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Earthquakes in L.A. North, prayers for Samoa and hoopla for Dudamel below the jump, with much more of course. Mark Lacter's morning headlines are at LA Biz Observed. Also be sure to follow Mark and Kevin on Twitter during the day.
- There have been a swarm of earthquakes this morning in the Owens Valley, the largest a magnitude 5 shaker and several 3's. USGS
- Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Carson held a special prayer service last night for victims of this week's earthquakes and tsunamis in the South Pacific. Other services, relief efforts. LAT, Daily Breeze, Breeze
- Cameras and members of the L.A. Philharmonic crowded an entrance to Disney Hall yesterday for the ceremonial arrival of Gustavo Dudamel and his wife for his first rehearsal. Culture Monster
- Manatt, Phelps & Phillips can't be happy with news reports that its vigorous advocacy on behalf of Roman Polanski pushed prosecutors to move against the fugitive director. Am Law Daily
- Is David Geffen's old feud with Bill Clinton part of the Jerry Brown endorsement? SF Gate
- "At this point, theories abound" regarding the rash of water main breaks, DWP chief David Nahai told the City Council. DN
- LAPD chief William Bratton made two Downtown stops in his farewell tour before leaving later this month. Blogdowntown
- Councilwoman Janice Hahn has raised at least $24,500 as she ponders whether to run for lieutenant governor in 2010. Daily Breeze
- The City Council approved a controversial 12-story condo project at 3rd Street and Wetherly Drive near Beverly Center. LAT, Curbed LA
- Channel 36 will stay on the air for at least few months after a move by the City Council. Franklin Avenue
- Public affairs exec Harvey Englander sued Coldwell Banker and one of its agents over a $65,000 theft of watches and other "other items of value" during a real estate open house — and sent out a press release about it.
- Hotel Bel-Air refused to commit to rehiring its workers when it reopens after renovations. LAT
- Columbus Day will not be a state holiday this year for the first time in decades. Capitol Weekly
- Police said they arrested a 24-year-old Hawaiian Gardens man who was caught on a surveillance camera looting a Downtown gas station after this year's Lakers championship game. LAT
- Oscar-winning screenwriter Roger Avary was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty in a crash that killed a passenger and injured Avary's wife in Ojai. LAT
- The former Crenshaw Motors Ford at West 52nd Street and South Crenshaw Boulevard has been demolished to make way for a Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market. LA Beez
- Many local museums are opening their doors to free admission this weekend. List at LAist.