Hotsheet for Friday

Sunland-Tujunga is the place to be tomorrow at high noon. That’s where Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel will square off in a debate moderated by Fox 11’s Christina Gonzales. Rumor has it, topics will range from CD2 to CD2; red herring, hot air balloons, magic mirrors, and gyroscopes will be confiscated at the door. Find the details here and don’t forget to frequent Joe B’s CD2 Special Election blog for the latest.

And now … the fun stuff. Yesterday, Essel was accused of circumventing campaign finance rules with a rigged independent expenditure. Today, we bring you the countercharge against Krekorian. The synopsis is this: Krekorian cuts checks to consultant Eric Hacopian from his campaign account (some of which being taxpayer money). Hacopian and family then make contributions to Paul4Council, thus getting taxpayer money matched with taxpayer money. As snipers on both sides point out, such games are all too common. It just proves that money is the problem in politics.

Scroll down for Phil Jennerjahn’s interview with Special Assistant City Attorney David Berger. It’s a great read.

Councilmember Paul Koretz wants to see digital billboards come down en masse following a ruling by Superior Court Judge Terry Green that LA City acted “beyond the scope of its authority” in allowing CBS Outdoor and Clear Channel Outdoor to proceed with the conversions. Judge Green, however, says challenges must be considered billboard by billboard. The City Attorney’s office is reviewing. City Council is waiting. The two companies, of course, plan to appeal.

Start refreshing LAist because later today, Zach Behrens promises to explain why the biannual time change always screws traffic. Would Zach also kindly explain why traffic isn’t yielding to the highest unemployment in 26 years?

And wrapping up, Oprah might move to LA, Waltarrrrr of the Highland Park 90042 blog says MTA’s brand new website isn’t running on schedule, Lu Parker posts her first LA Times blog, and let’s add 28,000 FAKE STIMULUS JOBS to the Mayor Sam lexicon, courtesy of the Sacramento Bee.

Wonder Twin Powers ... Activate!

Wow. Just … wow. In an amazing show of support for Barack Obama, our lovely First Lady of Cahleefornya Maria Shriver joined Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and BFF-Cousin Caroline Kennedy on stage today at UCLA.

"If Barack Obama was a state he'd be California," Shriver said, drawing roars from the crowd. "I mean think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, oppose tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader."

Wow. Just … wow. You go girls!

How did it all go so wrong, Hillary? I'll give you a hint: it rhymes with "I'll Bone You, Oh! Villar Mugroso".

::pee wee herman chuckle::

Congratulations, Arnold

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has placed eighth in the UK Telegraph’s list of 100 most influential U.S. liberals.

Leaving him off the conservative list was a difficult decision but Schwarzenegger’s defiance of Republican orthodoxy and move towards California liberalism leaves him better placed to influence the liberal sphere.

Arnold appears just behind Michael Moore and ahead of Oprah Winfrey. Curiously, there’s nary a mention of our own rising Democrat star, Antonio Villaraigosa.