Mayor Viilaraigosa made education reform a focal point of his annual State of the City address Wednesday evening. In an address at Thomas Jefferson High titled "A New Contract," Villaraigosa called for renewed teachers' contract in a battle to recover from losses in state funding that have led to the layoffs of thousands of LAUSD teachers. But this approach did not fall lightly on the ears of many civic leaders, many of whom are concerned that the state of the city is in a deepening financial crisis. more ›

Amid the budget crisis, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa this afternoon delivered his annual State of the City address and released the next fiscal year's budget. "This budget totals $4.34 billion dollars. Sets aside 6.5 percent or $284 million dollars for the reserve fund and it builds a smaller, more efficient city government," he said. Here are some key points, followed by the full speech: more ›

Starting at 3:30, the annual ceremonies for the State of the City will begin at the Balqon Electric Truck Factory in the Harbor area. It will be aired live on Channel 35 and on its website. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's speech probably will begin around 4 p.m., according to his office. The LA Times suspects the speech will focus on green jobs, considering its setting. more ›

It's that time of the year again for Mayor Villaraigosa to make the annual State of the City speech at the LAPD's Parker Center. His third one since taking office, tonight's address is expected to focus in on the red-lined budget and crime, specifically gangs. In a poignant LA Times editorial, they say tonight presents him with "opportunity and obligation. He must make clear that he has a firm grip on" these two issues. more ›