Mayor caught in political loophole

The controversy over Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's acceptance of free tickets for sporting events and concerts has exposed a loophole in state and local laws that experts say should be closed to help the public keep a closer eye on elected officials. Daily News.

Villaraigosa recently detailed 85 events he has appeared at for free over the past five years - including Lakers and Dodgers games, major concerts and awards shows - but defended attending them as part of his official duties as mayor.

The gifts of (political) life
. Public officials in California are required to file public reports known as the Form 700, or Statement of Economic Interests, that list their assets, income and gifts received. Daily News.

An examination of the forms filed by Los Angeles city officials shows a wide divergence in what officials received and what they report - and the benefits of being a citywide elected official.