A Mayor Sam Exclusive Update!! "A PAY to Have Monica RETALIATE Against the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council Scandal Brewing"?

In a Mayor Sam Exclusive Update, we note the RESPONSES from CD-7 City Council Candidate Monica Rodriguez supporters, which lends credence to "A PAY to Have Monica RETALIATE Against the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council Scandal", targeting the NC's Land Use & Development Committee's Oversight on Illegal Signage Issues. 

Former Board of Public Works Vice-Prssident (and current CD-7 City Council Candidate) Monica Rodriguez addressing the alleged "RATS (in the words of some of her campaign donors)" of the STNC. 

** Blogger's Notes: In a Mayor Sam Exclusive Update, comments from supporters of Monica Rodriguez are lending credance to the fact that, THEN Board of Public Works Vice-President's INTERVENTION on behalf of some within the Sunland Tujunga Chamber of Commerce, was more about RETALIATING against Stakeholders (including STNC and Committee Members) ........., then finding a communal solution to Illegal Signage Issues. FOR THE RECORD, Stakeholders have a RIGHT to file complaints with the appropriate City Department regarding Illegal Signage .........., and have their idenity remain confidential. Judging from the comments below, mixed with the FACTS from the emails disclosed in our Exclusive, ethical observers (and CD-7 voters) would be in their right to request an investigation regarding whether the, NOW CD-7 City Council Candidate, abused her PAID City Office to RETALIATE against the actions of the STNC ..............., in return for Campaign Contributions (listed below)-----Scott Johnson. 

On July 24, 2016 from Former Board of Public Works Vice-President Monica Rodriguez to Department of Building & Safety General Manager Frank Bush regarding CONTACTING STNC LU & D Committee Member Cindy Cleghorn on Business Signage Issue: 

"Frank, would you kindly have staff coordinate with Michael ( of the S.T. Chamber of Commerce). Long story. Cindy is not the appropriate point person and it is complicating matters significantly".

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Mayor Sam Exclusive: "Lady M Rod's Political Ambition of Lies, Misinformation and Misuse of Public Resources Exposed (Again)"

In a Mayor Sam Exclusive, we DOCUMENT again how the POLITICAL AMBITION (mixed with lies, disinformation and misuse of public resources) via CD-7 City Council Candidate Monica Rodriguez, WRONGFULLY besmirched the selfless-character of award-winning Sunland-Tujunga Community (and city-wide Neighborhood Council) Activist Cindy Cleghorn. 

LA City Council President (and CD-7 Administrator) Herb Wesson, with 2017 Council District's "Pioneer Woman of the Year" Cindy Cleghorn.

** Blogger's Notes: Its a major UNDERSTATEMENT to keyboard that the every community/neighborhood needs a SELFLESS leader, as exampled by longtime Sunland-Tujunga Community Activist Cindy Cleghorn. 

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Happy Fourth of July from Sunland-Tujunga!!

We want to wish everyone, especially our friends in Sunland Tujunga,  a safe and festive Fourth of July, as they near the start of their 2016 Edition of its Independent Day Parade down Foothill Blvd. Plus you never know what Political News may lurk in the Parade proceedings. 

Current CD 7 City Council Candidate David Barron pictured during the 2015 Edition of S-T's Fourth of July Parade.

A Tale of Two Communities Response (or lack of) to Rising Crime

As the Crime Rate continues to Rise across the City of Los Angeles, we highlight two contrary examples how Community Stakeholders are coming together (or canceling out) in demanding their fair share of Law Enforcement Resources.

STNC/LAPD Town Hall Meeting Flyer.

 ** Blogger's Note: On the Eve of Good Friday, we bring you two CONTRARY examples regarding how Community Stakeholders are working together (or naught) in mobilizing support for their respective share of Law Enforcement Resources. This evening, the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting with Foothill Division/Valley Bureau Brass, in a culmination of recent efforts to deal with various issues caused by an influx of Homeless into the community.

Meanwhile withing the confines of the LAPD Hollenbeck Division, the latest meeting of its Community Police Advisory Board was cancelled, this in lieu of the latest tragic death involving Cab Driver Antonio Paz Gonzalez, who was senselessly killed after being robbed. Bluntly, with the "alleged (more below) cancellation" of the latest Hollenbeck CPAB Meeting, Stakeholders who have been subjected to the SECOND HIGHEST rate of increase in violent crime within the City of Los Angeles, have been denied an opportunity (again) to speak out and demand their fair share of Law Enforcement resources ..........., but rest assure, those seeking support for their ABC Licenses ("Micro-Brewery in Boyle Heights, USC) still have CPAB's backing----Scott Johnson.

LAPD Hollenbeck Captain Martin Baeza with CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar and CPAB Members.

