Filner scandal. Several new organizations are reporting that embattled San Diego Mayor Bob Filner will resign today amid allegations of sexual harassment of women.
Filner’s apparent decision to step down comes after three days of closed-door negotiations with city officials. In exchange for his resignation, unnamed sources say the city will pay for some, if not all, of Filner’s legal fees. The city could also have to foot the bill for Filner’s share of damages awarded in a lawsuit filed by a former aide.
All nine San Diego City Council members have publicly called on Filner to resign. They are expected to vote on the proposed settlement deal today in a closed session.
If Filner does resign, City Council President Todd Gloria would become acting mayor. City law requires that a special election to replace Filner be held within 90 days. If no candidate wins an outright majority, there would be a run-off election.
Filner, who is 70, served 10 terms in Congress before elected mayor last year. The Democratic politician is facing accusations of harassment by at least 18 women. They include a Navy admiral, business executives, a nurse, two singers and at least three city employees. CNN
Living legend. The news just keeps getting better for Dodger fans. The streaking Dodgers won again yesterday, beating the Miami Marlins 6-0 to increase their division lead to a season-high 9-and-a-half games. Even better for many fans: Vin Scully says he will return next season for his 65th year behind the microphone. Scully, who is 85, says he feels good and still enjoys coming out to the ballpark. He says he got the go-ahead from his wife to work another year. L.A Times
Healthcare overhaul. California’s online enrollment system for the federal healthcare overhaul may not be fully operational by the time people are allowed to begin signing up for the program. Enrollment in Covered California – the state’s version of the Affordable Care Act – is due to begin October 1st. But agency officials say they are still working out kinks in the system. Computer tests scheduled for early next month will determine if the system is ready. The new healthcare law doesn’t go into effect until January. But officials are eager to begin enrolling new patients as soon as possible. If the online system is not ready in October, people can sign up by phone. L.A. Times
DWP deal. Department of Water and Power officials say the city-owned utility will save $6.1 billion over three decades in an agreement reached between the city and the union representing utility workers. A two percent cost-of-living raise scheduled for October would be postponed until 2016 under the deal. Changes to pensions for new employees are also in the works. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti calls the agreement a victory for ratepayers. DWP officials are still looking to raise electricity and water rates for the next three years, but they say this agreement would reduce the requested increases by about two percent. The deal still needs to be ratified by members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 18. L.A. Daily News
Pot shops. L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer came into office last month promising to crack down on medical marijuana dispensaries operating illegally in the city. But hundreds of dispensaries that were required to shut down as the result of the passage of Proposition D this spring are still operating. In an interview with KCRW’s Warren Olney, Feuer said the city has sent out more than 1,700 warning letters to suspected unlawful dispensaries. So far, though, Feuer says only about 50 pot shops have shut down voluntarily. Feuer says that his office is working with police and building and safety officials to build cases for prosecution. Proposition D was approved by 62 percent of L.A. voters. It allows about 135 dispensaries that registered with the city before a 2007 moratorium to stay open. Which Way, L.A.?