Father Day Notes on the Neighborhood Council Scorecard

As the dialog among Neighborhood Council Activists continues in regards to the proposed Board of Neighborhood Commissioner's (BONC) revamp of Behavioral Protocols/Standards for Neighborhood Councils, no review, commentary and implementation of new NC governing rules, should not move forward without a revisiting of the unjust removal of Michael McCue from the Studio City NC.

 Former Studio City NC Member and CD 2 City Council Candidate Michael McCue.

Its time for a flashback/teachable moment regarding the "Dangerous Enemy(ies) of Freedom (of expression)" on Neighborhood Councils.

As the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) continues its arduous task of crafting behavioral standards for NC members city-wide, now would be the time to pause and revisited one of the most egregious act of NC group misconduct against a fellow board member in recent memory.

On April 21, 2010, Green Party Activist, former CD 2 City Council Candidate and then Studio City NC Member Michael McCue was voted off the Studio City NC by his fellow board members, why? As "Village to Village" Blogger and former Valley Village NC Member Paul Hatfield noted at the time .......

There was a general consensus among both Michael McCue’s supporters and detractors regarding his public persona and interactions –  annoying, grating, verbose. 
However, the real question before the SCNC Board was not whether Michael was a “pain in the ass,” as one Board Member claimed, but did Michael cross the line on several occasions and violate its code of conduct?

For eight of his fellow board members (with four abstentions) that was reason enough to dismiss the contrary opinion of the majority present (highlighted by the disdain exhibited then by now SCNC Vice-President Lisa "Dangerous Enemy of Freedom" Sarkin as noted by Blogger Phil Jennerjahn) and become the "Poster NC of Intolerance" by riding themselves of McCue ......, until re elected on May 29.

Observers on both sides at the time, could agree that DONE was impotent in providing an objective protocol or mechanism to ensure a fair resolution of grievances at hand as noted by "Lydia"....,

There were better ways to have handled the problems. My personal
opinion is that the voters should decide, not fellow Board Members.
Since the election was only a few weeks away, I consider the behavior of the Board, very inappropriate. I would like to say that the responsiblity, does lie with D.O.N.E. for their lack of interest in really listening to the Neighborhood Councils and addressing the issues.
What has D.O.N.E. done?

Four years later, BONC can use the wealth of commentary from both sides of the McCue Controversy and review the video tape proceeding, in the hope that common sense solutions (beginning with training NC Presidents to be objective meeting facilitators as noted by Bob Gelfand), will foster decorum when diverse fallible and mortal human beings meet under one roof.

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



Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday: JERRY!

Who would have thunk it? When liberal leaning Democratic pols in Los Angeles and all over California went all out for JERRY! little did they imagine Governor Brown would propose killing their fabled golden calf - Community Redevelopment Agencies. If you don't know what CRAs are they are basically welfare for rich developers, who contribute to local electeds, and who can create (often failed) major real estate projects in "blighted" communities the politicians point to as "progress."  Jerry rightly feels that this tax money is better used for jails, schools, roads, police, higher education, health care for the poor, etc. than going to otherwise failed developers.  This has sent a shiver up the spine of City Fathers/Mothers throughout the Golden State who are now spending money faster than a drunken sailor before JERRY! comes and gets it.  Case in point, our own lovely berg, who has found amazing efficiency to get dollars fast to building Eli Broad's mausoleum in Downtown LA.

More after the jump...

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Saturday Hotsheet

We've all been waiting for "The Big One" earthquake on the San Andreas Fault for some time now.  New studies show that there may have been more large quakes on the fault in past centuries than previously thought.  The last one was in 1857. Better start getting ready.

From the "Noone Cares" department: Eli Broad says he didn't tell Zev Yaroslavsky that he was for sure bringing his museum to Downtown LA.



