:11 PM: Did Team Greuel send a "Secret Asian Man" to James presser this morning? 

Nixonnian ways may have more of an influence on Greuel than we may imagine.

Case in point, earlier this year, investigative reporter Randy Economy of the Los Cerritos News broke an explosive story that alleged that Greuel repeatedly used her City Controller's office and time for Mayoral campaign purposes, based on a review of her official calendar records. What was Greuel's response to this damaging revelation? Her campaign showed up at Kevin James press conferences to "expose" Economy's previous arrest records. Arrests? Yes, Economy has been open for a number of years as to his substance abuse issues and troubled past. What Greuel didn't note is that Economy has been clean and sober for several years and as gained significant acclaim working with Catholic organizations that assist other addicts.

You may have heard of Dante Atkins. He's a brash, very liberal, young political operative who has aggressively taken Greuel to task during the campaign. The upshot? Longtime MayorSam reader and Wendy Greuel supporter, Trojan2002, has already begun the trashing of Atkins.

Who may be next on the list? Our very own "blogfather," writer Joseph Mailander. Joseph was the one who caught, following bluster and bravada by Greuel, that the Controller curiously left off DWP salaries from a list she "published" of City Hall salaries, in the wake of the City of Bell scandal. Given her history with the DWP and it's union, the IBEW, which has poured millions into the effort to elect her Mayor, it would make sense. Following Mailander's good catch, many in the bloglasphere and twitterverse caught this, leading Greuel's opponent Kevin James to stage a press conference on Greuel's curious omission  With Mailander as the lead suspect in spilling the beans, the crusty scribe was in full anticipation of a John Shallman inspired hit; and seemed to dare the Greuel team to bring it on. Oh, if you do want some dirt, Mailander is known to take leisurely afternoon walks around Los Feliz smelling the flowers, tossing footballs and soaking in the community.

So, might Shallman be composing up a "Checkers" speech? Stay tuned.

Greuel Only Tells Half (or less!) of the Story on City Salaries

What happens to City Officials who are shady.
Former City of Bell Administrator Robert Rizzo
Now a parking lot attendant
Except in LA: We elect them to higher office

Hat tip to Joseph Mailander.

Wendy Greuel, who is hardly transparent in her City Controller work (see here and here) came in with a Shallman-esque bluster and bravado on Twitter yesterday claiming in reaction to the City of Bell scandal, she published all employee salaries on the web.

Fortunately, we have folks like Joseph to catch these little details.

Wendy has never released DWP salaries. As Mailander told us those salaries are "well-known to be higher than all others, and where the greatest concerns lie. Of course, she's getting a million bucks from the DWP to run her campaign. It must have been an oversight."

Twitter has a 140 character limit. Perhaps Greuel is composing the second half of the story now?

What's Still Going On In LA This Monday?

That's funny!

The "Krekorian Sinkhole" in North Hollywood remains, getting deeper with recent rains and seemingly addressed only on Facebook by Krekorian spinmeister, Jeremy Oberstein.

Andrea Alarcon remains as President of the Board of Public Works, even after new details emerge in her alleged case of child abandonment following a wild party at City Hall and after, a local hotel.

Joseph Mailander continues to expose the ineffective, expensive and band-aid approach to homelessness. The merit to Mailander's argument - which for sure is one to give some homeless activists, elected officials and others a mild case of indigestion - is that it a common sense approach, that has worked in other countries and comes from a dyed-in-the-wool committed liberal, not Richard Riordan.

Workers at the LA Port are still on strike.

Phil Jennerjahn is apparently still running for Congress.

Public Works Commission President Andrea Alarcon

Here she is, in all her glory!

In the meantime, read Joseph Mailander's latest piece on the matter.

Classic MayorSam: The Anyone But Antonio Meme

More from the MayorSam archives as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa leads Barack Obama's three day infomercial in Charlotte. Here's when even the left leaning bloggers turned on the Mayor prior to his re-election.

The Mayor and his minions have launched a "campaign" that is almost comical in it's lies, distortions and mistruths when it comes to representing his record over the last four years (or would that be acutally the 161 days he actually worked on City business?).

If you've read this blog you're familiar with all his mis-doings from Mirthala to toilets to more serious matters like the fiscal health of the city.  You know how big of a kleptocracy Los Angeles has become. So its not a surprise that blogs beyond this one are starting to call for rejection of this 11% mayor.

Not known for being a radical MetBlogs' David Markland gets the ball rolling asking voters to "head to the polls March 3rd and vote for anyone BUT Antonio."  Next Joseph Mailander at Street Hassle picks it up hat tipping to Markland and saying that the Mayor and his handlers have "denied democracy to Los Angeles" this election season.  Fishbowl LA is next to chime in offering that Markland's "reasoning is sound."

