Los Angeles Dragnet

Tuesday Topics

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

EXCLUSIVE: Trutanich's tax-payer paid campaign manager

The Los Angeles Dragnet has obtained documents showing that the person City Attorney Carmen Trutanich sent to spy on the Asian Pacific American Bar Association's District Attorney candidates' forum, Dan Raskov, is listed by Trutanich as his campaign manager.

Raskov, who is paid by the City of Los Angeles at a rate of $4,175.00 (plus travel expenses) under Contract No. C-116687 to "provide Grant and Alternative Funding" for Trutanich, was spotted at the candidates forum taking notes.

Trutanich's tax-payer paid campaign manager takes notes for Trutanich
at the District Attorney candidates' forum

Any doubts that Raskov was attending the forum other than on the tax-payer dime would appear to be dispelled by the questionnaire submitted to the ADDA by Trutanich which lists Raskov as his campaign manager. Under section 3.5 his contract, Raskov is specifically required to "Be able to provide services during normal business work hours, and occasionally after hours at events."

That the appearance of impropriety does not seem to concern to Trutanich, should send alarm bells ringing amongst the fiscal conservatives that Trutanich was recently pandering to at a Tea Party event in Hancock Park, and raises serious questions about the way Trutanich has used the City Attorney's Office to further his political ambitions.

The questionnaire submitted by Trutanich to the ADDA is a veritable goldmine of misleading self-aggrandizing statements by the former ambulance chaser plaintiff's attorney turned career politician and begs the question whether he deliberately intended to make fools of the ADDA's by feeding them erroneous information that they would accept at face value.

EXCLUSIVE: Alan Jackson campaign releases new video advertisement

While the 'Election Hangover Part II' video continues to gain viewers on YouTube (views have more than quadrupled since Trutanich threatened to sue Jackson over the use of his campaign photo), the Jackson campaign today released this moving video ad.

This from the Jackson campaign:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:

John S. Thomas
Alan Jackson for District Attorney 2012
Tel: (818) 396-6578
Email: john@tpstrat.com
http://www.votealanjackson.com

JACKSON RELEASES NEW AD FOCUSING ON RELATIONSHIP WITH VICTIMS
Ad Is Entitled “Trust”

Los Angeles, January 31th – Today the Alan Jackson campaign released a web ad demonstrating one of Jackson’s unique strengths as a prosecutor – his deep relationships with victims and their families. The spot is called “Trust” and features a victim, Susan Estrada, whose daughter, Daisy, was brutally murdered in a violent gang crime. With Estrada’s help, Alan Jackson successfully prosecuted Daisy’s killer, Johnny Espinosa, of the notorious Florencia-13 criminal street gang.

“I pride myself on building strong relationships with victims and their families,” said Deputy DA Alan Jackson. “Those relationships are how we build trust in the community, which is so important to solving these crimes.”

“With the help of courageous people like Susan Estrada, we can ensure that justice is served and our families and children are kept safe in the future,” continued Jackson.

Jackson’s strategist John S. Thomas said, “One of the reasons Alan Jackson is such an effective prosecutor is his unwavering dedication to victims and their families. The next DA needs to be a battle tested prosecutor, but also have compassion for victims.”

To view the advertisement, please visit http://youtu.be/WYYU-RAgsks.

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District Attorney candidate Jackie Lacey ramps up campaign

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey has made some significant changes to her campaign. Gone is campaign consultant Bill Carrick along with fundraiser Charlotte Dobbs and in comes renowned campaign consultant Parke Skelton and a more dynamic website.

Campaigns report fundraising for second half of 2011

The LA Weekly reports that:

Carmen Trutanich will announce this week that he has raised more than $1 million in the race for L.A. County District Attorney.

Mario Trujillo has raised $439,000.

Alan Jackson raised $376,000 by the Dec. 31 reporting deadline, but the Jackson campaign say he has since boosted his total to $406,000.

Jackie Lacey has raised just $220,000.

Danette Meyers has reported raising $116,000.

Bobby Grace raised about $60,000.

Steve Ipsen has raised $25,000.

Should City Attorney Carmen Trutanich run for LA District Attorney?

CityWatchLA is running a poll to discover the views of it's readers on the thorny topic of Trutanich's candidacy.

Early poll numbers suggest Trutanich will need to raise a great deal more than the $2.5M he plans to have on hand in June to con-vince voters that he can be trusted to be anything other than another hack career politician.

Do please cast your votes as you see fit.

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Monday Briefs

2012-01-30T06:53:00.000-08:00

ADDA/AFSCME endorses Steve Ipsen for District Attorney

Following our report last week on the results of the endorsement interviews conducted by the Los Angeles Association of District Attorneys, District Attorney candidate Steve Ipsen emerged as the victor in the quest for the support of organized labor.

A press release from Ipsen's campaign this morning announced that AFSCME will now join the ADDA to request that the LA County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO consider him for their endorsement.

Although the ADDA/AFSCME endorsement comes as no great surprise, the negative comments about City Attorney Carmen Trutanich in the Los Angeles Downtown News editorial likely put any possibility of the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician gaining the support of the ADDA beyond doubt.

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First ripples of an anti-Trutanich tsunami gives pause to would be supporters

2012-01-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

An editorial in Friday's Los Angeles Downtown News is likely the first sign of a tsunami of hard-hitting media condemnation aimed at City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's narcissistic ambition to become District Attorney.

The editorial, 'Which way in L.A., Nuch?', takes several swings at Trutanich not only for reneging on his 'Pledge to Serve' as City Attorney, but also for the way that his eighteen-month long stealth campaign to become District Attorney has damaged the City Attorney's Office.

The LA Downtown News says that 'It is time for Trutanich to publicly declare whether he’ll run again for City Attorney in 2013,' and that he 'has been waffling for a long time now.' because 'he knows the minute he declares, he’ll be the target of negative campaigning' from other candidates. The Downtown News is right. Not only has District Attorney Alan Jackson already taken the lead in attacking Trutanich with the satirical 'Election Hangover Part 2' video that is 'going viral' on YouTube, but now it seems the media are poised to take a more in-depth look at the way Trutanich's 'waffling' has damaged the City Attorney's Office.

'By waffling over his future, Trutanich automatically injects a level of instability into the department he heads. People get nervous and distracted when they don’t know who their boss is going to be.' The LA Downtown News said, adding that 'This makes it almost irresponsible that Trutanich is not declaring.' and that 'Declining to state his intentions is not leadership. This is what we expect from career politicians eager to ensure that they have a high-paying civic job.' and concluding that Trutanich's 'behavior impacts many other people. His indecision is bad for the city attorney’s office. His indecision is bad for the residents of Los Angeles.'

While regular readers of the Dragnet won't be surprised by the comments in the L.A. Downtown News, what is surprising, indeed encouraging, is that the local media are starting to connect the dots between Trutanich's narcissistic pursuit of higher political office, and the string of leadership failures at the City Attorney's Office. The most recent example of such a failure was the collapse of the Occupy LA prosecutions which saw Trutanich pathetically trying to lay off the blame for his failure on the LAPD. Most insiders agree that Trutanich was too focused on leading his political campaign than doing his elected job.

Sources tell the Dragnet that almost every local media source is working on similar articles and editorials. It's a tsunami of such awesome might that it will easily overwhelm Trutanich's campaign warchest and leave Trutanich not only floundering in his quest to shake down more campaign contributions from special interests who do business with the city, but lacking in key endorsements from groups who do not want to be seen as 'guilty by association' with a failed politician.

The ripples from the imminent media tsunami is apparently already giving pause to several key law enforcement and organized labor groups, the support of which Trutanich had taken for granted. While Friday is typically a sleepy day in politics, the L.A. Downtown News editorial is said to have caused a flurry of panic calls, text messages and emails as the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician desperately sought to put out fires caused by the shocking revelations in the editorial.

If the reaction to the L.A. Downtown News editorial is anything to go by, then Trutanich is in deep trouble. His 2009 victory owed as much to the support he enjoyed from DA Steve Cooley as it did to the relentless media attacks on Trutanich's opponent; career politician Councilmember Jack Weiss. Now Trutanich finds himself in the same position as Weiss - Cooley has withdrawn his support, and the media are focusing on the feckless failures of a narcissistic career politician; Carmen Trutanich.

The anti-Trutanich tsunami is coming and the thin-skinned embattled City Attorney has already proved incapable of fighting it, as seen by his empty threat to sue Alan Jackson over the 'Election Hangover Part 2' video. By the time the tsunami hits the political shores in May 2012, about a month ahead of the primary election, it will have gained the devastating force necessary to sweep Trutanich into the political wilderness.

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Four move forward in ADDA endorsement interviews

2012-01-26T00:34:00.000-08:00

Seven candidates for Los Angeles District Attorney participated in Tuesday night's endorsement interviews conducted by the Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys. The interviews were not open to the public, and few ADDA members actually attended.

It is understood that the ADDA Board decided that four candidates would advance to a second level of interviews where the controlling AFSCME union will make the determination of which candidate will obtain the benefit of the ADDA/AFSCME endorsement.

The top four candidates advancing to the AFSCME interviews are Steve Ipsen, Bobby Grace, Danette Meyers and Carmen Trutanich. Although it is no surprise that Ipsen, Grace and Meyers received the ADDA's thumbs up, the choice of Trutanich has many puzzled.

Trutanich appears to be an unlikely choice for the ADDA. The former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician has a poor record of labor relations at the City Attorney's Office. Under his tenure he has made few promotions and caused most of his staff to suffer a 15% pay cut through enforced unpaid work furloughs. Trutanich, however, does not appear to believe that he should 'share the sacrifice' and has steadfastly refused to take a matching pay cut. He also angered the City Attorney's unions by creating 50 'volunteer' positions weakening the bargaining position of the union.

Trutanich is not only viewed by many as 'unfit' to serve as District Attorney, but he is hardly a 'pro-labor guy.' His union busting activities were brought to light during the City Attorney campaign - the painters union hounded Trutanich with a 16 foot tall inflatable rat to protest they way they claimed Trutanich (then in private practice) busted their union on behalf of clients.

The only possible explanation for the ADDA's inclusion of Trutanich would appear to be that the ADDA could not find it in themselves to support Alan Jackson, Jackie Lacey or Mario Trujillo because they have, at various times, enjoyed the support of DA Steve Cooley. However, if anyone has benefited from Cooley's support it is Trutanich who owes his position at City Hall to Cooley's endorsement. Perhaps if Marcus Musante hadn't dropped out, he would be holding the fourth place card instead of Trutanich?

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EndosementGate - Trutanich's surprise announcement tainted by allegations of 'fixing'

2012-01-25T00:50:00.000-08:00

Following Monday's confirmation that Camen Trutanich is running for Los Angeles District based on his acceptance of an invitation to vie for the endorsement of the Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorney's, the Los Angeles Dragnet can report that Trutanich has also secured the endorsement of the Long Beach Police Officers Association.

Although the LBPOA's Political Action page on their website has not yet been updated to reflect the endorsement, sources have confirmed that following a vote on Thursday January 19, 2012, the LBPOA did indeed vote to endorse Trutanich.

However, as with most things associated with Trutanich, the endorsement is clouded by the appearance of impropriety. Sources inform the Dragnet that the LBPOA was unable to confirm whether or not Truanich actually attended an endorsement interview. If true, that would suggest that the endorsement was secured by nothing more than cronyism based on Trutanich's friendship with Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell as well as the personal appearance and lobbying of Trutanich's ~~campaign worker~~ Chief Investigator Garry Schram who was seen 'high fiving' LBPOA members shortly after the 'vote' at around 4PM.

It is known that District Attorney candidates Jackie Lacey and Alan Jackson were also interviewed by the LBPOA, however, it is understood that they had to request interviews. It is not known whether any other candidates were either invited to attend, or were even aware of that the LBPOA was going to make an endorsement.

Trutanich is understood to have been desperate to secure a law enforcement endorsement to coincide with the announcement of his candidacy. His recent 'cry baby' antics of blaming LAPD for 'paperwork errors' following the collapse of his prosecutions of Occupy LA protesters likely made his quest harder; cops take a lot of heat at the best of times, but having the City Attorney throw LAPD under the bus because Trutanich failed to spot mistakes in police reports is seen by most as unprofessional and unforgivable.

That Trutanich failed to apologize for blaming LAPD officers for what was apparently his failure to follow established procedures to ensure that criminal charges are only filed when competent evidence exists, casts another cloud over the LBPOA endorsement; it is highly unlikely that the rank and file members would never support Trutanich after his betrayal of fellow police officers.

At the time of writing we are unable to confirm whether Trutanich actually attended the ADDA's endorsement interview on Tuesday night, however, his chances of securing that endorsement are slim to none.

Sources indicate that Trutanich will shortly announce that he has the endorsement of LA County Supervisor Don Knabe. However, that endorsement is understood to owe more to Knable being a godparent to one of Trutanich's children than any genuine belief that Trutanich has the integrity or ability for the position. Knabe doubtless finds himself in an awkward position, publicly having to say one thing, but privately saying another. Perhaps he and Chief McDonnell have more in common, given Trutanich's lousy record, they will likely vote for anyone but Trutanich.

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It's official - Trutanich is running for District Attorney

2012-01-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is running for District Attorney, the Los Angeles Dragnet can report.

Official confirmation of Trutanich's candidacy came earlier today in the form of an email from the Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys ("ADDA"), the union that represents approximately 970 Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorneys in Grades I through IV.

The email states that Trutanich will attend a scheduled 8:00PM interview with the ADDA with a view to obtaining their endorsement for his bid to take over from Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley. Cooley has stated that he plans to retire in January 2013 when his record third term expires, and has endorsed his Chief Deputy, Jackie Lacey who will also address the ADDA for their endorsement directly after Trutanich concludes his pitch.

The announcement of Trutanich's interview ends over a year of speculation, rumor and accusations of betrayal surrounding the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician. Trutanich campaigned to become Los Angeles City Attorney cloaked with a veneer of respectability founded on his signed solemn promise not to use the City Attorney's Office as a political springboard to higher office. His announcement is certain to rekindle the public revulsion at his apparent lack of ethics, honor and commitment to voters, and will likely give the Alan Jackson campaign's 'Election Hangover Part II' video a new lease of life.

Trutanich recently tried and failed in an attempt to sue Alan Jackson for copyright infringement over the use of a widely-used campaign photograph in the satirical video. The photograph appears for less than half a second, but that apparently was half a second too much for the thin-skinned braggart who revealed his fundamental lack of knowledge of First Amendment law with his crass threat.

It is not known whether Trutanich consulted with his highly paid campaign consultant, John Shallman, before threatening to sue Jackson. Shallman would likely have advised Trutanich against making yet another empty threat to add to his ever growing list. However, it is equally likely that Trutanich would have ignored that advice anyway.

Interestingly, media sources indicate that Shallman has not been returning calls for comment regarding various scandals surrounding Trutanich's campaign, perhaps indicating that all is not well with a campaign 'borne of a lie.' Trutanich is understood to be nonplussed by the negativity surrounding his abandonment of his 'Pledge to Serve' and is perhaps perplexed that his 'changed circumstances' alibi has failed to gain any traction.

The ADDA email calls for members to suggest questions to be put to the candidates. They can be emailed to Leslie Simon, the ADDA's Organizing Director, at: Leslie@afscme36.org

ADDA members may be reluctant to pose challenging questions, so here are a few questions that readers may wish to send to Leslie to be asked of Trutanich:

1. How many Deputy City Attorney positions have you lost since taking office?

2. How many promotions have you made at the City Attorney's Office?

3. Deputy City Attorneys have been forced to take 15% pay cut, yet you have steadfastly refused to take a matching pay cut. If elected as District Attorney, will you set the same selfish example if your policies result in the same loss of confidence from the Board of Supervisors?

4. When your lack of supervision and failure to evaluate cases resulted in the dismissal of cases against the Occupy LA protesters, you blamed your failure on the Los Angeles Police Department for 'paperwork' errors. Is this how you plan to explain your future failures?

5. Was it simply just a foolish mistake to threaten to arrest Councilmember Jan Perry over her support for billboards at the AEG/LA Live Regency Cinema complex, or were you unaware that you had no basis in law, fact or reality to make that threat?

6. If elected as District Attorney, will you resurrect your failed and foolish 'criminal aspects' investigation into AEG's handling of the Micheal Jackson memorial through the Grand Jury?

7. In August 2011, the LA Times reported on what appeared to be your failed attempt to misappropriate a $2M settlement check from a consumer protection lawsuit. Are there any other settlement checks lying around that have not yet been delivered?

8. What is your policy on allowing members of your staff to participate in political fundraising activities during office hours?

9. Is it true that, if elected as District Attorney, you plan on having at least three Chiefs of the Bureau of Investigation?

10. How can anyone believe anything you say?

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Friday Free For All

2012-01-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Trutanich reveals alibi for reneging on 'Pledge to Serve'

In a rare interview with veteran reporter Doug Kriegel, Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich not only maintained his lie that he has not yet decided to run for District Attorney, but also revealed his alibi for going back on his word not to run for District Attorney.

Trutanich states that 'the District Attorney's Office has not been open for 50 years,' that things have changed 'grossly,' and that when he ran for City Attorney he was 'under the impression' that Steve Cooley would be the DA for the next 8 years. The significance of Mr. Cooley being the DA appears to mean that Trutanich would have a 'partner in enforcement.'

It's the usual double-speak failed logic of a failed politician. Like much of what comes out of the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician, it makes no sense at all.

Trutanich's contorted logic would have us believe that without Steve Cooley at DA, Trutanich has no 'partner.' Trutanich was not questioned about the serious breakdown in relations between himself and the DA. It is an open secret that Cooley backed Jackie Lacey's bid to become DA long ago, and would likely endorse 'anyone but Trutanich' if Lacey were not running. Trutanich seems to be saying that the candidate Cooley has chosen to endorse is someone he cannot regard as a 'partner.' That begs the question 'Who can you partner with?' The likely answer is nobody.

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Thursday's Topic

2012-01-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

2012 DA election will be the first 'Open' DA election since 1964

In case you were wondering, the June 5, 2012 primary election for the next Los Angeles County District Attorney will be the first time an incumbent hasn't sought reelection since Evelle Younger won the seat 48 years ago. On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, the LA Times teased the question, 'First wide-open race for D.A. since -- when?' in their Coffeebreak Quiz section. They answered the question the following day.

Evelle Younger the became District Attorney after winning
the 1964 'open' election to become LA's top cop.

Midweek Musings

2012-01-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Last in, first out; District Attorney candidate Marcus Musante bows out

The Los Angeles Metropolitan News-Enterprise is reporting that DDA Marcus Musante has decided against continuing his campaign to become the next Los Angeles District Attorney. In an email to the MetNews Friday, Deputy District Attorney Marcus Musante wrote:

“I really thought I could help with the race. It’s such a ‘perfect storm’ of politics, with so much uncertainty, that how could I pass up the chance? And ‘Justice’ is all I know. But I lost my way

“Perhaps I was foolish to think that I could reach the people so early and purely. Perhaps one only has the right to talk the talk if he/she intends to walk the walk. And there are already more than enough brave souls walking that walk.

“Now is not my time.

“And thank you.”

Musante could not be reached late Friday for elaboration, the MetNews reported.

'Carmine' Trutanich appears at CD15 Special Election Victory Party for Joe Buscaino

San Pedro Today's FaceBook page featured this photo of local ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician, 'Carmine' Trutanich.

It seems that the LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus is not the only one to have noted Trutanich's 'Goodfella-like' tendencies, San Pedro Today also seems to think of Trutanich as a wiseguy. I guess if anyone knows a 'Carmine' when they see one, it the San Pedro Today.

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Trutanich moves for 'Jackboot' ban on medical marijuana, adds another failure to growing list

2012-01-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

OPINION: They say that the third time's the charm, but it seems that's not the case when it comes to Carmen Trutanich's three attempts to create laws to protect legitimate medical marijuana patients. In reality his laws were, in effect, thinly and poorly disguised attempts to defy the state's permissive medical marijuana laws. The first two were struck down as 'unconstitutional.' A third, proposes a lottery to limit the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, but it too seems unlikely to pass legal muster.

Faced with further proof that he fundamentally cannot cope with complex legal issues, and perhaps in an effort to avoid a 'Three strikes and you're out' analogy, Trutanich made a rare appearance at the Public Safety Committee on Friday, January 13, 2012. His recommendation was the abandonment of any regulation whatsoever in favor of an outright ban; the 'Jackboot' approach that seems to be his solution to legal issues beyond his legal capabilities.

The move towards another 'scorched earth' outright ban should not surprise those who have seen the way the part-time, night-time, unaccredited law school educated former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician has struggled and failed to cope with complex legal issues. His frustration at his own ineptitude is likely the cause of his thuggish, bully-boy behavior as witnessed in the now infamous screaming session at a Town Hall meeting on medical marijuana.

Trutanich screams at Kathryn, a cancer patient,
at a Town Hall meeting when challenged over his policy

Perhaps the way the City Attorney berated Kathryn, a cancer patient who uses medical marijuana, should have tipped-off observers that Trutanich's thin-skinned super-ego cannot handle being challenged, questioned or criticized. Kathryn was barely able to complete a sentence challenging his Voodoo science conclusions about pesticide in marijuana before the 'lost it' and interrupted Kathryn repeatedly screaming "Wrong! You're wrong!" mocking the shocked woman urging her to "go home and feed your children insecticide and lead toys," and telling her to "Sit down and shut up."

Kathryn wasn't the only person shocked at Trutanich's short temper and thug-like behavior. His own handlers promptly made the decision not to allow him to appear in public meetings where his failed logic can be challenged, perhaps explaining why he did not appear at the recent District Attorney candidates' forum.

But if Trutanich's short temper and rapid resort to bullying was not evident at Friday's Public Safety Committee meeting, his well documented struggle with the concept of truth was. He described his solution to his failed laws as a 'Gentle ban' on medical marijuana that would "allow patients and caregivers to cultivate and have access to marijuana." Of course, what he did not say is that his so-called 'Gentle ban' is nothing more than the a rehash 'cut and paste' of the 1996 Prop 215 Compassionate Use Act, and is completely devoid of any of the provisions of the later 2003 SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act.

It's yet another example of the duplicity and deception that has characterized the Trutanich regime. As the City Attorney, he was charged with the task of carrying out the will of the City Council in formulating a workable law to allow patients to obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries. But instead of pushing the envelope and creating a permissive law, he promulgated laws that were doomed to fail because they expressed his own restrictive and, as was seen by his behavior towards Kathryn, dismissive view of medical marijuana.

Sarah Armstrong, a medical marijuana advocate who helps run a dispensary in Reseda, told the LA Times that she decried Trutanich's proposal and said she and others have been trying for years to get the city to adopt a workable ordinance. She said that hundreds of 'rogue' dispensaries that have opened up in recent years have given a bad rap to older, more responsible operations that want to follow the law and cooperate with the city. “We’re tired of being tarred with the same brush,” she said.

