Another LAFD Scandal and City Hall Still Lacks Proactive Transparency

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport - Back in October, The Guss Report broke the story about a sexual harassment investigation at the LAFD in which its likely next chief, Armando Hogan, was accused by at least one high-profile civilian colleague of misconduct.

City Hall politicians and their media flacks stonewalled my questions, to the detriment of their ever-eroding credibility.

In January, both The Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Magazine credited my accuracy and timeliness.

Now, it appears that since January 29th, the same City Hall power players have stayed mum on another scandal at the troubled agency - a cheating scandal on a Captain I electronic test.  

And that's not all that insiders are telling me.

To read the rest of my column, jump on over to danielguss.substack.com and sign up for the free newsletter while you're there.  And don't forget to follow me on The Twitters @TheGussReport.

The Kevin James and Jan Perry Radio Show to Debut this Morning on KABC 790 AM

The Kevin James and Jan Perry Radio Show to make its cameo appearance this morning on KABC 790 AM from 9-10 A.M.

LA's newest talk radio duo Kevin James and Jan Perry.

Doug McIntyre just announced that the "Sonny and Cher of Talk Radio" Kevin James and CD 9 City Councilwoman Jan Perry, will make their duo debut this morning in a one hour cameo from 9-10 A.M. on KABC 790 A.M.

While James is no stranger to the talk radio air waves, the soon to be termed out city councilwoman will be making her debut as a perspective talk show host.

We can envision a certain mayoral candidate possibly making a call in and maybe a current CD 8 City Councilman will place a call with some witty commentary on the duo's prior mayoral campaign endeavors?

Be sure to tune in for some local, insightful political talk.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Sunday Bloggin Feature: "Are Past Judgments ($193,000+) against Academia Semillas del Pueblo still pending"?

With the recent renew interest in the controversial charter schoool Academia Semillas del Pueblo, we have received many documents here at Mayor Sam regarding present issues such as declining test scores, questionable financial standing and a failed effort by LAUSD education professionals to revoke charter renewal (thanks to LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia). 

Yet, what many have forgotten in the recent years is Academia's attempt to restrict the free speech rights of the likes of KABC Talk Radio Host Doug McIntyre and the financial ramifications the subsequent legal ruling had on the finances of the controversial charter school.  

Doug McIntyre and then parent company of KABC Talk Radio 790 AM Disney were the target of a civil rights and defamation lawsuit by Marcos Aguilar after McIntyre's reporting on the controversial comments of Aguilar and the low test scores of its students.

But Aguilar's lawsuit fail and Academia was found liable for Disney and McIntyre's legal fees. You can read the rest of the legal findings after the jump. BTW to Doug and Disney, has Academia paid up on their legal obligations?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

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Larry Elder on City Council Selective Censorship

The LA City Clowncil solved all of LA's problems and found a little extra time on their hand - so they decided to vote to ban Rush Limbaugh and KFI's John and Ken.

KABC host Larry Elder Facebook'ed up the following observations:

Hey, LA City Council, what about 'hate speech" on Spanish language radio? I hear that it's FAR more course and vulgar than local English language talk.

The normally reasonable--for a dem-- L.A. Councilman Dennis Zine, voted to condemn local talk radio. Nada about Maher, Garofolo, Moore, etc. C'mon, Zine!

LA City Council passes resolution condemning demeaning talk radio--gave examples, but Maher's use of the "c' word for Palin did not make the cut.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

  KABC Talk Radio Host John Phillips.

Former KABC 790 AM Newsman Rob Marinko.

Great post Christmas Monday to you as this blogger and others of the "Clipper Nation" celebrate our first victory on the way to the playoffs in 2012. Celebrating has its price as I miss the first morning of the holiday reunion of John "The Sports Princess" Phillips and Newsman Rob Marinko at KABC 790 AM this week during the morning drive (5-9 AM). While most within the local political community are taking vacation time or operating on cruise control, there is news for public consumption as we note below.

