'Please, please, please...no layoffs'

Municipal workers who could lose their jobs under a new layoff plan confronted City Council members Tuesday, begging them to find other ways to cover a $200 million shortfall in Los Angeles' budget. Daily News.

The council is scheduled today to consider a plan to lay off up to 1,500 employees and eliminate some agencies to close the growing city deficit.

"I am not here to make you feel bad," said Erica Nicholson, a 23-year employee of the General Services Department. "But my heart is hurting. I'm proud of what we do ... and I ask you, please, please please, no layoffs."