ms2 - the backyard of los angeles politics

Christine Essel Likes Animals

2009-12-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Animal Supporter & Friend,

My name is Christine Essel and I am running to be the 2nd District's representative on the Los Angeles City Council. Whether or not you live in CD 2 - which includes the communities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village, Valley Glen, North Hollywood, Sunland, Tujunga, Lake View Terrance, Sun Valley, and Shadow Hills - it is likely that a number of your friends and family are eligible to vote in this election.

I am writing to let you know that I share the widespread concerns about the future of animals that are victims of the current economic downturn. These animals will be affected by decisions made by the City Council, as it deals with declining revenues and a shrinking budget.

As an animal lover all my life, I have supported many efforts to provide assistance and safety for homeless or abused animals, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. I believe in the importance of the animals in our community, and how they enrich our lives as members of our families.

I believe the most profound statement we make is the respect and kindness with which we treat each other and all living creatures. As I ask for your support, I offer you this pledge that I will fight for the humane care and treatment of both companion animals and wildlife as a member of our City Council.
The upcoming election will be extraordinarily close, and I urge to you to remind your friends and family in the Valley to vote on Tuesday, December 8th.

Thank you for your time, your attention, and your commitment to ensuring humane treatment of animals.
Sincerely,

Christine Essel

LAPD Report on Krekorian Home Stalking

2009-11-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to see full size.

Krekorian Home Stalked

2009-11-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

Portion of a letter written by Paul Krekorian with copies below:

This occurred on a Saturday morning, and we arrived home less than a half hour after the incident. With a small change in our schedule, my kids and my wife would have arrived home to find this intruder at our doorstep. No doubt he would have seized that opportunity to turn his camera on them as well.

Chris, in recent weeks you and your campaign have proven that you have completely abandoned any concern about truth or civility, and by doing so you have irreparably stained your own reputation. But stalking my wife and young children at our home is such a despicable move that I need to let you know it won’t be tolerated. This is outright thuggery that has no place in an important campaign.

I need you to fully understand how serious I am about keeping your campaign away from my family. I am a husband and a father before I am a candidate, and you can be assured that I will protect my family and our privacy from your campaign operatives no matter what that takes. In that regard, this evening I filed a police report about the incident with the North Hollywood Division of LAPD.

Krekorian Calls on Nuch to Recuse Himself from Essel Suit

2009-11-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

NORTH HOLLYWOOD – In the wake of a lawsuit that could gut the city’s ethical guidelines and significantly boost the candidacy of Christine Essel, Los Angeles City Council Candidate Paul Krekorian wrote to the city’s top attorney Wednesday, calling on him to ensure that Los Angeles’ ethics laws are upheld.

On Thursday, the “Working Californians” political committee – supporters of Christine Essel - called for an immediate halt to a long standing Ethics Commission law that bars independent expenditures from flooding campaigns with special interest cash.

“The people of Los Angeles enacted our ethics laws in 1990 specifically to reduce the undue influence of special interest money in deciding the outcome of elections,” Krekorian wrote to City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, an Essel supporter. “Among other things, the people voted to create the City Ethics Commission, on which I had the honor of serving, and to place a limitation of $500 on contributions to candidate committees and so-called ‘independent expenditure’ committees. It is this limitation, decided by a vote of the people, that IBEW and ‘Working Californians’ are now trying to reverse. Essentially, this lawsuit is demanding that the people’s will should be rejected and special interest influence should be entirely unlimited.”

In their lawsuit, “Working Families” said, they intend to “produce and disseminate various independent expenditures supporting Christine Essel.”

Essel’s campaign has so far benefited from $527,611.58 in independent expenditure spending, according to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, while reporting nearly $275,000 in her campaign coffers.

Krekorian, on the other hand, is backed by neighborhood leaders in every part of CD2, including Sunland-Tujunga leader Mary Benson, Valley Village leader Pete Sanchez and Sherman Oaks leader Tamar Galatzan.

“That neighborhood support is the true meaning of my campaign and will inform my decisions on the council, not some Downtown power broker who wants another neon billboard or behemoth development,” Krekorian said. “Residents throughout this district should have no doubt who the special interest candidate is and who the power brokers are working feverishly to elect. They will clearly stop at nothing to elect their chosen candidate.”

Krekorian Calls Out Nuch on Essel DWP Suit

2009-11-19T22:09:00.001-08:00

The Honorable Carmen Trutanich

City Attorney of Los Angeles
800 City Hall East
200 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

RE: Working Californians v. City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles City Ethics Commission - CV09-8237 DDP PJWX

Dear Mr. Trutanich:

As you must know by now, “Working Californians,” a political committee controlled by the business managers of IBEW Locals 18 and 11, has filed a lawsuit against the City and the Ethics Commission in federal court seeking to overturn a significant portion of the City’s ethics laws. IBEW Local 18, the union for Department of Water and Power electricians, is supporting my opponent in the December 8^th runoff election for City Council, Christine Essel. Another of Local 18’s so-called “independent expenditure” committees has already spent over $78,000 in support of Essel’s campaign and in attacks on me. Now, in this lawsuit, it is seeking a temporary restraining order to allow it to raise unlimited sums of money so that it can spend even more.

The people of Los Angeles enacted our ethics laws in 1990 specifically to reduce the undue influence of special interest money in deciding the outcome of elections. Among other things, the people voted to create the City Ethics Commission, on which I had the honor of serving, and to place a limitation of $500 on contributions to candidate committees and so-called “independent expenditure” committees. It is this limitation, decided by a vote of the people, that IBEW and “Working Californians” are now trying to reverse. Essentially, this lawsuit is demanding that the people’s will should be rejected and special interest influence should be entirely unlimited.

The ethics reform laws also provided for candidates to receive taxpayer-financed “matching funds” to encourage more small contributions. The people determined that using taxpayer funds for this purpose would be worthwhile to give ordinary people a larger voice in campaigns. However, the people also required that candidates accept limitations on what they may spend on campaigns in order to be eligible for matching funds. When large “independent expenditures” are made (more than $50,000 for any candidate), however, candidates may spend an unlimited amount without refunding the taxpayers’ money. I have pledged to abide by the spending limitations despite these independent expenditures, but Essel has already spent far in excess of the limitation she agreed to when she started taking the taxpayers’ money to finance her campaign. Yet the taxpayers’ money, which could instead have paid for police or fire services, is still sitting in her bank account, ready to be spent on slick mailers.

It is extremely important that, as the lawyer for the City and the Ethics Commission, you ensure that the will of the people is upheld. The people have spoken very clearly about the need to restrict special interest influence. It is now your job to ensure that wealthy special interest committees do not use abusive lawsuits to make a mockery of the City’s ethics laws.

