Saturday Burro Droppings

Laura Chick's audit of the cost overruns and schedule delays of construction of the new Los Angeles Police Department headquarters points a finger at the City's Bureau of Engineering. However, Brady Westwater sticks up for that agency which actually has a history of bringing projects in ahead of schedule and under budget. Westwater points the blame at the usual LA politics we have all come to know and love, the politics that lead to a lack of leadership in developing a real plan for the Civic Center, ultimately leading to delays, price increases and missed opportunities.

Rick Orlov muses that the Woodland Hills Neighborhood Council is one that "works." Among his criteria for success include that the Council is frequently "ripping down illegal signs" and "battling over street-sweeping days." Wonder what Zuma Dogg's Dr. Deming analysis would be.

Earlier in the week it was disclosed that UCLA Medical Center employees were peeking at the private medical files of celebrities such as Britney Spears, Farrah Fawcett and Governor Schwarzenegger. Fox News reports that UCLA allegedly knew that such snooping has been going on for over a decade.

If you plan to go into business repairing BMWs or Mercedes, you'll have to find another place to learn how to read the repair manuals. USC is dropping it's German language program. According to a report in the LA Times, the University is "now adding resources to its programs in Asian and Middle Eastern languages and cultures."

Does anyone else think that Christine Devine is still one of the best and hottest news anchors in Los Angeles? I have for the last 20 years. I always wondered how old she is; I'm guessing considering she started her career in the late 80s she must be around my age. If she's single and likes old, dead Republican Mayors, she can send props to mayorsamyorty@aol.com.

Kim Myles who won first place on one of those home improvement reality shows now has her own show and will give you a home makeover. Kim, who has been called "the Black Martha Stewart" will be hosting "Myles of Styles" on HGTV.