LOCAL NEWS

HANDS ON THE WHEEL

January 1, 2009 it became illegal to text message while driving in California. 

Penalties For Texting While Driving. 
Similar to the cell phone law that went into effect July 1, 2008; the base fine for a first violation is $20; subsequent violations are $50. The total cost of the citation is significantly higher than the base fine, with the addition of local court costs and program fees. The penalty varies from county to county.

New Years Eve Murder in Bel Air
Police arrested Gilbert Llewelyn McDonald, 34, in the shooting death of a onetime local basketball star Felix L. Lang Jr., 28, at a New Year’s Eve party at a rented Coldwater Canyon mansion. The L.A. Valley College basketball star’s body was found on a curb across the street from the four-story stucco home on New Year’s Day. The shooting occurred near Harvard-Westlake School and St. Michael All Angels Episcopal Church. This is another incident involving party houses,mansions that host illegal, professionally catered and paid events. Sources say Lang, acting as a self-appointed bouncer got into an argument over a taco plate with McDonald, and was killed about 4 A.M. as the party came to a close. As themen started fighting the suspect produced a handgun, and the weapon discharged, but no one was hit at that time. Moments later, the suspect pointed the handgun at the victim and fired several rounds at close range. It was McDonald’s decision to fire the second time that prompted police to book him on suspicion of murder. It did not appear to be a case of self-defense, police stated. The home was rented by three men.

Car Racing On The Pomona Freeway
Two vehicles racing on the Pomona Freeway in East L.A. caused a fired up six-car pileup closing westbound lanes for an hour. The crash occurredwest of the Long Beach Freeway near Indiana Street and happened when one driver lost control of his vehicle, causing other cars to collide and burst into flames. Bystanders helped pull people from the flames, and one person was taken to the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, in critical condition.

Oldest Person On Earth
Gertrude Baizes of Los Angeles is the oldest person on earth—114-year-old. Previously holding the esteemed title was Maria de Jesus (115-year-old) from Portugal, who recently passed away.

Gaza Supporters Rally In Westwood
Supporters of both sides of the conflict in Gaza held a round of boisterous but, peaceful demonstrations in front of the Federal Building in Westwood. The groups were separated by dozens of police officers. At a pro-Palestinian rally that began early in the day, hundreds of demonstrators lined the curb on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood waving flags and posters. Some read “End the Occupation. Start the peace.” Another proclaimed—“Gaza = Auschwitz.”

New Report Card System For L.A. Parents
Parents in L.A. will start receiving a one-page report card regarding their child’s school progress. The report provides a more accessible picture of their child’s school work. For high schoolers, the report card provides dropout figures, and shows how many students are proficient in English and math, and whether that number is going up or down. L.A. Unified has been collecting student information for about a decade.

Hooters Goes Back To Court
Hooters honchos are fired up at a lawsuit brought by whom they consider “a group of morons” claiming sexual discrimination. Restaurant higher-ups say they have a legal right to hire who they want to wait on customers. This isn’t the first battle for the restaurant known as much for good-looking female help as for its menu. Hooters said that it has fought this battle before and won and plans on doing the same this time. They say the suit is brought by a desire to make an easy cash settlement.

Great White Steamer Is Put To Rest
The small island town ofAvalon finally decided that it didn’t want the SS Catalina, which has for 50 years ferried more than 25million people to its shores. The Port of LosAngeles, and harbors in San Diego, Vancouver, Honolulu and the Port of Ensenada also agreed. So, Mexican demolition workers have put an end to the three-decade campaign to preserve the steamship by cutting the 302-foot vessel in pieces for scrap. The huge vessel owned by onetime Catalina Island landowner and chewing gum mogul William Wrigley, cost approximately $1 million to build and made daily trips between Wilmington and Avalon between the years of 1924 through 1975.

Open Gates To Celebrity Homes
A ruling for Beverly Park, an exclusive residential area in L.A. allows nannies, gardeners and those working in the area to enter and exit through the gates that lead to celebrity homes. The area has a North and South side, and those on the North prohibited workers on the South from using their gates. An L.A. County Superior Court judge ordered a peaceful union of North and South, but Northers plan to appeal.