Hello Community Members, the Hollenbeck Community Police Advisory Board monthly meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2016 is canceled and we do apologize for that.  The next meeting will be /Wednesday, April 20th, please be there and bring a friend. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Officer Macklin, Community Relations Officer.
Officer Anthony Macklin
Hollenbeck Community Relations Office 24877@lapd.lacity.org323 342 4144

 ......., or was it? To be continued.

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

A Open Letter for CD 7 Sparks Community Unity through Action

A certain CD 7 City Councilman's Inaction and Contempt for his Sunland-Tujunga Constituents, is the motivation for a community-unifying, Act of Civic Activism, that the Mayor Sam Blog ......., and hopefully the whole of CD 7, will embrace in support.

CD 7 Open Letter Supporters Brian Schneider and Art Miner, in Studio with KRLA 870 AM Saturday Evening Talk Show Host Randy Economy, listen to Podcast by linking here.

** Blogger's Note: The Mayor Sam Blog since its creation via the late Michael Higby, has been a bloggin tool for forging relationships, collaborations ......and sometimes, cyber-tumult through our cast of commentators. But the one long term relationship with a community that stands above all the rest, has been our bloggin devotion (sometimes rough) to the Sunland-Tujunga Community. Born out of our diverse coverage of the NO Home Depot Campaign (and the many outstanding community leaders that have themselves, become sources of content), the community has become our cyber-home (especially after Michael moved into the neighborhood), with Joselitos becoming our designated eatery/watering hole (in times of celebration ......, and sadly grief). Thus, we would be bloggin remiss, in not exposing the current "State of Inaction and Recrimination" being directed at the Sunland-Tujunga Community by its CD 7 City Council Member Felipe Fuentes, including his EVICTION of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) from its longtime office at the North Valley City Hall. If Councilman Fuentes thought that his actions would soon become a afterthought in a sometimes, divided community ........,then his political thought process, can be gauged as being shallower than the current water level in Tujunga Wash. Instead, thanks to the likes of Brian Schneider and Art Miner, the Watershed of Unity, within the Sunland-Tujunga Community has been replenished in a growing, Flash Flood of Support, for the requested actions outlined in the superbly crafted, "CD 7 Open Letter" (which we have posted below). The Mayor Sam Blog STRONGLY endorses the content and requested actions, outlined in the CD 7 Open Letter ........, and would request that every constituent in not only Sunland-Tujunga, but also in CD 7, stand united in forging a Washing Wave of Accountability (via signing the Letter), from CD-7 to 200 Spring Street----Scott Johnson.     

 CD 7 Open Letter, Page 1

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The City Clowncil Approves of "PolloFelipe's Scheme" to Evict the STNC

Not wanting to face an agitated Sunland-Tujunga Coomunity, the Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee moves quickly (in seven minutes) to approve CD 7 Clowncilman's "PolloFelipe's Scheme" to Evict the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council from its longtime office.

Not wanting to face (or hiding from) Sunland-Tujunga Constituents has earned the CD 7 "Mini Padilla" the new Moniker of ........., "PolloFelipe".

** Blogger's Note: For a supposed Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine Member, who exerts his alleged "Political Machismo" by evicting the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) from its longtime office/closet space, was sure quick in hiding under the "procedural skirt" of Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee Strongman Herman "Mini Amin" Wesson, when irate STNC Stakeholders came calling before the Horseshoe on Tuesday. The now bestowed CD 7 Clowncilman ........, "PolloFelipe'", had his scheme to evict the STNC from its longtime North Valley City Hall office, approved by his enabling Clowncil Colleagues within the first seven minutes of Tuesday's proceedings, The fast-tracking of "PolloFelipe's" agenda items denied the arriving STNC Stakeholders a opportunity to testify again the punitive actions of the re-election-facing first term Clowncil Member. Below, we post the update of STNC Treasurer Nina Royal regarding "PolloFelipe's" actions (with the help of Clowncil Strongman "Mini Amin" Wesson)----Scott Johnson.

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Morning Brief/Update on CD 7 Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes STNC Eviction Scheme for Tuesday

As CD 7 City Clowncilman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes seeks to finalize his scheme to grant "Vacant Public Space" (via Evicting the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council from its longtime office), STNC Treasurer Nina Royal has an update regarding today's pending City Council Vote on Clowncilman Fuente's Scheme.  

CD 7 City Clowncilman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes.

STNC Treasurer Nina Royal (front and center)

** Blogger's Note: CD 7 City Clowncilman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuente's scheme/retaliation against the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC), goes before the full City Council this morning. STNC Treasurer Nina Royal offers this update on today's pending vote via her Facebook Page----Scott Johnson.  

Important L.A. City Council motions for this Tuesday

Councilmember Felipe Fuentes and the City Council is going to try to finalize the eviction of the STNC and the LAPD Sub-Station from the "vacant" North Valley City Hall (NVCH) on Tuesday.

