California Faultline

If you’d like to be one of the thousands of delegates on the floor of the Democratic Convention in August, you have until this Wednesday, April 2nd, at 5pm to register as a candidate.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. If you don’t know which Congressional district you’re in, go here to find out (fill in your zipcode on the top left).

2. Download and fill out this form here. You’ll need to let the DNC know that you’ll be 18 by the time the Nov. 4th election day rolls around, and swear that you’ll vote for your candidate at the Democratic convention.

3. Fax it in by Wednesday, April 2nd, at 5pm to (916) 442-5715. (Your name should be added within 24 hours to this list here.)

4. Tell all your neighbors who are registered Democrats and to come to your caucus location to vote for you on April 13th. (Clinton delegate caucus locations / Obama delegate caucus locations)

5. Be prepared to give a speech at your April 13th caucus.

If you win, they warn you’re responsible for $2000 in expenses that come with heading to the convention… whatever that means.

Note: If you’re a delegate (or know of one) and would like to be featured in an interview here at California Faultline, please send me an email (california faultline at gmail).

[h/t Bakersfield Californian's Election Notebook]

Somehow, I missed this brilliant story from last week, regarding Claremont, CA deputy mayor Ellen Taylor, who was riled at the sight of Girl Scouts selling cookies in front of her husband’s law office:

Ms. Taylor first asked if the group had a permit from the city to operate at the location, announced that she was deputy Mayor of Claremont and threatened to call the police if the Girl Scouts did not cease operations, [parent Pam] Gavin said.  [Claremont Courier via Claremont Insider]

Of course, the city of Claremont handled Taylor’s behavior in proper fashion: just a few days later, they elected her Mayor.

“My feeling is that a lot of time ‘fair and balanced’ means giving the conservative point of view because that doesn’t get reflected in the mainstream media.” -Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace

Maybe I’m misconstruing this, but is Wallace inferring that he doesn’t consider Fox News to be mainstream media? More importantly, is he admitting that the content of Fox News in and of itself isn’t “fair and balanced,” but that, in his opinion, it just brings balance to the overall news spectrum by bringing a heavy handed conservative point of view?

Just a reminder that there is one important election day between now and the November Presidential election, being the statewide primary on June 3rd.

One of the most important items on the ballot will be seats for U.S. Congress.

To find out which U.S. Congressional District you live in, enter your zip code here (if you need to find out your complete zipcode, check here first).

Below is a list of legislative candidates from throughout Los Angeles County. Click here for a complete list of California candidates as a .pdf. (h/t Capitol Alert). (more…)

There’s nothing more fun than a little drama at typically boring city or neighborhood council meetings, which is why I have a soft spots for some the fringe elements that partake in local government.

Whether they’re “gadflies” like Zuma Dogg, who has spoken to LA City Council wearing a Kiss mask, overzealous and underinformed neighborhood council people like Bradley in Glassell Park, or other city reps, such as Jan Schaeffer of Carson who screamed in pain after she was smacked with a paper by an old lady, at the very least spruce up the usual monotony of politics.

Unfortunately, for Burbank City Council, comments from one outspoken resident aren’t making for good fun.

On Tuesday night during public comments, resident Edward Guerrero ranted about the city’s alleged corruption, and made what the city is considering a threat: “Thank God I am a Godly man or you have no idea.” And later, when Guerrero was asked to clarify what he meant, he said:

“It would be very easy for someone to come in here and overpower the guards and the council,” he said outside the council chambers. “I know where they live, they don’t understand that these measures aren’t enough.”

(more…)

As referenced in my interview with Eric Garcetti, last year the City Council President was on LA City View breaking down how city government works, including how bills are passed, and how the Mayor has less influence than Council itself.

Its a straightforward breakdown on how things work - a great Cliff Notes version, anyway - and good info for any LA resident wondering how to pass legislation, or how the hell some crazy laws came to be.

Click to watch (will open in a new window).

Unfortunately, like most government run websites, LA City View is sloppy to navigate and, worse, there is no direct link to archived videos. Alas, to watch as intended you’ll need to click here, then in the bottom right part of the City View page scroll down til you see Eric Garcetti’s name and click on it.

Totally unrelated to politics, but totally related to the source of my paycheck, Larry Harnisch at LA Times “Daily Mirror” blog uncovered a 50 year old print ad for a coloring contest put together by RCA Victor and NBC.

In related news, the temperature of Hell lowered by ten degrees.

While discussing his upcoming biopic on George W Bush, Stone decline comment when asked his opinion of the President:

“I can’t give you that, because the filmmaker has to hide in the work,” Stone said. “Here, I’m the referee, and I want a fair, true portrait of the man.” [Daily Variety]

He then went on to say the film would answer how Bush went “from an alcoholic bum to the most powerful figure in the world?”

Josh Brolin will play Bush, and it was just announced today that Elizabeth Brooks - the very naughty book store clerk from “40 Year Old Virgin” - will play former librarian Laura Bush. [Huffington Post]

John McCain’s schedule today takes him along the coast:

8:30 am: Speech before the Los Angeles World Affairs Council at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Private event.

12:00pm: $2,300/plate fundraising luncheon at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach.

6:30pm: $1,000/head fundraising reception (for $2,300 you also get a lapel pin) at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco.

This concludes his three day blitz through California, begun Monday in San Diego, and capped with a Tuesday visit to Nancy Reagen’s Bel Air home where she announced her endorsement of him. [AP]

Will Campbell is let down by the details.