Unfortunately, I am concerned that your personal political considerations will prevent you from providing a vigorous defense of the will of the people. Several months ago, you and I had a telephone conversation in which you told me directly that it would be your policy, as City Attorney, not to make endorsements in Council races because of the potential appearance of conflict of interest that such political endorsements could create. I told you that I respected that policy. But just last week, you violated your own policy by formally endorsing Essel, who would of course reap the direct benefit of Working Californians’ lawsuit. IBEW’s “independent expenditure” committee admits that the entire reason for the lawsuit is that the City’s law prevents it from “raising and accepting funds in sufficient amounts necessary to finance the production and dissemination of communications supporting the election of Christine Essel for City Council,” and further admits that “donors have pledged to contribute funds” in excess of the amounts allowed by law (Complaint, ¶¶ 27-28).

Because you are actively supporting the beneficiary of this lawsuit in a political campaign, I believe you should recuse yourself and your office from representing the people’s interests in this case. I call upon you to provide independent counsel to ensure that our ethics laws are vigorously enforced. Without such independent representation, the people cannot have confidence that your political endorsement of Essel, and your active personal involvement with her campaign, will not taint your judgment and the zealousness of your advocacy on the people’s behalf.

Whether or not you recuse yourself, this lawsuit must be defended and the people’s will respected. I encourage you to take all necessary steps to ensure that the City’s ethics laws are upheld.

Very truly yours,

Paul Krekorian

Mary Benson Endorses Paul Krekorian for City Council

2009-11-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

NORTH HOLLWOOD – Mary Benson, one of the most respected neighborhood advocates in the region and a former candidate in the race for City Council candidate, announced her full endorsement of Paul Krekorian on Friday. The announcement of Benson’s support is a very significant development in the race for CD2 that further exemplifies Krekorian’s widespread grassroots community support.

“Paul Krekorian has the courage of conviction, the experience and the independence to make an immediate impact for us in City Hall,” Benson said. “Paul has provided extraordinary service to constituents in his Assembly District. Paul will be an advocate for our valley interests. Paul will be the most effective in preserving public assets like the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and keeping the integrity of our specific and community plans. Paul Krekorian will be an independent voice in the Council who will fight for us, instead of Downtown interests and big developers. Paul Krekorian is the kind of leader that our district and our city need during these challenging times.”

Benson was one of the top candidates in the first part of the Council race, coming in a very strong fourth place with 1,198 votes (8.29% of the electorate) on September 22. She continually garnered rave reviews at candidate forums when she displayed an impressive mastery of issues, especially with regard to development, open space and the environment.

“Mary Benson is among the most effective advocates for community empowerment in the entire city, and I am thrilled she is now a part of our grassroots movement for change,” Krekorian said. “The issues that Mary has fought for -– open space preservation, limiting overdevelopment and protecting our neighborhoods -– are important parts of my mission in running for City Council, and I am confident of succeeding in that mission with Mary Benson by my side.”

Benson’s endorsement demonstrates Krekorian’s growing momentum in the race and the developing consensus of community leaders. Krekorian has now been endorsed by nearly 100 community leaders and prominent neighborhood activists throughout the Second Council District.

Paul Krekorian Endorses IRV

2009-11-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

From the Better Democracy for Los Angeles Blog

Submitted by Amanda Fowler on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 22:25.

October 30, 2009

Los Angeles City Council runoff candidate Paul Krekorian has endorsed Instant Runoff Voting (IRV).
Currently, Krekorian represents California's 43rd Assembly District, which first elected him in 2006.
"We are pleased to have the support of Paul Krekorian," said Gautam Dutta of New America Foundation. "We look forward to working with him to bring IRV to Los Angeles," Dutta added.
A past member of the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, Krekorian chairs the Assembly Select Committee on Renewable Energy.

Krekorian joins fellow Council District 2 candidate Christine Essel as an IRV supporter. A runoff election between Krekorian and Essel will be held on Dec. 8, 2009.

Essel Swipe at Galatzan

2009-10-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Shallman / 818-728-4200

LAUSD POLITICIAN ENDORSES

SACRAMENTO LEGISLATOR

October 30th, 2009 – LAUSD politician Tamar Galatzan announced today that she will support California State Assembly Leader Paul Krekorian in the 2nd district City Council special election.

Galatzan’s endorsement comes just a few weeks after a meeting with Council candidate and Valley businesswoman Christine Essel. In the meeting, Essel asked Galatzan to consider supporting an effort to reform education in Los Angeles by breaking up the dysfunctional Los Angeles Unified School District. Galatzan was not supportive of the idea and detailed a litany of reasons as to why reform would be impossible.

“Christine Essel never asked for Tamar Galatzan’s endorsement. Instead, she asked her to think about supporting a plan to break up the largest and most dysfunctional school district in America,” Essel spokesman John Shallman said. “Unfortunately, Tamar wouldn’t even consider it. Now she’s trying to protect the bloated LAUSD bureaucracy by issuing a political endorsement of a fellow professional politician who opposes district reform.”

Essel has been on record as a supporter of tough LAUSD reform measures throughout the campaign. Essel’s detailed plan to reform L.A. government, “Big Ideas for a New L.A.,” contains recommendations to reform the failed Los Angeles Unified School District by breaking it up into smaller school districts run by parents and teachers.

###

Tamar Galatzan Endorses Paul Krekorian

2009-10-30T16:41:00.001-07:00

NORTH HOLLYWOOD – Tamar Galatzan, former City Council candidate and current LAUSD Board Member, today announced her endorsement of Paul Krekorian for the city's Second District Council seat. A well-respected community leader and city prosecutor, Galatzan’s endorsement provides a significant boost to the Krekorian campaign.

“Tamar Galatzan is a tremendous advocate for the people of the San Fernando Valley,” Krekorian said. “She is a reformer who continues to push for an innovative agenda of positive change and accountability for our schools, even when she has had to stand up to politically powerful interests. She has been on the front lines of fighting against crime and for a better quality of life for Valley families and has a deep understanding of our public safety needs. I am thrilled that Tamar has joined our Valley-oriented campaign for change in City Hall, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with her to make CD 2 streets and schools safer.”

Galatzan, a Valley neighborhood prosecutor and School Board member, finished a very strong third place in the CD2 primary election, garnering 2,128 votes (12.99% of the total votes cast). Throughout the campaign, she consistently impressed voters with her depth of understanding of the issues facing the Valley and her innovative ideas for solving the City’s problems.

"Paul Krekorian shares my values and my concerns about Valley neighborhoods," said Galatzan. "I admire his results-oriented leadership in the State Assembly on runaway film production, as well as his vote against the release of thousands of state inmates who would end up in our communities. CD2 voters should know that Paul has been consistent in his support for neighborhood councils and his opposition to overdevelopment. Paul is a proven advocate for Valley homeowners and jobs, and he has the skills and familiarity with CD2 to be an effective councilmember for us. I look forward to voting for him on Dec. 8.”