So who's next?

Image from Fishbowl LA

Why It Makes No Sense To Debate With Emotional Liberals

There was a whole book written on this. Generally, it is pointless to argue with liberals on any issue because liberalism, in most cases, tends to be emotional. As Larry Elder says "A fact to an emotional liberal is like kryptonite to Superman."

There are a few notable exceptions - some of our old blogging friends like Jack Hoff, Suzanne Lauer and Joseph Mailander, while tending be on the left side of the spectrum, make reasoned analyses, even if one as a conservative might disagree with some of their conclusions. Rachel Maddow and Juan Williams are somewhat civil in their tone at times.  But liberalism has decayed in recent decades and the Bob Beckel-Ed Schultz approach has run rampant.

Here is a visual example of how quickly a local liberal went south on our MayorSam Facebook page:

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Chief Spoll Check Officer

Our award winning bloggin' mangler of the English language, Scott Johnson, has once again shone a big spotlight on something not smelling too good in Los Angeles. No, not the Mayor's sock drawer but the case of a one Academia Semillas de Pollo (uh, que lastima, Pueblo) here in Los Angeles.

You've been following for years the story of this controversial charter school, everything from the Aztec language lessons to the Costco pizza snacks to the attempted, literal attempt to throw newsman Sandy Wells under the bus.

Scott has been doing excellent investigative reporting on the school for some time now, with documents happily provided by alleged employees, former parents, public officials and what he could dig up himself. Apparently, as the school escaped near death at the hands of LA schools super, John Deasy (by school director Marcos Aguilar dressing up like an Aztec warrior and securing the vote of LAUSD Board Chair Monica Garcia who probably, like me, has enjoyed one too many Costco pizzas), they've become much more sensitive to anyone shining light on their operations.

Snackin' Semillas Style?

Thus, a very confusing "cease and desist" letter came to Johnson, who laughed in it's general direction and was emboldened by even further document dumps coming out of El Sereno.

And, as we have seen before, this action does not serve to shove the whole matter under the wrong, but it only wakes up local media, who - despite their political leanings - don't take kindly to government types trying to shut up fellow members of the working press.

Two good examples of that today, a thoughtful analysis of the story so far by Joseph Mailander at CityWatch and a delicious reportage dripping with her trademark snark, by Simone Electra Wilson at the LA Weekly. 

We hear more is coming.

I believe it as former Watergate burglar and now right wing gold salesman G. Gordon Liddy who is famous for allegedly having said "Once you squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube, it's hard to get it back in."

Stay tuned.

Jerry Brown Stumps Hard for Carmen the Clown

Old Buddies

Why anyone would vote for Carmen Trutanich boggles the mind but why any Republican would vote for this shady former tuna packer completely erases the sane mind.

Republicans need to support Allan Jackson - rational minded independents, Democrats, Libertarians, etc. should also back Allan. He's received support ranging from moi to Joseph Mailander to Walter Moore to Ron Kaye (who gave a two-way nod to both Jackson and fellow Deputy DA, Jackie Lacey). Not often do those guys agree.

"Los Angeles County voters need only remember three letters when they cast their ballot for district attorney on June 5: ABC. Anybody But Carmen." - LA Daily News 

Carmen's biggest supporters are Jerry Brown, Antonio Villaraigosa and Phil Jennerjahn.

Hollywood activist John Walsh reports today that he has received robocalls from Jerry Brown on behalf of Trutanich.

Why even Democrats would vote for Carmen when there are perfectly capable progressive choices such as Jackie Lacey or Bobby Grace confuses me as well.

Remember - like the Daily News says "Anybody But Carmen."

Mini Pips for a Humpday Afternoon

How does a controversial local newspaper publisher with an extensive criminal record continue to publish his paper and serve as a "principal for the day" at a local high school? That's the question on the mind of many residents of Sunland-Tujunga; follow the reporting at Joe B's Mop and Bucket Blog.

The Chairman of the Democratic National Convention AKA 11% Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is coming after your wallet. He wants to extend LA's increased sales tax to pay for more transportation boondoggles. With news of the utter failure of California's goofy high speed rail plan, is this really the time to tie up much needed tax dollars in a down economy?

Congressional candidate and former MayorSam blogger Phil Jennerjahn details his property rights platform.

In case you missed it, last Saturday night Frank Sheftel, David Hernandez and I spoke with political consultant John Thomas about Carmen Trutanich's embarrassing court defeat last week over his ballot title.

Cool random photo shot by Joseph Mailander in Silver Lake over at this Street Hassle Blog.

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