Latest Survey USA Mayoral Poll has Garcetti and Greuel tied at 46%. Nuch is charging on Feuer. Zine leads big

The latest Survey USA, ABC 7 Poll bids well for the Election Day momentum of Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and City Attorney Candidate Dennis Zine,

 On the eve of the ABC 7 televised debate this evening at Cal State University LA, ABC's polling partner of choice Survey USA, has both Eric Garcetti and Wendy "The SEIU, PPL, UFLAC, Mayor Villar, DWP and Boss D'Arcy's Greuel", tied at 46%. For Garcetti, this is a three point pickup from the last poll two weeks ago. Some excerpts from the latest poll ............ 

46% Garcetti, 46% Greuel, SurveyUSA finds in its latest KABC-TV pre-election tracking poll on the race for Mayor of Los Angeles. The sea-saw contest had Garcetti leading by 9 points 1 month ago, and Greuel leading by 3 points 2 weeks ago. But today, 05/10/13, the candidates are exactly even, with 8% of likely voters still undecided.Greuel and Garcetti are within 2 points of each other in every age group. Men tip slightly to Garcetti. Women tip slightly to Greuel. Whites and Latinos slightly favor Garcetti. African Americans by 2:1, and Asian Americans ever-so-slightly, favor Greuel. Garcetti leads among Republicans. Greuel leads among Democrats and Independents. Wealthier and well-educated voters favor Garcetti. Less affluent and less educated voters favor Greuel.

Thought to ponder is despite $3 Million plus in spending since March 7, Greuel can do better than even in recent polls.

 The big story in the latest Survey USA Poll, is the continuing upward charge by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich as his quest for political redemption gains high-octane momentum. From as high as 18% behind, the latest poll has Nuch trailing 46-40%. This excerpt clearly shows Nuch's growing momentum.

In the contest for City Attorney, incumbent Carmen Trutanich appears to have made inroads against challenger Mike Feuer. Feuer had led by 18 points in March, then led by 12, then led by 10, and today leads by just 6 points. Trutanich is making up ground among conservatives and among younger voters (..... and don't count out Latino support for Nuch). 

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

Another Happy Hour Drink via Tony Villar.

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

Former HACLA Official sentenced to 51 months in Prison.

Former HACLA employee Victor Taracena is heading to the Federal Pokey, who will be next?

From the LA Times .............

A former construction official with the Los Angeles housing authority has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for conspiring with his two brothers to steal more than $500,000 from the city agency.Victor Taracena, 41, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty earlier this year to conspiracy in steering $527,000 to four dummy companies created by his two brothers, Diego and Bennett Taracena.The latter two Burbank brothers, who pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 21 months imprisonment in June, paid kickbacks of nearly $107,000 to Victor Taracena. At least $30,000 of that money was wired to a bank account in Guatemala and some was used to buy property there, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.Victor Taracena worked at the housing authority from 2003 to 2007, managing the construction program for public housing units for disabled residents. The money steered to his brothers was supposed to go toward the installation of ramps and railings for low-income wheelchair users, but no work was actually performed, federal officials said.Housing authority officials said Tuesday the economic recession appears to have made their program a more tempting target for fraudsters. Tips about potential fraud (in past RAC boards for example?) have increased over the last year or so, and the authority has increased its number of investigators, according to Annie Kim, housing authority spokeswoman.

but what about the Taraceno's past alleged dealings with politically connected firms as noted below?

About the same time, Taracena began awarding larger contracts not only to family companies but to the three politically connected firms on the Eastside, each of which received payments of just less than $100,000.Representatives of two of the firms -- the Estrada Courts Residents Management Corp. and Grande Vista Associates -- denied any knowledge of rigged competitions. "I'm just happy that I got a contract," said Gustavo Valdivia, head of Grande Vista.

....... and who did Gustavo work for?


** The Sanctuary City (or growing democratic voting rolls) insanity continues at 200 N. Spring Street as a City Clowncil Central Sub-Committee votes to support morphing library cards, into a legal ID document for illegal alien members of the city's illegal, underworld class

** We are perplex why the "LA Weekjly Weedleaf of Record" is absence in reporting  on the alleged "pot for votes" controversy in last Saturday's Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council elections. But pot heads can stand reassure that the "Weedleaf of Record" will report promptly on the latest DEA visit to a pot shop in Downtown LA or Eagle Rock.

