This is the city: Los Angeles, California. I work here. I'm an ex-mayor. Los Angeles is a magnet for people from all over the world. Some of them run for public office. Inevitably some of them stray from the golden rule and rule for those that have the gold. That's when I go to work. My name is Yorty. I'm a dead pol.
Zuma Dogg makes a good catch, as President Clinton was exiting the stage following his speech to the delegates at the Democratic National Convention, the song the band was playing was Robert Palmer's pop hit Addicted to Love. Zuma Dogg thinks this was a dirty trick against the former President who, along with his wife, went above and beyond to call for support of their former opponent, Barack Obama. Wouldn't surprise me. Obama is beginning to show he has a tremendous ego and is incredibly vindictive against those who would cross him.
Walter Moore has put up a couple of websites, one opposing Measure Q the multi-billion dollar LAUSD school construction bond boondoggle and another setting the record straight on Janice Hahn's gang tax scam. If you're opposed to either or both of these measures forward the sites to your friends as both provide excellent analyses of the two measures.
In case you were worried, Paris Hilton has confirmed that she's a big fan of Britney Spears. Contactmusic quoted Hilton as saying “I love Britney, I think she looks so beautiful right now."
Bloggers at Red County think that candidates announcing now for 2009 Diamond Bar City Clowncil elections are too early. Heck, we have people running here in LA for Council that just got elected to school board, running for seats that aren't even vacant (yet).
Boston based Emerson College is moving its LA campus from Burbank to Hollywood. The arts and entertainment oriented institution who counts among its graduates Jay Leno, Henry Winkler and a number of major entertainment industry executives will open up on the site of the former Tribune Studios lot.
You have until midnight on the 30th to vote, we'll announce the winners on the 31st.
Local Elected Politician of the Year Assemblyman Paul Krekorian Eric Garcetti Janice Hahn Michael Ten of South Pasadena Sheriff Lee Baca
Local Elected Politician's Staffer of the Year Stuart Waldman Michael Tou Young Gi Kim Josh Kamensky Jennifer Cohen
Hottest Politician's Wife, Husband, Boyfriend or Girlfriend Corina Raigosa Long Beach City Councilmember Suja Lowenthal's husband Daniel Tony Cardenas' wife
Sexiest City Government Employee - Female Kellie Hawkins, Exec. Dir, Comm on Status of Women Young-Gi Kim Janelle Erickson Kieren in Perry's office
Sexiest City Government Employee - Male Antonio Villaraigosa Jimmy Blackman Matt Szabo Bernard Parks
Cutest Couple Janice Hahn and Reggie the Alligator Mirthala and Antonio Mr. and Mrs. Kefflebaum Janice Hahn and Noel Weiss
Dumbest Politician of the Year Lloyd Levine Rocky Delgadillo Tom LaBonge Ed Reyes Fabian Nunez
Dumbest Staffer of the Year Manny Figueras Lisa Sarno Mitch Englander Uli Sanchez Bob Blumenfeld
Crook of the Year Mike Carona Richard Alatorre Governor Schwarzeneger Fabian Nunez Rocky Delgadillo
Dumbest Idea, Program or Cause Jan Perry's Fast Food Ban mayoral school "takeover" AB1381 Mansionization Alatorre and Roos becoming lobbyists for developers
Model of Efficiency Award (someone in City government who actually got something right) Bill Robertson, Director of LA's Street Services Bureau Michele Siqueiros Brian Humphrey, LAFD
Biggest Mistake Lloyd Levine dumping Stuart Waldman Rocky not registering his car Villaraigosa holding a news conference to announce his affair and then complaining that the media was prying into his personal life Prop R Funding Gang Prevention programs.
Best Place to Drink After A City Council Meeting The water fountain on the fourth floor Pete's The Redwood Little Tokyo
Worst Public Official or Government Employee Driving Skills Michelle Delgadillo Lance from Tom LaBonge’s office
Most Corrupt Special Interest (organization or individual) SEIU Eli Broad Richard Muerelo California Correctional Peace Officers Association Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
Special Waiver Award (anyone you want to nominate for any reason - state both and why) Zuma Dogg because I like big balls Red Spot for his brilliant social commentary, grammatical errors notwithstanding. Ted Hayes bitch slapping Maxine Waters Michael Hunt for dressing like a Klansman
Local Journalist of the Year Kevin Roderick Jon Regardie Joseph Mailander David Zahniser Joseph Chapman
Media Outlet of the Year (blogs, newspapers, radio or television stations) LAist CityWatch Daily News BBC Channel 4 News
Sexiest Local Journalist Sharon Tay David Zahniser Mariel Garza Sioux-Z Jessup Lisa Hernandez
Person of the Year (the person who had the biggest impact locally - good or bad) William Bratton Laura Chick David Hernandez Antonio Villaraigosa Zuma Dogg
Zahniser's article yesterday on how the City is used as a "finishing school" for advocacy firms is a cut above. Of the many examples of how City employees end up trashing the spirit of Prop R, to my mind the one involving Chick/Villaraigosa aide Marcus Allen is the most egregious. But some will say it's former City Attorney Peter Gutierrez jumping to Latham & Watkins. Anyway, there are all sorts of cases to choose from when picking your own kleptocratic favorite.
The Michelin Guide has come to Los Angeles at last, which either means LA has arrived or the Michelin Guide is so over. Judging from the list---two-star ratings went to Mélisse in Santa Monica, Spago in Beverly Hills and Urasawa in Beverly Hills---you'd have to say the Guide is so over. No restaurant here fetches three stars. It's a fairly Euro-Japanese, phallocentric list: while I for one I am glad to see the huffy folk at Lucques / AOC didn't fetch even a solo, I think Ciudad deserves to have made the cut.
From the "cyberpage" that is the LA Observed Blog, are the comments of one Bill Boyarsky. For those outside of the LA insider community, Boyarsky is, like "WWG", a "westside" residing, retire scribe from the "OLD GREY HAG ON SPRING STREET", who when not bloggin on "OBSERVING WEST L.A. LIFE AND HIS TIMES", sits on the LA City Ethics Commission.
