L.A. County's Prop. P would levy tax for parks, conservation work

Along with casting their votes for a new supervisor, sheriff and assessor Nov. 4, Los Angeles County voters will decide whether to tax themselves to pay for park and conservation projects across the region.

The proposal, Proposition P, would levy a $23-per-parcel property tax on county residents, generating an estimated $54 million a year for the next 30 years. The measure is billed as a replacement for Proposition A, a 1992 park measure that expires next June. The old measure provided about $52 million a year. Another park funding measure that passed in 1996 brings in about $28 million annually and will expire in 2019.

Those measures have helped pay for some large projects, including restoration of the Griffith Park Observatory, installation of a new shell at the Hollywood Bowl and an Olympic-sized pool in East Los Angeles, and replacement of trees downed by a 2011 windstorm in the San Gabriel Valley.

Proponents, including county supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Gloria Molina, and a number of cities, environmental and business groups, say the measure is needed to continue to pay for important projects and to leverage state and federal funds.

"Some incredible and extremely critical and needed park, open space and clean water projects have been done with Prop. A," said Bruce Saito, executive director emeritus of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps.

The organization employs at-risk youth on park and conservation projects and got about 5% of its money this year from Proposition A. "I think to lose that funding source would be catastrophic," Saito said.

The previous measures were passed with a defined list of projects, unlike the current proposed measure, which has a funding plan broken down by broad categories of spending, but no specific project list.

Under the new proposal, which requires a two-thirds majority of voters to pass, 20% of the money would go to cities and unincorporated areas based on the number of parcels in each jurisdiction. The county's five supervisors would divvy up another 30% for regional projects, 15% for county parks, beaches and clean water projects and 10% set aside for projects in park-poor communities. Another 15% would go to maintain past projects, and the remainder would be divided between competitive grants that nonprofits and other organizations could apply for and administration.

Opponents — including Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich — have raised concerns about the lack of a defined project list as well as about a change in the funding formula that would mean an increased levy for many homeowners. The average cost for a single-family home under the 1992 measure was $13 per year and another $7 from the 1996 measure.

The old tax level was calculated in part based on how much benefit a property would receive from the projects. But because of changes in state law that would make it more cumbersome to use that formula for the more than 2 million parcels throughout the county, the new tax would instead be a flat $23 per-parcel tax.

Pasadena City Councilman John J. Kennedy, who joined Antonovich and others in a statement opposing the measure, said it was premature to ask voters to approve another tax without an action plan for spending the about $150 million left over from the previous park taxes.

"Until there's a clear plan for that, you don't need to ask the taxpayers for more money," he said.

County parks department director Russ Guiney said $20 million of the leftover money is already set aside for specific projects. The remainder will be allocated to capital projects requested by cities and other entities over about the next three years, but will not be available for maintenance of existing projects. About $8 million a year in Proposition A money now goes to maintenance.

"We've had a good record the last 22 years of spending this money," Guiney said. "We spend it where the taxpayers want it to go."

No organized group has formed to oppose the measure. A committee formed to support the measure has raised about $50,000, including $20,000 from the California Conservation Campaign and $10,000 each from the League of Conservation Voters, Los Angeles Parks Foundation and landscape architect Glen Dake.

abby.sewell@latimes.com

Follow @sewella for more news about L.A. County government

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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New Orleans earns first road win of season, 28-10 over Carolina

Drew Brees and the Saints proved they know how to win big games on the road.

Brees overcame a shaky start and threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and New Orleans defeated the Carolina Panthers, 28-10, Thursday night to take over first place in the NFC South.

The Saints (4-4) piled up 375 yards to end a seven-game losing streak on the road that dated to last November.

Brees finished 24 for 34 for 297 yards and Mark Ingram turned in another solid performance with 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Brees was intercepted and fumbled in the first quarter before settling down late in the second and leading touchdown drives on four of five possessions.

The Saints' defense sacked Cam Newton four times and forced two turnovers.

Newton, who spent much of the night under heavy duress playing behind an offensive line without three of its regular starters, was limited to 151 yards passing.

New Orleans pushed inside the Carolina 15-yard line on the game-opening drive before Brees' pass for Kenny Stills was deflected to Panthers defensive lineman Dwan Edwards for the interception.

Then, after the Saints forced a punt, Brees quickly pushed the Saints to midfield only to have Carolina's Charles Johnson push fullback Erik Lorig into him and knock the ball loose for a fumble as he looked downfield.

However, Newton and the Panthers couldn't take advantage and were forced to punt after both turnovers.

"It's hard when you don't take advantage of those opportunities," said Panthers Coach Ron Rivera.

The Saints didn't have the same problem on the next possession.

With the Panthers pinned back in their own end, Junior Galette sacked Newton from behind and stripped the ball, allowing linebacker Curtis Lofton to recover at the Carolina 3. Ingram took advantage two plays later with a three-yard run to give the Saints a 7-0 lead.

Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Brees directed an 85-yard drive that ended when he slipped a one-yard pass just past Melvin White to Jimmy Graham on the right side with three seconds left in the half and the Saints were off and running while the Panthers (3-5-1) headed to the locker room serenaded by a chorus of boos.

One of the few highlights for the Panthers came from Newton.

He turned in one of the most athletic plays of the season when he scrambled out of the pocket, raced around the left end and took off from the five-yard line and soared toward the goal line with the ball outstretched in his right hand for a touchdown, cutting the Saints lead to 14-7.

But Brees stopped any Carolina momentum when he led a 14-play, 80-yard drive that took more than six minutes off the clock.

Brees jumped forward and stretched the ball over the goal line on a fourth-down sneak to give the Saints a 21-7 lead.

Ingram, who carried 30 times, added his second scoring run to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

While Newton struggled, his receivers didn't give him much help.

Jerricho Cotchery couldn't haul in a catchable deep ball inside the 10 in the first quarter and Newton's on-target throw hit Brenton Bersin in the hands and popped straight to Corey White for an interception on the next drive. Rookie Kelvin Benjamin also dropped a pass in the end zone for the second straight week.

The Panthers had won just one of their last six games coming in along with a tie at Cincinnati in Week 6, including falling at home last week to Seattle on a late touchdown.

The Saints, meanwhile, were 0-4 on the road this season.

Still, New Orleans was coming off a dominating second-half performance — at home, fittingly — in which it scored 28 points after the break to speed past the Green Bay Packers, 44-23.

There were no shortages of promising signs for the Saints in that one, from Graham hauling in a touchdown catch and looking healthier after a shoulder injury to Ingram running for a career-best 172 yards to complement Brees through the air.