She dismissed the proposed prohibition as politically motivated because of Trutanich's District Attorney aspirations. Armstrong said “there’s no such thing as a gentle ban.” She is right, and Trutanich knows it, but he hasn't got the decency to say it, nor the legal ability to solve the problem.

The next District Attorney for Los Angeles County will have to offer voters more than 'Jackboot' solutions to law enforcement problems, and have greater respect for cancer patients who have neither the time, ability or capacity to 'grow their own.' Trutanich's 'Gentle ban' is not a solution, it is a regressive goose-step back into the dark ages. Los Angeles deserves better than anything this clown has to offer.

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Monday Midday Update

2012-01-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson blasts Carmen 'Cry Baby' Trutanich for 'throwing LAPD under the bus.'
Jackson offers to teach Trutanich a lesson in prosecutorial responsibility.

This from the Alan Jackson for District Attorney campaign:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
John S. Thomas
Alan Jackson for District Attorney 2012
http://www.votealanjackson.com

CARMEN TRUTANICH MISHANDLES

OCCUPY LA PROSECUTIONS, BLAMES LAPD

Deputy DA Alan Jackson weighs in on proper prosecution

Los Angeles, January 9th – City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has wasted both city and judicial resources by rushing to file cases against Occupy LA protesters without fully considering the facts of each case. Then, rather than take responsibility for his inability to properly prosecute and oversee those cases, Trutanich blamed our LAPD for his missteps.

As veteran prosecutors know, advising law enforcement of proper procedures and evidence gathering is a central part of the job. If, as quoted by Trutanich’s spokesman, "paperwork errors [were] made by police officers during the November 30 raid," it was Trutanich’s job to identify and correct those mistakes before filing charges. Had Trutanich acknowledged or effectively performed these duties, the City could have avoided these expensive, embarrassing, and very public dismissals.

John S. Thomas (strategist for leading DA candidate DDA Alan Jackson) stated, “Trutanich calls himself a prosecutor, yet he just flunked Prosecution 101. Trutanich failed to work with or stand by our police. Instead, he threw them under the bus when it was politically convenient.”

“The District Attorney prosecutes felonies where lives are at stake each and every day. The DA’s office cannot be led by a grandstanding politician whose basic understanding of prosecutions is obviously inadequate.”

Deputy DA Jackson, a veteran prosecutor, has this take on the role of a public prosecutor:

To ensure public safety and the fair administration of justice, it is the duty of all prosecutors, including the City Attorney, to consult with and, where requested, advise law enforcement.
Effective prosecutors use discretion daily and file charges only when 1) available evidence convinces them a public offense has been committed, 2) there is legally sufficient evidence of the accused’s identity, and 3) the elements of the offense charged can be proven by competent evidence in a court of law.

Had these basic precepts been followed, the bungling of many of the Occupy LA cases and the subsequent blame-game could have been avoided.

According to Jackson, "The 'Ready, Fire, Aim' approach is never in the best interest of justice."

The public should demand that their next DA should stand with law enforcement, not use our police as a scapegoat for political cover.

Alan Jackson has been a prosecutor in the LA County District Attorney’s office for over 16 years where he has tried nearly 60 felony cases, more than half of which have been murder trials. Jackson spent five years prosecuting hardcore gang cases in Compton, after which he moved to the Major Crimes Division where he has led the prosecution in some of California’s highest profile cases. Prior to becoming a Deputy DA, Jackson served in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. Currently, Jackson serves as the Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division, where he oversees the office’s most complex and high-profile cases.

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&tc.

Cry Baby Gate - Did Trutanich screw up Occupy LA cases because he wasn't invited to the party?

2012-01-09T00:13:00.000-08:00

OPINION: After the collapse of the Occupy LA cases, some might say that the only thing 'transparent' about City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is his ever thinning skin. The LA Weekly's exclusive story that 'many cases' against the Occupy LA protesters were dismissed by courts reportedly sent LA's wannabe tough guy into full media panic mode.

Criticism here, and elsewhere, suggested that if he wasn't capable of managing even the simplest of prosecutions; a misdemeanor trespass, how could he possibly be an effective District Attorney? The easiest answer for the man who wants to be DA was to blame someone else - the brave men and women of the LAPD who brought a peaceful and praiseworthy end to the Occupy LA protest at City Hall.

Does the cry baby clown blame LAPD for his screw ups because he wasn't invited to the party?

Both the Daily News and the LA Times published statements from the cry baby coward blaming the collapse of the Occupy LA cases on LAPD for "paperwork errors made by police officers during the Nov. 30 raid." Yes, it's the cops who did the hard work who are to blame, not the City Attorney's Office who had 30 days to check the "paperwork" and correct any errors.

Of course, during that 30 day period while the City Attorney is supposed to be reviewing the cases and preparing for trial, there was the unavoidable interruption caused by the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays. Add to that the even more pressing flood of fundraiser events that Trutanich had to attend in order to reach his stated goal of raising $1M by Christmas for his DA campaign and it's not hard to see why these so-called "paperwork" errors were not spotted until that day of trial.

Whatever the reasons for the collapse of the Occupy LA cases, one thing is certain; throwing LAPD under the bus is an immature, cry-baby cowardly way of blame shifting, from an egocentric braggart and Los Angelenos are entitled to expect more from the second highest-paid elected official in City Hall; are the words 'mea culpa' too hard to say? Or how about saying nothing at all?

Saying nothing, 'no comment,' seemed to work just fine when the 'criminal aspects' investigation into AEG's handling of the Michael Jackson memorial collapsed with a fistful of Lady Gaga tickets. But here, it was as if Trutanich wanted to inflame the situation with his cry-baby antics. Perhaps his wafer-thin skin and oversize ego just couldn't tollerate any questioning of his ability as a prosecutor?

Or was there another explanation for the inexcusable and unprofessional failure to supervise and adequately implement a preparation plan for those cases; political payback?

The Los Angeles Dragnet exclusively reported that Trutanich was not present when the Mayor and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck held their November 25, 2011 press conference announcing the imminent law enforcement action to end the Occupy LA protest.

The City Attorney was notable by his absence from the press conference announcing
the imminent end of the Occupy LA protest.

Perhaps the City Attorney had been 'disinvited' for fear that he would simply turn the occasion into another photo-op grandstanding session? Or perhaps there was concern that he would make make more inflammatory 'tough guy' empty threats as he did with the Dream Act protesters?

Or maybe Trutanich himself did not realize that the City Attorney's Office has a real role in the processing of the anticipated mass arrests that would inevitably follow the end of the Occupy LA protest? Perhaps he was too busy nursing his bruised ego at not being invited to the party to remember that there's a protocol to be followed by the City Attorney's Office at times like these?

Because there is one. It was most recently deployed, ironically, in the build up to the Michael Jackson memorial when the City Attorney's Office worked closely with LAPD to prepare for any mass arrests that might occur. However, the event was so well managed by AEG, that no mass arrests occurred.

But go back a little further in time, to the protests during the 2000 Democratic National Convention at the Staples Center, and you will find evidence of the real role of the City Attorney's Office when mass arrests are anticipated.

In August 2000, the LA Times reported on the successful processing of the 50 or so arrests made that night, thanks to advance planning by the City Attorney's Office and to the tireless efforts of Deputy City Attorney Howard Gluck, who led the team from the City Attorney's Office.

If the City Attorney's Office protocol had been followed with the Occupy LA arrests, there would not be any cry-baby accusations of "paperwork" errors. That's because any such errors would be identified on the spot, instead of languishing in a pile of police reports only to be discovered on the day of trial. Better still, the sound judgment exercised by Deputy City Attorney Howard Gluck might have prevented any cases from even going to court and using up scarce resources.

One thing is notable from the LA Times account of Gluck's commendable efforts that night; you don't see the name of the elected City Attorney mentioned anywhere in the article. No glory seeking headlines, no grandstanding puffery, no wild baseless threats and no false promises. You have to Google who the City Attorney was in August 2000 to discover that it was James Hahn, who was probably the last 'professional' City Attorney Los Angeles had.

The real question to be asked by Los Angeles media isn't "who's to blame for the collapse of the Occupy LA cases?" because it is abundantly clear that the blame lies at the door the often empty executive office on the eighth floor at City Hall East.

The real question to be asked and answered is "Why wasn't the City Attorney's mass arrest protocol followed with the Occupy LA arrests?" Clearly, had there been a Gluck on the ground with LAPD that night, there would not have been a problem.

Was it because City Attorney Carmen Trutanich could not be trusted to work with LAPD to bring a peaceful and effective end to the Occupy LA protest?

Or was it because the City Attorney was asleep at the wheel of his City SUV trundling back and forth between campaign fundraisers, and did not remember to implement the protocol?

Or was it because his fragile ego couldn't tolerate not being invited to the party, so he took his toys out of the sandbox?

Los Angelenos can only hope the press now puts those questions squarely to the man responsible for the collapse of these cases, and does not accept anything other than the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from him, and not a spokesperson. Whatever the answer is, it must surely be clear that the kind of 'leadership' he displayed makes him unfit to be City Attorney, let alone District Attorney.

&tc.

Cry Baby Trutanich blames LAPD for collapse of Occupy LA prosecutions

2012-01-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

A 'thin-skinned' City Attorney Carmen Trutanich lashed out at criticism of his poor managerial abilities by blaming the Los Angeles Police Department for dismissal of 'many cases' against the Occupy LA protesters.

Cry-Baby Trutanich blames the LAPD for the dismissal of 'many cases'
arising from the Occupy LA protests

The blame-shift game started after the LA Weekly exclusively reported that 'many cases' had been dismissed by the courts as the City Attorney's office was 'unprepared and unable' to proceed with trials against the protesters within the statutory 30-day period.

It did not take long for the internet to become abuzz with comments that if Trutanich could not handle the prosecution of what were basically very simple cases, he was unfit to be District Attorney. It was a story that would not go away as thousands of Twitter messages rebroadcast the collapse of the Occupy LA prosecutions.

Speculation grew that the LA Weekly had been 'tipped off' by sources within the City Attorney's Office. Such whistle-blowing was routine during the Rocky Delgadillo administration, and it seems things have not changed. According to sources, Trutanich was desperate to 'put out the fires' as his Blackberry repeatedly chirped a new comment questioning his leadership and competence, and he reached out to as many media sources as possible to try to explain the collapse of his promised prosecutions.

It seems that only the Daily News was willing to listen and publish his lame excuse. In what appears to be a cry-baby piece of blame-shifting from the wannabe tough guy, he pointed the finger at the Los Angeles Police Department . Rather than shoulder the responsibility for his failures, Trutanich blamed "paperwork errors made by police officers during the Nov. 30 raid" for the embarrassing collapse of his cases.

Reaction to the cowardly excuse was swift. District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson's strategist, John S. Thomas, said, "The next District Attorney needs to stand with law enforcement, not throw them under the bus when it is politically convenient. Mr. Trutanich appears to be too busy collecting special interest cash and exploiting his elected position with city contractors to run the City Attorney's office. Not only did Trutanich throw the police under the bus, he backed up and ran over them again."

The Jackson campaign's questioning of how the City Attorney prioritizes his time is, perhaps, not surprising. Trutanich had thirty days to prepare these cases for trial by carefully examining the evidence presented by the LAPD at the time the cases were filed. If there were any failures in the 'paperwork," these should have been identified and either corrected or the case should not have been brought to trial. But the fundraising activities of the City Attorney in his effort to raise over $1M for his District Attorney campaign by December 2011, may well have taken priority over his duties at the office.

The willingness of Trutanich to blame the LAPD for the collapse of his cases may also signal another impending failure in his District Attorney campaign. All District Attorney candidates have been working hard to secure key endorsements from law enforcement. Throwing law enforcement 'under the bus' to cover his thin-skinned ego is unlikely to help Trutanich in wowing LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, or the all-important LAPPL Los Angeles Police Protective League to endorse him.

While Los Angeles Sheriff Lee Baca has 'supported' Trutanich's bid for DA, he has drawn short of an endorsement, and this latest act of cry-baby cowardice is unlikely to make that happen any time soon. Equally, ALADS, the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, were rumored to be strongly considering endorsing Alan Jackson despite Baca's stated allegiance, and once word of the cry-baby antics of the City Attorney becomes know, Jackson's chances look to be much improved.

But as for the remaining Occupy LA cases, and the fuss recently made about plans to sue the Occupy LA protesters to recover the city's expenses, the collapse of these cases will do little to improve Trutanich's chances of scoring any political points there. As one comment on Twitter perhaps best summed it up, 'he can talk the talk, but he cannot walk the walk.'

&tc.

Trutanich's credibility crumbles. Jackson soars in San Fernando Valley

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

As Wednesday's LA Weekly's exclusive shows, the DA wannabe, Carmen Trutanich, hasn't got what it takes to prosecute the Occupy LA protesters, and has had to dismiss 'many cases.'

Proving, once again, that he can talk the talk, but cannot walk the walk, the former ~~ambulance chaser~~
plaintiff's attorney turned career politician appears to be responsible for a screw up of biblical proportions, due to his failure to understand that the law requires a prosecution within a set time frame; the so-called Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial. In simple terms he was not prepared, was not ready, did not have witnesses and was missing paperwork. The cases were dismissed because despite all of Trutanich's tough talk, he screwed up.

Trutanich's screw up is so fundamental that it will likely undermine whatever little credibility he had with the City Council, who he was going to 'advise' about suing and bankrupting the Occupy LA protesters. The seeds of doubt about Trutanich's credibility were sown not so long ago when he delivered his infamous 'criminal aspects' speech. The promised investigation into the crimes Trutanich implied were committed by AEG in their handling of the Michael Jackson memorial, went on for a year at untold cost, and then quietly went away with no word from the self-proclaimed 'tough guy' of City Hall.

Unlike the 'criminal aspects' scandal, the collapse of the Occupy LA protest cases came more quickly than Trutanich may have expected. When the 'criminal aspects' investigation collapsed, most Los Angelenos couldn't even remember what all the fuss was about. But the situation is markedly different with the Occupy LA protesters, and the public humiliation of the City Attorney's Office due to it's poor leadership, will not be quickly forgotten.

Alan Jackson soars in San Fernando Valley

District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson received a rousing welcome at the San Fernando Valley Republican Club on Tuesday night in marked contrast to the booing, jeering and hissing that previously met Carmen Trutanich at the last meeting. According to sources, while Trutanich was asked to leave 'before things got out of hand,' Jackson was not only cheered but stayed late into the night talking to his voter base.

No doubt buoyed by his recent 'deal sealing' endorsement by Gov. Pete Wilson, the crowded assembly room warmly embraced Jackson who spoke of his record of successes in handling complex high-profile trials as well as his commitment to the core values of the District Attorney's Office.

Jackson is the only Republican in he race and is expected to win a place in the run-off election that will follow the June 5, 2012 primary.

&tc.

Trutanich's ties to porn industry questioned

2012-01-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

Former Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Walter Moore believes that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's lawsuit to ban a ballot measure on condom use in porn movies is simply a publicity stunt designed to raise Trutanich's profile.

Moore may be right. The ballot measure would require the use of condoms by actors in porn movies made in the City of Los Angeles. The San Fernando Valley is, of course, the Hollywood of the the porn movie industry and porn movie moguls are vehemently opposed to the measure.

The ballot measure is backed by Councilmembers Rosendahl and Koretz and has garnered some 71,000 signatures - way more than the 41,000 required to qualify the measure for a place on the ballot in the June 2012 elections. Notwithstanding the overwhelming support for the measure, Trutanich has filed a lawsuit to ban the measure from appearing on the June ballot.

Trutanich says that the City of LA has no legal right to require the use of condoms because that is something that only the State of California can do through Cal/OSHA. According to Trutanich, if the ballot measure passes, the City of Los Angeles could be challenged in a lawsuit filed by the porn movie industry, and that's a lawsuit he would have to defend, and that's a waste of his resources.

So rather than 'waste' his resources defending a possible future lawsuit, Trutanich's bizarre legal logic is to 'waste' his resources on a lawsuit now, over something that may or may not happen in the future. As Walter Moore says, it makes no sense from a legal standpoint, but plenty of sense from a publicity stunt standpoint.

Moore is not the only one to cast doubt on Trutanich's legal logic. The head of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is responsible for administering these laws, has said that the City of Los Angeles actually has jurisdiction to pass this law. A statement that directly conflicts with Trutanich's lawsuit.

In a statement to KPCC Michael Weinstein, the Executive Director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said "I think that Mr. Trutanich, the City Attorney, has a confused relationship with democracy," and questioned who has a better idea of who is in charge - Cal/OSHA or Trutanich? "It doesn't make sense." Weinstein said.

In addition to the criticism leveled against Trutanich by Moore and KPCC, the LA Times Editorial Board weighed in with their own condemnation of the undemocratic and highly questionable abuse of office displayed by the City Attorney, also questioning the logic in the light of Cal/OSHA's lack of opposition.

Whether it makes sense or not, Trutanich is determined go forward with his lawsuit to overturn the will of the democratic process. The real question is why?

The lawsuit and Trutanich's anti-AIDS prevention stance is likely to be a 'hot button' issue and will generate plenty of free publicity for him. It is publicity that Trutanich desperately needs. He is expected to be forced to confess that he has been secretly campaigning to become District Attorney during the time he was supposed to be fulfilling the obligations of his $220k taxpayer funded job as City Attorney.

It's going to be a painful confession. It appears that while Trutanich was on the city's payroll he is believed to have raised $1M in campaign donations using city resources such as a full-time LAPD security detail to ferry him to and from his fundraisers in a city-funded chauffeured SUV. It's a scandal reminiscent of Trutanich's predecessor and mentor, Rocky Delgadillo

Trutanich may therefore need the distraction of his anti-AIDS prevention lawsuit to create a distraction from the corruption allegations that will likely follow his confession. But the free publicity generated by Trutanich's pointless lawsuit may not be the only thing Trutanich stands to gain. As well as generating free publicity, Trutanich could generate hundreds of thousands of campaign donations from the porn industry.

Whether those porno industry campaign contributions have already been made will likely be revealed when Trutanich's fundraising disclosure statement becomes available for investigation at the end of this month. The campaign contributions would certainly explain the reason for Trutanich's lawsuit, which is very troubling for a variety of reasons. Trutanich's apparent willingness to sell his services to help advance his political career might be acceptable to the City Ethics Commission, however, in the larger scale of things, with Trutanich determined to move to the District Attorney's Office, he would acquire the is ability to sell justice and give a pass on criminal conduct if the price is right. Based on his track record, few doubt that result.

Who gives money to Trutanich and what they expect to get in return has always been a troubling question. In recent disclosure statements it was revealed that Trutanich had received donations to both his City Attorney Officeholder Account, and his District Attorney campaign account from members of the law firm Albright Yee & Schmit. Trutanich, coincidentally, awarded that law firm $767,000 in four separate contracts to 'assist the City Attorney with the legal representation' in various matters. Is that 'pay to play?' To some, the words of another conman may come to mind "There is no innocent explanation," for Trutanich, the likely response is "Would you rather believe me or your own damn lying eyes?"

Trutanich is expected to shortly issue a statement confessing to his secret District Attorney campaign.

&tc.

Dragnet's Top Ten of 2011

2011-12-31T18:01:00.000-08:00

2011 may well have been an Annus Horribilis for some of the targets of the Dragnet's coverage, but with close to 100,000 pageviews in 2011, it looks like the Los Angeles Dragnet has become a go-to source for the stories that politicians probably hope will quietly go away, stories that the mainstream media misses, and the background to some of those stories showing things are not always as they seem.

As we prepare to bid farewell to 2011, we take a reflective look at our ten most-read stories of 2011. Surprisingly, we find that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich features heavily in our list of of blunders, lies and deception, sometimes also referred to as Los Angeles politics.

10. Trutanich Lies About ACE Program on Kevin James Show - Adds Plagiarism To His Shame List

City Attorney Carmen Tutanich has been hawking the ACE Program as the panacea for LA's fiscal and enforcement troubles for over a year now. But the City Council seems reluctant to accept Trutanich's hollow assurances that the his fiscal solution is not simply another of his shakedowns stealthily designed to give him more power while denying residents their due process rights.

That reluctance appears to have gained strength as a result of the Dragnet's revelation that Trutanich lied about the origins of 'his' program on the Kevin James radio show. If and when Trutanich's ACE Program has its showdown in the horseshoe, Trutanich is likely to be personally summoned to appear before the Council in public session, confronted with an audio recording of his lies, and asked the $64M question, "What else are you lying about?" It could be a long and embarrassing session.

In all likelihood, Trutanich has backed-off pushing 'his' ACE as a result of the impending thumbs-down. His own lies may have killed his own bill.

9. Trutanich: "I am not a thug!"

The Dragnet cannot claim all the credit for this story, straight out of the 'you can't make this stuff up' category of foot in the mouth statements. It was LA Weekly's intrepid reporter, Gene Maddaus, who accepted an invitation to dine with Trutanich at a Mafioso-style East LA eatery where Trutanich likes to hold court, perhaps like a scene from Goodfellas. Trutanich, it seems, was doing his level best to convince the LA Weekly that he was not being a bully over his threats to send 'professional' protesters to jail 'for a year,' but it appears that Trutanich was unable to con-vince Maddaus.

Trutanich, apparently 'lost it' as his frustration boiled over ("growing annoyed" is Maddaus related), and he blurted out his Nixonesque quote "I am not a thug!" as if that would improve things. It is not clear whether Trutanich also banged the Formica table top for emphasis while spitting out food as he made the fateful admission.

In what was an equally failure-bound attempt to rescue Trutanich from the ever deepening hole he was digging for himself, Trutanich's Chief Deputy then blurted out "Y'know, Nuch is actually an intellectual." It seems that Maddaus was not convinced. There are many things people may believe about Trutanich, being an intellectual is not one of them.

8. District Attorney Hopeful Mario Trujillo Honored - Trutanich Crashes the Party

While members of the South East District Bar Association gathered to honor District Attorney candidate Mario Trujillo with the 'Attorney of the Year' award, the proceedings were rudely interrupted by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich who bullied his way to the podium armed with a bunch of cheesy calligraphic scrolls.

The audience reaction to Trutanich's uninvited, crass and reportedly inarticulate rambling speech left little doubt that Trutanich was no longer welcome in the community that had previously supported him.

7. 'Thin skinned' Trutanich threatens to sue Alan Jackson over use of campaign photo

Proving, once again, that he has a very limited understanding of First Amendment issues, Trutanich tried and failed to bully District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson into removing a campaign photograph from the less than flattering 'Election Hangover Part II' video showing how Trutanich has reneged on his many promises not to use the City Attorney's Office as a political stepping stone to the DA's Office.

We display the video that Trutanich doesn't want you to see here, complete with the less than half-second display of the campaign photograph forming the core of Trutanich's pathetic threat.

Ironically, Trutanich's failed threat succeeded in in one way, it gave the Jackson campaign's political advert a second lease of life, more than doubling the number of views.

