LA budget mess means cutbacks, layoffs

[The Northerner]

LOS ANGELES — For two decades, Los Angeles built libraries with a vigor rarely seen in the nation, spending $335 million to get books and computers within the reach of those who might not otherwise have them.

Now, it's getter harder to get inside the buildings.

A hobbled economy has left the nation's second-largest city starved for cash, and 72 library branches now are closed on Friday mornings to save money. More than 1,000 people work at the libraries, but layoffs and retirements could slash the staff by 20 percent or more by June. Hours will be cut again.

A new era of austerity has arrived grimly in Los Angeles, where Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is warning the city must do more with less. The library hours only begin to tell the story. As many as 4,000 layoffs are planned, which would translate into more gaping potholes, neglected parks and streets lined with overgrown trees.

Its zoo and convention center could end up being run by private operators. The mayor is determined to protect his biggest success, a bulked-up police force, but even officers are being asked along with other city workers to consider pay cuts as deep as 15 percent.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hjzgd9TPWltF7QQz0RAZ35tnvwcgD9E5AUMG2

[MUAD_DIB]

1. The mayor is determined to protect his biggest success, a bulked-up police force...

You have to keep the troops in place to crush the unrest to certainly follow.


CYA.