In addition to being endorsed by nearly 100 neighborhood leaders and advocates from throughout CD2, Krekorian has also earned recent endorsements from the Daily News, VICA Chairman Greg Lippe, and Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. President Richard Close.

Gavin Newsom Withdrawl Statement

2009-10-30T15:16:00.003-07:00

It is with great regret I announce today that I am withdrawing from the race for governor of California. With a young family and responsibilities at city hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to — and should be — done.

This is not an easy decision. But it is one made with the best intentions for my wife, my daughter, the residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and California Democrats.

When I embarked on this campaign in April, my goal was to engage thousands and thousands of Californians dedicated to reforming our broken system and bringing change to Sacramento.

I would like to thank those supporters, volunteers, and donors who have worked so hard on my behalf. I have been humbled by their support and am indebted to their efforts. They represent the spirit of change and determination essential to putting California back on the right track.

I will continue to fight for change and the causes and issues for which I care deeply — universal health care, a cleaner environment, and a green economy for our families, better education for our children, and, of course, equal rights under the law for all citizens.

Krekorian Wins Endorsement of Sherman Oaks Homeowners President Richard Close

2009-10-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Richard Close, one of the Valley's most active and respected leaders for decades and the President of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, announced his endorsement of Paul Krekorian for City Council this week. The endorsement is the latest in a growing number of prominent Valley leaders who are coalescing around Krekorian's campaign, which has been driven largely by the broad grassroots support of homeowner leaders, neighborhood council members and other community activists.

“For three decades, Richard Close has been a tireless advocate for Sherman Oaks and a champion of the entire Valley," Krekorian said. “I am honored that he has endorsed me and joined my true grassroots movement to reform City Hall and make it work for us. With just six weeks left until Election Day, I will work closely with Richard and other Sherman Oaks leaders to bring my message of change to the Second District and the entire Valley. As my campaign continues to gain growing momentum from community-based support, the residents of this district have a real opportunity to create change in the Council and reject the status quo of Downtown politics as usual.”

Close, who has been president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association for about 30 years, said that Krekorian is the best choice for the Valley.

“Paul Krekorian is a true leader for our neighborhoods and the right person at the right time for this job,” Close said. “He is our best hope to fight overdevelopment and to fight for the interests of Valley residents. Paul has a proven record of effective service to his constituents in the state legislature, and I know he will do the same for us as a member of the City Council."

Last week, education leader Louis Pugliese also endorsed Krekorian, who already counts nearly 100 neighborhood council members and community leaders in his circle of support.

In addition to his long service as President of SOHA, Richard Close was Chairman of Valley VOTE from 1998 to 2003 and has been a Board Member since 2003. Valley VOTE is a diverse coalition of San Fernando Valley residents, business people, educators, community activists, and organizations committed to exploring and fostering the implementation of programs that empower the people of the San Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles.

Activist Hits Jerry Brown for Supporting Republican

2009-10-18T19:48:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct. 17, 2009

1,655 words

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sam H. Clauder II, 909-496-4310, Sam.Clauder@gmail.com

Permission to reprint and redistribute is granted.

Jerry Brown in trouble after appearance in San Bernardino County

by Sam H. Clauder II

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – Attorney General and undeclared Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown encountered strong opposition from local advocates for his appearance as the guest of honor at a campaign fundraiser for San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos two weeks ago.

The controversy provoked a spate of press accounts across the state condemning Brown, a Democrat, for raising funds for Ramos, a Republican. Brown has since agreed to appear at a fundraiser for Congressman Joe Baca on October 23 in an attempt to repair his reputation among Democrats and his image in the county.

The partisan fundraising controversy is likely to die down quicker than questions about the impartiality of the Attorney General’s office helping the District Attorney’s office investigate and prosecute political corruption in San Bernardino County.

The partisan fundraising controversy is likely to die down quicker than questions about the impartiality of the state Attorney General’s office helping the county District Attorney’s office investigate and prosecute political corruption in San Bernardino County.

The attorney general’s office announced in August it was joining the district attorney’s office in an investigation of political corruption in the county. The announcement was taken by many as an indication the AG’s office would also be investigating DA Mike Ramos.

Recent reports have accused Ramos of protecting his political allies from investigation while prosecuting his political enemies with selectively tailored cases which violate the defendants’ civil rights under color of law.

Questions have also been raised about numerous criminal cases which have received unusual leniency from the District Attorney’s office after those being prosecuted made substantial contributions to Ramos’ re-election campaign, causing some to believe justice is for sale to those who can afford to buy it by contributing to Ramos’ campaign committee.

Ramos has also been officially accused, and is currently under investigation for, sexual harassment and promiscuity with various female employees. His sexual affair with San Bernardino County Public Defender Doreen Boxer has been well known by County Supervisors and dozens of other county officials and employees for years.

County records have also recently been revealed which indicate Ramos has used public funds for private travel.

For those reasons, when the state Attorney General announced his office was participating in the investigations of political corruption in San Bernardino County, it was widely believed the DA’s office would also become a target of the AG’s investigation.

The appearance of Brown at Ramos’ event on October 1 to raise $100,000 for Ramos’ re-election campaign may have dashed the hopes and expectations of county residents for the state’s intervention to clean up political corruption in the county.

The apparent collusion between Brown and Ramos may also result in several key corruption defendants recusing not only the DA’s office, but also recusing the AG’s office in favor of a change of venue to another county or bringing in the U.S. Attorney General’s office and the Department of Justice to take the cases over.

This could include such high profile cases as those being prosecuted against Bill Postmus, former County Assessor, and Jim Erwin, former Chief of Staff for Supervisor Neil Derry and former President of the Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA), the union representing 3,200 employees of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department.

Also at stake is the credibility and believability of the Attorney General’s office conducting a complete investigation into the $102 million settlement the county made with the Colonies Partners, which appears to be a cornerstone of graft and corruption in the county during the past decade.

Several key figures allegedly under investigation in the Colonies case also attended the Ramos’ fundraiser and were seen cavorting with the Attorney General.

Democratic activists were the first to hit Brown for raising funds for Republican Ramos. Complaints were made to the state party because the funds may be used by Ramos to support other Republican candidates and also to rebuild a fractured and floundering county Republican Party.

Questions are now being raised about the county Democratic Party’s leadership after it defended Brown’s appearance at the fundraiser, and attacked the activists voicing complaints, based on the District Attorney being a non-partisan office for which no Democrat is yet a candidate.

Other Democrats have blamed the lack of qualified and willing candidates on their county party leadership’s negligence in recruiting candidates, raising funds, and executing public relations campaigns.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the only officially declared Democratic candidate for Governor, issued a state-wide press release condemning Brown’s fundraising for Republicans in San Bernardino County, and also for raising funds for the Republican Log-Cabin club in San Diego County. The Newsom for California website also posted an online petition for the public to sign to tell Brown to stop raising funds for Republicans.

