Mayor Sam's Sister City - Home of Los Angeles Politics

Friday Evening Wrap Up and Thoughts on Journalistic Malpractice and other News

2009-11-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Times Media Columnist James Rainey

"Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street"

"ACORN with local political supporters"

This happens when you replace "fact-driven reporting" with "outcome-based, agenda journalism", but then agenda journalism is "par for the course" at the "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street" these days.

It started with this "agenda missive" on Andrew Breitbart's biggovernment.com video expose of ACORN, via the keyboard of Los Angeles Times Media Columnist James Rainey, as noted by veteran LA Times observer "Patterico" at Patterico's Pontifications.

The following passage below was cause to take notice, in the eyes of Patterico, whether Rainey was stating fact or "had likely been suckered and would end up with egg on his face".

[V]isits to other ACORN offices have gone almost entirely unmentioned. Lavelle Stewart, a fair-housing coordinator in the group’s Los Angeles office, told me this week that she tried to get the “prostitute,” who claimed she had been beaten by her pimp, to go to a women’s center.

“The fact she was not taking the help I offered her made me think something was not right,” Stewart said. “It raised a red flag.”

Then yesterday, Andrew Breitbart's biggoverment.com "dropped this load of crow into Rainey's lap for his consumption", in form of the latest ACORN video, featuring none other than..........., Levelle Steward. Thus, Patterico's keen instints on all things LA Times, expose the "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street's" insular agenda for all to deconstruct.

But while Rainey mulls whether to add some BBQ to his crow, where is the outrage on this breach of journalistic ethics? Where are the former Times scribes "Westside White Guy", LA Observed blogger Kevin Roderick and "Westside White Guy 2", LA Observed contributor Bill Boyarski, in calling for an in-house investigation?

One should note that Rainey, was the lead newsroom agitator in outing former Opinion Editor Andres Martinez's relationship with ex. girlfriend Kelly Mullens. This initiating what became known as "Grazergate". as reported on "Deadline Hollywood".

I understand it was the Times' own media reporter, Jim Rainey, who just recently got wind of the editor-flack romance and first raised the red flag about it internally this week. My sources say Rainey began asking people who worked for Martinez about his personal life before approaching the editor directly. Martinez became livid and hurriedly called a staff meeting. But because of the LA Times' troubled relationship with its parent Tribune Co., Rainey is accustomed to threading the ethical needle on difficult stories involving his newspaper. (Though I've taken issue here and here with his coverage, or lack of it, of some related stories.) It's no secret there has been tension and resentment between the LA Times newsroom and the paper's editorial/opinion pages.

"WWG" and "WWG2" went into "cyber overdrive" in reporting this egregious assault on the "sacred style book of journalistic ethics". Boyarsky had this missive which he called for "an investigation of the tainted Times" and guess which reporter he wanted to lead the in-house "quest for journalistic justice"?

A beefed up team of top reporters should join media reporter Jim Rainey in examining past Current sections and editorials to see whether they have been influenced by publicist Allen Mayer and his associate, Kelly Mullens, who has been dating Martinez.

But in hindsight, maybe Roderick and Boyarski, both ex. LA Times scribes, were part of the "inside, outside cabal" of current and ex. Times reporters, who's efforts to purge Martinez, were driven by an ideological urge to blend news with opinion, as Martinez opined.

I think the desire to blend opinion with news is the far bigger breach, but I’m guessing the Henry Weinsteins and Tim Ruttens of the world will continue to conjure up the magical words “Staples Center” to wail against any innovation at the paper, and confusing the hundreds of thousands of readers of the LAT who don’t read LA Observed – sorry, Kevin - into believing that Grazergate somehow implied an improper blending of the newspaper’s business side and editorial judgment, which it patently did not.

So maybe this is why there are no "Raineygate" posts, with in-house gossip, currently at LA Observed? Who would Boyarsky find among the shrinking ranks of "objective reporters" to investigate this latest breach of journalistic ethics? Or maybe in the eyes of ex.Times scribes like Roderick and Boyarsky, their cohort in "outcome based, agenda journalism" was simply following the dictates of what passes for journalism at the "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street".

In closing, Boyarsky, who also served a stint on the City of Los Angeles Ethics Commission, may have a good reason for remaining silent in regards to "Raineygate". Maybe it has to do with his own past comments on ACORN. Then there was this "appearance" at a "Project ACORN" event.

The Project Acorn event was at the headquarters of Local 721 of the Service Employees Union. It hadn�t started so I walked around the Virgil Avenue neighborhood, a few miles west of downtown. It�s a neighborhood of apartments, probably affordable for working families (if they double up) but they will be out of range if building ever resumes. At the union hall, I ran into Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas, and interviewed him on the closed Martin Luther King Jr. hospital for a story I plan to do for LA Observed on his race with Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks. Then I introduced both Mama Hill and a short video about her and about how she faced foreclosure.

Thus, don't hold your breathe, in waiting for the latest on "Raineygate" from LA Observed but we did find this piece of "outcome-based, agenda blogging" from the "WWG".

* Andrew Breitbart doesn't want to talk about his business deal to carry Reuters news and links. Soundbitten
* The L.A. Times corrects some of an Op-Ed regarding the liberal group ACORN, but not all. Patterico

OTHER NEWS:

** Is the private sector version of IBEW's "Boss D'Arcy", getting close to snaping?

The head of L.A. Live challenged City Attorney Carmen Trutanich on Thursday to either file criminal charges over the Michael Jackson memorial service or apologize for hinting the company may have broken the law.

"Prove it or drop it," AEG President Tim Leiweke said during an interview. "We can't resolve this until he declares we have done nothing wrong or apologizes — I'll take either.

** Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa picks a former top official of the Chicago Housing Authority, Douglas Guthrie to become the new general manager of the city’s Housing Department. One want to bet that Guthrie has some past business with ACORN in Chicago?

** This appointment to the LACERS pension board came and went.

The newest appointee to a Los Angeles pension board has withdrawn her nomination after a city councilman voiced concern about her refusal to name her legal clients, city officials said today.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa had named attorney Angela Reddock to the Fire and Police Pensions system, an agency whose board members have come under scrutiny in recent months regarding the potential for conflicts of interest.

Although council members were scheduled to vote to confirm Reddock today, Councilman Bernard C. Parks raised questions after reading correspondence between Reddock and the city Ethics Commission, which is charged with identifying potential conflicts of interest for new city commissioners. Reddock told the commission in an e-mail that she did not plan to name any client that had paid her more than $10,000, citing attorney-client privilege.

** This is for "Parque Esqueleto".

Former CD 14 City Councilman Nick Pacheco, has been named "temporarily City Administrator" in the City of Montebello.

Many in the audience gasped as long-time Montebello City Administrator Richard Torres announced the $15,000-a-month salary of his temporary replacement, Nick Pacheco. The city council action to appoint Pacheco was among several made in a closed session meeting on Monday.

