TrumpOlympics™

ERIC PREVEN’S NOTEBOOK - It's certainly convenient to champion reform just moments before the winds shifted in America. And isn't it always nice when a billionaire decides to showcase their leadership—right on cue for the transformative election?  Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong’s remarks about the LA Times’ role in “maintaining democracy” were indeed bold, even if delivered from a self-constructed echo chamber. His acknowledgment that the paper must “represent the views of all” is a step toward trust-building, particularly with conservative readers, but one wonders: Why now? And why does it feel like a calculated risk rather than an earnest mission?   

Let’s circle back to the real issue: It’s not just whether you label content as news or opinion; it’s about what you cover and when. Readers are smart. They’re not just looking for neatly labeled takes but for a paper, they can trust to shine a light on the stories that matter—at the right time. Soon-Shiong may take the heat, but the flames are often fanned by decisions to prioritize certain narratives while burying others. Opinion pieces from trusted voices are valuable, but trust is earned by editorial integrity and timing, not by playing both sides.

Speaking of trust and transparency, how about that “Odor Controller Investigation” involving a temporary easement agreement with 9940 Jefferson, LLC—the successor to NantWorks, LLC? The city’s dealings under Herb Wesson’s acting mayoral stint raise eyebrows. Massive appraisal discrepancies ($3.9M vs. $13.5M), the absence of competitive bidding, and the property’s suspicious timing of acquisition before the city articulated its need for an air-scrubber site smell fishy…literally.

This is where City Controller Kenneth Mejia and his sleepy-eyed hire, Sergio Perez, could step in. This deal was brokered during a period when Eric Garcetti was raising historic sums with Rick Jacobs—was it truly in the city’s best interest? Did taxpayers get the short end of a sweetheart deal? Why was there no RFP to see if other entities might offer better terms? And just how did Dr. Soon-Shiong’s NantWorks foresee the city’s ‘need’ so presciently?

We know the LA Times newsroom is capable of stellar reporting--like the in-depth piece on the Natural History Museum Commons and Gnatalie, the green-hued dinosaur fossil stretching imaginations as well as its 75-foot-long neck. But when it comes to certain City and County stories, the nose-twitching questions—“It just smells bad?”—are too often ignored.

If Soon-Shiong wants to “maintain democracy,” he might start by ensuring his own paper’s coverage doesn’t shy away from scrutinizing billionaires, sweetheart deals, and city and county hall chicanery—even when it gets personal. Readers don’t need a lecture on echo chambers; we need a paper willing to examine the echoes of its own halls. 

Dry-but-important items:

The county has eviscerated the meeting schedule and so far the Los Angeles Times has looked away.

Here’s the Tuesday lineup: Nuisance abatement (Item 1) raises questions about whether these actions are legitimate and fair or just bureaucratic harassment. How is the community ensuring their voices are heard? Liquor licenses (Items 2-7) focus on balancing bar life and public safety—who’s ensuring these aren’t leading to unnecessary law enforcement challenges? Finally, healthcare and housing bonds (Items 11-12), totaling $52 million, leave us hoping someone is ensuring this money delivers real, lasting benefits.

Now, for Items 13 through 30... wtf.  Grants, housing projects, public safety moves, zoning tweaks— the stakes for the city's future are all outlined right here, but you’re just blowing by it with no chance for the public to speak up?  That's uncool.

Take the EPA and NASA grants in Items 13 and 14. Environmental cleanup and next-level analytics sound interesting, but where’s the transparency? Which spots get cleaned up, and who decides? And recycling (Item 15) — $9.68 million a year? That’s a lot of green and Athens "be way up in there, yo."  Are we locked in for 15 years with no clear plan to keep costs in check?

Then there’s housing. Five months of leasing the Highland Gardens for $1.87 mil (Item 19)? Seems like we’re paying Ritz Carlton prices for a Motel 6 accomodation. What’s the long-term plan? We can’t keep throwing cash at short-term fixes.

And the LAPD items? Donations, equipment, street racing laws—it all sounds hilarious, but who’s watching the store? Aren't we fresh out of money?

This whole agenda feels like you’re trying to dodge public input. You’re supposed to be serving the people, not ghosting them. 

Let’s get these big-ticket items out front --

City Attorney:   Sir, you're disrupting the meeting. 