BHSD Changes Enrollment Rules
Students who move out of the BH school district in high school can now stay on through 12th grade if the student was enrolled in BHUS District for four years, and attended at least one semester of high school. Students in seventh grade can finish through eighth, and students in K-5, can finish through fifth grade—as long as they have been enrolled in the BHUS District for four years. The decision will be up for a final vote which is set for a later date.

Lawn Ornaments & Drug Smugglers
Authorities busted a drug ring using concrete donkey statues to smuggle $1.5 million worth of marijuana into Los Angeles. Some 15 people were arrested in s scheme to bring 1,800 pounds of pot in 200 concrete burros. Police discovered the drugs in a shipping container at the Port of Long Beach. The ‘donkey’ shipment from Mexico was sent to a fictitious business in Fontana. Acting on a lead U.S. customs officials found the contraband and alerted approximately a dozen agencies of the Los Angeles Border Enforcement Security Task Force.

Bus Ride Rate Increase
Fare to ride a bus in Orange County increased from $1.25 to $1.50 as Orange County Transportation Authority officially charge higher rates for a second time in 18 years. The OCTA Board of Directors voted the increase in fares. Fuel costs for OCTAjumped 185%since 2005 as the organization faces a short fall of at least $18 million in annual bus operating budget. Increases were necessary because OCTA may fall behind in its “fare-box recovery,” a state requirement that the agency make at least 20 cents on every dollar spent on bus service to receive state funding.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon In Jail
Dr. Jan Adams, the non-board certified plastic surgeon responsible for doing surgery on music star Kanye West’s mother the day before she died, received a one year jail sentence after rolling over to a charge that he drove drunk last year. Adams pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of DUI over an incident occurring in the Bay area last summer where he was cited driving on a freeway the wrong way and with a blood alcohol level of .20—more than twice the legal limit.

State Offices Take An Unpaid Day
Some 200,000 workers took their first unpaid day off as a result of CA’s fiscal crisis. Californians can’t take a driver’s test, appeal a rejected unemployment claim or conduct business at many state office buildings. Adding to the confusion of residents, some other state services and facilities will stay open as usual.

Rescue…Don’t Buy!

 

By now—EVERYBODY on planet earth should know to rescue…not buy when choosing a pet. The day of the ‘Animal Shelter’ is long gone as newandmodern LosAngelesAnimal Care Centers take on the task of not only helping pets in need, but offering assistance to people in finding solutions to their pet needs. With passage of L.A.’s Proposition F, the Fire andAnimal Facilities Bond, in 2000, LosAngeles signaled its support formodern and expanded animal care/ human interaction facilities. In 2007, the building program came to fulfillment with seven newfacilities, all with a top notch veterinary staffwho look after the health of the animals; animal Control Officers who respond to calls picking up stray, injured animals and wildlife or animals in danger of inhumane treatment; representatives to locatemissing pets; observation spaces within each Care Center including get-acquainted rooms for cats and outdoor yards for an adopter to get to know dogs and other animals; spay and neuter clinics and new Animal Care Centers keep animals comfortablewith radiant heating in the concrete for the winter and misting systems for hot days.

I spokewith Ed Boks, GeneralManager of Los Angeles Animal Services. Boks has for years stood far above other animal care representatives lobbying to upgrade facilities and further the legislation that protects animals.

“L.A.Animal Service is the largest pet adoption agency in the world. We adopted out 26,200-plus animals in 2008,” stated Boks. “We also partner with more than 100 rescue organizations in the area who help augment our adoption and place in the neighborhood of 4,000 to 5,000 animals each year. We have one of the highest return rates of lost pets to their owners any where in the country, and return some where in the area of 5,000 pets to frantic owners every year. One thing owners can do if they love their animals is to license and micro-chip their pets. Then, when we find the pet we can return it to them immediately. One hundred percent of the animals that come to our shelters with proper identification go home. A big problem is that the majority of lost pets that do come into our shelters have no identification and they never go home again.” Although there is much work to be done, Boks motto: create happiness by bringing pets and people together, has pushed Los Angeles on to become a ‘NO KILL’Animal Care state. This is no easy task as L.A. Animal Services rescues about 50,000 companion animals and nearly 10,000 exotic, wild and farm animals each year, and accepts lost or homeless pets (about 135 animals each day) and all are given shelter, vaccinated,medically evaluated, treated, housed and fed until they are reunited with owners or adopted.