Today, Boyarsky can be found opining on the report, pertaining to refining the Neighborhood Council system. You can read his views on the provided link. But what I would like to do here, is provide the "THREAD" for dialog on the "WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW and WHY" needs to be done, to achieve the best potential for the Neighborhood Council System.
For one who may have a chance to sit on a Neighborhood Council in the near future, I find myself cynical on the role, and influence that Neighborhood Councils can have. I read here the dubious exploits of the likes of "LA RAZA 32". The Lincoln Heights Council where minors vote, and some would say are control by an "THREE LETTER BLOB" who would "CHAVEZ RAVINE" the Greater Hazard Park Community. A former Northridge Neighborhood Council Czar, who wanted to turn over public money to a "DO IT CENTER LOCAL". And most recently,the exploits of "CITIZEN BRADLEY".
But I also remember the charge against Prop R led by the likes of Lyons, Jacobberger and the current fight against DWP rate hikes. And hopefully the accomplishments of a certain blogger on a NoHo Council.
My simple thoughts aside, sway me either way. I leave that to the NC experts of this blog to do the swaying and comments.
href="http://www.laobserved.com/boyarsky/2007/09/ save_the_neighborhood_councils.php">Bill Boyarsky: Save the neighborhood councils from city hall
A letter writer to the Daily News makes a good point. Unlike Hillary Clinton and other political wives who stand by their philandering man, Corina Raigosa got while the getting was good. Smart lady.
And finally, I don't really care about the meat of this story (some kind of government regulation of mortgage lending) but the term LaRouche Youth Movement cracked me up.
State Assembly Speaker and fellow Mirthala Banger Fabian Nunez has teamed up with State Senate President Don Perata to hoodwink a term limits extension initiative on the ballot to extend their and other pols' employment in the State Legislature. Indeed, this measure is even more cynical than the infamous Measure R. The Wall Street Journal reports there are some pretty serious legislative gymnastics Fabian and Don have to do to get it on the ballot and approved in time for them to run in the June primaries. However Capitol Weekly reports that the efforts to get enough signatures to get the scam on the February Presidential Primary ballot could potentially fail.
The Long Beach Press Telegram reports on a recent California Supreme Court ruling that says citizens and the press have the right to know how much government workers make. Those employees might view it as an invasion of privacy but I agree with the Press Telegram that its a necessary evil to monitor fraud, waste and abuse.
More fun if you click read more!
Here's a bright idea (not). The City is considering one way to force people onto public transportation is to allow developers to build some projects without providing parking. Here's a better one: develop public transportation that actually goes places, is on time, isn't built for political expediency and that doesn't smell like urine. THEN some folks might ride.
One way to have massive development and not add to traffic is to build projects that are truly mixed use - with retail, housing and commercial spaces. The trouble is lots of retail and housing is going into projects in Los Angeles but not commercial. Why? Businesses don't want to locate in Los Angeles due to its onerous taxes and regulations. But they want to go to business friendly cities such as Burbank where this development is one of many in a city with very low commercial vacancy rates.
And finally, maybe this is an idea that Captain Jack might like and that Mayor Villaraigosa could consider for cleaning up Skid Row. A mayoral candidate in Key West, Florida wants to capitalize on the town's pirate image by having the homeless (as well as city workers) dress up like the legendary bucaneers of the Spanish Main. Perhaps here we could have derelicts made up like famous movie stars for the tourists.
So don't call him bitter: Bernard Parks will try to fill the stilletoes of Yvonne Braithwaite Burke as County Supervisor, Zahniser says this morning. The election for Burke's supe seat is about nine months and change away, and he's first in the pool. Antonovich backs him. If Mark Ridley-Thomas runs for the seat, that will be quite a race---in dollars as well as profile.
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In the wake of the Arellano deportation, the Daily News tracks down four local undocumenteds who are using churches as sanctuaries from the USICE. BTW, the alt quotidien codwrapper quotes the Mayor as saying: "The manner of the arrest and deportation in this case raises concerns in our community." Antonio wants a briefing from immigration officials.
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Written apologies and timeouts? The Breeze says the LAUSD will get touchy-feely with students: "Los Angeles Unified is rolling out a new discipline policy this fall designed to give problem students a reason not to act out by providing 'positive behavior support.'"
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Someone in comments the other day said don't quote the Breeze, it's a kind of zero degree of newspaper. I brushed it off, but if you look at today's front page...wow, it's indeed a news-free zone.
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Huge Comment of the Day (apologies to Jim Rome):
So Councilman Reyes attributes the damage to his car to an awkwardly placed pillar in the City Hall garage? Those pillars haven't moved since the place was built. And if LaBonge blames the damge to his car on a neighbor, why hasn't the neighbor or the neighbor's insurance company paid for the damage?---Anonymous, 11:41 p.m.
Lots of machina issues in at 200 N. Spring these days...
"That's Earl, brother." Which oldtime Hearst gossip columnist signed off his column with that oldtime tagline, which appeared in our old beloved Herald-Examiner through 1983?
Thank you Mayoral Candidate David Hernandez for providing Mayor Sam readers with the latest on today's court action regarding City Council's Proposition R.
The Motion was denied by the judge stating that since it was not listed as an "initiative" on the voter info pamphlet and actual ballot, he was sticking with the Council-friendly argument that it was not a ballot initiative.
However, LA City Mayoral candidate David Hernandez states that, "Everywhere else in the process; from the 'League of Women Voters' (who ZD wishes were 20,000 leagues under the sea); to Council President Eric Garcetti's letter to City Clerk; to the City Clerk assigning it to the agenda, it was treated as a ballot initiative. However, they simply kept the actual words "ballot initiative" off all paperwork throughout the process as a way of circumventing the constitution."
