Federal Probe Launched Into Pizzeria Mozza's Calamari-Stuffed Potato With Green Goddess; Might Exceed Legal Flavor Limits

The United States Attorney General said Monday that a newly-added daily special offered at Los Angeles' Pizzeria Mozza might actually pose a mental health issue because it  "may exceed legal flavor limits and is so delicious it could delude diners into believing 'all is right in the world'." 

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch made the surprising announcement after meeting with two assistants who had tried the calamari-stuffed potato drenched in Green Goddess dressing during Friday's lunch service at the establishment on the fabled corner of Highland and Melrose avenues in the city's Hancock Park district. 

"They seemed almost giddy after lunch," Lynch told reporters at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building downtown., "No, not 'seemed'. They were giddy. My aide-de-camp Francisco Boroquois went so far as to comment on international matters, something he is not authorized to do."  

When Lynch didn't elaborate, several reporters pressed her and she somewhat reluctantly revealed that Boroquois had said "Syrian peace talks in Geneva would be a bigger, more smashing success than  [the Broadway musical] 'Pal Joey.'"  At that point, Lynch said she "became concerned".

When humans experience above-the-legal- limit flavor, they tend to become delusional and think irrationally, albeit in a positive, borderline euphoric manner that results in extremely low level of productivity. 

Legal limits on food flavor are virtually unknown to the public because they are so high and very seldom exceeded. The only known modern-day successful prosecution of exceeding the flavor limit occurred in 1996 in Switzerland, when authorities were able to prove that famed chef Fredy Girardet was regularly passing the 15,000 flavor (brain) waves per minute, aka  FWPM, at his temple of gastronomy in Crissier, near Lausanne.  Girardet was ordered to tone it down. He opted to retire on Nov. 30, 1996.  

Though numerical conversion of brain wave rotations derived from food flavor is difficult for most to even comprehend, professor of biodynamics Malcolm P Widdles of Stanford University said the simplest way to grasp the concept is to think of a high-revving Formula One engine, whose legal limits are strikingly similar to legal flavor limit, numerically speaking.  

"Currently, a Formula One race car engine - McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes -can revolve up to 15,000 times a minute," Widdles said  "This is known as RPMs. It just so happens  that the current legal flavor limits, agreed to by both the United States government and the United Nations General Assembly, is also 15,000, but in this case,  FWPM. which produces excessive euphoria.  If the car exceeds the limit, it could blow up. If the human brain does, it loses track of reality and is focuses solely on pleasure. Now, that may sound like a good thing - and it is for periods up to seven hours -  but. ultimately, it isn't. The world would stop functioning properly if everyone was above the flavor limits. (Not that it is functioning entirely properly now.) 

That, said  Attorney General Lynch,  was the problem with Mozza co-owner and chef Nancy Silverton's calamari-stuffed potato with Green Goddess dressing  "People eat it and they kind of go haywire."

A Mozza, maitre D', Eva Gallner ate just a little bit of the special and just kept mumbling, "Too much flavor. Too much flavor. Too much flavor." The restaurant's general manager,Christine Larroucau, had to remove Gallner from the floor. She is expected to return Wednesday, though sources said she will not be allowed to work on Fridays when the potato is expected to return.

As of press time, no charges have been filed against Silverton and most legal experts don't think she will be charged with a crime since she is technically not cooking the potato herself. . However, Pizzeria Mozza chefs Tiffany Fox, Maika Rothfuss, Nikko Marquez,  Jeremy Barnett and Scott Brandaw could face legal actions if the flavor of the calamari stuffed potato with Green Goddess dressing is not limited to 15,000 FWPM..

UPDATE - After this story broke, the Israeli government lodged a formal complaint with the United States Ambassador to Israel claiming that Silverton and Mozza staff members Dahlia Narvaez and Elizabeth "Go Go" Hong stole this recipe from the Tel Aviv restaurant North Abraxas.

The government believes this dish is legally too delicious

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Gang Shooting Leaves One Dead At Crenshaw and Vernon

Minutes before midnight Friday, a car with six black male suspects pulled up to another vehicle at Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue. Two shooters exited and fired multiple rounds at a man sitting in what is thought to be his own car.   

