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The Sausage Factory: April 2007 Archives


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<h1 class="archive-title">

April 2007 Archives

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<div id="entry-16298" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/setback-for-firefighter.html">Setback for firefighter</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 30, 2007  2:50 PM

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<p><br />
 A former Lod Angeles furefighter, who became a cause celebre and hot talk radio subject for weeks, lost a court rulnig on Monday where a judge ruled his attorneys cannot prove he was the victim of retaliation.<br />
 City News Service is reporting that Tennie Pierce's attorneys did not prove he was the victim of retaliation after he complained against fellow firefighters for feeding him dog food.<br />
 Pierce had sued the city and it had been recommended he receive a $2.7 million settlement until talk radio began a campaign against the payout and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa vetoed the settlement after photos surfaced of Pierce taking part in other firehouse hazing incidents.<br />
 Pierce attorney Genie Harrison was unfazed by the ruling, saying "this happens all the time."<br />
 However, Councilman Dennis Zine, who was among the first to oppose the payout, praised the ruling.<br />
 "I am hopeful that we can maintain a stance of fiscal responsibility to the City of Los Angeles and can respond to these types of cases with logic and rational thought rather than an inappropriate financial windfall."</p>

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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/aclu-on-bratton.html">ACLU on Bratton</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 30, 2007 12:48 PM

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<p> While they  have more areas of disagreement than issues to praise, the ACLU of Southern California on Monday issued a letter of support for the appointment of Police Chief Bill Bratton to a second five-year term.<br />
 A letter from ACLU  Exectuive Director Ramona Ripston, delivered to the commission for it hearing later in the day on Bratton said it disagrees with the chief on the "broken windows" theory of policing, how the LAPD has dealt with the homeless on Skid Row and  that the LAPD has a culture that permits excessive force.<br />
 But, even with all that,  Ripston said Bratton has also shown a willingness to talk to critics,  seek outside voices and been more open in his operations.<br />
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<div id="entry-16284" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/gang-crime-rises-15-percent-co.html">Gang Crime Rises 15 Percent Countywide</a></h2>
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Posted by Troy Anderson on April 30, 2007 10:31 AM

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<p>Concerned about a 15 percent rise in gang crime in Los Angeles County from 2001 to 2006, county Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke is expected to urge her fellow supervisors Tuesday to direct the Chief Administrative Office and other department heads to review the findings and recommendations in a city report on gangs and develop a plan to address the issue countywide.<br />
Burke's motion, which also asks the Countywide Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to join the effort, directs officials to develop recommendations for a coordinated to the problem.<br />
Gang violence in the county is taking a devastating toll on children, families, communities and schools, Burke said.<br />
Recent tragedies, such as the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Demetrius Perry at Charles Drew Middle School and 14-year-old Cheryl Greene in Harbor Gateway, dramatically illustrates how innocent lives and communities are at the mercy of a gang culture focused on violence, intimidation and control, Burke said.<br />
Overall gang related crimes increased 15 percent from 2001to 2006, with 1,076 documented gangs and 80,757 gang members countywide, according to the Sheriff's Department.  While suppression of gang activity is a necessary approach to bringing about safety in communities, prevention and intervention efforts are equally critical in order to stem the tide of at risk youth seeking the refuge of gangs as a safe harbor and a group with whom they can identify, Burke said.<br />
On Jan. 17, attorney Connie Rice submitted to the City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Gang Violence and Youth Development, the Advancement Project report:  “A Call to Action: A Case for a Comprehensive Solution to L.A.’s Gang Violence Epidemic.”<br />
The report, which focuses primarily on the city emphasized the need for a multi-jurisdictional, regional solution that would require close collaboration between the city and county.<br />
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<div id="entry-16281" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/post-4.html">Alarcon on the move</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 30, 2007  9:27 AM

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<p>Newly returned Councilman Richard Alarcon has wasted no time making his voice heard at the Los Angeles City Council.<br />
 Alarcon, in his second go-round as a councilman, has been using all the political skills he learned in eight years in Sacramento to begin to establish himself as a leader on a variety of issues and is looking to solidify support among Neighborhood Councils, who feel they have been left behind in the administration of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.<br />
 For more on this, ready today's<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/rickorlov"> Tipoff</a> in today's Daily News as well as about five secrets the mayor is keeping.</p>
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<div id="entry-16272" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/antonio-fast-forwards-israeli.html">Antonio Fast Forwards Israeli Independence</a></h2>
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Posted by Tony Castro on April 30, 2007  1:03 AM

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<p>Does Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa plan to tell speakers at next week's Cinco de Mayo celebration that they are full of hot air and to limit their speeches to 30 seconds each? How about the speakers at the annual September 16 Mexican Independence Day celebration?</p>

<p>That's what he told speakers at Sunday's Israeli Independence Festival at Woodley Park in Van Nuys. </p>

<p>At Villaraigosa's request, officials and dignitaries at the event limited their remarks to 30 seconds in ceremonies that ran so fast that Israel Counsel General Ehud Danoch rushed to summarize almost six decades of Israeli achievements in half a minute.</p>

<p>In the mayor's own remarks, he said he had been attending the festival since 1998, and "the speeches are too long!"</p>

<p>It appears that the motivation for Villaraigosa demanding the 30-second speeches at the ceremonies that began well past 1 p..m. is that the mayor was rushing to get to the annual pre-Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Broadway downtown where he was scheduled to make a 2 p.m. appearance. The mayor didn't even stick around long enough for the Israeli National Anthem at the end of the unusually shortened Israeli Independence ceremony.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/hillary-and-antonio.html">Hillary and Antonio</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 29, 2007  5:02 AM

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<p>As she worked the Calaipornia Democratic Party convention this weekend, insiders are saying that Sen. Hillary Clinton is close to picking up the support from the mayors of the state's two largest cities.<br />
 <br />
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. will be rolled out as supporters in the coming weeks, says <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=15946">Carlal Marinucci</a> in the  San Francisco Chronicle.</p>

<p>Clinton was endorsed by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. D- Los Angeles, last week, and has picked up the suport of those who were behind her husband during his eight years as president.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/raising-the-smog-flag.html">Raising The Smog Flag</a></h2>
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Posted by Troy Anderson on April 27, 2007  5:31 PM

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<p>As part of a new program to  warn school children of bad air quality using a color-coated flag system to match the levels of pollution on any given day, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich joined Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Southland air quality officials Friday to discuss reducing the  impact of air pollution on children.<br />
Antonovich, a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, spoke at the "Asthma Is a Small World” international conference at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim about the need to reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, and the alarming increase of asthma among the county's youth.<br />
“It is especially important that we protect our children many of whom suffer from the debilitating effects of asthma,” Antonovich said.  “Through continuing research we are meeting the challenge of reducing harmful emissions and protecting public health.”<br />
 Every school day, the proper color flag will be raised to alert students, parents, teachers, and the community when the air quality is bad and when preventive measures need to be taken.<br />
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<div id="entry-16120" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/a-victim-of-its-own-success.html">A victim of its own success</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 27, 2007  3:42 PM