Hernandez warns, "Now it's bigger than Prop R. Just don't call it an "initiative" and they can bundle together a bunch of things and do what they want", He adds, "'U.S. Term Limits' is fearful that this can set a precedent for other cities."
Hernandez tells Mayor Sam readers that he and Ted Hayes (his partner in the challenge) want to move forward to the appellate level if there is funding (from U.S. Term Limits and/or others) and if 'Judicial Watch' is willing to continue.
"It's a sleight of hand maneuver that is allowing them to get away with this", warns Hernandez.
AND THIS JUST IN: A RECAP BY MR. HERNANDEZ, HIMSELF ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CLICK "READ MORE!"
Friends and supporters,
Today Judge David Yaffe refused to grant our Motion to set aside his ruling that Prop R was not a Ballot Initiative. This is based on the wording not being in on the measure in the Ballot Summary or Ballot. Below is the official history of the measure. As one can plainly see the item which made it to the ballot was the measure presented by the League of Women Voters and Chamber. It was the one which Council File number 06-1800-S1 was assigned to.
The precedent set by the judges ruling gives politicians a very lucrative way to get ballot measures passed the public. If you simply do not use the term "Ballot Initiative" you do not have to follow the State Constitution. You can bundle as many goodies as you want and bribe the voters to get your measure passed.
Ted and I are ready and willing to move this challenge to the next level, the State Appellate Court. We will begin talks with our attorney and Judicial Watch to see if they are willing as well. In addition, we will look to US Term Limits for help as they expressed their concern over this precedent setting effort.
As soon as we have a clear course of action, I will let you know what is in store for the Legal Challenge to Prop R.
In your corner,
David Hernandez
File Number 06-1800-S1 Last Changed Date 09/07/2006 Title ETHICS REFORMS / TERM LIMIT EXTENSIONS / BALLOT INITIATIVE Initiated by President, Los Angeles City Council Subject Communication from the President, Los Angeles City Council, dated July 14, 2006, relative to the placement of a proposed initiative, submitted by the League of Women Voters and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, on the November 2006 election ballot, called the City Government Responsibility, Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act. Date Received 07/14/2006 File History 7-14-06 - For ref 7-14-06 - Ref to Rules and Elections Committee 7-14-06 - File to Rules and Elections Committee Clerk 7-18-06 - Communication from the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, dated July 18, 2006, relative to City Government Responsibility, Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act - attached to file. 7-18-06 - Council Action - Verbal Motion - Garcetti Mover 2006 / Cardenas - ADOPTED - HEREBY MOVE that Council ADOPT the following recommendation in connection with a communication from the Council President relative to communication from the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce which urges the Los Angeles City Council to engage in all necessary actions to place a ballot measure regarding term limits, lobbying laws, ethics laws, and campaign finance laws on the November 2006 election ballot: REQUEST the City Attorney's Office to draft the appropriate resolutions and ordinance for inclusion of the above matter on the November 2006 election ballot. (Rules and Elections Committee waived consideration of the above matter). 7-28-06 - File in files 7-28-06 - For Council - Communication from the City Attorney R06-0275, dated July 28, 2006, relative to resolutions and an ordinance calling and ordering a Special Election solely to amend the Charter to lengthen term limits (Attachment A); an ordinance for remaining ethics reforms (Attachment B); and an item that both amends the Charter to lengthen term limits and revises the Municipal Code to adopt the City ethics, lobbying and campaign finance reforms (Attachment C). 7-28-06 - File to Calendar Clerk 7-28-06 - For Council - Communication from the City Clerk, dated July 28, 2006, relative to two resolutions for authorization to consolidate a Special Election with the November 7, 2006, State of California General Election in order to place a Charter Amendment relative to Term Limits for City Council Members and various Ethics Reform Measures before the voters. 7-28-06 - File to Calendar Clerk 8-2-06 - Council Action - Verbal Motion - Garcetti Mover 2006 / Greuel - ADOPTED - HEREBY MOVE that Council AMEND the proposed Charter amendment to lengthen term limits and amend City Ethics, Lobbying and Campaign Finance Laws, and calling a Special Election to be consolidated with the State General Election to be held on November 7, 2006, to ADOPT the following IN LIEU of the original recommendations, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR: A. PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE calling a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City of Los Angeles a certain proposition, and to consolidate this Special Election with the State General Election to be held on the same date. B. BALLOT TITLE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED, as follows: COUNCILMEMBER TERM LIMITS OF THREE TERMS; CITY LOBBYING, CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ETHICS LAWS. CHARTER AMENDMENT AND ORDINANCE PROPOSITION. Shall the Charter be amended and ordinance adopted to: change Councilmember term limits to three terms; restrict lobbyists from making campaign contributions, gifts and becoming commissioners; revise lobbyist registration thresholds; require contractors certify compliance with lobbying laws; extend elected officials' post-employment restrictions; require ethics training; and revise requirements for independent expenditures and campaign communications? C. RESOLUTION providing that a certain proposal to amend the Charter and Municipal Code of the City of Los Angeles be submitted to the qualified voters of the City of Los Angeles. D. RESOLUTION requesting authorization to consolidate a Special Election with the November 7, 2006, State of California General Election in order to place a Charter Amendment relative to term limits for City Councilmembers and various ethics reform measures before the voters, BE ADOPTED - Resolutions ADOPTED - Ordinance ADOPTED. 8-3-06 - Communication from the City Attorney, dated August 3, 2006, relative to Ballot Title language approved as to form and legality - attached to file. 8-3-06 - File to Mayor for signature FORTHWITH 8-5-06 - Communication from the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, dated August 5, 2006, relative to Community Impact Statement. 8-7-06 - File to Calendar Clerk 8-8-06 - File in files 9-7-06 - File to Calendar Clerk - Attn: Maria K. Ordinance 177773 ( Effective: 08/09/2006 )
Prop R Back In Court Monday: Has The Trans-fat Challenged Lady Sang Yet, Or Not?