“Most folks have fears and concerns about micro-chipping pets, but when I see the numbers of animals killed in United States shelters for no reason than we can’t find their owners, that is a national tragedy. Micro-chipping is away to ensure that if your pet is lost and found by local animal control— L.A. Animal Services—we can return the pet to you. Micro-chipping is an injection that takes about 10 seconds once the pet is with the veterinarian.”

Residents can be proud that L.A. Animal Services is dedicated to eliminating euthanasia as a tool for controlling its pet overpopulation.

:::Suzanne Takowsky

The Los Angeles Department of
Animal Services
888-4LAPET1 or 888-452-7381
North Central, South L.A,West Valley
East Valley, West L.A, Harbor

www.laanimalservices.com

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery

 

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc.

The Best of Everything in Challenging Times!

The first thing I noticed at BeverlyHills Plastic Surgery, in Beverly Hills, is that everything was exquisite, down to thesmallest detail. The Chanel-inspired suite, completewith crystal chandeliers and white marble floors, has such a sophisticated and calming feel. I was gracefully greeted by Christine Chiu, ManagingPartner andwife of Dr.Gabriel Chiu. Christine loves all things Chanel, and the Chius’ dedication to timeless beauty is as evident in décor as it is in Dr. Chiu’s surgical results. “Our classicmodern facility is compromised of a sensational Skinceuticals lounge, private VIP reception for our most discerning clientele and four beautiful exam rooms. We operate on paperless and wireless systems for unparalleled efficiency and patient confidentiality. For enhanced patient comfort, we offer state-of-the-art audio, visual, and security systems,” Christine explained.

The medical suite is gorgeous…more like a home than an office. Clients are treated to pomegranate and blueberry tea, Belgian chocolates, sugar-free Madagascar vanilla macaroons, and there is even a variety of activities for children such as movies, games, and books. Gummy Bears, Goldfish crackers, and apple juice are always well-stocked for kids who accompany their parents! During treatments for facial fillers, patients are offered gourmet dried fruits and delicious refreshments to stay hydrated.

I was escorted into a beautiful room to meet with Dr. Chiu, who not surprisingly, was wearing an YSL suit under his doctor’s coat! He explained the company’s goal of enhancing a patient’s beauty by utilizing the most-natural, minimally-invasive and painless techniques. Dr. Chiu also stressed that every treatment and experience is customized to that patient’s specific needs. Since creating exciting and life changing experiences is what BHPS is known for, I decided to treat myself to something special. I was amazed at the expertise of Dr. Chiu, and howhe used just a small amount of Botox to givemy eyes a very natural and “refreshed” lift. I had no idea that could even be done. I was thrilled with the results!

Dr. Chiu believes in building long-term relationships with his patients, stating that follow up care is key. Many patients stay on RodeoDrive post surgery, where he visits themthroughout their healing process. Dr. Chiu’s warm personality and passion for perfection makes him an ideal plastic surgeon for patients of all ages. His diligent attention to detail is evident in his unmatched surgical results and thousands of satisfied patients. Though delivering exception results in all facets of plastic and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Chiu is renowned for flawless body contouring, breast augmentation and facial procedures.

BHPS knows the importance of people looking and feeling great—especially in challenging economic times. With this in mind, their Budget-Friendly beauty treatments help even the ‘Rich and Famous’ improve looks without spending a fortune. Dr. Chiu, while maintaining his advanced and acclaimed surgical procedures, indulges his clients’ beauty needs with guiltfree, recession-friendly and non-surgical beauty alternatives: Radiesse rejuvenated hands, Medical Grade Compression Garments, non-surgical lifts, a non-surgical nose procedure, “Botox Lift” and “Botox & Peel”.

“In this economy, even the wealthiest women have to decide between that coveted Hermes purse or looking the age she feels. Of course, I tell them they can have the best of both worlds by opting for a Chanel and seeing me for a recession-friendly treatment,” Dr. Chiu said with a gleam in his eye.

By Jill Garneski

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc.
Dr. Gabriel Chiu
9454 Wilshire Boulevard
Ground Floor@S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90212
310.888.8087

www.BeverlyHillsPlasticSurgeryInc.com

Publishers Note: Feb 09

 

 

Let’s compare protectionism in Beverly Hills with protectionism in the United States. Protectionism is a termused to label specific economic policies or doctrines that a government adopts to ‘protect’ workers and businesses in its territory. Protectionism directly influences a free market by providing incentives for citizens and businesses to purchase goods from sources that more positively effect its economy. In our case it’s protecting Beverly Hills by urging consumers not to go out of the triangle for their needs. Protectionism in B.H. and in the U.S. may appear a fitting comparison because the world looks to the U.S., just as L.A. and online markets look to Beverly Hills—but it is not!

