The council has apparently avoided a fractious showdown over leadership of the body. According to a good source at City Hall, a deal has been brokered under which Alex Padilla will remain as president until sometime in the next year, then support Eric Garcetti as his replacement. Garcetti apparently has the votes to ensure his election at that time. That's when Padilla is expected to focus on that run for the state Senate seat in the Valley I mentioned recently. For now, rather than challenge Padilla, Garcetti will remain as Assistant President Pro Tempore.