Thanks to David Hernandez for this Prop R Update. Yes, it's back in court today!
Was Proposition R a Ballot Initiative?: Motion to Vacate Judgment to be heard.
WHO: Community Advocates David Hernandez and Ted Hayes represented by Attorney Candice E. Jackson.
WHAT: Petitioners to argue Prop R was a Ballot Initiative and will request Judge Vacate Judgment and Enter Different Judgment.
WHEN: August 20, 2007, 9:30 AM
WHERE: Los Angeles Superior Court, Dept 86 Rm 836
David Hernandez and Ted Hayes will once again take to the legal battlefield in their challenge to Prop R.
Judge David P. Yaffe will again hear arguments from Attorneys representing the City of Los Angeles and Attorney Candice E. Jackson representing Hernandez and Hayes.
The City Attorney had raised the issue of Prop R not being a Ballot Initiative and therefore not subject to the single issue rule contained in the State Constitution.
The following day Judge Yaffe issued his ruling that based on documents and oral arguments Prop R was not a “Ballot Initiative” and did not have to conform to the single issue rule.
Attorney Jackson will argue that based on City documents, which included a letter from Council President Eric Garcetti requesting the Los Angeles City Clerk issue a City Council File Number to this proposed Ballot Initiative and agendize it for a Special Meeting of the Los Angeles City Council, Prop R was in fact a Ballot Initiative and subject to the State Constitution.
She will be citing the evidence that the Los Angeles City Clerk assigned City Council 06-1800-S1 to the measure and the Title assigned to the number was:
“Ethics Reforms/Term Limit Extensions/Ballot Initiative”. It was this City Council File number item which was sent to the City Council to be voted upon and placed on the Ballot.
If the Petitioners are successful, they will immediately request a suspension of all aspects of Prop R which have been implemented.
As the legal teams prepare, the City Council, Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups, wait.
UPDATE FROM THE VILLARAIGOSA TOWN HALL MEETING IN LINCOLN HEIGHTS TONIGHT. A total of ten of these comedy events are planned around the city. To describe it as "Mid-term Community Check-in: Delivering Results For Los Angeles" using the words "mid-term check-in" AND "results" is like the language on Prop R, shouldn't be mingled in the same sentence -- intentionally deceiving. (LOL!)
Larry Frank (Deputy mayor for "Neighborhood Outreach" in charge of these B.S. propgandafests.) From: The meeting: Mayor V: Delivering Results For Los Angeles. Mid-term Community Check in.
Villaraigosa's Larry Frank announced to the crowd that because the work force money in the city has diminished, they are interested in $300 million in LAUSD workforce investment money to be used for skill centers. So that's part of what they are after with Villar-backed LAUSD school board. And, oh yeah...the $120 million in Community College workforce money, too.
The Workforce Investment Act money in 2000 was $120 million (from Fed and State). In 2006, it went down to $37 million. So Antonio is looking at the combined $420 million work force dollars to rake over his way.
But, Ooops...he did it again! There is nothing in the Charter for the mayor to involve himself in education. The State says you have to be part of LEA (Local Education Agency) -- the conduit to receiving State education funds.
So the City/Mayor's office would not qualify to receive this money. So that is his con job. This is a HUGE issue. It's breaking the State constitution. That's why AB 1381 was overturned in court by a judge. And now, he is trying to create his own laws, again. Trying to take away the vote and voice of the people.
The $420 million workforce money is separate state public school system money. That is not City/Mayoral control money. And then there's LAUSD land issues, since LAUSD is one of the largest land owners in the city. If he takes over LAUSD, he will control the land. (And with four board members, he basically got his AB 1381/mayoral control.)
BY THE WAY: Is it true the mayor's big community meeting only drew 10 people. Someone called ZD to say there were only 10 people in attendance compared to the 40 staffers from the mayor and councilmember offices. NICE OUTREACH MAYOR AND COUNCIL! PRETTY EFFECTIVE! NO ONE CAN ACCUSE YOU OF NOT DOING YOUR PART. Now spinners can say, "We can't help it if people don't care enough to show up." THERE ARE 9 MORE MEETINGS...Do you want ZD to get out there in the media and help you promote the meetings if that's the best result you are capable of producing?
Ten (10) people? Why not just go to the Venice Beach Boardwalk and stand in one of the spaces. The Invisible Man could draw more than ten people with his mouth closed. I will confirm and update later.
Thank you for bringing me out of my political cocoon; honoring my Hotsheet duties, I talked to a few people yesterday about life in the City for the first time in a while.
Most scribes agree that City Hall news is slow this week, as print media lays off the Mayor's affair, yet there are a few items of interest that could get more interesting as the year progresses. To me, the affair is indeed the story of the summer---it would be helpful, for instance, to learn of any foregoing involvement, or if the Mayor simply considers himself a player---and I agree with one scribe who told me that coverage has gone from too-blaring to "ostritch-like" too quickly.
In the South Bay, eyes are on the Torrance PD. With three Torrance police-involved shootings in two weeks, and five since April, they should be. It's time for the fishwrap of record to get its elbows dirty.
A few raised eyebrows also, including Patrick McGreevey's, as "Speaker Fabian Nuñez has appointed Los Angeles businessman William A. Burke to another term on the California Coastal Commission, a little more than a year after Burke voted as head of a state board to award Nuñez's wife a $125,000 contract."
A LOT of people are upset about the Measure R court ruling---upholding the extension of local term limits---and I even heard rumblings yesterday about a ballot-initiative repeal movement. I didn't speak to Jason Lyon yesterday, but apparently he's not among the rumblers, and is down with the "will of the people." The repeal movement could come out of the City's northeast sector--everyone's favorite Council district, Catorce.
