A.M. News: Gangs, Video Art, Landlords & More

Chilly temps and a plane crash in the valley kept yesterday's news busy while Angelenos enjoyed their Friday before a three-day weekend. Some dressed warm for clubbing in Hollywood, others dressed nice for Sting at Disney Hall and we're sure some cuddled under blankets while watching Academy Awards screeners lent to them by their friends. By the way, did anyone notice just a day after David Beckham's announcement, the Daily News website leaderboard ad is for the LA Galaxy? After clicking on the link, they tell you to become part of history as Beckham comes to America. Yes, history as in highest-grossing year for the soccer team no one knew of until now.

City in Action
- Century City looks into going TOD
- Gangs for 2 billion. Any takers?
- All the hub-a-bub over gangs is because the Marshall Plan came out yesterday.
- City Council votes to quadruple fees for airliners at LAX in two terminals.
- More on construction noise pollution.

Must-Read Story
James Cui is a VJ. On election night in downtown, he projected Gov. Arnie smoking weed in Pumping Iron on a large wall off the freeway. The next time he projected a topless woman with a black "censored" bar covering her eyes. While writing a ticket, CHP officers noticed and were none too pleased. However, they did get a laugh over their boss smoking out. (LA Times)

Chinese Immigrants in Limbo
"China is refusing to take back thousands of its citizens who are being deported from the United States as illegal immigrants. The Chinese government says it is protesting American asylum laws, but now immigrants who have been told to leave America have no place to go." (NPR)

Watching Out For Renters
We're envious. "Lancaster is creating a new program to have every apartment and rental home in the city inspected on a regular basis for health and building code violations." (Daily News - AV)

Photo taken at the Ethel St. pedestrian tunnel under the 101 in the Valley.