Around LA Observed today

On gun violence, signs of life in the economy, Boyarsky on redevelopment and schools, and the return of Angeleno Datebook.

The return of Angeleno Notebook by Adrienne Crew, after an end-of-year hiatus. First up: Colin Firth, Paul Haggis and awards ceremonies for the American Film Institute and the Broadcast Film Critics Association. Native Intelligence
Jenny Price, not inured to gun violence, says of American reaction to Tucson: "How dare we be shocked every time this happens." Native Intelligence
If redevelopment agencies were eliminated, as Governor Jerry Brown has proposed, California’s public schools would receive an extra $1 billion a year. Bill Boyarsky
Back to normal: the three big van lines - United, Atlas and Allied - say that California had more inbound moves in 2010 than departures. LA Biz Observed
More evidence of the economy picking up: Port of Los Angeles traffic rose 16 percent in 2010, helped by a record number of exports. LABO
Have I mentioned I'm selling my house? Veronique de Turenne
Strange but true: A fig tree growing inside of a Canary Island date palm. Jenny Burman
In Guns We Trust. LA Sketchbook
Polar Bears in San Pedro. Take My Picture Gary Leonard
Derby Dolls. Iris Schneider

Plus if you missed it: Denise Hamilton on the Grim-Lit serial killer that struck the Mystery Bookstore in Westwood Village.