The victim, only identified as a male black, was struck several times and pronounced dead at the scene. Before the shots, one of the suspects yelled out the name of a street gang.

Anyone with information on the killing can anonymously call the LAPD's Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5100

Killings Continue in South L.A., 21-year-old gunned down Monday night on 54th Street

A 21-year-old man was gunned down Monday evening, the fourth black youth in three days to be  shot and killed on the streets of South Los Angeles.

The victim, whose name is not known as of now, was standing 54th Street and 9th Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood  when two black male suspects exited their vehicle, One suspect grabbed the victim, and then the other shot him once in the head.  The two then fled in an unknown location.

The victim was transported to California Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Hyde Park is known as the stronghold of the Rollin' 60s, but it was not immediately known if they were involved in this homicide. But, the location of the shooting, on the northeast sector of Hyde Park, is near a Van Ness Gangster stronghold.

This case is not related to the previous three killings over the weekend which occurred on the eastside of the southside.  On Saturday night, 20-year-old Shujaa Silver aka Badass from Swans and 16-year-old Cy' Jai Bell were shot and killed at 81st and Avalon. 

The next day, in what is thought to be a payback, a 17-year-old male was shot to death at 83rd and Main Street, turf of Main Street Crips.

 Anyone with information can anonymously call LAPD's Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (213) 786-5100

Homicide Monday Morning on 83rd and Main Street, Possible Payback From Earlier Swans Killing

A 17-year-old black male was shot to death Monday morning on East 83rd Street and Main Street in what street sources are saying is likely a  "payback' for the killing of a Swan and a teenage girl Saturday night.

The youth was shot three times in his chest and was pronounced dead at the scene in a Main Street Crips neighborhood. 

Saturday night, shortly after 8 p.m., four people were shot by a man who exited a SUV and opened fired with an assault weapon near a liquor store at 81st Street and Avalon Boulevard, two of them fatally. The dead were Shujaa Silver II, 20, said to be known as  "Bad Ass" from Swans, a notorious Bloods gang, and 16-year-old Cy' Jai Bell. Two others were wounded and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

No further information is currently available on today's victim.

Anyone with information on the killings can anonymously call LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5100.

Swans Graffiti by "Bad Ass", whose tag is on far right.

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Four People Shot, Two Fatally, Saturday Night at 81st and Avalon

A young man and a teenage girl were shot to death and two others wounded by a man who exited a SUV and opened fire with an assault weapon in a gang-related shooting Saturday night a 81st Street and Avalon Boulevard. 

Shortly after 8 p.m., the shots rang out on the corner near liquor store. Shujaa Silver II, aka "Badass", a male black, age 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cy' Jai Bell, 16-years-old, was shot in the chest and  transported to California hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Two other black males, both in their 20s, sustained graze wounds to their backs and were transported to Californian and St Francis hospitals in fair but stable condition..

Police said victims and witnesses were being uncooperative and refused to provide any information. Street and police sources suspect a homicide Monday morning on 83rd and Main Street was payback for these killings. 

See for a little more info.    http://www.krikorianwrites.com/blog/2016/1/25/homicide-monday-morning-on-83rd-and-main-street-possible-payback-from-earlier-swans-killing

Four People Shot, Two Fatally, Saturday Night at 81st and Avalon

Two people were shot to death and two others wounded in a gang-related shooting Saturday night a 81st Street and Avalon Boulevard. 

Shortly after 8 p.m., the shots rang out on the corner near a liquor store. A male black in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. A female black in her 20s was shot in the chest and  transported to California hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Two other black males, both in their 20s, sustained graze wounds to their backs and were transported to Californian and St Francis hospitals in fair but stable condition..

Police said victims and witnesses were being uncooperative and refused to provide any information. 

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LocoL Watts, A Soft Opening in a Hard Neighborhood Goes Beautifully

Location, location, location..  

That is said to be a major key to success when opening a restaurant. 