It is not vacant, the STNC holds 12 meetings a month, the General meeting monthly, special meetings in between and the LAPD sub-station. Also, their office and Storage Room for Emergency Preparedness Equipment, meeting supplies. community banners, pop-ups and supplies. They also own 200 chairs and ten 8 foot tables in the meeting hall that are used for other city meetings.

The City Council was told NVCH was vacant when Councilmember Fuentes presented the motion to have the 501C3 organizations, .LA Family Housing (who is supposed to be temporary) and the LA Conservation Corp. move in for $1.00 a year. Those organizations are able to raise funds and get grants and they will be serving the entire city of LA. not just our local neighborhoods The Neighborhood Council cannot raise funds because they are legally part of the L.A. City Family and per the Charter, must adhere to all the city's rules and regulations. have adequate parking, be ADA compliant, and are tax payer funded through the city's budget.

Councilmember Fuentes offered to allow the STNC to hold their General Meeting there once a month but they must be over by 8 pm like other NC's. I attend all the ones in District 7 and none of them are over before 9 pm and many times they end after 10 pm. The STNC has 2 land use committee meetings a month and he said they should only be held once a month because there isn't that much going on in S-T. They are usually held from 7-9 pm and he wants them over at 8:30.

If the eviction goes through,they will be forced to spend taxpayer money to obtain offices with private owners as well as meeting places negatively impacting their budget by thousands of dollars. The Neighborhood Council is a city entity and should have first consideration over any organization that is not part of the city.

BTW, The council office supposedly found a new home for our Foothill Div. sub-station in the middle of a mobil home park in their recreation room, which means they would have to move their desk, computer, printer, guest chairs into private property that is not readily accessible to the public and could be innocent lives in danger from an off balance person which would be a liability to the city. The park tenants are not happy about this. The LAPD presently have their own lockable office at NVCH where they can still park their car on Foothill Blvd. where it is visible and continues to discourage crime when they need to use their office.

So where is the cost saving in any of this? The GSD did not take into account the funds that would have to be paid out by the STNC, which is part of the city. Please attend and speak up if you want to save the STNC office, meeting room and LAPD Sub Station. If you can't attend,
please email all the council members and reference the following item and council file numbers.

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Hot Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Columbus Day

As the backlash grows against the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) Lockout tactics of CD 7 City Councilman Felipe Fuentes, its becoming more apparent that the looming Federal Grand Jury proceedings involving members and staffers of the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine's "Gang of Five", may have played a role in Councilman Fuente's actions.

The Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine's "Gang of Five".

** As non-essential City of Los Angeles facilities engage in a Columbus Day Holiday Lockdown, the growth in the backlash against the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) Eviction initiated by CD 7 City Councilman Felipe Fuentes continues.

Longtime Sunland-Tujunga Activist Lydia Grant, in a appearance on the KRLA 870 AM Randy Economy Show last Saturday Evening,announced that the San Fernando Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition (LANCC) were initiating Motions that assert the rights of NCs to maintain office space within city property.

The actions of the two major coalition of NCs come in response to documents that disclose Councilman Fuentes lack of forthrightness in noting that the STNC was in fact, leasing office space that was label vacant, when the CD 7 Officeholder sought approval of the full City Council to grant office space to the Los Angeles Conservation Corp and the Los Angeles Housing Group.

That said, its also apparent via the timing of the Councilman Fuentes Lockout and the issuing of the Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas to staff members of CD 6 City Councilwoman Nury Martinez, Its logical that staff members from CD 7 who were also involve in the 39th AD Campaign Ballot Count, may also receive Subpoenas to appear before the Federal Grand Jury. 

Thus, the Councilman Fuentes Lockout/Eviction of the STNC, may have a political retribution origin. More on that later.

** Last week rains washed out a planned protest, targeting the Highland Park Figueroa Corridor policies of CD 1 City Council Gil Cedillo, What has gone unreported until now is a possible CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar connection to the protest leaders. Both Cycling Activist Josez Bray-Ali and Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council President Monica Alcarez, are staunch Huizar supporters, prompting objective observes to opine that the just re-elect CD 14 Officeholder, is inciting the protests as retribution for Councilman Cedillo's support of former CD 14 City Council Candidate Gloria Molina. 

** The following ad pictured below from the former Southeast LA County Newspaper of Record, now the "Official Smelly Fish Wrap of the Chacon Political Family (paid for by the Commerce Casino)", the Los Cerritos News, is prompting many to call out the blatant, falsehood-laden agenda attacks against Montebello Mayor Jack Hadjinian by the Brian Hews-published Weekly Paper. In the last couple of years, Brian Hews has become the Convicted Felon Angel Gonzalez-like newsprint promoter of the Calderon-like, Chacon Political Family as the ad below illustrate. In the days ahead, we will highlight the "Fall from Grace" for a former Award-winning Newspaper, turned muckraker tool for Southeast LA Corruption.