John Burton, newly-elected California Democratic Party Chairman and a former State Senator and U.S. Congressman, was also reported to have called Brown to voice his opposition.

Burton recently succeeded in getting Newsom and Brown to agree to avoid a costly and divisive floor fight for an official endorsement from the state party at the party’s next statewide convention in Los Angeles in April, 2010.

The agreement has come under attack recently because Brown’s actions have been interpreted as taking the party’s Gubernatorial nomination for granted, and for acting in a manner which flaunts party loyalty with disrespect for the party’s rules – written and unwritten.

The agreement may be reconsidered at the California Democratic Party’s Executive Committee meeting to be held Nov. 13-15 in San Diego.

Brown has historically been a maverick, and seen by Democrats as both a savior and an embarrassment for his unpredictable and often quixotic behavior. He is known to have withdrawn his registration as a Democrat for a number of years.

Brown served two terms as Governor of California spanning the years from 1975 through 1983.

When he was first elected, Brown took over the state with a $4 billion surplus left behind by Ronald Reagan. Reagan had inherited the Office of Governor from Jerry Brown’s father, Pat Brown, who left the state with such a deficit it was widely believed to be on the brink of bankruptcy.

Jerry Brown perpetuated Regan’s economic policies until the surplus grew to $8 billion.

But his failure to spend the surplus, or rebate it to the taxpayers, resulted in the Jarvis-Gann tax revolt and the passage of Proposition 13, which set the2/3 majority requirement for the legislature to pass any budget, and continues to limit the income of the state and hamstring the education and general-fund budgets today.

Brown is also well known for his “determinate sentencing” policies which resulted in laws restricting the freedom of judges to sentence convicted criminals, creating a revolving door for repeat offenders due to the lenience of the sentences which were mandatorily imposed.

These policies of Brown have been credited for releasing such repeat offenders as Richard Allen Davis, who had been convicted of seven violent felonies and was on parole when he kidnapped, raped, and murdered 14-year-old Polly Klaas. Marc and Joe Klaas, Polly’s father and grandfather, became key proponents for the passage of the three-strikes law in 1994.

California’s law is the only three-strikes law in the nation which mandates a sentence of 25-years-to-life for a third felony conviction of any kind, without requiring it be a serious or violent crime.

As a result, there are now more prisoners in California serving 25-years-to-life for a marijuana felony conviction than there are serving 25-years-to-life for rape, robbery, and murder, combined.

By 1999, Joe Klaas had reversed his position on the three-strikes law and he became the public spokesperson for Citizens Against Violent Crime (CAVC) which placed Proposition 66 on the November, 2004 ballot.

Prop 66 would have amended the three-strikes law to apply only to violent and serious felonies. It would also have remanded as many a 27,000 non-violent offenders to their original courts for re-sentencing.

As mayor of Oakland, Jerry Brown advised in the original draft of Prop. 66. CAVC also hosted fundraisers for Brown mayoral campaigns, and the organization and its individual leaders twice made the maximum contributions allowed.

But Brown surprised CAVC by unexpectedly reversing himself in the Fall of 2004 and opposing Prop. 66 when he saw it as an opportunity to garner law-enforcement support and launch his campaign for Attorney General.

Brown’s reversal was inexplicable to CAVC until one of its leaders asked him if he was running for something.

“I’m always running for something,” Brown replied, and laughed off the Prop. 66 organizers. He went on to raise $5 million for the opposition, and his six million personally spoken pre-recorded calls to the initiative’s Democratic base of support is unanimously credited with defeating the initiative.

The three-strikes law has caused California’s prisons to be so crowded the federal government recently ordered Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to release 40,000 prisoners or be sent to jail himself for contempt of court.

Thus, many political historians believe the passage of Prop. 13, the subsequent national tax-revolt, the 2/3 requirement to pass a state budget, the current strapping of the state’s education and general-fund budgets, and the massive overcrowding of the state’s prisons, all have their roots in Brown’s policies when he was Governor from 1975 through 1983.

Democrats also remember Brown’s use of the California Democratic Party (CDP) chairmanship in 1984 as a platform to declare his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, leaving the CDP in a disorganized state halfway through his term to lose the U.S. Senate race to Pete Wilson in 1986.

Wilson subsequently used the Senatorial seat to run successfully for Governor in 1990, and defeated Jerry’s sister, Kathleen Brown, when she challenged him for Governor in 1994.

When Brown’s period of years when he was not registered as a Democrat and questionable accomplishments as Mayor of Oakland are added to the mix, many Democrats are so dissatisfied with their Gubernatorial choices being limited to Brown and Newsom they have begun to seek another candidate to run.

Sam Clauder is a journalist and political consultant who has been involved in Democratic politics for 38 years. He has not endorsed a candidate for Governor.

CCA Fundraiser for Chris Essel

2009-10-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Please join

Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel,

City Council President Pro Tempore Jan Perry,

Wes Idol

and

Central City Association

for a breakfast reception

to meet and support

Chris Essel

CANDIDATE FOR LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Thursday, October 15th
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Pacific Dining Car
1310 W. 6th Street
Downtown Los Angeles

Nina Royal Backs Mary Benson

2009-09-20T13:22:00.001-07:00

Nina Royal
Vice President-Outreach Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council*
President, S-T SERVS (Safety & Emergency Response Volunteers Services)*

I have personally elected to support Mary Benson to represent Council District Two because I have worked by her side on community and city wide issues with government leaders for many years. I have always been impressed with her knowledge, intelligence, negotiation and people skills, ethics and follow-through. After my own thorough review of the Candidates, I am convinced that she is the most qualified Candidate. She has already demonstrated that she studies issues intently before making a fair decision. She has always shown that she has our community's best interest at heart by her many hours of volunteerism, dedication and support, especially regarding crucial issues. I am also positive that she will remain ethical, balanced and fair and most importantly, she will continue to listen and support the will of the people in our entire district.

Many people may not know it, but Mary was on the steering committee that worked to certify the Foothill Trails District NC and also served as their Treasurer for 5 years, until termed out. (It helped them that she has a Degree in Finance) She was also a Board Member of Sun Valley Area NC during that time. She presently serves as the Vice President of the Sun Valley Area NC and Chair of their Land Use Committee. She is able to serve in both communities because of her business. She is also a life long member of District 2.

I can tell you a lot more about Mary. She is a doer, not a talker and has never been a person to say "look what I have done." Because I worked with her, I know. Truthfully, Mary supported me when I started No to Home Depot in S-T. She gave me the insight to go after a Mission College satellite campus in S-T. She still serves on many committees such as the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) Committee. We served together on the DWP/Dept. of Sanitation’s Integrated Resource Planning Committee (IRP) for 4 years. We both serve on the DWP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Committee and DWP Advocacy Committee. We set up the first North Valley Communities Planning Committee together with Tammy Flores from Sylmar and Kim Thompson from Granada Hills, which was the forerunner of the citywide Plan Check Committee. She also serves on the Los Angeles River Project Committee. We worked to oppose the Las Lomas Project together, and we are both on the Save LA Project Committee.

