Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Now that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is running for District Attorney, he's finding that many of his former supporters - who are not really happy with his performance so far - are even less so pleased that he's already breaking his promise to not seek higher office.  DA candidate Alan Jackson put out a commercial reminding such that went viral this past weekend.  Nuch need not worry, however - Phil Jennerjahn still supports him.

Speaking of the DA's office - remember Marcia Clark who lost the OK Simpson case? She's written a mystery novel.  Have to say at 57, Clark looks excellent.

Everyone hates red light cameras, which most cities deploy not so much to prevent traffic accidents but to capture some much needed dough.  CM Dennis Zine isn't happy about them either says the Daily News.

East Hollywood looks to spruce up a significant section of Santa Monica Boulevard by playing up it's Route 66 heritage.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Christmas Eve

Wendy Greuel and her Mini-Mitch

Paul Hatfield has a conversation with City Controller Wendy Greuel.  Besides discussing more mundane and technical matters within the Controller's office, Hatfield chatted with Greuel about the recent race to replace her in the District 2 Council Seat.  Notably, Greuel attempts to distance herself from Chris Essel, essentially throwing the former movie executive she endorsed under the bus.  Nothing stinks like losing.

Rick Orlov is reporting despite cuts made to the City's budget and expenses - including a controversial early retirement program for city workers - Los Angeles is still exceeding it's payroll budget by $85 million.  In a letter to the Mayor and City Council Controller Wendy Greuel stated "...salary expenditures continue to exceed the budgeted amount."

One area where the City is doing well is in revenues from red light cameras.  According to the LA Times Los Angeles' income from catching red light runners from these cameras has doubled since 2007 and is outpacing other local agencies.

We've heard about who the Ass Clown of the Year should be; who would LA's Grinch of the Year be? Go vote at Metblogs.

If you're harried about what to do for your holiday celebrating, the bloggers at the Cooking With Trader Joe's blog have some lost minute entertaining tips.

All of us at Mayor Sam wish each of you a very happy holiday and Merry Christmas.  We appreciate your patronage throughout the year.