Rick Orlov, Columnist
Speaking of diabetes, the annual Los Angeles Political Roast held last week raised money for research into the disease, with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa the target of barbs at the Century Plaza Hotel gala.
More than $600,000 was raised at the event, which was started by lobbyist Arnie Berghoff after his daughter, Laura, was stricken with the disease.
To date, the roast has raised more than $3 million for diabetes research.
And in the process, for at least one night a year, Berghoff and fellow lobbyist Harvey Englander improve the tarnished image of lobbyists and use their considerable skills for a good cause.
Villaraigosa and those doing the roasting all came in for sharp barbs - most of which cannot be repeated in a family newspaper.
The mayor was kidded on everything from his desire to take over the school system and his ability to speak Spanish to his love of the television camera.
Two of those at the roast were schools Superintendent Roy Romer and Board President Marlene Canter, both of whom left before much of the LAUSD bashing occurred.
Villaraigosa was said to take it all well - to a point.
During his chance to respond, he noted: "Remember, I`ve got a long memory."