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McCUE’s STATEMENT RE: THE 2010 SCNC ELECTION

By MICHAEL McCUE
I am very happy and grateful to be re-elected to the Residential Renters’ seat on the SCNC Board, especially after the recent dramas our community was subjected to just before our election. My personal “Thank You” goes out to the stakeholders of Studio City who turned out for the election.
For me, one of the most meaningful and beautiful aspects of Democracy is the fact that no matter what problem you are facing…or whatever problem that surfaces…there is always a remedy available when you apply democratic principles. Sometimes that remedy comes from the Law.
If the Law forbids certain actions for an elected representative of the people, then chances are that representative will think twice before they break the law. But…if they do break the rules anyway, for whatever reason, there is always a remedy available.
When voters are upset with incumbent behavior, (and who isn’t nowadays?) some expect the assembled elected body to police itself, some call or write their reps to express their displeasure, some will use recall petitions, or some will even get in the race themselves and run, as I have done.
When there is no oversight to prevent injustice (as with our NC system)—the voters will use the last resort and ultimate weapon they have at their disposal in a Democracy….their VOTE.
Voting is our most powerful remedy.
The recent SCNC controversies were actually a good thing for our community, democratically speaking, because they energized our election!
We know many NC’s that are following the rules, functioning well, getting the job done, while also welcoming input from their stakeholders. We also know that there are many NC’s that are suffering from disengaged leadership, or have embedded, bully-controlled or personality-driven power cliques, who are deliberately, or seemingly unfamiliar with the Ethics laws, By-Laws, etc...
It’s easier for an NC to lose their direction and moral compass than you might think when power is centralized in a small clique.
Neither the City, nor DONE, (nor even the BONC) seem willing or capable of providing proper oversight for NC’s that would keep them on the right track towards real grassroots democracy and that’s a huge issue for us all. Right now, without oversight, it is ultimately up to the integrity of each NC, their board members and stakeholders to police themselves…and that’s difficult.
Thankfully, these are all problems that can be easily solved with proper leadership that reflects a commitment to ensuring that all NC Board members have learned and comprehend all of the State Laws, Ethics rules, by-laws and procedures that govern our NC’s and their Board members.
In Studio City our election provided a few remedies, but there is still much work to do.
The SCNC needs a president who is a strong advocate for the Key Value of Grassroots Democracy. My belief is that we need an advocate president who will attend meetings regularly and build the strength of the SCNC so that we become a legitimate, trustworthy and believable force with City Council, and the Mayor, whom it is our job to advise.
Other NC’s have done this—why can’t the SCNC?
Some board members have been working narrow agendas that are motivated by self-interest, or by partisan politics only, while simultaneously disenfranchising legitimate stakeholder concerns. This is clearly not the way to go.
This is a democracy and the life-blood of democracy is dissent. That’s how it works.
Encouraging debate, and respecting the democratic process, is what democracy itself requires in order to succeed.
If a Board member takes personal offense merely because a fellow Board member or stakeholder disagrees with them on an issue, or blows the whistle on wrong-doing, then they do not belong on the Board.
Contrasting views should be heard. Wrong-doings should be exposed.
If a Board member is daunted or offended by an opposing view; or unpleasant revelation of wrong-doing—instead of using questionable maneuvers to silence or remove that opposing point of view—perhaps it would be better to open your ears to what’s being said, consider the reasons someone opposes your proposal and then, after amending your proposal, or deciding not to amend…make your own case once more in such a persuasive manner, highlighting community benefits, so that all will agree with you.
That’s how it’s done.
If the voters still don’t support you, it may be time to consider the possibility that your point of view could be found lacking in the eyes of others, or even consider the possibility that you may be out-of-touch with your community.
We all have a right to our own opinion. We even have the right to be out-of-touch. We also have the right to change our minds. It’s okay to hold the minority opinion as well. That’s your right. None of this is that complicated and it certainly isn’t personal.
But remember…The stakeholders always have a right to be heard and their representatives at every level have an obligation to hear them out.
Stakeholders should be encouraged to present their opinions and positions that are offering differing views—not discouraged…and they certainly should not be shut out of the process or smeared by personal attacks.
Democracy isn’t easy. Our NC’s are evolving and still getting the hang of it.
Many NC leaders are busting their behinds actively searching for the answers and remedies that we can utilize to make our City function for the benefit of all….and we aren’t even on the payroll!
Our NC’s have come a long way in the last 10 years and we have much further to go.
Adhering to the democratic principle of open debate will help get us there sooner rather than later. Let’s work towards that goal together. Decide the arguments on merit—and not on personalities or partisan politics.
Our 2010 Studio City Neighborhood Council election proves that there is a remedy for any democratic problem, that is, when you are working with a true Democracy.