Graham had seven catches for 83 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Game updates: Clippers vs. Thunder

In their season opener, the Clippers beat the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season,. Well, a severely hobbled version of the Oklahoma City Thunder. By a hair, 93-90.

The Thunder, who entered Thursday's game without superstar forward Kevin Durant (foot), among others, also lost All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook in the second quarter after he injured his right hand.

The Thunder cut the Clippers' once eight-point lead to one, 89-88, with just under two minutes remaining after Sebastian Telfair made a three-pointer.

J.J. Redick then missed consecutive jumpers, giving the Thunder multiple chances to take the lead. Luckily for the Clippers, DeAndre Jordan stole the ball from Steven Adams, dished it to Chris Paul, and the Thunder fouled Paul with 13.8 seconds left, sending him to the free-throw line. 

Unluckily for the Clippers, Paul, who is still beating himself up from the team's Game 5 loss to the Thunder last year, missed both of his free throws.

Telfair proceeded to miss his shot on the other end, and Blake Griffin was fouled and made both of his free throws. Griffin fouled out with 4.1 seconds left.

In the final seconds, Nick Collison made a free throw. Redick made two. And Serge Ibaka missed a three-point attempt that sealed the win for the Clippers.

Neither team shot well -- the Clippers went 34 for 87 from the field (39.1%) and the Thunder didn't do much better, 28 for 65 (43.1%).

Rebounding, which Doc Rivers says is the Clippers' biggest weakness, continues to be a problem. After being outrebounded in all eight preseason games, the Clippers were once again outdone on the boards, 47-33, in their opener.

Griffin finished with 23 points and seven rebounds. Paul had 22 points and seven assists while Jamal Crawford added 16 points.

Perry Jones led the Thuner with 32 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Westbrook had two points and four assists in eight minutes.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer added a burst of excitement from his baseline seat. He raucously cheered the whole game, and even ran around giving other fans high-fives and stopped to take a photo with singer Fergie.

The Clippers play again at 7:30 p.m. Friday against the Lakers at Staples Center.

Clippers 70, Thunder 62 (end of third quarter)

The good news for the Clippers: They have the lead.

The bad news for the Clippers: They're only up by eight points even though Oklahoma City is playing without Kevin Durant (foot) and Russell Westbrook, who left the game in the second quarter because of an injury to his right hand.

Blake Griffin, who started off the game 0 for 5 from the field, seems to have gotten his shooting touch back. He leads the Clippers with 17 points. Chris Paul has 15 points and six assists.

The Clippers overall are struggling with their shots -- they've made only 39.4% from the field. The Thunder isn't doing much better at 41.7%.

Perry Jones leads the Thunder with 23 points on six-for-12 shooting.

The Thunder is outrebounding the Clippers, 35-24.

Clippers 46, Thunder 41 (halftime)

The Clippers trailed by as many as eight points in the first quarter but rallied to take the lead in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

They pulled ahead of the Thunder for two reasons: injuries and the reigning sixth man of the year.

Jamal Crawford, who scored only one point in the first quarter, had nine points in the second. His three-pointer with 7 minutes 46 seconds left in the half gave the Clippers their first lead of the game, 34-32.

Now for the injuries. Russell Westbrook suffered what the team called a "right hand issue" in the second quarter and returned to the team's locker room. He's listed as questionable for the second half.

The Thunder are also without superstar forward Kevin Durant (foot), Reggie Jackson (wrist), Jeremy Lamb (heel), Anthony Morrow (knee), Mitch McGary (foot) and Grant Jerrett (ankle).

They now have eight available players if Westbrook doesn't return.

The Clippers, who were outrebounded in each of their eight preseason games, are trailing the Thunder on the boards, 23-18. The Thunder are also outshooting the Clippers, 41.7% to 38.1%.

Thunder 28, Clippes 22 (end of first quarter)

You wouldn't guess who is leading the Clippers in scoring in their season-opening game tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1) at Staples Center -- Matt Barnes.

Yeah, the same guy who went six for 44 (13.6%) from the field and one for 24 (4.2%) from beyond the three-point line in the preseason.

So far, Barnes has seven points on three-of-four shooting, including one for two from beyond the arc.

The Thunder opened the game with an 8-0 run, shooting five for five from the field. The Clippers didn't get on the scoreboard until Blake Griffin was fouled at the 9:30 mark and went on to make both of his free throws.

The Thunder is outshooting the Clippers, 55.6% to 33.3%. The Clippers' saving grace so far? The free-throw line, where they're seven for nine.

Blake Griffin is struggling from the field, missing all five of his shots.

Perry Jones leads the Thunder with nine points and Serge Ibaka has eight.

Kevin Durant, who is sidelined with a broken bone in his right foot, sat on the Thunder's bench next to the coaches, wearing a suit and a walking boot.

The fans were treated to L.A.-style entertainment even before tip-off. Fergie, wearing a tight mini-dress, sang the national anthem. Then Griffin took the microphone and thanked the crowd.

"We've been working hard, we can't wait for this season, we can't wait to share it with you guys," he said to the crowd.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Lapses doom Ducks in 2-0 loss to St. Louis Blues

— What seemed like a perfect set-up was, except it was for the St. Louis Blues, not the Ducks.

In a flat display fraught with uncharacteristic lapses, the Ducks lost, 2-0, Thursday in a game that going in appeared to be the least challenging for the Ducks on a four-game trip against returning Western Conference playoff teams.

Before the game, Blues Coach Ken Hitchcock reeled off a list of injuries: centers David Backes (concussion), Paul Stastny (lingering shoulder pain), Joakim Lindstrom (sick) and forward T.J. Oshie (concussion) were all out.

Injury losses such as that on a team that had been beat four straight times by the Ducks, including a shutout at Honda Center 11 days earlier, might have been insurmountable.

"Teams that are down their best players, they dig deep," Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "I knew they were going to be very good."

Boudreau sounded those same warning alarms to his team earlier Thursday.

"Half the problem is when you point it out, it gets everyone talking about it instead of just going out and playing," Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf said.

"We were standing around watching. You can make mistakes on the ice, but not moving our legs, not [thinking], that's our fault."

The Blues (5-3-1) got it going when forward Alexander Steen screened Ducks goalie John Gibson and deflected a shot by defenseman Carl Gunnarsson to the net just four minutes 29 seconds into the game.

Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler flubbed a pass that St. Louis center Maxim Lapierre intercepted and scooted to forward Ryan Reaves for a 2-0 lead early in the third period.

Blues backup goalie Jake Allen took care of the rest, stopping all 24 shots he faced while the Ducks (8-3) had 13 other shots blocked, missed 11 others and committed eight giveaways.

The Ducks "didn't execute the way we need to, and I'm just as big a part of that as anyone," Fowler said. "There's no worse feeling in the world. That's the type of pass I make in my sleep. No excuse, I feel terrible."