6. Trutanich chicken's out of DA Candidates' Forum. Sends City payroll spy

The first District Attorney candidate's forum gave an insight to the varied campaign platforms of the declared candidates. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich failed to appear, at first lying that 'he had not been invited,' then clarifying that lie with another 'he had not been officially invited.'

Either way, Trutanich saw fit to dispatch a spy to report back on the event, another crass move that perhaps belies the way Trutanich plans to conduct his campaign.

5. Trutanich's 'Porcupine Defense' explains City Attorney's losing streak

A string of heavy loses by Trutanich's lawyers was first explained by him as being due to "blunders" by his lawyers, however, as Trutanich explained to a confused reporter, it appears that Trutanich's childhood schoolyard bully strategy may be to blame.

It's called the "Porcupine Defense' by Trutanich, and it is likely that his insistence at sending his attorneys into trials that are destined to be lost, cost taxpayers around $20M in 2011.

4. Trutanich uses "My son was injured in Iraq" lie to avoid answering questions about District Attorney campaign

How low can you go, Mr. Trutanich? That's the question that perhaps should have been asked by KRLA talk show host Kevin James after Trutanich imp-lied that he was too busy taking care of his son who had been injured in Iraq to even think about running for District Attorney.

The "injury" may have occurred in Iraq while his son, an Assistant US Attorney was on a civilian assignment there. However it was not a field of combat injury; his son is not in the military. It was, apparently, a sports injury arising from a friendly game. Of course, that's probably "friendly fire" in Trutanich-speak.

Trutanich's willingness to mislead listeners into thinking that he had some connection to the families of the brave men and women in our military who are injured in the service of their country is beneath contempt. It goes to the very core of who Trutanich is and what he will do to mislead and deceive.

3. City Attorney "Family" BBQ Bombs -Trutanich lies about Bryan Stowe beating

The annual City Attorney's Office Family BBQ was a huge 'stay away' for hundreds of staffers and their families who silently protested Trutanich's reckless mismanagement which has caused layoffs, work furloughs and pay cuts, while Trutanich steadfastly refuses to take a matching pay cut. Significantly, many former political supporters also stayed away from the Trutanich train wreck.

Faced with embarrassingly low numbers expected for Trutanich's BBQ, the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician used a radio interview on AM570 KLAC Sports Radio's Petros and Money show to pimp the BBQ to the audience, even though the event was not open to the public.

But as if to highlight the hypocrisy and deceit that has become synonymous with Trutanich, he could not resist the opportunity to lie about his involvement in the investigation into the prosecution of those responsible for the Bryan Stowe Dodgers Stadium beating. When asked "how's the prosecution going to proceed?" he said "We're moving forward with that case."

Trutanich AM570KLAC Grandstands about Bryan Stowe Dodgers Stadium Beating by LA Dragnet

It's pathetic. Trutanich has absolutely no involvement with the prosecution of that case. That's because the life-threatening beating suffered by Bryan Stowe is a felony crime, and Trutanich as City Attorney does not prosecute serious and violent crimes.

Trutanich probably wanted to give the impression that he is in someway involved. It does seem that Trutanich prefers to mislead people as to the difference between misdemeanor and felony crimes to make himself appear relevant where he is not.

2. Trutanich RentGate Story Fails To Explain Missing Rent Payments

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's apparent failure to fully report the identity of the person or persons who paid the rent for his Ventura Blvd. campaign headquarters was the subject of the RentGate scandal, exposed by the Los Angeles Metropolitan News-Enterprise.

Whether the under-reported or unreported payment of rent constitutes illegal campaign donations is believed to be a mater that the City Ethics Commission will review. The record of rent payments appearing in Trutanich's campaign finance documents appears to be less than complete, and the explanation offered by Trutanich is equally incomplete. We cannot say with any certainty whether there are 'criminal aspects' to this matter, even if Trutanich seems perfectly comfortable with the use of that phrase.

1. BillboardGate - Trutanich Billboard Blunder?

Top of the scandal stories of 2011 was the shattering revelation that, while playing the part of ~~bully and thug~~ tough-guy on illegal billboards, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich had, for two years, displayed illegal off-site billboards outside his former campaign headquarters on Ventura Blvd.

The scandal sent Trutanich into a tailspin of stories as he tried to distance himself from the scandal, even stooping so low as to claim in a statement to the Los Angeles Metropolitan News-Enterprise that "the determination of the signs’ legality is not one that is made by his office."

Despite the best efforts of Trutanich to defend his billboards, a statement by one-time supporter Dennis Hathaway, president of the Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight, that "the signs should be taken down since the ’09 election was two years ago," appeared to end any doubt whatsoever that Trutanich was in violation of his own law. Trutanich removed his illegal billboards before any enforcement action was necessary.

If BillboardGate proved anything, it was that Trutanich fails when the public becomes aware of his duplicity and deception. Without doubt, Trutanich's defeat over his illegal billboards occurred because the media paid attention to his double standards and double-speak.

Happy New Year Dragnet readers!

The Los Angeles Dragnet may have contributed to making 2011 an Annus Horribilis for Carmen 'the Clown' Trutanich, and as he ramps up his shenanigans for his District Attorney campaign, be assured that the Dragnet will do its best to repeat the compliment.

We take this opportunity to thank our growing readership for their support in 2011, and look forward to providing you with the same quality of reporting in the all important election year ahead.

&tc.

Trutanich 'Wrong' according to LA Times

2011-12-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Times today issued a withering condemnation of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's expected DA campaign platform - bankrupting the Occupy LA protesters in order to boost his profile ahead of his confession that he is running for District Attorney.

It's a cheap stunt, something one can now routinely expect from Trutanich, but this time the victim of Trutanich's plan to make people pay for public gatherings and expressions of free speech is not a wealthy corporation like AEG, it's hundreds of jobless, homeless and hopeless Occupy LA protesters who could not even afford to bail themselves out of jail.

In addition to the LA Times' editorial condemnation of Trutanich, the Times also published a Ted Rall cartoon exposing Trutanich as an anti-free speech shakedown conman.

The LA Times published this Ted Rall cartoon portraying Trutanich
as an anti-free speech shakedown conman. (Credit Ted Rall/LA Times)

That the LA Times appears so willing to issue such an unequivocal condemnation of Trutanich is likely to be seen as a harbinger of media reaction to Trutanich's campaign to become District Attorney.

Gone are the days that Trutanich could count on the media to support him as the 'anti-business as usual' candidate. Instead, they now appear to view him not only as the antithesis of everything he said he stood for, but as an anti free speech terrorist and a grandstanding blowhard who will do anything to get his name in the press.

Trutanich's plan to sue and bankrupt the Occupy LA protesters will likely cost the City of LA much more than his failed 'criminal aspects' investigation into AEG's handling of the Michael Jackson memorial. Trutanich has refused to disclose the costs of his year-long fiasco of an investigation, but based on his own comments to City Council, his Bureau of Investigations was fully occupied in trying to find an apparently non-existent crime. For Trutanich, the costs were probably not a consideration compared with the publicity it generated for him.

But if Trutanich thinks victimizing the Occupy LA protesters with another 'criminal aspects' sideshow will work again to help his campaign to become District Attorney, he appears to have made a big mistake. Trutanich has made bullying threats too often, and like the boy who cried wolf, his credibility is in the toilet, and the media are not afraid to say it, and the Dragnet will continue to publish the truth about Carmen Trutanich.

&tc.

OccupyLA uncovers inconvenient truths about Trutanich

2011-12-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

From the Los Angeles Dragnet: Carmen Trutanich’s plan to use his position as Los Angeles City Attorney to sue OccupyLA protesters and bolster his campaign to become District Attorney, may have backfired even before it has started.

In what appears to be a response from the OccupyLA movement to Trutanich’s threat to bankrupt the protesters over the costs of the clean-up at City Hall, the OccupyLA website has started taking a look at where Trutanich is raising money, and why.

OccupyLA discovered that Trutanich is taking campaign donations from big money interests who rival to AEG’s plans to establish a world-class convention center and football stadium in downtown LA. AEG’s Farmers Field development would bring thousands of jobs to LA, but it seems Trutanich ‘likes the money’ of rival developers who want to locate the football stadium outside the City of Los Angeles in the City of Industry.

According to the OccupyLA website: “Among the many names listed, I found several executives (and one spouse) of real estate development and construction firms that made individual contributions to Trutanich’s campaign.”

05/13/11
John Burroughs
Construction Manager, Commerce Construction Co.
Trutanich For District Attorney 2012 Exploratory Committee
$250.00

05/13/11
Jakob Ackermann
Director and Chairman of Commerce Construction Co LP, Majestic Realty Co.
Trutanich For District Attorney 2012 Exploratory Committee
$1,000.00

05/13/11
Gayle Garner Roski
Artist, Wife of Edward P. Roski Jr
Trutanich For District Attorney 2012 Exploratory Committee
$1,000.00

05/16/11
Edward P. Roski
President of Majestic Realty; Rated #163 on The Forbes’s 400 Richest Americans with a net worth of approximately $2.5 billion
Trutanich For District Attorney 2012 Exploratory Committee
$1,000.00

“It so happens that Edward P. Roski’s Majestic Realty Co. (along with Commerce Construction Co.) is also at work on its own stadium project in the City of Industry.” OccupyLA reports.
Trutanich has a long and bitter history with AEG. In 2009, Trutanich publicly accused AEG of ‘criminal aspects’ to their handling of the Michael Jackson memorial. The fiasco over Trutanich’s year-long ‘criminal aspects’ investigation has been well documented; it appears to have been nothing more than a cheap political stunt.

But the bad blood between AEG and Trutanich may well explain why the former
~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff’s attorney turned career politician is so keen make friends with AEG’s enemies, even if it costs the City of LA much needed jobs and sales tax revenue.

One thing does appear to be certain. Trutanich’s attempt to generate publicity for his DA campaign by persecuting the OccupyLA protesters has caused them to turn their attention on him. In the process, the OccupyLA movement could well turn into his worst nightmare as they fuel the awkward questions about who is willing to pay Trutanich to become District Attorney, and why.

Trutanich might not like the ballot designation 'The 1% Candidate' that OccupyLA may award him, but he certainly looks like earning it.

&tc.

Does Trutanich plan to bankrupt Occupy LA protesters?

2011-12-24T00:26:00.000-08:00

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is 'going for the jugular' in his need to promote himself as the tough-on-freedom-of-speech candidate for Los Angeles District attorney. Journalist Bethania Palma, who was arrested when she joined the Occupy LA movement, accused City Attorney Carmen Trutanich of "going for the jugular" with Occupy protesters, according to the LA Weekly.

After spending two days in jail, the former San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group reporter was not offered the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction by participating in Trutanich's 're-education' program. Other Occupiers have, apparently, can avoid a criminal conviction by being re-educated as to their First Amendment rights in one of Trutanich's 'approved' diversion programs, but perhaps because Palma was a reporter, she was not offered Trutanich's First Amendment re-education.

Trutnanich, who was either too busy campaigning, or too afraid to face the press personally, used a spokesperson to respond to questions about the 'special' treatment doled out to Palma. The comment issued on behalf of Trutanich was that "he did not know why Palma was not offered diversion," but that Trutanich feels that "this case has come to a satisfactory conclusion and there is nothing more to comment on at this time," the spokesperson said.

Trutanich, it seems, is not content with just using 're-education' to deal with the Occupiers. According to the Los Angeles Times, 'Trutanich is considering a lawsuit against the protesters, one that would seek reimbursement for damage caused during the occupation and "is contemplating any and all of its options," said William Carter, Trutanich's chief deputy.'

The costs that the City of Los Angeles incurred as a result of the Occupy Los Angeles protest is proving hard to nail down. The Times reported that it has cost the city at least $2.35 million, not counting repairs to the lawn and fountain outside City Hall, according to a report issued Friday. However, the City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said that "some city workers who were assigned to the protest would have been on duty anyway" and therefore could not be considered as an additional cost of dealing with the Occupiers.

Whatever portion of the $2.35M is ultimately determined to be attributable to the Occupiers, one thing seems certain; the Occupiers will not be able to pay. They certainly could not pay their bail, so how could they possibly pay their share of that $2.35M?

Under Trutanich's plan, it is believed that each of the 300 Occupiers arrested by the LAPD would be 'jointly and severally liable' for the $2.35M bill, meaning that they would be forced into bankruptcy, or at a minimum, have their credit ruined by such a huge unpaid judgment debt. It would be a hollow victory for the City, not only because no actual money would be recovered, but because the City would also incur the additional cost of having Trutanich pursue 300 pointless cases.

However, Trutanich is poised to 'officially' announce that he is running for District Attorney. His personal need to keep his name in the headlines is likely to override any concern that the cost of bankrupting the Occupiers will cost the City even more money.

It also won't be the first time that Trutanich has wasted taxpayer resources to promote himself. Shortly after taking office, Trutanich launched a year-long 'criminal aspects' investigation into AEG's handling of the Michael Jackson memorial. Trutanich dropped his investigation without comment, and has never revealed the costs of that investigation. However, the controversy that Trutanich generated kept his name in the headlines for almost six months, at taxpayers' expense.

With Trutanich's proven track record as a 'grandstander' and his personal need to achieve publicity to further his political career, it seems likely that Trutanich will seek to financially ruin the Occupiers, as well as the taxpayers of Los Angeles, who have to fund his fiascoes.

Trutanich, for his part, frequently complains that the City Council has cut his budget. Perhaps we can now see the reason why. Trutanich, it seems, is too willing to waste the City's money on side shows to further his political career, than doing the job he once promised to do.

&tc.

Christmas Themes - District Attorney Candidate News

2011-12-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

DA Candidate Jackie Lacey joins DA Steve Cooley in Holiday Giving Drive

District Attorney Steve Cooley and Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey presented holiday gifts to the families of five murder victims today as part of the District Attorney’s 27th Annual Holiday Giving Drive.

According to the District Attorney's website, the Holiday Giving Drive benefited roughly 200 families who received more than $20,000 in gift baskets filled with toys and gift certificates. The gifts were made possible by donations primarily from District Attorney staff. Local service organizations, corporations and individuals also made donations.

“We in the District Attorney’s Office always are seeking justice for crime victims and their families,” District Attorney Cooley said. “During the Holiday Giving Drive we hope to bring them some cheer and show them that we care.”

Families are nominated to receive gifts from the Holiday Giving Drive by members of the District Attorney’s staff. D.A. investigators deliver the gifts to homes throughout Los Angeles County.

Gov. Pete Wilson endorsement boosts District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson's campaign

The Dragnet's exclusive on Gov. Pete Wilson's endorsement of Alan Jackson's campaign sparked a 'flood' of media interest in Jackson's campaign last week.

A campaign worker who contacted the Dragnet said that media reaction to the endorsement, generally, was that it would solidify conservative support for Jackson, the only Republican in what looks likely to be a field of nine candidates.

Comments posted in response to our exclusive suggested that Wilson's endorsement could result in Jackson being virtually ensured a 'top two' placing in the June primary, leaving Jackson to face the top-scoring Democrat in what seems to be an inevitable run-off in the November general election.

Even though the District Attorney election is non-partisan, the likelihood is that there will be a much larger turnout of Republican voters in June as they have to select a challenger to the President, while Democrats don't have to chose anyone.

The fact that Carmen Trutanich resigned from the Republican party in what is now seen as a political career building campaign ploy to become City Attorney, and then 'bunny hop' to the DA's Office, will likely be used to good effect by the Jackson campaign to persuade conservatives from being fooled, again, by the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney.

DA Candidate Marcus Musante 'Getting Serious' about campaign

We haven't heard much from Marcus Musante, the most recent candidate for District Attorney, however, and email from his campaign assured us that he is serious about his bid to replace Steve Cooley in 2013.

We have, accordingly, added a link to his website together with the other candidates. We should point out that the names of candidates are displayed in alphabetical order, however, when the candidates' names appear on the ballot for the June 5, 2012 primary election, they will be in an order based on a lottery-style random selection process conducted by the County Registrar-Recorder's Office.

We notice that the website has changed, now promoting Musante as the 'Generation X' candidate. It appears to be in the process of being put together in time for a January 2012 launch.

DA Candidate Mario Trujillo pushes for a 'Strong Finish' to 2012

An email from District Attorney candidate Mario Trujillo's campaign urged supporters to help him make a 'strong finish' to his thus far very successful fundraising in 2012.

'If everyone that has indicated that they support my campaign would donate just $25,$50 or $100 before December 25th we would again show the political insiders that we not only understand the future but we are also willing to take charge of it.' Trujillo says in his email.

Recipients of Trujillo's email are directed to his website where they can make those all-important donations.

Trujillo has achieved considerable success in terms of fundraising, and while City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is expected to announce the highest numbers in this fudraising cycle, it is notable that Trujillo's money appears to be coming from individuals who will likely vote in the election. In contrast to Trujillo and the other candidates, the vast majority of Trutanich's money appears to come from special interest firms who do or seek to do business with the City of Los Angeles.

An example of Trutanich's fundraising approach appeared in a recent post at the Mayor Sam Blog. Trutanich's Office Holder account had received contributions from members of the law firm of Albright Yee & Schmit. That firm was recently awarded $767,000 in four separate contracts "To assist the City Attorney with legal representation." The contracts are numbered C-119634, C-119633, C-119635 and C-111576. Coincidentally, of course, members of the law firm of Albright Yee & Schmit also made contributions to Trutanich's so-called 'exploratory committee' for his DA campaign.

District Attorney candidate Steve Ipsen announces endorsements

A press release put out by Steve Ipsen last week announced that he has "secured the endorsements of prominent victims’ rights leaders from the largest victims organizations in Southern California."

In the release Ipsen describes himself as "founder and eight term past president of the nation’s largest prosecutors union," suggesting that Ipsen's campaign will focus on securing the support of organized labor in addition to vicitms' rights organizations.

There was no mention as to whether the Association of Deputy District Attorneys will reward Ipsen with their endorsement in his campaign to become DA, however, that would appear to be likely, given the way ADDA endorsements have been awarded in the past.

Most recently, the ADDA endorsed Republican John Eastman for State Attorney General, an endorsement that most members were unaware of and disapproved.

The Trutanich Scandals series proves popular

The second of the Dragnet's recent series of Trutanich Scandals has proved to be a popular source of entertainment and information for our readers.

Focusing on the background to the fiasco that saw Trutanich publicly claiming that there were 'criminal aspects' to the way AEG handled the Michael Jackson memorial, his sudden 'dropping' of the year-long investigation by his Bureau of Investigations, and curious subsequent receipt free tickets to a Lady Gaga concert at AEG's LA Live venue, the Trutanich Scandals series hopes to connect the dots to the way Trutanich uses prosecution, politics, and phony ploys.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Dragnet readers.

&tc.

The Trutanich Scandals - 'Criminal Aspects'Gate - Trutanich channels Joseph McCarthy

2011-12-19T00:28:00.000-08:00

In our continuing series focusing on the Trutanich Scandals, we turn our attention this week to the efforts the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician has used to get his name into the press.

It didn't take long for LA's newly elected City Attorney, Carmen Trutanich, to establish himself as a grandstander of the first order. Despite earlier assurances that he was committed to staying out of the limelight, that he did not "want to see my name in the press," barely days into office the media-needy Trutanich was desperately seeking headlines over the death of Michael Jackson.

Trutanich was sworn into office on July 1, 2009, six days after Jackson's death and amid world wide media attention. On July 7, that attention focused on downtown Los Angeles, shut down for a memorial service at the Staples Center. Trutanich made his move to gain a piece of the action. While the real story was the cause of Jackson's death, Trutanich must have seen an opportunity for a side show that would boost his profile; an investigation into the costs of the memorial service.

Although such an investigation would more properly be the domain of the newly elected City Controller, Wendy Greuel, Trutanich was already planning to renege on a promise he made to her (and the former Controller, Laura Chick), over an investigation of the City Attorney's Office. Trutanich perhaps felt he could take the sting out of what many saw as the first of his many lies, by marginalizing the Controller's Office with his own, crass and ill-conceived 'criminal aspects' investigation into the costs of the memorial.

So it was that on July 21, 2009, two weeks after the memorial service, Trutanich called a special meeting of the Los Angeles City Council to announce the results of his two-week 'investigation.' Trutanich's investigation was apparently complete. At least complete enough for him to 'go public.' He had cracked the case, solved the mystery, and was going to show what a powerful and effective force he was going to be in Los Angeles.

While the world watched as Trutanich stumbled his way through a prepared speech, he left little doubt that AEG, the operators of the Staples Center and LA Live, were the targets of his ~~witch-hunt~~ 'investigation.'

After forgetting the correct title for Councilmember Dennis Zine, Trutanich stated that "The City Attorney's Office Bureau of Investigations is continuing to actively review the events leading up to the events held at the Staples Center and at LA Live venues downtown. My investigators have already interviewed numerous witnesses and gathered significant evidence. We are still collecting information and developing a time-line of events and we are identifying the key players involved. To that extent I invite other, others to also come forward and to provide additional information and documents relating to this matter, by contacting our office."

Pausing, perhaps for effect, with a wry smile, Trutanich then dropped the bombshell.

In a moment perhaps reminiscent of the Joseph McCarthy era, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich
publicly accuses AEG of 'criminal aspects to their handling of the Michael Jackson memorial.

"Our investigation has taken an unanticipated turn that raises both civil and criminal aspects," Trutanich said to a stunned audience. Criminal aspects were the words Trutanich used to say, without saying, that a crime or crimes had occurred.

Trutanich, citing "ethical considerations" and the need to "preserve the integrity of the investigation," refused to provide any details of the so-called 'criminal aspects.' "I do not want to publicly discus any matters that could potentially jeopardize the effectiveness of our ongoing investigation," Trutanich read from his statement.

Trutanich's use of a weighty, slow and deliberate delivery, mixed with innuendo and allusion to matters that 'must remain secret' pending his 'investigation' were sufficient to convince most viewers that Trutanich had substantial evidence necessary to prosecute a criminal case. It was a style, however, that some may have remembered from a dark time in American history, perhaps best forgotten; the McCarthy era.

Fifty-five years after Sen. Joseph McCarthy used innuendo, rumor and half-truths in the court of public opinion to promote himself, it certainly must appeared to some that Trutanich was using those very same techniques to promote his political career.

The similarities between McCarthy and Trutanich can be seen in this
exchange between Mr. Welch and McCarthy.

Some question Trutanich's evidence
While the City Council, the media and the court of public opinion seemed all too ready to accept Trutanich's statements as gospel, some perhaps remembered a time long past, when McCarthy grabbed the headlines on a daily basis with nothing but rumor and innuendo.

Could it be that Trutanich was doing the same thing? Could it be that Trutanich's 'so-called Bureau of Investigations' (which basically existed in name only), had no real evidence of any crime? Was Trutanich just operating on a 'there's no smoke without fire' theory of guilt? Certainly, as long as Trutanich was able to refuse to comment on so-called 'ethical' grounds as to the status of his investigation, Trutanich could give the impression that he had more than goose eggs.