Enjoy "CD 14 East" before the latest shake up in Montebello.

Your thoughts.......

Gavin Newsom Flips Out

2009-11-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

From CBS 5 in San Francisco

In his first extensive interview since dropping out of the California governor's race, Newsom wanted to talk solely about the city's budget plight, but CBS 5 pushed him to answer questions about his uncharacteristic absence from the public limelight since ending his gubernatorial bid.

Newsom seemed to be agitated and annoyed at the questioning, proclaiming that he had made 69 public appearances since his decision to quit the race for governor - although his staff could not provide specific details about those appearances, which were not reflected on the mayor's public schedule.

Check out the video.

Is Paul Krekorian already running for State Senate??

2009-11-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

A well-known City blogger says he has sources that put the Burbank Assemblyman in the contest for the 21st District Senate seat in the near future. The sources say that Krekorian plans to run for the spot when it is vacated by Senator Carol Liu when she leaves the position.

But isn't Krekorian running for Los Angeles City Council? Will he cost the taxpayers millions more in yet another special election?

Hmmm. Interesting. Any Krekorian supporters care to dispute these sources??

Essel's End Run Around the Rules

2009-11-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

When most people can't get something in life the old fashioned way by working for it what do they do? They sue of course!

Chris Essel can't get the traction Paul Krekorian has with community support and a grassroots campaign operation so she's trying to buy a Council seat. Indeed, Essel is perturbed she even has opponents as she has been heard to say "I was promised this seat!" The big money special interests, namely public employee labor unions, who are depending on Chris Essel to deliver the goods for them now want to change decades old ethics laws so they can spend millions of members' forcibly taken dues money to attempt to give Essel an edge. The unions claim they need more money to "elect their candidate."

A group tied to the DWP employees union is now suing the City to raise the limits on how much they can pull together for Essel. The union affiliated group is represented by Downtown attorney Stephen Kaufman who is Mayor Villaraigosa's lawyer. You may remember that Kaufman was also the lead attorney for the shady term limits law Measure R and who sued Ron Kaye and the Solar 8 over their con argument against Measure B. Its heartwarming to see Essel is in such great company.

But it gets worse. Representing the City against the unions is the City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, an Essel supporter. The Judge in the case is the son of the Judge who performed Essel supporter Wendy Greuel's wedding. Paul Krekorian has written a letter to Trutanich urging him to recuse himself from the case given his conflict of interest. Krekorian has joined the City as a defendant in the case.

If Essel actually had any real supporters she wouldn't have this lawsuit. Also given everything we know about the DWP unions one has to ask why they are so concerned that Essel win at all costs? What did Essel promise them? CD2 voters are asking.

Just Another Night at Paul Krekorian's Campaign Office

2009-11-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

This is what a real campaign looks like. This is how you fight the special interests, the downtown insiders, and the status quo. This is how you stand up to Brian D'Arcy and the IBEW, The Mayor, and the Central City Association.

One person at a time.

Essel : Fully Reloaded

2009-11-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

Just out of curiosity I stopped by Christine Essel's campaign headquarters in Studio City today. I had never been there before. It was an unannounced visit, so I was surprised to find Christine there with several of her staffers.

The place was in high spirits and Christine was making call after call to voters and contacts. Sometimes Christine got so busy she had to hand off some of the calls to her staffers to finish up details and paperwork. Christine was overjoyed to find out that the PPL had decided to increase their Independent Expenditures (IE's) for her Council campaign. The total of IE's is getting close to half a million now.

In the outer hallway I saw enormous stacks of new yard signs getting ready to go out. The new ones state that "Our Local Police Support" Christine Essel. It's hard to imagine that there are voters who would intentionally choose sides against their own law enforcement officers, but I suppose it is always possible.

Some of her staffers were choosing from boxes of new campaign literature. The Essel campaign also received more positive news while I was there. They plan to announce this in press releases next week.

The Krekorian supporters will, of course, go crazy and complain that Chris Essel is buying this election.

But you know who complains that their opponent is buying the election?

A candidate who fears that they are going to lose.

Morning Briefs and Outtakes on Councilman Reyes Wading Through the Medical Marijuana Issue and Other News

2009-11-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

"Councilman Ed Reyes needs boots to wade through Medical Marijuana issue"

One of the most tired political cliches has to be, "its for the children".

For CD 1 City Councilman Ed Reyes, his cliche of choice in the Medical Marijuana saga is , "its all about the sick" and they need their Pot now!

Some may wonder after listening to repeated Councilman Reyes soundbites on radio and television in the last few days, whether "herb" played a role in his decision making process, or should we say lack of, on the Medical Marijuana issue.

For those who are well-verse in all things concerning Councilman Ed Reyes, density is at the core of his political principles. Density is what Reyes sees as the future of Los Angeles. Reyes would like to pack hoards of "citizens" into every piece of horizontal and vertical space, whether in Lincoln Heights or Pacific Palisades. Reyes saw no problem in wanting to push a high-density restaurant, with liquor license, within yards of local schools. "Pack em in", that is the mantra of Councilman Reyes, whether it is housing, liquor establishments or Pot shops. And the "pack of Pot shops" grew big time under Councilman Reyes watch. One must wonder if the "dense cloud of pot smoke" slowed down Councilman Reyes decision process?

On the topic of decision making within the "Horseshoe on Spring Street", the City Council did what is does best, it punted the Medical Marijuana issue down the calendar for "further deliberations".

With the shadow of District Attorney Steve Cooley omnipresent at yesterday's meeting. Councilmembers tripped over themselves in search of some law-abiding recourse, as noted in the Daily News.

Staff was instructed to contact state Attorney General Jerry Brown's office and seek a legal opinion on what is allowed under state law governing medical marijuana clinics. Proposition 215, approved by voters in 1996, permits sick people to smoke pot if they have referrals from doctors and an identification card. But according to KABC 790 AM reporter David Linder, no response was received from the Attorney General office.

This fact tells it all in regarding the City Council's lack of action.

In the past four years, the council has tried without success to control the opening of clinics. The city originally approved 186 clinics, but the operations have mushroomed over the past four years to upwards of 1,000.

Councilman Jose Huizar suggested the city start all over with allowing the clinics, pulling the permits on the original 186.

Huizar suggested there be a maximum of 70 clinics in the city, based on population in city planning areas.

However, Councilwoman Janice Hahn said the original 186 clinics should be allowed as long as the city is able to derive revenue from the operations.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl said he wanted the city to look at the measure in place in West Hollywood, which allows four clinics to operate, and has had no difficulties.

But leave it to this City Council to find difficulties in determining what is difficult in finding closure to the multi-year Medical Marijuana saga.

OTHER NEWS:

** If "Hogan's Heroes" character "Sargent Schultz" was a cop at the LAPD's Topanga Station, his response to discovering a pot farm within feet of the station, might of been this, "I hear nothing, I see nothing, I smell something".

