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It's utterly amazing at times how brain-dead the East Coast political media can be about California's politics, says Dan Walters. Sacto Bee
Call it irony or call it coincidence: Mitt Romney’s share of the popular vote in the 2012 presidential race is very likely to be 47 percent. Washington Post
California's bullet train has generated plenty of opposition in the areas around the San Gabriel Mountains. Elsewhere in Southern California, though, local governments are either embracing the train or choosing to remain neutral. LAT
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued its first-ever mandatory "no burn alerts" prohibiting residents from lighting up their wood-burning fireplaces in downtown, West Hollywood, Burbank and most of the eastern San Fernando Valley. DN
The first televised forum of the 2013 mayoral campaign will air on Channel 7 on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m, hosted by the League of Conservation Voters. Channel 7 anchor Marc Brown will moderate. Only four candidates are included: Wendy Greuel, Eric Garcetti, Jan Perry and Kevin James.
The Orange County Press Club hosts a mixer and discussion with Register owner and publisher Aaron Kushner tonight at 6 p.m. at the Mesa Lounge in The Camp, at the corner of Bristol and Baker in Costa Mesa.
"Unsettled weather" is coming to Southern California later this week, the National Weather Service says. Meaning a cold front with wind and some rain.
Authorities explained how they caught longtime most-wanted murder suspect Jose Saenz in Mexico. DN
The number of U.S. citizens killed in Mexico so far this year is down, but the U.S. State Department has again issued a detailed, state-by-state travel warning for visitors to the country. LAT
Green Dot Public Schools founder Steve Barr resigned from the board of directors. Daily Breeze
The AMC Marina 6 transforms as of Dec. 3 into a Dine-In Theatre, with an extensive food menu and a full bar. LA Weekly
LA design store A Plus R, the one started by journalist Rose Apodaca, sells paper versions of a grenade and three types of military assault weapon, including an Uzi, plus a grenade coin bank. Online store
Is it art? On Venice boardwalk, police can make the call. WSJ
The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo has amassed debt of approximately $2 million, a packed meeting of supporters was told. The Rafu Shimpo
Touring Hollywood Forever Cemetery with Karie Bible. LAT
A 7,000-square-foot French bistro dubbed Coco Laurent has opened in Downtown on the corner of 7th Street and Grand Avenue, across the street from Bottega Louie. Blogdowntown
