HOT Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine (and Beyond) for Monday, 12-4-17

The recent sale (and slashing of staff positions) at the LA Weekly, is the latest example of a rapidly-changing "State of Journalism" in Los Angeles, as longtime Print Mediums and Cyber Entities are forced to either evolve ..........., or continue to devolve into irrelevancy as "Objectivity in Local Reporting (especially on political issues)" becomes secondary ......., to the Agenda of the Establishment. ** BREAKING NEWS!! Assemblyman Matt Dababneh outed by Lobbyist Pamela Lopez as the "Bathroom Officeholder".  

Is a once "Weekly of Record", now merely a Weed Leaf Directory? 

** Blogger's Notes: With NO apologies to "The Old Gray Hag Resister on Spring Street (aka. Los Angeles Times)", we must declare that the "State of Journalism" in Los Angeles, is now in crisis mode. As the LA Times continues its devolution into a merely a Fishwrap of Disinformation (and alleged UNDERTAKER of Inconvenient News) , the once "LA Weekly of Record", is providing the latest "Guttings for future Wrapping", via the slashing of a majority of Staff Positions at the longtime Culver City Print Entity. There was a recent time, when the local Political Establishment would cringe in waiting for the latest damning Exclusives from the likes of Alan Mittelstaedt (who moved on to the, NOW-defunct City Beat), Jeffery Anderson, Christine Pelisek, Patrick Range McDonald, David Zahniser, Jill Stewart and Hillel Aron, but the recent sale and gutting of staff .........., leaves Aron as the only Staff Writer to lament on a VERY possible "Weed Leaf Directory Future".  The Weekly's tribulations, is the latest saga playing out withing the local Print and Cyber News Community following the Unionization-induced Demise of LAist , the pending sale of the Eastern Group Publications and the CONTROVERSY afflicting the litigious Hews Media Group (as objectively reported by Aron).   

What latest News (involving Sacramento Politicos engaging in Sexual Misconduct) has the LA Times hidden away (again) within its Imploding Catacombs of Subjective Reporting?

BREAKING NOONTIME UPDATE!!: Lobbyist Pamela Lopez reveals Assemblyman Matt Dababneh as the "SITTING OFFICEHOLDER in question regarding her Bathroom Encounter.  

** As we reported on Friday, the "Sacramento Whispering Network" is divulging the alleged IDENTITY of another "SITTING  OFFICEHOLDER" who was the subject of Lobbyist Pamela Lopez's GRAPHIC Bathroom Testimonial. Another Website (with a LEFTIST bent), has gone on the record in naming the Politico .........., but for questionable reasons, as excerpted below. 

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A Special GOTCHA Edition of ............, "Ask a Fake News/Propagandist Muckraker, featuring Brian Hews (or Legal Counsel)"

Its bloggin time for a special GOTCHA Edition of "Ask a Fake News/Propagandist Muckraker, featuring Brian Hews (or $250 per hour Legal Counsel), with questions GALORE, compliments of today's LA Weekly Story via Hillel Aron regarding ..........., "How a Small Newspaper Became a Big Weapon (for the Chacon Political Machine, allegedly)".

The alleged WEAPON that is the Fake News/Propagandist Muckraker for Ad Revenue (or the Chacon Family Political Agenda) Brian Hews.

Did former Montebello Unified School District Board of Education Colleagues David Vela, Edger Cisneros and Hector Chacon, support $27,000 in payments (for ads and legal postings) to the Hews Media Group, in return for positive newspaper coverage, endorsements (yes) .........., and factually-challenged attacks on political opponents?   

** Blogger's Notes: With no apologies to the supposed "Old Gray Anti-Trump Journalistic Pea-shooter on Spring Street (aka. LA Times)", we want to commend the, AGAIN "Weekly of Record (aka. LA Weekly)" for its GOTCHA Exclusive on the Brian Hews/Los Chacon News, formerly respected as the Los Cerritos Community News. The LA Weekly's Scribe Hillel Aron is to be lauded for his expansive, objective missive, regarding the DEVOLUTION of a once, award-winning Community Newspaper, into a mere, "WEAPON OF PROPAGANDA", to further the Agenda of the Chacon Political Machine ........, with litigious consequences. Normally, the INSPIRATION for our "Ask a Fake News/Propagandist Muckraker Feature", would make himself available to answer the QUESTIONS GALORE regarding today's Weekly's Missive , but as stated through Legal Counsel ......, "I am very busy, one-man show here. I write, sell, design the paper, collect bills, send out bills, IT, customer service, distribution manager."  in promoting the, NOW-documented "Brian Hews/Los Chacon Hews". Thus, we will rely on comments from his Counsel, or other alleged personas-----Scott Johnson.

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Morning Briefs on "The Well-Oiled Machine" for Monday

After last week's impressive Re-election Victory via "The Well-Oiled Machine" of CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, discerning media scribes are wasting no time in keyboarding missives on what will become known as "The 2015 CD 14 Wipeout".

How many Political Favors do I owe after my Re-election?

A 2015 CD 14 Elections Post Mortem in progress.

So how does a supposed, level battle for the hearts and minds of the less than 10% of CD 14 voters that care to cast ballots, become a Grand Canyon-like abyss, which the Gloria Molina Campaign would never resurface from, in her failed attempt to unseat the self-noting Princeton Graduate Incumbent?