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<p>The city's 50-50 program to repair sidewalks -- where residents pick up half the cost -- is so popular that it uses up all its money within six months.<br />
 Bill Roberton, director of the Bureau  of Street Services, told the City  Council panel reviewing the proposed $6.8 billion city budget, said he has a waiting list of more than 500 residents who want to participate in the program which is projected to pave 13 miles of sidewalks this coming year.<br />
 "The reality is we close the program off in December of each year because we don't have the money," Robertson said.<br />
 The city's aging street and sidewalk system has long been a source of despair among city officials and the public and the department now has a 50-year backlog of street repairs. Robertson said he would need $1.5 billion over 10 years to restore the street system.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/good-news-on-gangs.html">Good news on gangs</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 27, 2007 12:11 PM

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<p> The crackdown on gangs is beginning to pay dividends, at least in one  traditionally troubled area.<br />
 The Los Angeles Police Department and Councilwoman Janice Hahn said Friday that the Watts community _ which last year had seven homicides in one month _ has gone since Feb. 21  without one gang-related fatality.<br />
 And, during that time, overallcrime is down 7 percent compared with last year.<br />
  *It is hard to believe that just over a year ago, the Watts community<br />
had 18 shootings and 7 deaths in just one month and that in the past two<br />
months, there has not been one homicide in the community,* Hahn said. <br />
 "The community has really come together<br />
through the Watts Gang Task Force and has formed a partnership with the<br />
LAPD.  Together, we are combating the gang violence that has terrorized<br />
this community for years.*<br />
 Hahn attributed part of the decline to increased community involvement through weekly meetings of the Watts Anti-Gang Task Force and developing a better relationship with the LAPD.<br />
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<div id="entry-16095" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/battle-for-ballots.html">Battle for ballots</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 27, 2007 10:09 AM

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<p>With the election only two weeks away and absentee voters beginning to mark their ballots, school board challenger Tamar Galatzan is deluging voters with a 23-page book on why she wants their vote.<br />
The book, "A Plan to Reform the Valley's Public Schools," outlines her platform and asks voters to give their views about  the Los Angeles Unified School District and what changes they would like to see, from smaller schools to charter schools _ the kind of things everyone agrees with. The election is on May 15.<br />
 Sending out the books is an expensive campaign proposition, but one Galatzan's campaign can afford. The last fundraising totals showed she had raised more than $723,000 for the race, compared to the $458,000 raised by incumbent Jon Lauritzen. <br />
 The race it the one being most closely watched by political insiders, since it is the one expected to determine if Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is able to elect a new majority to the Board of Education.<br />
 The timing of the mailing is also important, since absentee voters could account for as much as 50 percent of the total vote.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/presidential-debate-report-car.html">Presidential Debate Report Cards</a></h2>
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Posted by Tony Castro on April 27, 2007  2:53 AM

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<p><strong>The Candidates</strong></p>

<p>Hillary Clinton  A<br />
    <em> No surprise. Nothing like tutorials from Bill.</em></p>

<p>Barack Obama  B-<br />
    <em>Sound bites, more style than substance and little else.</em></p>

<p>John Edwards  B-<br />
   <em> Could use another medical update.</em></p>

<p>Bill Richardson  C<br />
<em>    Should know that when Castro dies, Cuba will not be in a "post-Democratic" era.</em></p>

<p>Joe Biden  C-<br />
     <em>Leading contender... for The Comedy Store.</em></p>

<p>Chris Dodd  C<br />
    <em>Where's Bianca Jagger when you need her?</em></p>

<p>Dennis J. Kucinich  C-<br />
    <em>Who did this guy's hair dye job?<br />
</em><br />
MIke Gravel   D<br />
   <em> I thought this guy was dead.<br />
</em><br />
<strong>Moderator</strong></p>

<p>Brian Williams  D<br />
     <em> Hardly Tom Brokaw. Nor Jim Lehrer, for that matter.</em></p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/great-american-boycott-returns.html">Great American Boycott Returns May 1</a></h2>
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Posted by Troy Anderson on April 26, 2007 10:29 AM

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<p>Signs are popping up in downtown Los Angeles about a protest that is expected to shut down many streets on Tuesday.<br />
A year after more than 400,000 demonstrators flooded downtown streets in support of legislation that would give status to millions of undocumented immigrants, the Great American Boycott will return on May 1.<br />
The Los Angeles Police Department and the city Department of Transportation have posted advisements regarding travel to downtown on Tuesday.<br />
"The advisements have been provided to inform the community of an extraordinarily large demonstration and march," according to prepared statement from Los Angeles Superior Court. "Last year's event attracted over 400,000 participants and it is estimated that this year's crowds will meet or exceed that number. The affected area is bordered by the 10, 101 and 110 freeways."<br />
Billed as the "Day Without Immigrants," rallies across the country on May 1, 2006 drew crowds totalling more than a million people and prompted many restaurants, ethnic markets, farms and other businesses that rely on undocumented workers to close. Thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District students skipped classes.<br />
As a part of protests over immigration reform legislation proposed last year, organizers called for supporters to abstain from buying, selling, working and attending school to show the extent to which undocumented immigrant labor is needed for the U.S. economy. <br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/a-sweet-budget.html">A sweet budget</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 26, 2007  9:10 AM

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<p>You can tell its budget hearing time at City Hall by two things. There is even more paperwork floating through the council chambers and the candy.<br />
 If the paper is what fuels government bureaucracy _ with reports and requests for more funding _ it is the candy that fuels the staff who make the council chambrs their home for 10 to 14 hours a day for  the next two weeks.<br />
No one is sure when the tradition of providing the candy began, although it is has been around for more than two decades and the choices have remained constant – chocoloate, chocolate and more chocolate.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/i-am-a-transsexual-sportswrite.html">'I am a transsexual sportswriter...'</a></h2>
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Posted by Tony Castro on April 26, 2007  4:59 AM

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<p>This is a political story only in the sense that throughout the country, a fairly new class of people is demanding its rights in legislatures and offices acoss America -- and succeeding in many cases, as they should. The group of people are transgenders, though it is interesting that some of them still refer to themselves by a label that is increasing going out of use within that community -- transsexuxals. Among them is Los Angeles Times sportswriter Mike Penner.</p>

<p>For most who have not known what he has been going through, through much of his life, Mike presents his first-person account today -- "Old Mike, new Christine."</p>

<p>"During my 23 years with The Times' sports department, I have held a wide variety of roles and titles. Tennis writer. Angels beat reporter. Olympics writer. Essayist. Sports media critic. NFL columnist. Recent keeper of the Morning Briefing flame.</p>

<p>"Today I leave for a few weeks' vacation, and when I return, I will come back in yet another incarnation.</p>

<p>"As Christine.</p>

<p>"I am a transsexual sportswriter." <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-oldmike26apr26,0,2709943.story?coll=la-home-headlines">Read his story.</a></p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/broad-to-antonio-hasta-la-vist.html">Broad to Antonio: 'Hasta la vista, baby'?</a></h2>
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Posted by Tony Castro on April 25, 2007  3:58 PM

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<p>Eli Broad apparently isn't waiting on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to come up with an alternative to his seemingly defunct attempt to take over the LAUSD -- and he's found more upscale company with which to partner.</p>

<p>On the eve of the first presidential debate, Broad and the foundation he heads with wife Edythe Wednesday joined up with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for what they call "the Strong American Schools campaign" aimed at elevating American education to the top of the upcoming presidential campaign agenda.</p>

<p>Strong American Schools is a nonpartisan public awareness and action campaign designed to give a voice to every American who demands strong leadership to improve our schools.</p>

