Hogwash and Hypocrisy

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport on Twitter - Words not matching actions are once again all the rage at LA City Hall.

When former L.A. Mayor Richad Riordan passed away in April, those with whom I spoke, without exception, said he was our last great mayor.

He didn't perpetually make a jackass of himself on a national stage like two of his successors, Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, did.  He didn't sloganeer like they did, and current mayor, Karen "Lock Arms" Bass, does.  And he didn't lose his first bid for re-election as James Hahn did in 2005, becoming the first alcalde to accomplish that feat since KKK member John Clinton Porter did in 1933.

Riordan was a moderate Republican, job creator and philanthropist who got LA through some of its deepest crises.  From time to time, he caused minor stirs by shooting from the hip, but at least he was authentic.

But, oh to have authenticity in LA City Hall these days, where post-pandemic words and actions once again gloriously misalign.

To read this entire column, head on over to DanielGuss.Substack.com, and sign-up for my free newsletter.  

"Say It Ain't So, Rick Caruso"

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport - On Monday, the Los Angeles Times reported that billionaire Rick Caruso changed his party affiliation from none to Democrat in anticipation of his joining the race to become the next Mayor of Los Angeles. 

(Rick Caruso - LA Times)

That squanders an exclusive advantage: positioning himself as the second coming of Richard Riordan, a Republican and self-made problem-solver who governed without owing anything to anyone.

Suddenly and cynically listing himself as a Democrat makes Caruso more like the other candidates, who are either known and homogenous or just unknown.

Back in his day as Mayor from 1993-2001, Riordan was a successful alcalde de Los Angeles because he ran and governed as a problem-solving capitalist. That didn't stop him from winning, governing successfully and winning a second term. In contrast to LA’s career politicians, Riordan was also the first mayor to leave office due to term limits.

Do you know who made local term limits a thing?

Richard Riordan.

Why is Caruso not following that same path to the Mayor’s job?

To continue reading, please visit my Substack (and subscribe...its free!) 

Was Mark Ridley-Thomas On Your Corruption Bingo Card?

 By Daniel Guss 

@TheGussReport - Shame, shame, shame if you are a follower of Southern California politics and didn't have Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, MRT, on your corruption bingo card.  Yesterday, he and a former USC dean were indicted for what amounts to the following.

One of MRT's sons, Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, SRT, who had no legitimate reason for being elected to public office other than sporting a locally famous political surname, allegedly got all "hands across America" with women when he was in the California State Assembly and had to skedaddle so investigations into his haranguing proclivities could be dismissed as politically unnecessary. 

Mark Ridley-Thomas, Sebastian Ridley-Thomas

Photo Credit: ABC7

The media swallowed hook, line and stinker SRT's claim that his abrupt resignation was due to "medical reasons."

Like many coddled, lay-about children of politicians, SRT's daddy came to his rescue to get him a job that MRT apparently felt his son wasn't qualified to legitimately earn on his own and went over the top by allegedly buying him a professorship at the University of Southern California, USC.

Daddy Ridley-Thomas also allegedly bought Offspring Ridley-Thomas a USC graduate school admission and a full scholarship.

Think about that for a moment.  Mark Ridley-Thomas allegedly bought his kid a scholarship.  What bowl of Apple Jacks were those kids fed growing up where nobody seems to have raised the notion of accomplishment over entitlement?

You know, the type of bull that Mark Ridley-Thomas and all politicians spew day and night.

According to the indictment, all MRT had to do in exchange (i.e. a quid pro quo) was funnel your tax dollars and mine back to USC in a twisted amalgam of non-profits, nepotism and looking the other way. But it was apparently so aggressively ill-conceived that even USC couldn't ignore it and appears to have ratted out the wrong-doers to the feds itself.

What is it about USC that makes it a magnet for wealthy, powerful parents who think their kids aren't smart enough to get in on their own but can still be purchased from a cashier, as though the degree is a Prada bag that you carry around town?  Here's looking at you, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli.

On that note, USC continues to refuse to say whether Gianna "Gigi" Caruso, daughter of bazillionaire and a Chairman of the USC Board of Trustees Rick Caruso, earned her way into the school.  The last time this column asked, the school dodged the question and described Ms. Caruso in a way that was nothing short of shameful.

Rick Caruso, Gigi Caruso, Tina Caruso

Photo Credit: Unknown

By the way, are we still allowed to say "chairman?"  USC still does.

To be fair, we shall assume that the bikini entrepreneur (and gal pal of the Loughlin/Giannulli children) earned her way into USC through exceptional grades, test scores and community service.  It's just that the school and papa bear have refused to say that she did, let alone provide the specifics.

Mr. Caruso might very well make an excellent successor to uber-failure Eric Garcetti, perhaps in the tradition of Richard Riordan, the only stellar alcalde L.A. has had in the past several decades and maybe the best ever.  If he decides to run, the Los Angeles Times should ask about Gigi's admission into USC.

But don't bank on it.

-----

A year ago, the Los Angeles Times endorsed Mark Ridley-Thomas to return to LA City Council despite knowing full-well about the alleged crimes for which he and a former USC dean were indicted yesterday, writing:

"He has made questionable ethical decisions, most notably when he funneled $100,000 from campaign fund to USC, which then hired his son as a professor."

Hey thanks for that endorsement, LA Times.  Imagine what a clear-eyed endorsement of a capable, accomplished community activist and attorney named Grace Yoo, who doesn't have the stink of scandal emanating from her pores, could have done for L.A.

