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RANTZ & RAVEZ - We have all read the repeated headlines of blatant and continuing criminal corruption at Los Angeles City Hall by certain elected city officials and executive staff members. It has happened so many times that we often forget about it and then we are reminded about it when another elected official or executive staff member is charged with political corruption. The latest case that is ongoing has not been resolved in months and has now turned into years.
It was in 2023 when we first heard about L. A. City Councilmember Curren Price and the allegations of corruption charges brought against him by the L. A. County District Attorney. As the days and months passed Councilmember Price remains in office receiving all his benefits, salary and the other perks that go along representing the 9th District. Perks like a city car, Insurance and a list of other job benefits. Price is now charged with additional criminal violations and continues working as an active member of the council still receiving all of his benefits. In reality, nothing has changed in the political life of Councilmember Price. What continues is the growing cloud of what did he do and when will the residents of his district and taxpayers of Los Angeles finally find out the truth and verdict of the multiple allegations of his alleged illegal activity. We all know the system of justice is slow in Los Angeles and there is no rush to close the Price case since nothing has changed in his life and he is still collecting his full salary and benefits that come with the job as a L. A. City Councilmember. It is true that the wheels of Justice move very slow in the City of Los Angeles.
While we wait for Councilmember Price to appear before the court, former Councilmember Mark Ridley Thomas remains out of custody while his criminal case moves thru the appeal process.
What ever happened to the Good Old Days when Elected Officials were respected and lived up to the “Honorable” title that went along with the elected position. I guess I called it what it really was. “The Good Old Days” when politicians lived up to the title and earned the respect of the public.
If that is not enough news about City Hall, I have more interesting facts to share with you.
I was recently nominated to become a member of the New Charter Reform Commission. Since I was the VP of the original Charter Commission years ago, I thought I would be a good fit for the position. My name was submitted and I began to make the rounds at City Hall. Little did I know that RantZ and RaveZ is read by the elected officials at City Hall. I found out that some of the members of the City Council don’t enjoy when I illustrate some of their unusual habits of running the city into the ground. At any rate, when I met with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado from the 14th District she asked me about my description of the “Crazy Train” of council members. At that point I knew it would not be a pleasant experience for me. The meeting continued and left me realizing that my chances of winning over the members of the Anti-LAPD council were slim to none. I remind you that it was Councilmember Jurado who said “F--- the LAPD.”
Following the meeting with one other councilmember, I decided that I would not be able to work or communicate with such a hostile and anti LAPD body of elected officials. So, I have pulled my name from the Commission position and will continue my life Ranting and Raving about the growing number of anti-police Councilmembers who care little about you, public safety or the City of Los Angeles.
I urge you to pull up www.ourLA.org to find out the true goals of those pushing to reform L.A. by major City Council changes. They want to expand the city council and modify many functions of L.A. Government. The cost will be very expensive and the impact will destroy Los Angeles.
(Dennis P. Zine is a retired law enforcement supervisor, current Reserve Officer and retired member of the Los Angeles City Council. He is a regular contributor to CityWatchLA.com and can be heard on KABC Radio, and Channels 5,11 and Spectrum TV with police related features.)
