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Selected items from the media, our in box and other LA Observed sources. Posted occasionally — often in the morning.
Jon and Vinny's on Fairfax is closed temporarily by a fire. Eater LA
The recently closed Allied Model Trains store in Culver City was gutted by a fire Thursday night. CBS LA
The Kings' Slava Voynov goes from jail to immigration custody in domestic violence case. LAT
A blue whale has been spotted off Point Fermin in San Pedro and appears to have become entangled in fishing line, marine animal rescue officials said. LAT, CBS LA
Mayor Eric Garcetti defended the city's crime-fighting strategy Friday, saying more highly trained cops and gang intervention efforts are being deployed in the hardest-hit areas to help reduce a dramatic hike in killings last month. LAT
After Hugh Hewitt asked Donald Trump some basic knowledge questions any president should know, Trump blasted Hewitt as a "third-rate announcer." Wash Post, Politico
California drivers would pay $65 a year in a new “highway user fee” plus higher taxes at the gas pump under a $3.6 billion plan Gov. Jerry Brown is pitching to help fix the state’s roads, bridges and highways. AP, KQED
You can now search state political contributions online. Secretary of State, DN
Garcetti's recent Olympian rhetoric a new phase for back-to-basics mayor. LA Weekly
Garcetti responded Friday to criticism over the LAPD's policy on officer body cameras, saying that automatically making recordings public could violate the privacy of victims. LAT
Police Commission president Steve Soboroff sets his sights on income inequality. Los Angeles
"Shit, we haven’t had a sit-down restaurant in Watts in decades," says City Councilman Joe Buscaino. LA Weekly
L.A.-area carpool lanes may be opened to everyone during off-peak hours. LAT
Press release from City Attorney Mike Feuer: "Feuer’s office has prosecuted 12 individuals who, dressed as popular movie characters, have committed crimes in the Hollywood Entertainment District."
Jorge Ramos is on the defensive over his role as journalist and immigrant advocate. LAT
FM oldies station KRTH 101 won the August radio ratings book in Los Angles. Franklin Avenue
On the air with Dr. Robert Klapper, the sports radio talk surgeon. California Sunday Magazine
Life after the LA Times for Joe Eckdahl: Newspaperman Is Taking On The Last Frontier in Alaska. Huffington Post
Tribune Publishing and four other newspaper chains — McClatchy, Gannett, Advance and Hearst — are said to be in secret talks about creating a new national advertising company that would replace a lot of the papers' ad staffs. NY Post
Avishay Artsy is moving from "All Things Considered" news producer for KCRW to producer for the station's Design and Architecture (DnA) show.
Liev Schreiber plays former LA Timesman (and current Washington Post editor) Marty Baron in new film based on Boston Globe coverage of the priest scandals. Variety
Using imperfect Waze data to measure the impact of an Obamajam in Beverly Hills. Quartz, Curbed LA
Ride, hustle, kill, repeat: the underground bicycle gangs of Los Angeles. The Guardian
MOCA curator on artist Noah Davis: 'A little window is closed.' KPCC Off-Ramp
Don't hold your breath for that proposed wildlife corridor across the 101 freeway. LA Weekly
Jenny Price: The county is AWOL in the fight for Malibu beaches. LAT Op-ed
Fixing the Most Dangerous Road in LA is Even Tougher Than You Think: The Avenue 43 off-ramp from the Arroyo Seco Parkway. Good
California's Katrina is coming. (They mean the delta levees.) Wired
Watch 638 Trucks Pour the Concrete For Downtown LA Megaproject Metropolis. Curbed LA
The Future of Los Angeles According to the ’80s. Los Angeles
Dine Like a Silent Movie Star at These 11 Film Locations Turned Restaurants. Los Angeles
Now's a good time to mention that @HughHewitt will be on @CNNReliable this weekend https://t.co/QLxB6JyADH
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2015
How far back in history does Hollywood have to go to make a biopic where #PeterBart hasn't met any of characters? http://t.co/xeqtvctnFO
— Patrick Goldstein (@patrickbigpix) September 3, 2015This whole neighborhood becoming like a giant food court: The Slanted Door is coming to DTLA http://t.co/aofggAZ9N5
— bret israel (@bretisrael) September 3, 2015