But misapplied power and cronyism are hard habits to break.

The Times also repeatedly endorsed Mitch Englander,  who currently brushes his teeth in a federal prison in Arizona.  It also gave us the thumbs-up for Jose Huizar, who might someday set up camp in Englander's prison. And the Times has repeatedly endorsed others like Mayor Eric Garcetti, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former L.A. City Council president Herb Wesson.

But there's nothing that the Times loves to do more than floating the notion of coddled, lay-about political offspring (like Sebastian Ridley-Thomas and Justin Wesson) running to succeed their parents rather than encouraging fresh names with better ideas.

Huzzahs!  Everyone gets a trophy, everyone gets to walk in their parents' footsteps just because they're special!

Everyone except the kids who earned those spots in school.

Everyone except the candidates for office who would have worked diligently and with integrity to improve L.A.

Note to the L.A. Times: You can't manufacture the Kennedys. Even the Kennedys were not what the media wanted us to believe that they were. And neither are these locals.

If Los Angeles is going to be a glutton for felons, failures and flunky children of kleptocrat politicians, it is the Times' job to keep us from falling off that cliff rather than giving us a shove.

Thanks again, El Segundo Times.

-----

And finally, this column has chosen the top five politicians or political hangers-on who it thinks might be indicted next. We'll keep that on the note pad over here by the morning lime water.  But here's a hint: Methinks some will be for bankruptcy fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, forgery and/or voter registration fraud.  Okay, or bribery, but we assume you already knew that.

Tell your friends to follow me on The Twitters @TheGussReport.

(Daniel Guss, MBA, was runner-up for the 2020 Los Angeles Press Club journalism award for Best Online Political Commentary and has contributed to CityWatch, KFI AM-640, iHeartMedia, 790-KABC, Cumulus Media, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Magazine, Movieline Magazine, Emmy Magazine, Los Angeles Business Journal, Pasadena Star-News, Los Angeles Downtown News and the Los Angeles Times in its Sports, Opinion and Entertainment sections as well as its Sunday Magazine, among other publishers.)

Presently using mi amigo Scott's sign-in until tech matters are resolved.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE from Jose Huizar (and Wife) ......, with SUPPORT from IBEW's Brian D"Arcy, Richard Riordan and Big Oil Chevron

The "Community Support PAC" presents the following Special Message/Endorsement from CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar (and Wife) .........., with Special Interests backing from the likes of DWP/IBEW Strongman Brian D'Arcy, former LA Republican Mayor Richard Riordan ........., and LARGEST LA Jobs PAC Contributor CHEVRON.

BEWARE of the supposed Trusted Leader's (and Wife) Special Interests Contributors.

** Blogger's Notes: As the Special Election Race for 51st Assembly District Seat vacated by the, NOW 434th-ranking Congressman Jimmy Gomez, enters its last full week, the re-branded Political Entity known as "Team Huizar", has given its alleged, "TRUSTED (to pay their Property Taxes on time? but we digress) Endorsement" ......., to Wendy Carrillo. Befitting all pronouncements from the ,NOW "Team Huizar", the end result is two-fold, the victory of the ANOINTED Candidate of Choice ........, and MOST paramount, the marketing of the alleged "Team Huizar's Political Heir Apparent". But not to be forgotten in the Team Huizar's Endorsement of the former CD-14 Staffer (via a Mailer from the "Community Support PAC"), are the DUBIOUS entities contributing to front Team Huizar's  ........., and the CADEM Establishment/Special Interests United Candidate of Choice-------Scott Johnson. 

Read more »

A Morning Brief on Biological (and Political) Inbreeding via Steve "Mini Riordan I" Soboroff

The failed Political Replication of former Mayor Richard Riordan, now Police Commissioner Steve "Mini Riordan I" Soboroff, again highlights his Political DNA Linkage to LA's former top officeholder, by inserting "Foot in Mouth" while describing the alleged biological similarities of a Donald Trump Rally attendees.    

Fail Mayoral Candidate, now LAPD Commission Member Steve "Mini Riordan I" Soboroff.

** Blogger's Note: The following is a quick bloggin dissertation on the follies of Political Replications as exampled, again, by former failed Mayoral Candidate, now LAPD Commissioner Steve "Mini Riordan I" Soboroff. Longtime political observers will remember that the noted Frontperson of the Playa Vista Development, was former Mayor Richard Riordan's choice to succeed him upon completing his Second Term in 2001, but fail to make the Runoff where James Hahn defeated the then Antonio Villaraigosa. The similarities between Riordan and Soboroff in community endeavors, political philosophy, and mannerisms, has garnered the current Police Commissioner the bloggin moniker of "Mini Riordan I", especially when he inserts "foot in mouth, via tweets", just as the former Mayor did on multiple occasions before the Era of Social Media. Judging from the tweet below, "Mini Riordan I" was channeling the mindset of the late (and disgraced) former CBS Football Commentator (and Gambler) Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder, in giving his thoughts on the alleged biological linkage of those who attended a recent Donald Trump Rally in Indiana. Its apparent via the silence from Mayor Eric Garcetti, that racial stereotyping/commentary regarding alleged inbreeding practices involving White People, is acceptable speech for his Mayoral Appointees. But we bloggin DARE note that if the rally attendees were Black, Asian, Latino, Indigenous or Female .........., then at this moment, there would be one less "Mini Riordan" serving in any official capacity within the City of LA----Scott Johnson.

The "Mini Riordan I" Foot in Mouth via Tweet.