** Los Angeles Recreation and Parks has a brewing controversy at the Boyle Heights Senior Center in CD 14. Interest to note the comments about Rec. and Park tactics in dealing with community members who speak out.

** Can you say "State Assembly Speaker Kevin De Leon"? or does that remind you of a scary dream, that Fabian Nunez had a twin brother? From the Los Angeles Garment and Citizen.

DELEON TO SPEAKER’S CHAIR?: It’s a long way to the 2010 statewide elections, but some politcos are already penciling in 45th District Assemblymember Kevin DeLeon—who represents Echo Park, Angeleno Heights and Silverlake, among other areas—as the next Speaker.

Now it is clear why Paul Krekorian is running for CD 2.

BTW, don't forget to note the Councilman Huizar tidbit.

** Can you say Attorney General Jerry "Richard Millhouse" Brown? The "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street has an editorial on his "Secret Cases". They involve the ACORN scandal and his former aide who went the "Richard Nixon route" in recording conversations with various reporters without their knowledge.

** Lastly, If you are Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (any takers?) and you have the choice of spending your Sunday, either mingling with your former CD 14 constituents as they celebrated the Gold Line extension in Boyle Heights, or, spend some bonding time with your lovely television hottie Lu Parker. What would be your choice? Link here to read what Villaraigosa did on Sunday.

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

Wendy Greuel is voting for Christine Essel

2009-11-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you in Council District 2 out in the San Fernando Valley, you might have already received this mailer informing you that the popular former Council Member from Council District 2 - Wendy Greuel - is supporting Christine Essel in the special election to replace her on the City Council.

Mailer, Letter Tags Essel with CRA, Mayor V, Gov Gumby Guilt by Association

2009-11-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

Third floor not going to be happy with this.

A new mailer and an unearthed letter from then Speaker Villaraigosa attempts to tag CD2 Candidate Chris Essel with some associations that may not fly in the District.

The address on the letter indicates Essel lives about a mile from the Sunset Strip. Perhaps she should have sought Paul Koretz's old West Hollywood City Council seat instead.

IBEW Boss Brian D'Arcy's "Hit Piece Mailer" on CD 2 Candidate Paul Krekorian and ** Lawsuit to Overturn Contribution Limits

2009-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

"Buck me if you dare peons"

IBEW's Boss Brian D'Arcy and his cohorts just whack CD 2 Council Candidate Paul Krekorian, with one funny political mailer.

From the Ethics Website.

Local 18 Water and Power Defense League (IBEW) Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Independent Expenditure) Oppose Paul Krekorian City Council Member - District 02 Krekorian for City Council 2009 - General (1321819) [Election: 12/08/09] 11/17/09 11/16/09 Printing, production, postage, and research MAIL-10 $14,525.00 .

While the Special Interests at City Hall, pile thousands of dollars on their "vessel of choice", Krekorian will need to somehow counter the mail bag loads of mailers that are hitting the homes in CD 2.

Maybe, noted "political black ops campaign specialist" Eric Hacopian has something lurking in the shadows.

Your thoughts......

** Another reason to be wary of bucking "Boss D'Arcy",.... he sues.

From this afternoon's LA Times Online

A nonprofit group closely tied to the Department of Water and Power employee union has filed a federal lawsuit against the City’s Ethics Commission, saying a city campaign fundraising law is unfairly limiting its ability to advocate on behalf of City Council candidate Christine Essel.

The case comes during a two-week period when outside groups have poured more than $280,000 into independent expenditures to boost Essel’s bid to replace former City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who is now city controller. Among those groups is the political arm of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, which has spent more than $93,000 in support of Essel’s campaign. The union is headed by Brian D’Arcy.

Working Californians, the group suing the city, is co-chaired by D’Arcy and Marvin Kropke, the business manager of IBEW Local 11. The group devised the solar energy proposal known as Measure B on the March ballot, which was supported by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa but was defeated by voters. And D’Arcy showed his political clout last month when he negotiated a five-year package of raises for DWP employees at a time when the police union agreed to forgo pay increases for two years because of the city’s budget crisis.

The effort to buy Chris Essel a seat in the "horseshoe" has gone legal.

......and the flow of Special Interest money continues.

New Majority California PAC San Rafael, CA 94901 (Independent Expenditure)
Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02 Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633) [Election: 12/08/09] 11/16/09 11/16/09 Mailer MAIL-1 $6,857.01
New Majority California PAC San Rafael, CA 94901 (Independent Expenditure)
Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02 Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633) [Election: 12/08/09] 11/16/09 11/16/09 Mailer MAIL-2 $6,584.70

Morning Briefs and Outtakes on Strict Interpretion of Laws, Budgets, Building Codes and Other News

2009-11-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

" District Attorney Steve Cooley and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, are not going to Pot"

Its 8:15 AM and Medical Marijuana is all over the radio air waves.

Just finish listening to KFI's Newsman Eric Leonard, debrief Talk Show Host Bill Handel on the latest, regarding the Los Angeles City Council struggles to find closure, in regards to its self-created, Medical Marijuana controversy.

Last night, a prominent city activist call me to state that a massive turnout was expected to descend on City Hall this morning, in support of Potheads, errrr, assorted Medical Marijuana users and sellers. (image of drug cartel members near the horseshoe an interesting thought).

But while the latest saga in this "tired expose of governmental laziness" plays out with pronouncements, chants, threats, mixed in with puffs of herbal medicine. The two men pictured above will go about their daily business in executing their law enforcement duties. That fact should send shivers into the political establishment and their special interest cronies.

I for one, find it refreshing that both city and county government in Los Angeles, have a duo in District Attorney Steve Cooley and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, who can forge ahead in cooperation, to for once, strictly interpret the law.

Many will agree, that our current City Council's ability to obey establish, enforcement of, and creation of law, is something that is center around the wishes of the Special Interests. A permit for your large memorial? Not if you are AEG. Trash fees for hiring new police officers? No comprende. DWP fees for infrastructure upkeep? Sorry but those went to offset the negative balance of the general fund. Enforcement of immigration laws to protect our general population? We call that Special Order 40. "Government by loop holes", sadly that best describes our current Mayor and City Council.

Simply, while I can find areas of understanding on both sides of the Medical Marijuana issue, it would be good to watch for once, the City Council get slap with an judicial ruling (along the lines of the recent billboard rulings), that whack some legal reality into the highly paid numbskulls who sit around the horseshoe.

For those who are bound to "puff and paste" your comments regarding my opening missive, consider this from the LA Weekly's story "LA Medical Pot Shops Peddle To LAUSD Pupils".

The first sign that kids were being affected by the medical-pot explosion — and even directly targeted — arose at Grant High School in Van Nuys. It was the end of summer 2006 and time, apparently, to get back to the San Fernando Valley’s version of the three R’s: reading, writing and rolling joints.

