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ERIC PREVEN'S NOTEBOOK - Emmanuel Macron, President of France:
Be yourself. Listen to [the people of] Los Angeles. Deliver your games, but audacity is key. Never stop, you will make it!
Smart Speaker: Make what?
No further questions.
Friday Dry Day:
Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2024.
At Friday's city council meeting, there were nearly five items in Council District 13 involving ONNI Capital, LLC, represented by Dale Goldsmith of Armbruster Goldsmith & Delvac LLP. Also known as, The Big Dogs!
Scholars will remember when Avak the preferred Legislative Analyst scheduled three committee meetings simultaneously at 1 PM, hindering the possibility of any coverage and participation. Concerns were expressed about mislabeling items [he referred to ONNI as Omni lol] to obstruct diligent searches and bury questionable items in a lengthy agenda, limiting public comment opportunities. Nothing came of it.
The atmosphere became tense when we demanded that City Planning staff, who are excellent, appear unsettled when confronted with straightforward questioning. The request was simple: provide a list of Onni Capital LLC's many projects in City of Los Angeles.
Pacheco: Ce n'est pas possible
Notably, Dave Rand previously facilitated dealings for Armbruster Goldsmith before establishing his own very exciting practice that includes the Sportsman Bait and Switch Residences.
We all remain transfixed by the high-profile lobbying efforts of AGD and remember the $960,000 payment secured by the firm for work on behalf of AEG for one quarter. Does anybody else miss Englander and John Wickham? Was it Oaktree --?
No, you are thinking of the Oak View Group headed by Tim Leiweke, a former executive at Anschutz Entertainment Group. These were the brave geniuses who took Englander in from the storm. In a statement, Englander billed his departure from City service as a chance to work with “some of the most brilliant and well-respected leaders in their industry.” Yes.
Instead, Englander went to jail. But America is about second chances.
Incidentally, On March 15, 2024, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC changed its name to Brookfield Oaktree Holdings, LLC ("BOH"). BOH holds a limited partner interest in Oaktree Capital I, L.P., which, together with certain entities not owned by BOH, forms a part of the global investment management business of Oaktree Capital Management ("Oaktree").
Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $193 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real estate, and listed equities.
Brookfield... let's ask Staffer B John Lee (CD12) to make a presentation on their behalf. I'm pretty sure they are the ones convincing Davenport to cough up $210 Million to get them out of trouble. lol not funny.
Another concern on Friday was an item that called out charging $110 per day for meals for seniors. Some of those meals were never delivered and they failed to name the firm. That leads to calls for accountability in the Herb Wesson Heather Hutt Aging department and Jamison deflavorization group. Because rufkm.
Additionally, Bob Blumenfield was at the helm all week as Paul Krekorian was at an unidentified location in Paris.
There was an Item 21 from Wednesday's meeting and the Clerk was noticed about improper use of committee exceptions. Over and over again.
Heather Hutt's invitation to address the Korean Independence Day delegation was questioned, especially given that her opponent in the CD10 election, Grace Yoo, was not similarly invited to lather up the Korean Amercian dignitaries who are very very very civically engaged. During election time. The many many contributions are deeply appreciated and expected.
Tim Burton's upcoming installation on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was acknowledged, celebrating his contributions to gothic horror and fantasy cinema, with a nod to his iconic films. But nothing was as scary as --
County Clouding
Holly Mitchell's green sheet motion lacks the necessary specificity. While it’s true that state laws impact county government, addressing them among the 2,500 legislative items can't be effectively managed without clear prioritization. This is like receiving a singing telegram at a birthday party—entertaining, but ultimately lacks substance.
Her promises of transparency fall flat, as the current agenda fails to deliver enough information to the public. The motion vaguely requests an oral report on key state legislation affecting criminal justice and public safety. However, it neglects critical departments like Parks and Recreation, the District Attorney's office, and the Assessor. Why exclude these vital sectors?
With 2,000 to 2,500 pieces of legislation on the table, Mitchell's motion should include a list of the most impactful bills clearly highlighted at the August 13, 2024, Public Hearing agenda. This clarity would genuinely inform the public about how state laws shape county governance and provide focused direction for the Board. Clever rhetoric will not cut it; we need substantial action rather than a superficial attempt at transparency.
Questionable Oversight
Dean Logan seeks the authority to negotiate deals involving the VSAP system without proper oversight, all while the effort to make it open source continues. This is a dangerous move, especially considering the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is not an elected position. Meanwhile, ballot measures aimed at expanding the County Board and creating an elected County Executive, along with an ineffective Ethics Commission, are being rushed through with minimal public input. Look at this language. Could it be any more confusing?