** City officials executed a classic "Friday before Christmas Bad News Dump" by disclosing the initial cost of police resources use for the "Flea Party Bug Out" at $1.7 Million dollars (the cost of restoring the City Hall brownfields is still outstanding which should push this total above $2 Million). The disclosure of the higher than expected cost, prompted City Controller Candidate Dennis Zine to call upon the City Attorney to seek reinburstment from SEIU, correction the Red Rabble of Occupy LA. The Daily News puts the total at $2.35 Million.

** We understand that former Mayoral Candidate Walter Moore was on air with John Phillips this morning discussing the stupid and potentially deadly decision to change impounding rules for those caught caught driving without a valid license. Once again the race pandering is more important than public safety and puts the city at risk to legal repercussions.

** Lastly, the Police Protective League is in need of some outside policing of their elections as Daily News Rick Orlov reports.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

     

MayorSam on the Air

I'll be joining John Phillips on the air this evening on KABC Talkradio 790 at 6:35 p.m. (give or take).  We're going to have a little bit of fun with Maxine Waters' latest comments.

UPDATE: Due to breaking news items, my segment is moved to 7:35 p.m.

McIntyre in the Morning is Back!

Well for tomorrow only...

Doug McIntyre ONE DAY ONLY! I will be doing the morning show at TALK RADIO 790 KABC, Friday, August 13th 5am - 9am. www.kabc.com

KABC's Phillips to Start New Show Tonight

Longtime KABC radio producer, sports reporter and frequent fill-in host John Phillips will begin tonight as the permanent host of the station's evening program replacing longtime host Al Rantel who has retired from broadcasting for health reasons. I had the privilege of attending Phillips' celebratory party Saturday night which was a star studded affair with some of local radio's legendary luminaries in attendance such as Doug McIntyre, Dan Avey (legendary newsman and longtime LA Kings color commentator), Tammy Bruce, attorney Gloria Allred and Marc Germain.  Phillips is an excellent host who despite his success remains an unpretentious nice guy. Tune in weeknights on KABC AM 790 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday evenings 7:00 p.m. to midnight when the Dodgers aren't playing.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Monday

Supporters of the Los Angeles Zoo's efforts to keep on track the multi-million dollar effort to construct a controversial elephant exhibit thought that they had lost the battle and the votes needed on the City Council to keep the elephant pen from being shut down.  Then a white knight in the form of Global Crossing founder and Wall Street rainmaker Gary Winnick came to their rescue.  Winnick hired crisis management guru Mike Sitrick to turn it around for them.  Sitrick who handled PR for Paris Hilton during her county jail days and Rush Limbaugh during his pill popping phase got right to work and, according to insiders, managed to turn Bill Rosendahl to the dark side bringing along Jose Huizar and Ed Reyes and securing the Zoo a win.  The bill: tipsters say $250,000.


Mayoral Candidate David "Zuma Dogg" Saltsburg will be interviewed by KABC Talkradio AM 790 host Doug McIntyre Monday at 9:30 a.m.  By the way if any other Mayoral candidates want to send us over their media appearances we'll be glad to post them.

Lots of hand wringing by paperweight winners over the LA Times decision to axe it's "California" section and move local news to the main section.  However Ron Kaye, a blogger who's actually run daily metropolitan papers, says that's not a bad thing.  Kaye opines "The Times becoming a Los Angeles newspaper could be the best thing for the city. The community needs a powerful, credible voice to stand up for the common good, the greater good, to passionately tell the stories of who we are and how we could do better."  In his hand wringing our favorite paperweight winner keeps making the claim that by getting rid of the California section, the Times can print its Calendar entertainment section at night, hence keeping it more newsy.  However, Ed Padgett, a blogger who has actually printed a newspaper explains how the paper is actually printed.  Folks this is the kind of reportage that wins Pulitzers. 


The LA Weekly reports that Mayor Villaraigosa and Southern California Congressman Xavier Becerra apparently didn't rate invitations to President Obama's Superbowl party at the White House.  But guess who did: Senator John McCain, but apparently the former Republican Presidential candidate was not able to make it.

