Taking sides. City Councilman Eric Garcetti has picked up the support of former rival Kevin James in his bid to become the next mayor of L.A. The sole Republican in the race, James captured more than 16 percent of the vote in the primary. He was heavily courted by both Garcetti and his opponent, City Controller Wendy Greuel. James’ backing gives Garcetti endorsements from all three of the major candidates who were defeated in the March primary. L.A. Times
Sick pups. Federal wildlife officials will mobilize biologists to look into why so many sick sea lion pups are washing up on Southern California beaches. Hundreds of ailing pups have filled marine mammal sanctuaries in recent months, taxing their resources and perplexing researchers who have been at a loss to explain the illnesses. Federal officials have declared what’s called an “unusual mortality event.” That means government scientists will investigate the situation – and it could mean more money for rescue centers. At least 750 pups have been stranded since the beginning of the year between Santa Barbara and San Diego. L.A. Times
Street fight. If at first you don’t succeed…L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino is trying again to get a $3 billion bond measure on the ballot to fund street repairs across the city. A previous effort earlier this year was rejected, with Council President Herb Wesson saying there had not been enough public outreach. Buscaino now says he’ll convene a series of public hearings on the proposed measure, which would add about $120 a year to tax bills paid by L.A. property owners. L.A. Daily News
Jackson trial. Look out for the media circus…Jury selection is expected to start today in a $40 billion wrongful death lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson’s family against concert promoter AEG. The suit filed on behalf of Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and the late pop singer’s three children, accuses AEG of negligently hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to treat Jackson as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. AEG will argue that Jackson was responsible for his own overdose death in June, 2009. CNN
Off and running. The first day of the 2013 baseball season was a smashing success for both the Dodgers and the Angels. The Dodgers beat the World Champion San Francisco Giants 4-0 at Chavez Ravine yesterday. Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw tossed a complete game shutout and belted his first Major League homer to boot. The Angels opened on the road in an interleague match-up with the Cnicinnati Reds, prevailing 3-1 in a game that lasted 13 innings. ESPN, AP