Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

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

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

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

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Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

Bad news for the Mayor and the LAUSD.  A poll commissioned specifically by the Mayor finds that at least 53% of Angelenos feel the City is on the wrong track.  It's even worse for the School Board as 73% of those surveyed feel the Board is doing either a poor or fair job managing the school district.  The poll also shows significant support for smaller schools and charter schools.



The MTA Board of Directors voted to place a sales tax increase on the November ballot in order to pay for Westside transit projects.  Board Members Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and Duarte City Councilman John Fasana were the only two members to vote against the tax.  County Supervisor Gloria Molina abstained and County Supervisor Don Knabe was absent.  The measure must now receive the approval of the County Board of Supervisors and then a 2/3 vote Countywide in order to go into effect.  Significant opposition to the tax - which primarily benefits only West Los Angeles neighborhoods - exists in eastern and northern cities in the County which could derail passage.  Additionally, a number of transit activists were either disappointed at items not included in the measure or were outright opposed to the spending plans.



City officials are afraid the state may turn to tapping into local funds to help balance the state budget.  The City of Los Angeles is heavily lobbying against such a move considering the fiscal instability of the City at present.  However, representatives from the Govenor's office as well as legislative leaders say there are no plans to go after local funds at present.  But don't expect the Mayor won't use this as another reason to raise local taxes, uh, fees.



If you're looking for something fun to do next Tuesday in Boyle Heights, you can attend Councilman Jose Huizar's town hall meeting featuring the Councilmember and various City department heads.  6:00 p.m.., Tuesday, July 29th at The Puente Learning Center in Boyle Heights.