"Los Corruption News" Political Ad supporting Fernando Chacon for Montebello City Council.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Clowncilman Fuentes Ousts STNC, Day 6: NC Members and Activists Responses

As the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council calls a Special Meeting for this evening to deal with the ramifications of CD 7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuente's OUSTING of the NC from its Office/Meeting Space, NC activists need to ponder whether the actions of Clowncilman Fuentes, constitutes a "Line in the Sand Moment" for the City-wide NC Program.

.........,or does the NC Movement need a moat to safeguard its Charter Entitlements?

** Blogger's Note: On Day 6 of "Clowncilman Fuentes Ousts STNC", members of the NC have taken to Social Media, the KRLA 870 AM Randy Economy Show (link for Podcast), Blogs and other communication medians to espouse their responses to the actions of its City Clowncil Officeholder. The timing the STNC Ousting, coming mere hours after the Neighborhood Council Congress at City Hall, comes as a back-handed slap to many NC activists (including those from the STNC), who spent long hours in making the annual NC gathering a success. NC Activist and City Watch LA Contributor Denyse Selesnick has posted this missive, detailing some of the alleged reasons for "Mini Padilla's" actions, but NC activists need to review the comments of former DONE General Manager Greg Nelson who stated the following regarding the STNC Controversy ........, "The Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhoods has always called for the city to provide NCs with certain support that they need to function as planned. One of those mentioned is office space. That would mean either giving them money to rent space, or as was done to save the city money, find them space in city facilities" ....., and further .........., The NCs has allowed city hall to violate the City Charter and the ordinances for too long. It's time for the NCs to gather up all the attorneys who support them (it can be done online), and develop a strategy for how to force city hall to follow the letter and spirit of these law. What has always been missing is a leader who take on the project. Without that person, city hall will continue to pat them on their heads, smile at them, and violate their rights.  Sadly, some Clowncil members have co-oped NCs (especially in CD 14) by strong-arming their respective boards. Thus, if the NC Movement is to survive this latest "Test of Wills", then its imperative that the remaining non-co-oped NCs, widen the needed "ditch in the sand"......, or the actions of Clowncilman Fuentes (and Huizar before him) will become common place---Scott Johnson.

** From STNC Treasurer Nina Royal: NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION for the SPECIAL Board Meeting of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) tomorrow night, 10/5, at 6:30 pm to be held at 10137 Commerce Ave. at the S-T Elks Lodge. All stakeholders and the public are encouraged to attend in order to discuss the future of our Council, which is necessary due to being evicted from our office By CD7 Councilmember Felipe Fuentes. This will make it necessary to re-arrange the allocation of our funds regarding expenses and projects and require us to submit a new budget to the city for approval due to unforeseen additional expenses that will have to be covered immediately and in the future. ALSO NOTE that the Land Use Committee Meeting which is normally scheduled for this date has been cancelled because of the Special Board Meeting.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Hot BREAKING NEWS Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The Push Back against the Figueroa Corridor Policies of CD 1 City Clowncilman Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo" continue as those who have grievances against the First Term Clowncilman, will gather this afternoon for a 3-5 PM Vigil/Protest at Figueroa and Ave. 55 ........,

For Yolanda and a Safer Tomorrow along Figueroa.

.........., and in Sunland-Tujunga, community members will be meeting this evening at the S.T. Elks Lodge, beginning at 6:30 PM to discuss the recent, arbitrary actions of CD 7 City Clowncilman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes, in ousting the community-elected body from its longtime meeting location.

Sunland-Tujunga NC Members Mark Siegal and Cindy Cleghorn discussing the NC's ousting on the KRLA 870 AM Randy Economy Show this last Saturday Evening.

** Blogger's Note: Its a BREAKING NEWS Monday as protests and agitations over the recent actions of Los Angeles City Clowncil Central Committee Members Gil "Broken Deal Cedillo" and his Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine Colleague Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes, are set for later today. First, Highland Park activists are planning to renew their protest against the actions of CD 1 City Clowncilman Gil Cedillo this afternoon from 3-5 PM at the intersection of Figueroa and Avenue 55, where local resident Yolanda Lugo was killed in a recent Hit and Run Homicide". Second, a SPECIAL MEETING of the S.T.N.C. will take place at the Elks Lodge, located at 10137 Commerce St, beginning at 6;30 PM tonight, to discuss the recent actions of Clowncilman Fuentes and make changes to their annual budget. We will hopefully have reports and photos from these respective events---Scott Johnson.