Fred Register, the longtime Altadena-based Political Consultant tells the LA Times David Zahniser that time dedicated to actual campaigning played a role ........, "I do absolutely think that if she was really determined to do this, she should have started much earlier," said Fred Register, Molina's campaign consultant. 

Indeed, Team Huizar was lubricating its victorious Election Machine in late 2013 by identify loyal community voting blocks (with a total of 10,000 votes as a goal), then granting them funding for their respective community endeavors (ex. Eagle Rock Music Festival, El Sereno Bicentennial Parade, Bringing Back Broadway), which successfully countered the negative media, generated by his multiple episodes ofTonto-like behavior.

Thus, by the start of 2015, the Public and Privately-finance Huizar Re-election Machine was not going to succumb to a abbreviated, Twentieth Century-styled Campaign, devoid of Social Media messaging, and especially, with no Downtown LA presence.

** From Glassell Park's Tony Butka, here are a couple a reasons why, in his opinion, that the ex LA County Board of Supervisor went down on last Tuesday.

As to why Gloria Molina did so poorly, I think there were two main factors.  First, she really wasn't ready for the rhythm of a 2015 City election process.  Huizar went after that huge vote by mail crown with the some $800,000 he had in the bank before Molina even got serious about playing in January.  His consultants and humongous campaign staff did a bang up job, too. Heck, I was even invited to friend one of them on Facebook -- and yes, I accepted :-). 
The second reason is that Molina just didn't have a ground game.  She did well in the debates, but if over 1/2 the votes are being locked up while you're talking, who cares what you say or what happens at the polls on election day.  I kept looking for her 'machine' to ramp up, and it never did.  Or if it did, I sure didn't see it.  To be sure, she had a dedicated group of volunteers, but in 2015, that isn't what wins elections.  As I cautioned in my first CityWatch article about the Northeast Dems endorsement, nowhere was written that she would be able to get into a runoff and have the luxury of really running  a campaign.

** From Gene Maddaus at the LA Weekly, with no apologies to East Los Angeles Community Corporation (ELACC) President Maria Cabildo, CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's Re-election is a victory for ..........., "The G-word". But lets give Parke Skelton credit for stating "what could of been" ........., considering;
The outcome was by no means inevitable. Back in September, Parke Skelton, Huizar's strategist, did a poll that showed Huizar with a slim, two-point lead. Skelton was actually relieved that he wasn't in worse shape."I thought there was a good chance that he might be so far behind I'd have to tell Jose not to run," Skelton said Wednesday. The poll offered Huizar a path to victory. Voters were asked whether things in their neighborhood were going in the right direction, and 63 percent said yes. Skelton's strategy was to barrage voters with mailers to remind them of tangible improvements in their neighborhoods. And as we noted last week, there was a "Public Cost" for that mailing blitz.



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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

 

What Difference Does a LA Weekly Profile Make for a Less than Average Campaign Consultant Michael Trujillo?

In honor of former Mayor Sam Blogger, turned Less than Average Campaign Consultant Michael "MEAT/Chief Parker" Trujillo's LA Weekly Profile, "How Consultant Michael Trujillo Wins (especially when the opposing candidate is terminally-ill) -- and Sometime Loses (think Measure B and most recently "The Boss D'Arcy Rizzo Call Greuel for Congress) -- Elections", we blogging flashback to this from the Mayor Sam Archives. 

This blogger's photograph of Trujillo from the now, CD 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino's Campaign Victory Party in 2012.

The Bloggin Habit of Spin is a 24/7 endeavor for MEAT (especially when it comes with a pay check). Photo via the LA Weekly.  

**Blogger's Note: If anyone could keyboard the definitive profile of former Mayor Sam Blogger, the Drivin Ms. Daisy of Los Angeles Politics and the Less than Average Campaign Consultant Michael "MEAT/Chief Parker" Trujillo, now full time LA Weekly Writer Hillel Aron has answer that with this week's extensive missive. Love him or despise his antics (it would be easy to use the word hate, but I respectfully digress), Trujillo is one of the Los Angeles Political Scene's unique characters of the 21st Century, (kinda like the Mini Me of Rolando "The Big O" Cuevas). I have only met Trujillo twice in person and I found him to be stand offish in wanting to engage in dialog with a fellow Mayor Sam Blogger. That said, I have to admit that the persona of "MEAT" can grow on you (like a wart? maybe), but regardless whether you been on the opposite side of "MEAT" in the heat of political battle, you can't help but want to engage his persona away from politics. Ramblings aside, in honor of "MEAT's" profile, we repost the below, from the Mayor Sam archives, enjoy!!---Scott Johnson in CD 14.        

 

Michael Trujillo: King of Spin

FADE IN 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

ACE, A middle aged man in shirtsleeves and a plain tie sits at his desk. TRUJILLO, his young and eager to please assistant stands at his side.  There is a door in the wall behind ACE's desk.

ACE (Smith) 

Trujillo, I want you to run Prop B.

TRUJILLO

(excitedly)

Gee, thanks boss!

 

ACE

There's no opposition except a bunch of yahoos with no money. You can't fuck it up.

 

TRUJILLO

Can I give speeches and stuff?

ACE

Shut up and get me a cup of coffee.

TRUJILLO turns to face the door; kicks up his heels, opens the door and dances happily as he exits the room and closes the door behind him.

FADE OUT

(With apologies to an anonymous Mayor Sam reader)

If you enjoy seeing Michael Trujillo spin in print; here's rare footage of the newly appointed manager of Measure Boondoggle trying to spin - and not succeeding - the folks at the LA Neighborhood Council Coalition.

