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L.A. Today: More NFL, Vernon, and Raves

Andrew Khouri |
February 9, 2011 | 12:51 a.m. PST

Staff Reporter

After 16 years without an NFL team, Los Angeles can’t seem to contain itself over the prospect of the league’s return. The idea has brought out skeptics, cheerleaders, and a cadre of pundits happy to opine on two competing proposals. 

In the latest salvo, City Councilman Paul Krekorian put forth a motion to oppose AEG’s attempts to be exempted from lawsuits over the environmental review for its proposed downtown stadium.  A rival stadium proposal in the city of Industry received such a waiver in 2009. Read the whole Associated Press story here

Meanwhile, AEG’s chief Tim Leiweke urged the city to “take a deep breath” Tuesday, again promising not a dime of public money would be spent on the stadium. AEG is asking Los Angeles to issue $350 million in bonds to tear down and rebuild the West Hall of the Convention Center. The company has promised to make up any shortfall if revenue from the site is not enough to repay the debt.  The Times has more of Leiweke's assurances here.

Also, the Associated Press reports Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa chose individuals with heavy ties to AEG to examine the entertainment company’s proposal on behalf of taxpayers.

The L.A. Times reports an administrator for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission helped plan security and emergency services for the Electric Daisy Carnival while serving as a paid consultant for the company that put on the rave. A 15-year-old girl died from an overdose at the event, which has been criticized for poor security.

Also via the Times: A council committee, where Councilman Jose Huizar was the only member present, discussed annexing the city of Vernon Tuesday if state legislation to dissolve the city succeeds. 

Reach reporter Andrew Khouri here.



 

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