Did anyone else notice that the City of Los Angeles Is closed today?
Monday, March 28, 2011
The City of Los Angeles Is Closed - It's Official
Did anyone else notice that the City of Los Angeles Is closed today?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Los Angeles City Election Voter Guide - March 8, 2011
Our thanks to David Berger on LA for putting together this comprehensive voter guide:
Tuesday, March 8, 2012 is Election Day in LA, although if you don't live in one of the City's 8 even-numbered Council Districts, you might not know it.
In case you are undecided about which way to vote, or whether to vote at all, I have some suggestions for you, as well as some links to others with different recommendations. Although we may differ on our recommendations, the one thing I know we all agree upon, is that you have to vote. Our democracy fails when voters allow elected officials to get a pass because of voter apathy.
So here goes:
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
No question, vote to re-elect Paul Krekorian. Regardless of the fact that he is the odds on favorite, go and vote for him anyway. The bigger his majority in votes cast, the stronger message it sends to other Councilmembers that they need to be as accountable and accessible as Krekorian in order to justify holding on to office. Vote Krekorian.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
This is a hard choice. Incumbent Tom LaBonge is facing credible challenges from Stephen Box and Thomas O'Grady, making the likelihood of a runoff between LaBonge and one of the challengers increasingly likely.
LaBonge is one of the politest people you will meet in City Hall, but many wonder if being a nice guy is enough to justify a third term. My recommendation is a vote for LaBonge if you like the way he has represented your district and respect his 35 years of public service.
But if you want to make a change in Los Angeles, vote for Stephen Box, he endorsed by LA Clean Sweep, and has the wit, desire and will to be an accountable representative in City Hall. Vote Box for CD4.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
This is an easy one for me. David Baron is a Los Angeles City Code Enforcement Officer who has a keen interest in the City he lives and works in. Like Stephen Box, David Baron is endorsed by LA Clean Sweep, the movement to oust lackluster incumbents like Tony Cardenas who seem more concerned with special interests than the needs of LA. Vote Baron.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
Another easy one. Incumbent Bernard Parks has been the target of a nasty and well funded campaign by Forescee Hogan-Rowles, mostly because he is the most fiscally prudent Councilmember in City Hall. Parks is also endorsed by Los Angeles Clean Sweep. Vote Parks.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 10
If incumbent Herb Wesson Jr. can be beaten by anyone, then Althea Raw Shaw is the person to vote for. I can do no better than to repeat what Higby at the Mayor Sam blog says "Herb Wesson is a joke with his animal shows in Council. He's another recycled politician from Sacramento. Althea Shaw however would bring the sensibilities of a regular person and would be an impassioned advocate for public safety and victims. Shaw was thrust into the spotlight when tragedy befell her family much in the same way Carolyn McCarthy became a respected member of Congress following the shooting death of her family members. Vote for Shaw."
COUNCIL DISTRICT 12
Brad Smith (another Los Angeles Clean Sweep endorsee) could well surprise favorite Mitch Englander with voters associating the name Smith with that of outgoing Councilmember Smith. Vote Smith.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 14
Rudy Martinez. There is no other choice given the way the incumbent has conducted his campaign. Vote Martinez.
WHAT ABOUT THE PROPOSITIONS?
Easy. No on everything. The City's problems will not be solved by propositions, but by sound and prudent fiscal management. If we had a Council where the elected officials care more about balancing a budget than pandering to the special interests who line their pockets at our expense, we wouldn't need propositions to solve revenue shortfalls. Say 'No' to everything, and kick out those who got us into this mess, and install candidates who will run the City responsibl
COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Seat 1: Essavi
Seat 3: Write in "Mark Isler"
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT:
District 1: Lee
District 3: Pugliese
District 5: Fernandez
District 7: Love
OTHER VOTER GUIDES
Check out what others think:
Walter Moore - Walter has a handy-dandy concise voter guide.
Mayor Sam Blog - Very detailed analysis and endorsements from Higby and Joe B.
CD2 Paul Krekorian
CD4 Stephen Box
CD6 Anyone But Cardenas
CD8 Split Decision
CD10 Anyone But Wesson
CD12 Anyone But Englander
CD14 Split Decision
Street-Hassle - Tons of analysis from Mulholland Terrace
Now get out there and vote!