<p>"The American dream is slipping away, and unless our leaders dramatically improve our public schools, our standard of living, our economy and our very democracy will be threatened," Broad said in a statement  touting the announcement in Columbia, S.C., where Democratic presidential nominees will square off in a debate Thursday night. "Our country's education system is no longer the best in the world.  We need every American to demand better schools and specific policy solutions from presidential candidates.  Our future depends on it."</p>

<p>Broad and Villaraigosa parted ways on the education front last year when the Los Angeles philanthropist and billionaire grew disenchanted with the mayor's backroom political compromises to get AB 1381 -- the measure to give the mayor control of the LAUSD -- through the legislature.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/taking-presidents-to-school.html">Taking presidents to school</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 25, 2007  2:59 PM

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<p> Billionaires Eli Broad and Bill Gates announced plans to launch a new program calls the Strong American Schools Campaign to try to get presidential candidates from both parties to  deal with education issues in next year's election.<br />
 “Each year more than 1 million students drop our of high school _ that's one child every 29 seconds,” Gates said. “We all must demand that candidtes..share their policies on  how our countrye will offer all young people strong American schools.”<br />
 Broad said he wanted to see an election where the candidates were forced to address education issues.<br />
 “The American dream is slippin gaway and unless our leaders dramatically improve our public schools, our standard of living, our economy and our very democracy will be threatened,” Broad said.<br />
 Both men are funding the program their foundtions to take the case directly to the American public at a <a href="http://www.edin08.com">website.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/not-so-fast-chief.html">Not so fast, Chief</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 25, 2007 12:54 PM

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<p> A funny thing happened on the way to the reappointment of Police Chief Bill Bratton _ his nemesis and predecessor, Councilman Bernard Parks.<br />
 The Police Commission has scheduled one public hearing on the reappointment of Bratton – for next Monday night at the DWP headquarters --  and Parks is questioning if that's sufficient.<br />
 “From the communities I represent, it looks  as if there is no process in place at all and that it's a done deal,” Parks said. “The commission says it wants an open hearing, but they all say they want to reappoint Bratton in a month. They have 90 days to make a decision, they should take their time and hear from the communities of interest.”<br />
 Parks introduce a formal resolution this week requesting the Police Commission to consider additional hearings.<br />
 Police Commission President John Mack has said he is willing to hold more hearings if they are necessary and will determine if more are held based on public interest.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/hillarys-the-one-for-nunez.html">Hillary's the one for Nunez</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 25, 2007 11:56 AM

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<p> Sen. Hillary Clinton picked up a key endorsement on Wednesday as she gears up her Califormnia presidential campaign for next February's  primary election.<br />
 Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez was named as a national co-chair of her campaign, giving her a major voice to the Latino community and blocking a key endorsement to the only Hispanic candidate in the race, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.<br />
 “Bill Richardson is an excellent candidate, but when it came down to it, I decided that Hillary Clinton is the most qualified to be the next president of the United States,” Nunez said. “The color of my skin didn't guide me in this decision. What guides me is my passion. I think Hillary Clinton is the most prepared to lead this country.”<br />
 Clinton, along with other Democratic candidates, are expected to be in California this week for the state Democratic Party convention.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/no-political-ambitionsyet.html">No political ambitions....yet</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 25, 2007 10:33 AM

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<p> With speculation  booming over who will run to succeed Rep. Juanita Millender McDonald, D-Compton, who died last week, one person not interested -- so far -- is Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn.<br />
 "I have the best political job in the world," Hahn said. "I was born to be a city council member."<br />
 Hahn said she had not considered the prospect of running until she heard her name metioned as a potential candidate.<br />
 "I still have time left here to serve," Hahn said.<br />
 She is up for re-election to the City council in 2009.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/another-endorsement.html">Another endorsement</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 25, 2007  9:06 AM

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<p> Deputy City Attorney Tamar Galatzon picks up another endorsement today in her May 15 runoff against incumbent school board member Jon Lauritzen.<br />
 Last week, it was former Asssembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg backing  her campaign. On Wednesday, it was Louis Pugliese, who placed ther in the primary election for the seat.<br />
 Galatzan was the leading vote getter in the primary and is being backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in his effort to elect a new majority to the Board of Education that supports his calls for reform.<br />
 Pugliese said his decision was based on the need to change the LAUSD.<br />
 "In conversations with Tamar, it is clear to me that she is committed to the extensive changes necessary to restore excellence to our schools,” Pugliese said.  “We need a representative on the School Board who is not afraid to challenge the powerful forces that stand in the way of genuine reform.” </p>
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<div id="entry-15894" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/parker-center-blues.html">Parker Center Blues</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/friendlyfire/">Kerry Cavanaugh</a> on April 24, 2007 12:26 PM

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<p>Maybe it is time for a new police headquarters. </p>

<p>Councilwoman Jan Perry and LAPD Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger were trapped in a Parker Center elevator for 20 minutes Tuesday, delaying a press conference to announce the arrest of four people involved in fatal drive-by shooting last year.</p>

<p>Built in the 1960s and now too small and outdated for the LAPD, Parker Center is being replaced by a $400 million headquarters on First Street.</p>

<p>After being released from the elevators,  an exasperated Perry quipped:  "I'm very glad I voted for construction of the new police headquarters." </p>
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<div id="entry-15885" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/bill-richardson-showing-off-hi.html">Mr. Richardson, your roots are showing</a></h2>
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Posted by Armando Hernandez on April 24, 2007 11:31 AM

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<p><img alt="richardson250.jpg" src="http://www.insidesocal.com/politics/richardson250.jpg" width="250" height="168" align="right" /><br />
<strong>By Tony Castro: </strong>New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may not have the money to compete with the "rock stars" of the presidential campaign, but he showed he has the sense of humor Monday night at a Hollywood fundraiser.  <br />
Richardson entertained supporters -- among them City Councilman Tom LaBonge -- at Lucy's El Adobe Cafe with an anecdote about his 93-year-old mother -- who is Mexican and still lives in Mexico.<br />
"My mom, God bless her, is getting along in years, and sometimes she has difficulty remembering. Well, I called other day she asked me, 'Are you still governor?" Richardson recounted. "'Yes, mother, I'm still governor. They didn't impeach me yet.' And then she says, how's your sister? And I said, 'Fine.' And then she asked, 'Are you still governor?' And I said, 'Yes, mother.' And I said, 'Mother, in fact, I've told you this, but I'm going to tell you again. Two months ago, I announced for president.' And she said, 'El presidente de que, hombre!'"<br />
Richardson also cleared up his California roots. He was born in Pasadena, but it turns out his California residency was brief.<br />
"Most of California doesn't know that I'm Hispanic, but I'm working on it," he said, explaining that he had appeared on several Spanish radio shows, "and I'm going to be with George Lopez Saturday."<br />
"My father was an American, and he had this complex -- that he wasn't born in the United States. He was born in Nicaragua... So he said, I am not going to permit my son not to be born in America. We lived in Mexico. He was working there. So what they did (when my mother was due) was to get in the car and drive up here. So I was born where (my father) had a sister -- at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. <br />
"So I was born there and we went right back. Right after I was born, we stayed a day and we went back. And last night, there was a fundraiser for me at (filmmaker) Moctezuma Esparza's. He's in Pasadena. He has a house there. And this woman from Huntington Hospital say, 'Well, governor, we'd like to do a fundraiser here at Huntington Hospital, and you can talk about your roots in Pasadena.' My roots were about four hours! <br />
"But now that California is one of the first primaries, my roots are going to increase. I'm a native son!"</p>
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<div id="entry-15875" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/gambling-on-politics.html">Gambling on politics</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 24, 2007  9:40 AM

