HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

From "Boy Wonder Republican Consultant (with help of Daddy's Money?)" who managed an Upstart Barrister into the One-term incarnation of City Attorney Carman Trutanich (before turning on him), John Thomas has now been relegated to consulting the likes of Central Basin Water District Bad Boy Art Chacon, damned the potential ethical consequences. 

John Thomas with his California Alliance Group Teammates.

** Pardon the bloggin pause .............., but isn't that the former "Boy Wonder Republican Campaign Consultant" John Thomas, standing behind (and to the right) of infamous Southeast LA Political Operative Hector Chacon, his partner in FPPC-sanctioning campaign practices, Paul Fickas ........, and former California Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante?

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Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Halloween Eve

Its time for the Eighth Annual "Happy City Hall-oween Missive" via  the Downtown News Editor and "Reigning Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie.

From the Downtown News: The Wicked Witch of DWP/IBEW Wendy "Boss D'Arcy's" Greuel seeking some haunted accommodations at 200 Spring Street. 

** Blogger's Note: A bloggin Fall Season coverage of the Los Angeles Political Machine is not complete come the Winter Solstice without the now Eighth Annual "Happy City Hall-oween Missive" via the keyboard of Downtown News Editor ......., and "Reigning Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie. Surely, there will be some "Huizzy Zombinistas" who will claim that I am possess by the "Demons of Past Campaigns Lost (Rudy Martinez in 2011 and Gloria Molina in 2015)". But regardless of my alleged "Bloggin PTSD", we always find a chuckle from the yearly, creative Regardie City Hall-oween Missive as excerpted below----Scott Johnson.

"Train to Nowhere" 

"The Poltergeist of a Huizzy Broadway Streetcar Legacy" 

** Toot toot! What’s that sound? Chugga chugga! Could it be? You look around and, wow, it’s the Broadway streetcar. But where’s it going? You see it halt at a stop labeled $100 million. Then it stops at a station dubbed $125 million. It rolls again but stops at $327.8 million. You look around and there’s a $275 million stop, a $281 million stop and a $250 million stop. Which one is right, what’s the thing really cost and can you ride it? You try to climb aboard but your body passes right through and, heavens to José, the streetcar just seems to be a fantasy! Will it ever come to reality? You have no idea.

** For those who thought that longtime South LA Columnist Betty Pleasant had ascended the "Soulvine to the Great Beyond", she is alive and well, producing her regular "WMD's" (either "Wanton Missives of Distortions" or rare "Written Missive of Distinction") for the Compton Herald ......., and the content never fails to provoke considering ,.........., Florida congressman Alcee Hastings is being lambasted for calling the state of Texas “crazy” for which the state’s congress members are demanding an apology. During a heated congressional debate on President Obama’sAffordable Care Act last month, tempers flared among the Democrats and Republicans to the point where Hastings called the entire red state of Texas “crazy” because, not only was its congressmen trying to destroy Obamacare, but its state legislators tried to pass a “dildo law” that specified the number of dildos Texas women could legally own—as well as their sizes and shapes! 

**  As the Joint DWP/IBEW Joint Job Training/Safety Non-Profits lost their desire to remain a non-audited entity within the "Boss D'Arcy Rizzo" Empire, Village to Village Blogger Paul Hatfield was none too shy in suggesting that a "Top Down Change" needed to be made at LA's utility to affect positive reforms ......., It is time for the city to replace Edwards as the one to track reforms. Appoint an individual from the private sector, independent of the utility. Someone not afraid to speak frankly. It need not – and should not – be a highly paid position. The individual could leverage off of the Ratepayer Advocate, the Neighborhood Council’s DWP working group, retired business people and local business schools.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

Its Official!! Congresswoman Janice "Babs" Hahn is running for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, seeking to follow in her legendary Father's footsteps.

We wonder what uber-Hahn booster Noel Weiss, thinks of "Daughter of Kenny's" next political endeavor? 

Could the political entity known for its "Five Kingmakers" become majority "Queen" in 2016?

That is a strong possibility as Congresswoman Janice Hahn announced this A.M. that she will forgo reelection to her Congressional Seat to hopefully replace termed-out Supervisor Don Knabe on the five member Board.

The Liberal Congresswoman and former CD 15 City Councilwoman will have a obvious name recognition advantage but her distinctly, left of center record may cause some consternation in the moderate-leaning district.
AFTERNOON UPDATE: Hahn endorses State Senator Isadore Hall for her Congressional Seat. Republican Mike Gin, former Mayor of Redondo Beach joins the list to replace Knabe on the Board of Supervisors.