Confusing and annoying.
Down at K-Hall of Administration, the non-elected CEO, Fesia Davenport, is willing to trade away its rich history for a luxury office space downtown. Do we really want county employees working in lavish offices? [No] [Yes!] {Yes} This raises crucial questions about the direction of our county’s resources and heritage. Abstain.
Abandoning the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration—named in honor of Los Angeles County's longest-serving Supervisor—is an old fashioned bad idea. This iconic 10-story, 980,000-square-foot complex, designed by renowned architects, is an integral part of our county’s architectural heritage, featuring underground pedestrian tunnels connecting it to other government buildings. Instead of abandoning it, we should prioritize making it safe and preserving this important piece of our history.
Maybe we can set up an exhibit in the tunnels of the many lobbyists who always convince the weak Supervisors to do stuff they regret later. Except Grand Park... cue up the Grand Park story Johnny... yawn. Convert it to sustainable and let's move forward.
Club Med, County of Los Angeles.
Hello, Skipper!
I hope City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto isn’t too distracted by the increasingly hostile claims of retaliation within her office to oversee nearly 17 closed sessions on Tuesday. Mind you, Krekorian may have jet lag.
Allegations include the use of intimidation tactics to suppress dissent, making prosecution decisions based on personal relationships or perceived political gain, mishandling grant funds, engaging in discrimination, and permitting inappropriate alcohol consumption in the workplace.
To help defend her, she's engaged ye olde nemesis, Miller Barondess. Hello, Skipper!
The City attorneys making the accusations have expressed distrust in Miller Barondess to conduct an independent investigation due to its previous relationship with Feldstein Soto, which included representation when she was a private citizen and campaign contributions from three of its lawyers. The investigation could cost up to $500,000, a steep price for transparency. Though, Snoop reportedly got $500,000 a day to attend the Olympics and act like Snoop. That's $8,500,000 if you accept 17 days! That's certainly a living wage.
Skip, any comment on Snoop's compensation? No.
When questioned about her personal security detail, Feldstein Soto’s office batted the whole thing away like it was a silly trifle. She claims that every city attorney since Rocky Delgadillo (2001–2009) has had "dignitary protection." And she notes, that such employee claims and grievances are common in the City Attorney’s office, reflecting a long-standing issue.
Smart Speaker: Yes.
This situation echoes former Mayor Garcetti's dismissal of sexual harassment claims made by LAPD Matthew Garza, casting doubt on President Biden’s decision to appoint Garcetti as Ambassador to India despite the surrounding scandal involving Rick Jacobs.
Jacobs delivered a public comment to the Board of Supervisors the other day and ... they liked it! Yuck.
Legal Challenges
Numerous legal cases continue to pile up for the city, including this group that will be discussed (not really) on Tuesday:
- Christian Rodriguez, et al. v. City of Los Angeles: Allegations of constitutional rights violations due to gang injunctions.
- Fire Department, et al.: Claims of professional negligence.
- Ace American Insurance Co. v. City of Los Angeles:
- Equipment damage at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.
- Chester Simoni, et al. v. City of Los Angeles: Alleged slope failure at a residential property.
- City of Los Angeles v. Greenwood, et al.: Eminent domain for the Exposition Bike Path Project.
- Nike Retail Services, Inc.: Business tax payment dispute.
- Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.: Business tax payment dispute.
- Rafael Villarruel v. Los Angeles Unified School District, et al.: Trip and fall incident.
And nine other trip and fall incidents leading to additional lawsuits against the City. Mostly settlements.
A Trip to Remember
Paul Krekorian has snagged the gold for the longest trip overseas ever by anyone, while Mayor Karen Bass claims gold for most trips, accumulating Delta SkyMiles as if they’re going out of style. She will return for the Paralympics, on August 28, which may earn her even more bonus points. Perhaps LA City Ethics should analyze how much time these city officials spend on “business” overseas! Let's make a chart.
We are all disappointed that Paul Krekorian won’t stick around France for the Paralympics. His actions during closed sessions while Angelenos faced ADA violations deepen our disappointment. It’s Time to End LA’s Secret Meetings: What Do City Council Members and LA’s County Supervisors Have to Hide?
And now, we are hearing that the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center is one of dozens of LA park facilities named in a new class-action lawsuit alleging "systemic and pervasive discrimination" against people with mobility disabilities.
Sigh. I hope this doesn't disturb the $160 million we've been given for the children from IOC. (gag reflex).
Staying a few extra nights could qualify Krekorian for platinum, but we’re left wondering which luxurious establishment he’s frequenting. Where’s the boots on the ground reporting on conditions in Paris, Dakota, David, Rebecca?