The late Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder infamous comments regarding breeding of Slaves.

Steve "Mini Riordan I" Soboroff and former Mayor Richard Riordan.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

RINO Riordan calls out Mayor "Gar-ce-Tea" in Endorsing Anti-Development Ballot Measure.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan in a Populist Moment.

Oh for the bloggin love of Political Irony .........., and the following comment via former Successful Mayor Richard Riordan, is laden with them, as he announces his support for the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative Ballot Measure.

From the Los Angeles Times.

“If a person moved to the city now and heard Mayor Eric Garcetti talk, they’d assume he’s a member of the Tea Party,” Riordan said in a statement. “He isn’t doing anything for the poor but helping the rich get richer -- through these zoning deals on land development.”

LOL!! You got to love the documented Republican Ex. Mayor (with strong RINO proclivities), for comparing the PROGRESSIVE Mayor to the Tea Party ........., when in reality, the Second Term-seeking Rhodes Scholar is engaging in the current Democrat/Republican Establishment Scheme of rewarding their Corporate Development Welfare Donor Class, with value-adding Zoning Exemptions.

BTW, we would like to thank the "Successful Ex Mayor" for being the inspiration behind bestowing the new "Mayor Gar-ce-Tea Brand (of Development) Moniker" on the Density-loving Officeholder.

** Surprise, surprise (naught) that the Trial Lawyers are seeking out positions at the City of Los Angeles General Fund Trough, as the legal fallout from LAPD's Policy-challenged Response to the November 26, 2015 Ferguson, Mo. -related Protest, kick into Class Action Lawsuit mode. With the recent decision to not prosecute noted LAPD Blogger Jasmyne Cannick, based upon violations of the department's official unlawful assembly protocols, expect payouts to total seven figures.

**  The early observations on new LAUSD Superintendent Michelle King, does not bid well for the likes of outside reformers and Charter School supporters as the longtime District Educator pans the premise that the nation's second-largest School District is in need of major reforms (while supporting single-sex campuses), as the UTLA-backed School Board pushes back against a Eli Broad-supported Charter School expansion proposal.

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

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Today is the Official Release Day of the long-awaited book collaboration between LA Weekly Scribe Patrick Range McDonald and former two-term Mayor Richard Riordan. A cover to cover viewing is bound to cause an episode of longing for the not-forgotten era of civic rebirth and growth after the 1992 Riots.  

Too bad this must read will never grace the old SEIU 347 "Richard Riordan Reading Room".

With no apologies to former "Mayor Poopy", Failure Mayor Tony Villar, along with current F-ing Mayor Eric Garcetti, its time to flashback to an eight year era of civic rebirth, growth and renewal via the long-awaited book collaboration of former two term Mayor Richard Riordan and LA Weekly Writer Patrick Range McDonald. 

Concise, and to the point, Richard Riordan was the right choice for Mayor after the 1992 Riots. Two terms, eight years, at a cost of a dollar every 365 days later, Los Angeles was bring in $1 Billion dollars more in revenue per year than when he was first sworn in, with thousands of additional police securing a foundation for a crime reduction future. 

Foot in mouth episodes withstanding, the former Toy Company Executive was able to forge cross-party coalitions that enable LA to recover from the Northridge Earthquake and replace the forgotten LAPD Chief Willie Williams with now CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks.

Yet, since leaving office, Riordan was never able to capitalize politically on his successful era via the Third Floor, as evident with his failed attempt to replace Pete Wilson as Governor and the inability to get Steve "Mini Riordan I" Soboroff, along Austin "Mini Riordan II" Beutner elected Mayor.

But in the sunset of his political being, discerning Angelinos who care about the civic future of the City of Angels, would find it prudent to read the musings of a historic figure, in the hope of creating a better tomorrow.

** From the blunt talk (mixed with foot on occasions) of former Mayor Riordan, LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus regales us from the musing front end, with the latest "wonkish pronouncements" of a Rhodes Scholar, now tepid (white) Mayor Eric Garcetti via his appearance at the "Atlantic Magazine, Citylab Conference" ..........., (Walter) Isaacson (of the Aspen Institute) asked about encouraging an innovative culture within City Hall. Garcetti said that when dealing with his general managers, "You have to be able to follow from the front." He went on say that low-level employees should be able to "lead from the line." There's nothing necessarily wrong with encouraging front-line workers to solve problems. But "following from the front" is an unfortunate phrase. So much for performance-based utterances.

**  Just wondering if some official government agency will be waving an investigation notice in the direction of Assemblyman Isadore Hall anytime soon, this after a report by the "Weekly of Record" that Hall (or someone from his campaign team) mis-used some dollar bills at a Strip Club?

** Memo to the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition, you may be still wondering why CD City Clowncil Central Committee Member Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo" is blowing smoke in regards to your ambitious plans to reopen LA's Oldest Museum? Maybe it has to do with this "Pay to Play Contribution" via someone with "El Plan".?

Remember, all agreements with "Broken Deal Cedillo", are naught unless you "Pay to Play.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Greuel Campaign in Tailspin?

Political wags in LA were shocked Friday evening when four key staffers for the Wendy Greuel for Mayor Campaign, top veterans of the well oiled Obama get out the vote machine, abruptly quit over a "change in direction."

This news is on the heels of the announcement that Greuel received the endorsement of former Republican Mayor Richard Riordan, who had supported Kevin James in the primary. Not only did Greuel announce Riordan's backing, but said he'd be her first hire to play a significant role in handling the City budget. This revelation caught union leaders by surprise, the vast majority who have supported Greuel including spending millions of dollars in members' dues for the City Controller's campaign for Mayor.

