The mayor-elect told the Times that cuts are necessary to correct a growing deficit. He declined to get specific, but said "people are going to be surprised" by what he announces about the city's fiscal picture after he takes office July 1. Councilmember Bernard Parks said new fees on residential trash collection may be considered to help close the deficit. (Aside: I spoke to some people tonight who were shocked to learn that Villaraigosa is not yet the mayor.)

Also on the beat: Robert Greene reports in the LA Weekly 1) that, with the instant anointing of Herb Wesson as the Establishment candidate in the 10th council district, it seems as if the old Committee of 25 is back, and 2) on the upcoming weekend's Congress of Neighborhood Councils. He asks: Will Villaraigosa attend? Will Greg Nelson keep his job as head of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment?