The couple, who are plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits seeking to overturn Proposition 8's ban on gay marriage, were thrilled that a federal appeals court ruled the ballot measure unconstitutional.

"I was holding the hand of the person that I love and want to marry, so I think we lost a little blood flow for a minute there," said Katami, 39, referring to his anxiety waiting for the court's decision. "We're ready for the next step in equality."

The position has always been demanding. The committee oversees how the city spends its $6.7 billion general fund budget - from the filling of potholes to the amount of overtime paid police and firefighters.

But with Los Angeles still mired in a financial crisis that has spurred layoffs and service cuts, the chairman's job has taken on even greater importance.

The 14-0 vote was based on a motion introduced by Hahn's sister, former Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who now serves in the U.S. Congress. Officials said they hope to have a naming ceremony within the next three months.

Hahn, who now serves as a Superior Court judge in Santa Monica, said he was honored by the decision.

To the north is a concrete-lined channel surrounded by a bleached, barren expanse of dirt. To the south, a landscape lush with plants and chirping birds.

The green portion is about to grow.

On Monday, workers are set to begin tearing up the dirt along the channel from Vanowen Street to Sherman Way. Within five months, native trees and shrubs will be growing there, alongside a meandering man-made stream, trails and benches.

Local officials urged parents to demand more high-quality schools across the city, better facilities, better teachers, and equal funding for all public schools.

"Without dedicated moms and dads, we will never turn around our public school system," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "We can win this battle.

Prostitution is on the rise along this commercial corridor, testing the patience of store owners and their customers.

Dan Schumacher, owner of the Muds Classic Parts & Restoration, watched last fall as two prostitutes in a fistfight fell into his parked Chrysler car, causing a $1,000 dent in the fender.

"If I had any inkling that what we were doing is illegal or a hazard to the public, then I wouldn't do it," Beck said, adding that the plan was crafted after meetings with immigration rights groups and local prosecutorial agencies.

Under Beck's proposed new policy - which comes before the Police Commission on Feb. 14 - an unlicensed driver who is stopped by police would not be subject to an immediate 30-day impound on a first offense.

The roughly 20,000 square foot new hall is planned as part of an expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, first built in 1971.

Renderings presented before a city committee illustrated how the new facility - which would rise one story above Pico Boulevard, so cars could pass underneath - would connect the existing South Hall with AEG's proposed football stadium.

The rate hike will see the average family's monthly water charges go up about $1.71, or $3.42 per bimonthly bill from the Department of Water and Power, which says it needs the money to pay for federally and state-mandated drinking water quality improvement projects.

If affirmed by a second council vote next week, the increase will appear on bills beginning in March and April.

While the stadium has dominated the headlines, AEG sold local officials on the $1.3 billion project by offering to overhaul the convention center - a facility derided as the "white elephant."

The new design would remake the decades-old convention center and - supporters hope - lure more lucrative conventions to the city of Los Angeles.