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News, notes and observations from LA Observed and selected media sources. Sometimes daily, often in the morning.
It's Valley days in the local print media — perhaps apropos of the Scottish vote against independence. First Mayor Garcetti gave his annual pep talk to Valley business leaders (Daily News), the Valley's City Council members met with the chambers of commerce (LAT and DN), and the LA Register featured the Valley Relics museum and founder Tommy Gelinas.
One reason that City Hall may be rushing into moving city elections from odd years to the bottom end of the long even-year ballots, in addition to higher turnout: the transition could add 18 months to the terms of elected officials. LAT, editorial, KPCC
The Department of Veterans Affairs has mismanaged its West Los Angeles campus by under-billing for land use agreements and by improperly diverting funds, according to a Government Accountability Office report. "It is clear to us that the West Los Angeles [VA] violated federal law and shortchanged veterans in Southern California," said Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Rep. Henry A. Waxman. LAT
The Los Angeles Unified School District police will get rid of its three military grenade launchers but keep 60 M16 rifles and a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. LA Register
The California Republican Party is meeting in Los Angeles this weekend. LAT, Bee
Some black community leaders plan a news conference this morning to denounce actress Daniele Watts and demand she apologize to the LAPD over her claims about last week's detention in Studio City. LA Weekly
Long lines at the San Ysidro border crossing from Mexico have been relieved by new lanes. UT San Diego
Things have changed since Leonard Maltin started reviewing movies. Marketplace
The National Wildlife Federation and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund have joined forces to raise money for a long-discussed wildlife crossing at the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills. LAT, KPCC
The ten types of people who won't make it in Los Angeles. LA Weekly
Pollock Pines "King Fire" pyrocumulus at sunset taken from Skyline above Palo Alto about 140 miles away. pic.twitter.com/m79JUCdEq1
— Jan Null (@ggweather) September 18, 2014