Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
Stocks up early: First day back after Friday's employment report, the Dow is nearing 11,000.
Financial reform getting close? The New Republic reports that some key Republicans are looking to make a deal. The Obama administration has set a Memorial Day deadline, a time frame that Democrats say is too short.
iPad sales as expected: More than 300,000 were sold the first day (including preorders), which is a little more than the number of iPhones that were sold in the first 30 hours. Not as many stores sold out as had been expected. (Digital Daily)
Cheap strawberries: California plants are producing more berries than usual. Also, the winter rains have played a role in keeping down prices. (AP)
Corporate jet use increases: CEOs are using them more frequently for personal travel, according to a study by Corporate Library. Average jet expense was $131,000 in 2008-2009. (LAT)
More court cuts: The next round of layoffs in September will likely involve Superior Court referees who preside over arraignments and hearings and make findings in juvenile court. All told, 500 employees are expected to receive pink slips in the fall. From the Daily Journal:
The layoffs - which McCoy emphasized will happen unless the court sees a new influx of money - are part of several rounds of cuts the court expects to make between now and 2013 to help offset a growing budget deficit. In March, court administrators laid off 329 employees, mostly entry-level court services assistants and clerical assistants, in response to a $79 million fiscal year shortfall. That deficit is slated to reach $120 million next year and $140 million by 2012.
LegalZoom pulling out of L.A.: The online legal documents company doesn't qualify for a lower business tax rate, so it's looking elsewhere, possibly West Hollywood, Burbank or Glendale. (LABJ)
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted
until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.