Andres Aguila/KPCC

One of L.A. City Councilman Richard Alarcon's neighbors testified that it appeared no one lived at the official residence from 2006 to 2009.

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Today is Friday, Aug. 24, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

At Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon's preliminary hearing, a neighbor testified that it appeared no one lived at the councilman's official residence from 2006 to 2009, according to the Los Angeles Times. The neighbor told a downtown courtroom that trash bins were not placed outside, weeds would grow tall, and there were rarely any cars at the home.

Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky's decision not to run for mayor leaves a hole and gives the candidates space not to answer tough questions on the city's budget, a Los Angeles Times editorial says. "It is the responsibility of those who run to address these issues, even without a rival to force the debate," according to the piece.

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Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The city of Los Angeles is suppose to fine banks $1,000 a day if a foreclosed home becomes blighted. Despite thousands of foreclosures, Los Angeles has issued one fine, reports the Daily News.

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

The Maven's Morning Coffee is also available as a daily email. Click here to subscribe.

Today is Thursday, Aug. 23, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky will not run for mayor. "Simply put, it’s time for a new generation of leaders to emerge and guide this region into the future," he said. The announcement was made in a statement posted to Yaroslavsky's website.

The city of Los Angeles has failed to fine banks for allowing foreclosed properties to become blighted, according to the Daily News. Under city law, banks are supposed to be fined $1,000 a day if properties fall into disrepair. Building and Safety does not have enough inspectors to check on homes and fine the banks, reports the newspaper.

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California Historical Society/USC Digital Archives

Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez surveyed the 2013 mayoral candidates on what they would do regarding pension reform.

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

The Maven's Morning Coffee is also available as a daily email. Click here to subscribe.

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 22, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez asked the city's mayoral candidates what they would do on pension reform and ended up getting some choice quotes from former Mayor Richard Riordan. "(Wendy) Greuel and (Eric) Garcetti are owned by the unions, and the only reason I'd support Zev is that [the unions] don't like him," he told The Times. Also, "When I announced I was going to run, my psychiatrist resigned."

Commercially-bred cats, dogs and rabbits would be banned from Los Angeles pet shops under a new law being considered by the Los Angeles City Council, reports the Daily News. L.A. City Councilman Richard Alarcon questions the city's ability to enforce the ban, should it take effect.

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Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LAPD Deputy Chief Terry Hara hopes to be the next councilman of the Ninth District, which includes Staples Center. So far he has outraised all of his opponents.

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

The Maven's Morning Coffee is also available as a daily email. Click here to subscribe.

Today is Tuesday, Aug. 21, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

LAPD Deputy Chief Terry Hara has raised $117,000 in his bid to be the next councilman of Los Angeles' Ninth District. The Downtown News takes a look at his candidacy. "For the Ninth District, with the ethnic makeup, if they elect a Japanese American, it’s a statement in and of itself that maybe Los Angeles has gone beyond ethnic politics," Hara says.

The Los Angeles City Council is considering whether to building parklets, which are parking spot-sized parks, reports LA Streetsblog. "The four parklets would join the Sunset Triangle Plaza as examples of the city making use of its abundance of curb-side parking to create open space for all residents," according to the website.

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David McNew/Getty Images

The city of Ontario is hoping to regain local control of its airport, something strongly opposed by Los Angeles World Airports.

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

The Maven's Morning Coffee is also available as a daily email. Click here to subscribe.

Today is Monday, Aug. 20, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

In Rick Orlov's Tipoff column, former Mayor Richard Riordan pushes pension reform and Reps. Howard Berman and Brad Sherman head to the OK Corral.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hopes the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools lives on after he is out of office, reports the Daily News. However, reps with United Teachers Los Angeles want to see the program end. "We don't see any great rush of teachers to go to these schools. And I am not sure they have realized their goals to the extent it would justify continuing the experiment," according to the head of the union.

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