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Don't hold your breath for charges in Michael Jackson's death, Villaraigosa makes plans for his next overseas trip, locals are at the center of a power struggle in the Assembly, plus World AIDS Day — after the jump.
Also see Mark Lacter's morning headlines at LA Biz Observed, and follow Mark and Kevin on Twitter.
- Prosecutors and police investigators don't expect to file charges in connection with Michael Jackson's death before 2010, law enforcement officials told The Times. LAT
- Before leaving Mexico, Mayor Villaraigosa met with President Felipe Calderon and business mogul Carlos Slim. Later this month Villaraigosa is headed to Copenhagen for the Climate Summit for Mayors. LAT
- In the CD2 race, both Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel dodged a question about whether they would vote for Mayor Villaraigosa if he were running for another office. L.A. Now
- Rick Orlov reports on the power struggle in the Assembly over who will succeed Speaker Karen Bass, with local assemblymen Felipe Fuentes and Kevin De Leon in the middle of it. DN
- A five-year package of raises being offered to employees of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power could put a major burden on the utility's retirement system, according to a report prepared by the city's top budget official. LAT
- For the first time since Proposition 13 passed in 1978, property taxes will likely go down due to deflation, the state Board of Equalization announced. SGV Tribune
- According to Roll Call, Rep. Jane Harman's net worth dropped by half in 2008 -- from $225 million in 2007 down to $112 million. South Bay Pipeline
- Free tickets to ball games, spa visits or other treats for California officials' spouses or children should be reported and counted toward annual gift limits, according to a new recommendation by staff at the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Sacto Bee
- The U.S. Forest Service is reviewing its practice of not flying firefighting helicopters at night, apparently in response to criticism of how the agency handled the early hours of the huge Station fire. LAT
- Things apparently got ugly at Friday night's Los Angeles Critical Mass ride when LAPD officers tackled some riders Downtown. Streetsblog
- Two L.A. traffic engineers who pleaded guilty to hacking into the city's signal system and slowing traffic at key intersections as part of a labor protest have been sentenced to two years' probation. L.A. Now
- Nominees for the Spirit Awards were announced this morning. Indie Wire
- KNBC will launch a new weekly series in which Peter Bart and Peter Guber discuss Hollywood news on Saturday at 5 p.m. Variety
- Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and technology publication Twice have been sold by Reed Business Information to NewBay Media. Company Town
- The Annenberg Foundation is accepting applications from qualified nonprofits in Los Angeles County for a new leadership development program named Alchemy. Info
- Dr. Michael Gottlieb, who identified AIDS in 1981, talks about the state of the disease on World AIDS Day with Larry Mantle at 10 a.m. on KPCC's "Airtalk."
- Sports photographer Neil Leifer, whose pictures are on display in the Annenberg Space for Photography's current exhibit, talks with Diana Nyad on KCRW's "Politics of Culture" at 2:30 p.m.