Tuesday, March 8, 2012 is Election Day in LA, although if you don't live in one of the City's 8 even-numbered Council Districts, you might not know it.
In case you are undecided about which way to vote, or whether to vote at all, I have some suggestions for you, as well as some links to others with different recommendations. Although we may differ on our recommendations, the one thing I know we all agree upon, is that you have to vote. Our democracy fails when voters allow elected officials to get a pass because of voter apathy.
So here goes:
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
No question, vote to re-elect Paul Krekorian. Regardless of the fact that he is the odds on favorite, go and vote for him anyway. The bigger his majority in votes cast, the stronger message it sends to other Councilmembers that they need to be as accountable and accessible as Krekorian in order to justify holding on to office. Vote Krekorian.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
This is a hard choice. Incumbent Tom LaBonge is facing credible challenges from Stephen Box and Thomas O'Grady, making the likelihood of a runoff between LaBonge and one of the challengers increasingly likely.
LaBonge is one of the politest people you will meet in City Hall, but many wonder if being a nice guy is enough to justify a third term. My recommendation is a vote for LaBonge if you like the way he has represented your district and respect his 35 years of public service.
But if you want to make a change in Los Angeles, vote for Stephen Box, he endorsed by LA Clean Sweep, and has the wit, desire and will to be an accountable representative in City Hall. Vote Box for CD4.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
This is an easy one for me. David Baron is a Los Angeles City Code Enforcement Officer who has a keen interest in the City he lives and works in. Like Stephen Box, David Baron is endorsed by LA Clean Sweep, the movement to oust lackluster incumbents like Tony Cardenas who seem more concerned with special interests than the needs of LA. Vote Baron.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
Another easy one. Incumbent Bernard Parks has been the target of a nasty and well funded campaign by Forescee Hogan-Rowles, mostly because he is the most fiscally prudent Councilmember in City Hall. Parks is also endorsed by Los Angeles Clean Sweep. Vote Parks.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 10
If incumbent Herb Wesson Jr. can be beaten by anyone, then Althea Raw Shaw is the person to vote for. I can do no better than to repeat what Higby at the Mayor Sam blog says "Herb Wesson is a joke with his animal shows in Council. He's another recycled politician from Sacramento. Althea Shaw however would bring the sensibilities of a regular person and would be an impassioned advocate for public safety and victims. Shaw was thrust into the spotlight when tragedy befell her family much in the same way Carolyn McCarthy became a respected member of Congress following the shooting death of her family members. Vote for Shaw."
COUNCIL DISTRICT 12
Brad Smith (another Los Angeles Clean Sweep endorsee) could well surprise favorite Mitch Englander with voters associating the name Smith with that of outgoing Councilmember Smith. Vote Smith.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 14
Rudy Martinez. There is no other choice given the way the incumbent has conducted his campaign. Vote Martinez.
WHAT ABOUT THE PROPOSITIONS?
Easy. No on everything. The City's problems will not be solved by propositions, but by sound and prudent fiscal management. If we had a Council where the elected officials care more about balancing a budget than pandering to the special interests who line their pockets at our expense, we wouldn't need propositions to solve revenue shortfalls. Say 'No' to everything, and kick out those who got us into this mess, and install candidates who will run the City responsibl
COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Seat 1: Essavi
Seat 3: Write in "Mark Isler"
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT:
District 1: Lee
District 3: Pugliese
District 5: Fernandez
District 7: Love
OTHER VOTER GUIDES
Check out what others think:
Walter Moore - Walter has a handy-dandy concise voter guide.
Mayor Sam Blog - Very detailed analysis and endorsements from Higby and Joe B.
CD2 Paul Krekorian
CD4 Stephen Box
CD6 Anyone But Cardenas
CD8 Split Decision
CD10 Anyone But Wesson
CD12 Anyone But Englander
CD14 Split Decision
Street-Hassle - Tons of analysis from Mulholland Terrace
Now get out there and vote!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
March 8 Elections Hotsheet
In 50 days Los Angelenos go to the polls to elect councilmembers for the even-numbered council districts. Over the next few days, we take a look at the incumbents and challengers.
