The Insane Development of Big Tujunga Canyon

Big Tujunga Today

The continuing insanity of over-densifying Los Angeles has now come to the rural northern hamlet of Sunland-Tujunga. 

Plans are afoot to build a major development of nearly 250 luxury homes smack dab in the middle of Big Tujunga Canyon, near what has been used as space for baseball fields and archery ranges. And the rest of it, just good old fashioned open space.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the Big Tujunga Wash is a major tributary of the Los Angeles River which links the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean offering residents of the Los Angeles area a link to a natural environment. The Place's wooden riparian area serves as an important wildlife corridor, as well as a habitat for sensitive animal species.

But the powers that be want a Santa Clarita style mini city. All in a location at the base of Foothills with only a two lane road in and out. 

Can you say "Stop the Insanity?" More to come.

For More Information: Check Out Save Big Tujunga Canyon's Facebook Page.

Previous plan from 2007

Current Project Plan

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.

MayorSam Tidbits

The Downey Police Officers Association endorsed Downey City Councilman Mario A. Guerra for State

Senate. This is the first time that the Downey Police Officers Association has endorsed any candidate for state office in their 55 year history. Downey Police Officers Association President Michael Pope, stated "This is something we take very serious – not only is Mario one of us, having served as our Chaplain for over a decade, but he has always supported our officers regardless of the political cost to him personally.” Guerra is running to represent the 32nd State Senatorial District. It is a new re-districted seat that has no incumbent.

In a letter to his staff today, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Director of the Department of Public Health and County Health Officer, announced his retirement. Fielding has been in the position for the last 16 years.

The issue of the homeless and that of aggressive behavior by such has been growing in the community of Sunland-Tujunga, LA's last rural outpost. In recent days, Facebook pages have overflowed with reports of incidents of customers at fast food outlets being accosted by homeless, various indigents trying to get inside cars with motorists and the report that a self-storage location was being lived in by homeless (we understand that situation has now been corrected). Many residents have expressed anger at the City's homeless policy and that local officials are pursuing policies that are drawing new homeless to the area from Downtown Los Angeles and other areas. Stay tuned.

This weekend sees the latest release of the latest book by our friend and former MayorSam blogger, Joseph

Mailander, LA at Intermission: A City Mingling Towards Identity. Mailander says the the book is about "the disintegration of identity in Los Angeles, and the re-emergence of a kind of more neutral, breezing, and shiftless civic identity." Hits Kindle this weekend.

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

Homeless Person Attacks Father and Child at Sunland McDonald's; Locals Question Homeless Policy

Originally posted at our sister blog, The Foothills. Observed.

Sign of the Times

While many of us certainly feel compassion for those who are down on their luck and faced with the cycle of homeless, the fact that a large percentage of the homeless population are mentally ill, drug addled and violent offenders creates a huge public safety issue for the residents, families and children of our community. With an establishment, local police force and local government that is seemingly unwilling and/or incapable of dealing with the problem - and in fact may actually intentionally be excaberating it - it is time for the community to take action on it's own.

Information, contact details and an upcoming neighborhood watch meeting is listed at the end of this article. 
Read the following story posted by one of our readers at our Foothills Observed Facebook page:

Tonight I reached my threshold. Done and done.

I’m sharing this post not to start a debate or heated discussion. I share it because tonight, I got first hand experience seeing why things have gotten so out of hand with the homeless population and the effects it’s had on our community and everyone's safety.
I was at McDonald’s tonight on Foothill in Sunland having my child’s parent teacher conference.

A homeless woman obviously high on some sort of narcotic, chased a man and his toddler in the parking lot, kicking him and his car. He ran inside telling the staff to call 911. She followed him in screaming obscenities and yelling about heroine. The situation got extremely heated, the manager called 911, and my daughter’s teacher and I decided it was time to get out of there. I exited the front door only to have the woman follow me and attempt to get into my passenger side door. Thankfully, I was able to hit lock before she could open it. She then went to the rear of my SUV and started pounding on my car calling me names and screaming about heroine. I started my car and she walked across the parking lot to her shopping cart and got a metal baseball bat, banging it on the ground, and came toward my vehicle again. I threw it in reverse and sped off before she got to back to my car. 