Watch away dum dums!

 

........, and any commentary on MEAT;s snatching of defeat from a supposedly, sure Special Interest victory, is not complete without cut and pasting Trujillo's pledge.

......"We are pretty positive that we have over 65 per cent of the votes in the city," Trujillo revealed. This measure only needs a 50-per cent vote. "I will go on record by stating right now, that if we lose Measure B, I will never work in a political campaign in my life," Trujillo promised ........, and since reneging on that pledge, MEAT has gone on to .........,

....., oh well, What Difference Does it Make!!

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The "Valley Moldy Green Sheet of Record's" (aka Daily News) Rick Orlov gives us the Tipoff on the meta-physical happenings in CD 14. 

 Were ex CD 14 staffers haunting the temporary Boyle Heights Field Office from the Political Afterlife? 

Great Monday morning to all from the blogging, political cyber world where ghost writing on the behalf of your political bosses, is an anonymous illusion of commentary. But in CD 14, other ghostly happenings have caught the attention of longtime City Hall Scribe Rick Orlov.

As members of the City Clowncil Central Committee took advantage of another recess by jetting off to the far reaches of the world (for example, CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian visiting the Motherland of Armenia), what were CD 14 staffers in Boyle Heights doing? Calling GHOSTBUSTERS! Or a LAPD officer who moonlights investigating meta-physical incidents as Orlov notes (** with our comments in bold).

For the staff of Councilman Jose Huizar, when strange things occurred in a temporary field office (like constituent services?), they called in resident LAPD ghost expert Miguel Lopez to look into the noises and incidents of bells ringing (unanswered phones calls do make noise) and fire alarms going off, according to the Daily Beast. (** this article is a scream but I digress).
Lopez visited the site and “cleansed” ( of the angry spirits of irate constituents?) it, and no further problems were reported (maybe the spirits were bought off with turkey and toy vouchers with picture of Huizzy?). Huizar spokesman Rick Coca said he went to the site while Lopez was there and didn’t see or hear anything (yet we see ghostly "Coca Puffs" all the time).
Even so, the staff was moved to offices in the new Boyle Heights City Hall.
And, Coca said, “there have been no ghost sightings (then where is the Princeton Graduate?) at City Hall, though a visit from the ghost of Tom Bradley is always welcome (sponsored by Sumitomo Bank).”

........ and a final, political cleansing may come in 2015.

** Leave it to the "LA Weekly of Record" to crash the Political Honeymoon of new Mayor Eric Garcetti with this missive on the "Top Five Worst Appointments" of former Mayor Tony Villar's replacement.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Mayor Eric Garcetti uses AFL-CIO National Convention Speech to mend relations with Organize Labor, Will a "Brother and Sister, Cutting of the Bread" with LA County Labor Federation Strongsister Maria Elena Durazo happen in the near future?

Mayor Eric Garcetti gets lift from his Brothers and Sisters in Labor.

Great Thursday to everyone as the healing vibes of progressive brother and sister reconciliation fill the Third Floor Corridor of 200 Spring Street. The "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" ( aka LA Times), is gushing this AM about the pending healing of the riff between Mayor Garcetti and County Labor Federation Strongsister Maria Elena Durazo. What is the big surprise here? Mayor Garcetti was, is and always will be a progressive friend of true laborites, who help him win in May. Thus, the likes of local labor elites such as Boss D'Arcy, Bob Schoonover and Durazo, will only do what comes naturally, that is mend the political fences and push the collectivist agenda forward.

** While the labor progressives make up, the post election honeymoon is over for former Radio Talk Show Host/ Mayoral Candidate/ now Board of Public Works President Kevin James. James takes it on the political chin in a piece by superb ( and sadly), outgoing LA Weekly Writer Patrick Range McDonald, who reports on the secretive process of bypassing community input, in approving a new CD 4/6 Fire Station. We want to wish the blogging best to McDonald as he leaves the "Weekly of Record" to write a book.

** As McDonald sadly moves on from the "Weekly of Record", recent musings from its "Informer Blog" by Dennis "Bloggin Comandante" Romero, are causing us to wonder if he has become the "Lil Assemblyman Mikey Gatto Bloggin Informer". Follow along, Assemblyman Gatto proposes a Bill on broken parking meters, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses. Assemblyman "Lil Porno Mikey" stonewalls on Porn/ HIV Bill, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses. Assemblyman Gatto proposes legislation on Hit and Run Accidents, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses. Then yesterday, Assemblyman Gatto proposes a bill on Carpoll Lanes Assess, the "Gatto Bloggin Informer" muses again. Maybe "Journalist Jill" should ask Gatto Campaign Consultant Parke Skelton to offset the "Gatto Bloggin Informer's" salary?

** Speaking of Parke, if his client is going to run for CD 4, he may want to look up the Silver Lake Environmentalists, who whacked declared CD 4 City Council Candidate and State Senator Kevin De Leon Staffer Steve Veres, with this opinion piece in the Echo Park Patch. Rest assure that Veres Boss proclivities to support plastic bags, is just the beginning of this latest John Shallman Consulting debacle.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14    



Morning Brief on the AlarCON Political Machine for Thursday

LA Weekly: Andrea Alarcon to face trial on all chargers in San Bernardino DUI Case, contrary to reports in the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street".

City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works President Andrea AlarCON.

This City Hall Scandal is not going away anytime soon.