While MayorSam enjoys the oxygen-rich environs of NoCal, the editors at LA City Watch have kicked it up a notch, rounding out the Hotsheet. Today's News that Was informs that the Mayor is upset over Homeland Security cuts to LA---I know, some of you lay the blame at his feet for these very cuts---and that the DWP has named DWP CAO Robert Rozanski to run the Department while the ailing Ron Deaton recovers. Deaton is a key and savvy political figure in LA's landscape, with semimal instincts; most recall him as the City's enormously politically dexterious Chief Legislative Analyst, but as DWP head he early on tendered the Neighborhood Council movement more legitimacy by entering MOU negotiations with it. It's hard to imagine him not a part of the City proceedings, as he is often quite simply the City's glue, and everyone here wants to wish him the best in recovery.
Also noted at City Watch is the fact that the City has permitted a mega apartment complex adjacent to the Pantages theater---1,000 units! Missed the EIR for that one but you know how those go these days; no traffic impact, neutral environmental impact, etc.
This is more in the national sphere than the local, but I know a lot of you around here classify yourselves as politically libertarian, with a small-l, so it might be of interest. Last week, the Wall Street Journal ran a piece delineating the "libertarian case for the war in Iraq." My longtime friend Doug Bandow, a former Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, takes apart that piece here.
What a shady crybaby. Watch Lil' Eric's "shady-partner" (and fellow winy-crybaby, "Boo-hoo-hoo" Shitty Attorney) Dion O'Crybaby tell ZD during one public comment that "IT'S NOT A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION" (even though I can ask anything I want, you just are not required to answer, perhaps. But of COURSE question asking is allowed. Like a rhetorical question. Or to say, "Council, can you please vote for a new Council President, because the Council has become the laughing stock of the City and a big JOKE with all the talk radio stations...and that's when the shady crybaby told me I was talking too loud. OH REALLY, NOT ACCORDING THE FEDERAL LAW...BUT YOU WOULDN'T KNOW ABOUT THAT, "Mr. Ethics". Now go take campaign contributions from some more people that come up, "shady" on ZD's Batcomputer.
The guy has a history of having ordinances overturned by judges for being illegal in violation of the constitution like LAX LIVING WAGE...BOY did he blow that one with his shadiness by not changing it enough, trying to be decietful...and oh speaking of decietful, PROP R ballot language...couldn't get away with air-rights, either...MAN ERIC, you must hate judges! Oh yeah, ethics violations over campaign contrinutions from the other president (of ethics).
What about all he stuff ZD can't catch...like 99% of it. Man, I think Council should re-elect Garshady for President. It's like when Bush got re-elected...Leno & Letterman were stoked! (4 more years of material.)
Hey Garshady...read the U.S.Constitution...you might learn something...like EVERYTHING...You obviously know nothing about it.
"ANYONE BUT GARCETTI 4 PRESIDENT!" (How's that for a campain slogan!) He should team up with Jack Weiss and start a "project expiditor" business together. They seem to like to do that!
BONUS AS HELL LINK: THE RED SEA PARTS!!! Plus hear Richard Alarcon say, "It brings me great sadness to say that I absolutley agree with Zuma Dogg. I have an amending motion to do just that....And my intent is exactly what Mr. Zuma Dogg says."Click and type "46 Zuma Dogg"
RICHARD...MY MAN...AFTER OVER A YEAR OF MISERY IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, THANKS FOR THROWING THE DOGG A BONE!!! AND LET ME TAKE THIS TIME TO CONGRATULATE COUNCILMEMBER RICHARD ALARCON FOR MAKING ZD BREATHE A LITTLE EASIER, KNOWING THAT AT LEAST ONE CM NOTICE THE "DEMING" FLAG!!! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODY HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Proposition R, the controversial proposition which extended the term limits for Los Angeles City Council members was set to be heard by hanging judge Judge Dzintra Janavs on April 11th, 2007.
Prior to the hearing date, Deputy City Attorney Heather E. Davis representing the City of Los Angeles filed a Motion for Peremptory Disqualification. The declaration of Heather E. Davis stated :
“ The Honorable Dizintra Janavs, the judge to whom proceedings in this action are assigned, is prejudiced against Respondent City of Los Angeles and Real Party in Interest Los Angeles City Council or the interest of Respondent City of Los Angeles and Real Party in Interest Los Angeles City Council so that Respondent City of Los Angeles and Real Party in Interest Los Angeles City Council cannot have a fair and impartial hearing before the Judge”.
It was Judge Dzintra Janavs who had ruled against the Mayor of Los Angeles in the case involving AB1381 the legislation concerning the Mayors attempted take over of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The motion was granted and the case has been assigned to Judge David Yaffe in Department 86.
Judge Yaffe recently ruled against the Los Angeles political leadership, barring the city from enforcing a new ordinance that would have extended the city's "living wage" protections to workers at hotels near Los Angeles International Airport.
Superior Court Judge David P. Yaffe went far beyond merely blocking a law that had been considered a point of pride for the city's powerful labor interests.
As a practical matter, Yaffe dealt a political defeat to the City Council, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the union that championed the law.
With only fifteen days until the hearing, the stage is being set for another political show down.
Petitioners David Hernandez and Ted Hayes are steadfast in their pursuit of justice for the residents of Los Angeles.
Proposition R Legal Challenge: Judge Assigned-Court Date Set
May 23, 2007
Proposition R Legal Challenge-Judge Assigned-Court Date Set
WHO: Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Yaffe
WHAT: Proposition R- Superior Court hearing set for Dept 86.
WHEN: The hearing date is set for June 7, 2007, 9:30 AM.
WHERE: Stanley Mosk Court House 111 No. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. Dept 86
CLICK READ MORE
Los Angeles,
Proposition R, the controversial proposition which extended the term limits for Los Angeles City Council members was set to be heard by Judge Dzintra Janavs on April 11th, 2007.
