Karl Dorrell's stint as head coach in Westwood isn't over yet — officially — but the Times reports that UCLA has been in contact with at least three potential successors. The paper speculates that the university may wait until after Wednesday's team banquet before dismissing Dorrell. Phil Wallace has more comment on the week in sports at SoCal Sports Observed.

Also at LA Observed: Denise Hamilton on the serial killer and the Cecil Hotel at Native Intelligence, Mark Lacter at LA Biz Observed on Vivendi's weekend acquisition of Activision, Jenny Burman on the old Echo Park at Chicken Corner, and a new cat pic at Here in Malibu.