** The LA Street blog has the details on the influx of new Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council members after Saturday's election proceedings. Among the incumbents who were not reelected was ...

Area 2 (bordered by Marengo, Soto, First, and Indiana Streets) was the closest race between two candidates for a single seat with Sierra Jenkins winning by 2 votes (25-23). Jenkins beat Jose Aguilar, the former BHNC board president when the council was nearly decertified in March 2011.

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

Morning Puffs for Votes in Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Elections?

Pot for votes in Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Elections?

 The buzz on $40 of Medical Pot for your vote in ERNC Election.

ERNC "Progress and Collaboration Slate President Candidate Nelson Grande II (right).

We can call it the fall out but second thought, the smoke is clearing on some of the "behind the pot smoke drama", from Saturday's Eagle Rock Neighborhood Concil Elections. 

Eagle Rock Patch's Ajay Singh is reporting this alleged inducement for "outsiders" to vote for the Medical Marijana linked "Progress and Collaboration Slate".

Although the Progress and Collaboration slate, as this faction is called, denies any involvement, a deal was cut with outsiders that they would be given $40 worth of free marijuana products from a pot clinic in the Rampart area (Third Street and Rampart, to be precise) if they produced an “I Empowered LA” sticker given to voters who cast their ballot. (See attached scan of flyer testifying to such an agreement.)

 How come Cheech and Chong never thought of this?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Another Constituent Discontent Testimonial from Councilman Huizar's CD 14, via Dan Hughley

Another irate constituent speaks out about CD 14 staff interaction/services.

** Blogger's Note: Thanks to Mr. Dan Hughley, we bring this teachable moment on the state of constituent services in CD 14, especially if your ratings on the "constituent discrimination lists", do not score in Councilman Huizar's favorable range (3 for loyalty, 2 and up for influence). For Mr. Hughley, his stance on the Medical Marijuana issue, probably played a row in an absence of an "respectable reply" from CD 14 staff. But regardless of his issue and stance, this level of constituent services is reality in a council district, where access is predicated on your influence .... and loyalty to the "Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro"---Scott Johnson in CD 14.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dan Hughley <d.r.hughley@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Subject: Re: Availability to meet
To: "Councilmember.Huizar@lacity.org" <Councilmember.Huizar@lacity.org>, "Paul.Habib@lacity.org" <Paul.Habib@lacity.org>, "Francine.Godoy@lacity.org" <Francine.Godoy@lacity.org>, "Rick.Coca@lacity.org" <Rick.Coca@lacity.org>, "Andrea.Sotelo@lacity.org" <Andrea.Sotelo@lacity.org>,mayor@lacity.org

Mr. Huizar,

I didn't receive the response I hoped for.  I did not receive a respectful response from a community organizer and leader who I voted for, who I helped elect to his job now and whose very large salary is paid by my tax dollars.  I didn't even receive a computer generated generic robo-response.  Instead, I received a hostile phone call from an angry sounding young woman just minutes after I sent my previous email.  I was outside walking my dogs through my neighborhood so I was unable to write down her name.  The young lady quickly demanded to know which community in district 14 I live in exactly.  She demanded to know why I needed to speak to you and she refused to answer one simple question:  

"When does the councilman open himself up to speak with members of his community about their concerns in a public format?"  

Instead of answering, she asked if I had visited one of the field offices.  I told her in fact I did.  I told her I was given contact information for the councilman from the Eagle Rock field office when I visited it last week.  

Evasion of this simple question scares me.  What is the point of a city council and its members if it is not to represent the voices of the people in the community?

The young lady who called me on Thursday got me to reluctantly voice to her my concerns after repeating to her that it was none of her business.  I told her I wanted to know why you, Mr. Huizar want to take away my ability to safely and legally purchase my medicine, my medical marijuana.  She told me Mr. Coca handles those types of claims and he would be contacting me (which at this point, he has not).  I again asked why you wouldn't meet with your community to answer concerns.  I told her, I don't need to speak one on one, I don't need you to buy me lunch.  But, I do need you to do the job I and many others pay you for.  The number of signatures on the petitions turned in against the measure you authored to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles tells me that I'm not the only person in this community with these concerns.  I don't care that this has been voted down and reversed in the city council, I'm guessing one of the two "no" votes in the 10-2 reversal last week came from you, Councilman Huizar.  I know this week the final decision will be made and I'm sure you'll be fighting for your measure to move forward. (** actually he did not shoe up to vote---S.J.)

