Maven's Morning Coffee: Yaroslavsky and the riots, interviews with candidates for district attorney

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, April 26, 2012, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

Investigators raided the home of Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez and the home of one of his campaign contributors yesterday as part of an influence-peddling probe, the Los Angeles Times reports. A spokesman for Noguez told the newspaper, "The department is fully cooperating with the district attorney in their investigation."

Six design firms unveiled their plans for the future of Union Station, according to the Daily News. Metro hopes to add shops and restaurants to the area around the train station.

Over at the LA Weekly, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky recounts how his car was destroyed during the riots 20 years ago.

The Los Angeles Times editorial page has video interviews with the candidates running for district attorney. All of the candidates were asked about prison realignment and the death penalty.

8 a.m. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will speak at a breakfast recognizing employers participating in HIRE L.A.’s Youth Employment Program. L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce.

9 a.m. Mayor Villaraigosa, police Chief Charlie Beck and USC President C. L. Max Nikias will announce safety measures around USC. USC, Town and Gown.

Noon Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Dodgers Dream Foundation and the LA84 Foundation will open a new Dodgers Dreamfield at Lennox Park.

6:15 p.m. Mayor Villaraigosa will speak at the UCLA Department of Political Science Bollens- Ries-Hoffenberg lecture. UCLA Faculty Center.

Meetings

8:30 a.m. Planning Commission, Van Nuys City Hall, Council Chamber

Update on the bicycle plan implementation 

Consideration of construction at Forest Lawn Memorial 

Announcements

The Los Angeles County Democratic Party will host a cocktail reception this evening for the 2012 John F. Kennedy Awards. Dodger Stadium.

To have an event or announcement listed, please email the Maven here.