MayorSam favorite political consultant Parke "Parque Esqueleto" Skelton, who is not associated with any mayoral campaign this cycle was dumbfounded by the move, telling the LA Times, "To adopt a new field strategy two months out seems like a recipe for dysfunction to me."

As noted by Joseph Mailander, writing at CityWatch, LA's progressives and union leaders are dumbfounded by the Riordan role in the Greuel campaign and potential administration, given that the financier turned Mayor is seen as a "pension buster." For sure, many a text message and email must have come out of IBEW, SEIU and LA County Fed iPhone, tablets and laptops with the subject line "WTF?"

We'll know soon enough if Greuel's change of field succeeds in turning out the mostly conservative Kevin James voters from the West Valley that Greuel needs to have a chance against frontrunner, Councilman Eric Garcetti. On the other hand it could fall flat should James announce for Garcetti and Wendy's campaign further alienates her most committed and loyal troops.

Riordan endorses The Villar Greuel

From Tony Villar in 2001 to The Villar Greuel in 2013, will former Mayor Richard Riordan ever pick "a true reformer" to bring about change at City Hall?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 Flashback to 2001, a certain, post 1992 Riots, two-term Mayor, endorses a former Assembly Speaker then known as Antonio Villaraigosa, to succeed him. 

As former Mayor Dick Riordan's preferred choice to replace him nears the end of two-terms of failure in 2013, who stands by as the third-term incarnation of the former Dick Riordan/ Tony Villar Political Machine? A certain City Controller Wendy "The Villar Greuel".

Thus, why is it a surprise that Dick Riordan would support the third-term incarnation enabler of a machine that fronts the Crony Capitalist needs of Riordan's associates?

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Former Mayor Riordan endorses Kevin James in 2013 Mayoral Contest

Former Mayor Richard Riordan endorses Kevin James. 

Kevin James is now top choice of the former Mayor,

Former two term LA Mayor Richard Riordan has endorsed Kevin James in a big coup for his surging campaign. 

The endorsement, following on the heals of the "A Better Way" IE PAC first TV ad, well-positions James to solidify his republican/ conservative base ahead of March Elections. 

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

Scott Johnson in CD14 

Indeed, it's Sort of a Hotsheet!

Paul Krekorian's "Letter-Gate" scandal has ended the days of his every so often column at Studio City Patch. Following disclosure that a letter from a "constituent" asking a question and praising the Second District Councilman was actually not from a real person and a fabrication of his Press Chief, Jeremy Oberstein, the AOL owned property has now demoted the Krekorian column to the "blog" section of Patch, user provided content that is about a step below Facebook postings.

Phil Jennerjahn is telling us "We told you so."

Labor maven Madeline Janis is whining about former Mayor Richard Riordan's pension reform efforts. Her screed is that the former millionaire mayor's administration was fraudulent and ineffective, which is probably true to some extent, and that any "development" successes such as the Staples Center, Hollywood and Highland, etc. were the result of deals done between union interests and developers. Poppycock. It is indeed Riordan's brand of crony capitalism and clueless Downtown LA mentality, partnered with the thuggery of LA's union establishment that is responsible for a dearth of successful development in LA and the City's slide into fiscal collapse and over irrelevance.

Los Angeles County is cutting staff and shuttering several courtrooms as part of a cost savings measure. Among those closing include legendary courthouses in Beverly Hills and Malibu, where a number of high profile celebrity cases have been prosecuted with the likes of famous troublemakers Lindsay Lohan, Robert Downey, Jr., etc.

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

The reality of life at California State Universities under Governor Moonbeam II's Administration .....

NO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ALLOW IN GRAD SCHOOL!!

Is this a scare tactic to get Californians to pass Governor Moonbeam II's Prop 30 and raise taxes? You decide. From the Daily News .......

California residents and taxpayers who support California State University are barred from applying for graduate studies this spring because of steep budget cuts.But the door is wide open at Cal State Northridge and other CSU campuses for foreign and out-of-state students - cash in hand."The policy is not one that I embrace," said Harry Hellenbrand, provost of California State University, Northridge. "(But) at the moment, we are" accepting applications."The reason is: These students pay for themselves. But there's still an equity issue. We would love to accept resident students, but CSU says the state is unable to fund them." 

This policy of excluding in state residents was to remain confidential, but thanks to a Northern California CSU Professor of Biology Maria Nieto, this issue has become a liability for Governor Moonbeam II's efforts to pass Prop 30 in November. Nieto states ........

"We either take both kinds of students - or none," declared Maria Nieto, a Cal State East Bay biology professor and coordinator of her department grad studies."It's discriminating," said the professor, a Los Angeles native and teacher of 23 years, of the current university policy. "I'm appalled. It goes against our CSU mission - to educate California residents."Out of state students are welcome. International students are are welcome. Diversity is welcome, is important, but you don't exclude California residents."

For the record, Nieto is the daughter of retire Parole Officer and local law enforcement activist Caroline Aguirre.
** OTHER NEWS:

** On the subject of fiscal reckoning, former Mayor Richard Riordan and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce have once again, sounded the alarm for pension reform at 200 Spring Street. In their call for a ballot initiative to let the public decide where to cap pension, the duo has done a public service in broaching this critical issue.