The amount of taxes collected by the city for medical marijuana is not a small figure.  Jose Huizar, you are to thank for bringing those tax dollars to the city of Los Angeles.  You helped to introduce measures to tax medical marijuana.  In fact, you've done nothing but give medical marijuana dispensaries a hard time since you took office in 2005.  Now you want to take that money away from our city and put a lot of hard working, law-abiding members of your community out of work?  Do you think people will stop buying and using marijuana if you succeed with your prohibition?  No.  When it is not available in a safe environment, people will be making shady drug deals on the streets and the jails will be crowded once again with marijuana offenders, police will be wasting their time busting people buying doctor prescribed medication, which they need.  All of this wastes tax dollars instead of collecting tax dollars.

I'm not just some pothead.  I need my medical marijuana which I legally purchase (in district 14) for chronic insomnia.  I have had this insomnia since I was a little boy and I hate taking pills and other sleep aids because of the chemicals and side effects.  I discovered some time ago that marijuana is a natural, safe and effective way for me to get to sleep at night so I can go to work the next day with a clear head, ready to work.  Being awake for several days at a time can take a toll on a person, it becomes a safety issue for you and those around you.  It becomes very frustrating laying in bed not being able to sleep.  My medical marijuana has no side effects.

My marijuana is not to party with, I am a professional person who works very hard 7 days a week for his family.  I don't use any illegal drugs and I don't consume alcohol, ever.  I never drive after using my medication, never open my medication in public, never sell or distribute it to others and only use my medication at home, in a controlled and safe environment.

Now, if you want to further regulations while keeping my medicine available in a safe and convenient way, I'd possibly support that. If you wish to further tax my medication, I'd consider the arguments and possibly support that as well, depending on the facts and where the money will go.  But this is a civilized conversation you seem to have no interest in starting or participating in.

Mr. Huizar, I'm disappointed in you.  I'm sure Mr. Coca is great at his job but he isn't the person I voted to office, you are.  Mr. Coca isn't the one who authored a ban and who has waged constant attacks on medical marijuana dispensaries. (Is he?)  (** That would give a whole new meaning to Coca's nickname "Ricky Coca Puffs", but I digress---S.J.)
I get very nervous when a politician doesn't stand up for themselves and can't answer questions or face their constituents regarding a controversial decision they have made.  It makes me wonder, who's interest is driving the matter if it is not your own will and your passion?  Who is pulling the strings? Clearly, again with regards to the petitions, you don't have the majority of your community members interest in mind.  

Furthermore, why do you have people who handle "types of claims"?  How many different groups exactly have you offended in your short time in office?  It doesn't take much time on Google to find a lot of controversy surrounding you and your term as city councilman.  I read it subjectively and with an open mind but after the way I've been ignored and then poorly treated by your staff, I'm starting to believe what I read about you. (** we call them facts on the blog while Huizzy calls them lies----S.J.) 

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Mid-Week Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine on Hump Day

Its the CD 11 Medical Marijuana Twins!

The "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" called out-going CD 11 City Councilman Bill Rosendahl's twenty minute verbal retrospective yesterday, "a bridge burner".

We dare say it was candid and refreshing ...... 

There is nothing better than a leftist progressive, calling out his own establishment Democratic Party leaders and then also take a verbal shot at AEG's reclusive owner Phillip Anshultz, top cap his remarks.

Yet, most observers were focus on why Rosendahl waited to announce his future intentions, which in timing, benefit his Chief of Staff and now candidate Mike Bonin  But the benefit of timing may be compromise by the selection of JOHN SHALLMAN as his Campaign Counsultant.

Maybe its time to form "Draft Zuma Dogg for CD 11" IE PAC Committee?

What Princeton Graduate, CD 14 City Councilman lurks behind the black notebook?