Judgement Obligation Bondage: 

Smart Speaker: Today, I’d like to thank Mr. Harris Dawson and the council leadership for the “clever” idea you’ve proposed with these Judgment Obligation Bonds—a concept so dazzling in its fiscal irresponsibility that it deserves its own plaque outside City Hall.  Let's see where it might fit in on the Real Paul Krekorian City Hall Tour™  …  SOLD OUT through 2027! 

The City Hall Rotunda.

Let’s recap. Instead of addressing the city’s ballooning liabilities through transparent, accountable budgeting, we’re opting to pay off legal judgments and settlements by borrowing money. Borrowing. Nothing says “financial stability” like taking on new debt to pay for yesterday’s mistakes. Why fix the plumbing when you can just let the ceiling collapse? What's impressive is how you’ve managed to sell this as a “solution” rather than an admission of poor governance.

But let’s give credit where it’s due: this is not just fiscal negligence. By using bonds, you not only defer the financial pain to future budgets—and let’s face it, future taxpayers—but you also sidestep the uncomfortable conversations about why these settlements and judgments are stacking up like overdue library books. Perhaps we could put some of these settlements in a time capsule for the next generation to open, alongside the bill for the bonds? A legacy gift, if you will.

And a word about transparency. You’ve assured us that this is the “prudent” thing to do. Prudent! Is that the same prudence that brought us $1.3 billion in homelessness spending with half a billion left unspent, if you believe Controler Kenneth Mejia?

Now, we've heard the message: bonds are a “last resort.”  But here’s a wild idea: how about addressing the root causes of these judgments? Maybe, just maybe, fewer lawsuits might mean fewer settlements and fewer bonds. Radical, I know.

And speaking of radical ideas, I had an epiphany and would suggest that both the City and the County immediately adopt the Chat 3P public comment plan™. One period early in the meeting for those who need to get to work, a second in the middle to allow engagement on items, and a third period at the end for those who deliver sharp summaries and "afternoon available" constituents! 

It’s not rocket science—it’s basic democracy. Providing multiple opportunities for the public to engage ensures a broader range of voices are heard and reflects the very purpose of these bloody meetings.  And yes, it's more diverse, equitable and inclusive. 

…and California voters have already made it clear they aren’t willing to cede control to the governor or legislature’s instruments in these three distinct areas. Why should we, here in Los Angeles, do any differently?

Before I stop, I want to say thank you, actually ... for the substantial creativity—it takes real vision to package up financial recklessness as innovative governance for the holidays, but you did it!  Measure G is officially on the slow boat... but rest assured we out in the bleachers do not cede control to the instruments...  and you know we will not be treated as an ATM... 

Thank you, and as always

Lithium, NYT Field Trips, and the Ambassadorship That Got Away:

We should pause to appreciate the discovery of vast lithium reserves in Arkansas—a treasure trove of strategic importance in our electrified future.

Remember Bill Clinton's successful 1992 U.S. presidential election against incumbent George H. W. Bush? As Carville said, “It’s the economy, stupid.”

County Counsel: Sir, you’re off-topic. The Democrats lost; this will be your final warning.

Smart Speaker: We are grieving... but fine. I was saying, before I was interrupted, that lithium is the backbone of modern energy storage, the silent workhorse in electric vehicles, and a key ingredient in breaking free from fossil fuel dependence. It is, quite literally, powering hope.

That said, I propose an unconventional solution to another pressing issue: the collective despair currently emanating from the editorial desks of The New York Times. Following Trump’s reelection and the unveiling of his rogues’ gallery of appointees, the Times Opinion section has become a wellspring of existential misery. The tone? Heavy. The outlook? Bleak.

So, why not send the NYT Opinion staff on a morale-boosting field trip to the lithium mines of Arkansas? Now, I admit, there’s no scientific evidence that proximity to a lithium mine improves one’s mood, but let’s be honest—at this point, it couldn’t hurt. Picture it: columnists and editors, surrounded by the shimmering potential of five to nineteen million tons of optimism. Maybe they’ll find some solace in knowing that the world’s batteries—and perhaps their own—could soon be recharged.