I drove back to McDonalds moments later and didn’t see her so I went in to wait with the gentleman who was assaulted, so that I could offer a witness report. The person on the line asked the manager if anyone was hurt. When he said no, but they needed an officer to respond, he was told to ignore the woman and she would go away. We waited… no response. The staff at McDonalds told me that they have to call 911 often because there are homeless people who come in often threatening them with rocks, boulders, and other makeshift weapons, for food and money. 9 out of 10 times, there is no police response to their calls. Some of them are scared to even go to work. The kids eating their dinner in the dining room looked terrified. I left the parking lot once again telling myself, I’ve had it with this place. Wishing I didn’t feel that way.

I came home and called the Foothill Division to express my disappointment at the lack of response. I spoke to an Officer Carlin who blew me off, and told me that if I wasn’t hurt and if it was resolved there was nothing he could do. He then told me that they were too busy for my phone call, and that if I wanted to say something I could drive down to the station. He became more helpful when I asked him for his name, badge number , and supervisor. 

His supervisor Officer Kennedy came on the line and heard me out, apologized and told me that he would send a car out as soon as possible and that he was aware that McDonalds had frequent episodes of this nature. That they do all they can but there is only ONE patrol car assigned to patrol Tujunga regularly. I found that disappointing too. But even the supervisor didn’t ask for my name or contact info in case he wanted to follow up with me or have me offer a formal statement of any kind. 

There are people who’ve said that we should embrace this epidemic and be more understanding. But the situation I witnessed tonight is just one of many, it’s happening more and more and it’s ignored.

Part of me got home and felt like just moving on, that calling wouldn’t make a difference. But after hearing the officer at the field office be so cocky and uninterested I was glad I did, even if I had to hold for 20 minutes to talk to his supervisor. Maybe that is what it will take… people calling and pursuing action all the time, every time.

At the root of much of this appears to be the secret machinations of the so-called "Sunland-Tujunga

The word in Spanish is "BASTA (enough)!"

Homeless Working Group," an organization made up of representatives of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighbohrood Council, Council District 7 staff and other organizations. This was the group who recently held a "homeless resources fair" at Sunland Park, previously home for 50 years to our Watermelon Festival, enticing local homeless as well as those bused in from other communities to receive public assistance, housing, ID cards (paid for by STNC) and free food. Following this event, locals noticed an increase in homeless in the park, dumping of trash and a proliferation of shopping carts.

As writer/blogger Joseph Maiilander noted, the Homeless Working Group does not invite public participation and it's meetings are considered confidential, inclusion is at the whim of CD7 Council Member Felipe Fuentes: 

After three months of pressing the Council office, it has finally been determined: The Sunland-Tujunga Homeless Issues Working Group meets PRIVATELY, by invite of Councilmember Felipe Fuentes ONLY, and the public is NOT invited.

When such meetings that so dramatically affect the future of the community are conducted in private, completely out of community view, with no public review whatsoever--and the Neighborhood Council does not even register any protest that they should be conducted in public--can anyone really still believe that this happens because the Council office, the developer of Day Street, or the people in the group are working in the best interests of the community of Sunland-Tujunga?

When the Neighborhood Council swallows such a private arrangement so gladly, can anyone believe your Neighborhood Council is working in the interest of your community?
You as a community are entirely cut out of that dialog--a dialog that directly affects your community's future, a dialog that is establishing your community as the homeless destination of the Northeast Valley. And yet your Neighborhood Council only seems fine with this relationship, and doesn't even care that these meetings are private!

That's the kind of playing along that government officials just love to hand out certificates for.

As our local officials have failed us, it is time for the community to speak out. It is highly suggested that you contact LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and demand he conduct a full investigation of the Sunland-Tujunga Homeless Working Group and a full review of all policies/actions dealing with the homeless in our community:

500 West Temple Street, Room 869
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-5555
(213) 974-1010 FAX

You can send the Supervisor an email at this link.

Additionally, please contact Council Member Felipe Fuentes to demand he open the Homeless Working Group and all records of it's decisions to the public:

7747 Foothill Blvd.

Tujunga, CA 91042

Tel: (818) 352-3287 | Fax: (818) 352-8563

You can reach Wesly Hernandez, Area Director at wesly.hernandez@lacity.org

You can also speak up at an upcoming Neighborhood Watch Meeting, this coming Tuesday, November 19th, at 7 pm at North Valley City Hall. 