The Los Angeles Daily News smells a rat
One reporter at least, wasn't buying what Trutanich was selling. Rick Orlov at the Los Angeles Daily News has the gravitas and experience to smell a rat. He was not prepared to accept Trutanich's allegations at face value. Orlov stated that "Trutanich's vague comments about the Jackson inquiry puzzled observers, and criminologists and defense attorneys struggled to see the possibilities of a criminal case."

There's no evidence of any crime
Orlov tracked down prominent criminal defense attorney James E. Blatt Esq., who told the Daily News that "I don't see any criminal liability with AEG." Orlov also sought an opinion from Lewis Yablonsky, an emeritus professor in criminology at California State University, Northridge. Yablonsky concurred, saying "To me, it's kind of a fiasco," "but I don't see anything criminal about it."

Despite Orlov, Blatt and Yablonsky's doubts, Trutanich continued to maintain that his investigation had uncovered some kind of smoking gun, some dark and dirty dealings that had criminally cost the City millions of dollars, perhaps as much as six million dollars.

Trutanich managed to dodge and deflect questions about his ~~witch-hunt~~ investigation for almost a year. By then, perhaps, the City Council had realized that Trutanich had nothing. There had been no criminal case filed by Trutanich, who has a one-year statute of limitations to file a misdemeanor case. Equally, Trutanich's 'buddy' and former supporter, District Attorney Steve Cooley, apparently had not filed a felony case arising from Trutanich's elusive 'criminal aspects' investigation.

District Attorney's Office likely rejected the case
Although it is not known whether Trutanich in fact referred the case to his then ally Cooley for the filing of a felony case, Trutanich frequently boasted about 'walking cases over to his friend Steve Cooley.' Indeed, he is believed to have threatened to do just that when he threatened to arrest Councilmember Jan Perry over a different matter also concerning AEG.

Whether Trutanich did indeed present the 'criminal aspects' case to Cooley and subsequently received a sound rejection or 'declination' is a matter that will likely remain cloaked in secrecy. However, given the way Trutanich used to brag about his relationship with the District Attorney, that is, in all probability, what occurred.

Trutanich moves for a Grand Jury investigation
Stuck with an 'investigation' that likely had all the 'criminal aspects' of a dead sheep (and stank as much) Trutanich started lobbying for a Grand Jury. Grand Jury proceedings, could, perhaps, keep the 'criminal aspects' allegation on life support for long enough for Trutanich to find a way out of the mess he appeared to have gotten himself into. It was a move straight out of the McCarthy playbook providing more innuendo, rumor, speculation and feeding what had become apparent to an increasing number of observers; an overwhelming need for self-aggrandizement.

In what many regard as a rare moment of decisiveness on the part of the City Council, Trutanich's plans for a Grand Jury were soundly rejected. An attempt to end-run the City Council by using a State Assembly Bill moved by Trutanich's political ally Gil 'One Bill' Cedillo was similarly killed off.

Trutanich's BS finally hits the fan
Trutanich was likely forced to drop his 'criminal aspects' fiasco as it became increasingly apparent that he was firing blanks. AEG, for their part, had waited patiently for Trutanich to either file the threatened criminal case, or have the humility to apologize for his rash, foolish and seemingly unfounded allegations.

But Trutanich was apparently both unable to file a criminal case or have the decency to apologize for his poor judgment. So it was that on June 18, 2010, the LA Times reported that Councilmembers Dennis Zine and Jan Perry stepped in to bring some closure to what had become a major embarrassment to the City.

AEG and Michael Jackson's estate would make a $1.3M donation towards the costs the City incurred in ensuring public safety at the Michael Jackson memorial. As Orlov at the Daily News also reported, there was no announcement or explanation from Trutanich. No press release, no photo op, no media gathering, and of course no apology.

Trutanich also accepts 'donation' from AEG
In what was, perhaps, a surprising, if not shocking, post script to what some might think was Trutanich's crass and foolish attempt to grandstand and play to the media with an empty hand, Trutanich also accepted a 'donation' from AEG. It was not, however, a donation towards the unknown costs of his year-long 'criminal aspects' investigation.

The gift Trutanich accepted was rather more of a personal nature; a bunch of tickets to a Lady Gaga concert at AEG's LA Live Nokia Theater. Under City Ethics Commission rules, Trutanich was forced to report the gift to his Officeholder Committee, and probably hoped it would go unnoticed months after his investigation disappeared without a trace.

Trutanich's BS continues
Despite having no comment on June 18, 2010 when his 'criminal aspects' investigation was finally seen for the "bully tactics" AEG's CEO Tim Leiweke had called it, Trutanich nevertheless appears to be trying to re-invent history.

Buried in a March 23, 2011 budget briefing report, Trutanich claims that his office was involved in negotiating a $1M donation to the City's General Fund from AEG. He does not mention the Lady Gaga tickets, but he might as well, both statements are equally laughable.

That anyone with any shred of common sense would believe that Trutanich, who has never been shy of the media, would have missed out on the June 18, 2010 opportunity to claim credit for the settlement with AEG, perhaps just shows how little regard Trutanich has for the common sense of the public. Both LA's leading newspapers covered the settlement, and Trutanich had no comment. Yet nine months later, there he is silently sneaking his claim to fame in a document that might have better use in the bathroom.

Trutanich appears to rely on that old political ploy, "Are you going to believe me, or would you rather believe your own lying eyes?" Perhaps he believes that voters have short memories and lack the capacity to connect the dots. But Trutanich's history of threats, accusations, misleading statements, innuendo and outright lies are too well documented.

This is the second installment in our Trutanich Scandals series. Thankfully, there is no shortage of material for our next installment.

&tc.

Breaking News - Alan Jackson to announce endorsement by Gov. Pete Wilson

2011-12-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Reliable sources have confirmed that District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson has secured the endorsement of former California Governor Pete Wilson for his campaign to become LA's next District Attorney. An official announcement is expected from the Jackson campaign shortly.

Governor Wilson's endorsement is believed to be a major boost to Jackson's campaign and will solidify support for Jackson as the only Republican candidate in the race. The former governor recently served as District Attorney Steve Cooley's campaign chair and Jackson already has Cooley's former finance chair, Chuck Bakaly, on his finance team. The Wilson's endorsement is bound to boost Jackson's fundraising activities in the New Year.

The Wilson endorsement is said to be 'devastating' to City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's campaign. The former Republican turned 'decline to state' was likely counting on securing high level Republican support to overcome the negativity resulting from his failure to honor his 'Pledge to Serve.' Reports indicate that Trutanich was recently booed and jeered at a Republican Club meeting and had to be told to leave.

Jackson's campaign website's endorsement page had yet to publish Gov. Wilson's endorsement, however, we understand this will be done shortly.

&tc.

Counterfeit Trutanich puts spotlight on other scandals

2011-12-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

The hilarious farce of a 'blockbuster' press conference hosted by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich continued to rankle in our comments section. It seems that hardly anyone bothered to show up for the rooftop event, and those who did were less than impressed.

A Daily News staff photographer captured the farcical photo of a bloated Trutanich
trying to con vince the sparse audience that he had done something more than file
a handful of minor misdemeanor charges against four street vendors.

The Los Angeles Daily News covered the event, doubtless with the promise that the city attorney had some real news. But there was little news, instead Trutanich puffed himself up and tried to make a mountain out of a molehill - 4 street vendors charged with minor misdemeanor violations that, in reality, will likely result in small fines and no jail time.

We can only assume that Hans Gutknecht, the Daily News staff photographer who took the 'action' shot of the puffed-up blowhard Trutanich, was so disgusted at this flagrant grandstanding that he used the filename 'counterfeit Trutanich' to subtly indicate that the press conference was even more fake and phony than the t-shirts and DVDs seized.

A lone Trutanich bragged and bloviated in a desperate move to make up
for the low turnout at his blockbuster press conference.

Trutanich previously condemned his predecessor, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, for issuing daily press releases for minor matters to boost his public profile. Trutanich, however, is now seemingly copying Delgadillo's playbook, 'It's a press release every day' said an insider who explained that it was 'the same thing Rocky did to make himself appear relevant.'

It seems that the same fate awaits Trutnanich. Despite Delgadillo's press release madness, he failed to secure the Attorney General position that once seemed assured. No amount of press releases could make up for the scandals over the way he abused the City Attorney's Office, and his own staff leaked scandal stories to the press which ultimately helped to derail his campaign.

THE TRUTANICH SCANDALS

Trutanich is faced with even more, and perhaps worse, scandals than Delgadillo. In the interests of helping the electorate fully understand Trutanich's utter unsuitability for any public office, let alone District Atttorney, we begin a series of reviews of the Trutanich scandals.

JudgeGate

When deputy city attorney Thomas Griego asked Trutanich to endorse his candidacy to become a superior court judge, it seems that Trutanich was willing to 'go the extra mile' to help Griego.

Griego had little, if no criminal experience. He had been the chief of staff for disgraced former city councilmember Mike Hernandez, who was arrested in 1997 on narcotics charges. Perhaps as a political favor, Griego was allowed to join the City Attorney's office and spent the bulk of his time in obscure civil assignments associated with councilmember needs.

It was hardly a winning resume for Griego who was pitched in the judicial election against a career hardcore gang prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office - Alan Schneider.

Trutanich nevertheless transferred Griego to the criminal division for the sole reason that Griego could use the misleading ballot designation 'criminal prosecutor' to improve his chances of winning. At the time, Trutanich was busy transferring deputy city attorneys out of the criminal division, so the Griego transfer had no other palpable explanation. Even a skilled liar like Trutanich would be hard put to come up with a plausible lie to cover his role in a conspiracy to mislead voters.

That Trutanich would be a party to such a deception surprised even his closest supporters as the Los Angeles County Bar Association had rated Griego as 'Not Qualified' to be a judge. Trutanich must have been counting on using his political capital to overcome Griego's shortcomings, hoping that the 'halo' effect of the early days of the Trutanich administration would overcome any negatives.

Insiders speculated that Trutanich had previously promised to support Griego as a payback for getting Griego to use his political connections in the Latino community to support Trutanich's city attorney campaign, and Trutanich was simply 'honoring' a backroom political deal.

Whatever the reasoning behind Trutanich's deal with the devil, he was wrong. The Metropolitan News Enterprise published a stinging review of Griego's candidacy during which Griego was forced to admit that he had not actually prosecuted a single criminal case since launching his faux candidacy.

Griego ultimately lost his bid to become a judge and Trutanich is believed to have then quietly transferred him back to his old job.

Backroom Deal or Self-Promotion?
Whether Trutanich was indeed honoring an illegal backroom deal he made to garner the support of Griego for his city attorney campaign, or whether Trutanich was simply trying to enhance his own status by marking himself as a 'judge maker,' remains a dark secret known only to Trutanich. In all likelihood the truth probably lies somewhere between the two possibilities.

Mafia-style power plays
In the world of organized crime, crime bosses are believed to enhance their power and reputation by 'holding their hands up' for crime associates, thereby helping to 'make' a new member of the crime syndicate's inner circle. Trutanich could have been engaging in similar conduct to boost his power and influence if had he been able to 'make' Griego a judge.

Political payback
The payback for Trutanich would be not only that he would have a judge who owes him a favor, but also that Trutanich could parlay his new role as a 'judge maker' to exact favors from others who want his endorsement. It is sleazy politics at best, illegal at worst, but it's a practice that Trutanich seemed perfectly comfortable with having never offered the public any explanation for his conduct.

Make 'em an offer they can't refuse
Trutanich's failure to 'make' Griego has not, apparently, deterred the City Attorney from using the promise of future favors in return for political support. Trutanich faces overwhelming opposition from the 1,000 deputy district attorneys who do not want Trutanich to be their next boss. They have seen the way that in the two years since becoming City Attorney, Trutanich's crass policies have decimated the City Attorney's office with layoffs, pay cuts and work furloughs. Trutanich has not taken a pay cut and has used a variety of ruses to similarly protect a few key staff. But for the vast majority of deputy city attorneys, Trutanich has been a disaster both financially and professionally.

Deputy district attorney promised promotion
Faced with such an miserable record as a leader, Trutanich has nevertheless been reaching out to deputy district attorneys to garner their support for his bid to become their boss. It is understood that at least one supervisor has been promised 'a Grade 5 spot' if she will support Trutanich for DA.

The promotion of supervisor to a Grade V position is understood to be almost exclusively the prerogative of the elected District Attorney, and subject to few civil service rules. This lends credibility Trutanich's promises, but when viewed in the light of the way he failed to follow through with similar promotion promises as City Attorney, it is more than likely that the supervisor will not be promoted and, of course, be unable to complain about it.

Bureau of Investigations courted with promises
Trutanich is also believed to have been making similar promotion promises to District Attorney Investigators in the Bureau of Investigation. Trutanich is desperate to obtain the support of the law enforcement branch of the DA's Office both through individual investigators who have been tapped for promotion and by courting the endorsement of their union. It is an endeavor that stretches and tests loyalties.

The former Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Investigation, Gary Schram, now works for Trutanich's DA campaign as well as supervising Trutanich's cash-strapped investigators. Schram was promised his own Bureau with full law enforcement status when he joined the City Attorney's Office as one of Trutanich's 'at will' employees. However, that also proved to be another of Trutanich's failed promises with Schram now seemingly fully occupied with using his contacts to promote Trutanich's ambition to be DA.

Nevertheless, Schram has apparently remained convinced that Trutanich will eventually deliver on his promise and instead appoint him as Chief of the DA's Office Bureau of Investigation if Trutanich becomes DA. Unfortunately for Schram, Trutanich is believed to have made the same promise to several others in the Bureau as well as to senior officers at both the LAPD and the Sheriff's Department.

All in all, Trutanich's concentration on making false promises and engaging in cheap grandstanding rather than doing the job he said 'I am here to do,' will likely result in his overwhelming defeat in the June 2012 primary election.

For Trutanich, the political defeat will be humbling, but will likely be followed with his rapid return to private practice as ~~an ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney and lobbyist with strong connections to City Hall. For those foolish enough to believe his promises, perhaps they should put a higher store on their credibility and reputation that Trutanich seemingly puts on his.

The Trutanich scandals series will continue next week.

&tc.

Friday Free For All

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Trujillo draws criticism from Cooley

The LA Weekly reports that LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley had harsh words for candidate Deputy District Attorney Mario Trujillo at the LA County Bar Association judicial honors event in the Tom Bradley room high atop City Hall on Wednesday night.

The audience at the sparsely attended event was virtually doubled by the attendance of nearly all the DA candidates (Marcus Musante must have been in trial). Keen observers relate the following exchange between Cooley and Trujillo:
Trujillo: 'Hi boss, how are you?'
Cooley: 'I was doing just fine until I read that you called me archaic and inefficient.'

It went downhill from there...

Trutanich likely to declare candidacy early in 2012

Also lurking around the rafters of the Tom Bradley room was City Attorney Carmen Trutanich who all but admitted that he would announce his run for DA 'early in 2012.' With 'TRU in 12' likely to be the campaign slogan, we wonder if Trutanich will recycle some of his other campaign catchphrases. 'I am here to do this job' seems to be the most appropriate, as one observer noted, 'He doesn't say which job, does he?'

&tc.

Counterfeit Trutanich

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

In his increasingly desperate efforts to project himself as a crime fighter and not a liar who reneged on a sworn solemn promise and tried and failed to threaten his political rival, District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson, an embattled Carmen Trutanich held a 'press conference' in downtown Los Angeles to grandstand the filing of misdemeanor charges against four sellers of counterfeit mechandize.

Our headline, 'Counterfeit Trutanich,' is not our stated opinion, not our stated view, and not even our stated comment. It's the title given to the photograph of blowhard Trutanich by Daily News staff photographer Hans Gutknecht.

If you build it, they will come. Not.

But an unfortunate wide-shot of Trutanich's grandstanding event revealed a rather different picture; few showed up for Trutanich's little piece of 'tough on crime' self-promotion.

Perhaps the Daily News did have the right title for their photograph. Trutanich's grandstanding could be seen as being as fake, phony and disgusting as the phony Rolex watches and DVDs on display.

&tc.

'Thin skinned' Trutanich threatens to sue Alan Jackson over use of campaign photo

2011-12-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is believed to be behind an October 14, 2011 threat to sue District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

The threat, contained in a letter delivered to Jackson at the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office in downtown Los Angeles, complains of the "unauthorized use of various copyrighted photographs that appear on the website identified as: www.electionhangover2.com."

The website displays a video attacking Trutanich for reneging on his promise to voters that, if elected, he would not seek higher office. Trutanich's so-called 'Pledge to Serve' is righteously hammered in 'Election Hangover Part II,' a political parody suggesting voters might wake up to the awful reality of what they did in a moment of foolishness - voting for Trutanich.

Although the October 14, 2011 threat letter does not identify Carmen Trutanich as a client of the law firm, Alan Jackson's campaign manager, John Thomas, told the Daily News that he believed Trutanich was behind the threat. "There's only one person in the world that would have a vested interest in having us tear down that video, and that is our opponent, and he is a very thin-skinned individual," Thomas said.

Trutanich certainly seemed to know enough about the threat letter to make it implausible that he was not the instigator of this threat. Trutanich's response to questions about the threat letter was that it "was sent on behalf of a photographer who worked for the 2009 city attorney bid," Trutanich told the Daily News, also claiming that he did not authorize the sending of the letter himself.

Curiously, the photographer is also not named in the threat letter. The Daily News, however, contacted the law firm who sent Trutanich's threat letter and they claimed to be "representing Redinger." This is believed to be Scott Libolt, a photographer at Miami based Redinger-Libolt Photo. The Daily News was able to contact someone who apparently identified themselves as Scott Redinger who said he "was the definitely the photographer," but he said he couldn't comment any further, "I was told not to talk to reporters," he said.

The photograph apparently complained of by Trutanich appears for only a fraction of a second in the Election Hangover Part II video, at about 1 minute 29 seconds into the video, and appears to be either the same or similar to a photograph that appears on Libolt's portraits portfolio.

The photograph apparently used without permission in Election Hangover Part II
appears to be similar to one featured on the Redinger-Libolt Photo website.

The threat letter warns Jackson of potential damages of up to $150,000 for willful copyright infringements, however, legal experts contacted by the Daily News doubted that an actual copyright action would succeed given the "fair use" doctrine of the Copyright Act.

The Redinger-Libolt photo of Trutanich is routinely used by the LA Weekly without
express permission or any credit to any copyright holder.

Furthermore, this photograph of Trutanich has been widely used by the LA Weekly, most recently to report on Trutanich chickening out of the District Attorney candidates' forum. On no occasion has the photo been used with either Trutanich or Libolt's express permission and certainly it appears without any accreditation, making it highly likely that the use of the photo by Trutanich in his campaign rendered the photo 'public domain' and thus the success of any copyright action is even less likely.

Trutanich, of course, has quite a reputation for making threats as well as hiding behind others to deliver his threats. In 2009, when questions arose about Trutanich's sudden hospitalization, respected author and sometime blogger John Mailander aka 'Mulholland Terrace' was threatened with a slander action for publishing a comment appearing on the LA Times website. The comment suggested heavy alcohol use may be involved in the hospitalization. Mailander was immediately threatened with a slander lawsuit by Trutanich via his Special Assistant Jane Usher.

Trutanich's apparent willingness to use threats and wildly inaccurate accusations while hiding behind the skirts of others to launch attacks against people who don't agree with him should give voters sufficient reason to question his suitability for any elected office, let alone that of the District Attorney's Office.

UPDATED:
Despite saying that he would not speak to reporters about his breach of copyright claim, Scott Libolt-Redinger aka Scott Redinger-Libolt has just published a comment to the Daily News article:

In order to help Carmen Trutanich understand copyright law, images depicted here appear pursuant to the Fair Use Doctrine:

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

&tc.

Friday Free For All

2011-12-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Trutanich hints at "advice" given to Mayor over Occupy LA

The reason why City Attorney Carmen Trutanich was 'disinvited' from the Mayor's press conference announcing plans to end the Occupy LA protests peacefully may have been revealed during a rare radio appearance made by Trutanich on the Peter Tilden morning talk show on KABC 790AM Thursday morning.

While Los Angelenos seemed pleased with the way that the Mayor had handled the closure of the Occupy LA encampment around City Hall, an irate City Attorney Trutanich told the radio audience that he could not discuss the advice he gave the Mayor as to how he wanted the protest to be ended.

Trutanich hinted that there is a law and it has to be obeyed, implying that Trutanich favored taking immediate action to end the occupation by force the moment it started.

If indeed, Trutanich favored an immediate enforcement of the law, his position clashed with that of the Mayor and the City Council; they were keen to avoid a repetition of the Mcarthur Park melee which could be attributed to an ill planned rapid 'enforcement' of the law.

Trutanich did not state whether he would be launching a 'criminal aspects investigation into the costs of the police operation to end Occupy LA. Those costs were, perhaps, increased by the Mayor's apparent inaction for some 60 days.

Trutanich also commented about the $5,000 bail imposed on those arrested for violating the law. Some had questioned the amount of the bail, but Trutanich defended the bail amount saying that it was a simple processing of looking up the code section and finding the corresponding bail amount in the bail schedule. This approach, of course, conflicts with Trutanich's own policy of seeking higher bail than set by the bail schedule, indicating yet another difference between the Mayor and Trutanich.

&tc.

District Attorney candidates in the news

2011-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

Chilling video from Fayed murder for hire case released in Eyewitness News exclusive

District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson was interviewed by ABC Eyewitness News regarding key evidence that led to the recent death penalty conviction of one-time wealthy gold trader James Fayed.

In an Eyewitness News Exclusive, James Fayed, a wealthy gold trader who hired hitmen to murder his wife, is caught on tape. Fayed, of Camarillo, received the death penalty for the murder of his wife earlier this month. Now evidence from the trial not aired before has been obtained by Eyewitness News.

Pamela Fayed was stabbed 13 times and her throat was slashed by three men who had been hired by her husband, James Fayed. During his trial, jurors got to see a key piece of video that led to his conviction.

Pamela Fayed was fatally stabbed in a Century City parking garage on July 28, 2008. She was walking toward her car when she attacked.

Exclusive video obtained by Eyewitness News shows a scene from a courtyard outside of the parking garage moments after Fayed was attacked.

People reacted to blood-curdling screams, glancing up at the parking structure and moving in that direction. All but one person: James Fayed.

"Just about every single person in that video, every single pedestrian, turns their attention to where the screams, where the calls for help were emanating from, and began to migrate toward that building," said L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson. "There was one person who never turned his head, one person who never migrated in that direction, and that was James Fayed."

Jackson was the prosecutor in the murder trial of 48-year-old James Fayed, who in May was convicted of masterminding his wife's murder.

(Copyright ©2011 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Where in Occupy Los Angeles is Carmen Trutanich?

While Alan Jackson makes the news for what he has actually done, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's absence from the Mayor and Police Chief's press conference announcing the plans to being an end to Occupy Los Angeles made the news this weekend for what he did not do - participate in the press conference.

LA Talk Radio's Live LA Saturday Night talk show speculated that Trutanich was 'disinvited' from the press conference because of his past record of making threats to prosecute protesters, but failing to follow through. Perhaps the Mayor and Chief Beck felt that Trutanich would only make matters worse and left him off the invite list?