Getzlaf and Ducks goals leader Corey Perry combined for two shots on goal, both in the third period.

"Guys were trying to be too cute.… We couldn't make the simple pass out of our zone, we were putting it on their tape," Boudreau said.

Nearly midway through the third, the Ducks had a two-man advantage for 20 seconds in which Perry had an open look and took his shot, only to see it knocked down and dribble away from the post to Allen's left.

"It's on us to be better," Perry said. "Look at the shots we had. No traffic, no second opportunities. And [St. Louis] played well, they played that dump-and-chase, that hard game the Blues play."

The Ducks' scuffling was immediate and worsened when defenseman Mark Fistric suffered an upper-body injury in the first period and didn't return.

In the second, the Ducks were restricted to four shots on goal, with Perry falling back on his head when tripped and briefly leaving to the dressing room.

"We've got to get someone else scoring goals," Boudreau said, a nod to goal-less forwards Emerson Etem, Jakob Silfverberg, Nate Thompson and Rickard Rakell.

TONIGHT

AT DALLAS STARS

When: 5:30 p.m.

On the air: Prime Ticket. Radio: AM 830.

Etc.: In a rematch of the Ducks' first-round Western Conference playoff series triumph, the Stars have added center Jason Spezza (10 assists).

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimespugmire

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Bust of John Denver stolen from Colorado arena; family wants it back

A life-sized bust of the late singer John Denver was swiped from an arena in Colorado, and his family and officials want it back.

The bronze sculpture was stolen from the 1stBANK Center in Broomfield on Tuesday night during the annual Saints and Sinners Halloween Ball, according to officials.

Broomfield is a suburb of the Denver metropolitan area.

The bust of the "Rocky Mountain High" singer was on loan to the arena from the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, which had it on loan from the Denver family, G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame told the Los Angeles Times.

"We just want it back, no questions asked," Brown said. 

The bust weighs about 20 pounds, Brown said.

A report of the theft was filed with Broomfield police, Brown said.

"It can't have any value relative to the person who stole it like it does to the family, the estate and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame," Brown said.

Officials are asking it be returned to the office of the radio station that hosted the party.  

The singer was killed on Oct. 12, 1997 when his single-engine plane crashed in Monterey Bay.

He was 53.

Follow Ryan Parker for breaking news at @theryanparker and on Facebook. 

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Gunman who opened fire from Lawndale home shot, hospitalized

A 23-year-old man was shot by a deputy Wednesday after he opened fire from a home in Lawndale, prompting a neighborhood lockdown as authorities rushed to evacuate nearby residents.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said Travis Herr is hospitalized in stable condition.

Aerial TV footage showed the man as he exited a home holding a rifle and opening fire shortly before he went down in the 4200 block of 164th Street near the 405 Freeway.

The shots reportedly started from inside the home about 12:40 p.m., prompting Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies to evacuate nearby homes and put the neighborhood on lockdown.

"We're evacuating some houses out there, containing the situation," sheriff's Sgt. Robert Webber said. "We got a bunch of resources going out there."

Authorities said Herr, a Lawndale resident, used multiple firearms to shoot at deputies, vehicles and homes.

A neighbor reported hearing gunshots and the first deputies to arrive heard them coming from inside the house, said Sgt. James North. The neighbor said they saw the man with a handgun and a rifle. Television news cameras saw the man walking around with a rifle.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said the South L.A. sheriff's station had previously received numerous calls for service at Herr's home.

The California Highway Patrol briefly closed the northbound and southbound offramps to Hawthorne Boulevard in response to the incident, the agency's dispatch logs show. The ramps were reopened about 3:30 p.m.

Herr could be charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, authorities said.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna and @AdolfoFlores3.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

9:51 p.m. PDT: This post was updated with the name of the suspect and his condition after being shot by deputies.

4:08 p.m. PDT: This post was updated with new details of the incident.

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Clippers open season on road against Oklahoma City Thunder

Clippers tonight

VS. OKLAHOMA CITY

When: 7:30.

Where: Staples Center.

On the air: TV: TNT; Radio: 980, 1330.

Records: Clippers 0-0, Thunder 0-1.

Record vs. Thunder (2013-14): 2-2.

Update: The Clippers begin the season relatively healthy, without only Glen Davis (groin). The Thunder will be without Kevin Durant (foot), Reggie Jackson (wrist), Jeremy Lamb (heel), Anthony Morrow (knee), Mitch McGary (foot) and Grant Jerrett (ankle), putting the onus on guard Russell Westbrook to have big games on a nightly basis. "You could put him on the court with 'The Bad News Bears,' " Clippers guard Chris Paul said of Westbrook, "and he's going to be ready to play."

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Bruins have a simple plan to improve on defense: tackle better

UCLA's defense has a simple game plan for Arizona, one not developed in the planning room: "Tackle better," lineman Eddie Vanderdoes said.

Arizona's spread offense will put the Bruins in one-on-one situations at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. In order to avoid a trampling, UCLA will need marked improvement in tackling.

Colorado had 233 yards rushing last Saturday, the third time in four games that the Bruins have allowed more than 200 yards on runs. Oregon had 258 yards and Utah 242. Colorado players repeatedly ran through tackle attempts in rallying from a 17-0 first-quarter deficit.

"Their offense caught a rhythm," linebacker Myles Jack said. "Guys were going for the big hit rather than making the sure tackle and getting them on the ground."

Asked which stung him more, rushing yards or passing yards, Jack said, "Giving them up on the ground. We feel more responsibility for that. We definitively take onus when they are running through us, getting first downs, getting eight yards on a carry. We take that personally."

Arizona, No. 12 in the College Football Playoff ranking, is not a dominant running team, averaging 193.4 yards rushing per game, but the Wildcats do rack up yards and points.

They rank sixth nationally in total offense, averaging 541.9 yards per game, and 13th in scoring, averaging 40.6 points.

"What is underrated is their running game," UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. "Last year, they ran for 239 yards against us. That's the product of spreading you out to make you think pass and then here comes a run."

It can also be a product of shoddy tackling, something the Bruins look to clean up this week.

"We have to get back to our technique," Jack said.

Which is?

"Wrap up," Vanderdoes said. "It's pretty simple."

A little help

Senior linebacker Eric Kendricks is coming off one of his best games. He had 16 tackles, 15 unassisted, and intercepted one pass against Colorado.

It was the product of a week of practice that Ulbrich said was, "probably the best week I have seen him have in Westwood."

So the game plan is to get him off the field more … for his own good.

Kenny Young and Isaako Savaiinaea are in line for more work this week, according to Ulbrich.