She also advocates on our behalf in our community to insure Angeles Golf Course follows the rules. She is still working to protect the trails and keep the Tujunga Wash preserved and clean. She worked hard to defeat Canyon Hills. She and Elaine Brown wrote the Grant to save the 4 3/4 acres on Oro Visa from development, and she is continuing to work on saving the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and responded to the DEIR. She is also working to help us secure open space and protect our water through the Tujunga Watershed Committee.

In Shadow Hills/Sun Valley area, she worked to bring justice to the owner of the Wealthea Pit for violating the law and is following up to insure the $650,000 awarded to the community by the court takes place. Mary also stopped the CRA from invading the historical Stonehurst area and helped get it established as only the second Historical Preservation Zone in the in the S. F. valley. She is also working to improve the San Fernando Business Corridor and worked with the Sun Valley Watershed group to improve the intersection of Tuxford and San Fernando Rd. to install a unique underground storage tank to capture the water that flooded that intersection during very rain season She also worked to mitigate their landfill problems and established a trash truck route to improve the quality of life in the area. Mary interfaces with government officials during the course of all these projects.

These are just some of the facts I know about Mary off the top of my head while being involved with her. They are not in any particular order and I am sure I left out other pertinent facts. But, please keep in mind, all of that she is doing, is as a volunteer only. Like she said, she can do so much more as a councilmember.

I am very prudent with my recommendations and do not give them out easily, for fear of being burned. But, I am confident Mary Benson will continue to do a superb job as a councilmember and I stand behind my support of her for the reasons I stated above, for which I can personally vouch.

South Valley Leaders Support Krekorian

2009-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends & Neighbors in Council District 2,

The Special Election on September 22, 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Wendy Greuel, is very important to securing our voice on the City Council. We need real representation in CD2 to receive our fair share of city services. We need someone who knows us and our priorities. We need a Councilmember who will stand up to City Hall and special interest. We need experience and lots of it. The only candidate who fits this description is Paul Krekorian.

For three years, Paul has provided valuable services to his Assembly District 43, which includes over one-third of CD2 and much of our community. He has an excellent staff who have been responsive to our needs. No call goes unanswered, no request ignored. You’ve heard of “one call to city hall”? Well, for us it’s been “one call to Paul”.

Paul is for neighborhood based planning and says “Growth in the Valley must meet neighborhood needs and be based on community level decision making. We can’t allow over-development to destroy the character of our neighborhoods. City planning must always protect our quality of life.” For the first time, a Council member whose entire district is in the Valley will be on the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee. That will be our CD2 representative so we will have a stronger voice than ever in city planning matters. Paul Krekorian is the best candidate for this job.

Paul is tough on crime and endorsed by Sheriff Lee Baca and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Sheriff Baca says “Recently Paul Krekorian took the lead in working with law enforcement leaders to craft a prison reform bill that will make us safer. While others in the Capitol pushed for early release plans, Paul Krekorian stood firm with law enforcement.

Paul Krekorian has always stood with law enforcement, and I trust him to put public safety first.” To this end, Paul was able to get several sex offenders removed from a state sponsored half-way house in Valley Glen.

Paul is endorsed by the rank and file firefighters. Pat McOsker, President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City says “Paul Krekorian knows that emergency response should be at the top of the list of city services. Los Angeles needs leaders like Paul Krekorian who will always work to put public safety first. We know with total confidence that Paul Krekorian is the best choice for public safety and the best choice for the people of Los Angeles.”

Paul has held several Women’s Self-Defense Workshops over the last two years, providing an opportunity for women to learn how to protect themselves and to discuss legislation on women’s issues and safety.

Paul is strong on education. Paul served as President of the Board of the Burbank school district, which is recognized for its excellence in education and high standards. Paul took over at a time of fiscal crisis and created new efficiencies in the school budget, averting lay-offs and putting more resources in the classroom. Our CD2 Councilmember will be chair of the City Council’s Education and Neighborhoods Committee, providing us with a strong voice on education as well as on our neighborhood council system. Paul Krekorian is the best qualified candidate for this job.

Paul instituted the annual FILMFEST 43 competition featuring top student filmmaker’s work from the public and private high schools.

Paul is bringing jobs back to California. Paul was the author of the first incentive in California history to fight runaway production and keep middle class film and television jobs here at home. He is a member of the California Film Commission. Paul also authored an economic stimulus measure that encourages small business to add jobs to their payroll.

Paul is protecting our environment and spurring economic growth. Paul chairs the Assembly Select Committee on Renewable Energy, and is theauthor of landmark legislation that will increase our generation of electricity from sustainable sources like solar, wind and geothermal.

The Southeast Valley and Council District 2 needs Paul Krekorian as our next L.A. City Councilmember. We the undersigned urge you to vote for him on September 22, 2009.

All Titles and Affiliations are for identification purposes only and

are not meant to imply organizational endorsement.

Douglas Breidenbach

Board member Greater Valley Glen Council (GVGC)

Chair Planning & Land Use Committee, GVGC

Sarah Burns

Valley Glen community activist

Asta Criss

Vice President, Valley Glen Neighborhood Association (VGNA)

Past President, VGNA

Member Planning & Land Use Committee, GVGC

Susan Daugherty

Valley Glen community activist

Former Executive Board member, VGNA

Seth Eskigian

Executive Board member, VGNA

Carlos Ferreyra

Board member, GVGC

Executive Board member, VGNA

Past President, Valley Glen Community Council

Past President, VGNA

Denly Ford

Valley Glen community activist

Sharon Ford

Valley Glen community activist

Lisa Freedman

Past Vice President & Treasurer, VGNA

Past Vice President, Valley Glen Community Council

Neighborhood Watch Commander

Police Community Rep (PCR)

Bobbie Fresh

Valley Glen community activist

Peer Ghent

Executive Board, VGNA

Past President, VGNA

Past President, Valley Glen Community Council

Stephen Gonzalez

Executive Board, VGNA

Member Outreach Committee, GVGC

Gerome Huerta

Executive Board, VGNA

Ellen Jannol

Valley Glen community activist

Mickey Jannol

Treasurer, VGNA

Past President, VGNA

Member Beautification Committee, GVGC

Former Board member, GVGC

Eli Kademian

Board member, GVGC

Charles Knecht

Valley Glen community activist

Philip C. Lange

Valley Glen community activist

Steven Porus

Executive Board, VGNA

Member Planning & Land Use Committee, GVGC

Judy Price

President, Valley Glen Neighborhood Association

Past President, Greater Valley Glen Council

Member Planning & Land Use Committee, GVGC

Arline Simon

Former Board member, GVGC

Member Beautification Committee, GVGC

Abraham Tetenbaum

Former Board member, GVGC

Executive Director, Enrichment Works

Karo Torossian

Board member, GVGC

Member Outreach Committee, GVGC

Linda Wehrli

Former Board member, GVGC

Mary Garcia

Vice-President, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Chair, Arts and Humanities Committee, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Diann Corral

Treasurer, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Chair, Budget and Finance Committee, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

President of Laurel Grove Neighborhood Association

Michael Higby

Parliamentarian, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Chair, Government Affairs Committee, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Tony Safoian

Past-President (2007), Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Yvonne Demery

Secretary, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Chair, Community Beautification Committee, Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council

California’s Nurses Endorse Paul Krekorian for City Council

2009-09-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

State’s largest nursing organization throws full weigh behind community-backed candidate

VALLEY GLEN – The California Nurses Association, the largest consortium of nurses in the state, endorsed City Council candidate Paul Krekorian, another example of the widespread support he has garnered that includes backing from environmental, public safety and community groups.