Clowncilman Fuentes Ousts STNC, Day 2: "Its About the Homeless (allegedly)"

On "Clowncilman Fuentes Ousts STNC, Day 2", the "Mini Padilla" of the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Political Machine, cites need for space to deal with area Homeless Issues (allegedly) as reason for Ousting the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC).

CD 7 Clowncilman "Mini Padilla" Fuentes:  "Maybe the LAFH Apartments on Day Street might have a meeting space for the STNC?"

On Day 2 of "Clowncilman Fuentes Oust STNC", its become apparent that the City of Los Angeles "Homeless State of Emergency" and the resulting local actions of CD 7 City Councilman Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes, played a role in the booting of the STNC from its longtime meeting space in Tujunga.

Constituents received the following email in recent days from their Clowncilman, stating the following .........,

LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Bringing more services to
Council District Seven
Since taking office, more than two years ago, we have witnessed a growing need to provide more services to address homelessness in our communities. I've made it a priority to partner with social services agencies, such as Los Angeles Family Housing (LAFH), to provide resources and shelter for our local homeless population. In fact, I'm working to bring more services to Council District Seven. Recently, the City Council approved my motion to begin negotiations to provide space at the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood City Hall. LAFH provides various resources such as outreach and assessment, housing location and placement, case management, job training and employment services, child care and tutoring, continuing education services, financial literacy, onsite primary and behavioral health care and more. By partnering with LA Family Housing, we are responding to the growing need for services from the chronically homeless individuals. We are tackling this city-wide issue with the end goal is to ensure EVERYONE in the community is safe and receives the services they need and deserve.

OK, but did the same Los Angeles Family Housing Organization just complete building a Homeless Apartment Complex on Day Street, to house the area's chronic homeless population?

The LAFH Day Street Apartments.

In a ideal world, one would think that a Non-Profit built, living facility would have administrative infrastructure in place, to provide services that will possibly be replicated at the proposed Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood City Hall location.

But then the likes of Clowncilman "Mini Padilla" Fuentes and his Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine cohorts, would not be the types to let a City Hall-manufacturer "Homeless State of Emergency Crisis", go to waste in enacting political pay-back.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Breaking News!! CD 7 Clowncilman Fuentes ** Ousts Sunland-Tujunga NC from Longtime Meeting Location

BREAKING NEWS!!! CD 7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes allegedly evicts Sunland-Tujunga NC from longtime Meeting Location

Member of the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine, CD 7 Clowncilman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes.

** Blogger's Note: We received the following from longtime San Fernando Valley Businessman, Activist and former CD 2 City Council Candidate Frank Sheftel, regarding the (now-confirmed) actions of CD 7 City Clowncil Central Committee Member Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes, against the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. At this time, we are seeking verification (it did) whether this has taken place and will post an update when more information is forthcoming Update: We made a phone call to Fuente's City Hall Office (213) 473-7007 and the young lady took down this blogger's contact info for a returned call (1:40 PM) ** Evening Update: This has been confirmed by a STNC Member---Scott Johnson.

From Frank Sheftel's Facebook Page

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Fuentes Shepherds $15 Million Bond to Affordable Housing Developer

Samoa Street: Site of Coming 48 Unit Apartment Complex

You won't read about it in the papers very likely, but $15 million of taxpayer money is being directed towards a controversial housing development in Sunland-Tujunga, rammed through the City Council while most of the citizenry is gearing up for the holidays.

Councilman Felipe Fuentes backed affordable housing bond funds going to a 48 unit four bedroom apartment complex on a narrow hillside road in Sunland-Tujunga, despite the protests of local residents and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council.

Developers, in a letter to the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and the Sunland Tujunga Alliance stated that without the public funds, their project would not pencil out.

In addition to the impact the property would have on strained local infrastructure, safety issues with regard to parking and the ability of fire personnel to reach the property, residents objected to how a required bond hearing was not held, in lieu of the City Council discussing the matter. Many have noted that the Council is likely in violation of the law here.

The next step will be a state panel issuing the final approval for the bonds; however many residents feel that will simply be a rubber stamp of the Council's rubber stamp.

Let us hope that this is a wake-up call to the community that the game has changed, that developers and the City Council see Sunland-Tujunga as a prime area to concentrate affordable housing and that one can not fairly expect the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and it's Land Use Committee to shoulder the burden of this fight. Individuals will need to get involved, dollars may need to be raised to hire attorneys and cover other expenses of the fight and perhaps, a suitable replacement for Mr. Fuentes for the 2017 election needs to be identified, groomed and supported now.

DONE Issues Demand for Past Due Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council Financial Records

In light of a steaming serving of DONE-DUNG served up by the otherwise decent chap Paul Hatfield at CityWatch (no links because we don't give Google juice to dung and we understand the owner of that site loves the clickety-clicks such drama brings) and said CPA Hatfield's consistent slamming of anyone in Sunland-Tujunga who has called for fiscal transparency of their neighborhood council, we offer up the following official letter from none other than Empower LA.

