LOS ANGELES

DEEGAN ON LA-The density versus housing preservation argument is as much about politics as it is about the specifics of density, preservation or the need for abundant and affordable housing.

FIRST PERSON-So how does one deal with a problem like the present never-ending stream of undocumented aliens and their children flocking to and illegally crossing our borders?

ANIMAL WATCH-On Tuesday afternoon, June 19, Ursula Carmody, an experienced volunteer at the Los Angeles Animal Services' Harbor shelter in San Pedro, bathed and brushed a medium-sized, male Shepherd-mix dog which had been picked up as a stray eight days before.

ALPERN AT LARGE--As stated in my last CityWatch article, conflating "feelings" with law enforcement on such heart-wrenching issues as homeless and border law enforcement lead to cruel results, and with the critical resources needed to help the truly unfortunate being squandered on those who are anything BUT victims. 

RANTZ & RAVEZ-I have some timely subjects to share with you this week from RantZ and RaveZ. 

MISERY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD-Sky-high housing prices in California and New York have made the two states the epicenter of America’s homeless crisis.

BE RICH OR BE SCREWED--The White House on Thursday released a 32-point plan (pdf) to reorganize several departments of the federal government.

ALPERN AT LARGE--Whether we like it or not, both liberals and conservatives alike are becoming equally, and emphatically, disenfranchised and angry at how our homeless and border policies are being enforced ... or, perhaps, more accurately, NOT being enforced. 

CORRUPTION WATCH-The most dangerous notion in Western Civilization is the idea that one religion or one people has an exclusive lock on The Truth. 

DAILY OUTRAGE--Public money will be used to build a $900 million office skyscraper for L.A. city workers.

SPORTS POLITICS--In a New York Timesop-ed, several current and former NFL players rejected President Donald Trump's request for a list of people they would like to see him pardon, demanding instead that he enact far-reaching reforms to end the crisis of mass incarceration, which has seen black Americans sent to prison at more than five times the rate of white Americans.(Photo above: LA Rams players raise fists during anthem.)

LOS FELIZ LEDGER SPECIAL REPORT--A non-elected committee created to provide guidelines regarding affordable housing and development for the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council has been meeting illegally since December 2017 in violation of California’s Ralph M. Brown Act, which guarantees the public’s right to be informed of and to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies.

FOLLOW THE MONEY-Separation of families and the “snatching of children” is growing as a business because local governments have become accustomed to using taxpayer dollars that have been provided for children’s benefit to balance their ever-expanding budgets.

SOLAR POLITICS-The recent decision of the California Energy Commission to require the inclusion of rooftop solar photovoltaics on most new homes has engendered praise from some quarters, and criticism from others.

FIRST PERSON-What is most disconcerting about the systematic, purposeful dismantling of public education in this country by LAUSD (and other entrenched mega school districts like it around the country) is they make no attempt to cover up their reprehensible, often criminal behavior in fixing assessments and grades to justify graduating students who have none of the skills they are presumed to have acquired to receive a high school diploma. 

CAL BUZZ-Win or lose in November, Steve Poizner already has made history. Poizner, a 61-year old Silicon Valley zillionaire, finished first in the June 5 balloting for Insurance Commissioner — the first political independent ever to qualify for election to state office in California. 

EASTSIDER-Most of us go about our business assuming that our “democratic” system of voting is basically OK, except for the Russians (and who knows else) meddling with social media to influence us. But a look at our statutes reveals another story in which Democrats and Republicans get to freeze anyone else out. 

BCK FILE--Honoring fathers this past Sunday, it was difficult not to reflect on the status of thousands of children who have been torn from their parents as a display of the strong-armed immigration policy that has been a centerpiece of the Trump campaign and now, administration. 

@THE GUSS REPORT-Kudos to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong for his stated purpose in buying the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, Spanish language Hoyand several small community newspapers: to not only save local journalism but allow it to thrive.

VOICES-Three separate juries have now confirmed what we in the VyBe chapter of the Los Angeles Tenants Union have long known: Lisa Ehrlich has allowed her properties to deteriorate to slum-like conditions.

DEEGAN ON LA-Just like Angelenos who whiz around the city in their vehicles, our hillside-dwelling wildlife also have transportation needs.