** The sun rose on the Hollywood Hills this morning to reveal another man-made deluge of water via a 1920s-installed cast iron pipe, which submerged a pair of cars and renewed, again the debate over the need to overhaul a failing water system infrastructure.

** Staying on the DWP topic, DWP Watchdog Jack Humphreville opines whether it was a good think that IBEW/DWP Strongman Brian "D'Arcy Rizzo" stop cooperating with an agreed-upon Audit on the Joint Safety and Job Training Non Profits considering ........., This will allow Ratepayers to ask even more questions about the terms of the settlement agreement and why it does not extend back to 2000 when the Joint Safety Institute received its initial funding of $1.2 million.  And why the unusual terms which prohibit the Controller and CAO from making and preserving copies of appropriate documents?

** Meanwhile, Village to Village Blogger Paul Hatfield muses on the predictability of the breakdown in the agreed upon Audit and cites possible actions that can be taken lieu of a City Council acting decisively in requesting accountability ......, whoops, pardon the blogging day dream.

** Memo to City, County, State and Federal Officials seeking a resolution to the labor turmoil at the Port of LA and Long Beach. Please explain how a small union with members making up to $42 per hour, with FREE Medical Insurance, is going to garner popular support for its latest grievances? Plus, lets not forget looming south of us is a widen Panama Canal, opening soon.

** THIS IS ANOTHER FUENTES/MARTINEZ/CARDENAS/PADILLA/BOCANEGRA MACHINE CHARACTER ASSASSINATION MISSIVE WARNING!!

Northeast San Fernando Valley Democrat Machine Bloggin Tool Rosemary Jenkins, has keyboard another "Wanton Missive of Distortion" (WMD) against a perceived enemy of the NESFV Democratic Machine. This time, with the CD 6 City Council Elections less than two weeks away, "The Bloggin Tool" goes caustic and personal on the latest Grass Roots Challenger to the supposed Ruling Class, Cindy Montanez.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 



Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

When Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson wants to increase dialog on a given Committee (especially when it involves raising the Minimum Wage), he simply names himself to it.

LA City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson.

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Dispatches from the Mystical Los Angeles Political Wilderness for Monday

As the Los Angeles Times takes note of CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Park's supposed exiling to the "Political Wilderness", we undertake a bloggin journey within its common sense refuge, in seeking out the beauty of ethical, open and transparent governess.   

All smiles from CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks within the LA Political Wilderness.

Memo to the editors at the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" (aka LA Times), why for once do you allocate story budgeting on a missive regarding a supposed wilderness (a political one at that) that does not have a Eco Scribe Louie Sahagun Byline?

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Morning Briefs on Kevin James inside the Political Machine for Tuesday

Hey!! Has being inside City Hall changed Kevin James?

Mayor Garcetti on LA Times Missive, its true ......., I made a City Hall Insider of Kevin James.

Bloggin announcement!! Kevin James has officially left the Radio Studio ........, for the Inside Culture of 200 Spring Street.

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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



Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

Did Mayor Eric Garcetti blink before reaching the supposed end game of DWP Employee Health Care Cost Reform?

Why can't Mayor Garcetti find any contributions from DWP Employees for their health care?

 

Angelinos can supposedly rest assure that the DWP Contract Proposal Crisis on Spring Street has been resolved by all the parties involve.

But as Mayor Eric Garcetti moves past the fifty day mark of his mayoral first term, what amount of political capital did he gain (or lose) with his compromise on the soon to be agree upon DWP Contract? Excerpts and links below.

From the "Old Gray Collectivist Hag on Spring Street" (aka LA Times) ............

 

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti emerged from his first labor showdown with some financial concessions on Department of Water and Power salaries but little progress on a key goal: getting employees to pay out of their own pockets for rising health insurance costs.

The deal is expected to save $6.1 billion over 30 years, in large part by cutting pension benefits for new hires and having workers go three years without raises, according to budget officials. But the DWP will continue its practice of covering 100% of employees' healthcare premiums, despite Garcetti's call for more concessions....

From Joseph Mailander at "MSMNBC City Watch" ..............