&tc.

City Attorney absent from end of Occupy LA press conference

2011-11-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined forces with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck to announce that, with effect from 12:01am on Monday, November 28, 2011, the law will be enforced to bring to an end the illegal occupation of the park surrounding City Hall.

Fox 11 News carried the press conference live, along with worldwide media coverage. Noticeable by his absence, was City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich (pictured right sporting a photo-op raid jacket)
was surprisingly absent from the press conference announcing the plans to end Occupy LA.

Speculation as to Trutanich's absence from a worldwide media event ranges from the Mayor and Chief Beck making the tactical decision not to inflame the Occupy LA protesters with Trutanich's presence, to the City Attorney chickening out as he did with the recent Los Angeles District Attorney candidate's forum.

Trutanich, who is believed to be about to come clean with his plans to run for District Attorney in violation of his 'Pledge to Serve,' may have chosen to chicken out of the Mayor's press conference to avoid further putting his credibility in issue. Trutanich had previously threatened to jail professional protesters for a year, however, all cases against the Dream Act protesters were dismissed.

With media attention bound to be focused on the way City Hall brings to an end the seven week Occupy LA protest, Trutanich is seemingly faced with a dilemma; how can he maximize media attention for himself, without drawing attention to his record of empty threats and grandstanding?

&tc.

Mayor declares war on Occupy LA

2011-11-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Mayor Sam Blog for posting videos of the breakdown in 'negotiations' between the City of LA and the Occupy LA movement.

The political hot potato that the big mouths are trying to avoid having to handle, is basically how, after weeks of ignoring the Occupy LA's occupation, the Mayor, Chief of Police, and the City Attorney are going to deal with the mess they have allowed to develop.

Interestingly, the Mayor dispatched a deputy to the meeting to state the Mayor's position, and Chief Beck had one of his executives in attendance too. But it does appear that the City Attorney ducked out of this meeting. Perhaps it was thought that the meeting would be more productive without the City Attorney threatening to arrest protesters, again?

&tc.

Monday's Hot Topics

2011-11-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

US Congressman Howard P. 'Buck' McKeon Endorses Alan Jackson for Los Angeles District Attorney

District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson's campaign announced last week that it has secured the prestigious endorsement of US Congressman Howard P. 'Buck' McKeon in support of Jackson's bid to replace Steve Cooley as the District Attorney for Los Angeles County.

This from the Jackson campaign:

Los Angeles, November 17th – Congressman Buck McKeon announced his endorsement today in support of Alan Jackson for District Attorney. Jackson continues to outpace everyone in the contest for District Attorney by nearly all measurements. This latest endorsement highlights Jackson’s support from elected officials from all over the county on both a local and national level. It is clear that Alan Jackson is the choice of law enforcement and elected officials who understand the importance of having the right kind of District Attorney in office.

Representative Buck McKeon strongly stated, "I want to commend Deputy DA Alan Jackson for his military service and for his nearly twenty years of public service as a prosecutor putting criminals behind bars. I am proud to endorse Alan Jackson for District Attorney of Los Angeles County. He will make an exceptional District Attorney."

“I am humbled and honored to have earned Congressman McKeon’s endorsement and as District Attorney fully intend to partner with both local and national members of our government and law enforcement to ensure the safety of our families and children. When it comes to public safety, we must all work together. I am proud of the coalition of support my candidacy has drawn thus far,” Deputy DA Alan Jackson claimed.

Deputy DA Alan Jackson has earned strong support from other public officials such as County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, State Senator Tony Strickland, Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine, Long Beach City Attorney Robert Shannon, former La Cañada-Flintridge Mayor and current City Councilmember Steve Del Guercio, San Gabriel City Councilman Mario De La Torre, Honorary Mayor of San Pedro Anthony Misetich, Inglewood Police Association and El Monte Chiefs of Police Bill Ankeny, Tom Armstrong, Wayne Clayton and Ken Weldon.

For more information, please visit Alan Jackson’s campaign website at www.VoteAlanJackson.com.

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Trutanich endorses Joe Buscaino for Council District 15

City Attorney Carmen 'Nuch' Trutanich shows CD15 candidate Joe Buscaino how to look like a politician
'Villariagosa style' as they don dayglow jackets to view the collapse of a portion of roadway in San Pedro.

LAPD Senior lead Office Joe Buscaino's bid to become councilmember for LA's 15th council district has apparently received the endorsement of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich. Comments on the LA Weekly report of Buscaino's campaign suggest that Trutanich's endorsement might be the 'kiss of death' to Buscaino's chances to defeat veteran Assemblyman Warren Furutani in the January run-off election.

Curiously, the announcement of Trutanich's endorsement came from Trutanich's campaign strategist, John Shallman, and not from the Buscaino campaign. The Mayor Sam blog carried Shallman's endorsement statement on Friday, November 18, and on Saturday, Trutanich's nemesis, blogger Mulholland Terrace, reported on the Trutanich-Buscaino landslide inspection photo-op. Strangely, Buscaino's campaign website's 'endorsement' page was still silent as to Trutanich's endorsement as we go to press.

No mention of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's alleged endorsement appeared on
Joe Buscaino's website as we close for press on Sunday, November 20, 2011.

Whether the Trutanich endorsement was sought or even welcomed by Joe Buscaino appears to be something of a mystery. However, few would be surprised if Trutanich's endorsement is ultimately rejected by Buscaino who may wish to distance himself from the never ending controversy surrounding the San Pedro ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney turned career politician.

Trutanich, of course, has a disastrous record in terms of endorsements, throwing his weight and political capital behind failed CD2 candidate Chris Essel and, of course dramatically losing the support of one time ally District Attorney Steve Cooley after Trutanich reneged on his 'Pledge to Serve' barely nine months after taking office.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

The Los Angeles Dragnet may have to change it's title to the official Los Angeles Dragnet as a copy-cat blog 'Dragnet LA,' launched itself on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Authored by 'Sgt. Joe Friday,' the Dragnet LA looks set to rival our coverage of Los Angeles politics, and we look forward to reading their views.

Since the Los Angeles Dragnet first appeared in the blogesphere, we believe that we have added to the freedom of speech enjoyed in the greatest democracy in the world, and unlike some who seek to stifle the free expression of independent thought, we welcome an alternate viewpoint. Good luck Sgt. Joe Friday, see you at the next DA candidates' forum?

&tc.

Thursday Themes

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Joensing for Meyers

District Attorney candidate Danette Meyers' campaign got a boost this week with the announcement that music legend Quincy Jones had endorsed her. According to a statement released by the Meyers campaign, Jones said "Danette Meyers' credentials as an accomplished trial lawyer and veteran criminal prosecutor are without question. But what makes Danette unique is she understands that the justice system extends beyond the criminal side. Throughout her 25 year career she has spent her own time outside the District Attorney's office to ensure that the entire justice system is working. Danette's broader community perspective is key to the effective pursuit of justice. I wholeheartedly endorse Danette Meyers as the next District Attorney of Los Angeles County."

Jackson Campaign phone bank takes early lead

The phones in the homes of LA County's 'high propensity' conservative voters started ringing this week with calls from Alan Jackson's campaign. The volunteer corps of 50 callers are believed to be striking deep into the very same territory once regarded by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich as 'his,' no doubt based on Jackson's campaign manager, John Thomas, having previously organized the successful phone bank for Trutanich's 2009 City Attorney campaign.

It is understood that callers are making between 20 and 30 calls each, every evening, averaging around 1,000 calls a day. Although the script for the calls is a closely guarded secret, it would not be surprising to find that as well as highlighting Jackson's career achievements and conservative values, callers are able to play ten second sound bite of Trutanich's 'Pledge to serve' as City Attorney and not to run for District Attorney, when questions are asked about other candidates. That ten second sound bite could include some of the following statements made by Trutanich:

Trutanich Pledge to Serve by LA Dragnet

It is believed that Jackson's callers includes a number of retired law enforcement officers. According to the Jackson campaign, the phone bank will run every day right up to election night and will add additional callers in the final run up to the June 5, 2012 election.

Big Hollywood gives it up for Jackie Lacey

Rumors suggest that immediately prior to the APABA District Attorney candidates' forum, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey stared at a 'Big Hollywood' fundraiser to boost her campaign to become LA's next District Attorney. The fundraiser is understood to have taken place at the home of am Oscar winning actor with around 150 guests in attendance.

Lacey's campaign is said to be ramping-up with several key changes in campaign staff and strategy, and will likely include District Attorney Steve Cooley being at Lacey's side to underline his stated support for Lacey as his chosen leader to continue the mission of the Office.

Trutanich's 'Prosecutor of the Year' award questioned

While City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's collected his CNOA 'Prosecutor of the Year' award for doing nothing, many were wondering why the 22 deputy district attorneys 'singled out' by Trutanich for 'praise' were not also given awards by the CNOA.

Trutanich, it seems, preferred the CNOA award to be exclusively his so that he could use it for his campaign to be District Attorney. The 22 deputy city attorneys 'singled out' by Trutanich for 'praise' will likely receive cheesy ink-jet printer awards from him as a token of his praise, but nevertheless continue to suffer the enforced pay-cut and furloughs that he declines to share.

&tc.

Trutanich gets award for doing nothing

2011-11-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

The growing scandal over the misuse of a city contract worker in connection with a political campaign overshadowed the announcement of Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's latest play-pretend award.

The Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise article detailing City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's
latest phony award did not include the ambulance-chaser graphic included above.

The Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise reported that the California Narcotics Officers' Association named Trutanich as its 'Prosecutor of the Year.' The award is not entirely surprising given Trutanich's considerable influence over the CNOA; the former president works for Trutanich and is also behind the phony 'Draft Trutanich for District Attorney' campaign.

The award itself is surprising in view of the number of significant narcotics cases prosecuted by Trutanich, which is estimated to be zero. Trutanich does not prosecute serious narcotics cases which are, of course, felonies prosecuted by either the District Attorney or the US Attorney. But a minor detail like that should not stand in the way of adding to the illusion that the former ambulance chaser turned career politician is a tough crime fighter.

Perhaps the CNOA got their awards mixed up and meant to give Trutanich the 'Grandstander of the Year' award? After all, few would deny that Trutanich has formidable record of claiming the credit for prosecutions conducted by other agencies. Apart from the ridiculous claim that Trutanich 'busted' the 38th Street Gang, Trutanich also recently claimed he was 'moving forward' with the prosecution of those responsible for the Bryan Stowe beating at Dodger Stadium.

Those, perhaps, highlight Trutanich's credibility issues. There are, however, no shortage of others including, but not limited to, the lies he told about the origins of 'his' ACE Program, which thankfully remains stalled in City Council, and his claim that there were 'criminal aspects' to the Michael Jackson memorial at AEG's Staples Center.

&tc

Thursday Themes - Trutanich in trouble? Jackson rises, Conrad Murray convicted, Meyers muses

2011-11-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

Trutanich's use of city-paid workers for political campaign activities questioned

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's campaign staffer spied on the
DA candidate's forum while Trutanich was a no-show
(click here to see original photo)

As previously reported, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich chickened out of attending the recent DA candidates' forum. When Trutanich's original claim that 'he was not invited' was challenged as yet another lie from the embattled former plaintiff's attorney, he changed his lame excuse to 'he was not officially invited,' prompting one commenter to question what form of invitation, exactly, the City Attorney expected; 'a calligraphic scroll with Trutanich's name embossed in gold foil?'

While Trutanich's stated reason for chickening out of being publicly humiliated for reneging on his promises are not likely to impress anyone but the most ill-informed, Trutanich made sure he was fully informed of events at the candidates' forum. City Attorney employee Dan Raskov, who receives over $1,000.00 a week of taxpayer money under an obscure contract to provide Trutanich with '... Grant and Alternative Funding Specialist' services, attended the DA candidates' forum, doubtless to report back to Trutanich on how the opposition is shaping up.

City Attorney contract employee Dan Raskov attended the DA candidates forum
and was seen making copious notes of the proceedings for his report to Trutanich

The use of taxpayer-funded city employees for political campaign activities is strictly prohibited, as is their use for personal purposes, such as the child minding and shopping errand scandals that wracked the Delgadillo administration. Trutanich will likely claim that his contracted employee was attending the forum and making notes in his 'personal time.'

However, given Trutanich's now well established reputation as a liar, and his incredulous responses to the recent BillboardGate and RentGate scandals, it's a claim that most believe would fail the straight-face test. It is a sad reality that Trutanich's credibility continues to plunge in the eyes of those who reasonably expected him to abide by his 'pledge to serve,' and are appalled at his apparent comfort level with reneging on his solemn, sworn promise to voters.

Equally, given Raskov's obscure job title and function, it is perhaps fair to question precisely the role that Raskov played at the candidate's forum. It might also be reasonable to ask for some accounting for the amount taxpayer funded time devoted to sourcing 'Grant and Alternative Funding' compared to the success, or lack thereof, of any efforts actually made in that regard. Apart from Trutanich being accused of funding his office with the proceeds of alleged 'extortion,' it is unclear precisely what 'Alternative Funding' activities remain within Raskov's purview.

Trutanich, who issues Press Releases like confetti, does not appear to have issued a press release lauding the success of Raskov's quest for 'Grant and Alternative Funding,' at least not according to the press release archive currently viewable on the City Attorney website.

In view of Trutanich's alleged commitment to 'transparency' and 'no politics at my desk' it certainly seems reasonable that the public receive some credible assurances that Raskov's political campaign activities are indeed separate from his taxpayer funded position, and that Raskov's position is a legitimate charge to taxpayers.

Jackson ramps up campaign with early mailers & phone bank

Coming to a mailbox near you... Thousands of mailers from Alan Jackson
are being received by high propensity voters as Jackson ups the stakes in his campaign.

While most of the candidates at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's forum were likely taking a breath from making their first public appearance last week, Alan Jackson's campaign wasted no time building on the momentum he received in his bid to become LA's next District Attorney. Thousands of campaign mailers were sent out to 'high propensity' voters likely to be impressed by Jackson's conservative candidacy.

In addition to the mailers, the Jackson campaign also launched a phone bank staffed by volunteers who will take the lead in making calls to LA County voters to promote Jackson's candidacy. While the script of the callers is a closely guarded secret, sources tell the Dragnet that portions of the script include references to Jackson's numerous law enforcement endorsements, his high-profile trial successes, and his Air Force background. It is understood that the phone bank volunteers have also been given a cheat-sheet list of broken promises and failures by Carmen Trutanich who is believed to be vying for the same group of voters.

The early initiation of a targeted campaign strategy is believed to have taken Jackson's opponents by surprise and is also understood to have impressed several key endorsers in law enforcement. Jackson's early moves could effectively capture the conservative voter base and thus ensure him a place in a run-off that looks like pitching traditional values against the liberal values propounded by the opponents.

District Attorney's statement on conviction of Michael Jackson killer Dr. Conrad Murray

Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley gave full credit for the successful prosecution of to the hard work of Deputy District Attorneys David Walgren and Deborah Bazil in a short statement to the press, shortly after Murray was remanded into custody on Monday afternoon following the verdict.

Prosecution's Statement on Conrad Murray Verdict: MyFoxLA.com

Cooley's concise statement took commentators by surprise for the lack of self-aggrandizing and false credit-claiming that has come to be expected from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, who releases press statements like confetti, claims credit for cases that are not even handled by his office, and allegedly uses threats of imprisonment to try cases in the court of public opinion, rather than in a court of law.

The successful prosecution of Dr. Conrad Murray was the result of a well disciplined and competently managed team of law enforcement and prosecutors who prevailed in a court of law by the use of real evidence and legal reasoning, not the kind of ridiculous self-promoting and false promises that have become the Trutanich brand.

Danette Meyers to speak on alternatives to incarceration

Hot on the heels of securing a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for Tyquan Knox, a former Crenshaw High football star, District Attorney candidate Danette Meyers will be lecturing about alternatives to incarceration at the Messerau Free Legal Clinic on Saturday, November 12, 2012 at the Morningside Church in South Los Angeles.

Meyers' spirited comments at the DA candidates' forum are likely to be repeated as Meyers continues to define her candidacy as a tough on crime reformer. Those attending might be surprised by what appears to be Meyers' campaign catchphrase; 'You might not like me, but you will respect me.'

We understand that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has not been officially invited to Messerau's Free Legal Clinic. Yet.

&tc.

District Attorney candidate's forum fallout

2011-11-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Although the Dragnet was the first to report on Wednesday night's APABA hosted Los Angeles District Attorney's candidates' forum, the LA Weekly and the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise swiftly followed with their reports.

Six of the District Attorney candidates participated in the first forum held at the
Japanese American National Museum to a capacity crowd.

The LA Weekly report led with City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's latest failure - he failed to attend the forum.

Trutanich's campaign
adviser John Shallman

Many believe that Trutanich was a 'no show' because he was scared at the prospect of being outed as a sandbagging deceitful grandstander by his opponents.

LA Weekly reporter Gene Maddaus tracked down Trutanich's campaign adviser John Shallman to see if there was any other reason why Trutanich hid from his critics. Shallman's response, however, unwittingly helped maintain Trutanich's reputation as a liar.

Shallman stated that Trutanich did not participate in the debate because "He wasn't invited." But one of the debate organizers, Halim Dhanidina, said he reached out to the Trutanich campaign to ask if the city attorney wanted to participate, and never got a call back. According to sources, attempts to reach the embattled city attorney included phone calls to his secretary, and Shallman's cellphone.

One observer commented that "it was interesting that Trutanich was now lying about not being invited, instead of lying about not running for DA." Trutanich has, perhaps, set himself up for the unique ballot designation "Liar" by his signed sworn 'pledge to serve.' The pledge stipulates that if Trutanich breaks his promise to serve two terms as City Attorney and not seek higher office, he must pay $100,000 of personal funds to the Best Afterschool Program for Kids and place a full-page ad in every major daily paper with a picture of himself and text stating ‘I AM A LIAR’.

Public disdain for Trutanich's tactics appears to be growing. According to sources, Trutanich was forced to leave a local Republican party meeting when the "booing and jeering" that greeted the former plaintiff's attorney turned career politician "started to get out of hand." Trutanich was said to be both shocked and furious that he was told to leave.

Alan Jackson Campaign - Announcement

DA candidate Alan Jackson presses
the flesh after the candidates' forum

The day after the candidates' forum, the Jackson Campaign added to Trutanich's woes by announcing that Alan Jackson had secured the endorsement of Tom Tait, the Mayor of Anaheim. This from the Jackson campaign:

Los Angeles, November 4th – Today Mayor of Anaheim Tom Tait declared his enthusiastic support for Alan Jackson’s candidacy for LA County District Attorney. As an adjacent major city to LA County, Mayor Tait understands the importance of electing the best qualified neighboring District Attorney to stop criminals in their tracks with tough and swift prosecutions. Mayor Tait’s endorsement arrives on the heels of numerous other elected officials from across LA County who stand with Jackson. Alan Jackson remains a frontrunner in the race for District Attorney.

"As Mayor of Anaheim, I understand firsthand that crime knows no geographical boundaries or city limit lines. The next DA of LA County will have a clear and direct impact on our ability in surrounding counties to keep our families safe and criminals in jail. I am honored to endorse Alan Jackson for District Attorney. He is without a doubt the best prosecutor to lead the office.  Jackson has my full support,” declared Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait.

Deputy DA Alan Jackson stated, “I look forward to partnering with Mayor Tait to ensure crime is reduced, our families are safe and public safety remains a top priority across county lines. Thank you to Mayor Tait for his strong support of my candidacy.”

Mario Trujillo Campaign releases video advertisement

DA candidate Mario Trujillo courts supporters
after the DA candidate forum

Hot on the heels of defining himself as a reformer at the District Attorney candidate's forum, Mario Trujillo released a video advertisement aimed at LA County's Spanish-speaking community.

The advertisement makes effective use of video footage from the forum and serves as a reminder to Trutanich that he can kiss goodbye to the support he previously enjoyed from the Latino community now that Trujillo has the support of the Mexican American Bar Association.

The video was released on YouTube yesterday:

DA Candidate Marcus Musante - channeling Charlie Sheen?

The latest candidate to enter the race to replace Steve Cooley as LA County's top cop, Marcus Musante, was not allowed to 'spice up' the candidates' forum but did nevertheless 'occupy' a front-row seat in the audience.

Musante, pictured here talking to Met News staff writer Kenneth Ofgang, previously told the LA Weekly that he's "bringing the hot sauce to the party, and they won't let me in the room."

It seems that Musante was allowed into the room, but the 'hot sauce?' Not so much.

Whether Musante is serious about his campaign remains to be seen. His campaign website, www.MarcusForDA.com, went live last week, however, it appears to be something of a 'work in progress' effort and does not yet have the requisite campaign committee ID disclosure statement.

&tc.

Fontrunners emerge at first District Attorney candidates' forum

2011-11-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

If the audience of around 300 at the Asian Pacific American Bar Association's Los Angeles County District Attorney candidates' forum could agree on one thing, it would be that the forum was a resounding success.

As to which of the six candidates emerged as winners, opinions are going to differ.

The Los Angeles District Attorney candidates' forum took place in crowded
auditorium of the downtown Japanese American National Museum

An APABA representative stated that 270 guests had rsvp'd and seating for 250 was provided in anticipation of the 'flake factor.' It was, nevertheless, a standing room only event as all seats were quickly occupied. Judging by applause that at times seemed unwarranted, it was clear that the candidates had done a good job in securing the attendance of their supporters.

APABA President Ed Song moderated the forum, initially calling on each candidate to give a short opening statement. First to speak was Deputy District Attorney Bobby Grace. The Dragnet has often commented on Grace's outstanding record of back to back trial victories. However, Grace concentrated instead on the challenges facing Los Angeles with high recidivism and the as yet unknown effects of realignment; the Sacramento solution to prison overcrowding and out of control public expenditure that will dump an estimated 15,000 felons on LA's streets in the next two years as prison ceases to be the penalty for non-violent felons.

If one thing was surprising about Grace's opening statement and, indeed, his responses to questions, it was his low energy delivery. There simply was no passion in what he had to say. It's a pity that Grace didn't tell the audience that he might be a little preoccupied; Grace is in the middle of a complex preliminary hearing on L.A.'s most prolific serial killer, Chester D. Turner, already on death row, who is charged with 4 more murders. The prelim continues Thursday.

Steve Ipsen spoke next. He is a former President of the ADDA, and soon to be a former Deputy District Attorney if the rumors are true. Additionally, Ipsen's use of the past tense when he stated that he was "proud to have been a deputy district attorney for twenty five years," suggests that his time as a prosecutor may indeed be over. His opening statement, as well as his answers, suggested that his candidacy is based on being all things to all felons; tough on violent crime, lenient on violent criminals who get probation rather than prison. It was a confusing and poorly delivered pitch, and one had to wonder whether those applauding his statements had any idea why.