On the day that the City Council's Medical Marijuana Ban went up in ganga smoke, who was missing from the proceedings, leaving CD 15's "Average Joe City Councilman", to be the sole no vote? Maybe the "LA Weedleaf of Record's" Dennis "the Bloggin Comandante" Romero, can update us.

[Update at 1:17 p.m.]: The council did it. On an 11-1 vote, they seconded that emotion, according to our City News Service feed. This thing is over. Councilman Jose Huizar, who was opposed to the repeal and who was the main force behind the ban, was absent

This would not be the first time that Councilman Huizar, has resorted to hiding from a politically-damaging outcome in the Horseshoe.

 You too can own an Entertainment City-State for the price of $10 Billion Dollars?

The price is bound to make local political observers go hmm and further ponder the motivation for Mayor Antonio Villar's silence, before the sale of the AEG Empire was announced publicly. Maybe this little fact may have contributed to Mayor Villar's silence?

AEG has been good at getting the city to provide it with value. The L.A. Live/Staples Center complex sits atop a neighborhood that was torn down at the behest of City Hall, and the developments were built with the aid of millions in tax breaks and taxpayer loans.Glad we could help out a conservative, Republican billionaire. Now, what are the people of Los Angeles getting out of this?

 Wrong! Its what awaits Mayor Villar, once he leaves office.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

BREAKING NEWS: Pot Shops are BACK!

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to overturn it's own ban on medical marijuana shops.

Unions and Pot?

Are Pot Shops aligning with Local 770 union in a refferendum campaign to overturn LA's medical marijuna ban?

In what appears to be a joint effort, ASA (Americans for Safe Access) are holding an emergency meeting this Wednesday afternoon at the offices of UFCW Local 770 with owners of the pre-ico pot shops in order to plan and fund a referendum campaign to repeal the recent ordinance voted on by City Council to ban storefront dispensaries. The pre-ico's are concerned that the post-ico pot shops could take over the effort and torpedo the campaign. By partnering with the UFCW it could tap into the unions vast resources. The UFCW have already embraced the pot shops by creating a Medical Cannabis Division.

It appears that ASA is attempting to scare owners into funding a referendum effort as a "last ditch" attempt to keep there pot shops open.

Without any legal challenges or court injunctions the city's ordinance to close the more then 1000 storefront dispensaries that have proliferated in the city of Los Angeles will come 30 days after the ordinance is signed by the mayor. When questioned about access to medical marijuana city attorney Jane Usher assured the city council that exemptions were in place that would allow patients to continue to have access to medical marijuana through healthcare facilities, hospices, eldercare centers, and could cultivate collectively in groups of three or less. She also claimed the label of the ordinance as a "ban on marijuana" was a label given to the motion by the media and was a misnomer as marijuana would still be available to the patients of Los Angeles.

Let's see if the powers of the mighty local 770 along with the joint efforts of ASA and pre-ico marijuana dispensaries can collectively raise the money needed to run a credible referendum campaign, or if all there efforts will go up in smoke.

Morning Brief on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Hump Day

CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, the man who ended store front Medical Pot Shops.

** A Bloggin Disclaimer: The following comments may bring on a sudden bout of heavy breathing and clutching of the heart for regular readers of Mayor Sam. Have your bloggin Defib Machine set to on in case of a sudden need to shock youself back to political reality---Scott Johnson.

"CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar did the right thing in seeking a ban on store front Medical Marijuana shops" (the bloggin 911 switchboard just went crazy here at Mayor Sam).

Let it be stated that at 8:50 A.M. on July 25, 2012, this CD 14 blogger found an area of political agreement with his Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro City Council Representative.

Why? First, lets not be in denial that the City Council (including Huizar) deserves the majority of the blame for the proliferation of Medical Marijuana outlets within the last few years. But also the lack of cohesive state and federal guidelines create legal road blocks that stifled efforts to craft governing codes to regulate dispensaries. Until the state and federal courts can create the legally-binding foundation that will be the basis for regulating Medical Marijuana, the City Council was right in voting to approve Councilman Huizar's Motion.