"Eric is an amazing football player, we love him, but I got to find ways to help him out," Ulbrich said. "If you are routinely getting 100 snaps per game, that's not good as far as the entire season in regard to injury, but also in each particular game. Especially when I have guys like Isaako and Kenny who can come in and give him a blow."

Role playing

Nate Iese has embraced his time at fullback after shuttling between offense and defense his first two seasons.

"I have a role now," Iese said. "I've done this one before in high school. I enjoy it."

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Iese may enjoy it more this week.

"I'd like to get him the ball more," offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. "I would really like to see him become more involved producing yards."

Iese has 10 receptions, two for touchdowns.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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California's 'at-risk' cultural landscapes include Watts Towers

Three sites in California — the Watts Towers, Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Museum in Joshua Tree and the "Bay Lights" installation on the Oakland-Bay Bridge — have been named to a list of 11 "at-risk" sites by The Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington, D.C.

These places join eight other at-risk sites around the United States, including the Wells Petroglyph Preserve in northern New Mexico, which is facing problems of erosion, as well as the garden at the Frick Collection in New York City, under threat due to proposed expansion plans at the museum.

"Landscapes often die quiet deaths when you're dealing with the elements," says foundation President Charles Birnbaum. "It can be wind or it can be earthquakes. Unless landscapes are cared for, they can reach the tipping point. What this list does is to try to prevent that from happening."

Begun in 1998, the foundation raises awareness about issues of landscape design.

"Lots of institutions will have information on their websites about the architect of their building or their collections, but when it comes to landscape there often is nothing," Birnbaum says. "What we want to do is teach people how to see and value landscape and the people who shape those landscapes."

The at-risk list was launched in 2003 as a way of drawing national attention to places that are threatened with neglect, demolition, poor maintenance or lack of funding. This year's theme revolves entirely around land-based art and includes art installations and other projects in California and New York, as well as Iowa, Washington and Michigan.

Watts Towers and Purifoy's outdoor museum were included because they face preservation challenges and for the unique qualities they bring to the landscape.

"What's so inspiring about Noah Purifoy and [Watts Towers creator] Simon Rodia is that they're driven, they're unrelenting, they're passionate," says Birnbaum. "What they created was of a singular vision." 

The Watts Towers are under the conservation stewardship of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which has been overseeing repairs and maintenance on the site in conjunction with the city of Los Angeles and the Department of Cultural Affairs. Last year, the museum secured a grant to bring in engineers from UCLA to study the stability of the structures, which have been plagued by cracks and loose bits of mosaic elements.

Purifoy's Outdoor Museum presents its own challenges. Namely, weather and vandalism damage to the sculptures, which are on 10 acres of open land in Joshua Tree. 

"What we can do for these places as a national organization is draw attention to them," says Birnbaum. "Someone visiting L.A. might say, 'Watts Towers. I need to go to the Watts Towers.' And it reminds people of the meaning that these landscapes have."

Perhaps the most unusual selection on the list was the "Bay Lights" installation by artist Leo Villareal on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge — a work that is less than 2 years old. But age wasn't a factor to get on the list.

"We want to be very broad in how we choose our design heritage," Birnbaum explains. "Our list begins with petroglyphs that go back [thousands of] years and it brackets that with a project that is less than 2 years old. What all of these things have in common is a dialogue with the landscape that exists."

See the complete list of the foundation's at-risk sites, along with specially commissioned photography by artists of each location, at tclf.org.

Find me on Twitter @cmonstah. Follow TCLF @TCLFdotORG.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Downtown's development boom reaches historic Olvera Street

The revitalization of downtown Los Angeles is reaching the heart of the city's historic birthplace with the approval Tuesday of a $135-million development of 341 apartments as well as shops and community facilities near Olvera Street and Union Station.

Olvera Street merchants hope the project will give a boost to the tourist attraction just north of the Civic Center, in an area which so far has not seen the development boom remaking other downtown neighborhoods.

The plan will funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to the nonprofit La Plaza de Cultura y Artes Foundation, which runs a nearby cultural center dedicated to Los Angeles' Mexican American history.

The deal, unanimously approved by the county Board of Supervisors, allows La Plaza Partners — an affiliate of Dallas developer Trammell Crow — to build on two public parking lots. The cultural foundation will lease the lots from the county for $1 and sublet them to the developer for $250,000 a year during construction and $400,000 or more annually thereafter.

Twenty percent of the residential units will be set aside for affordable housing, available to families making as much as 80% of the area's median income. Space for restaurants and retail shops, as well as a kitchen the foundation would use for cooking classes and demonstrations, are being incorporated into the design. So is a bicycle parking and repair area, and a pedestrian trail linking Union Station to the nearby Fort Moore Pioneer Monument.

Carol Schatz, president and chief executive of the Central City Assn. of Los Angeles, a downtown business group, said the area around Union Station has "kind of languished in terms of development" as other downtown areas have been revitalized over the last 15 years.

"We think this is a very important project," she said.

The county will give up about $565,000 a year in income from the parking lots. That loss will be partially offset by property tax revenues of about $325,000 a year from the development, officials said.

Supervisor Gloria Molina, who serves as an unpaid board member for the La Plaza foundation, said the development will benefit the community.

"Instead of just having these parking lots there that aren't doing anything, we have an opportunity to reinvigorate the whole area," Molina said.

The county — and Molina's office in particular — provided most of the money to open the La Plaza cultural center three years ago and now pays $2.5 million annually for maintenance costs. The foundation has periodically struggled to bring in additional money needed to run its programs.

John Echeveste, CEO of the foundation, said that the group's finances have stabilized and that income from the new development would enable the cultural center to expand its offerings, including possibly adding a farmer's market.

Shop and restaurant owners on nearby Olvera Street said they expect the project to bring more foot traffic and potential customers.

The street had struggled in recent years, with some merchants blaming the recession as well as increased competition from L.A. Live and other downtown venues.

Olvera Street, situated in the area where the city was born in 1781, is home to dozens of craft shops, restaurants and businesses. The new development site is just north of the 101 Freeway between Hill and Spring streets.

"Right now we have a desolate piece of property being used for nothing more than parking space," Edward Flores, whose family has owned a cafe on Olvera Street for 80 years, told county supervisors. "It will beautify the area and finally bring in night life."

Some expressed concern about increased traffic and how the new structures will blend in with older buildings in the historic area.

Gina Rodriguez, another Olvera Street business owner, voiced support, but cautioned, "We do not want retail establishments that will be in conflict with any of the merchants currently on Olvera Street."

Edward Martinez, an employee at one of the kiosks along Olvera Street, said he was curious to see what kind of retail the project would attract. The opening of a nearby Chinatown Wal-Mart store affected mom and pop shops in the area, he said. That "probably won't happen to us," he said. "This is more historic handcrafted arts."