If Grace and Ipsen's openings were disappointments, Alan Jackson probably emerged as the most polished and most prepared candidate. It's no secret that Jackson has carefully planned his campaign for a long time, and the preparation and planning paid off. He was supremely at ease in his delivery, with a well articulated four point plan to take the DA's Office into the future focusing on tackling public corruption, combating gang crime, modernizing prosecution to deal with high-tech crime, and taking steps to prevent youth crime.

Jackson was followed by Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey. She quickly separated herself from the other candidates by standing to deliver her statement. It was a bold move and one that left little doubt that Lacey is seriously committed to the race, and perfectly comfortable in the heat of debate. Lacey's message was, essentially, that her 10 years of experience and achievement in senior management best qualifies her to be the next DA. It was a theme Lacey effectively and consistently returned to during the questions and answer session. Lacey also stamped her authority on the proceedings by openly admonishing Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers for attacking the qualifications of DDAs currently engaged in training law enforcement. It was an attack that most agreed was unwarranted, and perhaps was attributable to a degree of over enthusiasm on Meyers' part.

And so to Danette Meyers. There is no doubt that Meyers is both passionate about her candidacy, and angry at the status quo. She decried hiring and promotion policies based on appearances rather than 'merit,' but did not provide her definition of merit. Meyers vision of her role as DA can, perhaps, best be described as 'combative.' She is not afraid to tackle cops, judges and fellow DDAs who don't see things her way. In many ways Meyers provided much of the same bluster and bravado that could have been expected from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, if he had the guts to show up.

Last, but by no means least, was Deputy District Attorney Mario Trujillo who opened by condemning the criminal justice system as being "addicted to incarceration." Unlike most of the candidates who discussed realignment, Trujillo clearly has decided that the best plan of action is to work with Sacramento in refining realignment to achieve its stated goals. Trujillo questioned why, if the goal of realignment was to rehabilitate offenders, was the lions share of the budget for realignment being given to the Sheriff's Department? "To hire more cops to arrest and incarcerate more people?" he posited. A good point. Currently, the Sheriff's Department stands to receive $60M from Sacramento under realignment, but only $5.5M will go to community-based programs aimed at rehabilitation. It's an imbalance Trujillo promises to redress if elected.

Although, as previously stated, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich refused to participate in the forum, perhaps in fear of being confronted with his record of failures and broken promises, he did apparently dispatch his City of Los Angeles contract employee Dan Raskov to observe the forum and report back.

Deputy District Attorney Marcus Musante was, as anticipated, in the audience as an observer. Musante announced his candidacy last week, too late to be included in the forum. Musante promises to 'spice up' the race and has launched his campaign website www.MarcusForDA.com. We look forward to more from Marcus at the next forum.

Jackson's performance at the forum was undeniably strong, with Lacey and Trujillo in close contention. The remaining candidates have some catching up to do. Your thoughts?

&tc.

Asian Pacific Bar Association hosts first District Attorney Candidates' Forum

2011-10-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

According the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise, the Asian Pacific Bar Association of Los Angeles County will host the first candidate's forum for the six declared candidates for Los Angeles County District Attorney.

District Attorney candidates (left to right) Bobby Grace, Steve Ipsen and Alan Jackson (top row)
Jackie Lacey, Danette Meyers and Mario Trujillo (bottom row)

The District Attorney candidates' forum will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 6-8pm at the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

According to the statement from APABA:

'Join us for a town hall discussion with all of the declared candidates for Los Angeles County District Attorney: Bobby Grace, Steve Ipsen, Alan Jackson, Jackie Lacey, Danette Meyers and Mario Trujillo.' Meet and mingle with the candidates at a reception after the program.'

'This event is proudly sponsored by Asian Pacific Bar Association of Los Angeles County and co-sponsored by the Black Prosecutors Association of Los Angeles, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Japanese American Bar Association, John M. Langston Bar Association, Latino Prosecutors Association, Mexican American Bar Association, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation, South Asian Bar Association of Southern California, Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. RSVP by October 31 to contactapaba@gmail.com (subject line "DA Forum"). Location: Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For more information, call: Asha Greenberg at (213) 978-4659.'

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is understood
to have declined an invitation to attend the forum.

It is understood that despite his continued pretense not to be running for District Attorney, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich was nevertheless invited to attend the forum.

However, it is highly likely that the former ~~ambulance chaser~~ plaintiff's attorney was advised not to participate in an open forum where he would be vulnerable to attacks on his credibility as well as questions regarding recent accusations of 'extortion.'

Trutanich would probably attend a forum where candidates appear individually and he cannot be challenged or questioned by his opponents. Trutanich took part in such a forum during his City Attorney campaign, and probably would welcome such a forum to avoid the embarrassment of being publicly confronted with his abysmal record of failures and broken promises.

While Trutanich has probably been told to run and hide from this candidates' forum and as many others as he possibly can, a new challenger, Deputy District Attorney Marcus Musante, is apparently focused on being allowed to participate.

Musante's spokesperson, Graeme Cohen, told the Dragnet that Musante has filed papers to run and will have a campaign website completed this week.

Although APABA probably had the format and attendance of their forum arranged months ago, and Musante's surprise late entry makes fitting him into the evening's adgenda problematic, Musante will hopefully attend the forum as a visitor and 'mingle' as a candidates at the reception after the program.

It is not known whether attendees will be able to pose questions directly to the candidates during the forum, or whether they will be invited to submit their questions in writing to be posed by the moderators. In either event, the forum promises to be informative and interesting, giving the audience and the press a first glimpse at LA's next District Attorney.

&tc.

DA Candidate Bobby Grace secures conviction in 13 year old slaying of Santa Monica tourist

2011-10-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

District Attorney candidate Bobby Grace's tireless commitment to securing justice for victims of crime in difficult cases resulted in the first degree murder conviction of Paul Edmond Carpenter last week.

According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, jurors deliberated a day and a half before convicting Paul Edmond Carpenter, 34, of the first-degree murder of Horst Fietze, 52. The jury also found true a special circumstance allegation of murder during the course of a robbery. Carpenter, a U.S. citizen, was arrested in Kingston, Jamaica in February of 2009 where he had been living and working for several years using false identification. At the time of his arrest, Carpenter was working as a driver for a BMW dealership under the name Jermaine Thomas. Jamaican authorities deported Carpenter to the U.S. to stand trial for his crimes.

The LA Times reported that Carpenter killed Horst Fietze during a botched robbery of German tourists at the Loews Hotel in October 1998. DDA Bobby Grace presented the entire case, from jury selection to verdict, in two weeks. Carpenter will be sentenced on November 30, 2011, and faces a sentence of life in prison without parole.

The conviction of Carpenter is the third high profile murder case prosecuted by Bobby Grace this year. In March 2011, Grace convicted David Del Toro, a former Los Angeles city fire captain, of murder in the killing of 42- year-old Jennifer Flores on Aug. 16, 2006. Her naked body was found in the early morning hours that day less than a mile from his Eagle Rock home.

In June 2011, Grace convicted Omar Armando Loera, a 34 year old transient, of murder of bride-to-be Cheree Osmanhodzic in her home after she returned home from shopping for a wedding dress with her mother. Loerae stabbed Cheree and then set fire to her home.

Bobby Grace's campaign website is BobbyGrace4DA.com, and you can give him kudos for another hard fought victory for justice on his FaceBook page, or send him a kudos Tweet.

&tc.

Friday Free For All

2011-10-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

According to the LA Weekly, another Deputy District Attorney has entered the race to take Steve Cooley's place when he retires at the end of his third term as LA County's top prosecutor.

The LA Weekly reported that Musante is "focused on trying to get into a candidates' forum next week." The forum is scheduled for November 2, 2011.

&tc

Trutanich 'extortion' accusation raises community concerns about ACE Program.

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last week's hearing on accusations that Carmen Trutanich and the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office had used 'extortion' in order to settle civil lawsuits in return for dropping criminal prosecutions has been continued to November 14, 2011.

According to the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise, Judge Georgina Torres Rizk ordered the continuance so that the District Attorney's Office can take over the case in the event that she rules that Trutanich has to be disqualified for using the threat of criminal "charges and the threat of jail to obtain an advantage in a corresponding civil suit." a Met News Staff Writer reported.

The 'extortion' accusation was originally contained in a 17-page motion to disqualify Trutanich from the prosecution of MD Graphic Installers Inc., a Los Alamitos-based outdoor advertising installation company.

It seems that MD Graphics is not alone in accusing Trutanich of 'extortion.' The Met News reported that several other defendants have now joined in the accusation. Trutanich filed a response to the 'extortion' accusation contending that "the motion is without foundation," asserting that he has done nothing wrong.

Although Trutanich has a well-documented record of using threats of jail as a 'first response' to hot button issues, this appears to be the first time that victims of Trutanich's threats have used judicial proceedings to challenge the lawfulness of his conduct.

Billboard hypocrisy
The apparent freedom Trutanich feels he has to use the treats of criminal prosecutions to obtain cash settlements in parallel civil cases may have pleased residents angered by billboard blight. Few have sympathy for illegal billboards, indeed Trutanich himself was forced to remove his own illegal billboards after his apparent hypocrisy prompted Dennis Hathaway, president of the Ban Billboard Blight Coalition, to categorically require Trutanich to remove the illegal billboards.

Trutanich's 'extortion' plans extend beyond billboards
However, when the target shifts from using jail threats with illegal billboards to other violations of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, homeowners, renters and small businesses are now beginning to fear that Trutanich will use the same modus operandi with his much-vaunted Administrative Citation Enforcement Program (known as the 'ACE Program') to bludgeon and extort them into 'paying up or going to jail' for having an over-height yard fence, untidy front yard, cracked sidewalk paving, over-sized mailbox, or a neon store sign that is too bright, too big or just too tempting to resist for an eager code enforcement officer with a quota.

In fact the list of cash-rich targets for Trutanich's ACE Program is seemingly endless, a fact that Trutanich has doubtless boasted to Coucilmembers to gain their support. Trutanich has been desperately pitching his ACE Program as a revenue stream for the city's general fund, in the hope that their eagerness to balance the books will blind them to the extortion implicit in a program that effectively makes Trutanich the judge, jury, prosecutor and treasurer in 'administrative code enforcement' actions.

It's a very real fear that grassroots community activist Stephen Box has written about on several occasions; 'Bell tolls for Nuch's ACE Program,' and 'LA's ACE Program comes with a big tip jar.' Box seems to have spotted the same problems with Trutanich's approach to law enforcement as many others; it targets those least able to afford to defend themselves, and it uses or abuses the force of law to create a source of revenue. There's a word for that; extortion.

CM Rosendahl condemns Trutanich's ACE as 'Half-Baked'
Community concerns about Trutanich's ACE Program appear to have reached the Los Angeles City Council, with Councilmember Bill Rosendahl calling Trutanich's plan 'Half baked.' Rosendahl was, perhaps, as much incensed by Trutanich delivering a hastily revised version of ACE barely two hours before a vote on ACE was scheduled, as he was outraged by the way that Trutanich had buried, disguised or omitted critical details of how Trutanich intends to administer ACE. Rosendahl drew short of accusing Trutanich of lying about ACE, but others have been more outspoken.

Others fear 'extortion' by Trutanich
The Fair Housing Coalition recently urged stong opposition to Trutanich's ACE, accusing Trutanich of lying about his ACE Program, saying that 'A tactic the City Attorney’s office is using is saying that this Ordinance will replace Criminal Prosecution. This is a lie. In fact it will be used in addition to Criminal Prosecution.' Sounds strikingly similar to the 'extortion' accusation being made by lawyers for MD Graphics, doesn't it?

Trutanich lied about ACE during talk show interview
The Fair Housing Coalition's accusation that Trutanich lied about his ACE Program is not the first time that Trutanich has spoken falsely about ACE. Trutanich's staff were forced to admit that Trutanich had lied about ACE during an interview on the Kevin James radio show. Trutanich made several claims about ACE that were patently false; perhaps the most audacious being that he had the idea for 'ACE' when he first became City Attorney and had 'shared' the ACE Program idea with the cities of San Diego and Santa Monica. Trutanich stated that they now had the program and it was 'working just fine.'

City Attorney staff admit Trutanich lied about ACE
In reality, both cities already had their own administrative citation programs in force before Trutanich became City Attorney. Indeed, Trutanich's Chief Deputy, William Carter, admitted to the Met News that when he looked into Trutanich's 'idea' he found that 'other cities were already doing it,' Carter said. That's about as close as an admission by Carter that Trutanich lied as you'll ever get, but even Carter couldn't deny provable facts, even if his boss has no problem lying on broadcast radio.

What else has Trutanich lied about?
It's a logical question. It's a reasonable question. One who has been proven to have lied on a previous occasion, can be assumed to be lying on another occasion. One who was been hypocritical about his enforcing the law when it comes to his own billboards, can be assumed to be a hypocrite when it comes to the enforcement of the law as it relates to others. It is these questions about Trutanich's veracity and his motives that should be sending shivers up the spines of all Los Angelenos.

When the City Council finally gets to vote on the ACE Program, let's hope they have these thoughts in mind and that they balance the need of the city to be able to enforce its laws, with the need to ensure that the enforcement is fair and balanced. From the evidence presented, Trutanich seems to be the least trustworthy to be entrusted with that task. The Council can easily remove the City Attorney's Office from having any role in ACE and instead use the framework of ACE to create an independent commission to administer ACE free from any undue influence that Trutanich may chose to use.

When Judge Rizk finally rules on the accusation that Trutanich used 'extortion' to obtain multi-million dollar settlements to bankroll his cash-strapped office, let's hope that sufficient competent evidence leads her to understand the very real dangers of allowing financial expediency to overrule due process and fundamentally basic concepts of fairness and transparency. The DA's Office or the Attorney General's Office can fairly take over the prosecution of these cases free from the apparent fiscal motives displayed by Trutanich, like the way he recently tried to misappropriate a $2M settlement check from another billboard case.

'Extortion for Dummies' should not be the standard by which law is enforced in the second largest city in the nation.

&tc.

Trutanich accused of 'extortion' - prosecutorial misconduct alleged over threats of jail to obtain cash settlements

2011-10-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles City Attorney, Carmen Trutanich, has been named in court papers as the leading force behind what has been described as 'extortion' for using the 'threat of criminal prosecution' to obtain settlements in civil cases.

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is alleged to have engaged in offering to drop
criminal cases for cash payments to settle civil cases

According to a report in the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise, it appears that Trutanich filed both criminal and civil cases against individuals and their corporations, and then offered to 'drop' the criminal case if a sufficiently high sum of money were paid to settle his civil claims.

The shocking allegations have been made by Century City attorneys Stephen Morgan and Anthony Salerno on behalf of their client, Mark Allen Denny. In order to protect their client from alleged 'extortion' by Trutanich, Morgan and Salerno filed a 17-page motion outlining the alleged extortion scheme and calling for Trutanich and the City Attorney's Office to be disqualified from prosecuting the cases against Denny and his corporation.

Salerno & Associates filed a 17-page motion seeking to disqualify Trutanich
for alleged 'extortion' in their client's case.

The Dragnet has obtained a copy of the motion, set for hearing on October 20, 2011 before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Georgina Rizk. The motion states that Trutanich's alleged 'extortion' scheme violates ethical standards established by the Supreme Court in the 2006 case of Flatley v. Mauro, and codified under California Rule of Professional Conduct 5-100(A) which states that 'A member shall not threaten to present criminal, administrative, or disciplinary charges to obtain an advantage in a civil dispute.'

'He's basically charging you with a crime with one hand, and then selling you a get out of jail card with the other' is the way that a criminal defense attorney who spoke on condition on anonymity described Trutanich's scheme of offering to 'drop' criminal charges if a sufficiently high sum of money is offered by the accused to settle a civil case. 'You don't even get a chance to argue the merits of either case,' the attorney stated, 'It's a shakedown under the color of authority, and it's an abuse of process, it's flat out wrong.' He said.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the extortion accusation is that it has taken so long for anyone to legally and ethically challenge Trutanich's apparent willingness to use the threat of criminal prosecution and incarceration to try to get his way.

History of Threats
Some might well say that Trutanich has made the threat of criminal proceedings the hallmark of his tenure as City Attorney. It started within days of his taking office with his 'bombshell' allegations that there were 'criminal aspects' to the manner in which AEG hosted the Michael Jackson memorial at the Staples Center. A claim that was apparently baseless, with Trutanich subsequently accepting a 'donation' of Lady Gaga tickets from AEG.

Trutanich also threatened to arrest Councilmember Jan Perry and Dept. of Building and Safety workers who wanted to issue AEG with permits for billboards at the Regency Cinema complex at LA Live. The billboard permits were duly issued, the billboards were erected, and no arrests were made by Trutanich or anyone else.

Last year, Trutanich threatened to send a group of students engaged in a political protest in favor of the Dream Act to jail for a year, leading to accusations that he was a 'bully,' 'thug,' and 'tyrant.' Trutanich was apparently incapable of proving that the students were 'professional protesters' as had been claimed, and the charges against the protesters were dropped.

When Judge Rizk hears the motion there will likely be a full briefing not only Trutanich's propensity to use the threat of criminal proceedings in what appears to be an improper manner, but also on the lack of written policies and procedures to "wall off" the handling of criminal cases from civil cases.

Lack of Protocol and Procedure
Judge Rizk may be disturbed to learn that, in 2009 Trutanich requested and was supplied with editable copies of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Legal Policies Manual and Special Directives. Those documents establish uniform practices and policies in the prosecution cases generally, and establishes protocols to avoid the conflicts of interest apparent in the Denny case as well as other cases where parallel civil and criminal actions are pursued. However, it is believed that Trutanich has neither used the materials he requested, nor implemented any comparable policies or procedures.

Equally disturbing is the way that Trutanich apparently regards these million dollar settlements as a way of funding his office. The Denny case is one of a number of cases Trutanich has brought against the billboard industry as part of his citywide ban on unpermitted advertising signs. The cases promise to net Trutanich millions of dollars in civil damages from businesses that took advantage of LA's lax, arbitrary and inconsistent application of its own laws in the years preceding the Trutanich administration.

BillboardGate Scandal likely to be raised
Ironically, Trutanich himself seemingly violated his own citywide ban on unpermitted off-site billboards. For two years since becoming City Attorney, Trutanich had unpermitted off-site signs outside his former campaign headquarters on Ventura Blvd. The BillboardGate scandal resulted in Trutanich recently removing the signs without penalty. Trutanich's response to the allegation that he violated his own law was to issue a statement that 'the determination of the signs’ legality is not one that is made by his office,' a curious statement given that Trutanich seemingly has no difficulty determining the legality or otherwise of other signs.

Financial motives may threaten future ability to protect consumers.
Many see Trutanich's pursuit of the millions of dollars in civil penalties that his office is allowed to take as the prime motivation for his 'enforcement' of billboard laws. The use by Trutanich of Business & Professions Code 17200 and 17500 (Unfair Competition and False Advertising Acts) in these cases has become a source of much needed revenue for Trutanich's cash strapped office. Trutanich's alleged 'extortion' raises the question as to whether Trutanich's actions could result in the removal of these powers by the legislature, if the claims made by Morgan and Salerno are found to be true.

Such action by the legislature is not without precedent. Indeed, when the infamous Trevor Law Group was found to have abused the private right of attorneys to pursue False Advertising claims, the legislature responded by stripping away the right to recover lucrative civil penalties from private attorneys, leaving only government agencies with the right to recover million dollar penalties. The Trevor Law Group's pursuit of thousands of false advertising claims was nothing more than an unlawful and unethical shakedown of small businesses. Some may see Trutanich's actions as differing little from the unethical practices of the Trevor Law Group especially where there appears to be a lack of procedure and protocol to ensure that criminal prosecutions are not being used to obtain civil settlements.

Attempted misappropriation of settlement check belies abuse
Trutanich himself has done little to disabuse the suggestion that he is openly violating the considerable powers vested in government agencies in the pursuit of 17200/17500 cases. Trutanich recently secured a $4M 'settlement' of such a case against CBS Outdoor. That case netted Trutanich's office a fifty percent share of the $4M settlement, money that can only be used to fund further investigation and enforcement of consumer protection laws. However, Trutanich personally took custody of a $2M of the 'settlement' and tried to divert it to his political ally, Sheriff Lee Baca, under the pretext that it should be used to fund the clearance of a rape kit backlog. Not only was that diversion improper, but at there was no actual backlog of rape kits.

Clearly more is at stake in the Denny case than whether Trutanich has engaged in the alleged 'extortion.' When his conduct in the Denny case is viewed together with the way Trutanich has freely threatened to incarcerate individuals on other occasions, and the way that he has tried to treat the proceeds of case 'settlements' as a source of revenue as well as political payback, Judge Rizk should have ample cause and little hesitation in granting the motion to disqualify Trutanich and his office from any further prosecution of the Denny case. The larger question of whether Trutanich should be allowed to continue to use his proscutorial powers to induce civil case settlements will likely be decided based on Judge Rizk's ruling.

The Met News reported that an unnamed spokesperson for Trutanich's office commented that 'our office believes this is a specious motion and we anticipate filing a response soon.' Many expect the 'response' to be similar to the recent Martin Declaration and amount to no more than a stalling tactic.

&tc.

Dragnet On Hiatus

2011-09-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

We're on hiatus for the time being and will return October 24, 2011.

In the meantime, commenting on this page will be left open for your thoughts, views and any new tips from our confidential tip-email will appear as comments from Joe Friday or Windscale.

&tc.

Friday Free For All

2011-09-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

Trutanich blasted by Fire Commission Report, Again

A 5-page report issued September 12, 2011 by the Board of Fire Commissioners under File No. BFC 11-140 blasts City Attorney Carmen Trutanich for his failures to timely meet with a sub-committee specifically established to discuss the apparent break down in relations between the Fire Commission and their attorney, Carmen Trutanich.

The latest report mirrors many of the criticisms and complaints about the poor advice given by Trutanich in the Fire Commissions' July 13, 2011 report; suggesting that little or nothing was done by Trutanich to respond to those earlier complaints. The latest report reaches the conclusion that "It appears the City Attorney's Office is no longer willing to answer the Commission's questions regarding the August 23, 2010 advice, or discuss any of the issues related to that advice." Accordingly, it appears that the Fire Commission will rely on independent legal advice given by Professor Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the University of California, Irvine School of Law.

Although the legal issues facing the Fire Commission are far from simple, Trutanich's apparent intransigence and failure to address 5 key issues described as "outstanding" by the Fire Commission, suggests that Trutanich may simply be out of his depth and preoccupied with matters that he considers more important.

RentGate: No Explanation For Missing Rent Payments

Exhibit 1: Yellow highlighted payments said by Trutanich to be for rent,
are in fact for "campaign paraphernalia" leaving a shortfall in rent payments.

Despite claims that Trutanich did not receive illegal in-kind contributions in respect of rent for his campaign office, the campaign finance reports submitted by Trutanich contain no evidence to support his claim.

Payments to Allen Realty Plaza, LLC and Barry M. Allen, A Law Corp. said by Trutanich to be for rent, are described by Trutanich in his campaign finance reports as "campaign paraphernalia," not "office expenses" which would identify the payments as rent.