The problem with the U.S. adopting protectionist laws is that other nations respond by adopting their own protectionist laws which damage imports and exports, and can cause more harm than good depending on your perspective. My hypothesis is that if Beverly Hills adopts its own protectionist laws or better yet…if residents adopt certain protectionist principles it would better stimulate our economy with the pros…greatly out weighing the cons. 

Case in point: Exporting dollars out of our city to those who do notreturn the favor. At first glance it might seem as though we are saving money buying cheaper, but this is an illusion. People need to understand that saving a few dollars shopping outside of Beverly Hills is a major reason behind the gloomy outlook of our town. As tax dollars and services funnel out of our city—our property values go down and we end up losing mo re than we saved. The more businesses that are forced to close their doors—the more value we lose as a city. Rent, property value, retail and business income can go down the drain fast. In a flash store fronts take on the feel of a ghost town. I’m as much for saving money as the next person when it comes to shopping for a deal, but in reality the short-term savings do not outweigh the long-term negative effects, especially in this economy. It would be foolish to believe that Beverly Hills can survive anything. A short-term down turn in revenue can have residents and long-time business owners packing up and leaving town. Most of us know some one who has already jumped ship. 

If we allow our businesses to fail and turn our city into a “for lease” haven, we lose the appeal that we are known for. After all this is Beverly Hills, and regardless of how good or bad business is, when people come to town they expect to see the rich and the famous and the streets lined with stores that aren’t empty. We should not wait for this problem to fix itself, especially when we see the number of businesses that have already moved. I say stick together and buy and hire locally. In the end we only help ourselves and the future financial outlook of our city. Retaining the value of business in Beverly Hills means that we have to support and keep open the doors of our own. Keeping the biggest little city in the world in a moving forward—if not a thriving mode—is an attraction in itself to draw dollars back to our streets.

Residents and business owners need to leave their bomb shelters, step up to the plate and be leaders, or this financial free fall could turn out worse than it needs to be. Think about it and email me your thoughts, I would love to brainstorm with you and figure out a solution to this problem.

:::By Stephen Takowsky

SMOKEY ROBINSON

 

A Music Icon For All Ages

Music headliners come and go over decades, and for babyboomers when we talk about music greats of “our day” our kids don’t have a clue who we mean.  Not the case with Smokey Robinson.  With the man comes a legendary name and unmistakable voice as cool for our hiphop kids as for us in our rock & roll days. 

Why “Smokey”?  

Fame in showbusiness usually means a trumped up stage name that slides smooth and holds its own on billboards.  And a name like “Smokey” sure seemed to me like a breezy pick by some quick thinking publicity agent.  Not so.  Robinson acquired “Smokey Joe” from an uncle because believe it or not…this Detroit born and bred city boy loved cowboy movies.  By his teens “Joe” was dropped and Robinson evolved into a cruisin’ kinda guy.  Ever since the name “Smokey” references one of the most legendary and influential songwriters, record producers and mega talents the music industry has ever seen.  Married for  6 years, he and his wife Frances were friends for more than 25 years before the love bug struck.  While Smokey makes music, Frances turns the interiors of multi-million dollar homes into a dream come true for their owners as the founder of the successful firm, FR Interior Designers.

It began in 1955 when Robinson started a band the Five Chimes that morphed into the Matadors.  The Miracles were born around the time Robinson met songwriter/record producer Berry Gordy in 1958, and within a year the Robinson/Gordy music making team was firmly in place.  When in 1959 Gordy founded Tamla Records (later incorporated as Motown) the Miracles were one of the labels first groups signed.  In 1961 Gordy made Robinson vice president of Motown, a position he kept until Gordy sold the company in 1988.  Robinson and Gordy just celebrated their 50th year anniversary, an event marking the dedication and friendship of two men who stuck it out through thick and thin to make music history.  

With more than 4,000 songs to his credit, R&B wouldn’t be the same without the smooth, sexy ‘come over here baby’ croonin’ of a Smokey song. 

