Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
Shakeup in the mayor's office and more, tucked after the jump. Mark Lacter remains on hiatus at LA Biz Observed. Follow LA Observed on Twitter.
- Mayor Villaraigosa will "make a major announcement regarding his administration" at a 10:30 a.m. presser, and Ron Kaye says it's the departure of chief of staff Robin Kramer. The Times says the speculation is that anti-gang czar Rev. Jeff Carr will be her replacement, and that Jay Carson, the spokesman for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential bid, will become a chief deputy.
Plus: Mayor acknowledges Getty House sprinklers were illegal, says they're being fixed. KNBC, DN, LAT - Selection of a new police chief looks unlikely before Bratton departs. LAT, LA Daily
- The DA's office will seek the death penalty for Pedro Espinoza, the 20-year-old gang member accused of killing Jamiel Shaw. KPCC News
- LA Weekly declares the seven "little" candidates the good guys in the 2nd council district and the three "big" candidates the bad guys. LAW
- Lower brackets and reduced deductions will mean higher state income taxes for Californians. LAT, SF Chronicle
- The reason the drug doses given for Michael Jackson don't add up is they aren't right, say experts. LAT
Plus: Jackson's wax figure will be unveiled today at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. DN wires - Nurses who don't get flu shots could be a factor in the public health impact of the coming H1N1 flu. DN
- The Board of Supervisors decided to raise parking fines in the county's unincorporated areas. Breeze wires
- Steven Mikulan takes the special offer and renews his L.A. Times subscription, but says it's probably the last time. LA Daily
- Rocky road for bike lanes in Santa Clarita. Streetsblog, SCV Talk
- Wheelchair attendants at LAX filed a complaint with the U.S. Transportation Department, claiming their employer, Aviation Safeguards, does not adequately train them for working with disabled passengers. ABC7
- Mike Castelvecchi, a former managing editor at LATimes.com, joins Business.com as managing editor.