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<p> In addition to the new television commercial it is airing statewide, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians has a new <a href="http://www.togethercalifornia.com">website</a> to espouse the virtues of its desire to expand its gamblng operations.<br />
 The state Senate has approved a new compact allowing the tribes to expand its operations and its television commercial, similar to earlier ones telling of the advantages of the casinos to the tribes and the state, began runing on Monday.<br />
  The Morongo Band has been among the most aggressive in working the political system to allow the casinos to continue and expand --   often putting it odds with labor, which has had problems in being able to organize the casino workers.<br />
 In launching the website, officials say the new tribal compacts will help the state in balancing its budget, improving education and providing health care.<br />
 “Today we are here to stand in solidarity with the people of California as the state struggles with some of the most difficult fiscal problems it has ever faced,” said Robert Martin, Tribal Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.</p>
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<div id="entry-15872" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/california-gopon-the-attack.html">California GOP...on the attack</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 24, 2007  8:54 AM

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<p> The state Republican Party unveiled its new <a href="http://www.cagop.org">website</a> today that it says is designed to "make it easier for you as a journalist to access the information" needed for stories.<br />
 What it is, however, from the initial looks of it is the start of an attack on Democrats.<br />
 It's initial offering is a hit on former Sen. John Edwards criticizing him for his $400 haircuts. Fair enough, jus t seems odd in your opening salvo to go after the opposition rather than seek to broaden your base in a state where your party has had difficulty finding new members.</p>
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<div id="entry-15839" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/heartburn-at-county-hall.html">Heartburn at County Hall</a></h2>
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Posted by Troy Anderson on April 23, 2007  4:13 PM

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<p>As officials at County Hall are putting the final touches on a plan to give Chief Administrative Officer David Janssen broad new executive powers, insiders say a lot of department heads are getting heartburn.<br />
"Now they are going to be third down in the food chain," a source said. "They were reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors. Now they will be reporting to an assistant chief administrative officer. So the big question now is who are going to be the assistance chief administrative officers who are going to tell them what to do. They were masters of their domain and now they are a ways down the list."<br />
The queasiness comes as the Board of Supervisors voted recently to give Janssen the power to make hiring and firing recommendations and to oversee department heads. Up until recently - after two CAO candidates turned down the chance to fill Janssen's shoes - the supervisors were soley responsible for hiring and firing non-elected department heads and overseeing departments.<br />
In fact, some supervisors seemed to relish the opportunity at Tuesday's weekly board meetings to put department heads on the hot seat and grill them about the latest faux pas.<br />
But Janssen is now in the process of deciding on who will serve as "junior CAOs" to take over that responsibility, overseeing clusters of departments. That means department heads will report directly to these officials and not the Board of Supervisors.<br />
The supervisors are expected to vote next month on Janssen's  plan overhauling the county's power structure.</p>
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<div id="entry-15834" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/lighten-up.html">Lighten Up</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.dailynews.com">Harrison Sheppard</a> on April 23, 2007  3:31 PM

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<p>Assemblyman Lloyd Levine's plan to ban incandescent light bulbs in California just passed its first committee test today. The Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee OK'd it by a 7-2 vote.</p>

<p>Levine's bill is AB 722, and more info can be found <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=ab_722&sess=CUR&house=B&author=levine">here</a>.</p>

<p>Levine <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=266597249">appeared on CNBC </a>this morning debating Assemblyman Doug La Malfa, R-Richvale, about the merits of his plan to force Californians to switch to more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs.</p>

<p>Levine says the bulbs can help save the environment and reduce the demand for electricity.</p>

<p>La Malfa sees the bill as just another example of "nanny government" -- i.e. Democratic bills that seek to regulate every portion of our daily lives. </p>

<p>"It does get a little embarrassing,'' LaMalfa says. "We have spanking bills. We have bills saying how long you can tie your dog up .... People around this country, you always look at California as setting the trends. Please don't do what we do, OK?"<br />
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<div id="entry-15805" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/vaya-con-mios.html">Vaya Con Mios</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 23, 2007  7:07 AM

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<p><br />
 The upcoming trip by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa  to El Salvador and Mexico is proving to be a hot ticket.<br />
 A large delegation of city officials and business leaders is on board to travel with him and this time, unlike his last two major trips to Asia and Washington, D.C., he will be accompanied by a large troup of television reporters.<br />
 Details are in today's <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/rickorlov">Tipoffs </a>column n the Daily News.<br />
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<div id="entry-15804" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/guilt-and-the-single-volunteer.html">Guilt and the Single Volunteer</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 23, 2007  6:58 AM

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<p>  Next weekend  is <a href="http://www.bigsunday.org">Big Sunday,</a> the second annual coordinated effort between the mayor's office and Temple Israel to bring together a hoped-for 50,000 volunteers to take on projects throughout the city.<br />
The program has grown so big that it actually takes up the entier weekend with projects scattered throughout Southern California. It could be as simple as sitting with an elderly person or reading to kids to more intense projects. It is all being coordinated through the Big Sunday organization.<br />
  To try to convince people that volunteering is good, the group is taking a new approach and released a <a href="http://www.community.wa.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/B23D6036-1F98-4BD2-8EA6-A210C286CECE/0/DCDRPTRevisitingtheVision2004.pdf">study </a>saying volunteerism is good for your health.<br />
 And, it also notes that California is not doing so well in terms of voluntering compraed with other states. In a separate <a href="http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/VIA/VIA_summaryreport.pdf">study</a>, it says that California ranks 38th out of the 50 states.</p>
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<div id="entry-15722" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/delinquent-tax-time.html">(Delinquent) Tax Time</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.dailynews.com">Harrison Sheppard</a> on April 20, 2007 11:43 AM

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<p><br />
Businesses, have you paid your sales tax bills? If not, prepare to add public humiliation to the list of problems you'll be dealing with. Thanks to a new law, for the first time the state today publicly posted a list of the 227 worst sales tax delinquents. Altogether, they owe the state of California about $219 million.</p>

<p>Don't worry if you're just a few days late paying your bill. These are debts that go back several years for which the state has made multiple attempts to collect, including taking out liens.</p>

<p>The worst offender is a Tustin business, Southland Federal Enterprises, that owes $17 million to the Board of Equalization.</p>

<p>There are probably about a dozen businesses from the San Fernando Valley on the list, including one in Tarzana that owes about $7 million.</p>

<p>Link to the list <a href="http://www.boe.ca.gov/cgi-bin/deliq.cgi">here</a>.</p>
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<div id="entry-15718" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/dont-call-it-a-czar.html">Don't call it a czar!</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/friendlyfire/">Kerry Cavanaugh</a> on April 20, 2007 10:43 AM