And, let’s face it…men on every continent owe Robinson gratitude.  If it wasn’t for all that slow dancing, smooching and cuddling to Smokey’s music—the majority of the male population would have spent most nights in bed—ALONE!

ST:  You were titled “King of Motown” for stacking up more than 37 Top 40 hits.  As a songwriter and record producer what’s your take on music today?

SR:  It was a great Motown ride for me.  Growing up Jackie Wilson was my #1 singing idol.  I auditioned for Jackie’s managers and Berry was there.  He was a songwriter and music producer for Jackie.  I sang about five songs I’d written and Jackie’s managers didn’t care for our band.  We were four guys, my voice was high, we had a girl in the group, were young, and they didn’t think we’d make it.  Plus, they thought we were too much like The Platters, the top group in the world at that time.  Berry heard our songs, liked them and after we finished, introduced him- self and started to work with us.  Berry taught me how to professionally write songs so they made sense.  Every- thing was on one track…no remixing.  We were all in the studio at the same time.  It was tougher being a music producer then.  Now with computers musicians are on separate tracks from vocals and it’s mixed a million ways.  The music business now is very sophisticated, but there are pros and cons.  The pros are a cleaner sound, with more options. The cons are that back in the day we were in the studio together, it was like a studio concert.  We played off each other and I think got a better feel of the music.  I think kids now still listen to songs we recorded then because it’s music-music, and that never dies.  No matter when it’s written, lyrics and melody have to mean something when people hear it.  Contents of a song stand the test of time.

ST:  When you say Berry taught you how to write a song what do you mean?

SR:  I could always write, but Berry taught me the importance of allowing lyrics to flow.  A song is a short movie, short story, short book with a beginning, middle and ending that tell a tale.  You might not necessarily end it…you might want people to make their own conclusion, but you offer enough details so they can draw that conclusion.  That’s what a song is.

ST:  You’re a legendary performer who travels the world playing packed venues.  Millions come to hear you.  Your songs are a walk down memory lane.  We love them but do you get tired of singing them?

SR:  I can’t speak for others, but every night I’m on that stage my songs are new to me because I’m having a ball.  When I go to work I have a great time.  I don’t do a concert for people…I do it with people.  We’re singing and dancing and having a party.  Many nights after a show people come backstage thinking we’re going to have a party and ask…”hey, where’s the party?”  I look at them and say, “hey man I just had the party.”  After a show I’m ready to go home or to the hotel and relax, watch TV, and unwind.

ST:  You’ve received numerous awards over the years from a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award to being a Kennedy Center honoree and receiving a degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa from Howard University.  Looking back was the road rough getting here?

SR:  At times it’s been rough.  There’s always ups and downs, peaks and valleys.  I speak at churches, rehabs, schools, gang meetings and tell kids wanting careers in music or sports—sure some people with big dreams make it, but millions with the same dreams don’t.  If you’re going to make it in my business there are many ups and downs, NO’s, doors slammed and a lot of rejection.  If you’re prepared to withstand that, then it’s a great life.  I’ve been in the business for 50 years and rejection still goes on for me, but on some level rejection keeps you grounded.  I’ve seen hundreds achieve notoriety and think the world can’t do without them.  That’s a mistake and that’s why you hear one or two hits and they’re gone.  It’s not about ego.  Success happens through the grace of God, and you have to give glory to God for it.

ST:  What’s this I hear about you being an entrepreneur in the food industry?

SR:  The food line is “Soul in the Bowl” Gumbo & Red Beans & Rice.  I’ve eaten in the most soulful kitchens in the world.  These are my recipes.  In 2004, Leon Isaac Kennedy brought the idea to me and now we’re partners along with his wife, and a silent partner.  The line took off and is in Vons, Albertsons,   Safeway, Pavilions, and we’re coming up with some new dishes as well.

