Morning Buzz: Tuesday 11.1.11

High speed rail even more costly, legal opinion says some campaign donations can be given twice, a warning about Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, members of the jails commission and more.

Also see Mark Lacter's morning headlines at LA Biz Observed.

Top of the news

The new business plan for California's high-speed rail system shows the nation's most ambitious state rail project could cost nearly $100 billion in inflation-adjusted funding over a 20-year construction period. AP, LAT


Politics and politicos

A legal analysis by the state's campaign finance watchdog agency says that donations never deposited into candidate accounts by accused treasurer Kinde Durkee can be solicited a second time. Capitol Notes

California's court system is about to make a big mistake by accepting a questionable $20 million donation for its troubled computerized case management system from Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Dan Walters/Bee

The Board of Supervisors' appointees to the county's new jails commission have their work cut out. The first three names are former judges. Witness LA

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to announce this week that one of his former deputies, Arif Alikhan, will oversee homeland security at LAX. Daily Breeze

Villaraigoisa: "Did I say Corina? I was married to a Corina.” City Maven

An explanation for why City Hall doesn't repave the streets in worst condition, putting its dollars elsewhere. DN

UCLA unveiled plans for a new conference and guest center on campus next to Pauley Pavilion. A former proposed project on the site of the faculty center met with opposition. UCLA Newsroom

The city of Compton is in full financial meltdown. LAT

Tim Naftali, who has resigned as director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, joins Patt Morison on KPCC at 1:50 p.m. to talk about it.


Media and media people

Jill Stewart was promoted to managing editor of the LA Weekly (from news editor) by newly arrived editor in chief Sarah Fenske, at Monday's staff meeting.

Dr. Brandy Dunn and David Rensin’s upcoming memoir "The Men On My Couch: True Stories Of Sex, Love and Psychotherapy," is moving to TV as a half-hour on ABC from "Happy Endings" co-executive producer Gail Lerner and producer Warren Littlefield. Deadline

Jonathan Gold of the LA Weekly speaks at the USC Annenberg Journalism Director's Forum from noon to 1 p.m.


More

Is Day of the Dead the next great American holiday marketing opportunity? An ad exec ponders saving it from Cinco de Mayo syndrome. Ad Age

A team of UCLA researchers has developed a computer program capable of pointing police to potential suspects when feuds between rival gangs erupt into violence. LAT

A small attic fire closed the Magic Castle in Hollywood for a couple of days. LAT, DN photos, LAFD

A 78-year-old homeowner is battling with the city of Manhattan Beach over the height of his front yard yucca trees, which block a neighbor's ocean view. Daily Breeze

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Hollywood Odditorium is closed until mid-December for a facelift. Via release

Mary Hunt Kahlenberg, a former curator and head of the Department of Costume and Textiles at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, died in Santa Fe at age 71. LAT


More by Kevin Roderick:
Ralph Lawler of the Clippers and the age of Aquarius
Riding the Expo Line to USC 'just magical'
Last bastion of free parking? Loyola Marymount to charge students
Matt Kemp, Dodgers and Kings start big weekend the right way
LA Times writers revisit their '92 riots observations
Recent Morning Buzz stories on LA Observed:
Morning Buzz: Friday 4.27.12
Morning Buzz: Thursday 4.26.12
Morning Buzz: Wednesday 4.25.12
Morning Buzz: Tuesday 4.24.12
Morning Buzz: Monday 4.23.12

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