Challenge time at City Hall

It's starting to be an anxious time for Los Angeles City Council leadership.

Council President Eric Garcetti, winding up his first two-year term as head of the 15-member body, is looking over his shoulder for potential challengers, in Tipoffs this week..

Garcetti, who succeeded former Councilman Alex Padilla by promising he'd allow other members to play a greater role, is particularly concerned at the prospect of a challenge by Councilman Herb Wesson.

Wesson, a former state Assembly speaker who is no stranger to power politics, demurs on the subject but can't help grinning at the possibility.

It all started after Wesson said he will not run for Yvonne Burke's seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and was happy being a member of the City Council.

"I haven't decided what I want to do," Wesson said. "I'm not unhappy with Eric as president, but I have to say I don't mind people thinking about me as running for mayor or council president. It makes them take you more seriously."

The council is set to elect its new leaders at the first meeting in July.