For Councilman Huizar, the political capital he gained with the passage of his Pot Shop Ban should now be put to use in dealing with the proliferation of another dangerous substance, that of beer, wine and liquor outlets within his own council district. The dangers associate with alcohol and driving for example, were brought nearly to his own front door steps in a recent double-fatality crash that involved an alleged DUI driver being chased by police.    

Councilman Huizar can show political consistency by initiating a moratorium on new beer, wine and liquor licenses within CD 14. Further, he can take a stand against the proliferation of corporate beer and wine outlets (7-Eleven) by opposing the proposed 7-Eleven outlet near Cal State LA. Over time just as he seeks to lower the number of Medical Pot outlets, Councilman Huizar should also seek to roll back the number of beer, wine and liquor licenses within CD 14, in his remaining time in office.

 Councilman Huizar re-election sign next to 7-Eleven neon marquee.

Remember Councilman Huizar, two innocent people were killed near your home due to the abuse of alcohol. Thus, lets not forget that regulating outlets that sell alcohol is just as paramount as bring order to the issue of Medical Marijuana.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Do You Feel Stupid? The LA City Council Thinks You Are!

BREAKING NEWS - sort of - The City Council votes to outlaw medical marijuana shops in LA.  The whole issue of medical marijuana is a complex one, but leave it to our beloved Clowncil to never fail to put political expediency over good policy, or even, freedom.

Because each of us is so stupid, and we need the likes of our overlords to protect us, the horseshoe of horse's asses as well as their revolting cousins in the California State Legislature have now banned and protected you from the following items:

• Medical marijuana
• Plastic bags
• Paper bags
• Porn movies without condoms
• Foam food takeout containers 
• Tanning beds for teens
• foie gras
• Shark fin soup
• Kosher Coca Cola
• Incandescent light bulbs
• Hamburgers (South Central LA)
• Declawed Cats
• Talkradio
• ...and the list goes on

All of this is happening while the City is facing it's worst financial crisis, is under an FBI probe for public corruption, rapes are rampant through Hollywood, streets are not paved or even painted with lane markers

...and the list goes on.

Two homework assignments for you kids. 1) Make plans to vote in next March's city elections. These people operate in a vacuum and that vacuum is that 90% of you don't vote in these important contests. 2) Watch the movie (or read the book) "Atlas Shrugged." It will change your life.

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Machine for Tuesday

They're back from summer recess!

Welcome back!

Your City Clowncil Central Committee is back in session today and the chamber has gone to "POT", that is the discussion on the future of Medical Pot Dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles. Currently, City Clowncil Strongman Herb "Mini Amin" Wesson is allowing 20 minutes of public comments for each side of the proposed ban. Then the Clowncil will sequester themselves in Close Session to review legal information. Expect this to last most of the day.

** Other News:

** What happen on a Kern County ranch is now a scandal that will not go away at LAUSD. The lawsuit stemming from the private behavior of former Superintendent Ramon Cortines at his Kern County spread, was to have been settle but the district made public the identity of the plaintiff.

** Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Mike Antonovich wants to become the "Republican Kenny Hahn", meaning he wants term limits relaxed on members of the Board of Supervisors.

More news later in the day.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14     

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political for Monday

Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto on leglization of Ganga.

Great Monday morning to all as we count down the days to Friday's "City Clowncil Central Committee" Meeting. The issue of Medical Marijuana will be on the the agenda and expect hundreds of pro Medical Marijuana advocates to pack the chamber to speak out against the ban on medical pot shops sought by CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar. We wonder how a possible future "CD 4 City Councilman Mike Gatto" would vote on this contentious issue, for a outright ban, or for limiting the number of shops to 100 as advocated by Councilman Koretz?

** In this Monday's "Tipoff Column" via Daily News Rick Orlov, we learned that the Los Angeles County Young Democrats conducted a poll among themselves on the upcoming 2013 Mayoral Election. The results .... Greuel was the choice of 32 percent of those surveyed, Garcetti was in second with 22 percent. Councilwoman Jan Perry came in at 13 percent and Republican Kevin James had 7 percent. Nice to see the DINOS represent for James.

** 2013 Mayoral Candidate Kevin James with Campaign Consultant John Thomas in company, discuss ed their election game plan with Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit Jon Regardie.