7747 Foothill Blvd.

Tujunga, CA 91042

Reaching out to these elected officials and attending these meetings will not immediately change things. But the more people who speak up, bug the hell out of these elected officials and step up more often to resist the status quo will begin to make a change.

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.

Keep Development Off Historic Tujunga Site

The Tuna Canyon Detention Station in Tujunga (now site of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course) was an important site in local World War II history, where "enemy aliens" of Japanese, Italian and German ancestry were kept at the height of the war, prior to being "processed" and sent to other more permanent camps. 

Developers now seek to turn the idyllic spot located at the base of a heavily traveled canyon pass into a massive residential development. This project would not only have a serious negative environmental impact on the local community but disgrace the memory of the horrible history of that site. 

On Thursday, April 18, the Cultural Heritage Commission will discuss whether or not Tuna Canyon Detention Station should be granted Historic-Cultural Monument status.

A city staff report has recommended AGAINST the Historic-Cultural Monument designation. You can help by attending the meeting and/or sending your comments to the Commission in support of the Historic-Cultural Monument status for Tuna Canyon Detention Station.

CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION
10:00 A.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013
200 North Spring Street
City Hall, Room 1010
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Share your comments with the Cultural Heritage Committee:

Richard Barron, President
Cultural Heritage Commission
City of Los Angeles
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Subject Line: "Historic-Cultural Monument Application for Site of the Tuna Canyon Detention Station"

Email comments to: edgar.garcia@lacity.org
Please also copy the Council Office: gerald.gubatan@lacity.org

Please let us know if you plan to attend the meeting: info@savethegolfcourse.org.

If you will be driving to the meeting and would like parking access be sure to include the make/color of your car, license plate information, and your phone number.

A Bloggin Public Comment on alleged Sunland Tujunga NC Censorship and IBEW

Has the Sunland-Tujinga Neighborhood Council become a censoring shill for the Official Union of the Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel" Campaign?

The Official Union Bug of the Wendy "The Embraced Villar Greuel" Campaign.

We now bring you this bloggin public comment from Wally Wharton aka "Rita of Sunland".

There is no bloggin censorship here at Mayor Sam

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Sunland-Tujunga Launches Food Truck Fest; Spurs Local Debate; Area Restauranteur Comes Out Swinging in Defense of the Event

Joselito's Mexican Food

Recently, the issue of food trucks, one that often stirs strong emotions on both sides of the fence in the City of Angels, has made it's most recent venue that of the idyllic foothill community of Sunland-Tujunga.

About a month ago, leaders from the local chamber of commerce organized and launched a weekly Wednesday night food truck fest that from all appearances seems to have taken off like wildfire. The number of trucks participating has quickly doubled and participant estimates are nearing 5000 diners or more.

Despite the popularity with the local rank and file, a portion of the business community and other activists have had a near visceral reaction to the event, sparking weeks of wars on local Facebook pages. Newly re-assigned City Councilman Richard Alarcon, at a "meet and greet" even held on Tuesday evening has pledged to review the issue as it is Alarcon's fear the food trucks are "dividing the community." A more reasoned position may be that the food trucks are dividing the Facebook community, but we digress...

Read more »

Mini Pips for a Humpday Afternoon

How does a controversial local newspaper publisher with an extensive criminal record continue to publish his paper and serve as a "principal for the day" at a local high school? That's the question on the mind of many residents of Sunland-Tujunga; follow the reporting at Joe B's Mop and Bucket Blog.

The Chairman of the Democratic National Convention AKA 11% Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is coming after your wallet. He wants to extend LA's increased sales tax to pay for more transportation boondoggles. With news of the utter failure of California's goofy high speed rail plan, is this really the time to tie up much needed tax dollars in a down economy?

Congressional candidate and former MayorSam blogger Phil Jennerjahn details his property rights platform.

In case you missed it, last Saturday night Frank Sheftel, David Hernandez and I spoke with political consultant John Thomas about Carmen Trutanich's embarrassing court defeat last week over his ballot title.

Cool random photo shot by Joseph Mailander in Silver Lake over at this Street Hassle Blog.

By the way, if you haven't "liked" us on Facebook yet, please kindly consider visiting our page and doing so. Additional content and a great way to network with other MayorSam fans.