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<p>As part of his new anti-gang strategy unveiled this week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he will hire a "Director of Anti-Gang and Youth development". When reporters asked about the new gang czar position at a press conference, Villaraigosa was quick to correct. It's not a gang czar.<br />
"I didn't want to use the word czar," Villaraigosa said. "It sounded too military to me. I don't like the connotation of the word czar."<br />
The director will be " the individual who will have authority to coordinate prevention, intervention, re-entry services in the City of Los Angeles. So they would function in that capacity. But that wasn't the term we wanted to use."<br />
Civil rights attorney and author of the city's gang reduction strategy report Connie Rice urged the mayor to hire a gang czar, and has said recently that she thinks there may only be five people in Los Angeles qualified for the job. But she too doesn't care for the czar title.<br />
"In light of the sad demise of the real Czars, and the abject failure of every federal "Drug Czar," we are reluctant to use that title," Rice's team wrote in their <a href="http://www.advanceproj.org/">report</a>.<br />
Sorry mayor. Sorry Connie. We're still going to call him or her the gang czar. </p>
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<div id="entry-15716" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/antonovich-goes-to-washington.html">Antonovich goes to Washington</a></h2>
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Posted by Troy Anderson on April 20, 2007 10:15 AM

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<p>On his annual trip to Washington, D.C.next week, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich is once again going to push his reform package to address the high cost of illegal immigration in the county and across the nation.<br />
A political hot potato for many politicians, Antonovich has no qualms about sharing the data he's squeezed out of various county departments in recent years.<br />
“Illegal immigration continues to have a devastating impact on Los Angeles County taxpayers,” Antonovich said in a prepared release. “When the nearly $500 million spent on welfare is added to the costs of public safety and health care – the total cost exceeds $1 billion a year. This does not include the skyrocketing cost of education.”<br />
Antonovich noted that the United States is one of the few nations where children of undocumented immigrants become legal citizens if born here. As a result, every child born to an undocumented immigrant is entitled to a variety of social services, including welfare, until they are 18 years old.<br />
This costs the county nearly $420 million annually in welfare and food stamp benefits, Antonovich said. Nearly 100,000 children of 60,000 undocumented parents receive welfare.<br />
In the jail system, a quarter of the 19,000 inmates are undocumented immigrants.<br />
“The cost to our county's justice system has increased more than 50 percent just seven years ago to $220 million a year, which includes incarceration, prosecution, defense and probation,” Antonovich said.<br />
The county's health system, long teetering on the brink of financial collapse, spends about $360 million a year to provide health services to undocumented immigrants, who make up about 30 percent of its patients.<br />
During his trip, Antonovich plans to urge lawmakers to take several steps to address this problem. <br />
Antonovich would like to see the federal government help stabilize Mexico's economy by encouraging the country to privatize their state-run companies, set up medical centers along the Mexican side of the border with the United States, create a bonded guest worker program, establish a trained reserve component to increase the number of U.S. Border Patrol officers and increase funding for more prosecutions in the United States for those who violate immigration laws.</p>
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<div id="entry-15709" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/high-school-turf-war.html">High school turf war</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 20, 2007  8:50 AM

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<p> In his declaration of war against street gangs this week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa defiantly said he and the city woudl combine forces to protect the new East Valley High School in North Hollywood from being taken over by gangs.<br />
 The school, he said, was being targeted by four separate gangs vying to decide which one will rule the six-month old campus. "We shall stop them," he declared.<br />
 One problem.<br />
 Schooll officials and LAPD gang officers say that isn't the case.<br />
 While there are four gangs operating around the school, none of its members are enrolled at the school and students say the threat is overrted.<br />
 Daily New reporter Naush Boghossian talked to the officials and provided a report<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_5709269"> here. </a></p>
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<div id="entry-15708" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/the-glitz-is-on.html">The glitz is on</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 20, 2007  8:41 AM

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<p> If California is the ATM of presidential politics, it is the San Fernando Valley that is helping fill the machines with cash.<br />
 In today's <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/ci_5706439">Daily News</a>, Washington, D.C., reporter Lisa Friedman breaks down how much the Valley contribued to the main presidential candidates as well as how much Hollywood is contributing.<br />
 Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY, remains the frontrunner among Hollywood, but Sen. Barak Obama is moving up among Democratic givers. On the Republican side, itis former Massachussetts Gov. Mitt Romney who is the early frontrunner, followed by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.</p>
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<div id="entry-15675" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/airport-politics.html">Airport politics</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 19, 2007  1:39 PM

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<p> Los Angeles Councilman Bill Rosendahl, whose district includes Los Angeles International Airport and is no stranger to the politics of airport operations, is taking to the tarmac to complain about neighboring  Santa Monica.<br />
 Rosendahl is joininng Assemblyman Ted Lieu, D-El Segudo, and various residents in protesting the increase in private jets at Santa Monica Airport _ a longtime local issue where residents have complained about the greater number of private jets flying in and out of the facility. <br />
Rosendahl insisted he is not trying to lecture Santa Monica, but offering to "raise awareness" about air pollution, noise and safety concerns. The event will begin at noon on Saturday.<br />
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<div id="entry-15609" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/ill-take-game-show-hosts-for-1.html">I'll take game show hosts for $100, Alex </a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 18, 2007  3:02 PM

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<p>The man who makes a living seeking questions to answers will be honrored this week by the Los Angeles City Councill.<br />
 Alex Trebek, the host of the popular game show "Jeopardy,"  will be honored by Councilman Bernard Parks for his 23 years as host of the show and his  involvement with numerous organizations.<br />
 Trebek, who has received four daytime  Emmy's for his work, is active in a numbe rof organizations, including World Vision and United Services Organization.<br />
 The reason for Parks decision to honor Trebek, however, might be because the show is planning on taping its Jeopardy Colelge Championship sreies at USC's Galen Center later this week.<br />
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Continue reading <a href="/politics/2007/04/ill-take-game-show-hosts-for-1.html#more">I'll take game show hosts for $100, Alex </a>.
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<div id="entry-15582" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/still-the-political-atm.html">Still the political ATM</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 18, 2007  6:57 AM

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<p> How important is California to national politics.?<br />
 It is still the state the pays for presidential politics, kicking in $1 of every $8 raised by the major candidates, reports  John Wildermuth of the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/18/MNGOUPABIG1.DTL">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.<br />
 The reports detail who Californians favor (HIllary Clinton has the edge over Barak Obama) when it comes to hitting people up for cash. What we want to see is how much of that money returns to California for its February primary after a year of national campaigning and the early contets in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.</p>
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<div id="entry-15581" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/state-of-the-city.html">State of the City</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 18, 2007  1:37 AM

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<p> Continuing his emphsis on gangs, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be proposing a $168 million anti-gang program designed to deter young people from joining gangs and convincing gang members to quit.<br />
 The details of the program, expectged to include a  plan to create gang reduction zones throughout the city and administered by a gang czar in his office, will released when he speaks at 5 pm.at East Valley High School in North Holllywood.</p>

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<div id="entry-15537" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/health-care-for-dummies.html">Health care for dummies</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.dailynews.com">Harrison Sheppard</a> on April 17, 2007  5:27 PM

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<p><br />
	For those who just can't get enough of the health-care debate in Sacramento -- or for those who can't make sense of the increasingly complex fracas -- a new website has just been launched which seems to be a nice CliffsNotes guide to the whole issue.</p>

<p>	The site, <a href="http://www.calhealthreform.org">www.calhealthreform.org</a>, is put up by the Oakland-based <a href="www.chcf.org">California HealthCare Foundation</a> and the Los Angeles-based <a href="www.cgs.org">Center for Governmental Studies</a>. The foundation is a nonprofit philanthropy which is "committed to improving the way health care is delivered and financed in California." The Center is a think tank which is generally considered an accurate source for nonpartisan analysis.</p>