On August 10 of that year, Van Nuys police found that a nearby marijuana dispensary, Pacific Support Services, had left fliers on cars in the Grant High School student parking lot. The fliers were emblazoned with the iconic, three-leaf marijuana bud, and underneath was a friendly message:

“It is still legal to own, grow and smoke marijuana as long as you do it properly. Qualification is simple and our experienced physicians are more than happy to help you,” it informed students, who probably had no idea California law gives seriously ill patients the right to smoke pot if they merely obtain a doctor’s verbal recommendation.

The flier language was directly aimed at those who might be tempted to spend their burgers-and-fries money: “$15 off with this flier. ... If you do not qualify for a recommendation your visit is free.”

2006, and our City Council struggles with simple task of following the law? Its time for some puffs of legal sanity to be blown in the face of those sitting around the "horseshoe of ineptness" on Spring Street.

** City Council delays vote on Pot Shops to until next week at the earliest.

OTHER NEWS:

** Continuing on the topic of ineptness, the current bunch in Sacramento has $21,000,000,000 to cut or replace in its 2010/2011 budget. With Governor "Kennedy Republican" leaving office in 2010 (** and not planning to run for any other) , here is hoping that no one responsible for this mess, attempts to bring their political baggage southward, in pursuit of greener political pastures.

** Ron Kaye has an great read on the latest "brain cramp of policy" from the City Council that attempts to legalize "Clown Houses" (a KFI's John and Ken term). Must be some third-world inspire take on density growth, but now Chato has a home in the garage.

** Did any of you in the "progressive community" locally, get this robocall? Via Andrew Breitbart's biggovernment.com?

Hello. This is ACORN. We’re calling to let you know that ACORN has continued to fight hard against foreclosures, for affordable healthcare, and now, to beat back the extremist attacks against our members, an organization you have seen on the news this week. Los Angeles ACORN successfully turned away the two right-wing activists who secretly videotaped a handful of ACORN employees and stopped their attempts to discredit the good will of ACORN here in Los Angeles. Thank you for your continued support. Always remember that the people united will never be defeated. Should you have any questions or would like to find out how you can be more involved, please call the L.A. office at 213 747 4211 extension 215. Thank you and have a good evening.

See this reported in the Los Angeles Times? Were waiting...........

** The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is out with its report card on the actions of 120 lawmakers in Sacramento and their voting record on taxes. Thus, in the spirit of openness, we post the grades of some local state lawmakers.

Bob Blumenfield/D-Van Nuys/F
Felipe Fuentes/D-Arleta/F
Paul Krekorian/D-Burbank/F
Mike Feue/rD-West Hollywood/F
Anthony Portantino/D-Pasadena/F
Steve Knight/R-Palmdale/A
Cameron Smyth/R-Santa Clarita/A
Audra Strickland/R-Westlake Village/A

Is someone on this list running for a new office?

** BREAKING NEWS!! Link here to see "Boss D'Arcy's" IBEW hit piece on Paul Krekorian....and they whacked him good.

Local 18 Water and Power Defense League (IBEW) Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Independent Expenditure) Oppose Paul Krekorian City Council Member - District 02 Krekorian for City Council 2009 - General (1321819) [Election: 12/08/09] 11/17/09 11/16/09 Printing, production, postage, and research MAIL-10 $14,525.00

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

David Hernandez endorses Christine Essel

2009-11-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

Valley Village resident and Community Leader David Hernandez has announced his formal endorsement of Los Angeles City Council Candidate Christine Essel for the Special Election in District 2.

David Hernandez achieved National recognition for his efforts to allow the people to vote on keeping the Cross on the Los Angeles County Seal.

David also led the Two Year Legal Challenge against Proposition R, the measure which allowed the City Council to extend their terms by four years.

David is currently the President of the Foundation Board at Los Angeles Mission College and a Board member of the Youth Services Network.

David served two years on the Sun Valley Neighborhood Council and two years on the North Hollywood North East Neighborhood Council. He was an active participant in the formation of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council.

David is a member of Valley Vote and continues to be a strong advocate for the San Fernando Valley.

David has spent the past months observing and interacting with both of the candidates who are in the run off election.

Having reviewed each candidates strengths and liabilities, he is convinced the best candidate to represent the 2nd Council District is Christine Essel.

“My mother has lived in the community since 1953 and Chris is the one I feel would best serve her community”.

David has also noted that with the two remaining female council members being termed out, there exists the possibility that Christine Essel will be the only women on the Los Angeles City Council. Should she fail to be elected, then there is a strong possibility there will be no women on the council. Not acceptable.

David also requested a cost analyst from the Registrar Recorder for a Special Election in the 43rd State Assembly District. According to the Registrar Recorder a “Stand Alone” Special Election will cost tax payers more than 2.2 million dollars. A combined Special Election will cost tax payers 1.5 million dollars. This is unacceptable given the current financial crisis facing the State of California and the City of Los Angeles.

New LAPD Chief Charlie Beck Sworn In For Duty, DA Steve Cooley Vows to Prosecute Illegal Pot Shops

2009-11-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa swears in LAPD Chief Charlie Beck

Photo from LA Times Al Seib

From the Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles City Council today appointed Charlie Beck as the city's new police chief.

The council unanimously approved Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's nomination at a hearing this morning. There was no organized opposition to the nomination of Beck, currently an LAPD deputy chief, but the stakes are high.

The choice comes at a time of uncertainty for the department as Beck will be given the task of sustaining former Police Chief William J. Bratton’s hard-won gains amid dwindling city budgets. Beck, 56, has risen quickly through the department’s command ranks in recent years and was viewed widely as the favorite to be selected by the mayor.

From his success in rehabilitating the Rampart Division, which had been at the center of a corruption scandal, and later as head of the LAPD’s forces in South Los Angeles, he has earned praise from police and civic leaders for blending a tough stance on crime with a progressive approach to improving the police department’s relationship with the public.

Villaraigosa chose Beck nearly three months after Bratton announced he would step down at the end of October. During his seven years as chief, Bratton oversaw dramatic declines in crime and improved long-strained relations between police and minority communities.

Meanwhile, District Attorney Steve Cooley Disregards City Council Vote and Vows to Prosecute Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

From the Los Angeles Times.

Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said today he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if the Los Angeles City Council adopts an ordinance that does not ban such sales.

On Monday, two council committees rejected the city attorney’s advice and changed a provision in the proposed ordinance, allowing cash transactions as long as they comply with state law.

“Undermining those laws via their ordinance powers is counterproductive, and, quite frankly, we’re ignoring them. They are absolutely so irrelevant it’s not funny,” Cooley said.

Cooley said state law and state court decisions have made it clear that collectives cannot sell marijuana at dispensaries.

He reiterated his view that most, if not all, dispensaries in the county are in violation of the law. “We don’t know of one that’s not engaging in just over-the-counter sales,” he said.

Then this quote from Councilman Ed Reyes, soon after Cooley's announcement.

Councilman Ed Reyes, who has overseen the development of the city’s ordinance, said that he did not think Cooley’s comments would cause the council to rethink whether to allow sales. “This is not about Cooley vs. Reyes, or Cooley vs. the council. This is about the quality of life. We all have better things to do than to do this legal jousting,” he said.

Thus, for those who plan on navigating the choppy waters of Los Angeles politics, the next couple of years should be full of verbal and legal broadsides between the "S.S. Clowncil" with Captain Villar at the helm and the "S.S. Cooley Nuch" acting as the legal enforcer of local political navigation.

BTW, nice to see that Councilman Reyes is consistent in his sanctuary tendencies for all illegal law breakers, regardless of age, sex, or creed.

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

Morning Briefs and Outtakes after some Huffing and Puffing at City Hall

2009-11-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

From Cheech and Chong's "Up in Smoke", "That doobie should cure my cancer for good".

They came by the hundreds to witness government in action from behind the horseshoe on Spring Street.

What brought out this crowd to witness 15 highly paid politicians in action? Budget cuts? DWP rate increases? Cuts in Police and Fire services? A Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa photo op? No, it was all about the Pot dudes and dudettes!!

Speakers in "nickels and dimes" assortments made their way to the podium for their allotted two minutes of huffing and puffing on all sides of the Medical Marijuana issue. Just wondering if any of these speakers provided an "ounce or gram" of reason on the issue?

Some four hours later, the smoke of political retoric cleared and "in rubuff to the city attorney" (part of this morning's LA Times headline), two city council committes went ahead "and voted Monday to approve an ordinance that allows marijuana dispensaries to continue to sell the drug to people with a doctor's recommendation.

From the Times story, The city attorney's office has maintained for a year and a half that Los Angeles has no choice but to ban sales because state law and court decisions are clear that collectives can only cultivate marijuana. That opinion had stalled the council's deliberations because dispensary operators insisted it would force them to close.

As the LA Weekly reports, groups like Americans For Safe Access on Monday stated the courts in California have supported the sale of pot to patients with doctors' approvals and that if the council moves forward with is sales ban it will take City Hall to court. Give me pot or give me death!!

Councilman Dennis Zine for one, is tire of this whole saga. as noted in the Daily News "What I have seen is we are going in circles and are not accomplishing a damned thing." Here is thinking that Dennis needs a puff right about now.

Then, in all the smoke of retoric, came this profound thought from CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar, Some council members responded favorably to the city attorney's suggestion to consider capping the number of dispensaries. Councilman Jose Huizar proposed a cap of 70, allowing two in each of the 35 community plan areas."Hopefully, that will allow us to control for the over-concentration," he said.

Leave it to Councilman Huizar to come up with a plan to "cut and paste" the excess concentration of pot shops. Maybe he can start in Eagle Rock. That thought alone could cause one to "water the bong and take a big puff".

But back to reality, as the City Council vacillates on the course of action to take in regards to the proliferation of "pot shops" in Los Angeles, The LA Weekly has a must read story how pot shops are marketing to LAUSD students.

The marijuana of today is far more potent that the "Humboldt or Colombian" of the seventies. Thus, students who start with puffs of weed today are more likely to advance to other drugs like liquid meth, which are becoming mega income producers for the Mexican Drug Cartels.

In addition, our public lands are becoming one big giant pot plantation for the Cartels, witness the cause of this summer's La Brea Fire in the back country of Santa Barbara, which was an illegal campfire at a plantation site in the Los Padres National Forest. Mineral King Highway in Sequoia National Park has been nicknamed "Marijuana King" by park rangers who have eradicated many illegal plantations at great harm to the native environment. And in Fresno County this year alone, law enforcement authorities have eradicated over $1,000,000,000 of marijuana from public lands.

This issue is nothing to puff upon for much longer.

OTHER NEWS:

** Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, with his non-profit allies and UTLA backed teacher groups, will compete for control of four campuses, including Jefferson High School, as part of a groundbreaking reform initiative.

The impending face-off emerged Monday as groups inside and outside the Los Angeles Unified School District scrambled to meet a 5 p.m. deadline for applications to run 30 district schools.

In separate news conferences, the union and the mayor lauded their own education records as they marked a milestone in the widely watched reform effort.

After filing "letters of intent" for their targeted schools, the bidders, including charter school operators, now have until Jan. 11 to develop full-fledged proposals.

** The full City Council is expected to confirm Deputy Chief Charlie Beck as the rightful heir to former Chief Bill Bratton's position as LA's "Top Cop". And somewhere, an ex. chief is nodding in approval to the designated choice for ascension to his former position.

** District Attorney Steve Cooley has launched a 24 hour tip line to halt the spread of illegal dog fighting. What about a 24 hour a day tip line for political corruption?

** Do we have to waste column inches for this "duh question"? From the editorial board of the "Daily Moldy Green Sheet" or the Valley's paper of record. Cost recovery: Should L.A. recoup Jackson memorial costs?

What do you think? Should the city try to get $3.2 million back from AEG? If so, how? City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has already been pressuring AEG executives to reimburse the city. But perhaps it makes more sense for the city and AEG to made some sort of trade on behalf of Angelenos. Would a certain amount of free tickets to Staples Centers for Angelenos seem fair? How about a free beer at one of the L.A. Live watering holes? Or free screenings of "This is it" (the Michael Jackson movie has made more than $100 million in global receipts - so far - in which AEG has a stake) at the Hollywood Bowl for a couple weeks?

Or perhaps there's more creative ways for Staples Center to give back to the generous people of Los Angeles.

Send your ideas to opinionated@dailynews.com. Please include your full name, the community or city in which you live and a daytime phone number. We'll print as many as we can in Sunday's Opinionated section.

Your thoughts...................... and you wonder why "news print" is use for dog training or wrapping the "catch of the day".

Krekorian feeds the crocodiles

2009-11-17T00:18:00.000-08:00

The League of Womens Voters held a debate last night.

Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel were there.

The debate itself was not very interesting. Paul and Christine continued to state positions that they had both stated before. Nothing has changed. To be quite honest, I'm getting a little tired of covering this election.

It will all be over December 8th. Not a moment too soon for some Mayor Sam readers, I'm guessing.

When it comes right down to it, the voters of CD 2 have two choices:

Either they go with the rookie, Paramount Pictures Executive -- Christine Essel

Or, they go with the big-spending, big-government Socialist -- Paul Krekorian

Over 80% of the voters in CD are not even going to vote...so it makes you wonder why candidates have to kill themselves and raise millions of dollars for elections when most people don't care enough to participate.

Some of the most interesting things of the evening were happening on the periphery of the event.

"Dangerous Enemy of Freedom" Judy Price was there!

