Both the Times and Daily News have stories today on efforts to quietly reach a severance settlement with Gloria Jeff, the not very effective chief of the city Department of Transportation who was dismissed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. She wants the City Council to overrule the mayor, and Councilman Bernard Parks is a backer, but the prospect of a bitter public fight with racial overtones has prompted the talks."I think she was treated rather shabbily," said Councilwoman Jan Perry. "She was very clear that she understood she was an at-will employee. But I don't think it is necessary to disrespect a person." DN, LAT

Related: Villaraigosa announced he plans on "reinvigorating the Department of Transportation and us looking at bold measures to improve traffic," and he disclosed the locations of thirteen more intersections to get left-turn signals.