Quarter of younger viewers dropped Oscars this year

The total of 32 million national viewers did not include a whole bunch of 18-to-49s who watched last year. In that key group, the telecast received a 10.7 rating, per Nielsen. Contrast the size of the audience to 1998, the "Titanic" year, when 55 million watched. LAT

CLA says mayor's budget steps too little

Furloughing employees won't save what Villaraigosa contends and selling cars may not be possible, says the City Council's legislative analyst, Gerry Miller. But not hiring cops — that would begin to save real money. "Bureaucratic stalling tactics," replies the mayor. LAT, DN

Raid on Vineland Boys this morning

200 cops arrested nine gang members in North Hollywood on guns and narcotics charges. DN

LAX to study air quality in airport communities

Activists agree with the airport commission that the step is a breakthrough. The air will be monitored in Westchester, El Segundo, Inglewood and Lennox at a cost of $2.2 million. LAT

405 expansion plans move ahead

Residents in Sherman Oaks received a postcard notification that some homes will have to go to install a carpool lane through Sepulveda Pass. DN

Times publishing nightly politics newsletter

More national than local or California. LAT

Zell says he'll experiment first at smaller papers

Tribune's lesser newspapers will be "a petri dish of innovation" where new ideas will be tried out, he says in Virginia. Romenesko

'L.A. Outlaws'

T. Jefferson Parker guests on Larry Mantle at 11:30 (KPCC) to talk about his new novel, which raises question about modern-day folk heroes and our obsession with celebrity. The main character is a Southern California teacher and mother of three whose alternate identity dons a mask and wig, steals expensive cars, and robs fast food joints but gives most of her loot to charity to court favor with the media and establish her identity as a genuine folk hero.

Daniel Pearl Lecture at UCLA

New York Times columnist David Brooks is the featured speaker tonight. UCLA

New partner at Englander and Associates

Andrew Casaña comes on after six years as senior director of local government affairs for the California Restaurant Association.