The "Weekly of Record" latest edition chronicles "Andrea AlarCON's Rise and Fall" and discloses more details on the "Scion of the AlarCON Political Clan's" DUI in San Bernardino County. The disclosure is sure to reinforce calls for AlarCON's resignation and provide further fodder for those who question whether AlarCON was given special treatment regarding the recent incident involving her daughter, by public officials and an enabling "Former Gray Hag of Record on Spring Street".

Excerpts from the "Weekly of Record".

On the night of Dec. 30, 2011, Alarcon was driving south on Route 18 out of Big Bear Lake with her 10-year-old daughter in the car. The 2009 Volvo she was driving got a flat tire, and her car was blocking traffic in the one lane of the twisty and sometimes treacherous main route out of the mountainous ski resort area. When California Highway Patrol Officer Raymond Thomas arrived on the scene, it was clear that a field sobriety test of Alarcon was in order.Alarcon failed. She blew at least a 0.15 blood alcohol percent by weight, almost twice the legal limit for a DUI, according to court documents. She was arrested and charged on the spot with two counts of driving under the influence and one count of willful cruelty to a child."We view the child as not having a choice as far as being in the vehicle," CHP Public Information Officer Ben Baker said.

An enabling "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" provides cover for AlarCON.

The San Bernardino District Attorney filed misdemeanor DUI and child cruelty charges against Alarcon in June, but the media either ignored that news or never learned of it.Alarcon is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing next week. Alarcon's lawyer, Michael Scafiddi, several days ago told the Los Angeles Times that he expected two of the three charges to be dropped, a claim that has been widely repeated by California media. But when L.A. Weekly contacted San Bernardino District Attorney spokesman Christopher Lee, he said, "That couldn't be further from the truth. We have no intention of dismissing the charges." 

Was this "meeting" held at Getty House?

Alarcon met with Mayor Villaraigosa last December, the day after her DUI. Officials won't say if she offered to resign, but it's now clear the mayor allowed her to slip out of it with her job and reputation intact.

Wonder what constitutes "slipping out" in Mayor Antonio Villar's thought process?

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

Evening Briefs for Election Eve 2012

Support Stephen Smith for Congress in the 31st District. 

It was nice to know that my current Congressman Hector Becerra thought to send out a campaign mailer as he goes through the motion of campaigning for reelection in a largely democratic district. That said, my absentee ballot will show that Republican Challenger Stephen Smith has my support via vote to replace Becerra in Congress. Voters in the 31st District face a looming double whammy of increase taxes thanks to the efforts of their current congressman. Most don't give Smith a chance to win, but vote by vote, we can affect change and elect someone who will put fiscal responsibility before irresponsible tax and spend policies that have this country facing a fiscal day of reckoning. 

** Assemblyman Roger Hernandez and 51st Ad Candidate Jimmy Gomez Supporter Roger Hernandez sued by Ex. Girlfriend

From the LA Times and look who the Ex. Girlfriend retained as attorney, Gloria "Super Glow" Allred.

State AssemblymanRoger Hernandez (D-West Covina) was sued Monday by a woman alleging that he physically abused her during a months-long relationship and that he used illegal drugs.The civil suit was filed on behalf of Carolina Taillon by attorney Gloria Allred and seeks unspecified damages against Hernandez over allegations of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.The lawsuit was filed the day before Hernandez stands for reelection in a contest with Republican Joe Gardner, a retired police officer. The assemblyman's attorney, Joe Weimortz Jr., said the allegations were timed to hurt the incumbent politically."Assemblyman Hernandez adamantly denies these allegations,'' Weimortz said. He characterized the allegations as a calculated effort to "tarnish the assemblyman's reputation on the eve of an election.''Allred said Taillon and the lawsuit have nothing to do with the Gardner campaign. "She is not affiliated with him and is not a supporter of his,'' she said.

** 50th AD Candidate Besty Butler is in big trouble and who in her convoluted thought process, is responsible for her pending demise on Election Day? Think the "Weekly of Record", who has rightfully reported on her political cowardice in not voting "yes or no" on State Senator Alex Padilla "Sex Pervert Educator Termination Senate Bill 1530".

** The California Fair Political Practice Commission has found the dastardly groups responsible for spending $11 Million dollars to defeat Prop 30 and support Prop 32. The actions of the FPPC and the California Supreme Court reek of a Left Wing witch hunt against conservative groups. 

** One prediction we can make on tomorrow's election, is that a certain campaign consultant/campaign manager, who is known for his blogging and driving exploits, will continue his losing streak of elections as the Zorro Marxist known as CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard AlarCON, goes down to defeat in the 39th Assembly District.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

LA Weekly: "Mike Gatto's Blogger Problem ( with Mayor Sam)"

Why does Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto have Bloggin Issues with Mayor Sam?

 Infant, petulant political babies grow up to be ........

 ... sinister political bullies, who know no boundaries when attacking their perceived enemies. 

The Official Headware of Gatto Truthers.