:::Suzanne Takowsky

Overcoming Life’s Challenges by Dr. Sophie Duriez

Dr. Solution: Riding The Wave of Success

Our fascination with the downfalls, upheavals and misfortunes of celebrities has something to do with our old ‘reptilian’ brain. This good old crocodile brain, the “emotional brain” is located right behind our eyes. Wired for negativity, this crocodile guy doesn’t think, but reacts instinctively to situations interpreted as negative or dangerous.     So, when we are in line to the cashier at the supermarket, what do we do? We look at the bold headlines of magazines located right above big pictures of celebrities. Together with the negative, the crocodile also immediately recognizes human faces. Hence, despite our will and morality, our attention has been aroused and even if we don’t buy the magazine, we might grab it and quickly flip over the cover story while waiting our turn. In essence we see celebrities as somehow a part of us. We identify and many times, live within their fictional screen characters. Take Dexter for example, the favorite serial killer of America. No wonder. Number one TV series character, Dexter is the modern

sophisticated version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide. Good the day, bad the night. Dexter’s character symbolizes our human light and shadow sides, and also our capacity of being emotionally cut-off or compartmentalizing our mind and behavior. We feel close to him as we have direct access to his thinking, and emotions by hearing his internal monologues.         Our own internal monologues, often strangely resembles Dexter’s self-talking. Yes, we are quick to judge our own, and others behavior mostly focusing on the negative. What happens is that negative emotions feeding our vigilant crocodile’s brain, are immediately interpreted into words by our evolved logical thinking brain, the “judge” (or “superego” according to Freud). Example, we are on a date, a job interview or at a dinner party. We do or say something and we comment to ourselves: “Look at you, how stupid you look. Why did you need to do (or say) that? Have you seen their faces? And so on…” Not so funny, huh? The good news is that we can fire the crocodile and the judge both together at times. The easiest way to do so, is to take advantage of the very first hours of the day, just after waking up. If we refrain from looking at our emails, watching the news, or even talking to our folks, we can peacefully relax, live and enjoy the present time of our our being with a fresh, open and clear spirit. Natural mindfulness. The longer we keep this blessed silence during the day, the better it is of course.

World News

 

The Chinese government has just recently announced that it will grant farmers throughout the country the right to own farmland; this new proclomation comes forth in an effort to help fight off starvation and increase food production.	President Nicolas Sarkozy has now threatened to take a publishing company to court unless the company withdraws a “voodoo manual” from bookstores that includes a doll bearing the president’s likeness.
Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan seized control of a bus and proceeded to kill at least 25 Afghan civilians who were on board.	After more than 60 years, trade has once aghain opened across the de facto border which divides the Indian and Pakistani parts of the disputed region of Kashmir.
A new planned international summit between Europe and America over the financial crisis turned into a heated debate as to whether capitalism has a future.	Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, receently told reporters that his country would support the endeavor that allows U.S. troops to stay positioned in Iraq under a United Nations mandate.
The countries of Hungary and Iceland are struggling with all their might to fight off bankruptcy; the horrific problems have arisen due to the crash associated with their banking systems.	The missiles that were reently fired by a remotely piloted American aircraft into a Pakistani village near the Afghan border were apparently aimed at a prominent Taliban commander reports now confirm.
Pakistan is on the verge of bankruptcy and is asking the International Monetary Fund for aid.	The Ukraine has just turned down a Russian proposal of which the details include textending the lease for the naval base that is currently being used by the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
Taliban members killed an aid worker in Kabul for trying to spread Christianity.	The ultra-Orthodox Shas Party has reported that it will not join the government that Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has been trying to assemble.
Afghanistan’s appeals court sentenced a reporter to 20 years in prison for blasphemy; the sentence commuted a death sentence that was criticized by the United Nations, Reporters Without Borders has stated.	Sister Emmanuelle, a revered nun throughout France, who has given her time and effort to numerous causes for humanity has died at age 99.

RALPH NADER: Talks Bottom Line

 

 

Bailout…Economy…Auto Industry…Environment…

Nader went for the auto industry’s jugular with a vengeance back in 1965 when he published his first book, ‘Unsafe at Any Speed’ outing car manufacturers for making unsafe vehicles.  He made headlines when executives of General Motors who hired investigators to harass him went before a televised Senate committee hearing and apologized.  With the current financial crash and round of bailouts there was plenty to ask Nader about. 

ST:  What’s your take on the auto companies wanting bailout funds?