Overall, the new homes and businesses in downtown have dramatically changed the area for the better, Martinez said.

"But when I look at the buildings, I wonder who can really afford to live there," he said. "Probably someone making six figures, not someone making minimum wage."

abby.sewell@latimes.com

Times staff writer Adolfo Flores contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Ducks rookie John Gibson shows his moves in 1-0 win over Blackhawks

All the attributes that made Ducks goalie John Gibson such a major hockey prospect came to life in his 38-save shutout of the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old rookie's rapid reaction time and focus on the puck led the Ducks to a 1-0 victory, which was Anaheim's first shutout win at United Center in eight years.

Early in the third period, Gibson showed all of his skill in one memorable save, watching a pass slide to Chicago's leader Jonathan Toews, the two-time Stanley Cup champion left alone to face a wide-open net, poised to beat the kid.

Instead, Gibson slid over and denied Toews.

"You see 'em wide open, you try to get something in front of it," Gibson said. "I knew he was going to one-time it. Luckily enough, it hit me."

Gibson not only erased doubts about his NHL readiness created by the season-opening 6-4 loss in Pittsburgh, he performed well before a road crowd of 21,233 to raise expectations of what else is possible.

"When he made that save, I said, 'Nothing's getting by him tonight,' " Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "You knew that was a moment … he was on his game."

About nine minutes later, the Ducks (8-2) broke the scoreless tie in short-handed fashion.

Forward Devante Smith-Pelly raced teammate Andrew Cogliano to a puck that skidded away from falling Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook in the neutral zone, collected it and poked it through the legs of rookie goalie Scott Darling with eight minutes 28 seconds remaining.

"Happy it squeaked through," Smith-Pelly said. "Me and Cogs' eyes both lit up. I'm not sure if I tripped him or not, but we both wanted it … [Cogliano] slipped."

From there, it was a matter of punctuating a showing Cogliano labeled "gutsy," as Anaheim opened a tough four-game trip exclusively against returning Western Conference playoff teams.

The Ducks out-hit Chicago, 37-16, and blocked 18 shots, including two on a penalty kill by leaders Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf in the final minute that iced the victory over the Blackhawks (5-3-1).

"We knew we had to do a lot of boxing out … blocking shots, that helped me to see the puck, not too many screens," Gibson said.

In the Ducks' first game without top defensive-pair member Ben Lovejoy (broken finger), the hole was effectively plugged from the start.

Lovejoy's replacement, Clayton Stoner, hit Chicago forward Jeremy Morin and lineup addition Mark Fistric knocked Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival into the Ducks' bench in the first period for one of his five hits.

"If you don't hit them and slow them down, they're just going to skate," Boudreau said he told his team about the returning Western Conference finalists. "There's a lot of fast teams in the NHL. [Chicago] is the team that plays the fastest. That's why they have the most success."

Gibson saved 18 shots in the third period as the Ducks killed two penalties.

"He showed what kind of goalie he is. He was the main reason we won the game," Cogliano said.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimespugmire

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Royals dominate Giants, 10-0, to force World Series Game 7

This World Series could come down to one guy, and one question.

Madison Bumgarner, how many pitches can you make in Game 7?

"Maybe 200," he said.

He did not smile, or laugh, or elaborate. If he is the one man that can stand between the Kansas City Royals and the World Series championship, Bumgarner intends to stand tall, and heaven help the man or manager that stands in his way.

The 2014 season comes down to one game. America's darlings remain alive.

The Royals pummeled the San Francisco Giants, 10-0, on Tuesday, landing a knockout blow by pouring across seven runs in the second inning, an inning in which they got the majority of their 15 hits. Kansas City rookie Yordano Ventura scattered three hits over seven innings.

They could be royals, indeed. In its first postseason appearance since 1985, Kansas City has gone from two outs from elimination in the American League wild-card game to 27 outs from a World Series championship.

Game 7 is Wednesday, with Tim Hudson, backed up by all-October ace Bumgarner, starting for the Giants and Jeremy Guthrie starting for the Royals.

The Giants are 2-0 in the games Bumgarner has started. The earned-run averages of the Giants starters: 0.56 for Bumgarner, 9.19 for everyone else.

Manager Bruce Bochy said he would resist the temptation to start Bumgarner on two days' rest, coming off a complete game.

"This guy is human," Bochy said. "You can't push him that much."

The Giants would be thrilled if Hudson could handle the first time through the Royals order and Bumgarner could take the second turn.

The Giants also would be delighted if Hudson lasted into the third inning, which is more than Jake Peavy could say Tuesday.

Peavy got four outs and gave up five runs and six hits, three of them on broken bats, he said. He retired one of six batters in the second inning, a 34-minute ride that carried the game from suspense to hilarity. The Royals sent 11 men to the plate, getting eight hits, including a Mike Moustakas double tucked neatly inside the first base line and a chopper over the head of shortstop Brandon Crawford and into center field that Eric Hosmer hustled into a double.

Tip the cap to Ventura, who took the mound with a heavy heart. He was a close friend of St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras, who died in a car crash Sunday.

Ventura struggled only once, walking three consecutive batters with one out in the third inning. Buster Posey promptly swung at the first pitch and grounded into a double play. Posey is batting .182 in the World Series, and he has no extra-base hits in 65 at-bats this postseason.

Once Ventura regained his footing, the countdown was on to Game 7.

"Game 7 in the World Series is a gift for everyone," Giants outfielder Hunter Pence said.

The Giants might not have gotten there the way they wanted, but here they are.

"There's not any part of me that's worried about this team having a hangover [from the sloppy loss]," Peavy said. "It's Game 7."

From the first moment Hudson even approaches trouble, the television cameras will pan the visiting bullpen, looking to see whether the Giants' slayer has started to warm up. Bumgarner would not say how many pitches he might realistically expect to throw Wednesday.

"As long as you're getting outs," he said. "I feel like pitch counts are overrated."

Bumgarner last pitched in relief four years ago, but he is not concerned about how long it might take him to get ready in the bullpen.

"Something tells me it won't take too long to get loose," he said, "for Game 7 of the World Series."

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Son of Giants' Jake Peavy lets cat out of the bag

No sense tempting the baseball gods, or angering the other team. No need to start talking about what you want to take home after your team wins the World Series.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Jake Peavy was a model of decorum Monday. Wyatt, his fifth-grade son, was not bound by superstition or etiquette.

When Peavy won the title with the Boston Red Sox last year, he spent a reported $75,000 to buy a duck boat, the amphibious Boston vehicles that carry tourists by land and by sea and carry Red Sox players on championship parades.

