Mayor gets cool reception from NCs

Warning that a potential loss of $270 million in next year's budget could threaten Los Angeles municipal services, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appealed Saturday to neighborhood council leaders to support the city's plan for a 9 percent telephone tax. Daily News.

But the outline of the challenges facing the city's $6.8 billion budget drew sharp criticism from the more than 150 community leaders gathered at City Hall for the annual presentation.

Many questioned the timing of the proposal, which comes as the Department of Water and Power is seeking to raise electric rates by 9 percent over three years and water rates by 6 percent over two years.