Some time back, Joseph Mailander went through public data with regard to the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council's finances. That which was a frequent pattern of cash withdrawals from the city funded panel's account, all around the same time and without any description as to the purpose. No one individual was mentioned or any specific acts of impropriety suggested. That being said, the point was the lack of specificity in the public record keeping and the odd pattern of withrdrawls. Also of particular note was that many of these withdrawals were made last minute, resulting in signifcant bank fees, that would not otherwise be charged for purchases on the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council's debit card, or for city checks requested.

Rather than an explanation, Mailander and others were met with stonewalling, name calling and a very righteous Hatfield who was aghast that anyone had even suggested there was a problem.

Here's the problem. Public funds, in the form of cold hard cash, was being withdrawn from a cash machine on a consistent basis with no apparent explanation. Again, no specific impropriety was charged, yet the appearance of such should be of concern to officials and stakeholders alike.

Sunland-Tujunga's treasuer, Nina Royal, has adamantly declared that the books are in order, they are as clean as can be and that anyone may make an appointment with the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council's part-time employee to visit their office and review documents.

That now appears not to be entirely true. Again, for the sake of folks like Paul Hatfield and others, no specific charges are being made. But as the saying goes, where there is smoke, there may be fire. Certainly the city agency, DONE, charged with overseeing these expenditures is clearly not satisfied with the records and lack of records being submitted. It is very likely once they are, all will be fine. It is also very likely DONE goofed. If either is the case, and is presented and confirmed to us, we'll print that here. The bottom line is that in the handling and spending of the public money, extreme care must be taken to be fully transparent and to demonstrate that everything is on the up and up. If this isn't done, it is certainly justified for stakeholders to question otherwise.

Let me say this: nothing would please me more that after appropriate investigation, everything is on the up and up and at the very worse, we're looking at sloppy bookkeeping and lack of clear direction from DONE. Cherry on top would be for DONE to work for a more transparent system - where this information is available at any time, on line, for stakeholders so that they need not take time off from work to make an appointment with a part-time employee.

Stay tuned.

Mailander: Irregularities Mar Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Election

Editor's Note: Neighborhood Council elections have been a controversial subject for some time, and the latest round of contests for the advisory panels have been no exception. From Silver Lake to Sherman Oaks to Chatsworth, many Councils are facing issues with notification, location changes, pseudo-slate mailers on the public dime and stakeholder eligibility questions. One of the elections held during Saturday's first round was in Sunland-Tujunga. Joseph Mailander offers this special report

By Joseph Mailander

Special to MayorSam's Sister City

Sunland-Tujunga's record turnout for Saturday's long anticipated Neighborhood Council election suddenly went sour late Saturday night as election results were leaked from the counting room to an operative in advance of being posted by any member of the Neighborhood Council, EmpowerLA, or City Clerk's office.

Nearly 700 residents and stakeholders participated in the election that was celebrated for its enthusiastic turnout but quickly became tarnished by reporting irregularities.

Late in the evening, voters lingering on various social media message boards, concerned about the outcome of the election, were shocked to observe not a Neighborhood Council or EmpowerLA representative but a local political operative first posting results to Facebook, in some cases even while the votes were being counted.

The same operative had previously pushed his own slate of endorsements for the election, and openly derided many challenger candidates.

"[I]f someone was observing from the designated area where those who signed in were to be seated, they could of [sic] texted him that information. The Poll Manager (Terrance), the Election IEA (Alisa) and myself were the only one privy to the overall vote tally until release to everyone. For the record, there was about 10-15 observers in the room," vote counter Scott Johnson said on Facebook.

Commissioner Lydia Grant, who was on hand for the counting, did not return phone calls or email

regarding the incident. EmpowerLA General Manager Grayce Liu also has not returned inquiries as of publication time.

Voters also encountered some irregularities earlier in the day as business and organizational stakeholders were told they were obliged to present documentation on organizational letterhead that they indeed worked or belong to an organization in Sunland-Tujunga.

No election materials printed in advance of the election specified this. Those who could not provide documentation on the spot were obliged to vote via provisional ballot and submit their documentation within three days time. The provisionals cast may affect the outcome of one race, for a Regional slot on the board, in which two candidates tied for the final seat.

The NC's president-elect, Mark Seigel, barely missed fetching half the total vote, receiving 332 of 676 votes cast.

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Candidate Endorsements

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Elections are coming up March 8th and it's now time for us here at MayorSam to make our official endorsements of candidates in the race. The good news is that so many folks have entered the race and in most cases you have a choice. Let's run down the ballots, shall we?

PRESIDENT - THOMAS SMOKER, JR.

