Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday

I had heard this earlier in the day Thursday; Farmers' Insurance is moving it's massive headquarters operation from Simi Valley - where they've been housed since 1982 - to Woodland Hills.  It extremely rare that a large company like that moves from nearby pro-business cities to business unfriendly Los Angeles. However Farmers picked up some real estate in Warner Center when they bought 21st Century Insurance so it makes sense to move.  According to Mulholland Terrace the move caught the Mayor's office completely unawares.  Perhaps the folks at Farmers could join Councilman Dennis Zine at the new Warner Center Costco for a cheap hot dog.



Where does Councilman Richard Alarcon live? Well we know where he says he lives and where he really lives.  If you want to see a photo of both homes, click here.

Mayor Villaraigosa was on alert to perform the first legal gay marriage in the City of LA once the decision to lift the ban was to be made final on Thursday. It's been delayed until next week so one could imagine the Mayor sitting dejected, in his robe, bible in hand and Bette Midler records playing in the background.  By the way there was no idea who would get married by the Mayor had the ban been lifted.

Blogger Pablo Manriquez can't figure out what is worse: that Republicans vilify Latinos (a ridiculous claim) or that Democrats ignore the nation's residents of Hispanic origin.  Manriquez wonders aloud why, when Latinos vote for Democrats in large numbers and get nothing from them.  Yea all us former Democrats used to wonder the same thing too!

Senate candidate Carly Fiorina - who is now enjoying a comfortable lead over Senator Barbara Boxer in the polls - is breaking with some conservatives who call for a change to the 14th amendment in order to prevent the children of illegal immigrants who are born here from becoming citizens.  I agree with Fiorina we don't need to go here.  Birthright citizenship is a long held American tradition and makes us a richer nation overall.

Councilman Jose Huizar says that it's likely his stupid Downtown Streetcar idea won't happen by 2014 as he had originally planned.  Good thing he won't be Clowncilman after next year anyway.

So when did local scribes decide to opt out of covering local elections? It's a time honored tradition that bloggers and scribes maintain some relationship with political consultants as a valued source for news.  South Bay Daily Breeze writer Nick Green has decided to check out of covering the Congressional race where controversial incumbent Jane Harman is being challenged by Mattie Fein.  At least as much that he has refused requests from Fein's consultant John Thomas (yes that John Thomas) to discuss remarks Harman has made about the local economy.  Say what you want about operatives like Thomas or our friend Michael Trujillo but smart writers maintain contact with these guys - whether you abhor their clients or not - and relu on them for good dish.

We received bittersweet news Thursday.  Longtime Los Angeles County Director of Public Affairs Judy Hammond announced her retirement as of December 31st.  Hammond is diligent in her duties sending out press releases and data on topics related to County government and really does an excellent job.  Her press releases are always a welcome part of our inbox.  She will be missed but we wish her the very best on this next phase in her life.

And good news received from the folks at Google with new features announced for Blogger comment management.  The features will allow us to mark as spam comments such as those from you know who as well as have a more centralized process for all admins to manage comments.