Council District 2 - Incumbent Paul Krekorian
Wait a minute. Didn't we just vote for Paul Kekorian a few months ago? Yes, on December 8, 2009, Krekorian won a hotly fought battle with Chris Essel in a special election for CD2, caused by former CD2 councilmember Wendy Greuel's early departure from office to become City Controller.
Krekorian was sworn into office on January 5, 2010 and, according to most City Hall insiders, has done a very good job as CD2's representative. On November 14, 2010, Krekorian kicked off his re-election campaign http://paul4council.blogspot.com/ and is widely expected to win re-election in a four way fight against challengers Michael McCue, Augusto Bisani, and Ayinde A. Jones.
McCue describes himself as a "Grassroots Community Activist," for more information visit his website: http://www.mccuefor2.com/
Bisani's ballot designation is simply "Businessman," more information at: http://augustobisani.org/home
Jones' ballot designation is "Disability Rights Advocate," and we were unable to find a website for this candidate.
Council District 2 - Incumbent Paul Krekorian
Wait a minute. Didn't we just vote for Paul Kekorian a few months ago? Yes, on December 8, 2009, Krekorian won a hotly fought battle with Chris Essel in a special election for CD2, caused by former CD2 councilmember Wendy Greuel's early departure from office to become City Controller.
Krekorian was sworn into office on January 5, 2010 and, according to most City Hall insiders, has done a very good job as CD2's representative. On November 14, 2010, Krekorian kicked off his re-election campaign http://paul4council.blogspot.com/ and is widely expected to win re-election in a four way fight against challengers Michael McCue, Augusto Bisani, and Ayinde A. Jones.
McCue describes himself as a "Grassroots Community Activist," for more information visit his website: http://www.mccuefor2.com/
Bisani's ballot designation is simply "Businessman," more information at: http://augustobisani.org/home
Jones' ballot designation is "Disability Rights Advocate," and we were unable to find a website for this candidate.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Mike Feuer In The News
It's a sure sign that something's in the wind when two blogs independently report on the same career politician.
The Mayor Sam Blog today reported that "Assemblyman Mike Feuer is this year's recipient of the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award for authoring legislation to create a first in the nation pilot project that establishes the right to counsel for low income people in critical civil cases. The award is sponsored by the California Judicial Council."
The report drew a snarky comment that Feuer bore "a remarkable resemblance to Groucho Marx," so we did a little research...
You decide.
Over at the Los Angeles Dragnet Blog, Feuer was mentioned as one of nine potential candidates for the 2012 District Attorney election.
According to Dragnet: "Feuer is a former City Councilmember who came very close to beating Rocky Delgadillo in the 2001 race for City Attorney. Feuer is a Westside Democrat who enjoys substantial support from the well healed West Los Angeles community … His ability to garner substantial financial support from the Westside community makes him a very viable candidate."
So a Justice Award and a rumor about running for Los Angeles District Attorney, and the fact that Feuer is termed out in 2012. Maybe it's just a coincidence?
The Mayor Sam Blog today reported that "Assemblyman Mike Feuer is this year's recipient of the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award for authoring legislation to create a first in the nation pilot project that establishes the right to counsel for low income people in critical civil cases. The award is sponsored by the California Judicial Council."
The report drew a snarky comment that Feuer bore "a remarkable resemblance to Groucho Marx," so we did a little research...
 |
| Some say that Assemblyman for the 42nd California Assembly District Mike Feuer bears a strong resemblance to Groucho Marx |
Over at the Los Angeles Dragnet Blog, Feuer was mentioned as one of nine potential candidates for the 2012 District Attorney election.
According to Dragnet: "Feuer is a former City Councilmember who came very close to beating Rocky Delgadillo in the 2001 race for City Attorney. Feuer is a Westside Democrat who enjoys substantial support from the well healed West Los Angeles community … His ability to garner substantial financial support from the Westside community makes him a very viable candidate."
So a Justice Award and a rumor about running for Los Angeles District Attorney, and the fact that Feuer is termed out in 2012. Maybe it's just a coincidence?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Stephen Box for CD4 - New Year, New Look
 |
| Los Angeles City Council Candidate Stephen Box |
We thought we'd add a before and after, another glimpse of Old Stephen here on LAist.