“I am proud to have stood up for healthcare reform and improved access for patients throughout California, and am delighted to have that record now be recognized by our most important nursing organization in the state,” Krekorian said. “With the CNA at my side, we can now collectively work toward maintaining the high level of care given at our hospitals and medical clinics throughout the Valley, while standing up for the workers who ensure that those centers continue their life saving role in our community.”

Krekorian has been a champion of healthcare reform since his election in 2006. He is the author of the historic Assembly Bill 1894, signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008, in which California became the first state in the nation to require health insurers to cover routine HIV screenings. Krekorian has been endorsed by the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles and dozens of grassroots, neighborhood council advocates. The Special Election is set for Sept. 22.

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

The California Nurses Association, and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee, is one of the nation’s premiere nurses’ organizations and health care unions. One of the fastest growing health care organizations in the U.S., CNA/NNOC presently has 86,000 members in 50 states, representing nurses at scores of hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. Since 2000, over 19,000 RNs at 50 hospitals have elected to affiliate with CNA.

First Symptomatic Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Los Angeles County

2009-08-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Health Officer has confirmed the first symptomatic human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Los Angeles County for the 2009 season. The case is a teenager, with pre-existing medical conditions, from the Antelope Valley who became symptomatic in mid-July. The individual has now recovered. Earlier this year, two individual blood donors, including one reported in June, tested positive for WNV, but did not show any symptoms (asymptomatic). The donated blood was not used.

“People should take precautions to avoid mosquitoes, as that is the primary way this disease is transmitted. Mosquitoes obtain the virus by feeding on infected wild birds,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “West Nile Virus can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County or around the state, and we urge residents to get rid of pools of stagnant water around their homes where mosquitoes breed, and to use a repellant containing DEET or another approved repellent when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, especially around dawn or dusk.”

As of August 5^th, Public Health and the independent mosquito abatement districts have detected WNV in 38 dead birds, 6 mosquito pools, and 10 sentinel chickens. The Antelope Valley region of the county has shown the most WNV activity to date in 2009. In past seasons, most infected birds and positive mosquitoes have been found in the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and East Los Angeles County areas.

Exposure to West Nile Virus
WNV is spread from humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; mosquitoes can become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus and most people bitten by a mosquito have not been exposed to the virus. The virus is not spread through person-to-person contact, or directly from birds to humans.

In most case, people who are infected with West Nile Virus never become sick, or have only very mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and a mild skin rash. Symptoms of West Nile Virus could appear within three to 12 days after infection. Fortunately, fewer than one in 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In these rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis and death. The elderly are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. However, individuals with severe symptoms may be hospitalized.

-MORE-

Preventive Measures
People can decrease their risk of infection by following these recommendations:

Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
Repellants containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of eucalyptus, when used as labeled, are effective defenses against mosquitoes.
Check your window screens for holes.
Do not allow water to collect and stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, or other containers. These are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.
Stock garden ponds with goldfish or other mosquito-eating fish. These eat mosquito eggs and larvae.
Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has established a toll-free information line that will provide callers with updated information on West Nile Virus within the county. Call 800-975-4448.

If a recently dead bird (less than 24 hours) is found, the public is encouraged to report this by calling 877-747-2243.

If residents see a “green pool” or stagnant swimming pool at a home, please report this to Public Health’s Environmental Health Bureau at 626-430-5200.

Where to call with questions about mosquitoes:
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District: (562) 944-9656
Los Angeles County West Vector Control District: (310) 915-7370
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District: (626) 814-9466
Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District: (661) 942-2917
Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District: (310) 639-7375
Pasadena City Health Department: (626) 744-6004
City of Long Beach Vector Control Program: (562) 570-4132

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Villaraigosa Pulls Out

2009-04-23T22:58:00.001-07:00

A sign that Mayor Villaraigosa may not be running for Governor of California? The Mayor is ditching this weekend's California Democratic State Convention in Sacramento, citing needing to deal with budget issues at home. Since we've never known Antonio Villaraigosa to miss a photo op and chance to gladhand - even when there's work to be done (remember his attending a Dodger game in the luxury box with owner Frank McCourt when the Valley was on fire last year?) - something must be up. Steve Maviglio of the California Majority Report suspects that Villaraigosa "couldn't compete in the convention buzz with the other major candidates gunning for gubernatorial prize," and that the Mayor fears "a cold shoulder from organized labor" over his recent budget policies and job cuts.

Vahedi Blasts Koretz Ethics

2009-04-23T22:57:00.001-07:00

Getting down to the wire in the 5th Council District race. Candidate David Vahedi is accusing his opponent Paul Koretz of ethics violations and has filed a complaint against Koretz with City and State officials. Vahedi claims that Koretz has violated borrowing and expenditure limits and is co-mingling campaign funds with other monies. Vahedi campaign consultant Phil Giarrizzo accused Koretz of being a career politician "who will do anything to get elected." In the meantime, Koretz picked up the endorsement of a past CD5 Councilman, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Trutanich Offers Port Security Plan

2009-04-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

City Attorney candidate, Carmen Trutanich, outlines his plan to enhance security and reduce the threat of trespassers at the Port of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, April 14– Drawing attention to the need for stronger security protection and enforcement at the Port of Los Angeles, Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich today detailed a plan of action that would sharply reduce the threat of trespassers on Port property and bring greater law enforcement authority to the Los Angeles Port Police. By focusing on and enhancing the partnership with the Coast Guard, the Port Police and the L.A. City Attorney, Trutanich wants to bring a greater level of security protection to the port.

Trutanich is proposing that Port Police be given the right to have expanded enforcement authority to make arrests involving federal trespassing violations at the Port of Los Angeles. Those laws currently are only enforced through the U.S. Coast Guard. Trutanich plans to seek enabling legislation at the state level to allow Port Police to enforce the newly effective Transportation Workers Identification Credential “TWIC.” TWIC, which will be fully implemented at the Port effective today April 14th, is a federally issued identification card allowing unescorted access to Port property.