Prior to the hearing date, Deputy City Attorney Heather E. Davis representing the City of Los Angeles filed a Motion for Peremptory Disqualification. The declaration of Heather E. Davis stated :
“ The Honorable Dizintra Janavs, the judge to whom proceedings in this action are assigned, is prejudiced against Respondent City of Los Angeles and Real Party in Interest Los Angeles City Council or the interest of Respondent City of Los Angeles and Real Party in Interest Los Angeles City Council so that Respondent City of Los Angeles and Real Party in Interest Los Angeles City Council cannot have a fair and impartial hearing before the Judge”.
It was Judge Dzintra Janavs who had ruled against the Mayor of Los Angeles in the case involving AB 1381 -- the legislation concerning Villaraigosa's attempted take over of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The motion was granted and the case has been assigned to Judge David Yaffe in Department 86.
Judge Yaffe recently ruled against the Los Angeles political leadership, barring the city from enforcing a new ordinance that would have extended the city's "living wage" protections to workers at hotels near Los Angeles International Airport.
Superior Court Judge David P. Yaffe went far beyond merely blocking a law that had been considered a point of pride for the city's powerful labor interests.
As a practical matter, Yaffe dealt a political defeat to the City Council, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the union that championed the law.
With only fifteen days until the hearing, the stage is being set for another political show down.
Petitioners David Hernandez and Ted Hayes are steadfast in their pursuit of justice for the residents of Los Angeles.
ZD Rumor Control...Janice Hahn Ain't Running For Congress (in ZD's opinion)
Excuse me, irresponsible bloggers who spread gossipy rumours with no substantiation. Why would you say Janice Hahn would want to run for Congress? Yeah, THAT sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure it would have fit her engergetic, personable personality well. I'm sure she would love being plucked and disrupt her whole lifestyle to work in the equivelant of the "library" of politics. (Your voice is so quiet, you can't be heard. Ever wanna hold a job as a librarian, Janice?
But you got set-up for the slam dunk, like Herb Wesson. See, Herb made it known that there would be a lot of support, including his, for the daughter of the congresswoman who is running -- to replace her mom's seat, after she recently passed away.
So by Janice "agreeing" not to run, and go along with Wesson's team...well I've never seen Janice and Herb more chit-chatty, than were this week. I'd say they've spoken more this past week inside the horseshoe, than they have all year. (Not that I observe these types of things.)
So, that can only be good news for the pueblos, cause I'm sure Janice will call in her favor for MC Herbie Herb on the right cause.
And, I don't think Janice wants to wait around for that Board of Supervisors guy to retire. All real strategy has to wait until a final decision on Prop. r is made.
CLOSED SESSION SETTLEMENT ALERT ($$$): ZUMA DOGG CITY HALL UPDATE - April 26, 2007
$$$ ALERT -- LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCILMEMBER ED REYES: Being sued Federal Court (Jury Trial) over the firing of office staffer Ruby De Vera, over claims of retaliation (and more) after running for City Council, and placing third to CM Jose Huizar in 2005. One of ZAP's (Zuma's Action Program) "Flies on the Wall", tells ZD City Council has already discussed the matter during a reccent Closed Session Budget talk. (So sounds like they had to decide how much "settlement money" they need to have on hand for the next closed session (agenda) item. SIGNIFCANCE: If some dog food, that someone may, or may not have even eaten is worth $2.7 million (or the fear of even more by jury decision), read the Plaintiff's complaint against ED REYES AND THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES AT www.zumadogg.blogspot.com, and post a comment as to how much, if anything you think this is gonna cost the City. And remember: I'm sure a lot of leagally smart people will say CM REYES was justified in his actions. (And ZD doesn't know whether he was, or wasn't.) This is about the harsh realities of "public perception". And after ZD read the complaint, from Ruby's side of the rope, I think a jury will be not only awarding anything but a "puny" punitive damage -- they will be pulling extra money out of their own pockets. And people like CM Bernie Parks KNOWS THAT. Remember, unfortunatley, the timing of the firing makes it look you have the EXACT kind of mean ol' politician bullying a nice ol' lady who is so beloved within the community -- and that pisses the F*CK out of a jury -- and that's when they go bonkers on the award. TO READ RUBY DE VERA'S FEDERAL COMPLAINT/HER SIDE OF THE STORY, AS IT WILL BE TOLD TO A JURY, I POSTED IT AT www.zumadogg.blogspot.com
ROCKY DELGADILLO: With his much appreciated analysis of Mayor Antonio Villaraigrosa's just released annual budget; the appointment of his "Econmic Development Director" Roesmary Anaya, and all his other "people's champ" watch dogg criticism of the Mayor -- common, he doesn't want to run for City Council (he feels that would be a step back for him) -- and after all his criticism of the mayor, and his vocal opposition to the Prop. R ballot bamboozle -- the mayor would tell Eli Broad to go into debt over backing a Rocky opponent for Council. So, looks like it's "Rocky 4 Mayor '09". (Unless he runs for State or U.S. office.) But ZD says it's gonna be, "ROCKY 4 MAYOR" -- SO MAYORAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS...HOLD OFF ON WRITING THOSE CHECKS...YOU MAY WANT TO PUT A LITTLE BEHIND ROCKY TO HEDGE YOUR BET, OR JUST GIVE IT ALL TO HIM. CLEARLY HE IS MORE CAPABLE THAN VIAGRAOSA. (Emphasis on the word "more".) And at the end of the day, I think Rocky wins the "smart" battle between the two and at least HAS a vision, unlike the mayor, that puts one together based on 47 different advisors. ZD calls it "paint by numbers" and it doesn't work. If it did, anyone could be mayor. At some point you have to "close public comment" and make your own decision based on innovation and leadership. And we don't have any of that in the mayor's office, this term.
