City Council seeking to set own agenda

For the Los Angeles City Council, this year has been filled with trying to establish its independence as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was distracted by personal problems. DailY News.

In the power vacuum - and emboldened by voter approval of a term-limit extension that gives current members some job security with the ability to seek a third term - council members took several steps to try to boost their relevance amid a skeptical electorate.

"This was a great year for the City Council," Council President Eric Garcetti said. "The council became a more strategic body this year and talked about issues in a more proactive way."