Finally, let's take a moment to reflect on the “great news” Krekorian recently touted in his government-funded newsletter: by 2028, LA will have built exactly zero new housing units.
That’s right—zero!
This will avoid burdening taxpayers with construction costs. Besides, we have UCLA!
But we need new housing units...
Gold, University Scandals:
When it comes to the number of Olympic athlete students at Paris 2024, USC leads the pack with 59. UCLA may have the most American athletes, but it’s less than one-third of USC’s total when including international competitors.
According to data from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Stanford University leads with 37 athletes, including swimmer Katie Ledecky, while UCLA follows with 17 athletes and USC has 16.
In total, 169 U.S. universities are represented in Team USA at Paris 2024. Additionally, many American university athletes are competing for other countries, with USC leading with 58 athletes representing 22 countries—21 more than Stanford!
This feels like yet another slap across the public's face as corruption is both honored and rewarded. USC, embroiled in too many scandals... including the infamous Varsity Blues, boasts the highest number of Olympians. Gold.
How many Harvard Westlake graduates medaled at this year's Olympics?
Environmental Negligence
Studio City is furious that MRCA, Tree People, and North East Trees are advancing the Harvard Westlake Riverwalk project during peak wildlife breeding and nesting season. This decision, especially following the destruction of Weddington’s vegetation by Harvard Westlake, is an outright assault on our local ecosystem.
Getting Air on whitsett ave 1080p
Where are Raman and Krekorian (France...) when we need them? Why were the calls to repair not heeded?
The negligence displayed reflects a shocking lack of environmental stewardship. The grading activities and heavy machinery usage are wreaking havoc on wildlife habitats. We demand an immediate halt to all project activities and a detailed response to inquiries about wildlife surveys, on-site supervision by qualified biologists, funding sources, and construction equipment staging plans.
And what could be more appalling than the recent discovery that Edgar Khalatian of Mayer Brown and the school and the City of Los Angeles' Nithya Raman and Paul Krekorian have all done nothing to fix Whittsett to prevent horrifying sounds that make our community intolerable?
Vigilance for the Future
The success of the Paris 2024 Olympics serves as a reminder of both the potential and pitfalls of hosting international shit shows. Paris captivated audiences with sold-out venues and record ticket sales, generating $2.83 billion from 8.6 million tickets sold.
The opening ceremony drew an impressive 28.6 million viewers, signaling a strong revival for the Olympic movement after years marred by scandals surrounding corruption and human rights abuses. However, as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics, significant concerns warrant a cautious approach.
Proponents champion the economic stimulus transit investments, while critics warn against prioritizing billionaires' convenience over sustainable, community-focused solutions.
The shadows of past Olympic host cities linger, where cost overruns and abandoned venues remain common tales.
As the 2028 organizing committee projects $2.5 billion in domestic sponsorship revenue, it’s crucial to ensure that the benefits extend beyond Snoop and corporate profits to the community.
The treatment of homelessness during the Paris Games raises ethical questions. With Los Angeles County reporting over 75,000 homeless individuals, the potential removal of the unhoused from public view is a very hot issue.
Mayor Bass has pledged to prioritize housing solutions, but this commitment must result in meaningful action that addresses the root causes of homelessness, not merely cosmetic move arounds. As we celebrate the successes of Paris, we must remain vigilant, advocating for a more equitable and responsible approach as the Olympic flame approaches Los Angeles in 2028.
Tuesday's Daily Double:
Contract No. C-139887 with AT&T in order to increase the contract compensation by $30 million for a total compensation of up to $60 million, and extend the term by one year to June 30, 2025, with three additional one-year options to extend for a potential term of up to six and one-half years, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form! [NOTE: These ppl referred to me as Mark Payton (at the county, but same AT&T an Englander Knabe &. Allen client] blocked me from commenting - not encouraging to see they charge so much]
Second Amendment to Contract No. C-129151 Outfront Media LLC (Outfront Media) for Transit Vehicle Advertising.
Execution of the proposed amendment will result in a 60 percent share of the net revenue earned by the contractor from the sale of advertising from October 1, 2023 through March 31, 2025.
No dollars shown on this item? 60% ... so they get 40% ... not bad for them. They should get 15% max.
Fourth Amendment to Contract No. C-128772 with Ilium Associates, Inc. for marketing and community outreach and posting of public right of way signs in support of the City Transit Program and Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 41.18 through August 31, 2025, with a $2,319,709 increase in the cost ceiling for a total contract ceiling of $25,732,789.
Yikes to the dollars shown on this item!
(Eric Preven is a longtime community activist and is a contributor to CityWatch.)
