Maven's Morning Coffee: mayoral debate, DWP rates, donations to city attorney

Photos courtesy of candidates' campaigns

Four of the top candidates running for mayor, Wendy Greuel, Kevin James, Jan Perry and Eric Garcetti, debated last night in Hollywood.

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.

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Today is Thursday, Sept. 20, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

With the pending sale of Anschutz Entertainment Group, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa does not appreciate questions on when he first learned of the sale, which blindsided just about everyone else in City Hall. "I’m the mayor. I knew. I’m the mayor, and I knew. Let me be clear about something — I’m the mayor and I knew," KPCC reports. The Los Angeles Times quotes Councilwoman Jan Perry as saying, "I do not like to be surprised. We are all supposed to be working together."

The top four candidates for mayor participated in a debate last night in Hollywood. KTLA has video of the event.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 2007 contract negotiations with city unions "ranks among the worst decisions Villaraigosa made in two terms as mayor — perhaps the worst," according to the LA Weekly. Furthermore, the mayor "deeply regrets" the deal that was struck just before the recession, the paper reports.

The Department of Water and Power is moving ahead with plans to increase power rates 11 percent. The Daily News reports the rate increase will be heard by the L.A. City Council on Tuesday.

Gov. Jerry Brown's tax measure, Proposition 30, gets some celebrity backing, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The LA Weekly looks at the major contributors to a $100,000 donation City Attorney Carmen Trutanich made to LA's BEST. Donors include three environmental groups and two companies that do business at the Port of Los Angeles.

Where to Find the Politicians

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will speak at the dedication of the Barry A. Sanders Sports Field at 9:30 a.m.

Meetings

12:30 p.m. L.A. Convention Center Board of Commissioners, Convention Center, board room