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Quick round-up today on the region-wide immigration raids, Antonio's plan for the telephone tax, what the feds see wrong at the fire department and more.
Immigration raids net 1,300 people
Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it targeted criminals and those who ignored deportation orders. Over the past two weeks, 1,300 immigrants have been arrested at home, work or in jail and more than 600 already deported. The numbers include 146 who had no criminal record but were encountered during the sweeps. LAT
Feds see discrimination and harassment at LAFD
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finds "a pattern and practice" of illegal treatment towards blacks and women on the fire department, after an investigation in two cases. New Fire Chief Douglas L. Barry said in a statement that the LAFD was working to overhaul its discipline system and establish a Professional Standards Division. LAT, DN
DWP approves rate hikes
Los Angeles power customers would pay 9% more, water users 6% more by 2009. LAT, DN
Mayor's plan for phone tax
Lower it to 9% from 10% hoping to win voter approval. LAT, DN
O.J. ordered to give up Rolex, sports stuff
Fred Goldman wins in court again. Simpson's lawyer says O.J. has turned over the watch, which may not be a real Rolex. AP
Armenian pontiff in town
His Holiness Karekin II heads the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church and made the rounds of Southern California yesterday. LAT
Lopez mini-column on Antonio and Mirthala
Web-only (it appears) shorty by Steve Lopez doesn't really go anywhere but concludes, "let's hope that figuring out how to be a good boyfriend doesn't keep Villaraigosa from the far more important matter of figuring out how to be a good mayor." LAT
Conflict with Passover
Next April's high school debate tournament through the California High School Speech Association is scheduled for the first night of Passover, and the group has refused to change the date. Jewish Journal
Behind LAT's 'Altered Oceans'
Reporter Ken Weiss talks about producing the award-winning series on the health of the seas. PR Week/Romenesko
Dutton's building gets landmark status
City Council grants historic cultural monument status to the Brentwood landmark that houses Button's Books. LAT
Times reporter and his book
Sam Quinones is guest-blogging this week on TPMCafe's Table for One and talking about his book, Antonio's Gun and Delfino's Dream: True Tales of Mexican Migration.