With just over 3 months to go until the March 8, 2011 elections, you're looking good Stephen!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
LA Mourns Death of Leslie Neilsen
Entertainment Weekly reports that "The world lost a comedy giant today with the passing of Leslie Nielsen, who died of complications from pneumonia at the age of 84."
There are some great video clips at EW's obituary, but if you don't have time to click the link, here's one we found:
Rumors that AEG are planning to shut down the City of Los Angeles to host a three-day tribute to Leslie Neilsen at the Staples Center cannot be confirmed at this time...
There are some great video clips at EW's obituary, but if you don't have time to click the link, here's one we found:
Rumors that AEG are planning to shut down the City of Los Angeles to host a three-day tribute to Leslie Neilsen at the Staples Center cannot be confirmed at this time...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
LA City Council - Next In Line For Investigation?
They're amongst the highest paid city government officials in the nation, the 15 Los Angeles City Council "members" who must be very nervous about what's going on in terms of investigations into the high salaries paid to elected city officials in the City of Bell and other LA County cities.
Today a new voice was added to the many who now question whether councilmen are worth the high salaries they pay themselves. Former Assistant US Attorney Adam Schiff (Rep. D-Pasadena) "called on federal prosecutors to examine political corruption in Los Angeles County" according to the Pasadena News Star.
Schiff's call to arms is intriguing as he wants the US Attorney to conduct the investigation, not LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley, who made international headlines by busting "corruption on steroids" in the City of Bell, as well as prosecuting Los Angeles City Council "member" Richard Alarcon for living outside of his council district.
Perhaps Schiff felt it was incongruous for Cooley to pursue an investigation into the LA City Council's lack of action in the face of very damning evidence against Alarcon? Many are wondering why Alarcon should continue to receive in excess of $170,000 a year while facing charges that appear to be incontestable. Yet the City Council has steadfastly refused to consider suspending Alarcon's "CEO-like" salary while he struggles to find some excuse for not residing in his council district to such an extent that a homeless person was able to move in.
But it is not only Alarcon's pay that Schiff might be concerned about. All 15 Los Angeles council "members" receive over $170,000 a year, but many nevertheless consistently fail to show up for scheduled council meetings. Schiff may be on to something here as there certainly seems to be more than a degree of similarity between the charges in the Bell City case where councilmen received high salaries but rarely showed up for work, and the tardy attitudes of the Los Angeles City 15.
Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is precluded from investigating and/or prosecuting his clients for taking high salaries and not showing up for work, and perhaps Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley already has enough on his plate. Maybe it's time for the US Attorney to do something to justify his salary and clamp down on the Los Angeles City Council - somebody has to.
Today a new voice was added to the many who now question whether councilmen are worth the high salaries they pay themselves. Former Assistant US Attorney Adam Schiff (Rep. D-Pasadena) "called on federal prosecutors to examine political corruption in Los Angeles County" according to the Pasadena News Star.
Schiff's call to arms is intriguing as he wants the US Attorney to conduct the investigation, not LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley, who made international headlines by busting "corruption on steroids" in the City of Bell, as well as prosecuting Los Angeles City Council "member" Richard Alarcon for living outside of his council district.
Perhaps Schiff felt it was incongruous for Cooley to pursue an investigation into the LA City Council's lack of action in the face of very damning evidence against Alarcon? Many are wondering why Alarcon should continue to receive in excess of $170,000 a year while facing charges that appear to be incontestable. Yet the City Council has steadfastly refused to consider suspending Alarcon's "CEO-like" salary while he struggles to find some excuse for not residing in his council district to such an extent that a homeless person was able to move in.
But it is not only Alarcon's pay that Schiff might be concerned about. All 15 Los Angeles council "members" receive over $170,000 a year, but many nevertheless consistently fail to show up for scheduled council meetings. Schiff may be on to something here as there certainly seems to be more than a degree of similarity between the charges in the Bell City case where councilmen received high salaries but rarely showed up for work, and the tardy attitudes of the Los Angeles City 15.
Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is precluded from investigating and/or prosecuting his clients for taking high salaries and not showing up for work, and perhaps Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley already has enough on his plate. Maybe it's time for the US Attorney to do something to justify his salary and clamp down on the Los Angeles City Council - somebody has to.
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