In your service,

Michael McCue
Board Member, Studio City Neighborhood Council
818-762-4595

A Dangerous Enemy of Freedom Squeaks By

Un-official results are in from the Studio City Neighborhood Council elections and extremely dangerous enemy of freedom Lisa Sarkin was, unfortunately, barely re-elected to the panel. However more voters voted against the grand dame of StuCi and had those voters coalesced behind one candidate Sarkin would be hearing this song:



On the other some good news is that former member Michael McCue was re-elected and will return to the panel after being unceremoniously dumped by Sarkin and her thugs.  Hopefully Sarkin won't try this again as the community is wise to her reindeer games.

However the biggest news is the abysmal turn-out for the Neighborhood Council elections.  Less than 2,000 voters turned out for 11 of the panels representing an area with over a quarter million residents.  If the Councils expect to survive and achieve legitimacy they're going to have vastly increase participation and do it soon.

Last Call! Friends Don't Let Friends Vote for Lisa Sarkin!

If you're going to the polls in Studio City - 

VOTE YES on Michael McCue
VOTE NO on extremely dangerous enemy of freedom Lisa Sarkin

Background material for you

• SCNC voter ALERT!!: STOP Sarkin & Neumann!!
• Vote NO on Lisa Sarkin. Take This With You to the Polls.
• Removal Redux at Studio City Neighborhood Council
• Michael McCue Speaks to Mayor Sam

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

We teased it last night; Fox 11's John Schwada reports that a controversy is brewing over Mayor Villaraigosa has accepted thousands of dollars in gifts from AEG such as free tickets to events at the Staples Center  but failed to report these items on required ethics filings.  Villaraigosa told Schwada that these are not gifts because he is conducting "official duties" when he attends these events.  That must have been the purpose of the Mayor's visit to a Sherman Oaks condo with vino and pollo in hand.

Big Neighborhood Council elections happen tonight across the South San Fernando Valley.  While most of the races are ho-hum the biggest battle is in Studio City where recently defrocked panel member Michael McCue will seek to return to his seat while hot-under-the-collar stakeholders will seek to get enough votes to deny dangerous enemy of freedom and NIMBY-crite Lisa Sarkin re-election to her throne.  Stay tuned; unfortunately it takes days to get results of these elections.

Big write up in the LA Weekly on City Clowncil Member Janice Hahn who is running for the Democratic nomination for California Lt Governor against San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.  The consensus appears to be that most folks count Hahn as being dumb as a doorknob though some constituents are satisfied with her. Probably doesn't help that her two biggest fans, as noted in the Weekly, are Tom LaBonge and Bill Rosendahl.

The other day I said that Caroline Kennedy was probably too damn stupid to be a United States Senator, likely the dimmest bulb in the Kennedy family but I forgot about one of her cousins. That would be Robert Sargent "Bobby" Shriver, the brother in law to Governor Kennedy Republican himself.  Now the Mayor of Santa Monica, Bobby, who generally sits in meetings playing with his mane of hair, wants to import Santa Monica's homeless to West LA.  Wonder what the Westside White Guy will think of that?

Vote NO on Lisa Sarkin. Take This With You to the Polls.

By now you know the story of how Michael McCue, a member of the Studio City Neighborhood Council, who was unjustly removed by well known dangerous enemy of freedom Lisa Sarkin.

You may remember that when the SCNC recalled Michael on spurious charges at west, against the will of a majority of the stakeholders, Sarkin told the stakeholders they had no business speaking out in favor of McCue.

Pissed off stakeholders attempted to remove Sarkin for very specific charges, including violations of the Brown Act and other Neighborhood Council rules in her illegal removal of McCue.  However the fix was in because Sarkin's stooges on the panel voted against the will of the citizenry and saved Sarkin's ass.

Paul Hatfield has provided excellent coverage of the entire mess including very cogent analysis of why both McCue and Sarkin should not have had to go through a recall.  Lisa Sarkin, once again proving her role as an enemy (a dangerous one) of freedom excoriated CityWatch, a respected local news source, for even printing one of Hatfield's commentaries.