In fact she was one of the people asking questions of the candidates. Of course, the LWV didn't allow audience participation on the off chance that someone might ask a troubling question.

(As a side note... how in the world is it fair for Judy Price to be a moderator??!! A woman who is so insanely in the tank for Krekorian that she had threatened to remove other CD 2 candidates from a public forum and had also clearly appeared in Krekorian mailers and campaign literature!!?? )

Obviously, the LWV didn't do any research into this choice.

Judy may have been disappointed that she couldn't kick Christine Essel out of the event.

(It actually would have ruined a two person debate)

Some of her least favorite CD 2 candidates were there in the crowd, but as far as I saw, she didn't demand that any of them leave. Frank Sheftel was there, so was Augusto Bisani, Pete Sanchez, and Michael McCue.

In fact I heard that Sheftel, McCue, and Sanchez had a meeting afterwards with blogger Paul Hatfield.

What were they discussing? I don't know. I'm curious. I 'll have to ask one of them about that....

Another fascinating event tonight was that I was approached by one of Krekorians staffers who asked me to "tone it down" when it came to the criticism of Krekorian on this blog.

Interesting.

Ok..let's get a few things straight.

My criticisms of Paul Krekorian are not personal. I don't know the man and have never spoken with him.

I don't have any personal grudge against him.

My criticisms are based on his behaviors and his votes and his career history. Nothing else.

I actually give him some credit. I think he is a smart guy and a career politician who knows how to say what people want to hear. But that is a dangerous type of person to start pinning your hopes and dreams on....and unfortunately, many other contributors to this blog are drinking the Kool-Aid and doing exactly that.

Krekorian bears responsibility for the State of California being in the shape it is now.

Socialist, politically correct nonsense has been the game plan of the State for years.

Running around handing out money like candy to those who demand it.

Their appetites just keep getting bigger.

It reminds me of the old quote by President Ronald Reagan.

"To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last - but eat you he will."

Krekorian is the type of guy who runs around throwing raw meat to crocodiles.

He promises people that everything will be OK.

Eventually, that turns out to be untrue.

Andrew Breitbart's "Big Government" ACORN Videos, "Live from Los Angeles"

2009-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

"Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's progressive friends exposed"

Ethics and ACORN may meet the definition of a Oxymoron.

But in Los Angeles, they have provided the appropiate "rent a mob" for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's photo ops for affordable housing and education reform. Some have made good money providing "chair sitters" for the mayor's AB 1381 battles in the Mayor's first term.

Now, all these connections to the progressive special interests cash and the politicians they back, may dry up after Andrew Breitbart's "Big Government Blog" latest video expose on ACORN's LA operations, and no, they did not get kicked out of the office, via the video featuring ACORN LA's Felix D. Harriss.

But "OLD GRAY WESTSIDE HAG ON SPRING STREET" scribe James Rainey, may have some explaining to do. This courtesy of veteran LA Times observer "Patterico" at Patterico's Pontifications.

Oh yes, and I should also mention this. O’Keefe says in the video above: “Felix Harris was the only ACORN employee in our nationwide investigation who would not assist us [in] obtain[ing] a house for our illegal activities.”

The only one? But didn’t James Rainey of the L.A. Times tell us that an ACORN employee in Los Angeles named Lavelle Stewart talked to Giles and O’Keefe?

Why, yes! Yes, he did. And Rainey implied that ACORN employee Stewart refused to help Giles and O’Keefe. Which certainly seems inconsistent with O’Keefe’s unambiguous declaration today.

Just trying to connect the dots . . .

Well, I guess we’ll have to wait for the next shoe to drop. I have this feeling it’s going to drop right on James Rainey’s head.

This from the same "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street" who failed to correct the fact that Occidental College Professor Peter Dreier, who penned a Op-ed on ACORN for the Times, was a consultant to ACORN.

Makes you go hmmmm.....

Here are the links to Big Government's ACORN LA videos.

Part One, "The LA Story"

Part Two, "We knew we were gonna put Obama in"

Part Three "ACORN Employee of the Year, Felix D. Harris"

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

** From the "Old Gray Westside Hag on Spring Street" this evening.

But tonight, biggovernment.com offered praise for a worker at an ACORN facility in Los Angeles, saying he (Felix Harris) refused to bite when they came to the Wilshire Boulevard office with their faux business. And, yes, they have it all on tape.
Said O'Keefe: "Although he did not kick us out, he was the only employee in our nationwide ACORN child prostitution investigation who would not assist us."

** From James Rainey on September 23, 2009.

And visits to other ACORN offices have gone almost entirely unmentioned. Lavelle Stewart, a fair-housing coordinator in the group's Los Angeles office, told me this week that she tried to get the "prostitute," who claimed she had been beaten by her pimp, to go to a women's center.

"The fact she was not taking the help I offered her made me think something was not right," Stewart said. "It raised a red flag."

Maybe the "Westside White Guy" can straighten out these contrary statements of facts??

** We found this link to ACORN LA's Felix Harris from 2005.

"There is a lot of misinformation about home buying in the community and many people feel vulnerable to being taken advantage of," said Felix Harris, Programs Director, ACORN Housing, "Today there are many more homeownership opportunities and flexibility in home buying than ever before. It is our job to better inform people, for example, to let them know that a 20 percent down payment is no longer an industry standard."

Is that the smoke from the barrel of ACORN's role, with Freddie Mac, in the collapse of the housing market, that I smell??

LA Weekly: AEG to Kick in Money for the Non-Permitted Jackson Memorial

2009-11-16T16:21:00.001-08:00

"AEG's Tim Lieweke and a couple of civic friends"

The LA Weekly is reporting this afternoon that AEG will pay an undisclosed amount of money to offset public cost for the non-permitted AEG/Michael Jackson Memorial.

By Tibby Rothman and Dennis Romero

Anschutz Entertainment Group, the owner of Staples Center and the organizer behind the controversial Michael Jackson memorial there in July, will pay to defray at least some of the city's costs to police, direct traffic and clean-up during and after the event.

Councilman Dennis Zine on Monday said he had breakfast with company CEO Tim Leiweke and that the executive pledged to help end the controversy by contributing some money to cover the city's costs.

The July 7 memorial has been the source of much ire: On Friday the city released a report indicating that it spent nearly $3.2 million to deal with the crowds that came to witness the memorial or just to be near it. The memorial was produced as a television special and was carried on channels throughout the world. A subsequent concert film based on Jackson's rehearsals for his AEG-promoted This Is It concert residency in London has grossed $200 million, with 10 percent of that going to AEG.

As Romero reported in his Friday post "City Spends $3.2 Million To Market The $200-Mil, Michael Jackson Blockbuster 'This Is It'" and follow up this morning. The city through someones unauthorized actions, payed out money to subsidize the making of AEG's flick of Michael Jackson's last moment on a stage in his life.