Team Garcetti's math-challenged scrubs failed to add two plus two in the new deal to compare it to the old one. 
The new agreement, for instance, supersedes an earlier agreement that would have called for a 4% raise after four years.  That meant that under the abandoned agreement, for the average DWP worker making $100,000 a year--and that is just a little below average for a DWP worker--the payout would be $100,000 for the first three years and $104,000 for the final year, totaling $404,000 over four years. 
But watch what happens with the new contract. 
The average DWP worker makes $100,000 for the first two years.  Then, with a prospective 2% hike, she makes up to $102,000 the third year.  And then she can go up to 2% of that, or $104,040, the fourth year. 
Total payout: $406,040 over four years.  Yes, she actually stands a good chance to make more money than under the stipulations of the contract Garcetti tore up to get this new "deal."

From Paul Hatfield at the "Village to Village Blog" ................

According to the Patch, the raise deferral from 2013 to 2016 amounts to savings of $385 million. That’s the net amount we will not have to pay to the well-compensated DWP workforce for three years.
The article goes on to say that the deferral will save $3.9 billion over 30 years.
It’s a very hypothetical calculation that appears to be based on the assumption of investing the $385 million at around 8.9% for the 27 years following the three-year deferral period.
Perhaps there are other factors as well, but the city seems reluctant to disclose them.
Ask yourself, who besides Bernie Madoff would guarantee 8.9% on your investment for 27 years?
City Hall, of course!

....... and from the reigning "Scribe of Wit" Downtown News Editor Jon Regardie on a certain "three letter sickness".

The Sickness of the DWP: Much has been made about the negotiations for new labor contracts for Department of Water & Power employees, with Garcetti trying for a more cost-conscious deal than the one Villaraigosa was pushing. The most interesting aspect of the process to date is that just as news of the negotiations erupted, so did a Los Angeles Times report revealing that DWP employees get essentially unlimited paid sick time. It was the latest black eye for the DWP and its union, and Garcetti’s office was quick to pounce, as he and other pols called for an investigation. A week later a chastened DWP altered its policy, requiring a doctor’s note for those out three days or longer. Call it a victory for Garcetti, even if it’s just a battle and not the war.

Judging from the commentary above, the "sickness" continues.

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



Nuch picking up Bloggin Momentum from Unexpected Sources

As the Kevin James Endorsement gives a big boost to the re-election chances of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, unexpected momentum is rising from a formerly hostile local blogger's sphere.

 City Attorney Carmen Trutanich shakes hands with Third Place Mayoral Candidate Kevin James.

** Blogger's notes: Every once in a while, its nice to have laptop and cellphone camera at the ready, for little bloggin field trip. Yesterday's scheduling was perfect for a morning stop-by at the South Steps of City Hall, to partake in Kevin James Endorsement of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich for a second term. Trutanich was jovial and at ease during the presser (maybe the settlement of his lawsuit with John Shallman, stemming from his failed District Attorney Campaign, played a role?). For the record, Trutanich would not personally comment on the specifics of the settlement, citing a confidentiality agreement between the parties. Regarding the James Endorsement, the former Federal Prosecutor cited Trutanich past trial lawyer experience and chided challenger Mike Feuer for being a co-sponsor of the AB-109 Prison Realignment Scandal. Our notes and and other related thoughts continue below. 

As noted above, James was critical of Mike Feuer's co sponsorship of AB 109. James cited his computer search that turned up an increased number of AB 109 related crimes within California. LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus reminded Trutanich that he was a early supporter of AB 109, to which Trutanich replied that his job was to "make lemonade out of a lemon". The subject of AB 109 was also the basis for A question directed  at Trutanich by this blogger, that cited a recent comment by LA Dragnet Blogger and LA County Deputy District Attorney David Berger, which he stated the reason for Trutanich's support of AB 109, was predicated in Trutanich's desire to get California Governor Jerry Brown's support for his losing District Attorney Campaign. Trutanich responded that "Berger is a cyber stalker" and his relationship with Governor Brown predated AB 109.

 

 Trutanich and James remarks did not go unnoticed by the Feuer Campaign. At one point, an observer who was supposedly linked to Feuer's Consultant John Shallman, broached loudly on the tired subject of Trutanich's pledge to donate $100,000 dollars to LA Best, which Trutanich deflected with a "have a good day" comment and a matching pledge request of the "walk by shill". But what should concern the Feuer Campaign is a growing momentum in the local blogger's sphere, against his ethically-challenged antics. From Joseph Mailander today .............

Hey, don't faint.  But here's an excellent summary of a City Attorney debate by Paul Hatfield that may cause you to take a second peek at Carmen Trutanich.

