mike spence

Los Angeles News Roundup June 1, 2009

By Mike Spence | 06/01/09

Will Antonio run? That is the million dollar question for Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown. His probable decision not to run leaves a big vacancy in Southern California and among Hispanic voters. Who will capitalize? In San Gabriel Valley deficits and salaries go up. While cities are hurt financially from the downturn in retail and car sales, salaries and perks for city managers go up. Never shall the twain meet. Long Beach will tell... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 26, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/26/09

L.A. City Controller Race Profile. It's Wendy Greuel vs. Nick Patsaouras. Greuel supports Measure B scam. That should be enough to vote against her. Doors kicked in during Temple City raids. D.A. investigating shakedown of developer by city council. Not a good sign for those involved. Former GOP candidate for Assembly among those tergeted. L.A. Mayoral candidates debate Westside subway plan. As long as voters keep sending money, this... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 25, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/25/09

Hilda Solis confirmed as Labor Secretary. Here comes the union bosses. Full speed ahead! Sheriff Baca wants to lower bail to decrease jail overcrowding and costs. Ok. How about cutting the 151% increase in administration too. DWP critics light up Measure B solar panel scam. L.A. Voters need to vote this down. L.A. explores leasing parking meters and garages. Will they lease out meter maids too? Don't go PC on me. I mean meter men... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup

By Mike Spence | 02/24/09

Sheriff Baca may close jails.  Did he leak report to blackmail board for $$. Venice bans overnight RV parking. Malibu bans speedboarding. What's left to do? Evan Braude tries comeback in Long Beach City Council race.  Lives with Assemblywoman Lowenthal. 15 run for L.A. Community College Districts. These large districts favor the union incumbents. Local GOP has made them a target. read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 18, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/18/09

Ad in L.A. City Attorney race attacked. Rivals don't like the ad. Duh! Ports can collect container tax. Tax was on hold. The tax will pay for "cleaner trucks". This will cost consumers more green. Economists see more pain for L.A. County. Thank the many state and local leaders that made it all possible on your way out. Lakewood has already spent stimulus share. Spending isn't the problem, it's the solution! Montebello recall started.... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 17, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/17/09

No Obama Effect at UCLA. Students and staff voted in the national election, but have no plans to vote in the upcoming local elections. La Puente hires lobbyists. Congrats to Gonslaves and sons. But why do these citties hire lobbyists when they pay money to the League Of California Cities? Pick one. Long Beach checks for unlicensed dogs. They have people go door to door looking for pets. Give me a break. The big news of course is that veryone has... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 13, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/13/09

L.A. City Council to consider more gun control legislation. The council thinks gang members buy guns at gun shops. Really, they think that. L.A. Mayoral candidates on Measure B scheme. Only Antonio Villaraigosa supports. City of Industry approved NFL stadium. Mary Su sworn in as Walnut Mayor amid the NFL controversy. It's getting nasty in Walnut. Teamsters endorse in Long Beach City Council race. There are so many bad candidates to choose... read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 12, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/12/09

L.A. County Sheriff's to star in new reality show. They make $$ off of these shows. Los Angeles County to sue of delayed state payments. Does the controller have contol of anything but furniture? Bell Gardens Councilman pleads guilty and resigns. This one sent Democratic politicians running for the hills. Recall papers served on Walnut City Councilwomen. NFL is the issue. LAUSD keeps lifetime free health benefits. And people are mad at GM. read more »

Los Angeles News Roundup February 11, 2008

By Mike Spence | 02/11/09

Eight file to replace Mark Ridley-Thomas in the State Senate. Two assemblymen and a Republican Rabbi are among the hopefuls. Jack Weiss campaign mailer ticks off council. Nothing like taking sole credit for something to make people mad. L.A. County has no idea how many healthcare workers lack background checks. What do they know? Los Cerritos Wetland deal approved. The controversy continues. Long Beach allows Hookah and Tobacco lounges... read more »

Los Angeles New Roundup February 10, 2009

By Mike Spence | 02/10/09

400 rapes cases remain open with no DNA testing done on evidence. This wasn't a priority because??? Mayor calls for mandatory water rationing. Dought and enviros allow nanny state. Wants to double water police. Los Cerritos wetland deal hard to quaintify. No one really knows the cost. Antoni Villaraigosa may consider partnering with private companies to operate zoo. You know it's bad when Antonio sayd things like this. Los Angeles... read more »