Which Way, L.A.?

LAX Renovation, Secession Poll, Vivendi, Weather

Section One: Valley Supports Secession, LA Resident's Don't If November's vote on the secession of the San Fernando Valley were held tomorrow, it would win in the Valley but lose citywide, a result that would preserve the unity of Los Angeles as a whole. These results of the latest Los Angeles Times poll differ remarkably from answers to a Times' poll taken in March. What happened to change so many minds? Susan Pinkus, director of the LA Times poll, attributes the change in attitudes to moving from the conceptual to the concrete. Breaking down the results by demographics, Pinkus also discusses respondents' receptivity to Hollywood secession and an alternative plan for a citywide borough system. Section Two: Changes Ahead for Universal Studios as Vivendi's Chairman Steps Out? The controversial head of Vivendi Universal, which owns Universal Studios, has been ousted in an apparent palace coup and will step down tomorrow. Jean Marie Messier once hoped to offer a European challenge to Time Warner/AOL. But like its American counterpart, Vivendi's fortunes have nosedived. Where does that leave Universal Studios? Nicole Sperling, business editor for The Hollywood Reporter, has more on the demise of the flamboyant Frenchman and what it could mean for thousands of Southern Californians whose lives are tied to the huge corporate conglomerate. Kyle McKinnon guest hosts Newsmaker: Mayor Hahn Outlines Sweeping Changes for LAX Mayor Jim Hahn's $ 9 billion renovation plan for LA International Airport includes demolition of four terminals and parking structures as well as a ban on traffic inside the horseshoe. People movers at an offsite check-in center would link travelers to the gates. Hahn expresses confidence that his plan, which would be one of the most expensive public works projects in the country, will modernize the airport from check-in to take-off. Reporter's Notebook: LA's Rainfall Year Ends as One of Driest in History Sunday marked the official end of rainy season. While Northern California enjoyed normal moisture and snowfall, Southern California marked its driest year in 125 years of recordkeeping history with a mere 4.42 inches of rainfall. Tim McClung, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, cautions that it's going to be a dangerously hot summer.