For Councilman Dennis Zine and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, here is hoping that both of these public servants do not get "weak in the knees and continue in their quest to see that the city is fully refunded for the unauthorized costs of the AEG/ Michael Jackson Memorial.

One More: Pete Sanchez Endorses Paul Krekorian

2009-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Paul Hatfield's blog is reporting that former CD2 primary candidate Pete Sanchez has endorsed Paul Krekorian for CD. Hatfield runs a statement from Sanchez where he says the following:

I am convinced that there is only one choice for those of us who would like to see a more responsive and accountable City Hall. I am supporting Paul Krekorian to be our next City Council Member and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for him.

In case you were keeping score that means that most of the local community leaders in CD2 are supporting Paul Krekorian as well as the top tier candidates from the CD2 primary.

Maybe money doesn't always buy elections.

Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Ponies Up $24,000+ for CD 2 Candidate Chris Essel

2009-11-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

"I knew they love me at the Chamber of Commerce"

Will numbers such as these from Downtown business interest equate to victory on December 8 for Council District two candidate Chris Essel?

LA Jobs PAC Sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/13/09 11/12/09 Literature FLYER-1 $12,159.30

There are more.........................

Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters PAF Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633) [Election: 12/08/09] 11/13/09 11/13/09
Mailer MAIL-9 $6,446.48

These number don't lie, as of today Chris Essel has been the recipient of $232,206.08 in Independent Expenditures from the likes of "Boss D"Arcy's" IBEW, the Police Protective League, Southwest Carpenters and now the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

........ and for Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, we call for the tote!! Total, $000,000.00, nada, nil, zero.

Then, to the chagrin of those who have grown weary of the 24/7 coverage of CD 2/14 here at Mayor Sam, we found this.

Endorsements for Chris Essel among City Council members.

L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn
L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry
L.A. City Councilman HerbWesson
L.A. City Councilman Greig Smith
L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl
L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge
** L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar (we always knew that Huizzy was pro-development, except for those myopic Elephant Hills groupies).

Maybe Huizar will unleash an certain cybertroll to prowl the dimensions of cyberspace, in the search of voters for Essel.

But more likely, the linkage to the CD 14 Councilman should inspire the grass-roots masses who supported the likes of "No Home Depot" and the "Friends of the Southwest Museum", to rally against the onslaught of Special Interest money and send a "resounding volley of backlash" in the direction of City Hall.

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

Mid-Day Briefs for Lunch Time Contemplation

2009-11-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

"Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa off to Europe in December"

We break away from our 24/7 coverage of CD 2/CD 14 to bring you these briefs on the other political happenings within our local collectivist fiefdoms.

** The "Latino Tony Blair" who is known to us locally as "Mayor Antonio Tony Ramon Villar Villaraigosa Villarparker", is getting ready to add a "Danish stamp" to his passport as Daily News Scribe Rick Orlov reports in today's "Tipoff Column".

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is preparing for a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, in mid-December in his role as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors at the Copenhagen Climate Summit.

The session, from Dec. 14 to 17, is designed to bring leaders from cities around the world to discuss what can be done at the local level to combat climate change.

Villaraigosa is leading the delegation of U.S. mayors and will discuss the energy and water conservation numbers achieved in Los Angeles with the goal of reaching 20 percent renewable energy by next year.

Here are thoughts to ponder on Mayor Villaraigosa's latest episode of city subsidize globe-trotting.

First, will Lu get to come along for some Christmas shopping in Copenhagen?

Second, will Ari Swiller be part of the mayor's entourage in the hope of securing some windmill action in Denmark?

Third, will Mayor Villaraigosa pimp the services of one Michael Trujillo, to the cities of the world, who seek to emulate our bogus Measure B proposal.

Fourth, can DWP consultant H. David Nahai give workshops to the mayors of the world on innovated home based water conservation techniques? Title of workshop would be, "LET IT FLOW DAMN IT!!", how to use 475,000 gallons of water to turn your lawn into a neighborhood wetlands.

Fifth, maybe consultants Cindy Montanez and Fabian Nunez, can teach the mayors of Europe how to find weasel room around the onerous restrictions of the Kyoto Accords.

Sixth, can we offer current DWP General Manager S. David Freeman as the "Ratepayer Advocate" to the world?

Seven, will Keith Brackpool hang with the Mayor in the watering holes of Copenhagen? He can even offer his services as an expect on desert habitat destruction, errrrr, water mining expert.

And lastly, no trip to discuss energy and water conservation in Los Angeles would be complete without the "BOSS", that is "Boss Brian D'Arcy" of IBEW to you peons. "Boss D'Arcy" could, will and if you get in his way, step on you measly ratepayers, in gathering the mayors of the world and telling them how he dictates energy and water conservation in Los Angeles.

OTHER NEWS:

** Campaign contributions do pay off, right Andy Camacho? Link here to read how you can be a party to 25 year plus lawsuit and be given a second chance to develop restaurant space at the historic El Pueblo property downtown.

** "Hurricane Carmen" spins and spins while Downtown News Editor Jon Regardie attempts to pens his thoughts on the latest happenings of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

** The tally is in on the cost to the city ($3.2 million), of the non-permitted AEG/Michael Jackson Memorial and revenue to local businesses ($4 million).

** The "call for the toke", in regards to the potential cost in litigation to the City of Los Angeles, may get expensive, according to medical marijuana advocates.

** Maneuverings in regards to "Mayor Race 2013" as noted by Daily News City Hall Beat Writer Rick Orlov.

It's beginning to look like Campaign 2013 has begun.

With term limits forcing Villaraigosa from office then, there has been a noticeable increase in the political activity at City Hall.

Council President Eric Garcetti apparently got the jump on City Controller Wendy Greuel with his proposal to revive the Business Tax Advisory Committee. Greuel aides complain she had been working to call for its re-establishment when Garcetti trumped her.

Meanwhile, Councilwoman Jan Perry has been taking a much more public role in recent weeks - from boosting downtown development by pushing through a billboard exemption for L.A. Live to getting up at 5 a.m. for television and radio interviews over the appointment of Charlie Beck as police chief.

Councilman Richard Alarcon, who ran for mayor in 2003, also has been active on a variety of fronts, from creating banking districts to combating runaway film production.

Fundraising for the next mayoral election can't begin until 2011, but that doesn't mean the campaigning, official or unofficial, can't start now.

It is expected to be a crowded race in three years. And it might be a good race for someone outside of City Hall, with a lot of support still out there for former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg and developer Rick Caruso.

Also, Councilman Jose Huizar's staff and young volunteers were handing out glossy programs at yesterday's Gold Line Extension festivities on First Street in Boyle Heights, which touted the on-goings changes taking place in the southern reaches of CD-14.

** ....... and in closing, where was Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at yesterday's Gold Line festivities in Boyle Heights??

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

Christine Essels CD 2 Party in The Valley

2009-11-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Christine Essel was excited to host the party for her upcoming election.