** Blogger's Note: We would like to thank LA Weekly's Hillel Aron for his brief missive on the "unique bloggin relationship" between the Mayor Sam Blog and Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto. Apparently, there is not a day that goes by, where the Infant Assemblyman is not fixated on our bloggin commentary and who supposedly finances this medium. For the record, contrary to the myths of the Gatto Truthers, the viewpoints on this blog, are not predicated on any potential economic benefit to Campaign Consultant Eric Hacopian. Sorry "Little Mikey", but you're chances of proving your outlandish, conspiratorial claims, are worse than the odds that the Tooth Fairy, would leave you a campaign donation under your infant crib pillow. We should also note for clarification, that our past alleged use of "innuendos and rumors" in reporting on the prior actions of the "Infant Assemblyman", were in reality, factually-based documentation, supplied by a reputable republican opposition researcher, who put his name to the exclusive documents below, that in this blogger's opinion, were the basis for the Infant Assemblyman's "Legal Cease and Desist Request" against this blog. I should note in conclusion, that this blogger's paramount priority in all his past reporting on the "Infant Assemblyman", was to provide commentary based upon the facts .... and when a mistake was made, this blogger held himself accountable---Scott Johnson. 

Voters in the 43rd AD have the right to question whether Gatto defrauded public funds, while working full time on former boss Congressman Brad Sherman's Reelection Campaign. ** You can view the rest of the documents after the jump.

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Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

HAHA!! This CD 2/7 illegal resident (allegedly) wants to make your book card a legal ID.

Audacity!! ........ but all too predictable for the City Clowncil Central Committee.

"The Southern Sanctuary City State" along the coast of  "Greece on the Pacific" voted to explore the idea via the CD 2/7 Indicted Clowncilman Richard AlarCON, to convert library cards into a legal form of ID.

If this comes to fruition, those among us who are residing in this country illegally would be able to use their library cards to open bank accounts, but rest assure that library cards will not double as driver licenses.

But just wondering if someday, your City of LA library card, could be use by someone who wants register for flight school and embark on a one way flight to a certain Library Tower? Enough said. 

** The "Weekly of Record" via the "Snarky One", explores whether Mayor Antonio Ramon Villar (minus Raigosa out of respect to Corina) has embellish allegations regarding his father. Simple response is yes. Plus, do you hear "Tony" telling stories how is mom was a state employee at Cal Trans? That fact did not fit into the Parke Skelton crafted narrative that "Tony" regurgitates as truth. 

** The duo political personas that is "Assembly Candidate/CD 3 City Council Candidate Bob Blumenfeld", really hit a ethical sore spot with CD 3 Resident/Blogger Ron Kaye. The verbal bites from Kaye's latest missive are bound to ignite speculation from some whether Kaye is exploring his own CD 3 Candidacy. 

** Hollywood Blogger John Walsh had these comments regarding the Obama Campaign oversight of Mayor Antonio Villar's DNC Chairperson "performance".

BARACK ASSIGNED ” A MINDER” TO SHADOW ANTONIO WHEREVER HE WENT IN CHARLOTTE TO AVOID ANTONIO CAUSING EMBARRASSMENT TO HIS ADMINISTRATION OR THE PARTY.BETWEEN THE SECOND AND THIRD VOTE, ANTONIO LOOKS AROUND , SEARCHING FOR HIS MINDER. SHE THEN APPEARS : THE MIDDLE-AGED MYSTERY LADY. YOU HEAR HER TELL ANTONIO TO “DO WHAT THEY’RE GONNA DO.” IN OTHER WORDS, STAY THE COURSE AND READ OFF THE TELEPROMPTER. SHE STANDS NEXT TO ANTONIO UNTIL HE DOES WHAT THE MINDER TELLS HIM TO DO. AND THEN THE MINDER LEAVES THE STAGE.OUR WEBSITE IS TRYING TO ASCERTAIN THE IDENTITY OF THE MINDER.INCIDENTALLY, THAT DAZED LOOK ON HIS FACE ALL THROUGHOUT THIS CRINGE-WORTHY CONVENTION EPISODE IS THE EXACT SAME LOOK HE HAD ON HIS FACE THE TIME I WOKE HIM UP BY RAISING MY VOICE DURING PUBLIC COMMENT AFTER HE HAD NODDED OFF AT AN MTA BOARD MEETING!   

How many local "minders" are on city payroll?

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

ClassicMayorSam: The 11% Mayor

And finally as the Democratic National Convention, chaired by Antonio Villaraigosa, winds up, probably the most embarrassing thing for Los Angeles is that the Mayor reportedly spends about 11% of his day working on City business, while the rest of the time is spent on political fundraisers, concerts, parties, sitting for a wax dummy carving, dates and other productive events (Oh! Like the DNC!) This now legendary report by the LA Weekly's Patrick Range McDonald was a watershed in local reporting. From 2008...

One of the most delicious stories of 2008 was that of the LA Weekly's Patrick Range McDonald's excellent investigation into the schedule of Mayor Villaraigosa and the revelation that he only spends about 11% of his reported 16-18 hour days actually on any city related business.  The rest of the time is either related to fundraising for himself or other candidates, campaigning for candidates, appearing at photo opps and time spent traveling between all these non city-business related events. (One of the best items from McDonald's report: Villaraigosa's "sitting" for his wax dummy to be placed in Madame Tussaud's museum.)

"Everyone who knows me, knows I work hard. That's why both Sen. Clinton and Obama wanted me to campaign for them."
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Apparently Villaraigosa didn't really appreciate McDonald making it known how little work he actually does and threw a zinger against the Weekly in Rick Orlov's Daily News column telling Orlov "It didn't really go anywhere because it wasn't true. They were upset because we only gave them my public calendar. They didn't get to see what I was doing privately, with meetings here (at City Hall) or in other places. Everyone who knows me, knows I work hard. That's why both Sen. Clinton and Obama wanted me to campaign for them."

Yet if you look at the copy of Villaraigosa's schedule the Weekly posted online, you can see that the "private" (blacked out) portions really only account for a small portion of the Mayor's schedule and really don't add up to hours of "working hard."

The truth is the Mayor is an attention addicted photo opp junkie who makes himself look silly whether it's hanging out with Dr. Seuss characters  or playing the conga drums with celebrities  at a taxpayer financed hotspot.

I have a feeling the Mayor could come to regret his statements to Orlov.  Stay tuned.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

The City Council "King of Retorts" CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks.

** Blogger's note: It was only time before the Office of CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks responded to the Gene Maddaus's "subjective agenda missive" in the "Former Weekly of Record", now the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record", regarding to his supposed "power-clinging ways" on the the Coliseum Commission. Well ......., that time is here and this retort is classic!---Scott Johnson.

THIS IS A RETORT CLASSIC.

From the LA Weekly ............

Parks writes, "It's been said that facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. Someone should tell that to Gene Maddaus, who may have set a world record in the 1,500-meter trash with his article. Maddaus' 1,500 words were nothing more than a biased effort to push the agenda of some Coliseum commissioners who favor their interim general manager and USC's acquisition of the Coliseum.

"I know this because after I went public with my disapproval of interim Coliseum general managerJohn Sandbrook due to his lack of competence and the USC Master Lease due to its lack of credibility months ago, Coliseum staff informed my staff that Sandbrook intended to make things difficult for a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual scholarship fundraiser in the Exposition Park Rose Garden. The collateral damage in this political tit-for-tat would be my wife, who happens to be the vice president of the nonprofit.

"At issue was an alcohol license that the previous Coliseum general manager offered to the organization for the event. Sandbrook determined that the use of the license was improper and informed my office. My office informed the nonprofit group, and without any hesitation or hassle, the group decided to obtain a different alcohol license. They have used the same license for the last two years with no incident.

"My staff informed Maddaus of Sandbrook's plot and also gave him an email showing that I advised the former commission president as well as Sandbrook to have the Alcohol [sic] Beverage Control investigate this matter. However, this information never made it into the article.

"Despite this trivial circumstance, Maddaus tried to link the scholarship fundraiser to my position on USC's lease, claiming that I opposed USC control of the Coliseum because I would no longer 'decide which community groups get access' (to the venue). First off, the fundraiser is held in the Rose Garden — not the Coliseum. And secondly, the Coliseum Commission has no say over events in the Rose Garden.

"Throughout the article, when Maddaus wasn't picking and choosing the facts as he pleased, he was making baseless statements and attributing them to ... no one or nothing in particular! In one instance, he wrote: ' ... the L.A. Times obtained a confidential draft of the lease — likely from Parks' office ... .' And, he never substantiated that very strong accusation with sources or evidence; not even a hazy outline of a gunman on the grassy knoll. This wouldn't fly in my office's weekly newsletter, and it certainly shouldn't be accepted by a publication that boasts about 'decoding Los Angeles for its readers.' "

"The only thing this story 'decoded' was what some commission members and staff have been adolescently gossiping about for months. I don't know whether it was Sleepy, Bashful, Grumpy or Dopey who spoon-fed him all of the half truths, but at least Maddaus was courageous enough to attach his name to his countless misguided thoughts instead of cowering in secrecy.

"The speculative nature of the Maddaus piece and the attempts by an embittered cabal of commissioners to hobble events in my community for payback are still dwarfed by two much weightier issues: the Coliseum corruption scandal and USC's new master lease. 

"I challenge the L.A. Weekly to adhere to its mission statement by 'confronting the city's political leaders' (those not afraid to be quoted, of course) on all of the issues surrounding one of our most beloved venues instead of writing stories now and recognizing the facts later." OUCH!!

** Speaking of "OUCH Moments", Mayor Antonio Villar is again on the receiving end of a verbal slap back over his "Republican Brown Face, Window Dressing Comments". This time its Utah Haitian American Mayor Mia Love, who calls upon the former Tony Villar to "start being responsible".  

** Once again,  Mt Washington Lawyer/Activist Dan Wright shines the legal light on 200,000 words of phony documentation that were incorporated into the City of Los Angeles Planning Department approval of an Eric Garcetti inspired skyscraper in Hollywood. Thanks to the work of Wright and his Silverstein Law Firm employer, that project is on hold. 

** Via Councilman Huizar's "Bloggin Maven on Choice", we learn that the "Westside White Guy" aka Kevin Roderick, has gone uber prissy on CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian for daring to garner media attention over the ambulance bills sent to the families of two deceased Good Samaritans.

 "How about instead of a press conference for the cameras, (Councilman Paul) Krekorian quietly announces that he'll ask the full council to quash the fees — and if the council won't or can't, he could offer to pay the bills out of his office slush fund,"

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

The reality of life at California State Universities under Governor Moonbeam II's Administration .....

NO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ALLOW IN GRAD SCHOOL!!

Is this a scare tactic to get Californians to pass Governor Moonbeam II's Prop 30 and raise taxes? You decide. From the Daily News .......

California residents and taxpayers who support California State University are barred from applying for graduate studies this spring because of steep budget cuts.But the door is wide open at Cal State Northridge and other CSU campuses for foreign and out-of-state students - cash in hand."The policy is not one that I embrace," said Harry Hellenbrand, provost of California State University, Northridge. "(But) at the moment, we are" accepting applications."The reason is: These students pay for themselves. But there's still an equity issue. We would love to accept resident students, but CSU says the state is unable to fund them." 

