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Searching for Cardinal Mahony's successor, mayor explains his layoff talk, thinking about city bankruptcy and the Hollywood sign story boomlet. Plus more, after the jump.
- The Vatican has begun the search for a successor to Cardinal Roger Mahony, who is expected to step down early next year as head of the nation's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese. LAT
Plus: Mahony has a blog - Mayor Villaraigosa told the Times' editorial board that the threat of layoffs was his only leverage to force the city's unions to accept lower wages and help rescue the city from insolvency. LAT, DN, LA Biz Observed
- Coverage of the Hollywood sign cover up. LAT, NYT, LAist
- Roman Polanski can stay in Switzerland until his case is resolved by L.A. Courts, a justice ministry officials there said. LAT
- An Italian judge ordered the seizure of the Getty Museum's iconic bronze statue of an athlete, citing "grave negligence" in the museum's acquisition of the ancient statue in 1977, but enforcement will be difficult and the museum says it will appeal. LAT
- Sen. Dianne Feinstein is beginning to raise money for a reelection run in 2012. Joe Scott
- Raising the specter of bankruptcy by the city of Los Angeles may spur city officials into making the hard choices necessary to avoid a calamity, Joel Fox argues. Fox & Hounds Daily
- The family of Mitrice Richardson has asked the Sheriff's Department for videotapes showing her at the Lost Hills station before she disappeared five months ago. Malibu Surfside News
- Quick first aid by LAPD foot beat cop Mario Tovar saved the life of a pedestrian whose leg was severed by a car accident at Hollywood and Highland. Park La Brea Press
- Media columnist James Rainey talks to Don Barrett of LARadio.com. LAT
- Former Lakers coach Fred Schaus died at 84. LAT