RN:  If with a bailout the government becomes a tough insurer, share- holder and creditor in the auto industry it can further all kinds of goals for stronger fuel efficiency, emission control, safety standards to enhance sales, increase pressure on foreign auto companies, and achieve many statutory goals that auto companies have blocked for years by regulators in Washington, the Department of Transportation and EPA.  What the environmental consumer and labor groups couldn’t get through regulation, they get through reciprocity; ‘You want a bailout from Washington?..Here is how you have to perform—A, B,C, D…’  First, since the government will be contributing tax dollars, taxpayers should receive taxpayer warrants or preferred shares held by the Treasury Department for stock in the companies.  Second, since the government would be a senior creditor, it should exercise restructuring powers to remove top executives and Boards of Directors along with other functional re-alignments.  Third, since the government is essentially performing as an insurer, basic standards of loss prevention should be applied.  The three auto giants Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, whose CEOs are begging for a very rapid $34 billion in emergency government loans have few cards to play other than the domino effect on the economy, should they collapse into bankruptcy and liquidation.  Once Congress signals that, on behalf of its sullen taxpayers, going into this abyss will not happen, our national legislature will hold all the cards.  At least the auto companies are being subjected to public Congressional hearings for this latest bailout round.  In contrast, the CEOs of the financial goliaths got private roundtable treatment at the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve for greater rescue packages.   

Time Passes…But What Changes?

Nader’s name has appeared as an Independent candidate on four consecutive presidential election ballots, and the 2008 election was no exception.  Along with his V.P. running mate San Francisco attorney Matt Gonzalez, a former deputy public defender with a track record of fighting for ethics reform and defending civil rights, the two gave their progressive platform a serious go, and their reform motto was simple and to the point: ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same!’  The laundry list of gripes Nader has had for years stay the same for years with no change for us:  Single payer healthcare system; cuts on the wasteful military budget; create a sustainable economy by using solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources; make minimum wage a living wage; end corporate crime through the enforcement of law; no more Wall Street bailouts; and put  citizens, not corporations first…all crucial for our country’s well-being.  Nader’s gripe is change never happens.

Widely acknowledged as founder of the consumers’ rights movement, with regards to consumer safety and improving the environment, Nader pushes reform to the wall, and then some.  A key player in creating the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Freedom of Information Act and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, he is the Everready Energizer battery bunny incarnate bringing public awareness to subjects that he feels are contributing to the deterioration of our society and country.

ST:  How do you feel about the $700-billion plus bailout?

RN:  The economy is collapsing faster every week.  Starting with the Wall Street speculators and crooks which for no reason other than greed, speculation and too much control over a deregulatory environment launched this relentless slide in our economy.  But this is also an opportunity for the foremost corporate reform in the last 70 years.  This is Chinese ‘character for crisis’ which means opportunity.  If Washington is going to be an insureor, guaranteeor, bailoutor and a taxpayer subsidizeor…then there are all kinds of conditions that can be imposed on the auto companies, investment banks, insurance companies…whoever has a hand out in Washington for corporate welfare.  As to banks and insurance companies, the government can require them to allow inserts in all of their monthly statements and billing envelopes inviting consumers and investors to form their own group, with their own pull time advocates and those are called CUBS (Citizen Utility Board) this is an idea we got passed in Wisconsin, Illinois and San Diego years ago for household utility customers so when they get their telephone, electric and gas bills, out falls a little insert that says, Do you want to band together for your own interests against these companies?  If you do send in $5 or $10 which will hire the accountants, lawyers and organizers to pay for the work.

ST:  I think most are still scratching their heads over how fast the bailout happened.

RN:  I call the financial bailout—’Bailout by Press Release’…in that Bear Stearns, Citibank, AIG and others got to the cliff and were facing the abyss.  It was near the end of the week, they rush to Washington for Saturday and Sunday marathons with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Chair, and their staff, saying the sky’s falling… the sky’s falling.  So, without congressional hearings or congressional reviews, the Secretary of the Treasury and Federal Reserve Chair arrogate themselves authority to bail them out.  There are no conditions, no transparency, no agreement the public—taxpayers who are paying for this can even see.  Is it an agreement?  A memorandum of understanding between the Treasury Department, Citibank and the others?  What is it?  This is unheard of in American history; they’re performing as the legislature and executive in closed door deals.  Then Monday morning they issue the bailout press release, and no one asks taxpayers about it, as the taxpayer representatives testified before Congress.  We now see Congress tougher on auto companies to produce evidence of need compared to the blanket authority they gave the Treasury and Fed Reserve to provide sweetheart deals for CitiBank, Bear Stearns, AIG and the others.  In 1938 Franklin Delano Roosevelt sent a message to Congress on corporate power and said, “When government is controlled by private economic power it is fascism.”  This is fascism.

