2UrbanGirls
  • Home
  • Local
    • Compton
    • Education
    • Inglewood
    • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Crime and Public Safety
  • Opinion
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Mediakit
  • Shop
    • Cart

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot
January 31, 2023

Inglewood awarded $407M of state surplus funds towards people mover project

January 31, 2023

Public Comment: Closed session item on Inglewood Jan. 31 council agenda

January 31, 2023

Suspect in custody after standoff at Commerce Casino

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Inglewood awarded $407M of state surplus funds towards people mover project
  • Public Comment: Closed session item on Inglewood Jan. 31 council agenda
  • Suspect in custody after standoff at Commerce Casino
  • Woman gets light sentence after attempting to run over man in Orange County
  • Caltrans shuts down street to inspect for erosion
  • Vote center open for today’s Special Election in Downey
  • Powerball jackpot grows to $653 million
  • Crash near DTLA leaves one dead, three injured
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest RSS
2UrbanGirls
  • Home
  • Local
    1. Compton
    2. Education
    3. Inglewood
    4. Sports
    5. View All

    Compton bridge eroding to dangerous conditions

    January 30, 2023

    Compton Community College Introduces New Student Trustee

    January 28, 2023

    CA Attorney General affirms Compton City Council appointment

    January 27, 2023

    Plenty confirms closure of San Francisco vertical farm, will shift focus to Compton

    January 25, 2023

    Lawsuit dismissed against LAUSD over student’s suicide

    January 28, 2023

    Letter to the Editor: Inglewood school is being run into the ground!

    January 26, 2023

    Sallie Mae Announces 10 Nationwide Recipients of Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students

    January 25, 2023

    Florida Launches 2023 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests

    January 24, 2023

    Inglewood awarded $407M of state surplus funds towards people mover project

    January 31, 2023

    Public Comment: Closed session item on Inglewood Jan. 31 council agenda

    January 31, 2023

    Inglewood Transit Connector and the soul of our City

    January 29, 2023

    Inglewood homeless count numbers appear to be skewed

    January 29, 2023

    LA Laker involved in late-night traffic stop for expired car registration

    January 26, 2023

    Orange County native joins Dodgers broadcast team

    January 21, 2023

    LAFC, Bank of Montreal announce $100M naming rights deal

    January 19, 2023

    Georgia Bulldogs football player, staff member killed in car crash

    January 15, 2023

    Caltrans shuts down street to inspect for erosion

    January 31, 2023

    Powerball jackpot grows to $653 million

    January 31, 2023

    Rain expected for duration of the day

    January 30, 2023

    Gas prices remain unchanged around South LA

    January 29, 2023
  • Entertainment
  • Crime and Public Safety
  • Opinion
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Mediakit
  • Shop
    • Cart
2UrbanGirls
You are at:Home»Mayor Sam speaks with 2UrbanGirls

Mayor Sam speaks with 2UrbanGirls

1
By 2UrbanGirls on November 10, 2013 Uncategorized

2UrbanGirls are regular readers of Los Angeles based political blog titled “Mayor Sam’s Sister City- Home of Los Angeles Politics” and the site is full of interesting tidbits on the political state of the City of Los Angeles.  Many references made throughout this article, are well-known to Mayor Sam’s regular followers, but if you are interested in getting more details as to who they are, feel free to leave a comment and Mayor Sam just might entertain us with a response.  Enjoy!

Greetings!

You are awesome!  You have one of the most entertaining, informative and refreshing political blogs I have ever come across and it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity.

I’m delighted to have the chance to talk with you. You guys are doing amazing work and I am a BIG fan!

