Extra, Extra: Close to Containment, Far From Normalcy

• Fire crews are optimistic, but not yet looking to declare victory over the multiple blazes that have burned over 500,000 acres and displaced millions. We agree, it's best to be sure before declaring victory too soon.
  
• One blaze that has partially kept officials from declaring an end to the madness, the Santiago fire in Orange County, is expected to be contained by Friday. But it could take years to rebuild charred neighborhoods.
  
• Seven people were injured last night when a car plowed into an IHOPat the corner of Wilshire and Hauser. Perhaps it's time for the HOP to finally consider those drive-thru's some have been clamoring for.
  
• David Nahai has been tapped to be the next General Manager of the DWP. Salary wise, Nahai is making a good choice. But, will he be able to lead the DWP into the next decade? He has shown his commitment to environmentally friendly energy, but some are skeptical.
  
• Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees. You need a thesaurus written by a cantankerous grouch to find all the words newspapers and columnists are spewing toward one of the game's most accomplished and discontented players. Could he be heading west? In the ongoing turf war between Los Angeles and Anaheim, the New York Times posits that he may be the perfect fit to wrest fans from one region to another. You know what else works? Winning! And the Dodgers have a pretty good team with more prospects on the horizon that won't cost $350 million.
  
• We may not get A-Rod, but rumors are flying that Torre might come to Los Angeles. Torre might just be what the Dodgers need to control the ego's that divided the clubhouse last season. Or, and here's a crazy money-saving idea, shove Jeff Kent into early retirement, put Tony Abreu at second and save some money with one of the more easy-going and accomplished managers in the majors.
  
• Could a giant video screen be heading for K-Town on Wilshire? It's currently illegal to sport such screens, but, shit, I think one more thing to distract us on the road could be just what we need to stay safe on the streets.
  
• A chiropractor was charged with 11 counts of sex related crimes against female patients and a woman looking for a job. Something tells me that his name should have been a tip-off that this is one shady dude. That name? Dickershaid. Thomas Francis Dickershaid. It creeps me out just to hear it.
  
• What's that? You want to see some great street art? I thought so.
  
• President Jimmy Carter kicked off Habitat for Humanity's goal of building 100 homes in Southern California by the end of the year. This is certainly a worthy cause in needy sections of Los Angeles and San Pedro, but I know of some people in affected parts of Southern California and San Diego that are going to have a tough time finding a place to live as well.
  
• Don't forget that you can win tix from LAist to see Regina Spektor on Halloween. Why? Because we love you.
  
• And finally, here's a video update on the westside extension transit corridor. Go ahead: microwave some popcorn, light some candles, cuddle with a loved one and let the soothing voice of MTA's Jody Litvak guide you into that cool evening.
  

Photo by DrTran via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr