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DWP has a new theory on water main breaks, Xavier Becerra in trouble with the Speaker, a book deal for Andrew Breitbart and more after the jump. Yesterday's posts are summarized here for a quick scan.
- The DWP still doesn't know what caused the rash of water main breaks, but suspicion is now focused on corroded pipes, minor increases in pressure due to an unusually full reservoir and fluctuations after a trunk line ruptured in Studio City in September. LAT, DN
- Rep. Xavier Becerra's relations with Speaker Nancy Pelosi aren't so good right now. Politico
- Advancing tonight's Jerry Brown fundraiser at the home of Sandy Gallin. NYT
- The Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to ban sweet drinks at county facilities. "Where you lose me is if you are going to tell me that a patron of the Hollywood Bowl . . . can't buy a Coke," Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said. LAT, Daily Breeze
- Digging tunnels to finish the 710 freeway instead of following a surface route through South Pasadena is scientifically feasible, a geology study found. LAT
- That Los Angeles magazine story where writer Amy Wallace reconnects with convicted killer Betty Broderick after 20 years is now online.
- Local right-wing media mogul Andrew Breitbart has worked his Big Hollywood site into a book deal. Publishers Lunch says "web pioneer, TV and radio pundit, and rising conservative political star Andrew Breitbart's THINKING BIG, a call to arms in fighting back against the Democrat Media Complex -- the natural alliance of the Democratic Party, the mainstream media, and Hollywood," will be published by Grand Central in early 2011.
- Former City Hall press deputy Josh Kamensky is taking part in NBC Universal’s Writers on the Verge program, which is "focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on television shows." Former L.A. Times style editor Marcos Luevanos is also enrolled.
- Michael Shermer, the author and publisher of Skeptic Magazine, is also blogging for True/Slant. Fishbowl LA
- Easter Seals Southern California has launched a new Spanish-language website.
- Actor/producer/director Lee Daniels will talk about his new film "Precious" with Elvis Mitchell on KCRW's "The Treatment" at 2:30 p.m.