A Councilman Richard AlarCON Press Release on Proposed Redistricting

Who's your City Council Sugar Daddy now Sunland-Tujunga?

Councilmember Alarcón Releases Statement Regarding Draft City Council District Maps

(Los Angeles, CA) – The Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission yesterday released draft maps for new council district lines in the City of Los Angeles.  Councilmember Richard Alarcón, who has represented the Northeast San Fernando Valley for nearly 20 years, released the following statement reacting to the proposed new lines:

Statement of Los Angeles City Councilmember Richard Alarcón

“In a City with rapidly changing demographics like Los Angeles, part of the reality that Councilmembers are faced with is that district lines must change every ten years.  Every Councilmember builds a relationship with the community they serve, and it is hard to lose part of the area you have represented.  If the draft lines proposed by the Commission are approved, I would no longer have the opportunity to represent a portion of North Hills and Panorama City that it has been my honor to serve as a Councilmember.

“While I would be very sorry to no longer represent parts of these communities, I welcome the opportunity to work with people in Sunland-Tujunga if that is how the final lines are drawn.  I am very familiar with the Sunland-Tujunga area, having grown up next door in Sun Valley and having heard stories from my father about how he would swim at the Sunland Park ‘Plunge’ as a boy.  My father’s upholstery business also had a lot of clients in the Sunland-Tujunga community, including former Councilmember Howard Finn and his wife Anne.  Sunland-Tujunga’s unique geographic setting creates a distinct community with true community spirit that I admire.

“Sunland-Tujunga has always played an important role in the City’s redistricting process and the community has previously been grouped with Pacoima, Lake View Terrace and other parts of the current Seventh Council District.  I remember when the Sunland-Tujunga community was wary of the 1986 redistricting process, which drew Hollywood Councilmember Joel Wachs into a new district that included Sunland-Tujunga.  Joel did a great job representing Sunland-Tujunga on the City Council and, if given the opportunity to serve this area as well, it would be my goal to be as appreciated by the community as Councilmember Wachs was.”

- # # # -

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Meet Lake View Terrace/ Sunland-Tujunga's latest "Favorite Political Son"

"MEAT" 

If you hear and then feel a giant thud originating from the Lake View Terrace/ Sunland-Tujunga area this evening, rest assure that its only the sorid byproduct of the latest political escapades from one Michael "MEAT" Trujillo. 

Activists across the rural refugees are stun this evening that their enclaves may forever be change with Council District 7, under the auspices of City Councilman Richard AlarCON, taking over for CD 2 and its popular Councilman Paul Krekorian, if the proposed redistricting maps are approved.

And who was CD 7 Councilman AlarCON's point person on the redistricting commission to make this possible? Let the LA Weekly's Simone "the Snarky One" Wilson point out the sad particulars..... and its going to hurt. 

Take Michael Trujillo, the mouthpiece selected by City Councilman Richard Alarcon to represent City Council District 7 on the commission. It only takes an institutional memory of about one year to trace Trujillo back to that terrifying email, sent on behalf of City Councilman Jose Huizar's re-election campaign, which read, "We are about to put a political bullet in between Rudy Martinez's forehead and make him pee in his pants too." (Among other creepy obscenities.)

And most recently, in what appeared to be a violation of his terms as redistricting commissioner, Trujillo was caught celebrating the victory of another City Council candidate, as if he had helped helm the campaign.

Seriously, how is this dude still on the council's list of potential hires? As LA Weekly news editor Jill Stewart wrote, "City Hall is badly in need of people who are good at policy, not politics. Trujillo isn't good at either." How appropriate, now, that this incurable negative-campaigner should be hand-picked (sloppy seconds!) by Councilman Alarcon, the most nepotistic of the bunch, currently being investigated for felony voter fraud/perjury after very clearly moving outside his own district.

So you see the type of talent you've got repping your friendly neighborhood interests in the sculpting of Los Angeles. 

....... if these boundaries hold true, what type of future is in store for the likes of the KMART site on Foothill?

Maybe a "Richard AlarCON/Teamsters Truck Driving School"??