Tom Smoker, Sunland-Tujunga's Honorary Mayor, is a born and bred Sunland-Tujunga native and a long time participant in local affairs. Look at this guy - he OOZES Sunland-Tujunga, going back to a time when the rural life was respected and politicians listened to the community and not the other way around. A military veteran, union member and veteran film and television production crew member, Tom brings the "everyman" point of view that Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council needs, without any baggage. He's the guy who is going to stand up to city officials and go to the mat for Sunland-Tujunga. His opponents, "newspaper" publisher David DeMulle is a joke, but more importantly an organizational disaster in the making. DeMulle, particularly in recent days, has shown himself to not at all be above not personally attacking individuals in the community as he desperately tries to win this race. The other candidate, incumbent Mark Seigel, is an avuncular figure who speaks quite articulately but is completely lacking the fire in the belly to stand up for Sunland-Tujunga in the way a President should. Mark is a technocrat who can lead an emergency response team, run an event and teach folks in the fine art of Ham Radio. But Mark has shown severe weakness as a leader and that weakness has also led to him looking the other way to local tomfoolery by the powers that be. Mark frequently makes weak excuses when challenged. He's a nice enough chap who I'd pick to be a Scoutmaster in a heartbeat, but Sunland-Tujunga is at probably the most critical juncture in it's history and we need a tough leader. Vote for Tom Smoker.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT - TOMI LYN BOWLING

This is an uncontested race and thus an endorsement is really not necessary. There is no option for write-in candidates nor a "none the above" choice. As well, Tomi represents a mixed bag for me. She has a long record of volunteering and is adept at land use issues, one of her areas of specialty. At times, she has been too close to the "machine" and has not always spoken out when she should about their poor decisions. However, of all the members, past and present, of the machine, Tomi has shown a fairly frequent independent streak. Although Tomi did not ask hard questions about the Day Street Homeless Apartments, and supported this controversial project, she has been tough on other issues of the homeless, frequently departing from the party line of the Chamber and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. It is obvious that Tomi is passionate about the community, and since there is no other option, it would be great to see Tomi channel her passion and her independence towards reform in Sunland-Tujunga on these key issues. Vote for Tomi Bowling.

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - WALLY WHARTON

Wally Wharton is a decades long Sunland-Tujunga homeowner and activist who defines the notion of an "involved stakeholder." She is a serious student of local government, regularly attends City Council and County Board of Superviors meetings and frequently comments on these issues on local talk radio programs and publications. Wally does indeed bring a flair to the campaign. In addition to being a published author, she's an actress who's appeared in a number of films including Cheech and Chong's "Up In Smoke." But her eclectic manner is really a reflection of the diverse funkiness of Sunland-Tujunga and we need that in our local leadership. Wally, a UCLA alum, is an intellectual who can discuss everything from Kafka to Barbie dolls. More importantly, she brings a thoughtful perspective on the issues and a commitment to the community. Wally's opponent, Brenda Fortune, is a long time Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council board member whose made the circuit of Chamber and service clubs locally. She's put in many hours and has worked on many projects for the community. But it's time for a change and new leadership. Vote for Wally Wharton.

SECRETARY - NO RECOMMENDATION

This is another uncontested race with no option for write-ins or other choices. The sole candidate, Sandra Bagus, in statements made online and otherwise, to not have the emotional nor intellectual depth to serve in this role. However, she will be elected and we just have to hope for the best. One option you may consider is not to mark a choice on the ballot for this office. It will not impact the results, but it will deflate her overall count viz-a-viz total ballots cast and make a statement. Sometimes the best vote is no vote.

TREASURER - BONNIE CORWIN

Bonnie Corwin has decades of experience in financial management and accounting, having worked with many community organizations, including the Red Cross. She brings a fresh perspective and an accounting background her opponent, current Treasurer Nina Royal, lacks. Royal has put in many years of hard work as one of Sunland-Tujunga's most storied activists but recent statements by Royal show that perhaps it's time for her to move on after many years on the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. Royal seems more suited to matters of outreach, public safety and policy. With a move by City Controller Ron Galperin to become more transparent and use technology to share financial data with city residents, neighborhood councils would be well advised to choose financial professionals as treasurer to help sort out the new process. Vote for Bonnie Corwin.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP REPS - VOTE FOR

DANA STANGEL - Stangel is a longtime local resident who has shown significant talent and passion creating and running non-profit organizations, most notably Teranga Ranch which helps to rescue reptiles and similar animals. She has great energy, is extremely intelligent and will bring much needed new blood to the board. Stangel is probably one of the most exciting candidates in this year's crop.

SERGIO E. SOTO - Soto's previous public service has been limited to his membership in his local Masonic Lodge and it appears that he wants to serve on the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council to help boost that organization. However, he exhibits newcomer energy that the board is severely in need of. I believe he will very quickly learn the ropes and be a great representative.