While we have yet to see a LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus report on last night's City Attorney Debate, the Feuer Campaign (and Shallman) may want to take pause, From debate observer and blogger Paul Hatfield.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .

The only thing missing in tonight’s City Attorney debate in Valley Village was one of the candidates shouting, “You can’t handle the truth!”

The heat did match the final courtroom scene between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise on two of the subjects.

The first was Feuer’s controversial contract with his campaign manager John Shallman.

Feuer claims the Ethics Commission told him his contract passed muster. Trutanich flashed a document purporting that the Commission has no record of Feuer’s inquiry. Feuer countered that the Commission was not allowed to comment on his inquiry. Trutanich fired back saying if the discussion was confidential, it violated the Brown Act, which requires public transparency. He went on to chide Feuer about relying on an oral statement to support such a critical matter, implying it was sloppy practice.

I spoke briefly with Trutanich after the debate concerning the related court case filed against Feuer by an activist. He said the worst that could happen to Feuer would be the removal of his name from the ballot.

 Thus, with Mailander and Hatfield opining on the ethical issues pertaining to Mike Feuer, the time was also right to question Trutanich on the root reason for the breach between himself and former employee, turned LA Dragnet Blogger David Berger (who's supported candidate Greg Smith endorsed Feuer yesterday). Trutanich cited city confidential personal codes for not commenting directly on Berger's departure from the City Attorney Office. But as former uber critical bloggers of Trutanich now take a second look, maybe Berger will be transparent on the "root reason" for his current bloggin vitriol directed at his former boss and why he ended up back at the District Attorney's office?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

Councilman Paul Krekorian passed Tuesday a series of changes as to how the City's system of neighborhood councils do business, but the legislation was characterized by some as more so "improvements" than reform.  In the meantime, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment General Manager BongHwan Kim is reportedly floating a proposal where the panels must garner voter participation equal to one percent of their population. Blogger Joseph Mailander supports the move, while Village to Village's Paul Hatfield finds huge fault. In my view, the one percent solution is a good idea.  Neighborhood councils, with a few exceptions, are noted for profligate spending on "projects" and put little if any resources or efforts towards outreach. I noted to Mailander my own experience where while serving on the MidTown North Hollywood Neighborhood Council the board opted to cancel a budget for election advertising and bought uniforms for local high school cheerleaders. I think it's appropriate to expect the panels to achieve some level of viability if they're going to have access to tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars.

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Los Angeles Politics for Tuesday

Lots of fun stuff in the race to succeed now Congresswoman Janice Hahn in her vacated CD15 seat. The latest is an unconfirmed report posted by one of our readers that the firefighters union executive board split 3-3 on an endorsement of their President, Pat McOsker, for the Council seat. With the panel deadlocked, McOsker claimed the right the cast the deciding vote. If true, this would be a shocking display of hubris by a wannabe elected official.



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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Betty Pleasant (portrayed by TV's LaWanda Page
celebrates the inauguration of Bernard Parks.

In a move truly reminiscent of shutting the barn door after the horse has left, CM and possible Controller candidate, Dennis Zine, has called for reforms at the Department of Building and Safety.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto has reversed course and issued an apology for his rant about not getting paid when Controller John Chiang followed the law and refused to pay lawmakers who did not turn in a balanced state budget on time.  Blogger Paul Hatfield correctly notes that Gatto's apology is appropriate however the issue of the budget mess remains. Gatto, who received tough treatment from KFI's John and Ken last week, can be relieved the shock jocks are reportedly on vacation this week.

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Somos primos.

Paul Hatfield writing at CityWatch reports that Dennis Zine went to Wendy Greuel to ask her "permission" to run for City Controller.  Of course, this presupposes that Greuel is planning to run for Mayor creating a race with no incumbent for Greuel's current spot. Hatfield asks why doesn't Zine just run away, but he answers his own question essentially pointing out we have rigged elections and there is no true competition.

This is rich - Assembly Speaker John Perez - a cousin of Mayor Villaraigosa to whom he owes his entire career - is decrying nepotism in the City of Vernon.

Stephen Box makes the case that the Mayor's appointment of Jamie de la Vega to head the City's troubled transportation department is just more of the same.

