Villaraigosa raises $123,500 to cover costs of free ticket scandal

L.A.'s mayor is turning to his buddies in Sacramento for help in paying out the $42,000 in fines, along with legal bills. And by having three separate legal funds, Villariagosa can collect more than the $1,000 typically allowed under city fund-raising rules. Contributors include former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, Assemblyman Ricardo Lara (a former Villaraigosa planning commissioner), state Sen. Kevin De Leon, former state Sen.Jim Brulte, former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, former Assemblyman Dario Frommer, and Villaraigosa transit advisor Richard Katz. From the LAT:

Villaraigosa was fined for his attendance at 34 events, including Dodgers and Lakers games, and an assortment of concerts, including the one by the Spice Girls. Some of those events were held at venues owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is seeking the city's help with building a $1.2-billion NFL stadium and a nearby convention center wing.

Other contributors include Haim Saban and Rob Reiner. Can't help wondering how much is coming from Villaraigosa's own pocket - you know, the way regular people would pay a fine.