** What is becoming of the now former "Weekly of Record"? When not engage as the "Weedleaf of Record Message Board" for the pot heads, whoops, the infirm in need of Medical Marijuana, its has morphed into the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record". This weeks recipients of journalistic agenda hatchet missives include the "Non-starter Mayoral Candidate Kevin James", "the liar and pledge breaker, former District Attorney Candidate Carmen Trutanich" and a "power-clinging CD 8 City Councilman Bernard Parks". There is a rumor that longtime South LA practitioner of "Yellow Journalism" Betty Pleasant has become a "fact checker" at the "Daily, Fact Devoid, Hatchet Job of Record", but I would not want to be labeled a "tard" in attributing that rumor as fact.

** Speaking of Betty, its time for "ANOTHER SOULVINE THURSDAY"!!

** Please note that Betty and the scribes at the LA Wave Newspaper, now require you to create an account to view the weekly missives from Betty, on current South LA issues (fact check pending).

In this weeks installment, Betty, via transit activist Damien Goodman, have the eagle eye on future transportation dollars ...........

ERROR! ERROR! — Eagle-eye Damien Goodmon, chairman of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition, is a keeper. He noted that the informational pamphlet regarding the sales tax extension the county plans to distribute to voters to encourage them to increase their taxes to fund several rail projects had a glaring error in it. The county hopes to raise $90 billion by a tax increase approved by voters in the November election. The public information pamphlet lists the beneficiaries of the additional funds to be seven transit projects, including the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. But this is not true. Almost every project is scheduled to receive funding from the tax increase except the Crenshaw Transit Corridor. Not one red cent of that money will be used for the transit project affecting the county’s largest concentration of African-Americans. The money will be used on projects in the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, the Eastside, the South Bay and even West Santa Ana. But not along Crenshaw. Almost every official in the country has been alerted to this error Damien found and we’re told it’s being fixed so the public information soliciting your vote to increase your taxes will truthfully reflect what you’re paying for.

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

Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Thursday

"Reigning Los Angeles Journalist of the Year Patrick Range McDonald".

LA Weekly's Patrick Range McDonald latest missive that takes Mayor and MTA Chairperson Antonio Villar to task for his latest nefarious dealings regarding the "Westside Subway Extension", will be his last Villar piece for the next six months.

Former RINO Mayor Richard Riordan has retained the pen behind the "11% Mayor" to write his memoirs, a task that some would be surprise to see McDonald undertake. But as McDonald stated, any perceived political barriers between McDonald and Riordan are not so profound to hinder their working relationship. "Some people may wonder, because I'm a liberal Democrat openly gay man, why am I helping to write a memoir about a Republican? But Riordan always been strongly in favor -- going back years -- of gay rights and gay marriage." We wish the best to Patrick on his latest effort to bring grammatical order to an gaff-prone politico narrative.

More news after the jump............

Read more »

Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday

Depose Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt and Lame Duck Mayor Antonio Villar

Lets state that April 20, 2011 will go down in history as the start of the Lame Duck Era of Mayor Antonio Ramon Villar (formerly Raigosa in 2013).

On a day that saw Mayor Antonio Villar proclaim "we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel" in regards to the city budget crisis, former supporters and a friend were looking beyond Villar's "tunnel of failure" to an uncertain future.

Former supporter and Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan chose to forsake Mayor Villar's 2011-2012 Budget photo op to stand behind the doentown elites anoited one Austin Beutner to replace Mayor Villar in 2013. Whether voters in 2013 will join ranks behind the likes of Riordan (with Wardlaw, Broad, Soboroff and the LA Times?) will play out in the months ahead. But let remember that it was this crowd that help grace us Angelinos with the eight year reign of Mayor Villar.

But the big shocker of the day is Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig deposing Mayor Villar's friend Frank McCourt as owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It seems that McCourt share the same fiscal proclivities of his political friend Mayor Villar and lucky for the Dodgers, Commissioner Selig had the power to depose McCourt before financial Armageddon. Thus, Villar's ticket request will face an uncertain future.

In recent weeks, Dodger Stadium has become an candidate for GRYD zone designation, with LAPD adopting CLEAR tactics to rid the stadium of Raiders fans, sporting their springtime Dodger Blue. This after the beating of Giant Fan Brian Stow on Opening Day.

This afternoon, TMZ is reporting that the IRS, along with state tax officials are investigating the McCourts financial records. Thus, for Angelinos the process of restoring class and honor to the Dodgers Organization has commenced. Meanwhile, others are awaiting the end of the Villar Era to restore ethics and financial order to 200 Spring Street.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.
Great comment from the LA Times on the deposing of Frank McCourt.
machthree at 3:22 PM April 20, 2011
Its days like today that I really miss Jim Healey!
** Civic leaders in shock over Dodgers situation. Mayor Villar declines  comment.  . 

Cut and Paste Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

"Meet Los Angeles fiscal incarnation of Chicken Little."

He is 80 years young and yearning for yet another political crusade, this time righting the fiscal ship of "SS Ciudad de Los Angeles", through the power of bankruptcy.

In the last few weeks, former Mayor Richard Riordan has taken his fiscal Chicken Little mantra, to the various print, radio and television outlets. The message is that Los Angeles "fiscal sky is falling" and bankruptcy is the only solution. Of course, this has not gone over too well in Riordan's former third floor office, which is now occupied by current Mayor Antonio Parkervillar.

FOOLISH!! Was the retort from Mayor Parkervillar's Budget Czar Miguel Santana, but many keen political observers of Mayor Parkervillar, will agree with the assessment that the regime of Mayor Parkervillar is already bankrupt in the area of ethics. Will fiscal bankruptcy follow in the not too distance future?