The City Ethics Commission is understood to have received a complaint regarding the RentGate scandal, however, it is the practice of the Commission not to confirm or deny whether an investigation is ongoing.

The issue appears to be straightforward enough. In the absence of evidence of payment of all the rent, believed to be $16,200 for the eight months that Trutanich can be shown to have used the Ventura Blvd. storefront, then Trutanich would be found to have received illegal in-kind donations for the rent free period. Records on the City Ethics Commission's website shows Trutanich paying only $12,150 of the $16,200 due.

DA Candidates' Debate Rumored

The six declared candidates for the 2012 District Attorney election are believed to have been invited to participate in a candidates' debate in the near future. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich may be invited to attend, however, it is thought likely that he will decline the invitation.

&tc.

Trutanich 0-66 In Controller report

2011-09-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

This one missed our attention last week, but it's worth repeating. City Controller Wendy Greuel blasted City Attorney Carmen Trutanich for failing to implement a single one of the 66 recommendations made in the audit of his office's workers compensation program. The audit's recommendations were made a year ago. What has Trutanich done? Nothing. His response? "We're working on it."

As seems to be the new trend with Trutanich, he doesn't comment on bad news topics, but lets someone from his office do the talking. In this case, it was someone the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise identified only as a "spokesperson." Perhaps he was too embarrassed to have to admit to another one of Trutanich's growing list of failures.

Read the excuses in the Met News, if you can be bothered, but it's all beginning to sound like a broken record from Trutanich - big promises and absolutely no follow through.

That also seems to be the case where the quality of Trutanich's legal services to the Fire Commission are concerned. We hear there's a new report from the Fire Commission which is less than complimentary about Trutanich. Developing...

&tc.

Trutanich's ACE may be trumped by common sense

2011-09-20T01:01:00.000-07:00

Some might say that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has been selling "his" ACE Program like a snake oil salesman; promising that it will do all things for all Los Angelenos - provide swift justice for low grade crimes and fill the coffers of the city's cash starved General Fund with a flood of "Administrative Penalties."

The Dragnet has previously warned of the grave dangers of allowing Trutanich to become judge and jury in the ACE Program's kangaroo courts, and now it seems that Los Angelenos are beginning to get the message.

Former City Council candidate Stephen Box yesterday published a succinct account of the dangers of Trutnanich's ACE Program at CityWatchLA. Box's article touches on many of the dangers previously identified by the Dragnet and is an excellent read. Box analogizes the powers hidden in Trutanich's ACE Program to those used by the City of Bell to shakedown its residents in a culture of corruption that recently shocked the nation.

But Trutanich's ACE Program goes far beyond the small town shakedowns of Bell, and places Trutanich in a position of power and influence that likely exceeds the role of city attorney contemplated by the Charter Reform movement. The goal of reforming the city's Charter was to instill transparency and accountability into what had become a corrupt and unaccountable City Council. A close read of Trutanich's ACE Program raises serious concerns that it takes us back to those dark times, and then some.

Trutanich has been quick to try to quell the fears about the Orwellian flavor of his ACE Program. In an article recently published by the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise, his office dismissed the allegation that Trutanich was using ACE to secretly obtain the Grand Jury powers that the City had previously denied him as "ludicrous." However, Trutanich has nevertheless written into the ACE Program a subpoena power that many believe can be abused by an over-zealous prosecutor much as in the McCarthy era.

Trutanich's vehement denial might have persuaded a few of his Neighborhood Council supporters that he can be trusted, but since that denial Trutanich has been plagued by a series of scandals even the most ardent supporters must see as representing serious flaws in the credibility of his glib assurances.

Perhaps the first doubts were raised by the way Trutanich lied about the origins of the ACE Program itself. In an interview on the Kevin James radio show, Trutanich claimed that ACE was his idea and that he had shared it with other cities and it was "working just fine." But the reality is that those cities already had their version of ACE (albeit without Trutanich's Orwellian attributes) before Trutanich was City Attorney. Even his Chief Deputy had to admit that Trutanich had lied.

More recently, in the BillboardGate scandal, when the Dragnet questioned whether Trutanich's billboards on Ventura Blvd., were illegal off-site signs in violation of Trutanich's own laws, his office told the Met News that "the determination of the signs’ legality is not one that is made by his office." A "ludicrous" response considering that on the very same day that Trutanich was saying his office does not determine the legality of signs, Trutanich was condemning the City of Santa Monica for placing digital signs on their city buses, never mind the endless grandstanding Trutanich has engaged in regarding the $1M bail arrest of a Los Angeles businessman during the Oscars ceremony. Of course Trutanich determines the legality of signs, that's his job. He probably did not like being questioned about his own signs, which he swiftly removed, so he lied to cover it up.

More troubling was what looked like a cover up by the Dept. of Building and Safety. Their lead investigator initially defended Trutanich's billboards, making the equally "ludicrous" statement that Trutanich's billboards, which had been on display for over two years since he took office, was a “temporary sign ... that doesn’t require a permit.” Two years is temporary?

The apparent willingness of the Dept. of Building and Safety to bend over backwards to help Trutanich is perhaps not surprising. But it is troubling. Under the ACE Program, the Dept. of Building and Safety will become the lead city department in issuing ACE Administrative Penalties for code violations. Remember, it is this Dept. that is being investigated by the FBI for abusing its permit issuing powers. Seriously Los Angeles, do we need to even ask you if you are willing to grant more power to Trutanich and the Dept. of Building and Safety?

ACE started out as a simple two page proposal from Councilmember Koretz to improve the way code violations were handled. It appears that ACE was hijacked by Trutanich and transformed into a twenty page power grab and shakedown tool. Don't let that happen.

&tc.

Trutanich RentGate Story Fails To Explain Missing Rent Payments

2011-09-19T01:33:00.000-07:00

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's response to RentGate; the questions raised as to who paid for his campaign office, still fails to fully account for rent payments for the eight month period that Truanich is understood to have enjoyed the use of a Ventura Blvd. storefront.

Friday's Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise reported that Trutanich's campaign treasurer, David Gould, "vehemently denied" that Trutanich had received an illegal in-kind donation in the form of free rent for his headquarters space. Gould stated that “Everything was paid for, and it was all disclosed.”

However, in what some might believe to be a confusing and incomplete account for the payment of rent, Gould neither supplied a copy of the lease, nor copies of checks showing all rent payments. Instead, Gould stated that some rent payments were made to “Barry M. Allen, a Law Corp.,” which is "a related entity to Allen Realty," and that the amount of the rent payment "varied from month to month because the cost of utilities was included."

Based on what Gould stated, it appears that the monthly base rent was $2,025.00, not $2,053 as previously stated. Accordingly, we checked the City Ethics Commission's website to search for all payments made to Allen Realty Plaza, LLC, and it's related entity Barry M. Allen, a Law Corp. The result of our search does not appear to support Gould's story.

Exhibit 1: All payments by Trutanich to Allen Realty Plaza, LLC and Barry M. Allen a Law Corp.
(Source: City Ethics Commission)

Trutanich paid all Allen entities a total of $17,391.00, however, as the yellow highlighted areas show, $4,650.00 was described as being for "CMP - Campaign Paraphernalia," leaving only $12,741.00 for rent, which is described as "OFC - Office Expenses."

If the $2,025.00 monthly rent figure is correct, Trutanich should have paid $16,200.00 for eight months rent for the time he admits to using the storefront; October 2008 through May 2009. However, Trutanich's records at best, show payments of only $12,150.00 for six months rent, plus $591.00 for utilities.

Once again, we are left wondering who paid the rent for the missing two months. Equally, who paid for the utilities for those two months? Is there another Allen entity that Trutanich failed to mention?

Beyond the palpable evidence suggesting that there is a real problem in accounting for the payment of Trutanich's rent, the statement to the Met News appears to contain at least three errors.

First, the claim that the Ethics Commission “audited the entire campaign” and “came up with no findings whatsoever,” and that "the commission was unlikely to consider a complaint regarding the campaign in light of this," is sheer fantasy or, perhaps, wishful thinking, on Trutanich's behalf. Just because an audit was completed without a finding does not preclude a further investigation in the light of appropriate evidence.

Based on the evidence of the payments above (Exhibit 1), there would appear to be sufficient evidence to revisit the audit results, and perhaps demand to see a copy of the lease, utility bills, and copies of the checks to see if “Everything was paid for, and it was all disclosed,” because that certainly does not appear to be the case.

Second, Trutanich claimed that the Fair Political Practices Commission “has no authority over city elections.” He is wrong. They do have that authority.

Third, and perhaps most tellingly, the claim was made that "The March rent, Gould said, was shown in a $452 payment to Allen Realty reported in April, which reflected the pro-rated rent for the space up until the primary election." If that were the case, one could reasonably expect to find a payment for $452.00 to Allen Realty for "OFC - Office Expenses." However, if it is not clear enough from Exhibit 1 above, take a closer look:

The $452.00 payment was not for rent, pro-rated or otherwise.

We trust that the City Ethics Commission and the Fair Political Practices Commission will now be looking into this matter, especially in the light of Trutanich's story. We understand that a second complaint is being filed in connection with the admissions made by Trutanich, as well as the apparent lack of any reported payments for the two years use of the off-site billboards outside the Ventura Blvd. storefront.

&tc.

Friday Free For All

2011-09-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

Trutanich To Be Honored By Monkee

File this one in the "you can't make this up" category: City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is to receive an award presented at an event emceed by Micky Dolenz of The Monkees.

The October 6, 2011 event will honor Trutanich for his role in the 1980's in the Environmental Crimes/OSHA Division of the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office. Trutanich will pick up his belated award at an 11:30 luncheon at the Hilton Woodland Hills. The event is open to those members of the public who are willing to pay $50 to "watch a monkee reward a clown," as the anonymous tipster who sent us the link commented.

Seriously, an award for something that happened at least 25 years ago, should also be filed in the "scraping the bottom of the barrel" category.

Trutanich Likely To Announce DA Campaign in December 2011

It's not a question of if, but rather when Trutanich will bring to an end the pathetic pretense of his exploratory committee and formally declare that which he has been pursuing since October 2010; he is running for District Attorney.

It is likely that Trutanich will now chose a date December to make the announcement it the hope that the goodwill of the holiday season will overshadow the slew of accusations that he has reneged on his numerous promises and assurances that he would not use the City Attorney's Office as a springboard to higher office.

It is understood that Trutanich had originally slated the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks to make his announcement, however, Assembleyman Mike Feuer stole the moment to announce his challenge to Trutanich's City Attorney position.

Feuer's surprise announcement may have upset Trutanich but he can say or do little about it. Instead he may choose to make the announcement on December 7, the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Appropriately, "a date which will live in infamy."

And On A Lighter Note

File this one in the "only in LA" category:

video platform video management video solutions video player

Happy weekend!
&tc.

Thursday's Thorny Topics

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

City Attorney candidate Mike Feuer Will Challenge Trutanich in 2013

City Attorney candidate Mike Feuer confirmed our Tuesday report that he will not rule out running against current City Attorney Carmen Trutanich in the March 2013 election. Feuer told the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise that he 'would not “get into speculation” about what may happen if Trutanich does not enter the race, or loses.' the Met News reported.

Trutanich would most likely lose a straight race for re-election against Feuer, who is popular amongst his wealthy westside constituents, whereas Trutanich is increasingly being seen as a disappointment to many of those who believed his "Pledge to Serve."

Furthermore, Feuer's "assumption" that Trutanich will succeed in his bid to fool informed voters into electing him to higher office has absolutely no downside for Feuer; if his assumption is correct, he has the keys to the 8th floor at City Hall East. If his assumption is wrong, Trutanich will be an easy target to defeat as he will have no campaign manager, no ability to raise funds, and an established record of having turned his back on promises and commitments. It's a win-win situation for Feuer.

Parking Problem Highlights Trutanich's Mercenary Motives

In an excellent article published at CityWatchLA, former Los Angeles Councilmember candidate Stephen Box (CD-4), Trutanich's true motives for his proposed enforcement of a municipal ban on "Parkway Parking" are questioned. Trutanich's enforcement of the ban on renters and homeowners from parking their vehicles in their driveways, is more likely a way of raising revenue, than a genuine attempt to solve a problem.

Box's conclusions are not the first time that Trutanich's "monetization" of law enforcement have been questioned. Trutanich's enforcement of a citywide billboard ban silently netted him a $4M settlement, half of which he tried to illegally divert to a political ally. His current ACE Program seems to be on hold while the City Council reconsiders the wisdom of giving Trutanich more power. Many now see that giving Trutanich the power to wreak financial misery on homeowners and small businesses through "Administrative Citations" is not a good idea. That may be especially so in view of the way that Trutanich has promised to enforce ACE "just like traffic tickets," in other words, with little or no opportunity to challenge the fees and fines he can impose.

The ludicrous response of Trutanich to his apparent dual standard enforcement of the billboard ban; fining illegal off-site billboard owners while maintaining his own off-site billboards, must surely raise more doubts about whether Trutanich is capable of enforcing our laws in a fair and evenhanded manner.

&tc.

Tuesday Topics

2011-09-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Alan Jackson Scoops 4 Police Chief Endorsements

District Attorney candidate Alan Jackson's campaign achieved a significant boost to his campaign with the announcement of his endorsement by four Police Chiefs. This from the Alan Jackson campaign:

Los Angeles, September 12th – Today four highly regarded retired El Monte Chiefs of Police endorsed Alan Jackson for District Attorney.  Combined, these four Chiefs have over 150 years of law enforcement experience. Jackson takes great pride in his close relationship with the law enforcement community and its leaders, having worked hand in glove with them prosecuting some of the County’s most complicated and complex criminal cases.

The El Monte Police Chiefs who have endorsed Jackson include:

Chief Wayne C. Clayton (served 8-01-78 to 12-30-00 as Chief),

Chief James W. Ankeny (served 12-31-00 to 1-04-02 as Chief), 

Chief Kenneth P. Weldon (served 1-05-02 to 12-31-08 as Chief), and

Chief Thomas B. Armstrong (served 1-1-09 to 5-17-11 as Chief).

Chief Wayne Clayton said, “As someone who served as Chief of Police for over two decades, I know LA County not only deserves but requires its next DA to be a close partner with law enforcement. We need a real cop’s prosecutor, not merely a politician looking for the next rung. I am confident Alan Jackson will make a tremendous DA and will work tirelessly to put criminals behind bars.”

Chief Ankeny concurred, “I could not be more pleased to join with these distinguished law enforcement leaders to support Alan Jackson for District Attorney.”

Chief Weldon said, “Alan Jackson is absolutely the best candidate for the job. I believe Alan Jackson has the credentials and character to build on what Steve Cooley has accomplished during his distinguished years of service as DA.”

Chief Armstrong said, “To continue to establish and maintain the public trust, I know Alan Jackson will serve Los Angeles County honorably and ethically as District Attorney.”

Alan Jackson stated, “Throughout my entire career I have focused on forging close relationships with the law enforcement community. As District Attorney I promise to utilize those relationships to keep our communities safe while swiftly but fairly prosecuting criminals. I am honored to have earned the support from each one of these Chiefs.”

Deputy DA Alan Jackson has earned strong support from other public officials such as County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, State Senator Tony Strickland, Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine, Long Beach City Attorney Robert Shannon, former La Cañada-Flintridge Mayor and current City Councilmember Steve Del Guercio, San Gabriel City Councilman Mario De La Torre and Honorary Mayor of San Pedro Anthony Misetich.

For more information, please visit Alan Jackson’s campaign website at www.VoteAlanJackson.com.

# # #

Cary Brazeman Announces Run For City Controller

In an email announcement, Cary Brazeman informed his friends that he has decided to challenge Councilmember Dennis Zine in the March 2013 election for Los Angeles City Controller.

This from Brazeman:

Dear Friends:

Before you hear about it somewhere else, I wanted to let you know that soon I will be announcing my candidacy for Los Angeles City Controller … not something I ever imagined I’d be doing, but it needs to be done.

We have a dysfunctional city government that largely serves the special interests that have bought and paid for it … with little public accountability. Just one example: Instead of fixing our sidewalks or reducing taxes for a broad base of businesses, city leaders have approved $640 million in tax breaks for downtown hotel developers (LA Times, May 4, 2011). This cannot stand.

Our city has lost residents and businesses at a record clip. It cannot be fixed the way it got broken. Pyramid schemes are unsustainable. When I officially file to run in several weeks, it will be clear by the actions we take that our campaign is different … that I am different. As difficult as it is for outsiders to participate in the system, independent, strong people must get involved, or things will get worse. Right now, while there is an opportunity, we must fight for the future of our city. I will let you know when our campaign is official, and what you can do to help.

For the love of our city, thank you very much.

Cary Brazeman

September 12, 2011

Assembleyman Mike Feuer Enters City Attorney Race

Assemblyman Mike Feuer delivered an eloquent, thoughtful and moving speech in Beverly Hills,
Sunday, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, in marked contrast to Trutanich's crude remarks
at the Studio City Neighborhood Council's social gathering, Saturday night.

As predicted, Assembleyman Mike Feuer has confirmed the worst kept secret in Los Angeles; he is going to challenge City Attorney Carmen Trutanich in March 2013. Feuer was narrowly beaten by Rocky Delgadillo for the position in 2001, and has selected John Shallman as his campaign consultant. Feuer's choice of Shallman to run his campaign suggests that Trutanich will shortly end his months of pretense over his "indecision" about running openly for District Attorney.

Shallman has been retained to handle Trutanich's campaign for District Attorney, but not for City Attorney when he loses the DA race. Feuer told the LA Times that he had opened the fundraising committee “on the assumption that Mr. Trutanich runs for district attorney and wins.” Significantly, Feuer did not indicate that he would withdraw his bid to oust Trutanich if his assumption proves to be incorrect.

It's a clever move by Feuer, not only does it force Trutanich to run for DA and openly violate his "Pledge to Serve," but it also leaves Feuer virtually unopposed as Trutanich will be without a consultant and unable to mount a serious reelection campaign after he loses the November 2012 DA election.

Feuer has lured Trutanich into a perfect storm for the end of his political career, and has assured himself of a fairly easy return to City Hall where he had previously served as Councilmember.

&tc.

Monday's Hot Topics

2011-09-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

9/11 Remembered

Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the worst terror attack on US soil. As a nation we paid tribute to those who were hapless victims trapped in their offices or on the four passenger flights that were weaponized that morning, and to the outstanding courage and selflessness of the men and women of law enforcement and emergency responders, who made the ultimate sacrifice to try to save lives.

Some of the DA Candidates used their FaceBook pages to share their thoughts with their friends:

Trutanich Grandstands 9/11 Tragedy

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich took full advantage of the podium at the Studio City Neighborhood Council social meeting on Saturday night, to grandstand his self-proclaimed relevance to keeping our nation safe. He delivered these carefully crafted words, probably scratched out on the back of a napkin:

Trutanich said, “These bastards thought they would take us to our knees and that the world would follow them. ... Trust me, people, I know, you are safer today than ever before in lifetime. What they thought they did they did not do. They woke up a giant out of horrific day.” according to the Studio City Patch.

Quite what the relevance of the City Attorney's Office is to war on terror in Los Angeles is unclear, but just as with his claim to be prosecuting the Bryan Stowe Dodgers Stadium attackers, his audience probably did not realize that he is as utterly irrelevant to those matters, as he was to "busting the 38th Street Gang."

Trutanich did give a clue that all is not going well with his District Attorney campaign. The Studio City Patch also reported that 'Trutanich talked about how “I have a newspaper that hates me,”' That did produce side-splitting laughter, not from Trutanich but when Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Krekorian, perhaps growing tired of Trutanich's grandstanding, piped up from the audience saying, “Only one?”

It seems that the excellent coverage the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise has been giving to Trutanich's recent BillboardGate and RentGate scandals is upsetting Trutanich. Perhaps he sees himself as a something of a hate crime victim?

RentGate Scandal Widens

No records of payments to Allen Realty Plaza, LLC can be found for four of the eight months
that Trutanich appears to have occupied the Ventura Blvd. storefront, and three of the months
when payment records exist, appears to indicate a substantially below market value rental was paid.

Campaign materials date-stamped October 8, 2008 indicate that Carmen Trutanich was in occupation of his campaign headquarters three months before records filed by him indicate that he paid rent for the Ventura Blvd. storefront that he used to run his successful campaign to become Los Angeles City Attorney.

RAW file data from the designs for Trutanich's business cards utilizing the Ventura Blvd. storefront indicate that the design was created on October 8, 2008, suggesting that the location had been secured for Trutanich's occupancy in October 2008. Previously, the only evidence of Trutanich's occupation of the storefront was his "Pledge to Serve" dated November 24, 2008.

The only records showing a full month's rent paid by Trutanich indicate a monthly rent of $2,053 for the 750 square foot store. This is believed to be the market rent for the location. Based on the absence of records for the payment of rent for the the periods of October - December 2008, and May 2009, and the apparent below market rent for January - March 2009, it appears that Trutanich either failed to report $12, 548.50 in campaign expenses for rent, or he received an unreported "in kind" or "non-monetary" donation of that amount.

The Alan Jackson campaign issued the following statement in response to our previous coverage of what has become known as Trutanich's RentGate scandal:

"Mr. Trutanich's repeated disregard for ethics and integrity and willingness to play fast and loose with the rules to benefit his own political career is not only obvious, it's abhorrent. The next District Attorney must be held to the highest moral and ethical standards, something Mr. Trutanich clearly does not possess." 

John S. Thomas

Strategist
Alan Jackson for District Attorney 

It is understood that complaints have been filed with the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission and the Fair Political Practices Commission requesting an investigation into the payment of rent at Trutanich's former campaign headquarters.

&tc.

Friday Free For All - Trutanich's Troubles Treble

2011-09-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

RentGate - Trutanich Declines To Comment

Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich will not comment on a charge that he received an apparently illegal in-kind donation in the form of headquarters space for his successful campaign, the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise reported yesterday.

The RentGate scandal was first reported here Wednesday, September 7, 2011, and posed 3 questions as to the payment of Trutanich's rent for his campaign headquarters. Critical questions that remain unanswered, and will likely remain so.

The MetNews staff reporter was referred to Trutanich's "campaign consultant," John Shallman and his treasurer, David Gould, for answers to those questions, however, both could not be reached for comment.

Given the previously farcical statements from Trutanich in response to the BillboardGate scandal, it is not surprising that the Trutanich camp wants exercise their right to remain silent, rather than repeat their prior embarrassingly inculpatory admissions.

It is understood that the joint issues of who paid the rent for Trutanich's headquarters and whether Trutanich received an under market value rent for the limited period that he appeared to have paid for the Ventura Blvd. location, will be investigated. The Dragnet has learned that at least two separate referrals have been made to the City Ethics Commission and the Fair Political Practices Commission. Thus far, we have no information as to whether the Public Integrity Division of the District Attorney's Office has been asked to investigate.