From the weekend:

• Jasmyne Cannick on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Missing Councilmembers 
• Candidate Adeena Bleich Stumps in CD5

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

The LA Times reports that Mayoral candidate Walter Moore picked up a check for $43,000 of your tax dollars for the City's matching funds he's qualified for.  Walter may want to find a better bank as the Times mentioned the bank put an immediate hold on the funds but later releaseed $10,000.  If claims on this blog and an article by Steve Lopez in the LA Times are to believed the money comes just in time for Walter who has spent all of the $200,000 he collected from supporters on hats, bumper stickers and lawn signs.

Council Member Bernard Parks has stepped down from his spot on the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Transportation Agency after four years on the panel.  Likely replacements include Council Members Tom LaBonge, Bill Rosendahl, Herb Wesson and Jose Huizar.  The loss of Parks from the Board removes a decent voice of fiscal prudence in favor of free spending politicians who dominate the MTA now.

When the government witholds taxes from your paycheck every week, you are essentially giving them an interest free loan for up to a year.  As well you are usually loaning them more money that what your total tax liability is and hence upon filing your tax return you receive a refund that the government has you convinced is free bonus money.  It gets even worse - now State Controller John Chiang has ruled you'll get your money back when he gets around to it because the state is broke.  Call Chiang and give him a piece of your mind at (916) 445-2636.

Programming changes at KABC talkradio and though the station is heavy on syndicated national programming, the latest round of alterations actually add one hour of local coverage a day including giving Doug McIntyre - who does extensive coverage of local politics - an extra hour a day as well as extending long time local host Al Rantel to a five hour shift during the evening.

George Garrigues, publisher of the Palms-Village Sun has a new book out covering the history of the eclectic Westside community.  Not sure if it's another America's Suburb but Los Angeles's The Palms Neighborhood chronicles the community's start as a resort for tony 19th century Angelenos who wanted to escape the heat of Downtown.

Mayor Sam Radio Alert

I'll be on with John Phillips on KABC Radio AM 790 Wednesday morning, December 31st, to discuss "Antonio Villaraigosa Year in Review." Should be around 6:00 a.m.

Mayor Sam On The Air

In a few moments; on the John Phillips Show, on KABC AM 790.

Larry Elder: Major Announcement

KABC talkradio host Larry Elder teases a major announcement at 5:00 p.m. this evening. Is he leaving the station after years on the air? I sure hope not. Larry is a breath of fresh air and an informative/entertaining host in a sea of syndicated crap. With Larry off the air in drive time it leaves us only the Heckle and Jeckle of LA radio, John and Ken, as the only live and local programming. Stay tuned.

Yup: he's leaving- check out his website

Radio Alert: Mayor Sam on the Air

Yesterday we exposed a plan to be considered by the LA City Council. Tuesday morning at approximately 7:20 a.m. I'll appear on Doug McIntyre's program on KABC AM 790 to discuss the issue.

Wally Sherwin, 89

You may not know him by name but you might remember his appearances in the famous Adee Plumbing and Heating commercials, "Adee Do!"

Wally Sherwin born August 26, 1918 passed away Wednesday in Van Nuys. Wally was a noted TV/Radio executive Los Angeles for decades for a number of stations but most notably at KABC Talkradio where he hired a then unknown college professor named Dennis Prager who is now a nationally known syndicated radio host and author.

Speaking of legendary, local Los Angeles television commercials, can you believe that Cal Worthington is still around!

Observations on a Sunday Morning

I had a great time appearing on John Phillips' show on KABC Radio Saturday night.  John was great to hang with and the folks at KABC treated me first rate with my name on the lobby marquee and setting me up in the "green room" prior to going on air.  Dodger baseball keeps John's Saturday night show off the air for a few weeks, but you can always catch John each morning on McIntyre in the Morning.

On the way back from KABC a stop at The Original Pantry restaurant was in order for dinner.  Their salmon is incredible! I didn't know that the restaurant (owned by former Mayor Richard Riordan of course) no longer provides the fresh vegetable platter it had for decades.  This is part of the same nanny state nonsense that took the mustard off tables at The Original Philipe's and the bacon off the hot dogs on Latino vendor carts.  With respect to the first two for sure those traditions went back nearly a century and no one died.  Why all of a sudden now do we need government to protect us?

