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UCLA student says Taser got him five times
Speaks through attorney Stephen Yagman, who plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit accusing the UCLA police of using "brutal excessive force" to arrest Mostafa Tabatabainejad, a 23-year-old senior. The YouTube video has caused a stir. Meanwhile, four new videos showing LAPD officers using force surfaced on YouTube. The incidents are being investigated, the department says.
Vernon story takes a twist
John Malburg, son of Vernon's mayor and a focus of a voter-fraud case, pleaded not guilty to charges that he sexually molested four boys while serving as dean of students at Daniel Murphy Catholic High School.
Grand Avenue project looks bad already
Over budget and behind schedule before a shovel has been turned, developers of the project to use high-rises to create a lively district where none exists now on Bunker Hill say the $2 billion idea needs tax breaks from the city. Times
Survivors of the real Bobby shooting
The others who were shot by Sirhan Sirhan talk to Sandy Banks in the Times.
AFTER THE JUMP: Arnold's press secretary departs, Antonio's fundraising comes under scrutiny, some media notes and more.
Politics
Arnold's press secretary next to leave
Margita Thompson, who has been with Gov. Schwarzenegger since his election, will leave next month to become director of communications for Health Net in Woodland Hills. She rejoins former Schwarzenegger chief of staff Patricia Clarey there. Times
L.A. again promises to fix Owens Valley
This time the city agrees to spend another $105 million to control dust on Owens Dry Lake, which is dry due to water diversions over the past 90 years. That will bring the price tag to $520 million.
Mayor's fundraising under scrutiny
Times story says the committee that took in $500,000 from Jerrold Perenchio and totaled more than $1 million was "a dream come true for any politician: a committee that can raise unlimited money and spend it on almost any political or policy-related purpose."
Teachers again reject AB 1381
UTLA members voted narrowly to oppose their union's support of Mayor Villaraigosa's LAUSD takeover compromise.
Looking to 2008
Political consultants Chris Lehane and Dan Schnur visit with Larry Mantle on KPCC to talk about prospects for the 2008 presidential campaign. 10:20 am.
Media
Sitrick-BWR rivalry over Reese and Ryan
Nikki Finke has the details at Deadline Hollywood Daily.
Suggestions for the LAT
Fishbowl LA asked readers what they'd like to see in the L.A Times. A few answers are here.
Programming notes
Off-Ramp Saturday at noon on KPCC
They visit the L.A. Times test kitchen, chat with Clippers announcer Ralph Lawler and Marc Haefele calls on John Gregory Dunne’s True Confessions the best novel about the soul and politics of modern Los Angeles.
Today
What Yaroslavsky's doing for lunch
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky talks about King/Drew and other county issues at Emma Schafer's Current Affairs Forum at the Wilshire Grand.