Christine hands the microphone to her friend Frank Sheftel.

Former CD 2 Councilwoman Wendy Gruel thanks the restaurant owner for hosting the party.

Pop singer Callie Carson entertained the crowd with some popular music.

Joe Essavi brought his absentee ballot and marked it for Christine Essel in front of the crowd.

In early, early election returns, it is Christine Essel 1, Paul Krekorian 0.

Augusto Bisani endorses Christine Essel and says Paul Krekorian " just wasn't for me".

Is Paul Krekorian a Conspiracy Theorist??

2009-11-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

Or does he just hate Turkish people??

CD 2 voters....Read this letter (link to above) and decide for yourself.

Here Comes Sunland-Tujunga!

2009-11-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

Mary Benson & STNC Prez Dan McManus speak with Paul at Saturday's Opening of his S-T Campaign office.

Abby Diamond & Paul Exchange some ideas.

Paul's office in S-T is up & running. Where is Chris Essel's?

Fellow Citizens,

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, the City of Los Angeles will conduct the Council District 2 Special Runoff Election. This election will determine who will represent all of us on the Los Angeles City Council for the next 14 months, at a minimum, and potentially for longer than a decade.

We believe that Paul Krekorian is the person who should fill the seat on the City Council. His successful track record in public service demonstrates his ability to identify issues, come up with creative solutions, and work hard to get them implemented. We need this fresh approach in City Hall.

Paul will be ready to take the CD2 reins on day one and tackle the many issues facing the City of Los Angeles. His strong record on the environment, support for saving the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, and willingness to buck the status quo will serve the citizens of Council District 2 well.

Join us and vote for Paul Krekorian on December 8th.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Paul will officially open his campaign office in Sunland-Tujunga, at 10019 Commerce Ave. We hope you will join us so you can meet Paul and see for yourself why we firmly believe he is the best choice for Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills, La Tuna Canyon and the entire second district.

Sincerely,

Mary Benson
Community Leader

Dan McManus
President, STNC (Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council)

Ed Novy
Board Member, STNC

Lydia Grant
Education Rep, STNC

Joe Barrett
President, STA (Sunland-Tujunga Alliance, Inc.)

Kristin C. Sabo
Parks Volunteer - Hansen Dam & Griffith Park

Sonia Tatulian
1st VP of Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce

Mark Seigel
Treasurer, STNC

Barbara Johnson
STA

Andrew Longo
Teacher

Jerry Hovsepian
Commerce Deli Owner & Community Advocate

Jeff Woodruff
Board Member, La Tuna Canyon Community Association

Mary Ann Geyer
Past President of Foothill Trails District Neighborhood Council

John Blue
STNC

Titles are used for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the respective organizations.

Full Disclosure: I am Joe Barrett, one of the signers, most of you know me as Joe B.

Outtakes from CD 14: "The Great White Ghost of CD 14 Speaks"

2009-11-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

The "Great White Ghost" of CD 14 politics has spoken.

He was the enabler who gave special meaning to the "ins and outs" of constituent services, in a time when "cut and pasting" involved exacta knives, rulers, cardboard, and rubber cement.

His driving exploits, would of loaded the barrels of Top Gun DUI Attorney Miles L. Berman with gainful employment during those days of driving, weaving and dealing through the barrios and exclusive domains within CD 14.

Investigators, whether local, state, or feds, never fear of running out of shady dealings to investigate during his reign. Red Devil Fireworks, TELACU, and Enterprise Zones, brought an constant source of monetary deals that benefited the district, but invited investigated scrutiny, that in the end was the cause of one, Councilman Arthur K. Snyder's political demise.

Arthur K. Snyder in recent years has kept close to political controversy. His role in outing Steve Lampson as the President of the Lincoln Heights Chamber of Commerce and his cooperation with Lincoln Heights Real Estate Broker Steve Kasten, was an flashback to the ways things where done.......and still are under the "Reign of Huizar".

But unlike Huizar, who goes through staffers like Snyder went through "fifths and city own cars", Snyder valued his rapid "ins and outs" when responding to constituent concerns.

One of those responsible for that prompt response was the late Boyle Heights resident Ross Valencia, or simply, "Mr. Boyle Heights".

Valencia, was an civic institution in Boyle Heights for decades, his work on behalf of the Boyle Heights Community, prompted civic leaders to rededicate the former Lani Park on First and Chicago, as the Ross Valencia Community Park yesterday.

Valencia's former boss Councilman Arthur K. Snyder, made this rare public statement in the comment section of the Eastern Group Publication story on the dedication of Ross Valencia Community Park.

Ross was a good man. He served the community because he loved it, and he felt called to help it. That is why I hired him to represent me in Boyle Heights and to assist me in the creation and completion of the projects that raised the quality of life for its people and brought the community back into the mainstream of Los Angeles life. He spent the hours, days, years that are the currency of a life for the community that he and I loved. May the people not soon forget him, and may that memory continue to lift the community as did his life.

Art Snyder Member of the City Council, 14rh District, Retired

Indeed, Ross Valencia served his community with distinction and honor and is befitting of the honors accorded him.

And in closing, it would be wise for our current crop of political staffers in CD 14 to emulate Valencia in their role as public servants and remember the "ins and outs" of constituent services.

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

"Boss D'Arcy's" IBEW and Police Protective League Money Up for CD 2 Candidate Chris Essel

2009-11-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

"Boss D'Arcy has made his choice for CD 2"

A Special Interest "Monetary Avalanche" is rolling into the CD 2 Special Election Runoff, courtesy of IBEW and the Police Protective League.

As reported from the Ethics Website, these numbers speak for themselves.

Local 18 Water and Power Defense League (IBEW) Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine Essel City Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/06/09 11/06/09
Printing, production, postage, research FLYER-1 $16,025.00

Local 18 Water and Power Defense League (IBEW) Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine EsselCity Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/09/09 11/09/09 Printing, production, postage, and research FLYER-2 $13,469.00

Local 18 Water and Power Defense League (IBEW) Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine EsselCity Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/10/09 11/10/09 Printing, production, postage, and research FLYER-3 $14,280.00

Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Independent Expenditure) Support Christine EsselCity Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/11/09 11/11/09 Radio Advertisement RADSC-4 $65,000.00

Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Independent Expenditure)
Support Christine EsselCity Council Member - District 02Chris Essel for City Council 2009 - General (1321633)[Election: 12/08/09] 11/11/09 11/11/09 Electronic opt-out, data list, series of 7 email advertisements OTHER-2 $4,800.00

Simply, Paul Krekorian is not going to win the money battle in this race, but Krekorian can offset the Essel monetary advantage with the efficient use of his "grass roots" resources.

What will be of interest in the days ahead is whether the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and SEIU, both Krekorian supporters, counter the IBEW and PPL expenditures with their own monetary resources.

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