Lisa Sarkin is one of those toe tag NIMBY hypocrites that unfortunately wields a disproportionate amount of power in her community.  This happens when there are folks who might be financially set and who unlike most folks in LA have the time to attend every meeting, hearing and powwow in LA.  They are good at turning out decent crowds of their fellow suburban cranks and manage to burn their name and image in the soft brains of the elected officials and government officials in their area that those officials think that NIMBYs like Sarkin somehow actually represent the masses.  Lisa is a hypocrite who thinks she knows better than anyone else.


You have a chance however to make a difference.  If you are a stakeholder in Studio City - which can include you if all you have even done is buy a stick of gum in Studio City per the crazy rules of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment - vote NO on Lisa Sarkin and vote YES to restore and re-elect Michael McCue. Our Neighborhood Councils need to be representative of the public at large and not just a handful of suburban cranks.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Former scumbag Republican leader Mike Villines, in a move that besmirches the good name of known tax-cutter and 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was among four California legislators who were "honored" by the Kennedy Center's "Profiles in Courage" awards for attempting to raise taxes in California. Also on the list were Phil Jennerjahn's favorite budget destroying Socialist, Karen Bass, as well as Democrat Darrel Steinberg and Republican David Codgill. The award was handed out by the Cousin-in-Law of the Kennedy Republican, one of the brood that didn't get the brains of her grandfather, father, mother, aunts and uncles, Caroline Kennedy, who even most Democrats had to admit was too damn stupid to become a United States Senator replacing Mrs. Bill Clinton.

It's bad enough we have to educate Democrats on the basic tenets of conservative thought but it's just a mess when dumbass jackball Repuglicans overreach as bad as Obama when they think they have a mandate. A swift-footed (not) State Senator from Arizona - Russell Pearce - author of SB1070 was even pissing off Bill O'Reilly with his mush-mouthed explanation of his ridiculous plan to now figure out how Arizona can deport anchor babies. Let's start with the drug dealers, gun runners and gang members and not go after the kids wet-tard.

When she recently slammed her former City Council colleagues over their slush-fund officeholder accounts we wondered what those same Council members thought as Wendy once had her own Clowncil Slush Fund. Well it gets better. Ron Kaye is reporting - with lots of details you need to know - that Wendy is joining up with former Mayor Downtown Dick to raise dough for HER CITY CONTROLLER OFFICEHOLDER ACCOUNT! What's up with that?

Someone wants to recall Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, our favorite former motorcycle cop. I don't know anything about this but if they want to be successful they best emulate this recall effort and not this one.

A post on the LA Weekly's LA Daily Blog opines that while he's the front runner for Mayor perhaps, City Clowncil President Eric Garcetti is not the heir apparent to replace Mayor Villaraigosa. Nope it appears that Ron Kaye's favorite DWP head Austin Beutner is the Mayor's choice to keep the seat warm.

In a Zuma Dogg-esque move longtime local blogging empire Metblogs is going to pull the plug if someone doesn't give them some "PayPal love" soon. According to Franklin Avenue Metblogs has "no funding source in the offing." Funding source? Since when the hell did a blog have a funding source? I must be doing something wrong.

And finally Ginny Here and There, which is normally an over the hill centered blog, has a snippet on this week's coming Studio City Neighborhood Council elections which many hope will provide the vindication for controversial yet popular activist Michael McCue. McCue was recently unceremoniously booted from the panel by dangerous enemy of freedom Lisa Sarkin but most assume that the voters will return McCue to his rightful position.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Mayor Villaraigosa and the City Council appear united to begin a boycott of Arizona over the Grand Canyon State's ill thought out immigration reform law. As bad as that law may be, it's interesting that the Mayor and Council can snap to it on a politically charged issue like this but can't block DWP rate increases on the residents of Los Angeles, documented or not. In the meantime, Village to Village blogger Paul Hatfield makes an interesting point that the City's boycott could be an illegal restraint of trade.