How did you get your start critiquing the Los Angeles city council?
I’ve always had an interest in politics, really since I was a kid. In the early-mid 90s, I got involved as a neighborhood activist in my community of North Hollywood, which was beginning its renaissance. I was young and looked up to politicians such as Tom Bradley, Zev Yarovslasky, Yvonne Burke, John Ferraro and others as rock stars. However, the more I got involved and saw how things really worked, the more I got discouraged.
You affectionately call the collective elected the “City Clowncil”, what’s up with the clever candor in your articles?
I forget exactly how that moniker came up but I believe it came from one of our readers. Not long after the blog started, very quickly an in-joke lingua franca developed with clever sayings and nicknames for public figures and situations. I think humor has been a very big part of the blog and yes, we do take satirical shots at local leaders. I’ve often found that humor is the great equalizer and it’s something I rely on often. After all, no one should take themselves too seriously.
Recently Zuma Dogg made impressive strides in curtailing the city council’s treatment of residents attending city council meetings, and the story wasn’t covered by mainstream media, why is that?
I think that for whatever reason the mainstream media has an elitist attitude towards citizen activists. Indeed, some of those activists are more “colorful” than others. But as much as some may show disdain for Zuma Dogg and his ski cap, sunglasses and occasional rapping during public comment, Zuma and others like often are fountains of information, usually years before – if ever – the mainstream press picks it up.
Is this typical of the “Old Gray Hag” on Spring St.?
Yes, I think so – as well as the Daily News, other local papers and even a few blogs. Too many of these writers have become cozy with the electeds and travel in the same circles. More so, over the years, they’ve become lazy practicing “press release journalism” and seldom fact checking city government. There’s a few notable exceptions in the traditional press – Jon Regardie of the Downtown News does great work and I’m a big fan of the news department at KFI as well as Michael Linder of KABC.
As a former mayor, what behavior/actions of the current “Clowncil” do you find most deplorable?
Oh gosh, where do we start? Right now, I think some of the sexual misconduct is on a lot of folks radars. We basically have a bunch of guys acting like it’s still 1955. I also resent the glad-handing, photo mugging, and legislating around sensational issues (such as GMOs) that really aren’t the city’s purview. The antics of Herb Wesson and his socks and how out of control Tom LaBonge is I think is embarrassing. Most recently, I’ve become concerned about where electeds are working with some neighborhood council leaders and other local sycophants to eliminate opposition from stakeholders within the city to various projects and policies. We’ve seen that in my own community of Sunland-Tujunga where “neighborhood leaders” have joined forces with our City Councilman to advance projects not in the area’s best interest and at the same using bullying and other tactics to shut down dissent.
As elected officials grapple with the lack of residents participation in government, what steps can be taken, in theory, to drive more people to the polls?
I think we have to continue to get more and more information out. Yes, it’s a major concern that the Obamacare websites don’t work and it should be dominate much of the news cycle, but for the most part what happens at the Federal and State level has little impact on us on a daily basis. City government makes far more decisions that effect people’s lives yet they’re turned out. Blogs and social media seem to be making some difference but there is a way to go. I also think we need to hold grass roots candidates accountable to run solid campaigns that get out the vote. Too many of these efforts are really vanity campaigns. Indeed, it’s a huge challenge to go up against incumbents with lots of money. But a solid strategy and lots of elbow grease can level the playing field.
You have mentioned holding elections simultaneously with the Presidential cycle, can that work?
It’s an interesting idea that could relieve the “election fatigue” we have with elections about every six months it seems these days. There could be some cost savings as well. On the other hand, those that object to this say that will lead to a long ballot and perhaps folks will drop off after voting for President and Congress. Some conservatives, even moderate Democrats, have also told me that it would vastly swell Democrat voter turnout in local elections and put an end to the chances of moderates and conservatives such as Kevin James or Mitchell Englander.
KPCC recently held a forum on “Where are the women in City Hall”.  With the recent allegations swirling around a current “Clowncil” member, along with the developments in San Diego, are women better off not playing in the “boys” sandbox?
No not at all. I actually think the environment has worsened in recent years and it may be a combination of a dearth of female members and that many of the current members are relatively young compared to the past. Not that long ago, we had 1/3 of the Council Members were females and the average age of the members was in their 50s and 60s. Now due to term limits and the musical chairs of local politics many of these members are in their 40s or younger and may have not matured. I do think women need to push forward and not give up. There were many, many strong, intelligent young women working on campaigns in the last cycle, Zoe Kipping and Felicia Gomez Verdin  come to mind. I see these women and women like them moving up the ranks in the very near future. My friend Monica Rodriguez, who was recently appointed as Vice President of the Board of Public Works, ran a thoughtful and intelligent campaign for Council against Richard Alarcon a few years ago. Sadly, she was told by some that as a mother with young children she had no business running. I haven’t heard anyone tell men such as Barack Obama, Paul Ryan, Gavin Newsom or even Mayor Garcetti that having very young children disqualified them from serving. The only way we will see progress is if women continue to push and push hard.
Do you see community newspapers and blogs, providing better insight and analysis on political news, than mainstream media sources?
Yes absolutely! Its really the only place I think where stakeholders will get this information. Randy Economy does great work at Los Cerritos News, Your blog is a fantastic resource for the community and there are many, many others. Even Patch I think can add a lot and give locals a place to gain and share information. Social media is a big factor too, I’ve lost count of how many community pages my neighborhood has and folks are getting engaged. We no longer have to depend on traditional media to get hyper-local news and analysis, down to the block level!
Will you ever reveal which city you where Mayor?
Haha, I think it’s pronounced “Los Angle-leez.”
If you could wave a magic wand, and change anything about the political landscape, in LA County, what would that be and why?
I would definitely want to increase the number of people engaging and being involved. You get more people at a Clippers game than show up to vote in City Council races. I’d love to see the corruption come to an end too and the power of special interests be eclipsed. I’d even ask for some smarter people to be elected, but I guess I am asking too much.
You make references to “Gorda Boo Boo” and “Mini Amin”.  Do you ever worry about taking your articles too far?
That’s the comic genius of my long time blogging collaborator, Scott Johnson who actually writes most of Mayor Sam these days. There’s no doubt at times we’re over the top, but I’d argue may of the people we have entrusted the well being of the city are going too far too. Again, humor is a big part of our brand and I think it’s why a lot of people read. You’ll often see such hilarity as well from the folks who post comments.
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.  I still get a kick out of “…faint whiff of Charlie Sheen and teeth so bright they are blinding…” Where do you come up with this stuff?
Again, a lot of that is Scott’s handiwork and some of it is what comes from contributors, friends, readers and others. Unlike some other blogs, we go the extra mile to not take ourselves too seriously. After all, we’re just bloggers!
Thank you again Mayor Sam for your time and you can follow him on Twitter @mayorsam

