DWP to cut $440 million

The Department of Water and Power would save $440 million over three years by chopping everything from new hires to holiday lighting under a severe cost-cutting plan outlined by its new general manager Tuesday.Daily News,

The proposal would help the utility reduce the need for future rate increases, according to General Manager Ron Nichols, who was hired three months ago.

Nichols said his goal is to cut spending while meeting DWP's obligations to provide water and power to its customers and comply with environmental mandates.

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Neighborhood councils make recommendations
The city should do more to collect money it is owed and become more efficient, according to a white paper released on Tuesday by members of the city's neighborhood councils. Daily News,

The Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates, a group of 20 neighborhood council members, have met for several months to examine the city's budget and ongoing structural deficit.

"From what we have seen, there is not a revenue deficit, it is an expense problem," said Jay Handel, of West Los Angeles, chairman of the budget panel.