mike spence

Dennis Hollingsworth or Ray Haynes, Your Party Needs One of You !

By Mike Spence | 06/27/09

Fellow Red County Contributor has clearly articulated the need for a GOP Primary challenge to Mary Bono-Mack. His suggestions of former legislators Bonnie Garcia and Jim Battin make sense. Battin definitely would be a great candidate. I submit that Senator Dennis Hollingsworth and former legislator Ray Haynes be approached as well. This Congressional District 45 is not just a Palm Springs district. It stretches down to Murrieta and Temecula... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 25, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/25/09

Most eyes are on the state as cities and schools cut budgets. Los Angeles Chamber isn't buying the city's retirement program. Program may have some short term gain with long term pension liability pain. 32nd Congressional District debate between Democrat Judy Chu and Republican Betty Chu. Democratic district, but Betty Chu is a fighter. Judy Chu recently returned donations from two developers recently arrested then released on fraud... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 24, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/24/09

Los Angeles Unified votes to cut $1.6 billion. Locke High School reports progress after being turned over to Green Dot charter schools. Who should we give the money too? Carmen Trutanich gets to hire his own deputies. Rock Delgadillo had shamelessly placed civil service protection on his deputies.Rocky did win his case against the Controller. No performance audits of the City Attorney's office. Which is good news? Cudahy City Councilman... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 23, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/23/09

Villaraigosa won't run for Governor. Good news for California, bad news for Los Angeles. Los Angeles County approves "temporary budget". Still waiting for state cuts for the rest of the story. John Leung, a local water district official accused in  million dollar loan fraud. Another San Gabriel valley official bites the dust. Sheriff Baca suspends DNA rape kit testing. He says there is no money. Did he get rid of his... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 22, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/22/09

Voters in Los Angeles like the LAPD. Don't ask about schools and everyone else. Results of a new poll are in. The 32nd Congressional District battle between Democrat Judy Chu and Republican Betty Chu is still going on. Only a few weeks until the election. How low will turnout go? The student government of Mt. Sac. want a total ban on smoking. After all 70% of the 900 students that voted want it. That is 900 students out of 25,000. Maybe with a... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 19, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/19/09

Cuts, cuts and more cuts. Los Angeles Unified cuts end Teach for America Program. Their 3-year plan show a deficit of $1 billion. Then again part time food service workers get health benefits and everyone get lifetime health. Los Angeles County has 8,000 phone lines they pay for but never ring. Cost $1.5 million. They should add a few more empty lines in their purchasing and accounting divisions. Long Beach Unified board member has... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 18, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/18/09

The Lakers Celebration came off without a full scale riot. That is news in Los Angeles. And the Los Angeles Times has discovered that the Mexican Mafia aren't nice people. On a unrelated note. An appeals court has upheld the right of the LAPD NOT to enforce the laws concerning illegal aliens. Long Beach Unified wants a parcel tax. The City of Manhattan Beach is making cuts. No pumpkin race this year. They spent tax dollars on that kind of... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 17, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/17/09

Los Angeles County will pay the unemployed to take care of their children. Who is paying you? The parade honoring the Lakers will go on. Private donors stepped up and paid. Isn't this how it should be? Los Angeles County will probe "non-profit" rehab center. Executive are pulling down big bucks. Ex-LAPD officers no longer allowed to wear uniforms at film sets. The uniforms helped control crowds. We'll see how the new reflective... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 16, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/16/09

Private donors to help foot Lakers parade. The police union is right. Los Angeles is laying off workers and they want to spend a million bucks on a feel good parade. Judge delays decision on control of LAPD. For too long a judge has eroded the ability of the LAPD to protect and serve. On that note, the LAPD was "pleased" with how they handled the riots outside of Staples Center. Lets see. 21 arrests. Not bad except for the 8 hurt... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup June 15, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/15/09

LAKERS WIN!!!! So today will be a national holiday. The cash strapped city will spend $1 million on the parade? And of course we already had our riots. Nothing says we are champions like busting some windows and busting cars. School districts are turning to parcel tax increases to stem cuts. A series start in Los Angeles County tomorrow. Los Angeles Gay Pride parade not so gay. Upset of Proposition 8 and President Obama not keep his... read more »