ROSIE N. TER-MATEVOSYAN - Another newcomer, but as an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Rosie knows what it's like to live under a repressive regime. As it was once said "Only Nixon can go to China," perhaps Rosie can share her American dream experience in her leadership and make the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council an open, serving and transparent organization once again.

KRYSTEE CLARK  - Coming on what will be her sophomore term on the board if re-elected, Clark has a lot of passion, is articulate and is one of the younger members of the bunch. While published comments she made about the effort to save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course concern me, I'm willing to give Krystee another shot.

MARLENE HITT - Marlene has decades of service in Sunland-Tujunga and is most known for her work with Bolton Hall and the Little Landers Historical Society. As much as Krystee Clark brings youth, Marlene brings context and can adeptly advise the board on matters within the conext of our long history. 

JOHN LAUE - A former member of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council board, Laue wishes to return and use his knowledge of environmental issues to advise the board. Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council needs someone like this, particuarlly with issues around the Wash, the golf course and other matters that are touched by environmental issues. He will make a good addition to the board.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP REPS - ABSOLUTELY DO NOT VOTE FOR

JOHN BLUE - Blue is another long time member of the board, but is not a member of the machine. In fact, he's a frequent thorn in the side to President Mark Seigel and Vice President Cindy Cleghorn, as well as others. John may feel he means well, but he's not shown the emotional maturity - despite his chronological age to serve on the panel and be a team player. There is every bit of room for a loyal opposition but John's is not reasoned and at times, displays a slight paranoia and inappropriate behavior in meetings. Do not vote for John Blue.

CINDY CLEGHORN - This could be the most important vote you ever cast. While Cleghorn has a long volunteer resume and walls of awards at home, she has not shown that she has the temperament, personality nor character to serve at the high level of power and leadership she had secured for herself. In her time, the town has not prospered and has actually gotten worse. There are many questions about her leadership and her simultaneous role serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce is concerning. Do not, under any circumstance, vote for Cindy Cleghorn.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP REPS - NO RECOMMENDATION

The following candidates have not supplied sufficient information for us to offer an opinion:  Patrick Daniel O’Brien, Jon Edward von Gunten, Julie Cuddihy Vicki Goorjian Pierce.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES - VOTE FOR

Region 1 - Kresse Armour, Jorge A. Martinez
Region 2 - Arsen Karamians, Arno Akobyan
Region 3 - Jim Moore, David Barron
Region 4 - Charlie Bradley, Maureen A. O'Byrne

Details of Tujunga Golf Course Developer Lawsuit Emerge

Idyllic day at Verdugo Hills Golf Course, Photo by Joseph Mailander

Our friend Joseph Mailander visited Sunland-Tujunga Friday, did some digging and unearthed some details on the lawsuit that Snowball West Investments, owners of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course in Tujunga, has filed against the City of Los Angeles over it's designation of a small piece of the property as a "historic landmark."

You may remember that last fall, Alarcon presented to the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council a strategy to block development of 229 homes on the site, by declaring the property, which was used during World War II as a detention camp for Japanese-Americans and others, a "historic landmark."

This was at the height of Alarcon's campaign for the State Assembly; a race he later lost.

At some point during the process for historic designation, the stated intent of the effort changed; not to block development, but to provide some historic mitigation to the Japanese community, and acquire some sort of recognition and memorial at the site.  As Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council board member Krystee Clark told the Glendale News-Press, "Well, it's not really about the golf course," she said. "It's about making sure the area is preserved in a way that satisfies the Japanese American community."

The following is courtesy of Joseph Mailander:

The suit that the owners of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course have brought against the City of Los Angeles is mostly pointed at Alarcon's actions in his final days as a Council Member. 

It notes how Alarcon introduced the motion to designate the site as a Japanese monument on October 12, 2012..."25 days before the General Election and without notice to Snowball."
It references an LA Times report noting that Alarcon had hoped to "save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course from residential development by adding it to the list of historic and cultural monuments"--something Alarcon's office and others were denying when they found later that this might constitute deprivation of due process. 

It alleges that Alarcon refused to talk about the designation with Snowball. [BTW, it notes how the community within the development is to be privately gated.] It claims that Alarcon in bringing the motion to Council on June 21, surprised the developer, because the PLUM Committee had asked for a working Committee to work on a solution 60 days subsequent to June 11, 2013--but brought the matter before Council before his term ended, a scant ten days later. 

It alleges that in Alarcon's "rush to prevent, delay, and impact" the Project, "no research was conducted, no reports or maps were consulted, and no findings were made to determine the boundaries of the detention station or exactly where the use was previously located on the property. It alleges the box drawn around the oaks was "nearly arbitrary." 

It suggests Alarcon's motivation was originally to please voters in running for his Assembly race, which he did not win. 

It requests a jury trial and names the sum of $20 million as compensatory damages.