This policy of excluding in state residents was to remain confidential, but thanks to a Northern California CSU Professor of Biology Maria Nieto, this issue has become a liability for Governor Moonbeam II's efforts to pass Prop 30 in November. Nieto states ........

"We either take both kinds of students - or none," declared Maria Nieto, a Cal State East Bay biology professor and coordinator of her department grad studies."It's discriminating," said the professor, a Los Angeles native and teacher of 23 years, of the current university policy. "I'm appalled. It goes against our CSU mission - to educate California residents."Out of state students are welcome. International students are are welcome. Diversity is welcome, is important, but you don't exclude California residents."

For the record, Nieto is the daughter of retire Parole Officer and local law enforcement activist Caroline Aguirre.
** OTHER NEWS:

** On the subject of fiscal reckoning, former Mayor Richard Riordan and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce have once again, sounded the alarm for pension reform at 200 Spring Street. In their call for a ballot initiative to let the public decide where to cap pension, the duo has done a public service in broaching this critical issue.

** What is becoming of the now former "Weekly of Record"? When not engage as the "Weedleaf of Record Message Board" for the pot heads, whoops, the infirm in need of Medical Marijuana, its has morphed into the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record". This weeks recipients of journalistic agenda hatchet missives include the "Non-starter Mayoral Candidate Kevin James", "the liar and pledge breaker, former District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich" and a "power-clinging CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks". There is a rumor that longtime South LA practitioner of "Yellow Journalism" Betty Pleasant has become a "fact checker" at the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record", but I would not want to be labeled a "tard" in attributing that rumor as fact.

** Speaking of Betty, its time for "ANOTHER SOULVINE THURSDAY"!!

** Please note that Betty and the scribes at the LA Wave Newspaper, now require you to create an account to view the weekly missives from Betty, on current South LA issues (fact check pending).

In this weeks installment, Betty, via transit activist Damien Goodman, have the eagle eye on future transportation dollars ...........

ERROR! ERROR! — Eagle-eye Damien Goodmon, chairman of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition, is a keeper. He noted that the informational pamphlet regarding the sales tax extension the county plans to distribute to voters to encourage them to increase their taxes to fund several rail projects had a glaring error in it. The county hopes to raise $90 billion by a tax increase approved by voters in the November election. The public information pamphlet lists the beneficiaries of the additional funds to be seven transit projects, including the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. But this is not true. Almost every project is scheduled to receive funding from the tax increase except the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. Not one red cent of that money will be used for the transit project affecting the county’s largest concentration of African-Americans. The money will be used on projects in the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, the Eastside, the South Bay and even West Santa Ana. But not along Crenshaw. Almost every official in the country has been alerted to this error Damien found and we’re told it’s being fixed so the public information soliciting your vote to increase your taxes will truthfully reflect what you’re paying for.

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

Morning Briefs (or bong puffs for "LA Weedleaf" readers) on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Hump Day

What is in Dennis Romero's bong water at the "LA Weedleaf of Record" (aka LA Weekly)? Does it cause journalistic bouts of lethargic professionalism, rooted in error-based missives, loaded with agenda-styled cliques? But then I would be a practitioner of the Dennis Romero brand of journalism that predicates ideological attacks before reporting the facts, in assuming Romero's latest journalistic malpractice was "bong water based".

According to the "LA Weedleaf's" Dennis "Blog Comandante" Romero in the first paragraph of his latest missive of journalistic malpractice, 2013 Mayoral Candidate Kevin James is a "Gay Republican candidate for mayor who has no shot of becoming leader of Los Angeles (LA) City Hall"....... and the agenda-driven hatchet job is on.

But credit must be given to those who's follow up comments in defense of James, produces this moment of inner-sensitivity (and maybe the root reason for Dennis agenda missive)  from the "Bloggin Comandante".

djromero

 dennisromerosucks So, uh, your argument is that I don't have any facts therefore my facts are wrong? I'll tell you what. My aim in baiting tards like you with this piece worked. Happy commenting.

....... wonder if Dennis would care to elaborate on what type of tards he was baiting (if that was the basis for this hatchet job, then editorial intervention is needed ASAP), but again channeling the agenda-driven, assumptive inner-persona of the "Bloggin Comandante", tards would be white conservatives. But that is not based in facts, right Dennis?

** OTHER NEWS:

** They came from both ends of the political spectrum, labor lefties and business conservatives, but at the end of the PLUM day, PLUM Committee Chair/CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes put off a vote on the Chinatown Walmart ICO pending technical review.

** We must credit our bloggin CD 15 friend Councilman Joe "Above Average City Councilman" Buscaino for keeping his promise and removing the business-chasing parking meters from the streets in his district. BTW Joe, we have your back if Herb flips on you ; ).

** What if the world-renowned California University System only allowed foreigners and out of state students into its taxpayer-financed Graduate School Programs. Well that day is here and it could have major ramifications for Governor Jerry Brown proposed tax increase on the November ballot.

** Lastly, the Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie has penned his latest "Regardie Report". His latest missive is money based, as in the money raised by the various candidates for the upcoming 2013 Municipal Elections. But as I reviewed the "Scribe of Wit's report, I was left wanting for fiscal commentary on the Mayoral Candidate Kevin James Campaign, none could be found. But then this monetary summery is just that, a report on money raised and not how a campaign dollar is stretched by a fiscally-lean campaign team ..... or in Consultant John Shallman case, how fast you spend it. Right Nuch?