A resident in Dennis Zine's Council District has an issue with a plus-size mannequin in a lingerie shop in Tarzana. Tracy C. Taylor has written a letter to Zine's office complaining the larger breasted mannequin is showing too much cleavage and is offensive. Zine's office has dispatched inspectors from the Department of Building and Safety to investigate. Given recent headlines, it might have been better to send some DWP employees instead to inspect. Unbelievable, did not know this was the 50s. Let's send the bill to Ms. Taylor for all the City staff time spent on this nonsense.

Even though the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment thinks that the removal of Studio City Neighborhood Council board member Michael Cue was some sort of watershed movement for the experiment in citizen government Paul Hatfield reports that leading Neighborhood Council members Citywide are concerned about the capricious and arbitrary manner in which McCue was removed. Saturday evening JoeB and I co-hosted Live LA Saturday Night with David Hernandez and Hatfield, who had called in, informed us yet another member of the Studio City Council told members of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition that McCue's removal is really no one's business but the board itself. This was a sentiment echoed by "dangerous enemy of freedom" Lisa Sarkin much to the chagrin of stakeholders in the audience.

Michael McCue Speaks to Mayor Sam

From an inquiry I sent to Michael McCue;

I appreciate the opportunity and I am grateful for your interest in the SCNC and the NC movement overall.

Sorry, but...I cannot mention my re-election without mentioning the recent "lynching" because they are intrinsically interconnected and cannot be separated. We are dealing with attempts at election tampering here and that is very serious.

First, let me be clear about the "lynching."

It was an illegal vote that could only have been made possible by willful violations committed by the SCNC President, and Board members who have refused to educate themselves in regards to the Brown Act, our Ethics Training, SCNC By-Laws, and even Operating Procedures themselves, not to mention the travesty that was made of Roberts Rules of Order by Ben Neumann, who seemed to know nothing about them.

There were as many procedural violations at that meeting as there are Starbucks Coffee Shops in the Valley!

It is already crystal clear that the president violated the Brown Act in his communications with the Board members just prior to the vote and that he does not understand the By-Laws requirement for "reasonable detail" in the petition itself.

Neumann agendized a petition that wasn't worthy. The petition itself contained not one specific example of wrongdoing but rather generalized complaints that basically said that the Board didn't like it when I reported Ethics violations to them or to the stakeholders, or when I made the stakeholders aware of their specific rights.

This is provable for anyone who wishes to see the evidence.

Any NC leader who attended (and there were several from all over the city, in support of the stakeholders' rights) or who saw the video of the meeting itself, has already adopted it as the 'poster child' of exactly how NOT TO RUN an NC meeting.

Second, I know that the City Attorney is looking into this highly questionable behavior and will be discussing it immediately. I fully expect the City Attorney and BONC to issue a directive that immediately rescinds the vote-to-remove and revokes the outcome automatically, based on the multiple rights violations and Brown Act violations that took place before and during the whole procedure.

I expect that decision from the City Attorney within 48 hours along with an apology from the board Members in question who attempted to smear my honorable reputation with no evidence other than the fact that they dislike what I say when I speak Truth to Power, or catch them trying to fool the stakeholders.

This issue involves the Key Values of Grassroots Democracy, Accountability, Welcoming Diversity, Decentralization of Power and Future Focus. I repeatedly warned the SCNC Board that their actions would bring ill-repute not only to our Board, but to the NC movement overall, and at a critical time when the mayor is seeking any excuse to remove our funding and impede our growing influence. We can't afford that.

But--They wouldn’t listen to me and moved ahead with all sorts of foolishness anyway.

The SCNC Board members seem to believe that when an SCNC officer uses city-owned resources to make a private, partisan fundraising appeal such as VP or "Acting President," John Walker did on behalf of Paul Krekorian, and hacks into our city-owned SCNC email list to do so, that no ethics violation has taken place and that it is not worthy of reporting to the stakeholders, even when they have already been complaining to us about improper emails for months.

The SCNC Board is dead wrong.

That is a violation of State Law and the stakeholders do want to know, because with our votes, we are giving these Board members our trust – trust that they will use their power to do the right thing. If they haven't lived up to that expectation, the stakeholders have a right to know it, and know it now. The election is in a few weeks.

Is it not vital that we know who is worthy of our trust and who isn't, before we cast our votes on May 27th? I think it is and I am certainly not alone.