<p>	The site, which I'm told just went live today, summarizes all the major proposals by lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, posts news items on the debate, debunks common myths about health care and even has a calendar listing dates of upcoming legislative hearings.</p>

<p>	Worth checking out if you're into health care.<br />
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<div id="entry-15515" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/california-mourns.html">California mourns **</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.dailynews.com">Harrison Sheppard</a> on April 17, 2007  2:22 PM

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<p>Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings.</p>

<p>On Monday, Schwarzenegger issued the following statement about the shootings:</p>

<p>“Mere words cannot express the profound shock and outrage Californians are feeling today over the senseless tragedy occurring at Virginia Tech. The horror this unprecedented carnage inflicts on our entire nation is unfathomable, even as we deeply mourn for the dead and grieve at the loss of so much young and innocent life. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families and friends, as well as to the entire Virginia Tech community.”</p>

<p><br />
Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena, said he is asking education officials to testify before the education budget subcommittee that he chairs about campus procedures and security plans in the event of such tragedies.</p>

<p>"We have enacted many laws to restrict weapons on campus, but we must also<br />
ensure that our school and college personnel have security plans and trained<br />
personnel ready to respond when these senseless acts of violence take place,'' Scott said.</p>

<p><br />
** Los Angeles joined in paying tribute, with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ordering city flags lowered to half-staff through Sunday evening as the City Council adjourned its regular meeting in memory of the victims of the shooting.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/new-quiz.html">News quiz</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 17, 2007  1:14 PM

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<p>How well do you keep up with the news?<br />
 <br />
Convinced you know more than your wife? Neighbor? Brother-in-law?</p>

<p>The Pew Institute has a news quiz making the rounds of the internet that lets you test yourself against the natiion.<br />
 You can get to it by clicking <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/newsiq/">here</a>. Have fun.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/going-for-the-goldagain.html">Going for the gold....again</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 17, 2007  9:33 AM

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<p> Even though they saw their dreams  dashed of a return of the Olympic Games to Los Angeles in 2016, local organizers say they are now looking to the prospect of a bid for the 2020 Games.</p>

<p> Although it would be unlikely for the U.S. to be chosen for two Games in a row if Chicago is chosed by the IOC for the 2016 event, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Barry Sanders of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games were not discouraged.</p>

<p> “We still believe Los Angeles  would have been the best city, but Chicago made a wonderful presentation and we will do all we can to help them,'' Villaraigosa said.<br />
 <br />
But, if Chicago falls by the wayside, Los Angeles will be ready to step in if other problems develop and is looking to update its presentation for a 2020 Games.</p>

<p>Sanders said the SCCOG is in the process of opening up the details of its bid to residents and hopes to post it in the next few days on the <a href="http://www.sccog.org">SCCOG </a>website.</p>
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<div id="entry-15489" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/power-politics.html">Power politics</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 17, 2007  7:40 AM

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<p> If you are looking of an example of how power politics is played in Los Angeles, Daily News reporter<strong> Kerry Cavanaugh</strong> explains it in today's paper with a story on the<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_5683215"> DWP </a>and a decision before the board to hire and additional work crew to install trunk lines _ even though the cost is higher than contracting out.<br />
 It is a testament to the skill of IBEW leader <strong>Brian D'Arcy</strong>, who had managed to maintain a low public profile while exacting concession after concession from the city.<br />
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<div id="entry-15450" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/the-running-assemblyman.html">The Running (Assembly)Man</a></h2>
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Posted by <a href="http://www.dailynews.com">Harrison Sheppard</a> on April 16, 2007  2:48 PM

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<p>	Braving 50 mph winds and pouring rain, Assemblyman <a href="http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a40/mainpage.htm">Lloyd Levine</a>, D-Van Nuys, finished the <a href="http://www.bostonmarathon.org">Boston Marathon</a> today in the top 10 percent, with a final time of 3:10:03, or about 7:15 per mile.</p>

<p>	His time put Levine in 1,909th place overall, or 1,797th among male runners. There were 20,614 runners who started the race, including 12,551 men.</p>

<p>	Runners struggled through a nor'easter with conditions of wind and rain that slowed times and were considered the worst weather since at least 1970. Levine, who has run marathons in Los Angeles and Napa Valley, said the weather only hindered him a little, with a time only four minues off his personal best.</p>

<p>	Levine said after the race that given the conditions he was pleased with his results, and felt good afterward.</p>

<p>	"This is the Superbowl of marathons,'' he said. "I wasn't going to be deterred. I just did it. I ran conservatively in the beginning and strong at the end, which is what I wanted to do."</p>

<p>	"With everything that's going on here, it could've been a lot worse, and I could've had a miserable day. I didn't, and I'm very happy."</p>

<p>	Levine, 37, is an avid runner who organizes an annual Kids Fitness Challenge in the San Fernando Valley, and hopes someday to launch a full marathon in the Valley.</p>

<p>	Monday was a working day in the Capitol, but Levine said he coordinated with some colleagues to help cover any thing he might miss during the various committee hearings. He said he did not miss any important floor votes.<br />
	He did, however, miss a commemoration for the Holocaust in the Capitol that he helped organize. Link <a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/godblog/2007/04/did_levine_forget_to_never_for_1.html">here </a>to see Daily News staff writer / religion blogger Brad Greenberg's take on the event and Levine's absence.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Correction</strong>: I've been informed by John Wordin, executive director of The Kids Fitness Challenge Foundation, that Lloyd Levine was not an <em>organizer </em>of the Kids Fitness Challenge. At one time, he was a <em>sponsor </em>of one of the foundation's events. Other state lawmakers, and companies such as the Daily News, have also sponsored similar events.</p>

<p> In fact, Wordin said the foundation has since made a decision to no longer have events directly sponsored by elected officials. The foundation runs similar events all around California, and has its next one at the California Speedway in Fontana on April 28.</p>

<p><br />
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<div id="entry-15440" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/were-no-7.html">We're No. 7</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 16, 2007 12:32 PM

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<p> Here's something to cheer about, I guess.</p>

<p> A group called SustaineLane Government, identifying itself as the leading  source of information on these sorts of things, ranked Los Angeles as the seventh best city in the nation when it comes to renewable energy sources.</p>

<p> The group said it looked at 50  major U.S. Cities and ranked them based on their use of renewable energy in city operations.</p>

<p> Heading the list was Oakland, with 17 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources. <br />
Los Angeles had 5 percent renewables, trailing several other California cities, including, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose.  Also doing a better job are Portland, Or., Boston , MA, and Austin, Tx.</p>

<p>  The full report is available at <a href="http://www.SustainLane.us.">SustainLane.us.</a></p>
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<div id="entry-15413" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/red-light-green-light.html">Red light, green light</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 16, 2007  6:53 AM

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<p>Sometimes bureaucratic snafus work out for us ordinary folks.</p>

<p> Take the case of the city's problems with installing red light cameras at 32 intersections as detailed by Daily News reporter <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_5676208">Beth Barrett.</a></p>

<p> As a past victim of the red light cameras, I can attest to the feelong of it somehow being wrong to have been nabbed by a mechanical device. Especially, when I am convinced the light was yellow when I went through it.</p>

