Couple of interesting sessions coming up at Zócalo, the public lecture series started by Gregory Rodriguez that LA Observed helps sponsor. Next Tuesday, Dec. 12, "L.A. vs. New York: Who's Got the Scoop on Hollywood?" will bring together Sharon Waxman and Laura Holson of the New York Times and Patrick Goldstein and John Horn of the L.A. Times. Variety film editor Dana Harris will moderate a discussion of Hollywood coverage, certain to broach the always-touchy question: whose reportage is better? The Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West co-presents the 7 pm gathering at the Central Library. Then on January 9, LAT City County Bureau Chief Jim Newton will talk about his Earl Warren biography, also at the library. These things fill up but you can reserve a spot at the info page.

LA Observed co-sponsors the Zócalo program (rather passively, I admit) along with the California Endowment, the James Irvine Foundation, KPCC, the Riordan Foundation, the L.A. Times, Semper Law Group and WaMu.