For Former Mayor Riordan, his "Fiscal Chicken Little Crusade", made its latest stop for "Puff Balls with LA Time Columnist Patt Morrison". Morrison, who's probing questions always seem to unleash the inner truth from her subjects, gives Riordan "batting practice pitches" to whack Los Angeles dysfunctional current state of affairs.

But leave it to Riordan find some areas of agreement with Mayor Parkervillar, try new DWP General Manager Austin Beutner.

I've got to give Villaraigosa credit, he's done a good job
picking heads of departments, with the exception of the DWP until Austin
Beutner, which is a great appointment.

As for Riordan's "Chicken Little" assessment of Los Angeles fiscal well being? Think Greece, where the fiscal sky has fallen.

BTW, wonder if they have a "Richard Riordan Reading Room" at the SEIU 721 headquarters on Virgil?

** Ron Kaye chimes in on Richard Riordan and finds common ground with the former mayor.

OTHER NEWS:
** Today is Day 51 of CLARTS Fund Transparency Held Hostage in CD 14. It has been 51 business days since Councilman Jose Huizar's Chief of Staff Ana Cubas promise to give documents requested under the California Public Records Act, to The Voice Newspaper in El Sereno. As of this morning, she has not deliver the requested documents on the status of the CLARTS Fund (link to video of former Councilman Nick Pacheco presentation to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council on the CLARTS Fund). Can you say lawbreaker?

** With both Mayor Antonio Parkervillar and former Mayor Richard Riordan, singing the praises of DWP GM/ Deputy Mayor Austin Beutner, Downtown News Editor and Scribe of Wit Jon Regardie joins the "Beutnerpolooza Bandwagon" with "Welcome to Los Beutnerangeles".

** The Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club, which for decades call the old Lincoln heights Jail its home, now has been displaced and betrayed by the likes of Councilman Ed Reyes and Councilman Jose Huizar, who placed their personal agendas before the continuation of an excellent program of boxing and physical fitness for all.

** For those in CD 2 who cares, your councilman, Paul Krekorian, is "conflicted" about the nomination of Chris Essel to head the Community Redevelopment Agency. Memo to Paul, please take into consideration on how Consultant John Shallman mismanage her campaign against you, to the point where she had to pony up $10,000 of her own cash. Is this the type of oversight that she will bring to CRA?

** LA Weekly's Patrick Range McDonald has the latest installment on "Where's Mayor Parkervillar?

** Shout out to Daily News Columnist Doug McIntyre, for pointing out the commie links to CD2/7 Councilman Richard "Zorro Marxist" Alarcon, in the course of highlighting the latest follies on 200 Spring Street.

Late morning addition. The Griffith Park Wayist Blog has an extensive report on CD 4 Councilman Tom La Bonge latest "micro-mismanagment" actions regarding the Park Rangers in Griffith Park and the "dealings" of his Recreation and Parks "yes man" Asst. General Manager Kevin Regan.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Former Mayor Richard Riordan Espousing Bankruptcy as Los Angeles Fiscal Savior

A former and current mayor eyeing different financial remedies to Los Angeles Budgetary Crisis."

If Mayor Antonio Parkervillar can rant that bankruptcy is coming if he dosen't get his tax hikes, errr, DWP rate increases. Then former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan can make an rational argument that municipal bankruptcy is the best option to repair the City of Los Angeles financial affairs.

Riordan in the recent days has taken his "bankruptcy crusade" to the audio and print media.

In a recent interview with KNX 1070 AM, Riordan espouses that Chapter Nine Bankruptcy is the key to restructuring the pension plans and stream line the number of employees on the cities payroll.

This is sure to engender a strong response from the likes of SEIU 721, who represent thousands of city employees. It should be noted that in the days of SEIU 347, there was a certain facilities room known as the "Richard Riordan Reading Room". With these recent comments, one can envision that likes of SEIU 721 and IBEW, espousing the creation of the "Richard Riordan Toxic Dump", but I digress.

In his comments to the Daily News, Riordan calls for bankruptcy now, to minimize the damage if the city waits another four or five years.

For one thing, it could lead to speedier reform of the pension system, which many economists and politicians say is necessary if the city is to prosper long term.

"I've suggested it since 2005," former Mayor Richard Riordan said. "The city, the way it is going, is unsustainable. If they don't do it this year, they are going to have to do it in the next four or five years."

Of primary concern is the city's spiraling pension obligations, which are growing astronomically at a time when city coffers are running out of cash.

"Those will be over $1 billion a year," Riordan said. "The city will not be able to afford it."

But Riordan calls for bankruptcy are counter by the likes of City Councilman Eric Garcetti, Bernard Parks, Suedo Economist Jack Kyser and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Yaroslavsky, for his part counters that bankruptcy "sends sends a wrong message to the local business community and firms looking to move to Los Angeles". It is discipline that is needed at 200 Spring Street.

If discipline alone is the answer to the budgetary crisis, then let me be the first to call for some form of "political corporal punishment" for those who sway off the fiscal path.

But in hindsight, the future numbers, especially in the area of pension obligations, would cause most with a rational grasps of accounting, to not completely discount bankruptcy, as a option to right the cities dire financial affairs.

And it is fiscal times like these, that open the door for an person with a business orientated background, to ponder a run for mayor in 2013.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

How will the Outcome in the CD 2 Special Election, "Affect the Legacies" of these Two-Term Mayors?

A former and current mayor in search of their "floundering vessel" in CD 2.

From the Los Angeles Times via ourla.com

Los Angeles could be facing a $1-billion deficit by the time Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wraps up his second term in 2013, a dire forecast driven primarily by escalating employee pension costs and stagnate tax revenues, the city’s top budget analyst said today.

Reading this, I could not help but to think back to former Mayor Richard Riordan's comments, some time back on KFI's John and Ken Show, in which he called out Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's fiscal policies and administrated acumens, or lack of.

Riordan, who served two-terms as Mayor from 1993-2001, cited that during his time in office, the city saw an increase of revenue to city coffers of $1 Billion dollars, that was achieved without raising taxes or fees.

The irony here is that Riordan endorsed Villaraigosa over Mayor James Hahn in the 2005 Mayoral Runoff. Many observers saw this union as one crafted by pro-development interests, who saw a Mayor Villaraigosa administration as the vessel to forward their plans to "remake" Los Angeles into the west coast version of Manhattan, New York.

Now in late 2009, with the economy in the dump, increases in trash fees, DWP rates, phone taxes a reality, Chief Bill Bratton now history, and Mayor Villaraiogosa building upon his "legacy of foreign travel" with hizzoner's latest trip to Mexico, is it time to start the Mayor Villaraigosa's legacy watch? How would the legacy of former Mayor Riordan be affected by his past and current collaborations with Villaraigosa?

One only need to look at the upcoming CD 2 Special Election to see how the outcome will effect the legacies of both. Local political observers were of the opinion that the relationship between both Riordan and Villaraigosa had cool after the fallout of Villaraigosa's affair with Mirthala Salinas. Further, Riordan's appearance on the "John and Ken Show", help to fuel the speculation that the rift between Villaraigosa and "Riordan's Posse" of Eli Broad, Bill Wardlaw and Steve Soboroff, had become more pronounced.

But one can surmise that the needs of both parties to reinvigorate revenues to their respective developer friends, had brought the groups together again to forward the cause of electing Chris Essel to City Council in CD 2.

This reunion of these two pro-development factions, joined by the likes of IBEW, unions, the Police Protective League and ACORN, mixed in with $One Million + of cash, can be viewed as an expensive endeavor to maintain the alliance of unions, developers, affordable housing advocates, and other temporary allies, who want to maintain their stranglehold on City Hall and thus, continue their quest to remake Los Angeles into "Manhattan West", with its version of "Tammany Hall", to dispense the "spoils".

One can agree that some sort of development, whether it is redevelopment of blighted areas, transportation improvements, business recruitment, is needed to recharge the flow of revenue to City Hall. But unlike Riordan, who reinvigorated the local economy after the disastrous 1992 riots by removing onerous regulations, creating one stop permit centers and not raising taxes. Mayor Villaraigosa has chased business and the middle class away from the city in droves, with his pursuit of a progressive agenda (affordable housing, environmental regulations, rampant development, costly union contracts and higher taxes), that has had an regressive affect on the cities tax base and quality of living.

One can look back upon the past Mayor Riordan Administration as being a time of urban renewal and economic growth, after the 1992 riots. Most will agree that Los Angeles was in a better state after Riordan left office in 2001. But in the subsequent years, Riordan's success as Mayor, has not transfare to success in other political pursuits, losing a race for governor in 2002 and endorsing the likes of Steve Soboroff and Bob Hertzberg for mayor only to see them lose to James Hahn in 2001 and Antonio Villaraigosa in 2005, respectively. His support for City Council candidates has met with only one, Bill Rosendahl 2005, being elected to a seat on the "horseshoe", while the likes of Monica Rodriguez in 2007 and Adeena Bleich this year, losing to Richard Alarcon and Paul Koretz.

Now the legacy of these two-term mayors are intertwined again, reunited in their joint pursuit of maintaining the "status quo" at City Hall that benefits the "exclusive few" at the expense of an dwindling middle class that once was the foundation, to paraphrase the late actor Jack Webb's Dragnet Sgt. Friday character, of "seven suburbs in search of a voice on Spring Street".

In closing, will the support of ex. Mayor Riordan and Mayor Villaraigosa and their Special Interest "monetary splurge", pay off in victory for Chris Essel in CD 2 on December 8? Or will the voters trigger a "political earthquake" at City Hall by supporting Paul Krekorian, thus causing long-term damage to the legacies of Riordan and Villaraigosa? One may want to have their "political seismographs" on standby on the evening of December 8.

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

Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Wednesday

CD12 Chief of Staff Mitch Englander - the man who once had a massive wall chart trying to figure out who Mayor Sam was - has jumped out early with endorsements and a campaign to replace his boss Sleeping Greig Smith in 2011.  He's off to a good start with an anointing by the Westside White Guy for the "12rth (sic) Council District" with the warning to all comers that Englander - scion of a political consulting family - has the support of usual suspects Wendy Greuel, Sheriff Lee Baca and Galpin Ford magnate Bert Boeckmann.  We'll see what happens 2011 is an awful long way off (and plenty of time for us to tell you all about Mitch) and the voters have fatigued of presumptive politicians and the special interest peddlers they represent.  One LA Times reader may foreshadow the lack of support for the status quo that could hurt Englander.  The tale of the tape will come when we see how much Neighborhood Council members flex their muscle in the coming CD2 Special Election.  As it is NCs are no fans of Smith and could tag Englander as guilty by association. Englander has chosen as his campaign consultant John Shallman who is doing wonderful things for Chris Essel.  Stay tuned.

