What a night it was!
The Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley's 12th annual Valley of the Stars banquet Saturday night at the Disney Studios in Burbank.
The honorees are in the middle of the photo taken by John McCoy of the Daily News: Federal Appeals Court Judge Harry Pregerson with Oscar-winning actress Sally Field and Daily News Publisher Doug Haines, Pierce College President Bob Garber and me in back. The white coats are Alliance leaders Bruce Ackerman, left, and David Fleming with emcee Wink Martindale on his right.
It's a strange feeling to be the recipient of honors but my family was proud. The highlight for me was Randy Witt's video that captured the irony, and absurdity, of my life. I'm grateful.
Ron Kaye is the former editor of the Los Angeles Daily News where he spent 23 years helping to make the newspaper the voice of the San Fernando Valley and fighting for a city government that serves the people and not special interests.
Twice in recent years, Los Angeles Magazine listed Kaye among the city’s most influential people, specifically in the area of politics. Kaye has been variously described in the media as the “accidental anarchist,” “the Patrick Henry of the San Fernando Valley” and a “passionate populist.” He is now committed to
carrying on his crusade for a greater Los Angeles as an ordinary citizen. Previously, Ron worked at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner,
Associated Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer and The Australian as well as papers
in Fairbanks, Alaska and Yakima, Wash. He also wrote for Newsweek magazine, The Guardian in London and the National Enquirer.
Ron,
Congrats on well deserved recognition!
Note something: There is not one person non-Anglo or under sixty in the photo.
Not that the old, dead Republican Mayor is for affirmative action, indeed, my Libertarian soul shudders at the thought
HOWEVER, the photo tells you something but more importantly the Economic Alliance and it's client states such as VICA, VEDC, continue to produce absolutely nothing nor have made one effort to articulate a dynamic, progressive (not the liberal political meaning of progressive) and potentially successful business vision of the Valley.
They continue to push the construction of condos, shopping malls and car dealerships as what the Valley needs. In order for us to go beyond our wildest dreams and address some real issues we need more entrepreneurship, corporate headquarters and new business. Not more of the same.
So the old farts can continue to have award shows, black tie dinners and have the do-nothing politicians (or their aides) show up with a stack of proclamations, the Valley (as well as the rest of the City) continues to sink, sink, sink into oblivion.
However, forty years after Gidget, Sally Field remains exceedingly HOT!
No class, Higby. None whatsoever.
While my wife and I do not agree with you regarding increasing the membership of the L.A. City Council (more mischief makers we don't need) we want to thank you for your efforts to "take back L.A." from its failed leaders and failed politicized programs. We look forward to learning more about your ideas and plans with hopes that this might be the beginning of a better life for Angelenos. Richard and Jonelle Bisetti
Ron Congrats!! I am Ron's brother-in-law and have had the pleasure of watching Ron's career and this award unfold. One of the things that is so great about Ron Kaye is his ability to break the mold, and to see things in a very basic fundamental way about people, power and governance. That this business oriented group would honor Ron at the same time as the Daily News is such a beautiful irony that gives me great hope for RonKayeLA.com, LA and Ron Kaye. Make it happen!!
Ron: Jody and I were proud to be there, pleased to meet the extended family, and of course happy to see you on the dais not only for the star given in your name, but also the one you earned for the Daily News. It was a lovely dinner and a well-deserved honor...
So, 3:49 can say I have no class and I'm assuming it's because I either used the term "old farts" and/or referred to Sally Field being hot (which most would view as a compliment.
Yet 3:40 offers absolutely no solution to the problem, to the utter uselessness of groups like VICA, the LA Chamber, VEDC, etc.
Folks, we can continue to pretend or we can be honest and turn things around. If we just want to dress up and give people awards, great. But be honest. The city is burning and you're playing the fiddle.
This is NOT to diminish what Ron is doing. Though there are some things I don't agree with Ron he is on the right track and I agree with about 90% of the time.
Again, if we want to recover, we have to be honest. No sacred cows. You criticize Antonio for having them; don't have them yourselves.
And I still think Sally Field is one attractive woman. And Ron Kaye is a handsome man. :)
...the utter uselessness of groups like VICA, the LA Chamber, VEDC, etc.
To say nothing of the wankers at the Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, or the Junior Chamber and its various affiliates.
Higby says: "So, 3:49 can say I have no class and I'm assuming it's because I either used the term 'old farts' and/or referred to Sally Field being hot (which most would view as a compliment."
No, it's because you have no class.
12:43 slams two different organizations that I have had affiliations with because he thinks he's going to hurt my feelings. However I've been just as up front about the challenges of those groups as I am with the Valley lack of leadership crowd. So what do you want me to do, cry? At least have the nerve to offer your comments in front of your real name.
2:13 continues to say that I have "no class" yet offers no evidence for such a statement but more importantly offers no basis of support for an argument supporting the Valley lack of leadership crowd or at least intelligently countering my criticism.
So if your intention is to make me cry, I don't see that happening. If you want to stand up for your sacred cows, lets have an intelligent debate. Until then if you're just throwing out insults at me, then that's fine, but it continues to underscore your complete lack of an intelligent argument and most likely the fact that my comments have maybe made YOU cry (or at least threaten or bother you personally).
So want to try again?
(Ron I hope you are enjoying this - signed your favorite "card") :)