Morning Buzz

Morning Buzz: Wednesday 3.14.12

Villaraigosa insulted at state Capitol, fire chief does the mea culpa, doomsday budget at LAUSD, KTLA can't say if John and Ken are off the air, the prisoner who became an expert on hieroglyphics, and more notes.

Politics and politicos

Rick Santorum gained more traction in the Republican race for president by winning big yesterday in Alabama and Mississippi. NYT, Politico

As Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was walking out of the state Capitol the other day, a middle-aged yahoo said to him, "Go back to Mexico." Columnist Dan Morain overheard and talked to the man, and it's unclear if he knew Villaraigosa is American-born . Sacramento Bee

Fire Chief Brian Cummings stands with Mayor Villaraigosa and does the mea culpa about the department's misleading response time stats. LAT/editorial, DN, City Maven

The daughter of former state Senator Cathie Wright is running for Congress in Simi Valley. Ventura County Star

LA Unified's preliminary doomsday budget has plenty of doom in it: all adult schools closed, thousands of employees laid off, and other cuts. LAT, DN

Improvements on Downtown's Broadway corridor, gathered together in a single two-page graphic spread. Hollywood Reporter

Media and media people

KTLA says it hasn't decided whether to put radio talkers John and Ken back on the station's news show [they have been off for two weeks now] and confirms the spot was a free promotion for the pair's KFI talk show. LA Weekly

Daily News reporter Rick Orlov guested on "Which Way, LA?" for a segment on the city's Animal Services department. KCRW

More

Inmate No. J81961 at Tehachapi State Prison has used his time in solitary confinement to become a recognized expert on hieroglyphics. LAT

The LAPD will change the way its investigates traffic crashes involving its own officers. LAT

Glendale became the latest city to abandon its red-light camera ticketing program. News-Press

The Santa Monica College board approved a plan to charge students higher fees for some high-demand classes, believed to be a national first. LAT

Goldenvoice has taken over the former Music Box in Hollywood and renamed it the Fonda Theater, a lot like its old name. LAT

85 magnolia trees planted by the community in the median of Woodman Avenue in Panorama City will be removed to save water. DN

The financially troubled Lennox Little League is returning a $1,200 donation offered by the Jet Strip strip club. Daily Breeze


More by Kevin Roderick:
'In on merit' at USC
Read the memo: LA Times hires again
Read the memo: LA Times losing big on search traffic
Google taking over LA's deadest shopping mall
Gustavo Arellano, many others join LA Times staff
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Morning Buzz: Wednesday 4.16.14