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

Want Publicity? Send Legal Letters to MayorSam!

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.

No Confidence in a Clown: Carmen Should Resign, Today

In countries like England, when an elected official receives a "vote of no confidence" from the legislature, they step aside for someone else to take the position.

The onetime frontrunner in the race for District Attorney self-destructed so badly that his ability to hold on to his job as Los Angeles City Attorney has to be in doubt. - Westside White Guy

Yesterday, Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, only two thirds into his first term, had an abysmal showing in the race to succeed his former booster, District Attorney Steve Cooley, coming in third place with less than 25% of the vote, despite the fact that Trutanich was seen as the front-runner and had most of the City's political establishment and public employee unions supporting him.

According to the Westside White Guy, "Trutanich blames the media, not himself or that dumb pledge." Typical Trutanich. At least he didn't blame George Bush.

"Barack Obama is getting hammered right now," Trutanich said. "I think the negative campaign against me is worse." - LA Weekly

The defeat, significant and embarrassing, lead lone Trutanich supporter and Congressional run-off winner, Phil Jennerjahn, to remark "I'm still his friend. I'm sad for his loss." Upon hearing the news of election returns, Truatnich reportedly remarked that he may not even consider seeking re-election next year.

However, given that Trutanich may be mortally wounded - and that many feel he has severely crippled the City Attorney's office - it may be best if Carmen takes this result as a true vote of no confidence and resign now.  Given a City Council who has had multiple run-ins with him - and who mostly supported him for fear of his power to prosecute public corruption against them as District Attorney - there is no way he can be effective following this knee-capping by the voters. He has lost his bravado and the Council will now shred him alive.

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on Election Eve for June, 2012

Great Blogging Happy Hour Musings on this eve before tomorrow's Primary Election. Partake with us as we lay out a political buffet of election-related topics that may find there way onto the breakfast dish next to someone's cup of decaff morning coffee---Scott Johnson

Ban the Political Carpetbag(ger)!

The democratic donkey exhausted after bearing Jimmy "PACman" Gomez monetary carpetbag from Riverside.

This blogger is calling upon voters in the newly drawn 51st Assembly District to just say no to political carpetbag(gers) and vote for either Arturo Chavez or Luis Lopez in tomorrow's primary election. Its time to tell the political elites that we value our endemic community leaders and they should be given first consideration for local political offices. The continue sustainability and improvement of our neighborhoods is predicated on electing indigenous officials who have roots bonded by family, work and career that transcend the insiders political considerations.

** From the Glendale News Press mailbag on its "recent coverage" regarding comments and videos of 43rd Assembly District Candidate Greg Kirkorian at the recent Armenian Genocide Remembrance via Bill Graham of Burbank.

If the newspaper's objective was to further perpetuate the effort of Mike Gatto supporters, you are going to fail. Fomenting bigotry and hatred in our community is something local Republicans will speak out against at all times. It may be a campaign strategy for some Democrats, but it is repulsive to most of us, who live our lives here, whether we are Republicans, Democrats, or Independents.

** What happens when you get like-minded candidates for political office? Expect some nasty mail.

** A USC Poll gives Congressman Brad Sherman a lead over Congressman Howard Berman in the nationally-watched 30th Congressional Contest. The question here in this democratic redrawn district is whether one of the two republicans can gain the second spot in this political brawl

** Longtime Daily News Political Writer Rick Orlov gives us the rundown on the state election proceedings in the San Fernando Valley. Whether its the 38th, 39th, 43rd or 46th Assembly Districts, the states new open primary rules will be a financial bonanza for political consultants and a burden for your local postal carrier.

"Weekly of Record" Election Coverage  

** Blogger's note: LA Weekly of Record Editor Jill Stewart and her excellent corps of writers have once again outreported the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" in this election cycle. We highlight a good sample of their current elections musings---S.J.

** Beth Barrett reports from her former Valley turf on the 39th Assembly District Race between Raul Bocanegro and termed out CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard AlarCON.

** Hillel Aron gives us a triple-scoop of election musings with his coverage of the needless tax behind Prop 29. Then the former Neon Tommy staffer does what could be Congressman Howard Berman's last gasp in the 30th Congression Contest. Lastly, Aron gives us the background behind the Eirc Bauman vs.Gloria Romero inter-party skirmish in the 46th Assembly District Contest.

** By far the most exclusive political contest manana is the 50th Assembly District race among Assemblywoman Besty Butler and activist Torie Osborn. Patrick Range McDonald has an extensive missive on the quest of Butler and Osborn to represent Westside liberals in Sacramento. Plus how many assembly elections have baby bottles sent in mass to voters?

Lastly, Election Recommendations from Betty Pleasant

  These are The Soulvine’s recommendations for Tuesday’s Primary Election:

NO on Proposition 28 and NO on Proposition 29. FOR Sen. Dianne Feinstein. FOR Rep. Janice Hahn in the new 44th Congressional District. FOR Rep. Howard Berman in my new 30th Congressional District. FOR Shannon Knight, Superior Court Judge No. 65; FOR James D. Otto, Superior Court Judge No. 78, and FOR Danette Meyers for district attorney. I don’t care about the other races because they are either uncontested or we have empty suits trying to keep from being replaced by candidates wearing no suits at all. Pitiful. 

....... and pity the fools who do not turn out to vote tomorrow.

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