James, 48, believes that in a low-turnout election (four months after the presidential ballot) he can cobble together about 110,000 votes from four main blocs. He’ll start with Republicans — he’s the only registered GOP candidate in the race — and complement them with listeners of his former late-night radio show (it ended in October). He expects to pull what he calls the “pitchfork and torch” crowd, folks he says normally won’t vote for anyone inside City Hall. He terms his fourth base “concerned voters,” people who worry that Los Angeles will soon tumble into bankruptcy and want fresh ideas.

It could work ....

Animal Rights Activist and alleged Cyber Stalker Mary Cummins

There is cyber justice in America.

 Randy Turner with the firm Bailey & Galyen has again earned his name as the "Texas Super Lawyer" for Bat World Sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary, an international non-profit organization devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating bats, and its president, Amanda Lollar of Mineral Wells, were awarded $6.1 million in damages by a Tarrant County district judge on June 14 in a defamation lawsuit. After a four-day trial the court found that Mary Cummins of Los Angeles, California had committed defamation against Amanda Lollar and had breached her internship contract with Bat World Sanctuary.

"This judgment sends a powerful message to cyber-stalkers and others who use the internet to harass people or to harm their reputations. Innocent victims like Amanda Lollar often don't have the resources, expertise, or ability to defend themselves against such vicious internet attacks. Hopefully this judgment will make someone think twice before engaging in an internet smear campaign," said Turner.

AMEN!!

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

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/18/4570061/attorney-randy-turner-wins-defamation.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/18/4570061/attorney-randy-turner-wins-defamation.html#storylink=cpy

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

"The Education Mayor Antonio Villar mixing it up with Roosevelt Teachers".

For Mayor Antonio Villar and his education surrogate at LAUSD, School Board President Monica Garcia, the lack of progress at the high school of graduation for the City Terrace native turned "Education Mayor", is prompting community activists to call for a Townhall Meeting on the future of Roosevelt High School. This after meeting with LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia and other district/ school officials. Longtime Boyle Heights Community Member Teresa Marquez posted these comments at the Eastern Group Publications Website after the meeting with School Board President Garcia.

Tragic story about Roosevelt High School, Yes they took some of the worst schools in the East Side, but not all, and others are doing much better without PLAS. At RHS all parents meetings are only in Spanish, closing the door on only English speakers. The one school RHS was divided into seven schools, with each a principal, dividing the parents involvement. Divide and Conquer. At RHS Director has order some parents to leave the school, this are active and volunteer(s) parent, but quetion some of the activities in school, There is more incidents at RHS with the students that should have been reported, yet they are not reporting, hiding and destroying records according to some parents.Special Ed students are not being identify and care for as the school should. Children with Autism or ADHD are not identify, so teachers just think they are problems kids. Numbers and percentages can be reported in a way that it does not look so bad, or make it look better than what it is. basically 4% of the students at RHS barely passed the Math test, not acceptable, if last year was 3% but now 4%, it might have increase but not to a level of accepting education in USA. 66% drop out = to out of every 100 students 66 drop out, leaving 24 students to graduate, and 1.4 students barely passed the math test. there is approximately 3800 students at Roosevelt High School, divided into seven smaller schools, with their own principal. Do this principal have Principal credentials???????????? 

More news after the Jump.

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TGIF Afternoon Political News Dump 1-13-12

How many more Medical Marijuana shops have open in CD 14 since Councilman Jose Huizar last presser on banning pot shops?

Beautiful Friday afternoon on the eve of the three-day MLK Holiday Weekend ( at least for the public employee sector). We have an abnormal amount of news breaking for a bad news dump afternoon.

First, the City of Los Angeles City Attorney Office has recommended a "gentle ban" on all Medical Marijuana shops in the City of LA. This "gentle ban" (reminds me of Grizzly Adams "Gentle Ben") would allow patients and caregivers to continue growing their own medical herb but disallow resale to others. Rest assure that the cartels and aging hippies will rally in court to maintain their cash flow, whoops, their dedication to providing the best medical comfort herb to the medical needy.

