Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
News and notes are hidden after the jump. Also see today's Mark Lacter morning headlines at LA Biz Observed, and follow Mark and Kevin on Twitter.
- The City Council is debating whether it really wants to dramatically raise the fees residents may pay to challenge a planning decision or building permit, in some cases into the thousands of dollars. LAT, DN, Ron Kaye
- Former state Assemblyman Wally Knox will join the DWP as director of external relations, a post he has held the past few months at the Port of Los Angeles — but where his wife, Beth Garfield, represents International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 68. L.A. Now
- The Times adds assistant chief Sharon Papa to the earlier list of reported favorites for LAPD chief. LAT, Witness LA
Plus:Hire someone who is a "people person" and is "good with money," says union chief Paul Weber. LA Daily - Fourteen local members of Congress signed a letter casting doubt on possible funding for a Westside subway. LAT
- City Attorney Carmen Trutanich drafted a new ordinance that the City Council will consider on regulating marijuana dispensaries. DN
- The Daily News Editorial Board unanimously endorsed Paul Krekorian in the Dec. 8 runoff election in the 2nd council district. DN
- Jerry Brown's old rants on Berkeley radio station KPFA could come back to haunt. Sacto Bee
- An autopsy is scheduled on the body of Zoltan Richard Tombol, a 42-year-old Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy found dead on a hillside in Riverside County. Valley News
- Parking at LAX lots B and C is going up by $2. Breeze
- All Superior Courts and their offices are closed today as part of the state's financial crisis. Breeze wires