But while we’re on the topic of missed opportunities, let me confess the tragedy that stings me most: Supervisor Janice Hahn. She was an early, steadfast supporter of Kamala Harris, a loyal advocate who almost certainly had an ambassadorship waiting for her—perhaps to a breathtakingly beautiful country like Australia, with its rugged coastline and endless possibilities. And now? Nothing. No coral reefs, no koalas, no shrimp on the Barbie, no dignified photo ops with foreign leaders. Just the cold reality of...

Welcome to the TrumpOlympics™ 2028

During the cheerful Paris trip—where Los Angeles officials celebrated the Games—who could have predicted that 2028 would unfold under President Donald J. Trump’s reign? Enter the TrumpOlympics™: a reimagined spectacle of branding, bravado, and “making sports great again.” This letter, while unverified (naturally), tees up the ultimate promotional platform—and the seismic risks Los Angeles faces.

As a member of the watchful electorate, let me address this head-on: Anyone who thinks Trump would squander the largest marketing opportunity in history clearly skipped his “Apprentice” playbook. Advertisers once shook with excitement (or fear) to place products on his show; now, we’re imagining an entire line of "TrumpOlympics™" merchandise. Trump-branded gold medals, MAGA leotards, and “Sharpie-certified” official maps. It’s all on the table.

Trump’s obsession with winning and crowd sizes ensures he’ll welcome anyone—athletes, tourists, and even his most vocal critics. The spectacle trumps all. Casey Wasserman, no stranger to the power of branding, surely sees the financial windfall this “rebrand” could unleash. Still, the irony cannot be ignored: The LA County Democrats, who have wielded their power against Trump, now find themselves cornered, embracing TrumpOlympics™ as a lifeline for the Games they fought to bring here.

This is their penance. Meetings are canceled while strategies emerge—sending Tracy Park to “ease tensions” at the White House? Surely, nothing could be more cringeworthy. Meanwhile, Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s missteps and Wasserman’s unflinching focus on profits leave Los Angeles taxpayers as the first backstop for cost overruns—capped at $270 million, though we know that’s just a starting figure. Rest assured, Trump won’t hesitate to pile on the debt. Tourism may be lucrative for the few, but “who cares about the rest,” right?

Then there’s this:

Official* Letter from President-Elect Donald J. Trump
To: Casey Wasserman, Chair, Los Angeles 2028
Subject: Exciting Enhancements to the TrumpOlympics™

Dear Casey,

Congratulations on overseeing what will be the most successful Olympics in history. Under my leadership, we’re reimagining these Games as the TrumpOlympics™. Huge opportunity. Tremendous. Here are the new events:

• The Indictment Sprint: Navigate a 100-meter track littered with subpoenas and plea deals. Bonus for dodging prison time while collecting fundraising dollars.
• Ego Inflating Powerlift: Lift solid gold statues of yourself while shouting, “Nobody does this better!” Winners receive a lifetime supply of Trump Steaks.
• Sharpie Precision Challenge: Rewrite maps, weather forecasts, or election results. Points for artistic flair and straight-faced delivery of “It’s all true.”
• Golden Escalator Descent Freestyle: Descend Trump Tower’s famed escalator while delivering campaign promises. Judged on absurdity and applause meter readings.
• Truth-Dodging Dodgeball: Evade tough questions from reporters while yelling “Fake news!” Style points awarded.
• Golf Cheating Decathlon: Combine bunkers, mulligans, and “clever” scorecard edits. Winner hosts next year’s Games at TrumpNational.

These events will inject excitement, drama, and a winning spirit into the Games. They’re a huge diplomatic opportunity for me to meet world leaders right here in Los Angeles, and I’m confident this rebrand will draw record-breaking crowds and TV ratings.

Casey, this is a big, beautiful chance for Los Angeles to shine under my direction. I trust you’ll embrace these changes with the same enthusiasm you’ve shown in Paris and beyond.

Yours truly,
Donald J. Trump

President-Elect and Future TrumpOlympics™ Executive Director

[*The letter could not be verified.]

While we laugh (and cry a little), the real stakes for Los Angeles are no joke. Tourism as a cash cow sounds glamorous, but when it’s built on lopsided contracts and debt, it’s the public that pays. Brace yourselves for loyalty pledges, gold-plated medals, and—yes—a Sharpie-certified legacy.  Let the TrumpOlympics™ begin.

(Eric Preven is a longtime community activist and is a contributor to CityWatch.)