In addition to giving Port Police enforcement authority pursuant to TWIC, Trutanich proposes the creation of local laws against trespassers at the Los Angeles Port, which can then be prosecuted by the City Attorney. Port Police will be able to utilize these additional tools in everything from intercepting unauthorized entries to preventing street gang related cargo thefts. Trutanich also is calling for an expansion of existing cross-designation programs so that deputies in the City Attorney’s office can be cross designated as U.S Attorneys in order to seek harsher penalties under the federal laws.

“As Los Angeles City Attorney, I will have a responsibility to see that everything that can be done is being done to protect this critically important resource to our regional and national economy,” said Trutanich. “What is at stake is obvious – national security - 40% of the container traffic in the U.S. comes through the L.A. and Long Beach Ports and is at risk. With the creation of TWIC in 2006, the feds have taken a giant step in securing the ports around the nation. But the Coast Guard cannot be expected to do it all. Our Port Police are fully prepared and ideally suited to play a major role in this effort,” added Trutanich.

“The Port Police are the first responders to any incident at this port, whether at our terminals or throughout this massive area on land and on the water. We applaud Mr. Trutanich’s initiative and look forward to bringing the full force of our police agency to bear on this ongoing security threat,” said Rosario Ferrara, President of the Los Angeles Port Police Association.

Carmen Trutanich, a former Hard Core Gang prosecutor, has earned the support of thousands of local police including the Police Protective League, LA County Sheriff Lee Baca and District Attorney Steve Cooley.

Wendy Greuel Needs Your $$$

2009-04-14T21:57:00.001-07:00

Onward To July 1st
It's hard to believe that election day was over one month ago and I am still so honored to have been elected the next City Controller of Los Angeles. During this time, I have been in regular contact with outgoing Controller Chick, and we've been working together to ensure a smooth and effective transition. In the weeks to come, I'll continue to communicate with you about the transition and about a special inauguration day event that I hope you'll be able to attend.

Share Your Ideas
I couldn’t have been elected Controller without your help and I want your continued input as I fight waste, fraud and abuse in city government. During this period of transition, please share your thoughts about what you think the Controller’s Office should focus on in 2009 and beyond by sending me your ideas at ideas@wendygreuel.com.

We Need Your Support
We need your help to retire costs incurred during the campaign. Please click here to contribute, and thank you for your generosity.

Cha-Ching!

2009-03-26T23:01:00.001-07:00

ITEM NO. (27)
08-0600-S33
BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT relative to implementation of the Fiscal Year (FY)
2008-09 Adopted Budget - Special Parking Revenue Fund Surplus Declaration for FY 2007-08.
Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
1. DECLARE a Special Parking Revenue Fund surplus for FY 2007-08 of $56,260,500.
2. INSTRUCT the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and AUTHORIZE the Controller, to
TRANSFER $56,260,500 from the Special Parking Revenue Fund to the Reserve Fund.
3. TRANSFER $56,260,500 from the Reserve Fund to Fund 100/58, Unappropriated Balance,
Account 0037, Reserve for Economic Uncertainties.
4. AUTHORIZE the City Administrative Officer (CAO) to make any technical adjustments required
to fulfill the intent of the Council.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The CAO reports that there is no impact on the General Fund from
approval of the above recommendations. Should the recommendations not be approved, the
General Fund deficit for 2008-09 will increase by $56.26 million. The recommendations are
consistent with the City Financial Policies.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted.

Krekorian Votes to Expand Relief to Unemployed Californians

2009-03-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Uses Federal Funds to Increase Unemployment Benefits and Expand Eligibility

SACRAMENTO – With California facing 10.5% unemployment statewide, Assistant Majority Leader Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) Monday voted for legislation to make the state eligible for up to $3 billion in federal unemployment insurance funds available as part of President Barack Obama's economic recovery package. In addition to making California eligible for the federal funding, AB 3x 23 increases unemployment benefits and provides relief for more than 469,000 unemployed Californians by extending unemployment benefits.

“Immense economic turmoil requires new strategies to confront this statewide and global fiscal meltdown,” Krekorian said. “With this legislation, we will now be able to help people who have lost their jobs pay their bills and mortgages. I am pleased this bill will also help small businesses and shop owners keep their customers. As leaders of California, we must act to confront our greatest challenges – something we did Monday when we passed this legislation.”

AB 3x 23 updates state law to conform with the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009. These updates make California eligible to receive $3 billion from the federal government.

This legislation is part of an overarching attempt by the Assembly to help California’s most vulnerable people and industries. Part of that effort was its passage of the Economic Incentive and Job Creation bill that Krekorian authored and which the governor signed on Feb. 20, 2009.

That bill, AB X3 15, provided a needed incentive to localize film production – an unparalleled legislative package to help one of California’s signature industries; gave a boost to small businesses, one of the life bloods of our local economy; and updated the state’s tax code to encourage multi-state businesses to invest more in payroll and infrastructure in California.

“My legislation provided help to some of our main employment sources, infusing our state with the needed tools to move forward,” Krekorian said. “Its multi-pronged approach confronted multiple sectors of our troubled economy – sectors that needed help right away. I am confident that AB 3x 23 will do just the same.”

AB 3x 23 now moves to the Senate for consideration and approval.

Now for the other side

2009-03-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

MEMO
TO: Trutanich Campaign
FR: Alex Evans; EMC Research, Inc.
DT: March 25, 2009
RE: Weiss Poll Results

The results the Weiss Campaign released yesterday (March 24, 2009) are inconsistent with our poll as well as with the election that occurred earlier this month. Please note the following:

Votes cast in the primary election showed a significant narrowing of the race from votes cast early by mail to those cast on Election Day, demonstrating that a trend toward Trutanich had already begun. Our poll says that the trend toward Trutanich is continuing.
Even our own early primary election polling showed Weiss with a lead, but it also showed that Trutanich would gain both affirmative votes cast for him as well as negative votes from the many voters repulsed by Weiss. This is exactly what happened. We operated under no illusions that we would only win votes in the affirmative or that a primary victory was possible. The Weiss campaign spent its entire fortune — either thinking they could win outright in March, or because they ignored their internal polling. We view this most recent release of data as encouraging; the Weiss campaign is likely again misreading public opinion.
As noted above, Trutanich is going to win votes in the affirmative but also win votes from people who do not like Jack Weiss, and the latter group is large and growing. Both polls show Weiss with an unfavorable rating at or above 20%, but note that 11% have a strongly unfavorable opinion of Weiss, nearly double the percentage who have a strongly favorable opinion. Our poll shows that 73% of those with an unfavorable opinion of Weiss vote for Trutanich even though over half (52%) of those voters have not heard of Trutanich or have no opinion of him. So, Yes — some people are voting for Trutanich just because they know the real Jack Weiss.
What is particularly strange about the Weiss poll is not that Trutanich is running ahead of his name identification, but that the vote and the favorable ratings of the candidates are almost exactly the same.

