mike spence

Obama to Control the Internet?

By Mike Spence | 09/02/09

Since its earliest days the Internet has been a place to express ideas and different points of view and of course by stuff. Controversy has rained between various providers of different Internet providers. And the question has been, “Who controls the internet? The answer may surprise many of you. But the answer is President Barack Obama. Well not yet anyway, but that is the result if the revised Unites Sates Senate Bill 773 became... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup August 4, 2009

By Mike Spence | 08/04/09

Clerical error may have put suspect in Burk's slaying back on street. Burk is the new poster child for what will happen with the state's early release program.   L.A. pension board delays vote on early retirement plan. Head of the pension agency seeks a shorter payment schedule for plan, angering members of the city union coalition. The union will pay while a few early retirees play.   Official says state may not be able to... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup August 3, 2009

By Mike Spence | 08/03/09

Pension repayment plan could throw L.A.'s budget into disarray. The system's general manager urges 'prudent' repayment in 5 years, not 15. The money would come from employees or the city's general fund.. So some retire early with big bucks and the saps left behind pay. Great move by the city.   Residents frustrated over lack of representation in Council District 2. Representation isn’t that great either.   Gay, lesbian... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup July 31, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/31/09

It's official: 10 candidates running for Wendy Greuel's vacant L.A. City Council seat . An Assemblyman, some commissioners, a school board member, oh my!   Los Angeles bounces checks totaling approximately $6 million. Hey guys haven’t you heard of IOU’s?   City attorney books open for an audit. Previous City Attorney wanted no audit.   Layoffs, cuts across the board for Long Beach budget. We will see how many... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup July 30, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/30/09

Inside City Hall: Budget will be unveiled today. Long Beach will begin whacking at their staff and programs   Bench warrant issued for LBUSD board member Ellis for driving misdemeanors. He hasn’t shown up for three months to a school board meeting. Maybe an APB will find him.   More NCAA trouble for USC football? Of course they cheat. It is the only way they beat UCLA.   Baldwin Park school board member... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup July 29, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/29/09

Villaraigosa calls for changes to business tax classifications. Worried taxes are too high and are forcing business out. Now he is worried. L.A. City Council considers providing loan for Cirque du Soleil performances. The city is broke so subsidizing big business makes sense to everyone but taxpayers! Rep. Richardson's Sacramento home is focus of House ethics probe. Someone will get nailed over the foreclosure issue.   Klan outfit... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup July 28, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/28/09

Water demand in Los Angeles reaches a 32-year low, DWP says.One official says the drop shows that the new water restrictions are working. Others report falling demand as well. That’s what happens when you add fees, taxes and stuff to the bill. Now will DWP layoff anyone?   Four Council candidates qualify for ballot, 10 others wait for confirmation. Assemblyman Paul Kekorian is one of them. Former Mayor Riodan has endorsed Chirstine... read more »

Los Angeles news Roundup July 27, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/27/09

County prosecutors investigate robocalls in district attorney campaign. If you are going to break a campaign law, don’t do it against the District Attorney. 2 proposals could get attention of L.A. Cut the council’s pay and give ratepayers and advocate at the DWP. Two good ideas that will go nowhere. Jackson case spurs wider probe of leaks at L.A. County coroner's office. The Sheriff's Department is investigating alleged leaks... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup July 15, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/15/09

L.A. City Council postpones review of Jackson memorial costs. Next week will be the showdown. In most cities families do pay for police escorts. But, those families aren’t rich. Judy Chu wins 32nd Congressional District race. Obama gets another vote as this Democratic district elects the wrong Chu to office. L.A. Unified delays bids on schools. Plan to let district, charters and other groups compete for new facilities... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup July 14, 2009

By Mike Spence | 07/14/09

Voters head to polls to select future 32nd Rep. Vote for Republican Betty Chu. I did. Some pushing for Van Nuys to secede. They get no respect and want to be free. Of course, San Fernando Valley voters rejected freedom in the past and will continue to do so. New plan would alter balance of power in LAUSD. This would shift power to communities. Not a bad idea, but who hold them accountable? The LAUSD board that couldn’t do the job in... read more »