<p>And, in the area of self-promotion, read my <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/orlov">Tipoff </a>column today for a look at Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plans for his State of the City address..</p>
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<div id="entry-15412" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/olympic-gold.html">Olympic Gold?</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 16, 2007  6:50 AM

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<p> Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Barry Sanders of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games have nothing to be ashamed of.</p>

<p> The U.S. Olympic Committee decision to go with Chicago as the American city nominated for the 2016 Games was no reflection on their effort – a glitzy, detailed, comprehensive package laying out the city's ability to hold the event today, if needed.</p>

<p> Instead, Los Angeles became the victim of the capricious nature of Olympics politics, where they prefer to see cities jump through hoops to win the hosting duties. </p>

<p>Where Los Angeles needed only one new facility fo hose the Gamnes, Chicago is promising to spend more than $1 billion for all it needs.</p>

<p> Reporters there are already salivating over the future stories of construction delays and cost overruns that are sure to follow.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/no-olympic-surprises-mayor-say.html">No Olympic surprises, Mayor says</a></h2>
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Posted by Lisa Friedman on April 14, 2007 11:47 AM

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<p>Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and members of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games emerged smiling and hugging from their hour-long presentation before the U.S. Olympic Committee.</p>

<p>But Villaraigosa continued to maintain a mysterious silence about the additional financial guarantee they said the city recently obtained. The secrecy, he insisted, was enforced and not optional. </p>

<p>"We've been told that this is a confidential process," he said. "We were told that you don't share certain information. You don't share it even if you want to."</p>

<p>Villraigosa did say the additional financial backing comes from a private source, and is "unprecedented" both in the amount and the type of guarantee. </p>

<p>Meanwhile, he said the team emerged confident from its final pitch. The USOC decides in about an hour whether Los Angeles or Chicago will be the U.S. nominee for the 2016 Summer Games, and compete against international cities like Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Madrid.</p>

<p>"It went well," he said of the appearance. "There were no surprises today."</p>

<p>Villaraigosa said the city pitched a vision of a "transformative" 2016 games. Techno music and the sound of booms could be heard from their power point presentation, which team members said emphasized the region's technical know-how and wealth of creative talent.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, he continued to answer questions about the absence of Los Angeles media. The Times showed up Saturday morning, but L.A. television crews remained absent. The press room, meanwhile, has been crowded with Chicago reporters.</p>

<p>"Did they seem to notice that L.A. is a little laid back here?" one Chicago reporter asked Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley after his team emerged from their final presentation. Daley said the USOC made no mention of the dirth of L.A. media, but jabbed "We're very proud of hte Chicago press."</p>

<p>Villaraigosa didn't wait to be asked again about his city's apparent lack of media enthusiasm.</p>

<p>"It's very clear your media is here today," he said to the room, but really to Chicago. But, he insisted, "Let's be clear about this, 90 percent of the city supports the Olympic games. There is an energy about the Olympic games that you're going to see, and it starts with the leader of the city.</p>

<p>"I can tell you there will be a big rally today (in Los Angeles)" he said. "PThere will be a lot of media there. People will be enthusiastic about these games."</p>

<p>Villaraigosa also vowed to work hard for Chicago in the even the Windy City is named the nominee.</p>

<p>"America and the world will benefit from whoever is selected," he said. "I'm prepared to stand with Mayor Daley if Chicago wins this bid, and go wherever he needs me to go."</p>

<p>Citing his ability to speak Spanish and energize both Latino communities as well as the Spanish-speaking world about the U.S. nominee, Villaraigosa said if Chicago wins "You'll see me schlep wherever Mayor Daley wants me to go."</p>

<p>Apparently the mayor also speaks Yiddish.</p>
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<div id="entry-15336" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/post-3.html">Blame the messenger</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 14, 2007 12:17 AM

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<p>Is Los Angeles too cool to care?</p>

<p>It urns out theat Lisa Friedman, of the  Daily News bureaus in Washington, D.C., was  the only Los Angeles media represented Friday afternoon at preview of today's announcdement on the U.S. host city selection. And Chicago took note.</p>

<p>"She's representing the entire Los Angeles press corps,'' one Chicago reporter said. Then he hit Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa with the zinger.</p>

<p>``Is L.A. blase?''</p>

<p>Villaraigosa tried to explain away the dirth of Los Angeles media attention<br />
toward the city's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.</p>

<p>"Budget cuts. I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that the LA Times is now<br />
owned by a Chicago guy,'' he said.<br />
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<div id="entry-15290" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/going-green.html">Going green</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 13, 2007 10:35 AM

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<p></p>

<p> Even as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger touts his environmental agenda, questions are being raised about his commitment.</p>

<p>  The governor has been calling on the federal government to adopt the Kyoto Protocol as he stumps for support to reduce greenhouse gases.</p>

<p> But, in the category of letting no good deed go unpunished, the California League of Conservation Voters released its scorecard and gave the governor a mark of 50 _ down from his ranking of 58 given two years ago.</p>

<p> “Despite the governor's embrace of the enviroment, his record on signing good environmental bills into law remains mediocre,” the League said.</p>
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<div id="entry-15256" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/early-bird.html">Early bird</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 12, 2007  9:39 PM

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<p> Earlier this week, we took note that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was going to be on vacation this week _ and questioned how long he could stand being out of the spotlight.</p>

<p> The answer was not long. He went to the Dodger's home opener to greet fans on Monday and his office announced that he will be holding a news conference at 5:15 a.m. today at UCLA on the  city's bid to hos the 2016 Olympic Games.</p>

<p> A news conference at 5:15? A.M.?</p>

<p>  Sure he needs time to catch his plane back to Washington, D.C., but that's almost too early even for local television morning news shows, which are just getting started on the day. I guess he missed us in the local press corps.</p>

<p> The mayor is head of the L.A  delegation that includes a number of local business leaders and past Olympians.</p>

<p> The explanation offered by his staff is that he is going to be taping an interview with the NBC "Today" show and was making himself available to everyone else.<br />
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<div id="entry-15180" class="entry-asset asset">
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/a-political-lottery.html">A political lottery</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 12, 2007  9:33 AM

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<p><br />
 Newly elected City Councilman Richard Alarcon is bringing a voice of political reality to Los Angeles City Hall.</p>

<p>With an Ethics Commission proposal being discussed in the council's Rules and Elections Committee, Alarcon was quick to find some problems.</p>

<p> While he has supported similar proposals in the past, Alarcon noted a proposal developed by the city Ethics Commission could end up being little more than a pot of money for people to take advantage of.</p>

<p> The proposal by the commission would provide up to $350,000 to a candidate who meets the minimum standards for qualifying for an election.</p>

<p> “I could just get a group of people together to qualify for the election and wecould pile up $2-$3 million and not run a campaign,'' Alarcon said. “I look at this and see it as something where someone could work the system for money. It would be better than the lottery.”</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/hail-to-the-chief.html">Hail to the chief</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 11, 2007  2:25 PM

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<p> The public will get its chance to assess Police Chief Bill Bratton later this month at a special  Police Commission meeting, but it apparently doesn't expect much in the way of opposition.</p>

<p> The panel, which will decide by July 27 whether to approve a second five-year term for Bratton, has scheduled only one hearing, for 6:30 p.m. on April 30, to take public testimony on the job Bratton has done.</p>

