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The story of the day in Los Angeles is the opening pitch of the Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce trial. It's not OJ, MJ or Phil Spector big, but it will still be a media zoo in Department 4 of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, with three dozen seats reserved and live TV updates planned all day. The case opens with four days of courtroom action, then goes into recess for two weeks. How poetic that Manny Ramirez leaves town the same day, this whole strange L.A. diversion in his life now behind him.
Plus other news notes and notes, inside.
My LA Observed column on KCRW this evening at 6:44 talks about Sherioff Lee Baca and the Ruben Salazar files, taking off from Frank O. Sotomayor's guest blogger post on Friday. LAO on KCRW
- The Los Angeles Times, as promised, published its database rating LAUSD teacher effectiveness using a so-called value added method of comparing test scores, and UTLA as promised threatened to protest at the paper. LAT story + backgrounder + union reaction + Steve Lopez + reporters respond
- In the days before he was killed in 1970, journalist Ruben Salazar had clashed with LAPD chief Ed Davis, learned he was being followed by officers and had launched an investigation into allegations that LAPD officers and sheriff's deputies were planting evidence on suspects and engaging in brutality on the Eastside. LAT
- Former Gov. Pete Wilson has slipped into a behind-the-scenes role in the Whitman campaign for governor. Bee
- George Skelton argues that Jerry Brown need to tell voters pretty soon why a political old-timer like him would be better than neophyte Meg Whitman. LAT column
- City Hall lobbyists Steve Afriat and Morrie Goldman are hosting a breakfast fundraiser for Councilman Richard Alarcon, who has approached lobbyists looking for help in paying his legal bills. Rick Orlov/DN
- Ron Kaye's L.A. Clean Sweep political action committee is charging activists and potential City Council candidates for training sessions. Info
- Adam Nagourney notes that the percentage of registered Republican voters dropped to 43 percent in Orange County, the lowest in 70 years, and says things are changing in the former conservative bastion. NYT
- Two Coast Guard helicopters were forced to land at Los Angeles International Airport in the last week after being flashed with laser beams, one over San Pedro the other over Torrance. LAT
- New literary journal Slake has turned up a number 4 on the L.A. Times' bestseller list for sales at local bookstores, despite not being a book. Plus, a report on Saturday's Lit Crawl. Jacket Copy
- Modern Luxury Media, publisher of Angeleno, is being sold to Atlanta-based Dickey Publishing. Folio
- Former L.A. writer and documentary producer Rodger Jacobs in on the verge of homelessness in Las Vegas: "We are in desperate need of assistance...I am overwhelmed with fear, anxiety and uncertainty." LV Sun
- Patt Morrison interviewed muralista Judy Baca. LAT OpEd
- A few tips from the fire department on how to call 911. LAFD
- It's tarantula mating season in the chaparral and mountains, so step carefully and carry a big stick.
- The R rating for the documentary "The Tillman Story" is the main topic on "The Business" with Kim Masters at 2:30 p.m. on KCRW.