JANICE HAHN SAID (In response to A-NOTHER presentation by Connie Rice at 4/25/07 Ad Hoc Gang Committee meeting)... "The time for studies is over. It's time for action." YIKES! "Two thumbs down." It would be nice if we could put a moritorium on street crime, while we understand the situation from a Harvard level degree of research and philosphical perspective (send that sh*t to the Wall Street Journal) -- at some point you have to put down the sheet music, and play the damn guitar. I'm not discounting anything that Connie says. I'm not saying she is providing incorrect information. And she may actually be 100% correct in her analysis. But again, unfortunatley, there is no moritorium on this -- and the clock is ticking. And Connie, I think when people start saying, "No more studies", it means that "THEY GET IT", and are ready to use all your valuable input and put it to action. So thanks for the time, effort and knowlege it took for you to finally bring the City up to speed as to the harsh realities we face on the mean streets of Los Angeles. Now go take on the day.
Council Approves Noel Weiss' "9 & 17" (More money for displaced renters in condo-conversions), with Compromises and a Sunset Clause
Man, I hope I get this right (please post comment clarifications), cause it's confusing as hell. Even Jancie Hahn admitted that when they voted on "9 & 17", last week, not everyone was clear on what was in and out, admist all the amendments, motions and clauses. And for the reminder and clarification that seventy percent (70%) of Los Angeles residents are renters, as opposed to owners.
ZD would like to add that this number may increase as it has become less and less affordable to OWN a home, and less and less worth the investment it used to be worth considering over renting. (Why just pay rent, when you can be paying to own?) Well now they are saying property taxes and other associated owners costs are making renting a wiser financial decision.)
And thanks to the CM Hahn for going on the record today to say, "The City has been negligent" in it's housing policy. And other CMs who agreed the city has NO housing policy. And thanks to Noel Weiss, author of the original/clean "9 & 17" that went before the committees and council for a vote, with a few amendments attached.
One public comment speaker brought up a good point regarding "means testing" that would require tenants to provide financial income information to landlords. "A person's income is between him and the I.R.S., not him and his landlord." (A little too personal of information for just any Joe.) Also, means tesing is like telling a driver the amount of money they pay for gas, depends on how rich, or poor they are. WHO CARES HOW RICH OR POOR YOU ARE -- YOU'RE GETTING KICKED OUT ON YOUR ASS SO SOME LAND SPECULATORS AND GREEDY DEVELOPERS CAN MAKE A BUCK. YOU'RE PAYING PEOPLE FOR THE PAIN IN THEIR ASS AND COST OF RELOCATION. THAT COST SHOULDN'T BE PASSED ON TO SOMEONE RICH OR POOR. O.K. rich liberals, maybe we should make rich people pay more for DWP services based on "means testing".
And regarding paying based on how long you live there; have to live there three years for a certain amount, more than three years for a higher amount. MORE B.S. Excuse me, if I live there ONE DAY, and have to move, I still have to put down first, last and security, hire movers, deposits and hookups on all new utility companies, new accessories and items associated with moving in...whether it's ten years or ten seconds.
PLUS, means testing will add more beuracracy and actually drive overall costs up (according to a Deming mindset), will be nearly impossible for landlords to verify income (so make up something low), and opens it up for legal challenges.
So to sum it up: Today Council approved Noel Weiss' "9 & 17" solution, that he showed me months ago, when it was just a little old pdf file no one wanted to aknowlege. It double the money property owners have to pay tenants they kick out into the streets for one of their luxury condo-conversion in violation of Charter vacancy laws, affordable housing requirements and zoning laws. However, it was supposed to nearly triple it for ALL tenanats, without "how long you lived there" requirements and means tests. But everyone agrees, with all the rampant land dedications and tract map approvals popping up faster than Prop. 215 dispensaries, if we wait any longer, there won't be any displaced tenants left to pay. So something, now, with a sunset clause to revisit in a year now, is better than possible perfection later.
BOTTOM LINE: THANK YOU NOEL WEISS FOR YOUR LEGENDARY AND HISTORIC LEGISLATION THAT IS HAS NOT ONLY GOTTEN MORE MONEY FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GETTING SCREWED BY LAND SPECULATION, COMMUNITY-WRECKING DEVELOPERS AND THEIR COUNCILMEMBER CAHOOTS-COHORTS -- YOU HAVE FORCED THE CITY TO CHANGE THE WAY THEY DO BUSINESS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER TWENTY YEARS!!! HE'S NOEL WEISS -- HE'S THE PEOPLE'S CHAMP! THE CITY NEEDS TO CREATE A DEPARTMENTAL AGENCY CALLED, "NOEL WEISS!" Sorry Wendy, Noel Weiss wins. PLUS, on a personal note, WHO DO YOU THINK TOLD ZD ALL THAT SMART STUFF HE'S BEEN SAYING SINCE DAY ONE AT CITY HALL. ON DECK: Valley Village. Council, it was on the agenda today, but it ain't over. That's a dangerous disaster, waiting to happen with no sewage and narrow roads. Better shut it down, before IT shuts the rest of your political career down.
ZD LEGISLATIVE REVIEW: Another ass-backward execution of a City plan. A compromised and confusing solution, that no one is completely happy with, but everyone agrees, a little something now is better than a lot of nothing later. (BUT I SAY YOU HAD TO VOTE YES ON WHAT WAS BEFORE US, SO I APPLAUD THAT!) In a year, Council will revisit, and if they do not approve a continuation, it will turn into a clean "9 & 17" for ALL steamrolled constiuents.
AND NOW AFTER ONE YEAR AT CITY HALL, AND BLASTING NOEL WEISS' INFORMATION ON RADIO, BLOG, COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT "ON THE RECORD" -- ALONG WITH CHUCK TENNIN, BZ HAWK -- AND NOEL'S CO-HELPER, THE PRESIDENT OF THE LA PLANNING COMMISSION -- ZUMA DOGG IS PROUD TO SAY, IN THE MOST EXCELLENT TOM LEBONG STADIUM VOICE EVER...
TODAYyyy... is TRULYyyy a GREAT-DAY IN THE CITY OF LOS ANELES!!! (Residents cheer, while developers, mayor and councilmembers cry and loath the day the Brown Act went into effect.)
