Caruso is Back and Still A Democrat
Shopping Mall Billionaire and failed L.A. City Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso gave Politico’s Christopher Cadelago and Melanie Mason an exclusive interview where he discussed his efforts to help Democrats. Yes, you read that correctly. The former Republican, who registered as a Democrat before running for mayor, is now planning on spending big to help moderate Democrats get elected. He talked about promoting pro-business policies and dealing with crime. You can read more here.
Justice is Slow Especially in the City of Angels
Calpeek talks a lot about the ethically challenged, if not outrightly corrupt, Los Angeles City Council, because it seems like there is news every week. This week, it’s about Councilmember John Lee, who was not charged by the U.S. Attorney when his boss, former Councilmember Mitchel Englander, was charged and eventually served jail time. We don’t know why the U.S. Attorney didn’t file charges against Lee. Amid the scandal, Englendar resigned in 2018 and Lee ran to fill his vacant seat. In 2020, Lee won the election to Council and days later Englander was indicted. Would the voters have chosen a different candidate if Englander’s indictment had been made sooner? Lee’s margin of victory was 1%. Now, 6 years after the Vegas get-a-way, the L.A. City Ethics Commission has accused Lee of Ethics’ violations. Read more about it here. Apparently what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, but it does take a very long time to get south on the 15.
Dismal Approval Ratings
Based on the latest numbers from the Public Policy Institute of California, the United States Supreme Court is strongly disliked in California. Among all adults surveyed, 68% disapprove of the Court. Support is down 27% since 2017. Hmmm, wonder what has changed since 2017. Read the details, data, and insight here.
Lovin’ Us Some Fat Bears
It’s back. Everyone’s favorite voting opportunity: Fat Bear Week! Voting has started, but you have until Tuesday to weigh in…with your vote. Katmai National Park and Preserve, the organizers, have some great before and after photos of the bears. As Calpeek discussed last year, there was an incident of voter fraud. We hope this year is drama free and may the fattest bear win!
All Laphonza All The Time!
In case you missed it (and if you did, I don’t know how), Laphonza Butler has been sworn in as California’s newest U.S. Senator with the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. The labor leader, political strategist, and Emily’s List president takes on the much sought after position at a pivotal time in Washington D.C as a government shutdown is temporarily averted and Kevin McCarthy is ousted from his Speakership. Beyond getting to know Lahphonza, questions about whether or not she’ll run to permanently fill the seat beyond 2024 are headline news. Below are links to coverage to help you become better acquainted with U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler.
Governor Newsom Picks Laphonza Butler as Feinstein Replacement – POLITICO
Who is Laphonza Butler – USA Today
What to Know About Laphonza Butler – New York Times
How Laphonza Butler Could Reshape California’s U.S. Senate Race – CalMatters
LA Times Columnists Discuss Newsom’s Choice for Senate – LA Times
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pick to replace Dianne Feinstein has a big hole in her resume | Opinion – Sacramento Bee