So where does Roy Choi open his newest venture, LocoL?  On 103rd, a street that during the 1965 Watts Riots became nationally known as "Charcoal Alley" and not for the coals used to grill steaks, but for the burning cinders of the torched buildings by African Americans pushed to the brink by mistreatment from law enforcement. To top that off, to defy the location, location, location pundits, it's a half block from Grape Street, which the mere - and threatening - mention of so often has preceded mayhem.  

But, on a dreary Monday afternoon, that location, 103rd and Grape, across the street from the Jordan Downs housing projects,  mighta been the most joyous, grateful and satisfied corner in this whole city.

"This is so good for the community," said Bow Wow,  a fixture in Jordan Downs, who is employed by LocoL as an "Ambassador".  The ambassador duties?  Well, let's just say Bow Wow, like any ambassador, represents the territory to other territories in a positive manner.

Some were in line to eat, Others were just hanging out, happy to be part of a celebration in a community that has seen so much sadness come its way. One of them was Daude Sherrills, who along with his brother Aqeela  - a prominent gang interventionist and owner/partner in this restaurant  - was one of the architects of the historic 1992 Watts Gang Peace Treaty. 

"This is what a community development business is all about," said Daude as he held court with old and new friends near LocoL's patio. "Plant the roots of the business deep in the community.  It won't tip over that way. There are 36 jobs here, and 99% of the workers are from Watts.  This is great."  

On Saturday, at LocoL's back patio, Nardo, another Jordan Downs stalwart who is employed here, was telling customers "It's a soft opening", He turned to a reporter he's known for decades who had chided him for that lingo.  "Hey, I'm learning the restaurant language."  

LocoL, which bills itself as a "revolutionary fast food restaurant", is the brainchild of Roy Choi and famed San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson. The next restaurant is set to open in SF's gritty Tenderloin district..   There's even one planned near the notorious Nickerson Gardens, a mile away from 103rd Street. . 

This is from Choi and Patterson  

"We are a company where the chefs think about what to feed you. Where the chefs think about how to take care of you. We fundamentally believe that wholesomeness, deliciousness and affordability don't have to be mutually exclusive concepts in fast food. We believe that fast food restaurants can truly empower the communities they currently underserve. We believe that the giant corporations that feed most of America have degraded our communities by maximizing profits over decades. We believe that chefs should feed America, and not suits."

Monday, one of Local's managers, well known as "Ready", was moving through the crowded restaurant with the ease of a maitre d' at Spago, greeting old friends, chatting up new ones.  "It's great to see you,"  "Welcome to LocoL." "Enjoy your meal." 

The line of customers went down Anzac Avenue for nearly a whole city block.They were not disappointed. 

"I'm not going to Burger King or McDonalds or Carl's Jr, anymore," said Dion Mangram, a life-long resident of Jordan Downs.  "This is my new restaurant, It's healthy and delicious and reasonable."  

Indeed, a fried chicken sandwich was four bucks and I'm craving it as I write this.   I might go back tonight.  Now, when I got to Watts  and I go often - LocoL will be my spot.

A local chef, Nancy Silverton, was at LocoL Monday afternoon and she raved about the hamburger and the chicken sandwich, but also about the concept. "This is delicious. I applaud Roy This is really something very special for our city."    

Inside, Roy Choi beamed when he saw a reporter who has covered Watts for 25 years.  They did a hard double-clutch handshake and - to the naysayers who doubted he could ever open on 103rd Street - he triumphantly roared  "Fuck 'em! Fuck 'em." 

It was the most beautiful restaurant opening I have ever attended.  And as tasty and healthy as the food is, LocoL is about location, location, location.

Man, 46, Shot To Death Monday Night at 53rd Street and Compton Avenue

A 46-year-old man was shot and killed late Monday night as he was in the park at 53rd Street and Compton Avenue .  The victim, William Tyrone Moss, was shot in the back at least once at the Slauson Multipurpose Center at 11:08 p.m., and transported to USC Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. 

