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Pope Benedict XVI left the Vatican by helicopter on his last day as head of the Roman Catholic Church. NYT
Army private Bradley Manning pleaded guilty Thursday to 10 charges that he illegally acquired and transferred U.S. government secrets, agreeing to serve 20 years in prison for leaking classified material to WikiLeaks. LAT
Citing an immediate public health threat from the outbreak of virulent TB on Skid Row, the city of Los Angeles asked the U.S. Supreme Court today to overturn a lower-court ruling preventing the random seizure and destruction of belongings that homeless people leave temporarily unattended on public sidewalks. AP, LAT
The California Republican Party is convening this weekend in Sacramento amid a party divide over illegal immigration and how best to appeal to Latino voters. LAT
Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell accused the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday of bias in the drawing of new political boundaries, saying they were done to increase African-American voting in one district at the expense of the Asian-American community. DN
At least six LAPD officers want their firings re-examined in wake of Christopher Dorner case. DN
Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo does not confirm or deny dating Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, but laughs and says they practice Spanish together. Huffington Post
Who will buy the LA Times? Reporter Hillel Aron takes a shot at answering. LA Weekly
Variety is hiring. Brian Steinberg is leaving Ad Age to join Variety as its new senior TV editor. Fishbowl LA
The Orange County Register abruptly altered its advertising policy, barring ads that challenge politicians by name, after two Anaheim city councilwomen complained to the newspaper’s new owners about ads from a local activist that criticized their support of a controversial hotel subsidy. Voice of OC
Tony Pierce was laid off as a web writer-editor at KPCC. He was previously laid off by the LA Times. Fishbowl LA
Perez Hilton, the blogger whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., announced the arrival of a baby boy. Perez Hilton.com
Elle's March issue has a feature on "lingerie-inspired slip dresses" modeled on what the magazine calls the "gritty streets of LA" — meaning the corner of 1st Street and Grand Avenue outside the ungritty Walt Disney Hall.
Spending by independent groups in the Los Angeles mayor's race topped $3 million as of Wednesday, led by $2.4 million from unions pushing Wendy Greuel, according to new City Ethics Commission filings. DN/Smith
Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti, the most liberal of the candidates for mayor, are "unlikely backers of business tax cut." LAT/Rainey
Jan Perry's stance on development draws critics in mayor's race. DN/Smith
Jan Perry's bankruptcies and tax liens strangely absent from mayoral campaign. LA Weekly/Maddaus
Mayoral candidates discuss ways to improve schools at education summit. DN/Jones
Eric Garcetti showed political savvy during busy student years. LAT/Linthicum
Kevin James, the conservative talker, looks for an upset in LA mayoral race. KPCC
Kevin James' bury the bodies video gets media coverage. LAT
Starting in Canoga Park ending in San Pedro, Emanuel Pleitez begins 100-mile city running/biking trip. CNS
Emanuel Pleitez maybe isn't so amazing, readers claim. LA Weekly letters
With prospect of all-male L.A. Council, female candidates organize. LAT/Linthicum and Zahniser
The racial and ethnic politics of the 9th council district. LA Weekly/Range McDonald
LAPD Chief Beck advocates for Measure A and talks about impact of the Christopher Dorner case. LAT oped/Morrison
Write-in candidate Jeneen Robinson has ended her campaign for the District 4 seat on the Los Angeles Unified School District board and is endorsing incumbent Steve Zimmer. DN
Previously on LA Observed:
Campaign Wednesday: Liars, dead bodies and plenty of news