Peavy starts Game 6 of the World Series in Kansas City on Tuesday, with the Giants one victory from the championship. If a duck boat is the quintessential Boston souvenir, then a cable car would be the San Francisco treat.

Not that Peavy wanted to say so, not just yet. The Giants players and their families arrived in Kansas City late Monday afternoon, and Peavy invited two of his sons to join him at a news conference. The boys wore plaid dress shirts. Dad wore a blazer, and he artfully ducked the issue of the San Francisco equivalent of the duck boat.

"We kicked around some options on some memorabilia possibly to take home to commemorate this," Peavy said, "if we are fortunate enough to make it happen."

That would have sufficed if his son, seated next to him on the podium, had kept his mouth shut.

"We picked out a trolley car," Wyatt said, quietly.

"I'll get into that if and when this thing happens," Jake said, laughing.

"I think we already picked out our trolley car," Wyatt said, loudly.

Peavy made his major league debut at 21, with the San Diego Padres. At 26, he won the Cy Young Award. At 27, he signed what still is the richest contract in Padres history: $52 million.

He did not get to the World Series until last year, at 32, with the Red Sox. He made one start, lasted four innings, did not win. In Game 2 of this World Series, he lasted five innings and did not win.

On Tuesday, then, he can win the first World Series game of his career and clinch the title for the Giants too.

"I can't imagine anything being any sweeter than that," Peavy said. "This is the start that you play your whole career wanting."

If he wins, he can buy a cable car. Or, at least, he can afford to do so.

Two spokespersons for the San Francisco Municipal Railway, the agency that operates the cable cars, did not return messages Monday about how much a used cable car might cost or whether the agency has sold one to a private party.

But Peavy has been paid more than $100 million in his career, and he hits free agency this fall. He has landed in the World Series two consecutive years, so perhaps the Dodgers could sign him and throw in an old Pacific Electric red car, or the Angels could sign him and toss in a Disneyland trolley.

The duck boat left Boston last November, aboard a flatbed truck and bound for Peavy's Alabama property, a 5,000-acre estate called Southern Falls Plantation. Peavy said he hopes to rehabilitate the duck boat for the use of youth campers who can hunt, fish and play baseball there.

For now, though, the boat has "quit running," Peavy said. It needs a paint job, and Peavy is trying to figure out how to get one without paying extra to ship the boat — no pun intended — to Texas.

"My dad keeps saying he's going to get the duck boat painted," Wyatt said, "but right now it's covered in mildew."

That is just about enough out of you, young man. Don't you have some homework to do?

"I haven't done any of my homework," he said.

"You most certainly have," Jake said. "You haven't?"

"No, sir," Wyatt said.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Tuesday's TV Highlights: 'About a Boy' on NBC

Customized TV Listings are available here: www.latimes.com/tvtimes

Click here to download

TV listings for the week of Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2014 in PDF format

This week's TV Movies

---

SERIES

30 for 30 This new episode profiles former linebacker Brian Bosworth. 6 p.m. ESPN; 7:30 p.m. ESPN2

The Flash Capt. Cold (Wentworth Miller) uses a "cold gun" against his victims, and he may target Barry (Grant Gustin) in this new episode. 8 p.m. KTLA

NCIS: New Orleans Is a vampire loose in the Big Easy at Halloween? Scott Bakula and his team consider the possibility when a JAG officer is found dead in a cemetery in this new episode. 9 p.m. CBS

Marry Me All that Jake and Annie (Ken Marino, Casey Wilson) want is to provide a little Halloween fun for neighboring children, but one of the parents (Jessica St. Clair) tries to douse their plans in this new episode. 9 p.m. NBC

Makers The focus of this new episode is on "Women in Business," 9 p.m. KOCE

Face Off "The season concludes as the artists tackle the world of knights. 9 p.m. Syfy

About a Boy Fiona and Marcus (Minnie Driver, Benjamin Stockham) aren't fond of Halloween, but Will (David Walton) is determined to stage his yearly trick-or-treat party anyway in this new episode. 9:30 p.m. NBC

Frontline The new episode "The Rise of ISIS" examines the background of one of the terrorist group. 10 p.m. KOCE

Benched Eliza Coupe stars as a high-powered attorney who takes a job at the Public Defender's office. Jay Harrington and Oscar Nunez also star. 10:30 p.m. USA

SPECIALS

The Great Halloween Fright Fight Homeowners try to outdo each other others in creating holiday displays. 8 p.m. ABC

MOVIES

Not Cool Produced as part of the Starz series "The Chair," this comedy follows a group of high school friends who reconnect on a Thanksgiving college break. 10 p.m. Starz

TALK SHOWS

CBS This Morning Author Michael Lewis; Joey McIntyre. (N) 7 a.m. KCBS

Today Amy Poehler; Jim Carrey; Ina Garten; Ryan Eggold; Eliza Coupe; Jessie Ware; Cecily Strong. (N) 7 a.m. KNBC

Good Morning America Sherri Shepherd; Shaquille O'Neal; Tracy Pollan; Sam Hunt performs. (N) 7 a.m. KABC

Good Day L.A. Scott Eastwood ("Fury"); Flea ("Low Down"); Pico Rodriguez ("Modern Family"). (N) 7 a.m. KTTV

Live With Kelly and Michael Amy Poehler; Joey McIntyre ("The McCarthys"). (N) 9 a.m. KABC

The View Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); Mike Tyson; Barry Manilow performs. (N) 10 a.m. KABC

The Dr. Oz Show Risky human-growth hormone shots; paramedics. (N) 10 a.m. KCOP; 2 p.m. KTTV

The Doctors Technology allows expectant parents to predetermine their baby's gender; obsessive compulsion. (N) 11 a.m. KCAL

The Talk Tyler Ritter, Joey McIntyre, Jimmy Dunn, Kelen Coleman, Jack McGee and Laurie Metcalf. (N) 1 p.m. KCBS

Rachael Ray Dr. Ian Smith helps Michael Strahan's parents; chef Marc Murphy; Drew and Jonathan Scott. (N) 1 p.m. KABC

The Queen Latifah Show Christopher Meloni; Bryce Dallas Howard. (N) 2 p.m. KCBS

The Meredith Vieira Show Martha Stewart; Annie Lennox performs. (N) 2 p.m. KNBC

Dr. Phil A woman and her husband say her 15-year-old daughter uses drugs and causes constant chaos. (N) 3 p.m. KCBS

The Ellen DeGeneres Show Steve Harvey; Jenny Slate; Echosmith performs. (N) 4 p.m. KNBC

Tavis Smiley Author David Ritz. (N) 11 p.m. KOCE

Charlie Rose (N) 11 p.m. KVCR; 11:30 p.m. KOCE

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas). (N) 11 p.m. Comedy Central

