Weekend reads

Should a new public school in Carson be named for Cesar Chavez or slain LAPD officer Randal Simmons, as originally proposed? Daily Breeze
Add Sen. Gil Cedillo and the Calderon brothers -- Assemblyman Charles and state Sen. Ron -- to the lengthening list of Latino poiticos lusting for the Hilda Solis seat in Congress. And Board of Education president Monica Garcia is making noises about going for Gloria Romero's seat in the Senate. Sacto Bee
South El Monte mayor Blanca Figueroa gave a video tour of her office to prove she's not living there. Leftovers from City Hall
Don't look for a lot of skeptical reporting in the LAT on the Eli Broad-Grand Avenue high-rise deal: city editor Shelby Grad blogs his opinion that "there is no project in downtown L.A. more important." L.A. Now
Requiem for the Los Angeles Times Poll (see Saturday's post) from the head of polling at ABC News.
As expected, David G. Hall was named Director of Operations at KABC 790. OC Register
Christopher Hawthorne calls MOCA a disappointment on the architecture level and suggests the need for a reborn identity. Culture Monster
At least 14 of Los Angeles County's 201 commissions are ineffective or dormant and should be eliminated, according to a new draft audit obtained by the Daily News.
Borders Books on Santa Monica Promenade will close for good on January 10. Tabloid Baby
Peter Bart's advice to Baz Luhrmann if he really is thinking of a Great Gatsby remake: "think again." Variety
Seven books that helped D.J. Waldie fall in love with Los Angeles. KCET Local
The most notable thing about Paris Hilton being supposedly burglarized of $2 million in jewelry is that she lives in the Van Nuys LAPD division. LAT
Ted Johnson appreciates the history of the Century Plaza, such as it is. Wilshire & Washington
Dr. George Fischbeck is still talking about the Los Angeles weather, just not on TV. LAT