And when SCNC officers, who hold the most trust of all, are that wrong about something that basic in terms of ethics training, it forces one to wonder about their ability to do the job properly without using our NC or its resources, for their own private goals that have nothing to do with the stakeholders’ best interests at all.

I do not believe that the Krekorian campaign itself had anything to do with this ethics violation. I believe that it was self-motivated to incur favor or influence with Paul...and without his knowledge. I did bring this violation to his attention quite a while ago and I've discussed it with his staff.

I am running for re-election on the SCNC Board because the stakeholders desperately need at least one Board member who is not part of a private club, and who knows the rules.

Studio City really needs that one Board member who is brave enough and has the testicular fortitude to report ethics violations to the proper authorities when they occur. Especially now.

We must have honest representation for Studio City that is not self-centered or using our resources to enrich individuals' own private political goals, or to tamper with an election outcome.

When stakeholders claim that a "special agenda" is being run past them without proper notice or the chance to comment, or without even a written motion available, it is right and just for them to file a grievance with DONE, as our stakeholders have done.

The vicious pettiness of the “lynching” was really a direct response to that stakeholder action mistakenly attributed to me, and a blatant attempt to thwart the stakeholders’ will. It seemed beyond their grasp that anyone else in Studio City would care as much about ethics as I do and so assumed that I was behind the filed grievnce. I wasn't. It was a false accusation from someone who offered her speculations as real evidence, but with no proof...another violation of my rights!

The "lynching" was a cynical and prejudiced action that attempts a complete denial of the stakeholders' rights to be represented by whom they choose...and their right to not be represented by the members of "private club" who would rather get rid of an honest whistle blower than face the Truth of their own actions.

I remind your readers that I still hold the SCNC all-time record as highest vote-getter ever in any SCNC election. My mandate is larger than anyone currently serving or who has served on the Board. How dare they attempt to remove that mandate from the stakeholders and break all the rules to do so! What would you call that?

That stakeholder mandate empowered me as their representative and I will uphold and defend the Law. I have proven again and again that I will not let the stakeholders down.

I take my oath of office seriously, which is exactly the reason why I will be re-elected.

The stakeholders know they can trust me and that I will always fight for everyone's right to be heard! I've been tested in battle as no other board member on the SCNC, and I have passed the test.

The SCNC is currently being treated like a private club. It is not.

It is an assembled body of elected officials sent there by the voters to get the job done.

The stakeholders do not want to see the rules violated, nor the Law broken. That is why the voice who speaks "Truth to Power" will win re-election, only this time, other new candidates who have been motivated by these past corruptions, will win new seats, too, and will join me in the work of reform that is so desperately needed on our Board.

My act of standing up to these petty bullies has rallied the stakeholders in our community and energized our election, which is a great outcome of this truly disturbing affair.

The stakeholders want a change and they want honest representatives--not self-interested reps, who do not even know the rules or ethics that they are required by law to obey.

The stakeholders are willing to do the hard work that it takes to make our neighborhood council a successful expression of true grassroots democracy for our community, one that is truly willing to hear all of the opinions from the community, and find consensus for all in the Studio City community.

One thing we are all grateful for...had this illegal vote not happened, our election in May would not have been energized the way it is now and that will make our election truly exciting!

My best to your readers and thank you for asking the question.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

"El Payaso"

Paul Hatfield of the Village to Village Blog is reporting that longtime Studio City Neighborhood Council board member Michael McCue was removed from the panel Wednesday evening on an 8-4 vote. Despite the vote Hatfield reports that the majority of the audience in attendance supported and spoke out for McCue, much to the displeasure of some of the Studio City board members. Hatfield promises more details later Thursday. Mayor Sam readers may remember that McCue was one of several candidates who originally ran for the Second Council District seat vacated by Wendy Greuel.

A group of several medical marijuana collectives facing closure under an ordinance passed by the City Council are banding together to sue the City over the law. The Times reports that one of the dispensaries in the coalition attempted to place a referendum on the ballot to overturn the law but failed to garner enough signatures. So much for the idea that pot shops can get signatures as easy as a hash brownie!

Ok here's a random fact that I never knew. San Francisco Mayor and Janice Hahn's opponent for Lt Governor Gavin Newsom is the nephew of legendary actor Ed Asner. I am sure some of you smart people knew this but I didn't. Who knew?

