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- The rollout of Gustavo Dudamel, beginning with a free October 3 concert at the Hollywood Bowl featuring Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, even rates a byline story in New York Times. His first Disney Hall concert will be aired live on PBS. NYT, LAT
- Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman pre-recorded their inauguration performance of that new John Williams piece. NYT
- Among the items said to be up for discussion when Dean Singleton talks to LANG suits and editors today or tomorrow is publishing the Daily News on fewer days, according to newsroom scuttlebutt.
- The MTA board approved the Orange Line extension to Chatsworth, initial work on an EIR for the Wilshire subway extension, and other projects. DN
- The Times dipped back into the Phil Spector trial for the last day of the prosecution's case. LAT
- Gasoline prices rose in the area for the 25th straight day. DN wires
- The murder rate in Compton is at its lowest point in 25 years. LAT
- Regarding the documentary “Crips and Bloods: Made in America,” Manohla Dargis says "In his excavation of Los Angeles gang life past and present, the director Stacy Peralta conflates these separate if at times overlapping black histories to such a ridiculous degree that he undermines even the most persuasive parts of his argument." NYT
- Mickey Rourke talks about boxing at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Fabulous Forum
- Jacob Soboroff hosts the first AMC News Special tonight at 11 p.m. with clips of him watching the Obama inauguration live with Chris Rock. Video
- "The Garden," about the South-Central community garden, was nominated for an Oscar in the full-length documentary category. Here's an earlier interview with producer-director Scott Hamilton Kennedy. The California Report
- The city planning commission delayed action on the proposed sign and billboard ordinance. LAT
- Spend $30 or more at a Hollywood and Highland restaurant and get two free movie tickets at the Mann in the complex, through Feb. 15. LA Metblogs
- Nancy Silverton gets no respect on the Today show. LA Mag
- The story behind a tragic piece of L.A. rail history. The Eastsider LA
- Jeff Kent on his relationship with the media: "I've used you, you guys have used me. It's been fun." LAT
LA Observed posts from Thursday
Mark Lacter | Native Intelligence