The painting above this site’s title is an example of Luis Melo’s work – a practice painting from a movie still of CHINATOWN – on his “Sketch and Practice” page. Go buy a print from him.
I’m interested in corruption. Political corruption, to be exact, from Los Angeles to San Bernardino County.
Where do you see corruption in southern California government, business, unions, lobbying, advocacy, or other entities? Who is corrupt?
Take few seconds and let me know via email at jjakegittes@gmail.com, on Twitter here, or on Facebook here. Feel free to message me via Facebook or Gmail.
Who am I?
I’m not law enforcement and I’m not a journalist.
I’m interested in explaining the political dynamics that citizens should know, but don’t. I’m interested in corruption and collusion in Southern California, both on the part of government officials, private companies, community activists, non-profits, law enforcement, and unions alike.
I’m interested in how many governments, private companies, politicos, non-profits, advocacy groups, etc. pervert and politicize real concerns about justice even as justice is swept aside. Everything’s for the sake of the children, the environment, the little guy, the mom and pop, the underprivileged, etc.
Except when it’s not.
Rhetoric isn’t reality, and the truth is often stranger – and in some ways far worse – than fiction. Behind all the short, distorted snippets that come to you through the narrow, smudged window of the evening “news” is a swirling universe of interests fighting 24-7 using the blunt edge of power as well as indirect, behind the scenes tricks you’ve never heard of before, all amped up to 11.
Thankfully, there is good amidst the bad, and often one group is countered by others, and sometimes things balance out, sort of, and ramble forwards. Truth can be more colorful and more hilarious than fiction. Because people are infinitely interesting and complicated creatures.
I deal in serious research as well as dirt and tips. Dump your info on the other guys/gals to me and we’ll see if it checks out and what can be done about it.
I’m discreet, cautious, and judicious. Everybody’s got a story, and a history, and some baggage, and there are multiple sides to all of the above. Few truly share information for the sake of the public good.
I’m currently researching for a series of projects (written word and otherwise) related to political corruption in southern California, including the trash industry.
How do you understand the political issues involved? Which companies, governments, unions, advocacy groups or other entities are corrupt, and why? What’s bothering you?
Email: jjakegittes@gmail.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/WastedCA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjakegittes
Trash Talk 