Here is my LAist/Zach Behrens impression: Los Angeles City government may not illicit the high tech imagery of Silicon Valley but if City Council President Eric Garcetti has his way that may change. The 13th District Councilman announced he is releasing "Garcetti 311" a free iPhone app that allows city residents to snap and submit photos of potholes, dead animals and illegal dumping to City employees to be addressed and resolved. But the app right now is only for residents of Garcetti's District however if the year long test goes well it could be expanded citywide. Okay, LAist impression over.

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Monday

Jason Mandell writing in the LA Weekly asks the question if CD2 run-off candidates Paul Krekorian and Chris Essell will support so-called "clean money" efforts for campaign financing, noting that former candidate Michael McCue has actively been pushing the issue for some time.  Advocates for this scheme however can't explain how campaigns would be publicly funded particularly when the City coffers are emptying fast.  One small error in Mandell's story was that in addition to Essel and Krekorian there were eight "neighborhood candidates" in the race; actually that would be seven.

Another photo-op and 89% time for Mayor Villaraigosa: He was out with a group of celebrity chefs encouraging Angelenos to dine-out more often. Wonder how that extends to the thousands of city workers who will soon be laid off due to the Mayor's overspending in his first term?

Law enforcement authorities recyently raided two homes owned by State Senator Roderick Wright as part of an LA County District Attorney investigation into his legal residency.  However it may not have any impact as experts say that state law does not require state legislators to actually live in their district once they are elected.  Further, even if the District Attorney is able to prosecute Wright it will be up to the Legislature itself to actually remove Wright.

The Latino Politics Blog once again on the story when it comes to controversial Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.  This time it concerns the case of a former aide to Sanchez who recently received probation after pleading guilty to theft charges.  Caroline Valdez admitted to stealing office funds as well as forging Sanchez's signature for a bonus.  Interesting however it the blogs take on the position.  Adriana Maestas sees Valdez as a victim of Sanchez who plucked Valdez out of ASU prior to graduation, introducing her into the pressure cooker of Washington, DC on a $30K annual salary.  That may be true but nonetheless Valdez is an adult and should know the difference between right and wrong no matter how grim and unfortuante her circumstances.  Plenty of other young people do.

And finally, a public service note.  The LA Fire Department is encouraging parents to make sure televisions and other appliances are properly secured as to avoid injury to their children. According to the LAFD blog "Thousands of preventable injuries - including more than a dozen deaths, occur each year when children climb, fall against or pull themselves onto "unsecured" furnishings, often in an attempt to access a television or other heavy appliance."

Random Musings on CD2

The big news of the weekend was the number of candidates for CD2 that dropped in on Sunland Tujunga's historic Watermelon Festival, long seen as the CD2 version of the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Iowa. On hand were Chris Essel, Tamar Galatzan, Paul Krekorian, Michael McCue, Frank Sheftel and others. A number of observers took note that candidate David "Zuma Dogg" Saltsburg was not in attendance leading to much speculation while at the same time some Mayor Sam readers told us they saw Zuma Dogg campaigning at events in Studio City and outside various Studio City businesses. Stay tuned.

Would Sunland-Tujunga be thrown under the bus if Chris Essel were elected? Our insider is telling us that Essel is quitely deal making so that if elected CD2 would be gerrymandered to include her Brentwood based estate while at the same time surgically remove Sunland-Tujunga from CD2 and place it in Richard Alarcon's CD7. This would allow Essel to terminate the lease on the Studio City apartment she's renting that was described to us as being less than desirable for someone of Essel's social standing.

And finally is Tamar Galatzan attempting to follow a Chicago style of politics? The mommy bloggers appear to be out in force in opposition to their cohort. We hear rumors that Tamar is attempting to silence several mommy bloggers who challenge her policies as an LAUSD member and is using some strongarm tactics to do so. One mommy blogger has gone as far to create a list of the "Top Ten Reasons You Should NOT Vote for Tamar" including "People with two full-time jobs should really focus on those jobs, and not seek a third," and "She's unelectable in Sunland-Tujunga because of two little words: Home Depot."