Related

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
2UrbanGirls
  • Twitter

2UrbanGirls has been cited in Daily Breeze, Daily News, Inglewood Today, Intersections South LA, KCRW, KPCC, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Wave, LA Weekly, LA Watts Times, Mercury News, New York Times, Orange County Register, Sports Illustrated, The Atlantic, and Washington Post. Former contributor to CityWatchLA.

1 Comment

  1. Pingback: Rest In Peace Michael "MayorSam" Higby | 2UrbanGirls - Urban political blog

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Most Read
Antelope Valley
January 16, 20230

Man, woman found dead in grocery store parking lot

PALMDALE, Calif. – The bodies of a man and woman were found in the parking…

January 15, 2023

Friends ID woman who died giving birth at Inglewood hospital

January 10, 2023

Family ID hiker who fell to her death on Mt.Baldy

January 12, 2023

Woman reportedly dies giving birth in Inglewood hospital

Elections
January 31, 2023

Vote center open for today’s Special Election in Downey

January 31, 2023

Former LA City Attorney to run for Congress

January 21, 2023

Vote center opens for Downey special election

January 20, 2023

Beverly Hills councilman’s son granted diversion for impersonating council candidate

Entertainment
January 30, 2023

Judge denies delay in start of woman’s lawsuit against rapper Soulja Boy

January 30, 2023

Johnny Britt and Will Downing collab on new song ‘Butterflies’

January 29, 2023

`Avatar: The Way of Water’ tops box office for seventh consecutive week

January 27, 2023

Disneyland Resort celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company

Business
January 30, 2023

What To Know Before Purchasing a Warehouse

January 27, 2023

Neurodivergence and Accessibility in the Workplace

January 25, 2023

Plenty confirms closure of San Francisco vertical farm, will shift focus to Compton

January 23, 2023

Apply now for Women’s Recovery Response Grant funds

Transportation
January 31, 2023

Inglewood awarded $407M of state surplus funds towards people mover project

January 29, 2023

Inglewood Transit Connector and the soul of our City

January 28, 2023

Inglewood to schedule Public Hearing on Relocation Plan for Inglewood Transit Connector project

January 28, 2023

Metro Approves Master Co-Op Agreement with City of Inglewood for Transit Connector Project

Sports
January 26, 2023

LA Laker involved in late-night traffic stop for expired car registration

January 21, 2023

Orange County native joins Dodgers broadcast team

January 19, 2023

LAFC, Bank of Montreal announce $100M naming rights deal

January 15, 2023

Georgia Bulldogs football player, staff member killed in car crash

Real Estate
January 20, 2023

Inglewood family continues their march through the City

January 15, 2023

Top 5 Commercial Real Estate opportunities in Inglewood

January 14, 2023

5 Inglewood condos under $450,000

January 14, 2023

Op-Ed: When will Black businesses thrive in Inglewood?

Legal
January 26, 2023

Judge dismisses lawsuit over truck traffic

January 24, 2023

Women files sexual harassment lawsuit against Seal Beach country club

January 24, 2023

Former LA area police officer reaches settlement in retaliation lawsuit

January 20, 2023

Family files $50M claim aginst the City after man dies after being tased by LAPD

Newsletter

Recent Posts
  • Inglewood awarded $407M of state surplus funds towards people mover project
  • Public Comment: Closed session item on Inglewood Jan. 31 council agenda
  • Suspect in custody after standoff at Commerce Casino
  • Woman gets light sentence after attempting to run over man in Orange County
  • Caltrans shuts down street to inspect for erosion
Recent Comments
  • Stop paying for Mayor's sex bill on Public Comment: Closed session item on Inglewood Jan. 31 council agenda
  • 2UrbanGirls on Woman gets light sentence after attempting to run over man in Orange County
  • Cynthia Deann Fairer on Woman gets light sentence after attempting to run over man in Orange County
Copyright © 2011-2022 2UrbanGirls.
  • Cookie Policy
  • DMCA
  • Privacy Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.