Friday morning headlines

No relief on gas: The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the L.A. area is now $3.858 a gallon, which according to the Auto Club's latest survey is 55 cents higher than last year. Oil prices are hovering around $117 a barrel this morning. Something about supply concerns in Nigeria.

Sagging SAG talks: That's according to Nikki Finke, who says little progress is being made between the Screen Actors Guild and the media companies. She's hearing that the studios and networks intend to put off the SAG negotiations in order to cut a quick deal with AFTRA next month. That supposedly would put the squeeze on SAG to capitulate. The actors are looking for a better deal than the writers and directors were able to cut for both new media and DVD residuals. Variety's Dave McNary sounds a little less gloomy, noting that some insiders remain "mildly optimistic that a deal can emerge over the next week." Of course, the real question is how many SAG members are willing to strike. I suspect not many.

Changes at Starbucks: Remember Ken Lombard? He was Magic Johnson's development partner (not to mention DWP commissioner) who left to set up an entertainment division at Starbucks. The idea was to select and market those CDs and books you see at the stores. Well, the division is being overhauled and Lombard is outta there. The coffee chain is facing slower sales, but Lombard's departure could go beyond that. From the NYT:

Mr. Lombard has been the target of criticism that he mishandled Starbucks’s effort to expand on its early roots as a purveyor of jazz records and custom compilations. Under Mr. Lombard, the company diversified its offerings to include more mainstream fare from artists ranging from Il Divo to James Blunt. The results were mixed: Starbucks said sales increased by more than 20 percent last year, to about 4.4 million units, but the average number of CDs sold per store in the rapidly expanding chain remained stagnant, according to people briefed on the company’s affairs. Mr. Lombard’s strategies had also contributed to an internal clash that resulted in the exodus of several entertainment executives.

Herbalife honcho scrutinized: President and COO Gregory Probert got caught pumping up his credentials. The nutrition and weight loss company has him listed as receiving an MBA at Cal State L.A. In fact, he never got his degree. "The truth is that my vanity prevailed," he says. Perhaps more interesting is the fella who dug up this not-so-sinister revelation: Barry Minkow, the scamster from ZZZZ Best fame who served jail time and later became a crusader for corporate wrongdoing. It's worth noting that Minkow has been going after the company for several weeks, accusing senior managers of dumping stock and making poor decisions. And did we mention that Minkow is shorting the stock? (AP, WSJ)

Calling 747: The SFV gets a cool new area code for all new numbers in the region starting next year. As expected, there's a lot of grumbling about some folks no longer having the 818 area code (kind of funny, since there was the same grumbling in 1984 when the Valley lost 213). Even those keeping the 818 area will now have to dial it for all calls. (Daily News)

NYT "bloodbath": That's how the NY Post's Keith Kelly describes an impending round of 30 or so newsroom layoffs. That's on top of the 70 editorial folks who have accepted the buyout. Two areas appear safe: the business and national desks. Given how the WSJ is supposed to become more competitive as a general interest newspaper, the Times will need those folks.

Jet ban on hold: Rich people rejoice! Santa Monica officials suspended a ban on high-speed jets like the Gulfstream IV and Bombardier Challenger 604 until a federal court decides whether the restrictions are legal. Enforcement had been scheduled to start Thursday. Residents have complained for years that SM Airport lacks all kinds of safety features. (LAT)