If you want to run for Mayor against Antonio Villaraigosa this is your issue: crime.  Crime and the perception of rising crime is growing in Los Angeles.  The folks in the Valley and parts of the Westside are pissed about development and that's a strong issue.  However crime cuts deep and is the one thing that will impede the progress of the city on every level.  The Mayor has produced nothing in terms of the crime issue; continuing to raise taxes while showing no real visible on the street increase in LAPD strength.  The candidate that can successfully take on this issue - including embracing Jamiel's Law without making it a racial issue - has a real shot at beating the Mayor.

Reminder! Mayor Sam on the Air!

I'll be appearing on John Phillips' radio show this evening KABC. John airs every Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; if you haven't heard him yet definitely tune him in. Depending on what time the Dodgers game ends (lets hope for not another 11 inning game), I'll be either on the internet only or radio and internet. Click here to listen. Later in the evening Phillips will have a tribute to legendary LA Lakers play by play man, Chick Hearn featuring Jeanne Buss, Dan Avey and Lynn Shackleford.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

Another blogger comes to the realiziation about how LA works. While illegal alien gang violence is destroying the City goofy Jan Perry wants to ban fast food.  It's an old story but it's still sadly true.



If you want to hear Warren Olney getting a TKO on Mayor Villaraigosa, you can listen to the KCRW podcast here.  Warren Olney - who can't be demonized as a right wing hate monger like you folks do to Doug McIntryre - called the Mayor on the carpet for being frequently out of town (15 days out of 30) and lack of progress during his term.



The Hollywood Walk of Fame is being rapidly damaged and creating safety issues.  The MTA claims it's because of the sun but the sun beat for 40 years on those tiles prior to the construction of the Metro Red Line.  Due to shoddy construction repair work has continually had to done on the sidewalk and other areas along the subway in Hollywood.  And you people want to give this incompetent agency MORE of your money?



Speaking of the Red Line I can tell you that at least of our local elected officials takes public transit and does it without cameras, reporters, aids and sycophants in tow (unlike someone else we know). Thursday evening I was on my way back from Hollywood and Highland and ran into Los Angeles City Council Member Wendy Greuel (the chairperson of the Transportaton Commitee too) and her son and husband, coming home from the Hollywood Bowl.  The Council Member - who recognized me in the station - and I had a nice talk about her transit habits, how her staff addresses Neighborhood Councils and her son's Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtle action figures.  The Council Member tries to take transit as often as possible, at least one to two times a week.  Kudos to her!



I'll be appearing on John Phillips' Saturday evening radio show on KABC Radio.  John airs every Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; if you haven't heard him yet definitely tune him in.  Depending on what time the Dodgers game ends, I'll be either on the internet only or radio and internet.  Click here to listen.  Later in the evening Phillips will have a tribute to legendary LA Lakers play by play man, Chick Hearn featuring luminaries from both the sports and broadcasting world.

The 70s at 7

For today's feature here are snippets from local television news during the 70s. See if you remember any of these.

KNXT (now KCBS) 11:00 p.m. news from around 1978 featuring a very young Connie Chung and Jim Hill.

Here's a KNBC News clip from the 70s back when Pat Sajak did the weather.



And Channel 7 Eyewitness News with Jerry Dunphy.

The Re-Birth of Mr. KFI?

Earlier last year, Marc "Mr. KABC" Germain left KABC Radio after ten years to take a drive time show on "Progressive" talker KTLK 1150.

It was announced yesterday that Mr. Germain has been canned from KTLK in order to make way for a syndicated show.

So now, Marc is available. And there is a perfect spot for him - the show recently vacated by John Ziegler from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at KTLK's sister station - and Germain's original radio home - KFI.

When Germain was at KABC he had the highest ratings in his time slot and established a reputation for being an excellent commercial pitchman, bringing in some top notch sponsors. The only reason Germain left KABC was corporate pressure to air syndicated programming during his timeslot.

If KFI is listening - we think there's a fit.