With California Lt. Governor John Garamendi a likely winner in a coming runoff for a Bay Area Congressional seat, attention has turned to who Governor Schwarzenegger will appoint to fill the remainder of Garamendi's term.  One suggestion: former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. Didn't Arnold get bit in the ass last time he appointed Riordan to something?

Zuma Dogg's role as a biblical-like soothsayer is celebrated in the blogs again when CurbedLA hat tips our piece about the recent water main breaks in Los Angeles.  Look for the usual dum dums to go bizarro again.

City Council Candidate Paul Krekorian has received the endorsement of the California Nurses Association. “It is clear to us – from both his experience and his support - that Paul will be the best representative for the Valley,” said Jill Furillo, CAN’s Southern California director. “We believe that Paul will do an excellent job in representing the Valley on health, labor and women’s issues to increase the standard of living for Registered Nurses and all residents throughout Los Angeles.”

Morning Briefs and Outtakes for "Hump Day"

"Can you see me now ??"

Not really if you are going on vacation again.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as of noon yesterday, is off again to the far reaches of the world for some R & R, courtesy of some Special Interest. Villaraigosa has vacated the Third Floor to spend some "Nordic time" in Iceland, can you say fun and games with Keith Brackpool ??

No word whether Lu Parker was allowed to join the Mayor in his annual binge, errr, get together with the "Water Miner of Cadiz Valley", maybe spinmaster Matt can enlighten us with the details.

And if you are so inclined to ask the Mayor about his vacation upon his return, we have this for you.

From: "Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa"
Date: July 28, 2009 3:17:35 PM PDT
To: "dominovm@pacbell.net"
Subject: Have any questions?

Hello Angelenos, (especially campaign contributors)

I wanted to share with you the first installment of my new video feature, ("Tummy Love with Lu") "Ask the Mayor." Each week I will be delivering a webcam message directly responding to constituents' (Special Interest paid for requests) messages. You can watch my first video response here.

I'm beginning my second term with a renewed commitment to transparency (staged of course) and responsiveness (from spokes holes like Matt Szabo and my ninety + staffers), and this feature is a key part of that commitment.(like the commitment to your wife ??)

This is our chance to have an online dialogue. There is no monopoly, (if only I could monopolize campaign contributions), on good ideas, (the ones I steal like Connie Rice's "Summer Night Lights") and it's going to take the vision of all Angelenos (better us than you) to tackle the tough challenges (more since you became Mayor) facing Los Angeles (a Sanctuary City).

Each week, I want you to send me your questions, your concerns (many), your ideas (more ideas to take credit for), and (ahhh) yes, your criticisms (dump truck is ready).

So make your voice heard, (especially when you pay) use the form at www.mayor.lacity.org/MeettheMayor/AsktheMayor/index.htm , and stay tuned for my regular video messages.

Thank you, Antonio Villaraigosa

AKA. Tony "born to raise hell" Villar

Other News:

** Surprise, surprise, Mayor Villaraigosa did this ??

Stepping into a controversy over the city's business tax, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called Tuesday for a procedural change that would prevent companies from being reclassified into higher tax brackets.

Rick Newcombe of Creator's Syndicate, who detailed in a Wall Street Journal article how his firm was reclassified, said the shift would cost him several thousand dollars more in taxes and would force him to consider relocating to another city.

"Mayor Villaraigosa is a man of his word who respects the rule of law," Newcombe said after receiving a copy of the letter. "He is committed to keeping and attracting jobs to Los Angeles."

Memo to Rick, STAY AWAY FROM THE "KOOL AID OF SPIN!!"

** City of Los Angeles is going to take a $200 million dollar hit from the State of California and how do the City Council respond ?? Link to read the quotes from the likes of "Councilman Potato Head", "Bitter Bernie" and the "Zorro Marxist".

** Ex Mayor Richard Riordan is endorsing Chris Essel for the CD-2 Council Seat. Did he also offer to pay for her carpetbag ??

** Take a deep breath for this one. The Los Angeles City Council is weighing a plan to issue a $30-million loan that would allow the owner of the Hollywood & Highland shopping mall to retrofit a theater so it can house a decade of performances by Cirque du Soleil.

CIM Group, which owns Hollywood & Highland but leases the Kodak Theatre within the mall, hopes to bring the acrobatic performances to the venue starting in 2011. In exchange for the loan, CIM and its partners would pledge to create at least 858 jobs, according to the proposal.

The audacity at City Hall!! BTW, who have they contributed to ?? Just a thought.......

** Beggars can't be choosers, but they sure can bitch when they don't get their way.

While crafting their budget earlier this year, Los Angeles city officials requested federal stimulus money to hire up to 450 new officers. But instead the city was awarded what City Council President Eric Garcetti called "a drop in the bucket" from the COPS Hiring Recovery Program -- a $16.3-million allotment that will allow L.A. to hire and retain just 50 officers for three years. He and other city officials questioned Tuesday whether the grant formula discriminated against big cities.

Eric, try stimulating a better business climate in the city before crying to the "Telepromptive President".

** Did you know that Mayor Villaraigosa can write Op-Ed pieces for your local fishwrap ?? This one appears in the "Old Gray Hag On Spring Street" regarding education. Don't expect to learn anything new.

** And our friend at Lincoln High 90031 has a great story on Mayor Villaraigosa's education vision in Watts. "Blacks need not apply and English need not to be spoken".

** Lastly, William H. Anton, former LAUSD Superintendent, past away at 85. He was the first Latino to hold the top spot.

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