Their poll: Weiss favorable 41%, Weiss vote 41%;
Their poll: Trutanich favorable 26%, Trutanich vote 28%.

This essentially means that there is no one with an unfavorable opinion of Weiss voting for Trutanich. Including the likely negative votes for both candidates — even using the Weiss poll’s numbers — produces a clearer understanding of the race. Adding 73% of Weiss’s unfavorable rating (20% in the Weiss poll) gives 14.6 points to Trutanich’s vote. Just over half (55%) of those with an unfavorable opinion of Trutanich vote for Weiss. Adding 55% of Trutanich’s unfavorable rating (7% in both polls) gives Weiss 3.9 points. This puts the candidates nearly even: about 45% for Weiss and about 43% for Trutanich.

The bottom line: The race is even, and the Weiss campaign sure seems to be acting like it’s even. Our recommendation is that Trutanich should believe our poll and the Weiss campaign’s actions. Trutanich has come a long way in a short time, and against a better-funded opponent. With the time remaining and with competitive resources, Trutanich will win.

Weiss Well Ahead In Name ID And in Head To Head Vote

2009-03-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Weiss Well Ahead In Name ID And in Head To Head Vote

A survey of 805 likely Los Angeles voters shows Jack Weiss with a 13 point initial lead over Carmen Trutanich entering into the runoff campaign: 41% to 28%. This question was asked before any information was given to voters except ballot titles.

Weiss’ lead over Trutanich is based on a solid advantage in name identification:

· 41% favorable for Weiss compared to 20% unfavorable, more than a 2 to 1 positive-to-negative ratio.

· 26% favorable for Trutanich compared to 7% unfavorable.

A matchup of positive paragraphs from the two candidates – with language drawn entirely from Trutanich’s website and campaign materials and every effort made to be fair to both candidates – gives Weiss a 20 point lead: 52% to 32%.

Weiss maintains a solid lead among both men and women, Valley and City voters, across racial, ethnic, and religious lines, across partisan lines, and most importantly, among highly reliable municipal election voters as well as those who vote reliably in statewide primary elections and are likely to vote this May for the statewide propositions on the ballot. Weiss is also ahead in his Council District 5.

Weiss’ lead held solid regardless of how we modeled the likely May electorate.

Trutanich Is a Poor Fit for L.A. Voters

Later in the survey, we measured voter reaction to the attacks that the Trutanich campaign has made on Weiss, and we also measured voter reaction to potential Trutanich vulnerabilities, including, but not limited to:

· Trutanich’s close ties to the National Rifle Association and the pro-gun lobby.

· His long record defending corporate polluters accused of environmental crimes -- he even wrote a manual on how to get away with environmental crimes.

· His history supporting union-busting.

· His 20-year record as a criminal defense lawyer, including defending those accused of sexual battery and assault, drug smuggling, and drunk driving.

· His support for conservative Republican candidates and causes.

As one might expect, voters reacted quite strongly to this information. A conservative, pro-gun, union-busting, anti-environmental defense lawyer with unsavory clients is, not surprisingly, unappealing to many Los Angeles voters.

Note that our poll was tough on Weiss as well, using attacks drawn directly from Trutanich’s public statements and commercials. Matching up negative-only paragraphs about the two candidates yields a 50% to 28% lead for Weiss, which is a few points wider than the lead after the exchange of positive paragraphs.

Bottom Line: Weiss Enters The Runoff With Strong Advantages:

· He starts with 15 point lead in favorable name ID.

· He starts ahead by 10-15 points depending on who actually will vote in the May election.

· A fair match-up of positive statements about the two candidates widens his lead substantially.

· A simulated exchange of negatives expands Weiss’ lead further.

· He will have a major advantage with Jewish voters, who should comprise about 10% of the voters in May.

· With the endorsement of Mayor Villaraigosa and most of the other Latino elected officials in the city as well as La Opinion, Weiss should earn a large majority of Latino votes, which will comprise something like 15% to 20% of the voters in this election.

· Given Trutanich’s involvement with union-busting, Weiss will earn the strong support of most of the labor movement in the city.

· Given’s Trutanich’s record on the environment (compared to Weiss’ award-winning leadership on this issue), voters who care about clean and safe air, water, and beaches have a clear choice.

· A comparison of the two candidates over the last two decades on public safety also gives Weiss a real advantage: Weiss spent that time as a federal prosecutor and then the leader on the city council in protecting safety; Trutanich spent the last two decades as a defense lawyer protecting criminals and corporate polluters from punishment.

Our Methodology

In putting a sample together for this survey, we were faced with the difficult challenge of trying to forecast who would vote in this coming May election. This election combines a low-turnout municipal race with a statewide ballot measure with an unpredictable turnout. To address this situation, we drew a sample that includes both reliable municipal election voters as well as those whose voting history suggests they are likely to participate because of the statewide ballot measures.

We then completed 800 telephone interviews with voters from this sample between March 19 and 23, 2009, yielding a margin of error of about plus or minus 3.4% at a 95% confidence level. Five percent of the interviews were in Spanish, and 7% were completed with voters who listed wireless numbers on the voter file.

Given the uncertainly of who will vote, we wanted to look at different possible turnout models. Weiss has an 11 point to 19 point initial lead in all of our turnout models, as we varied participation by municipal election-only versus statewide election voters. All of our turnout models weighted up results from the 5^th Council District to reflect the likely impact of the contested Council race there.

What About the Trutanich Poll?

The polling memo released last week by the Trutanich campaign claims that the race is tied. These results simply do not match our survey findings and some of it seems unlikely.

For example, the Trutanich survey claims that his favorable name ID is 24% but his initial vote is 36%. So their poll memo suggests that Trutanich’s initial vote total exceeds his favorable name ID by 50% [i.e. (36%-24%)/24% = 50%]. This is possible but would be very unusual in a nonpartisan race.

Our survey finds very similar name ID figures for Trutanich, but with a very different result in the initial head-to-head vote question: that his vote proportion (28%) is similar to his favorable name ID (26%). Our poll also finds the same to be true for Weiss: his favorable rating (41%) is identical to his first vote proportion (41%).

The Trutanich poll memo also claims that he leads Weiss among women. Our poll gives Weiss a 12 point lead among women.

Again, the reader should note that our basic finding that Weiss has a solid initial lead in this race does not change even if we weight up or down municipal election voters or statewide election-only voters or CD 5 voters.

In other words, we cannot find a reasonable sample model that comes close to duplicating the results of the Trutanich poll. As the Trutanich polling memo does not share the sample model, it is impossible to judge exactly how theirs was constructed and the assumptions they made. The Trutanich memo also does not indicate whether its initial vote question was asked before any information was given to voters about the candidates.