Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Friday

The City Council has agreed to accept a $50,000 donation from Philip Morris to assist the police in an investigation of the counterfeiting of cigarettes.

Lots more after the leap!

The City is considering stricter penalties on those who organize illegal "rave" parties. This follows the death of a 14 year old near a recent rave in Boyle Heights. How about stricter penalties on parents who allow 14 year olds to attend such parties as well?

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa failed to wrest control of the LAUSD schools and, in his State of the City speech earlier this week, said he will now turn his attention to LA's gang problems. Will he have better luck this time? The Mayor joins talk show host Patt Morrisson to discuss these new plans, as well as his local – and national – ambitions. Friday, 2:00 p.m. KPCC 89.3 FM.

An LA Times reader asks a good question: Why is Mayor Villaraigosa spending $1 billion to build 1500 units of housing. That's nearly $700K per unit. You can buy a nice condo in Studio City for about 2/3 of that.

Our petition supporting Kevin James getting a new radio gig has soared to nearly 400 signatures. If you haven't signed the petition, please do so now and tell your friends. I also suggest you personally contact the program directors at KFI, KRLA, KLAA and KOGO San Diego to urge that Kevin be hired.