Trutanich Ignored Audit Recommendations - City Controller Reports
Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel slammed Carmen Trutanich for failing to implement any of the 66 recommendations made in her October 13, 2010 audit of the City Attorney's Workers Compensation Program, KPCC reported.

In yet another of his broken campaign promises, Trutanich had pretended to support Laura Chick's position that the City Controller should be allowed to audit city department programs. However, within days of taking office Trutanich reneged on his agreement and recommended that the City continue to litigate the matter. Trutanich also declined to recommend that the city settle the matter and pay the legal fees that Laura Chick had incurred in her fight to bring greater transparency to city government.

Chick went public with her views on Trutanich's duplicity, calling him a "demagogue and a liar" on KABC 790AM's morning show hosted by Doug McIntyre, the LA Times reported.“The city attorney has gone back on his word. He is not a man of his word, to me,’’ Chick said on the radio show. “I have told him this to his face. I told him that he lied in order to get my support."she told LA Times reporter Phil Willon.

Simone Wilson, a reporter at LA Weekly, yesterday reported that "L.A. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has apparently been too busy breaking his own billboard rules to glance at a late-2010 audit of his "Workers' Compensation and Subrogation Program." Of 88 problems identified by Greuel, not a single one has been addressed." Some might also say that Trutanich has been too busy running for District Attorney to pay attention to his duties as City Attorney.

The City Controller's report did not reference two other notable recent failures by Trutanich to adequately perform the duties of City Attorney; the Martin Declaration and the Fire Commission Report. If ever the evidence was gathering that Trutanich is simply just another "all talk and no action career politician," Wendy Greuel's report would appear to put the matter beyond doubt.

Trutanich Faces 58th Challenge To His Unconstitutional Medical Marijuana Ordinance

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is proud of his aggressive stance against medical marijuana, and according to James Shaw, director of the Union of Medical Marijuana Patients (UMMP), Trutanich "pushed an ordinance through the City Council in January 2010 that was so full of contradictions and legally questionable rules that a judge placed a hold on its implementation, and it has since then had to be frequently amended in an effort to survive 57 lawsuits, which should be decided by the end of this month."

UMMP is to add to the 57 challenges in a new lawsuit arguing that Trutanich's scorched earth law required an EIR - environmental impact report. It's a novel argument, and one that might not have flown back in 2009 when Trutanich was making headlines as a LA's tough guy. However, in the two years since taking office, many of Trutanich's promises and assurances have proven to be as bogus as his DraftTrutanich4DA campaign - a laughable effort to extricate Trutanich from his campaign promise not to run for District Attorney by creating the illusion that he is being beseeched by cops to run for DA.

Trutanich's credibility has taken a number of serious blows recently. His crass attempt to misappropriate a $2M settlement check to support a political ally, ludicrous claims that he "does not talk politics at his desk," and of course his totally insupportable defense of his own billboards, not to mention his current RentGate scandal, could cause a court to be less than impressed with the quality and caliber of Trutanich's legal arguments.

Trutanich's openly hostile attitude towards medical marijuana patients might also be relevant to the issue as to whether a City Attorney who thinks nothing of shouting down and berating a cancer patient who questioned his voodoo science, is capable of fashioning a workable ordinance.

Carmen Trutanich Screams At Cancer Patient Who Questions Him on Medical Marijuana

City Attorney Clashes with Speaker at 2009 Congress of Neighborhoods -Accused of Bullying, Questioned on Red Ant Theory from Michael N. Cohen on Vimeo.

Los Angeles needs a sensible and workable medical marijuana ordinance. It was something Trutanich promised to deliver during his campaign, but just like most of his other campaign promises, it was one that he has insidiously failed to deliver. Perhaps UMMP's challenge to Trutanich's law will succeed because Trutanich's credibility account is so horribly overdrawn as to be worthy of downgrading to junkbond status.

&tc.

Thursday Topics

2011-09-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Who Paid The Rent?

Trutanich's former campaign headquarters on Ventura Blvd. is now the focus
of questions as to who paid the rent in the absence of full and complete campaign finance records.

The 3 questions posed by the Dragnet yesterday into the Trutanich RentGate scandal remain unanswered despite a slew of comments from Trutanich supporters who seem more incensed that anyone dare ask the question, than to have to deal with the answers.

Danette Meyers Lands Major Endorsement

According to her campaign website www.DanetteForDA.com:

Los Angeles, CA - September 7, 2011

Reverend Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, former head of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, one of Los Angeles’ most visible churches, today officially announced his endorsement of Danette Meyers for District Attorney.

Rev. Murray stated: “History is her story, how for a quarter of a century Danette Meyers has prosecuted more cases than any other elected D.A. in the history of Los Angeles. Her story includes her selection as Prosecutor of the Year twice, and being recognized as one of the Top 100 lawyers in California. Her story includes her election as the first female African American President of the 26,000 member Los Angeles County Bar Association. Now it's up to fair minded voters like those of us who know her record to celebrate her story by electing her as Los Angeles County District Attorney in 2012. Make her story history.”

# # #

&tc.

Trutanich RentGate Scandal? - Missing Rent Payments and Irregularities Raise Campaign Finance Questions

2011-09-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

EXCLUSIVE: Carmen Trutanich's 2009 City Attorney Campaign Could Face Ethics Violation Investigation Over Apparently Unreported or Under-Reported Campaign Expenses.

Dragnet readers familiar with Trutanich's Billboard Blunder, and the ensuing BillboardGate cover-up, will need no reminding that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's former campaign headquarters were located at 12524 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City.

The scandal surrounding Trutanich's off-site billboards
has led to questions about who paid the rent for Trutanich's headquarters

As a result of the Dragnet's coverage of those scandals, an anonymous tip suggested that we research the amount of rent paid by Trutanich for his headquarters. Campaign finance laws require all candidates to timely report their expenses, debts, as well as cash and in-kind contributions, so the tipster suggested we research the City Ethics Commission website where the relevant records can be found on-line.

The City Ethics Commission website allows visitors to search
campaign contributions and expenses.

Following the tipster's suggestion, we searched for campaign payments made to "Allen Realty Plaza," Trutanich's landlord and, according to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Inspector Luke Zamparini's statement to the Los Angeles Metropolitan News, 'the property owner, Mort Allen, was “a big supporter” of Trutanich’s campaign."

We found two payments from Trutanich to Allen Realty Plaza LLC
which appear to be related to rent as they are described as 'Office Expenses.'

The results of our search shows that four payments were made by Trutanich to Allen Realty Plaza LLC, two of which appear to be rent as they are described as 'Office Expenses.'

The first apparent rent payment of $1,822.50 was made on March 11, 2009, eight days after the March 3, 2009 primary election:

This payment purports to cover a three month period from January 1, 2009 to April 4, 2009, suggesting a monthly rent of $607.50 for the approx 750 square foot unit occupied by Trutanich.

The second apparent rent payment of $2,053.00 was made on April 13, 2009:

That payment covers a one month period from April 5, 2009 to May 2, 2009 at what appears to be a monthly rent of $2,053.00.

If indeed, our interpretation of these two payments is correct, several issues arise. Issues that could constitute ethics violations as they relate to the timely and accurate reporting of campaign expenses, as well as non-monetary contributions.

Question 1: Who paid the rent for the period May 3, to May 19, 2009?
The general election was on May 19, 2009. Trutanich's campaign staff were using the campaign headquarters right up until the eve of the election when they went to the Sheraton Hotel at Universal City for Trutanich's victory party.

Trutanich personally used the campaign headquarters on May 12, 2009 when he gave an interview to Fox 11 News regarding Jack Weiss and the Felon Fundraiser, so he cannot claim not to have used the headquarters after May 2, 2009.

As well as being used by campaign staff during a period when no record of rent payment can be found,
Trutanich personally used the location to give an interview to Fox 11 News in that period.

The campaign headquarters was probably in use in the days after the May 19, 2009 election, at the very least until the end of the month.

However, no record can be found for payments to Allen Realty Plaza LLC in respect of 'Office Expenses,' which would appear to be the correct description for the rent.

The $2,053.00 payment for the 27 day period of April 5, to May 2, 2009, results in a daily rent rate of $76.04, meaning an unreported expense of $1,216.59 to the date of the election, or $2,129.04 to the end of May 2009.

Of course, it is possible that the landlord, Mort Allen, could have made a gift of the rent, however, that would also have to be reported as an "in kind" or "non monetary" contribution. The problem there is that on March 25, 2009, Allen contributed the maximum allowable $1,000.00 to Trutanich:

It does appear that Trutanich either paid Allen the rent without reporting the expense, or, if no payment was made, Trutanich received an "in kind" or "non monetary"contribution from Allen which exceeds the campaign contribution limits. Either way, it appears to violate the rules.

Question 2: Who paid the rent for the period before January 1, 2009?
Just as no record can be found of rent payments for Trutanich's campaign headquarters after May 2, 2009, no records can be found of rent payments before January 1, 2009.

Former Trutanich campaign workers have stated that the headquarters were in use well before January 1, 2009, perhaps as early as September 2008. However, independent evidence exists which establishes Trutanich's use of his headquarters at a very minimum on November 24, 2008:

Trutanich's infamous "Pledge to Serve" challenge to Jack Weiss was signed on November 24, 2008, on letterhead giving the campaign headquarters' address. In all likelihood, the campaign headquarters was occupied and in use well before November 24, 2008, but the 37 day period between that date and December 31, 2008 would, based on the daily rent rate of $76.04, result in an unreported campaign expense/payment of $2,813.37, or an unreported "in kind" or "non monetary"contribution of that amount from Allen, which clearly exceeds the campaign contribution limits.

Question 3: Was the rent for January 1 through April 4, 2009 under-reported?
If it didn't initially strike you as strange that a monthly rent of $607.50 is exceptionally low for a prime location on Ventura Blvd., then perhaps the difference between that and the second $2,053.00 payment makes the likelihood that Trutanich received the benefit of a below market rent all the more apparent.

The $2,053.00 charged for April 5, through May 2, 2009, equates to an annual rent of $27,753, or $37 per square foot, which is believed to be in the region of the market rent for comparable locations. The $607.50 declared rent would equal an annual rent of $7,752 or $9.54 per square foot. This is believed to be well bellow the market rent.

If Trutanich had paid rent at the same rate for that 93 day period from January 1, through April 4, 2009, as he apparently paid for the 27 day period of April 5, through May 2, 2009, that would equal $7,071.44. He only paid $1,822.50, so arguably, Trutanich either failed to report the true rent, or received an unreported "in kind" or "non monetary"contribution of $5,248.94.

Unless Trutanich paid the rent to Allen in some other way, not apparent from the reported campaign expenses, there appears to be a minimum of $9,278.90 either in unreported expenses, or in illegal campaign contributions in excess of campaign finance limits. Violations of the Campaign Finance Ordinance (LAMC 49.7.1 et seq) can be prosecuted as misdemeanors. Additionally, because each campaign finance report requires the signature of the candidate and treasurer under penalty of perjury, a prosecution for a felony violation of Penal Code Section 118 is also possible if it can be established that those signing the reports knew that they were making a false statement about a material fact.

The Dragnet believes that these three questions require adequate answers, and perhaps reference to the City Ethics Commission, the Fair Political Practices Commission, and the Public Integrity Division of the District Attorney's Office for investigation.

While illegal campaign contributions scandals dogged Jack Weiss's campaign for City Attorney, Weiss always maintained that he did not know that the illegal contributions were 'laundered.' In contrast, it would appear to be hard for Trutanich to claim that he did not know how much rent was paid for his campaign headquarters; only deadbeats don't know how much rent they have to pay.

Once again, the Bernie Madoff statement "there is no innocent explanation" comes to mind, however, should Trutanich have an innocent explanation for what appears to be a series of serious violations of campaign finance laws, the Dragnet will gladly publish it.

&tc.

Tuesday Topics

2011-09-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

The long Labor Day weekend was likely welcomed by all as an opportunity to take a short break from the campaign trail. Some candidates nevertheless, used the Labor Day break to send a message to their FaceBook friends.

Danette Meyers reminded her FaceBook followers of her values, quoting President Barack Obama's Labor Day remarks:

Mario Trujillo reminded his FaceBook followers that, as well as being Labor Day, there was an important birthday to celebrate:

Alan Jackson paid tribute to Cesar Rodriguez, a young Sheriff's Explorer slain in a drive-by shooting:

Our plan to bring you another Dragnet exclusive was thwarted by the City of Los Angeles:

The City Ethics Commission website mysteriously went down on Labor Day, perhaps giving one candidate a break. For now.

&tc.

Friday Free For All

2011-09-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

TRUTANICH'S BILLBOARD BLUNDER BEGETS BLOGGERS' BONANZA

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's Billboard Blunder proved to be a bonanza for the blogs and the mainstream media. The exclusive story broke here just over a week ago, and would probably have gone no further if it were not for Billboardgate; Trutanich's infantile attempt to cover-up the potential illegality of his own billboards, as reported in the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise.

It was the sheer lunacy of Billboardgate that lit up the blogs. Trutanich tried to assert that the City Attorney's Office does not determine the legality of signs, and a city billboard inspector gave a series of bizarre statements insisting that Trutanich's two year-old billboards were "temporary" and "did not require a permit." Billboardgate elevated a minor embarrassment into a viral scandal attracting the attention of CityWatchLA, the Met News (Op-Ed), and most recently Street-Hassle.

Street-Hassle's precis of Billboardgate
is shatteringly accurate

The spectacular disaster of Trutanich's Billboardgate should not have surprised anyone who has had to deal with Trutanich's unique defense strategy; the Porcupine Defense. Doubtless inspired by that same brand of schoolyard bully mentality, Billboardgate proved as ineffective in defending Trutanich from the accusation of harboring illegal off-site billboards, as his Porcupine Defense has been in racking up spectacular loses for Trutanich's hapless deputies who are compelled to utilize his catchphrase inspired joke of a legal strategy.

DOES THE LAST WORD BELONGS TO STREET-HASSLE?

While Trutanich's Billboard Blunder and Billboardgate will probably recede as new scandals surrounding Trutanich's campaign emerge, it is interesting to note that Street-Hassle's pseudonymous blogger, "Mulholland Terrace," has not been deterred from utilizing clown-like imagery in his precis of Billboardgate.

It was Mulholland Terrace who first called Trutanich "Carmen the Clown" when he blogged at the Griffith Park Wayist. Trutanich was not pleased, and somehow Mulholland Terrace must have been told of this, because he continued refer to Trutanich in that way. At one point, according to an insider, Trutanich was beyond apoplectic and in one of his infamous Monday morning executive management meeting rants, he demanded to know the true identity of the blogger who dared to defame him. No answer was forthcoming. However, shortly afterward, Senior Special Assistant Jane Usher issued a threat to 'MT'

What is interesting, apart from the perhaps infectious nature of Trutanich's bullying and threatening strategy, is that Usher apparently knew MT's identity. In her defamation threat she states "As an old City Hall department head, you probably know this already," clearly implying that she knew MT from her time in City Hall. Yet she remained silent while her leader ranted and raged. Curious, one might think.

Of course the threat failed to deter MT, and if you want discover MT's true identity, visit his blog. While you're there, you might be tempted to spend less than the price of a vente latte on the Kindle edition of his third novel, The Plasma of Terror, first published in 2005 by St. Genevieve Press.With the anniversary 9/11 just around the corner, it's an excellent read from a gifted wordsmith.

&tc.

Trutanich Blasted In Met News Op-Ed "Inconsistency, Blarney"

2011-09-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

Despite City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's apparently hurried efforts to remove his allegedly illegal "off-site" billboards, the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise published an Op-Ed, Wednesday, August 31, 2011, condemning the cover-up comments from Trutanich's office and those of the city's building and safety inspector.

The Met News is widely read amongst LA's legal community, many of whom are being targeted to give their support for Trutanich's campaign to become District Attorney.

Trutanich's Billboard Blunder, as the scandal has become known in City Hall, and Billboardgate; the crass attempt at a cover-up, will have done immeasurable damage to Trutanich's credibility amongst a community who were expected to contribute as much as $2M towards his campaign.

Many must be wondering how Trutanich could have been so insensitive to the appearance of impropriety as to allow himself to be cast in the light of a "one rule for you, another for me" double-speaker.

Worse, it seems, are the doubts that have been expressed about Trutanich's managerial ability in the light of his deputy's official response: “The determination of the signs’ legality is not one that is made by his [the City Attorney’s] office.” Either the deputy does not know the responsibilities of his own office, or he felt compelled to give a misleading statement to cover-up for Trutanich's blunder.

Either way, it belies a lack of leadership and ethics that few will want to be associated with.

&tc.

Trutanich Takes Down Billboards - For Now

2011-08-31T00:45:00.000-07:00

In what appears to be acceptance of the Billboard Blunder brought to light last week, it is believed that City Attorney Carmen Trutanich ordered the removal of his four billboards from outside his former campaign headquarters.

Before: Trutanich's billboards blighted
Ventura Blvd. for over two years.

A tip-off received by the Dragnet stated that Trutanich was devastated by the negative attention that had been drawn to this issue.

The situation was not, apparently, helped by the shambolic responses of Trutanich's deputy and a Building and Safety inspector. Those responses, perhaps best characterized as a botched attempted cover-up, were published in the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise on Friday, August 26, 2011.

In essence, Trutanich's deputy claimed that the determination of the legality of billboards was not the function of the City Attorney's Office; a statement that would be laughable if it were not so patently false.

After: As of Tuesday evening, Trutanich's off-site signs had been removed.

But it was the statements of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety inspector Luke Zamparini that eclipsed the incredulity of Trutanich's farcical response. Zamparini claimed that Trutanich's billboards were "temporary" and that temporary signs don't require permits. Quite how Zamparini could say that when Trutanich's billboards had been displayed for over two years is something that defies belief.

It is understood that "Trutanich's Billboard Blunder" and the pathetic cover-up rapidly became the talk of City Hall, doubtless assisted by the damning remarks published in CityWatchLA condemning Trutanich's "vanity and hypocrisy" over this matter. With the pressure building on Trutanich to follow his own law and avoid further embarrassment, it seems that Trutanich acted swiftly to try to contain the damage and abandoned any attempt to try to justify the continued presence of these billboards.

The damage, however, has been done. The billboard bandits are likely to seize on the equivocal and inconsistent statements concerning the interpretation of the city's billboard laws and re-ignite the billboard blight bonanza.

Furthermore, the credibility of both the City Attorney's Office and the Dept. of Building and Safety has now been badly damaged. This comes at a time when Trutanich has been trying to convince the City Council that he can be trusted to oversee the Administrative Citation Enforcement ("ACE") Program. The ACE Program empowers the Dept. of Building and Safety to issue citations to homeowners and businesses for minor code violations without having to use the court system to collect the "administrative penalties." That is because Trutanich will run his own kangaroo court system to collect those penalties.

Trutanich has promoted ACE as a revenue generating machine, capable of restoring much needed money to the General Fund. After witnessing the scandalous behavior of the City Attorney's Office and the Dept. of Building and Safety over Trutanich's Billboard Blunder, the Council would be unwise to entrust Trutanich with these powers. They have now seen how the two offices interact, and it is not a healthy or transparent relationship.

But back to the billboards. It is highly likely that new Trutanich billboards will reappear shortly. Trutanich recently told the Studio City Chamber of Commerce that he was "already looking for a local storefront for an office to run his district attorney campaign." Of course, should Trutanich establish such an office, any new billboards would be "on-site" and not subject to his citywide ban on "off-site" signs. It is not known whether Trutanich will return to the site of his former campaign headquarters; there's an old adage about people who return to the scene of the crime. It is one that Trutanich might want to avoid...

&tc.

Trutanich Accused of Vanity & Hypocrisy over Billboard Blunder

2011-08-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Proving evermore to be the phony politician he claims not to be, Carmen Trutanich's botched cover-up of his Billboard Blunder has all the ingredients of a faux pas that could have been avoided with a simple mea culpa but will now develop into a full-blown scandal that will haunt him to election defeat.

Rather than face the music and remove his billboards because they appear to be illegal off-site signs, Trutanich hid behind a deputy who declined to comment, claiming that the City Attorney's Office does not determine the legality of signs.

It was a specious claim, quickly dispelled in an article published Monday, August 29, 2011, by CityWatchLA. Of course the City Attorney's Office determines the legality or otherwise of any alleged violation of the Los Angeles Municipal Code; that's their job. It's a job that Trutanich has grandstanded about ever since he threatened to arrest Councilmember Jan Perry and Building & Safety officials over their attempts to grant AEG billboard permits for their Regency Cinema complex at LA Live, and then over 'Dragongate' where Trutantanich jailed a Los Angeles businessman on a $1M bail for posting a sign on his office building facing the Oscars ceremony.

The question of whether Trutanich's billboards are legal or not now becomes secondary to the larger issue; the cover up. Did Trutanich instruct his deputy to give that misleading statement? If he did not give those orders, is he so consumed with his campaign to become District Attorney that his is derelict in his duties as City Attorney?

Who was it who said "there is no innocent explanation"?

&tc.

Trutanich's Billboards "Should Be Taken Down"

2011-08-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles City Attorney's billboards on Ventura Boulevard "Should be taken down" Dennis Hathaway, president of the Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight, told the Los Angeles Metropolitan News Enterprise, Friday, August 26, 2011.

Trutanich's Billboard Must Go

Despite claims that Carmen Trutanich's off-site billboards are not "Illegal Advertisements," Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Inspector Luke Zamparini told the Met News that Trutanich's billboards “can’t stay up forever.”

Zamparini stated that he had viewed one of Trutanich's billboards using Google Maps and believed that “it looks like a vinyl sign that’s just stuck up there like a 'Grand Opening' or 'Going Out of Business' sign occasionally used by businesses."

It's hard to imagine what Zamparini was actually looking at when he made his determination that Trutanich's billboard was a “temporary sign like that doesn’t require a permit,” because the photo we produced in our August 24, 2011 exclusive "Trutanich Billboard Blunder?" clearly depicts a permanent sign which has been in place for over 2 years.

We also used Google Maps to try to understand the rationale behind Zamparini's determination, and challenge any reader to agree that the Google Maps picture shows anything other than a permanent sign.

The Google Maps picture viewed by LADBS Inspector Zamparini
does not appear to depict a temporary vinyl sign.

The Met News also spoke to the City Attorney's Office about Trutanich's seemingly illegal off-site billboards, however, Trutanich did not respond personally, perhaps electing to hide behind a deputy who made the rather surprising statement that "the determination of the signs’ legality is not one that is made by his [the City Attorney's] office," adding that “we’ll defer to any other department or office to make that decision.”

Now that Inspector Zamparini has decided that the signs cannot remain forever, we trust that Trutanich will comply with the law and remove his billboards before Zamparini conducts a field inspection and determines the sign to be permanent and not a “temporary sign" "that doesn’t require a permit.”

As previously stated, if Zamparini determines the four Trutanich billboards to be in violation of the city's law, the fines of $1,000 a day per sign amounts to over $2.9M, which the city would most likely welcome in the midst of their budget crisis.

&tc.