..... and that scary scenario is possible thanks to the antics of "MEAT".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Kevin James Joins Michael On-Air Tonight

This evening I will be broadcasting live from Tujunga's hottest new comfort food eatery, Olde Towne's Comfort and Joy Cafe at 10024 Commerce.  Mayoral candidate and radio talk show host, Kevin James, is hosting a meet and greet as part of one of his many campaign swings through the Foothills communities of Los Angeles.

In the meantime, Frank and David will be back in the studio with even more fun and frivolity during the fastest fifty minutes in radio!

Listen live at 8:00 p.m. PST by clicking here!

Morning Briefs on a Shifting Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

The political honeymoon between Sunland-Tujunga and CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian is over. ** Read letter from the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council to Councilman Krekorian that was crafted after rare Sunday Special Meeting. 

 Joe Barrett's S.T centric Blog "Action Alert" on Ed Reyes CD 1 style density in CD 2. From Joe B. This is very serious. We have a un-vetted project being fast tracked through the City. An incomplete application, no addressing the Historical Resource Impacts (to Bolton Hall), substandard infrastructure, and a Councilman that's MIA. Please write your letters today!

Why would Councilman Krekorian fail to find a need for supplemental environmental review on the Samoa Project considering among others ....

•  The historic resource preservation cannot be ignored.

•  There is inadequate parking and Samoa is a sub-standard street.

•  There are no provisions to improve the infrastructure and the existing infrastructure can't handle the density now.

•  The impacts on public safety.  High crime area. 

•  Thorough Environmental Review must be required.

But then that was the argument of the Friends of the Southwest Museum, when they requested that a Supplemental EIR be conducted on the Autry National Center' plans to use public money to increase exhibit space at its Griffith Park location. And who was the council person that shot down the proposal?

OTHER NEWS AFTER THE JUMP.  

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Open Letter to Joseph

Joseph Mailander, at the Street Hassle blog, has been all over some major issues in Los Angeles, including the meltdown in City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's office and the profanity laced alleged rants of potential CD15 candidate Pat McOsker. This was a good run after Mailander spent a week or two with bizarre screeds about politics in Sunland-Tujunga, in my view, fueled by his personal animosity towards local activist and MayorSam blogger, Joe Barrett.

Mailander must have needed a Sunland-Tujunga "hit," because while all the other blogs are all over Nuch, under his "Mulholland Terrace" pen name, Mailander has a cow about the use of video cameras to ensure transparency at public meetings.

After the jump, I try to reach Joseph.
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Open Thread for Monday

No HotSheet today....but here are a few topics for you

- What will Joseph Mailander say this week about Sunland-Tujunga
- Who will Mayor Villaraigosa pick for his Chief of Staff?
- Is Janice Hahn going to Congress?
- Will Noel Weiss go with her?

Mailander Notches Up Sunland-Tujunga Jihad

How can he hate this place?

Oddly, for some time, blogger Joseph Mailander has been on a strange tear against activists in Sunland-Tujunga who wish to review and add more teeth to the community's Bush 41 era general plan.

It's only my opinion, but if I may SPECULATE, Joseph is angry at Sunland-Tujunga activist and MayorSam blogger, Joe Barrett.  Some kind of personal beef, who cares.

Mailander has now even gone as far to indirectly refer to activists in the foothill community as "animals," dredging up an old quote from the former grand dame of Joel Wach's fiefdom, Arlene DeSantis.

Back in the day, before it was crammed into LeBongLand, NoHo was part of CD2 as well.  We knew Arlene quite well.  She had the sensitivity of Leona Helmsley when it came to resident concerns.

Fortunately for the remainder of CD2, they have the all star team of Paul Krekorian's staff who actually give a rip. I digress.

Mailander has been making a lot of wacky claims about this issue.  Normally we would not care. But given the isolation of Sunland-Tujunga and it's importance to the region, the record simply must be set straight.

Stay tuned over the next several days as we deconstruct the former "blogging godfather's" rant and roll.

And we apologize for any mess in the process.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

No-See-Em Any More

The LA City Council has voted to end the much despised Red Light Camera program on July 31. Councilman Zine is also advising LA residents to ignore any tickets that they may receive if caught on camera blowing through an intersection between now and July 31.. Thanks, Dennis!

Uh-Oh, Empty suit in Cali! Hide your checkbooks!