<p> *I believe we can implement this process in an objective and fair manner," Police Commission President John Mack said in a sstatement.  *For the benefit of the people of Los Angeles, we should be able to conduct a complete and thorough review of Chief Bratton*s past performance and future expectations within approximately one month.*<br />
 <br />
The public hearing will be held at the Department of Water and Power auditorium. 111 N. Hope St.<br />
 Bratton already has been endorsed for a second term by Mayor Antoniio Villaraigosa.<br />
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/romney-taps-strickland.html">Romney taps Strickland</a></h2>
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Posted by Lisa Friedman on April 11, 2007  9:06 AM

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<p>Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Wednesday selected a 15-member California Leadership Team, tapping former state Assemblyman Tony Strickland and California Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman to lead it.</p>

<p>Strickland, R-Moorpark, who served three terms in the Assembly, praised Romney;s "fiscal discipline" as governor of Massachusetts.</p>

<p>"As a lifelong fiscal conservative, I am troubled by the spending binge we've seen at the federal level," Strickland said. "Our nation needs a strong and tested leader like Mitt Romney to put our nation's finances back on track."</p>

<p>Other Southland members of the Romney for President California Leadership Team include:</p>

<p>Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Monrovia; state Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga; state Sen. Bob Margett, R-Glendora; Rep. Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, R-Santa Clarita; and Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R-Moorpark.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/gallegly-animal-fighting-bill-1.html">Gallegly Animal Fighting Bill Passes U.S. Senate</a></h2>
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Posted by Lisa Friedman on April 11, 2007  8:11 AM

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<p>Legislation beefing up animal fighting penalties has sailed through the U.S. Senate and is poised to become law.</p>

<p>The bill by Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Thousand Oaks, makes violations of federal animal fighting law a felony punishable by up to three years in prison. It also makes it a felony to transport animals or certain cockfighting blades across state or international borders for fighting.</p>

<p>Gallegly  has unsuccessfully pushed his animal-fighting bill for several years over the objections of the National Rifle Association. As recently as March, some House anti-abortion lawmakers also objected to it, contending that the proposed cockfighting laws elevate the lives of chickens over unborn children. </p>

<p>Ultimately, the House in March passed the bill 368 to 39. Last night's Senate passage means the bill now heads to President Bush's desk for his signature.</p>

<p>Gallegly on Wednesday called cockfighting and dogfighting a "cruel enterprise."</p>

<p>"Other crimes often go hand-in-hand with animal fighting, including illegal gambling, drug trafficking and acts of human violencem," he said in a statement, adding, "In the last six months, virtually every reported arrest at an animal fight also led to additional arrests for at least one of these criminal activities."</p>

<p>Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society predicted the bill will have a significant impact.</p>

<p>"There is a vast underground network of dogfighting and cockfighting operations at work throughout the country, and his legislation will give law enforcement the tools to crack down on the barbaric practice of staged animal fights," Pacelle said.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/in-the-trenches.html">In the trenches               </a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 11, 2007  6:59 AM

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<p> It is one of the most watched races among political insiders and one of the most expensive ever waged for a seat on the Los Angeles Board of Education.<br />
 Ever wonder how that money is spent?<br />
 Daily New reporter <strong>Naush Boghossian</strong> has a terrific story in today's <a href="http://www.dailynews.com">paper</a> on the  mailings being sent out by incumbent Jon Lauritzen and his challenger Tamar Galatzon. <br />
Some are funny, some are bitter, but it's an insight into what the campaigns feel they need to do to get voters' attention.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/efficiency-at-work.html">Efficiency at work</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April 10, 2007  4:04 PM

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<p><br />
 How's this for government efficiency?</p>

<p> The Los Angeles County Economy and Efficiency Commission, a group of unpaid volunteers who look at the county's operations and has been credited with pushing through a number of savings, almost went out of business because of what was described as an administrative oversight.</p>

<p> An ordinance creating the adivsory panels had been adopted that excluded the panel.</p>

<p> The Board of Supervisors, after being chided for the irony of failing to include the organization adopted a special measure on Tuesday  to keep them in business through 2011.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/guv-to-talk-global-warming-in.html">Guv to talk global warming in D.C.</a></h2>
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Posted by Lisa Friedman on April 10, 2007  1:49 PM

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<p>California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is headed to D.C. again, this time to discuss global warming. </p>

<p>Schwarzenegger's will be the keynote speaker tomorrow at the Newsweek Global Environment Leadership Conference at Georgtown University. He also plans to meet with EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to discuss California's  petition to control greenhouse gases.</p>

<p>California applied in 2005 for an exemption from the federal Clean Air Act. The waiver has not been acted upon, but the state needs it in order to fully implement a state law that calls for reducing emissions from cars and light <br />
trucks by 25 percent and from sport utility vehicles by 18 percent, starting in 2009.</p>

<p>An aide to Schwarzenegger said the governor's one-day D.C. trip also will include a meeting with Sen. Dianne Feinstien. Schwarzenegger plans to lend support to legislation Feinstein introduced this year that would increase<br />
the availability and convenience of low-carbon fuels.</p>

<p>No worries. The governator is definitely getting back in California in time to tape his special biofuels episode of MTV's "Pimp My Ride."</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/flying-high.html">Flying High </a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April  9, 2007  9:00 AM

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<p> In my real life, I am a reporter and columnist for the<a href="http://www.dailynews.com"> Daily News <a href=""></a>and have a weekly column of political odds and ends called<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/rickorlov"> Tipoffs, </a>that runs on Mondays.</p>

<p> In today's column, I note that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has completed interviews with the three top candidates – all women --  for executive director of the vast Los Angeles World Airports system and is expected to make an announcement soon on his choice.</p>

<p>What I didn't note _ and it struck me over the weekend _  is how far we  have come in so short a period of time. When you think of the aviation industry, it's the Chuck Yeagers, John Glenns and Clark Gable movies from the 1930s that comes to mind. </p>

<p>Yet, here, all three finalists are women, Gina Marie Lindsay from Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Thella Bownes, president of the San Diego Airport Authority and Susan Kurland, a former associate administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.</p>

<p> And, they will succeed women who have served as the last executive directors in Lydia Kennard (twice) and Kim Day.</p>
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<h2 class="asset-name"><a href="/politics/2007/04/recharging-batteries.html">Recharging batteries*</a></h2>
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Posted by Rick Orlov on April  7, 2007 10:19 PM

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<p> I guess even Energizers need to be recharged.</p>

<p> Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced he is taking most of this week off on vacation. While no official reason was given, the mayor wants to spend some time with his kids, who are on spring break.</p>

<p> Villaraigosa, who has been known to cram in as many as a half-dozen events in a day, will not be completely out of the news for long.</p>

<p> He is planning to go to Washington, D.C., where the United States Olympic Committee is to announce on Saturday whether Los Angeles or Chicago are to be the nominee for host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.</p>

<p> There is no telling what the USOC – a group that marches to its own drum – will do. On paper, Los Angeles should be a lock, given all the venues immediately available and  the city's history with the Olympics. But Olympic officials also are fond of taking credit for rebuilding interest in sports and might prefer Chicago's ambitious proposals for all new facilities.</p>

<p> But, back to the mayor.</p>

<p> If his week off is like any of his other recent “vacations,” no one will know he's gone as his press operation is expected to crank out one item after another to let us know he's making decisions.<br />
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<a href="/politics/2008/11/obama-claims-victory-1.html#comment-1948238">DPBP67 on Obama claims victory</a>: The Color of the 2008 US presidential election

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