Friday desk-clearing

The City Council voted unanimously to offer early retirement to 2,400 employees in lieu of layoffs and furloughs. LAT, Ron Kaye
Producer John Wells was elected president of the Writers Guild of America, West, a position he has held before. The Wrap
The DWP says its water mains have suffered 34 “major blowouts” since Sept. 1, up from previous years. LAT
Superior Court Judge Harvey A. Silberman allegedly used a court commissioner as an intermediary to offer a bribe to a political opponent, according to testimony in newly unsealed grand jury transcripts. Daily Journal
KCBS and KCAL unveil their new "NewsCentral" branding over the weekend. Broadcasting & Cable
San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom's wife delivered a baby girl. SF Gate
USC Annenberg Dean Ernest J. Wilson III was elected chairman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting board.
Patti Rockenwagner, the top PR executive at Paramount Pictures, has left after a bit more than a year to pursue another opportunity. Variety
Eight things that journalism students should demand from their j-schools. OJR
KCRW host Frances Anderton will be honored Oct. 21 with the Honorary AIA Los Angeles Award.