Union Rescue Mission is shutting down some homeless shelters that are under contract to local and federal agencies due to non-payment or not adequate compensation for services provided. URM is claiming that they are still owed over $300,000 by FEMA for operating four winter shelters in Los Angeles.
URM has also experienced a big drop in donations while experiencing a 100% increase in need for services. Additionally, URM will be facing a $1.3 mil deficit beginning July 1st.

Joseph Mailander AKA Mulholland Terrace AKA The Stay at Home Blogger managed to step deeply into his own blogger poop twice already this week (and it's only Wednesday). His 2 reports on the efforts by the Sunland-Tujunga community to improve and bring some teeth to our Specific Plan were long on innuendo and speculation, but noticeably absent of  basic facts. Bizarrely, he calls out the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance (the group I am co-director of) for being quiet on a proposed SB1818 apartment complex: 
"The Sunland Tujunga Alliance, once groud zero of the City's anti-density advocacy, has also been unusually quiet about a pending 64-unit inclusionary zoning project on Samoa..."

 A couple of problems with Joseph Mailander's statement; 

1.The STA has never dealt with housing issues or high density in our entire existence. Our focus has always been upholding the Foothill Blvd Corridor Specific Plan, which regulates commercial properties and retail development.
2.There are currently no plans filed with the City for the Samoa Project.  It's extremely difficult for anyone to fight against a theoretical apartment building.

Joseph, next time, try to do a little research, get both sides of the story, and maybe actually attend a S-T community meeting instead of writing your story pretending that you were there.

Finally, in case you missed Red Spot's story; Mike Gatto is very, very, upset!

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis Zine faces a major dilemna as he is allegedly dating a woman who is a lobbyist for a major firm that was denied a lucrative contract at LAX.  The firm is now protesting that decision.  Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in West Los Angeles told the South Bay Daily Breeze that Zine should recuse himself from voting on the contract.  Because Zine is not married to the lobbyist and would not personally benefit, it may not be illegal for him to participate in deliberations.  However Stern said  "He shouldn't be participating in a decision that involves somebody he's dating, and he certainly shouldn't be the one leading the charge on this. It just doesn't look appropriate."

The State of California desperately needs money and USC wants to buy the Coliseum, next door to the campus and the home of it's football games.  The Coliseum Commission, as well as Council members Jan Perry and Bernard Parks are saying "hold the phone."

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Mini-wet climate change for Southern California next week

Who thought that our climate would of change so quick thanks to Mayor Antonio Villar?

Water vapor with its carbon compound heading to Southern California.

Did Al Gore predict this? Was it the leadership of Mayor Antonio Villar and a bunch of other green mayors of the world, who with their little pens, signed a photo-op-inspired climate accord, that has since brought us record cold and now potential record rainfall to Los Angeles? But on the bright side, Mayor's Villar's Annual Icelandic Adventures Host Keith Brackpool may get enough residue moisture to refill his Cadiz Aquifer in the East Mojave.

But seriously, our friends in the foothills whether in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, El Sereno, Mission Hills and especially in Sunland-Tujunga need to keep both eyes on the skies, them hills and stay away from the storm channels!!. Rain is here and much more is on the pineapple conveyor belt. (see water vapor photo above).

In what is suppose to be an La Nina Winter (those darn "politically-correct climatologists can't get it right), this next series of storms has the character of what we would get in a hyper El Nino episode. Storms impulses, back to back, are lined up with their target on Southern California. For our friends in Sunland-Tujunga be thankful for human beings like Joe Barrett and most important, those dams and debris basins in Big Tujunga Canyon and Haines Canyon respectively. They figure to earn their keep in the stormy days ahead.

The National Weather Service in Oxnard has a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles County with emphasis on the recent burn areas within the mentioned counties. The storm conveyor belt, with its fetch way back into the Western Pacific, may continue on with rain being forecast for Christmas Weekend. Who knows? Santa may want to deputize the fine Swift Water Rescue Teams of LAFD to deliver presents on Christmas Eve?

But in the days ahead, lets remember to take a little extra time to practice due diligence around our respective residences and in executing everyday tasks. Plus, rain is a blessed episode that will bring us a colorful spring, especially for us lovers of desert wildflowers.

........ and for the likes of Mayor Antonio Villar and those on the California Air Resources Board, carbon in water vapor is a good thing. I think the trees and plants would agree.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14