Homeboy Industries has opened a diner in City Hall.  Let's hope Wendy Greuel audits often.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Wendy Greuel may have thought she was advancing her Mayoral chances by disclosing the existence of a special program that allowed the Mayor and Council Members to fix parking tickets for high profile supporters - that is until the Mayor disclosed Greuel herself had used the program during her time on the Council.  Despite that - in true LA City Council closing the barn door after the horse has left style - the cat is out of the bag and CM Dennis Zine is now heading up an investigation of the program.  In the meantime, Paul Hatfield looks at the Mayoral campaign implications of the whole issue.




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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Wendy Greuel, a potential candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles in 2013, may have thought she might get some street cred as a reformer, while embarrassing the Mayor as well as other comers to the office who are currently on the City Council, by disclosing the existence of an LA Department of Transportation program that allows elected to fix parking tickets.  However, the Mayor one upped the City Controller by cancelling the program and releasing documentation that Greuel had not only known about the program while serving on the City Council but she had also taken advantage of it.

Blogger Paul Hatfield reports that next week the Los Angeles City Council may axe funding for the City's system of advisory Neighborhood Councils.


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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Is he or isn't he? Some of the conventional wisdom around town is that developer Rick Caruso was leaning against a run for Mayor. However many potential Mayoral opponents were targets of Caruso at a recent speech before civic group TownHall. Blogger Paul Hatfield takes an early look at the race.


Who conspired to pressure the Los Angeles Times from not publishing teacher ratings? According to Witness LA, LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy, School Board President Monica Garcia and, curiously, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce exec Gary Toebben.

Governor Jerry Brown has a plan to help California's budget woes.  Raise taxes!

The City of Los Angeles wants to spend more money marketing LA to potential tourists. How do they plan to pay for it? By raising taxes on tourists who come to visit.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Paul Hatfield makes a good point that downtown development projects no longer need multi-million City subsidies.  However he thinks the money would be better spent in North Hollywood, where bringing back desperately needed retail back to North Hollywood is de rigeur.  That is, however, if you really think taxpayer money better spent on public safety and other vital needs should go to ANY development.

If the builders of California's bullet train switch the route to run over the Grapevine instead of a circuitous one that goes through the Antelope Valley, they can save millions of dollars, avoid potential earthquake issues and detour around some NIMBYs in upscale portions of Palmdale (is there such a thing?). But gravy train Republicans from Palmdale are up in arms.

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Friday Free for All

Los Angeles City Controller's
Token Accounting System

Phil Jennerjahn, who recently found fault with Mayoral candidate Kevin James' disclosure of his homosexuality, now is upset with the talk radio host's views on garbage pickup.  Jennerjahn blogs that James is a "dangerous enemy of trash." We're not sure what that means and James had no comment at press time.

How does the City keep track of accounts payable? Paul Hatfield has investigated a number of City Controller audits and found that the collection of business taxes is recorded via a token accounting system. Token accounting, first developed in Ancient Sumeria uses clay markers to record transactions.  An attempt to upgrade to an abacus based system failed when the City cancelled the transaction due to the abacuses being manufactured in Arizona, at conflict with the Citys self imposed boycott of the Grand Canyon State.


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Friday Free for All

Wendy Greuel is beginning the first steps to run for Mayor when Antonio Villaraigosa terms out in 2013.  Paul Hatfield has a few things to say about that.

20 years to the day that he had his now legendary run-in with LAPD, Rodney King once again gets pulled over by police.

Paul Krekorian has a new commercial out and it features a few of our favorite community activists such as Abby Diamond and Lydia Grant.  Check it out at Paul's website.

Today is the last day you can give your opinion on how the City should spend it's money.  Take the Mayor's Budget Survey.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Public Employee Unions Need to go
on a Diet Just Like Mayor Sam has

One of the smartest bloggers in town when it comes to public finance, Paul Hatfield, dices up the Wisconsin labor reform law and details how similar changes should come to California.  It's apparent that politicians like Governor Brown and former State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (no relation) understand that public employee unions have been given a sweeter than sweet deal for decades and with most governments near bankruptcy it's time to pay the piper.

Governor Brown also gets it when it comes to the Community Redevelopment Agency. It's time to shut these inefficient, wasteful and fraudulent distributors of corporate welfare down but Mayor Villaraigosa doesn't think so.  He cites examples of YMCAs and shopping centers the CRA built, yet shopping centers and YMCAs have been built for decades without YMCA - and the attendant multi-million dollar payouts to politically connected non-profits around these projects that don't see one cent go into building anything on the ground.

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