Second, the City Council with encouragement from Pat McOsker's UFLAC, is looking at the possibility of using the former corporate welfare proceeds of CRA LA, to offset services cuts at LAFD. If any councilperson needs to quickly jump on this "furlough fire truck bandwagon", then it should be CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar who lost two trucks and two RA units in his district. We should note on the theme of using CRA money to offset LAFD cuts, that Councilman Huizar strongly supported the "no outreach $150,000 contract" to CASA 0101, money that potentially could of been reallocated to maintain RA 16 in service within El Sereno.

Third and lastly, we have a brewing jihad building over the "racist policy of towing and impounding vehicles driven by "unlicensed drivers" (ie. illegal Mexican immigrants), between the "City Council Fascists" and the "People's Mayor and Police Chief" ** (Please note that I was channeling the thought process of LA Weekly Bloggers Simone "The Snarky One in Solidarity" Wilson and Dennis "The Bloggin Commandante" Romero). In reality, to state that DUI Checkpoints double as "illegal immigrant crackdowns" is foolish and a wasted search for racism behind each blood alcohol point kept off the road. BTW, I have one activist friend who let his unpaid parking tickets morph into suspension of his driving privileges and paid the same penalties when he got caught driving. Reality is that accountability comes in all races and sizes, legal or illegal.

Your Thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Pre-Gobble, Gobble Day "Political Dumplings" via the Los Angeles Political Machine

Los Angeles Times choice of companion photo to go with its City Councilman Jose Huizar's Medical Marijuana Ban Proposal story that appears in today's paper.

Great Pre-Gobble, Gobble Getaway Day as many prep to endure government-sanction groping at LAX and other airports near you and judging from the LA Times photo choice above, the editors at the Old Gray Hag on Spring Street did not want to waste anytime in panning CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar's latest effort to cast himself as tough on Medical Marijuana. One can gather from the photo above, that the Princeton grad as been spending ample time in Eagle Rock "studying the affects" of Medical Marijuana on his constituents in the Northeast (munchies and laughter come to mind).

** Meanwhile Councilman Huizar's "Political Papi" Mayor Antonio Villar is having some regressive moments on his supposed deal with the "Red Rabble on the South Lawn" and his "Maywood moment" regarding his "wavering stance" on the 30 day impound sanctions for unlicensed drivers. Goes to show that Mayor Villar still has those instincts that protected him in his youth from the likes of gangsters in Hazard and other neighborhoods. Now, City Hall observers wonder if this Monday's supposed deadline for the Red Rabble to depart City Hall grass space, will be a "hard deadline".

** Amazing how a little LA Times David Zahniser "unwanted attention", can create havoc among the city's lobbyist community, witness the sudden withdrawl of the Dakota and Cerrell Communications Groups contract proposals to the troubled Redistricting Commission.

** We bring a quick preview of our regular feature "Another Soulvine Thursday with Betty Pleasant" which will appear tomorrow in whole for your Thanksgiving pleasure.

Betty on CD 15:      

TAKING SIDES — The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor overwhelmingly endorsed Assemblyman Warren Furutani to replace Hahn as City Council member for the 15th District Monday. The County Fed’s endorsement of Furutani places the two candidates in the January runoff with clearly contrasting bases of support. Last week, the L.A. Chamber of Commerce, representing large downtown business interests, endorsed Furutani’s opponent, the cop, who was a registered Republican until he began his campaign for City Council. Furutani, on the other hand, is a life-long Democrat, is endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and is an experienced and effective fighter for good jobs and working  families. (** Betty did not get the notice of the firefighter and his union UFLAC, who endorsed the cop yesterday).

** Lastly as a public service, we provide this visual after the jump, on the proper stance for exposing yourself to those who protect the traveling public at our airports TSA. Safe travels and joyest Thanksgiving to all.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

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City Attorney's Medical Marijuana Ordinance "stands up" in Superior Court

Another legal victory for City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's office.

"Carmen the who"?

While other members of the Los Angeles Political Bloggin Community have readily attack the person and work of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, recent legal victories by the City Attorney's office is showing that the much-maligned (in the blogging community) first term top legal official's team is jelling into a top notch and potent legal machine.

Coming off its recent legal victory over the City Controller's office, Trutanich's corps of attorneys scored a major victory yesterday when a Superior Court Judge upheld the their crafted Medical Marijuana Ordinance as the LA Times reports.

The decision is a major victory for the city attorney's office, which has invested considerable time and expense in defending the law from a phalanx of lawyers working for dispensaries.

Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mohr, who handles some of the most complex cases in Los Angeles County, held a series of hearings over many months on numerous constitutional challenges raised by the pot collectives. He delved deeply into the issue, studying vaguely worded state medical marijuana laws, a tangle of court cases and exhaustive briefing papers filed by the opposing sides.

"It has been a long wait but well worth it," said Jane Usher, a special assistant city attorney. "It is absolutely gratifying to have the city's ordinance validated."

...... and now your thoughts on "Carmen the who"? That would be City Attorney.

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Blogger Notes: If LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus ever decided to walk away from his stellar career as a writer, we recommend that he pursuit teaching twelve-grade government. This in light of his latest missive which incorporate Venn diagrams to chronicle the convoluted saga of redistricting at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. While we may cringe at the thought of County Supervisor Sheila "Zelda" Kuehl (but someone must represent the environmental demographics) or the bemoan the leftward shift if Hilda Solis were to become part of the "Gang of Five", we give Maddaus props for his efforts to stimulate political dialog through visuals---Scott Johnson.  

Your current Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The Supervisor Gloria Molina Plan would say adios to Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky's District with Alex Padilla and Hilda Solis possibly replacing termed out Molina and Yaroslavsky.  

 The Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Plan would do away with Supervisor Don Knabe's District. 

........ and the Status Quo with Zelda replacing Zev.

More news after the jump.

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Los Angeles Politics HotSheet for Tuesday

Carmen's Future?

Oh, Carmen. In a Trutanichesque display of chutzpah and tuna canning bravado our City Attorney packed up a bodyguard and a $2 million check representing the County's share of a city won lawsuit and headed to the County Hall of Administration to personally deliver the check and suggest that it go to political pal, Sheriff Lee Baca, to address the high profile issue of a backlog of rape investigation kits. Trouble is, state law says the County has to spend the dough on consumer protection.  Carmen's former BFF - DA Steve Cooley - called it a cheap political ploy (as Carmen has designs on Cooley's seat) and that the backlog was resolved some time ago.  One wonders if Carmen had the check in a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist and offered the County Administrative Officer "an offer you can not refuse.
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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Politicians are scared out of their gourd that Jerry Brown is going to shut down the CRA and all their shady projects.  Problem is, a lot of the money local pols need to run come out of those projects.  Jerry Brown's people at least are honest and saying they don't buy the crap from Jose Huizar or Antonio Villaraigosa that CRA projects create any real jobs.

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Another story that Council President Eric Garcetti is seriously considering running for Mayor.  Like Sarah Palin or Mitt Romney in Iowa, EGar has gone to Westwood.

When the real Mayor Sam had his TV show, his sidekick was none other than Wally George.  Franklin Avenue has pulled up an old video of Wally's show from back in the early 90s.  Wally was definitely the forerunner of most of the hot boiled cable political talk shows of today.

The Daily News' Mariel Garza sums up elections in Los Angeles.  Most folks who could vote don't pay attention and "the passionate people who run for elective office each year are an inspiring bunch, if occasionally wacky." How could both be true?

The City is still struggling with a medical marijuana policy following a court case.  Just legalize the stuff.

Tryptothan on the Stoop

Looks like Austin Beutner is thinking of becoming the Meg Whitman of Los Angeles and perhaps using his personal largesse to run for Mayor.  Will Mike Trujillo run the campaign?

"The Situation" attended the American Music Awards at the Nokia last weekend.  At first some folks had thought it was a recently elected State Assemblyman.

Getting harder to figure out what is illegal and where.  Plastic bags are on the way out but pot may be on the way back in the City of Los Angeles.  But not in Orange County and parts of LA County.

The City of LA wants folks to shop at car dealerships and malls within city limits.  However the sales tax is too damn high! On big ticket items you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars say buying those items in Simi Valley (Ventura County) for example where sales tax is a penny and half per dollar less than LA County. That's money folks could put towards savings or other purposes, fully jumpstarting the economy than handing it over to Tony Villar.

At MayorSam we're looking to meet and profile up and coming leaders in Los Angeles.  If you'd like to suggest someone you can email us at mayorsam@mayorsam.org or use this handy online form.