News and notes are hidden after the jump. Also see today's Mark Lacter morning headlines at LA Biz Observed, and follow Mark and Kevin on Twitter.

• Building and Safety chief Andrew Adelman, placed on leave while under investigation in an alleged date rape incident, has hired lawyer Mark Geragos, who said "It's unfortunate that . . . an investigation has been made public before any determination of the validity of the allegations have been made." LAT, Breeze wires
• If not for Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger might never have become governor of California. Sacto Bee
• Mayor Villaraigosa said Tuesday he will push LAUSD to allow outside operators to bid for control of hundreds of campuses, a move opposed by the teachers union. LAT, DN
• The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association in New York is honoring William Bratton as its Man of the Year, even though he has been out of the NYPD since 1996 — but may want the job again. HuffPost
• Police commissioners began the process of replacing LAPD chief Bratton, saying they want to hold an open selection with extensive public involvement. DN
  Plus:Mayor Villaraigosa also has a fire chief vacancy to fill, and it too is politically tricky. DN
• Greg Nelson, the former longtime chief of staff in City Council district 2, was unimpressed by the forum performance of the minor candidates running for the seat this time around. CityWatch
• A Las Vegas pharmacy was searched in the ongoing criminal investigation around Michael Jackson's death. NYT
• Three years after Los Angeles County eliminated an independent entity to investigate child deaths, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is expected today to call for an inquiry into the suspicious deaths of three youngsters. LAT, DN
• Police are searching for a man who allegedly inflicted serious injuries on Culver City councilman Mehaul O'Leary during an early morning attack at his bar. LAT, Breeze wires
• Hundreds camped out at the Forum in Inglewood hoping to receive free medical and dental care. LAT, Breeze
• Times food editor Russ Parsons recalls his involvement with Julia Child and fills in details regarding a key plot point in "Julie and Julia." LAT
• Tribune papers such as the L.A. Times and Chicago Tribune are combining national sports beats to save money. Crain's
• Sam Zell's traditional year-end gift was sent late and instead of a music box contained a card that reads "somebody stopped the music." WSJ.com
• American Airlines drops flights between San Jose and Orange County. SJ Mercury
• Adam Carolla has sold "This Year in Rage," billed as "a collection of funny, insightful, and outrageous anecdotes, philosophies, and rants by America's foremost complainer," to Crown for publication in Fall 2010. Publishers Lunch
• LA Weekly music editor Randall Roberts was one of six mid-career arts journalists selected as fellows for the USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Program. Release