And for all the nuts and bolts of the vote and ordinance, go to lacity.org or read about it in the Daily News or LAzy Times.
MC Zuma Dogg, Public Advocate of the Community and Internationally Published author regarding Marketing Strategy, Market Research and Methods for Management of Quality and Productiivty, announces the launch of "ZAP" (Zuma's Activist Program).
ZAP will be "ZAPPING" yo shady azz, with my organized network of public activists from throughout the fifteen shady/corrupt districts. We will be specializing in representing people with lawsuits in the following areas:
* Tenant's illegally displaced in condo-conversions IN VIOLATION OF VACANCY LAWS AND OTHER CHARTER VIOLATIONS. (Lack of proper notification, lack of proper relocation fee, conversion in violation of vacancy law, displaced tenants not offered affordable housing in the conversion process (because none was offered), civil rights violations (like Garshady cutting off ZD in violation of First Amendment protections).
* Parents with kids affected by LAUSD lack of methods for management of quality and productivity (student achievement and school system accountability).
* Anyone who voted for Bill Rosendoh or Eric Garshady: You deserve punative damages under the "False Claims Act".
* First Amendment violations against Council for cutting off speakers too early, in violation of State and Federal Law. (Not the first time, but WILL be the last.)
* LAX airport workers who's tips (income) have declined due to City Council President's demand for a boycott of LAX Hotels.
* People whose trash collection fees were raised to hire 1000 new cops, under false and fraudulant pretences.
ZAP (Zuma's Activist Program) is based on ZAP (Zuma's Alternative Plan) - which embodies Deming's 14 Point Checklist and will be applying it to City business, since they aren't.
AND EVERYTIME ZUMA DOGG RECEIVES AN EMAIL OR VOICE MAIL FROM SOMEONE AND HE POSTS IT, CONSIDER YOURSELF "ZAP'D", y'all. FOR EXAMPLE:
* DAVID HERNANDEZ: THANKS for today's email alert regarding Prop. R in Supreme Court, NOW WITH JUDICIAL WATCH FUNDING THE (NEARLY CERTAIN TO BE VICTORIOUS) CHALLENGE. (See today's Mayor Sam thread.)
* MATT DOWD: FOR THE VENICE BEACH VENDING BAN (ORDINANCE 42.15) UPDATE. (See today's Mayor Sam thread.) MAN, did that City Attorney's office bamboozle council on this one. Oh well, ZD promises to put back .01% of my settelment money BACK INTO THE CITY!
* NOEL WEISS: Who wrote the "9 & 17" legislation and who schooled The Big ZD on the condo-conversion bamboozle that has been steamrolling the City and steamrolling tenant's rights by steamrolling the Charter (improper notification, improper relocation money, ignoring vacancy rates and affordable housing requirements, ooops) -- AND FOR HIS WORK ON LAUSD SCHOOL REFORM (COMING NEXT), is ZAP's Eli Broad/Richard Riordan muppet master behind ZD. So I'll pass all the complicated legalese over to him for legislative review for further consideration by ZAP.
* BIG JOE, from the MEAN STREETS of EAST L.A. is the ZAP Chairman for East L.A./CD 14. So contact him, and he will contact the ZAP Board for further consideration of your legal or community matter.
* MAYOR SAM: I guess you are the Communications Director, whether you want to be, or not, y'all. Yeah, yeah!
* ZAP's BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (Whether they know it or not): Mayor Sam, Red Spot, Walter Moore, Joeseph Mailander, Antonio Watch, Noel Weiss, Matt Dowd, Cpt. Jack Sparrow, Manhattan Beach Mongrol, Rose Hill Review AND A BUNCH OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO I KNOW DON'T WANT ME TO MENTION THEIR NAME, But you know who you are, and so does everyone else, since you write my speeches for me!)
* ZAP is NOT affiliated with U-Suck (Unified Scholastically Underachieving Community Killers)
TO ADD YOUR NAME/ORGANIZATION/INFORMATION/SERVICES TO BECOME A ZAP RESOURCE (Since City Hall doesn't value it's biggest community resource -- the network of active-minded, action-oriented people -- also known as a "the community").
Call 310-928-7544 and leave a message or email zumadogg@netzero.com to join ZAP. And .01% of all donations made to ZAP will be donated to charity. The rest will go to ZAP operating expenses. And you SHOULD be able to write it off, we're PRACTICALLY a non-profit organization. How can I apply for some GRANT MONEY, Y'ALL. Then I can write you a report, I'll only charge $250,000 instead of the ususal $500,000 price the City usually pays. PLUS, ZAP's report will include actionable plans and a method of system accountability. DONATE NOW -- PAYPAL WORKERS STANDING BY.
AND NOW, ZUMA DOGG: Here's a "one-year anniversary" keynote speech from ZAP participant, Zuma Dogg, who specializes in Media Relations and Communications: (Watch Garshady issue a "second warning", after his first "warning" was only a polite request, since law was on my side. HEY GARSHADY!!! REQUEST DENIED!
(Listen to Mr. City Attorney say, "Mr. President, City Council COULDN'T make a finding that Zuma DOWD's dancing was disturbing and disruptive." (Huh, huh, huh...I admit, my dancing is a little disturbing, if you don't like hip-hop choreography, but it isn't disruptive AND it's protected expression under the constitution. But thanks for saying council COULDN'T make a finding.)
[If you don't have paypal account, you can still use a credit or debit card.]
Yesterday we reported that Mayor Villaraigosa has been spending his time hanging around the hotel lobby (though he did get to sit behind President Clinton during Hillary Clinton's speech) during the Democratic National Convention in Denver; if you were wondering how Council President Eric Garcetti is spending his time at the Dem-Fest, Gen Y blogger Maegan Carberry writes: "We spent last night at a party for up-and-coming elected officials, hosted by my LA City Councilman Eric Garcetti. I enjoyed some spirited conversations with policy-wonk types while Shepard Fairey DJed."
