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Lots of politics today: Hahn win analysis, Padilla not running for mayor, political stakes of the 405 closure, charges against Rod Wright reinstated and more. Plus: who wins, Harry Potter or Carmageddon?
The crime rate in Los Angeles continues to drop, reaching levels that LAPD chief Charlie Beck said "I never thought I'd see as a Los Angeles police officer." LAT, DN, Patch
With Janice Hahn's win last night, Republicans are for 0 for their last 200 tries to pick up a Democratic seat in California. Politico
Joe Buscaino, a Senior Lead Officer for the LAPD in the Harbor area, announced he's running for Hahn's seat on the City Council.
Political stakes are high in the weekend's closure of the 405. LAT
An appeals court on Tuesday reinstated two felony counts in the voting-fraud case against state Sen. Roderick Wright. LAT
Promising to hold a July 29 public session on plans for AEG's NFL stadium, the City Council on Tuesday rejected a proposal to bypass a special committee formed to review the proposal. DN
Taking another stab at speeding up the building permit process in Los Angeles, the city opened a new office Tuesday dedicated to streamlining approvals for business owners and developers. DN
State Sen. Alex Padilla told Rick Orlov that he won't be a candidate for mayor in 2013. DN
Councilman Bill Rosendahl's calls for more openness in City Hall proceedings should apply to his transportation committee, says Stephen Box. CityWatch
Paul Turner was elected president of the city's Ethics Commission.
Cal State University trustees raised student fees 12 percent, part of the response to the but cuts signed into law by Gov. Brown. There already had been a 10 percent hike approved for the coming school year. LAT
Patt Morrison discusses the ethnic politics of redistricting with Thomas Saenz, Jeanne Raya and Tony Quinn, 1:40 p.m. on KPCC.
Which massive force will win when Carmageddon comes up against the debut of the new (and last) Harry Potter film on Friday night? The Wrap
A judge ordered that former "Survivor" producer Bruce Beresford-Redman be extradited to Mexico to face charges in the killing of his wife, Monica. CBS
AOL Industry launches a new site, AOL Government, and the Huffington Post announces a new page for San Francisco.
Patrick Schwarzenegger, 17-year-son of Arnold and Maria, is working as an intern this summer at The Grove through the ex-governor's friendship with mall owner Rick Caruso. TMZ
Mark Stambler, the Silverlake baker who makes bread in his back-yard oven, talks with John Rabe about getting into trouble with the public health authorities. Off-Ramp
Lakers forward Ron Artest was honored by the Board of Supervisors for his work in raising awareness of mental health issues. DN wires
Former Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis was fired as coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. ESPN