ST:  Let’s talk about Obama and his new appointees and Congress.

RN:  With the upcoming installation of Obama, a new, and supposedly reformist president and a Democratically dominated Congress, the current process must be reversed and White House-corporate understandings we now have need to be reconsidered and if maintained, revised.  The balance of power for the people of our country can turn, but it will take prompt new exertions by the people, citizen groups, organized investors, taxpayers and workers.  Seize the moment.

Stay Informed: www.nader.org

:::Suzanne Takowsky

TIS’ THE SEASON TO PARTY…

 

Simin Hashemizadeh, Director of South Pacific Surgery Center in Encino throws a surprise Birthday Bash for Suzanne Takowsky, Beverly Hills Times Magazine Editor and Persian Music SuperStar Andy Madadian keeps the event in partytime overdrive until the wee hours… 

WHAT A NIGHT!  The Prince of Persian Music Andy Madadian was hotter than ever, the crowd roared, danced and had a total blast…no one wanted to go home.  Simin Hashemizadeh—my generous, single and beautiful BFF was the perfect host, opening up her gorgeous mansion for a grandscale birthday celebration to surprise…ME!  It was a jammed packed night, tons of amazing people and most of all—being serenaded by ANDY!  One of the most incredible talents on the music scene today.  His Persian-Armenian tempo attracts audiences worldwide in soldout venues such as The Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater, Kodak Theater and many, many more.  His unique sound has been featured in numerous blockbuster films and people from all nations enjoy his eclectic songs.  Many  of the most prestigious physicians in Los Angeles attended the event.  Thanks Simin and Andy for an unforgettable night—Suzanne.

THE BROCKOVICH REPORT

What You Don’t Know Just Might Kill You!

MAKING THE DECISION TO GO ‘GREEN’

By Erin Brockovich

Let me start off this issue by saying that I am as ‘GREEN’ now as I have ever been.  My concern for the environment, health and welfare for all of us has not lessened, and it never will.  If anything, my feelings about going GREEN are stronger now as the need for our own personal responsibility grows.

We are all responsible for our own sphere of influence, and with that in mind I would like to address the “GREEN” movement that is going on in the world today, and what that means to each of us as individuals.  Even those who perceive themselves as being GREEN or living GREEN manifest their ‘greenness’ in different ways.  Some people see GREEN as a way to make money, which is okay just as long as they work toward making progress, and don’t jeopardize the environment.  Others see GREEN as recycling or in terms of carbon footprints.  But the truth is, being GREEN means more than just being aware that the ice caps are melting; it means taking the initiative to act upon that knowledge in any number of ‘moving forward’ ways. 

Being GREEN is about fighting air pollution, cleaning up our communities, changing to energy-efficient light bulbs and being more energy efficient in our daily lives. Being GREEN is about finding other energy sources to use besides oil; saving our oceans; our wildlife; our air, water and soil.  Being GREEN means bypassing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other artificial agents and making the decision to go organic.  GREEN is the natural state.  It is what we come from and where we must return if we want to survive.  We can only accomplish this by working together and joining the cause.  After all, nothing is more common among us than our need for the air we breathe, and the water we drink.  Our very lives are contingent upon these two elements.

Being GREEN is both a state of mind and an activist issue; it must not only be spoken about but acted upon. Thinking about it is the first step, butactually going out and doing something to make a difference is the next piece of the puzzle.   If one doesn’t happen, the other won’t…and thecontinuum of life will be broken.  Protecting our environment is a matter of survival, and everyone must do his/her part.  We have got to take our places on the front lines in this battle for the environment—each and every one of us—in order to keep the continuum going.  This is a daily battle; a march toward a better world and a better life for us all.

I have spoken numerous times before in person, and on my blog about politicians and heroes, but now I am speaking of the power and reach that each of us can have as individuals.  In this sense, we do not need politicians standing on the stump.  We are all Oprahs.  We are all Al Gores.  We are all—if you will pardon sharing my name—Erin Brockovich’s, up on the big HD screen of life, fighting the fight for the environment.  The time has come to make a choice and start building a better tomorrow.  May we always choose truth over deception, whatever political face it wears; may we always see clearly enough to know which is which and may we always choose GREEN.  

Keep in mind that nothing in nature stands still.  If we stand by and do nothing, we will get pushed back. In order to make progress and maintain it—we must work together.

 

 

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