Anyone with information on the killing can call the LAP Newton Division at (323) 846-6547  

Appeals Court To Review Vindictive Prosecution Claim by Cleamon "Big Evil" Johnson's Lawyers, 3 Murder Charges Could Be Dropped

The California Court of Appeals will review a motion by defense lawyers of Cleamon "Big Evil" Johnson that argues their client is a victim of vindictive prosecution, a claim that if ruled in his favor would drop three of the five murder charges against the 89 Family Swan Bloods gang member.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta,  who is presiding over the case, had ruled against the motion in September, but the Court of Appeals agreed to review it, a decision that thrilled Johnson and his attorneys Robert Sanger and Victor Salerno

"This was very, very  good news," said Salerno.  He downplayed  any significance that the prosecution had asked for an extra week last Thursday to present their written case to the appeals court which is now due Dec. 18.  The defense will have an opportunity to respond to the prosecution's argument and the two sides could meet at the Ronald Reagan State Building to present their cases in February.  

According to a piece in the Yale Law Review,  legal "vindictiveness" does not refer to a prosecutor’s ill feeling toward, or even his desire to harm, a defendant. Rather, wrote Doug Lieb, a law clerk for the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, "As defined by the Supreme Court,vindictiveness means that a prosecutor has retaliated against a defendant for the exercise of a legal right, denying his/her due process."  

Johnson spent more than 13 years on death row in San Quentin for the unrelated 1991 double murder of Donald Ray Loggins and Payton Beroit that he and co-defendant Michael "Fat Rat" Allen were found guilty of in 1997. That conviction was overturned in 2011 by the California Supreme Court which ruled that a juror, leaning toward acquittal, was wrongly removed by judge Charles E. Horan.

Johnson and Allen were sent back to the Los Angeles Men's Central Jail for a retrial  As they prepared to retry that 1991 case, the district attorney's office, aided by LAPD detectives,  set out to find additional cases to pin on Johnson.. They were given the luxury of time by the defendant's decision to waive their rights to a speedy trial  and the many subsequent delays in the case  LAPD detectives scoured the California penal system looking for inmates willing to testify against the man who is among the most famous gang members in the city's history.  

In addition to the two men - Payton Beroit and Donald Ray Loggins - shot to death at a car wash in 1991, the district attorney's office now alleges Georgia Denise "Nece" Jones, Albert Sutton and Tyrone Mosley were all killed or ordered killed by Johnson.  While Johnson was in Ironwood State Prison, Jones was shot and killed June 12, 1994 at 87th Place and Wadsworth Avenue in the 89 Family Swan neighborhood. Sutton was also killed in that neighborhood.  Mosley was shot and killed in September 15, 1991 on 97th Street and McKinley Avenue, a 97 East Coast Crips neighborhood.

Johnson, acting as his own lawyer,  was previously tried on the Mosley killing in 1998.. The result was a hung jury, well in his favor. 

If the court grants the vindictive prosecution appeal, Johnson and Allen would still face a trial on the original double murder case.  However, that case was not a ":slam 'dunk" and relied much on the testimony of one Freddie "FM" Jelks, himself a gang member facing prison who was killed many years ago in an unrelated incident on the west side.. 

Earlier in court, Johnson' lawyers sought to have Jelks' recorded testimony kept from being played back in court. Johnson's lead attorney Sanger, even threatened  - or joked  - he would go "Clint Eastwood" on an empty witness stand, a reference to the actor grilling an imaginary President Obama sitting on a chair at the 2012 Republican Convention 

Last year, Johnson told a visitor the extra charges were "bullshit." .    

"It's just more bullshit to keep me locked up, keep a trial going," said Johnson who is back in the regular high power section of the jail, after nearly a year in a special, segregated cell, (not for his own safety).  "They think when I get out, I'm going to go on some rampage. And the police tell people that. Man, I just want to be free. I'm someone who could help stop this violence."

Johnson claims to be a changed man. He told a visitor recently " I am not the same person I was when I went in here. I'm not Big Evil. I'm Cleamon Johnson."

"Have you ever heard of Dr. Bruce Banner?" the visitor asked him, referring to the Hulk's alter ego.

He broke into a gigantic laugh, "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

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