Conan Ashton Kutcher; Krysten Ritter; Beck performs. (N) 11 p.m. TBS

The Colbert Report Author Michael Lewis. (N) 11:30 p.m. Comedy Central

The Tonight Show: Jimmy Fallon Daniel Radcliffe; Mike Tyson; Sturgill Simpson performs. (N) 11:34 p.m. KNBC

Late Show With David Letterman Taylor Swift performs; Tom Mison. (N) 11:35 p.m. KCBS

Jimmy Kimmel Live Nicole Kidman; Dylan McDermott; Blood Orange performs. (N) 11:35 p.m. KABC

Late Night With Seth Meyers Amy Poehler; author George R.R. Martin. (N) 12:36 a.m. KNBC

Late Late Show: Craig Ferguson Producer Quentin Tarantino; Ross Mathews. (N) 12:37 a.m. KCBS

Last Call: Carson Daly Jason Schwartzman and Alex Ross Perry; Rey Pila performs. (N) 1:37 a.m. KNBC

SPORTS

2014 World Series The Giants visit the Royals for game 6 of the Fall Classic. 5 p.m. Fox

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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For the record

TRI Pointe Homes: In the Oct. 27 Section A, a Monday Business stock spotlight article about TRI Pointe Homes quoted the company as saying that the median price of the houses it builds is $368,000. In fact, the company said, it measures home values by estimated average price, not the median. That average is $543,000.

Mexico attack: An article about the mayor of Iguala, Mexico, and his wife in the Oct. 23 Section A said the newspaper El Universal was the source of a quotation by Maria de los Angeles Pineda, the mayor's wife. The source was actually the website La Silla Rota.

Bullwinkle: The Classic Hollywood article in the Oct. 26 Calendar section about TV animation pioneer Jay Ward said a 16-foot Bullwinkle statue that used to stand on Sunset Boulevard was a parody of a billboard for the Stardust hotel in Las Vegas. The billboard was for the Sahara hotel.

If you believe that we have made an error, or you have questions about The Times' journalistic standards and practices, you may contact Deirdre Edgar, readers' representative, by email at readers.representative@latimes.com, by phone at (877) 554-4000, by fax at (213) 237-3535 or by mail at 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The readers' representative office is online at latimes.com/ readersrep.

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Piano and koto meet in 'Strings and Serpents'

"Strings and Serpents," which was presented at REDCAT Sunday evening, combines an intrepid Canadian and French jazz piano duo and an adventurous Japanese koto duo with everyday video animation and exotic Aboriginal myth and maybe a few other things I missed. Cultures combined and cultures collided, but mostly cultures were content to accomodate one another.

A value of art, and the one so overlooked by diplomats, is its ability to serve as a petri dish for cultural experiment, for finding common purpose and what works and what doesn't without anyone getting hurt. No one got hurt by "Strings and Serpents," which was commissioned by CalArts and is currently touring the country.

There was some messing with the piano strings, "preparing" them by putting objects on or between the strings to percussively alter the sound. That became the most useful point of sonic similarity between piano and the plucked koto.

The big picture, though, was ambiguous. Pianists Andy Milne and Benoit Delbecq and koto players Tsugumi Yamamoto and Ai Kajigano were eager to explore intersections between jazz improvisation and traditional Japanese music.

The role of Japanese video artist Saki Murotani, now based in Canada, was to bring in the notion of the rainbow serpent, the enormous Australian Aboriginal deity that created the rivers, oceans and mountains when it tread the empty Earth, and from which also sprung Earth's species.

The musicians worked through a number of numbers, none named or mentioned in a worthless, short program note. Cultures relate best when there is information and knowledge. For this endeavor, it was up to the audience to figure out what was happening.

There were wonderful moments, but they were only moments and mostly they had to do with the instrumental textures. The typical approach began with a rhythmic pattern or an atmospheric sound, well suited to both piano and koto, then added melody or smooth improvisation or lush harmonies.

The West seemed to dominate the East. But if the men at their keyboards had more sway than the ladies at their kotos, the main reason was because the piano is less adaptable. Pitches on the keyboard are fixed, whereas the koto can play in non-Western scales that to us are microtonal.

But the koto players were sly. Sometimes when playing in unison with the pianos, a koto might bend the pitch minutely in such a way as to make the piano seem to be doing so as well.

The real problem, though, was a lack of experimentation. Rather than cultures clashing in an effort to make new discoveries or produce hybrids, the quartet stuck with conventional models. Everything felt on firm ground. Rhythmic groves were insistent. Improvisation was tame. Options remained limited.

But the sound world, itself, proved ear-catching. The pianists were adept at changing the piano preparations on the fly, which I've never seen done so fluidly. Those preparations mean some notes sound normal and others become pitchless pings and thuds. Improvising around them creates harmonic and melodic potholes.

Milne, a fluid improviser, was impressive at skirting interruption. Delbecq, more a master of unusual effects, dove into the emptiness, leaving room for koto sounds to fill in for him. Meanwhile, the koto players pretty much did their thing, vaguely Asian and vaguely not.

The Rainbow Serpent never really reared its imposing head. Murotani's colorful CGI graphics were a New Age-y representation of creation. Earth-like circles exploded into chemical elements, abstract graphics and finally a circular keyboard that became a kind of musical space station in the cosmos.

The challenge of the two duos together, now that they have found a multicultural middle ground in which to work, is to find an avenue for their original voices to sing. At this early stage, the strings still imprison the serpents.

Follow me on Twitter: @markswed

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Second victim of Washington state high school shooter dies

Another victim of the Marysville-Pilchuck High School shooting died Sunday night, Providence Regional Medical Center announced.

Gia Soriano, 14, was shot in the head Friday when Jaylen Fryberg took a gun into the cafeteria and opened fire. Authorities say the troubled freshman football player killed one student on the spot and seriously wounded four others, including Soriano, before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

"We regret that Gia Soriano, age 14 years, passed away tonight as a result of her injuries," the Everett hospital said in a late-night statement. "Despite the tremendous efforts of our caregivers, unfortunately the trauma injuries were extensive." 

The hospital also released a statement from the Soriano family:

"We are devastated by this senseless tragedy. Gia is our beautiful daughter and words cannot express how much we will miss her. We've made the decision to donate Gia's organs so that others may benefit. Our daughter was loving, kind and this gift honors her life. ... 

"We ask that you please respect our privacy and give us the space and time we need to grieve and spend time together as a family in memory of Gia."

The hospital invited the community to participate in a moment of silence on Monday at 10:39 a.m., which coincides with the time of the shooting. 

Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, also was shot in the head. She remains in critical condition at Providence hospital.  

The two other surviving victims are Nate Hatch, 14, and Andrew Fryberg, 15, both cousins of the shooter. They are being treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Hatch is  in serious condition but "continues to improve in intensive care," Harborview spokeswoman Susan Gregg said Sunday. Andrew Fryberg "remains critical in intensive care."

The student who died immediately has not been identified. 

Jaylen Fryberg was a member of a prominent family in the Tulalip tribe. His motive has not yet been determined. 

Twitter: @ConnieStewartLA 

Maria L. La Ganga and James Queally contributed to this report. 

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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A fitting ending to 'Boardwalk Empire'

"Boardwalk Empire," HBO's Prohibition-era gangster epic about crooked politician turned ruthless bootlegger Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, wrapped up its fifth and final season Sunday. Unlike on "The Sopranos," the screen did not go black at the final moment.

Instead, the final episode brought a decisive conclusion to the story of Thompson (Steve Buscemi), tying up loose ends and incorporating moments of bittersweetness and heartbreak, particularly between Thompson and the key women in his life — wife Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) and former showgirl Gillian Darmody (Gretchen Mol).

Set in 1920s Atlantic City and featuring depictions of crime figures including Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, "Boardwalk Empire" ranked among prime time's elite dramas, propelled by an executive producing team that included filmmaker Martin Scorsese and actor Mark Wahlberg. The series was created and run by Terence Winter, a key member of the creative team behind "The Sopranos," who wrote many of that drama's most notable episodes.

On the eve of its conclusion, Winter reflected on the legacy and highlights of "Boardwalk Empire." [Spoiler alert: Readers who have not watched the final episode and do not want to know the twists should stop reading.]

The silly question first: Was there a part of you that was tempted to go dark at the final moment?

[Laughs] I think I remember reading that kind of ending had been done already, so I didn't want to go down that road.

Did the finale turn out the way you had planned, or were there changes?

We had gone over different versions on how it might end. We were also considering keeping Nucky alive, which in some ways may have been a bigger punishment than killing him. He would have lived out his life in obscurity after giving up everything he had. But the way we chose to end was really the most powerful version of the story for us. We pretty much settled on that a year and a half ago.

There's a final dance between Nucky and Margaret, where it's clear there's still a bit of a spark, despite all the bad stuff that has happened between them.

We were really glad to bring that story full circle. That was the pivotal romantic relationship of Nucky's adult life, the closest he'll ever come to having a real family of his own. It was very bittersweet, the two of them flirting with the idea of having a future together. The scene was so beautifully directed by Tim Van Patten. It was sad and emotional but in some ways satisfying and fitting that they both know in their hearts that too much water had gone under the bridge for them to have a future. But it was nice for them to have that last dance.

That was actually the last scene we shot in the series, which was also very fitting, very emotional. The whole crew was standing around watching. It started with Nucky and Margaret, and it ended there too. It was very satisfying.

Gillian also did some horrible things, but when we see what happens to her, it's pretty wrenching.

What a tragedy. Nucky's giving the young Gillian to the Commodore sends him into the downward spiral that destroys his life and hers and two more generations of her family. It wasn't evident in Season 2 that Gillian was the focus of Nucky's emotional life. It was so powerful to see that depicted in flashbacks instead of just being talked about.

There's a scene where Nucky is walking along the boardwalk when he's approached by a pretty woman wearing an odd costume. She tells him she's from the future. She summons him into a booth, where he sees a small TV screen with an image of the woman singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

That shows how the world was changing around Nucky and moving on without him. He is very much a man of the 19^th century. The boardwalk was changing around him, and he didn't even recognize it anymore; 1931 was the year of Flash Gordon and Art Deco, and there was no more cutting-edge technology than television. That was a perfect device to mystify him and show him he is totally a man out of his own time.

Judging from all the historical detail and history surrounding "Boardwalk Empire," it was clear you always wanted the series to be more than just the story about the rise and fall of a gangster.

We had an opportunity to explore politics, the war, women's rights, race relations. There was a lot of holding up mirrors to modern society. Prohibition was really the drug business. We got to explore birth control. That was a huge story. It was a great opportunity to explore the world of today. I'm very proud of the show and everyone that worked on it. Having come off an incredible series — perhaps the most incredible series ever — and being able to replicate that experience was tremendously satisfying.

What's next for you?

I'm working on a new show for HBO which is set in the world of rock 'n' roll music in 1973. The pilot is also shot. Hopefully, before long, we'll get an official pickup and be on the air before too long.

Twitter: @GeBraxton

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Alemany running back Dominic Davis commits to USC

Running back Dominic Davis has committed to USC, Scout.com reported.

Davis, from Mission Hills Bishop Alemany High, was previously committed to Washington State.

Davis told Scout.com he switched because of educational opportunities at USC.

"I like the football program and the tradition of the school," Davis said. "But it was mostly about academics and life after football."

Davis, 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, said USC coaches told him he would play running back and slot receiver.

Alemany receiver Desean Holmes also has committed to USC.

Trojans receiver Steven Mitchell played at Alemany.

Davis is the second running back to commit in the 2015 class, joining Aca'Cedric Ware from Cedar Hill, Texas.

USC has seven remaining scholarships.

Here's a look at the list of 2015 players who have committed to USC:

Player, position, high school

Ricky Town, QB, Ventura St. Bonaventure

Sam Darnold, QB, San Clemente

Desean Holmes, WR, Mission Hills Bishop Alemany

De'Quan Hampton, WR, Long Beach City College

Tristan Payton, WR, Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast

Aca'Cedric Ware, RB, Cedar Hill (Texas)

Dominic Davis, RB, Mission Hills Bishop Alemany

Chuma Edoga, OL, Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern

Roy Hemsley, OL, Los Angeles Windward

Clayton Johnston, OL, Anaheim Servite

Cole Smith, C, Mission Viejo

Jacob Daniel, DL, Fresno Clovis North

Noah Jefferson, DL, Henderson (Nev.) Liberty

Christian Rector, DL, Los Angeles Loyola

Cameron Smith, LB, Granite Bay

Taeon Mason, CB, Pasadena Muir

Isaiah Langley, CB, Pleasanton Foothill

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Madison Bumgarner gem puts Giants a win away from World Series title

Madison Bumgarner did all he could do to clinch being selected the most valuable player of the World Series. Two games, two victories, one run and, in the last game here this season, one loud "M-V-P" chant from the home fans.

For the San Francisco Giants, one to go. For the Kansas City Royals, well, they might not be done with the amazing Mr. Bumgarner just yet.

Willie Mays has a statue outside AT&T Park, and Willie McCovey does too, and at this rate Bumgarner might get there. In his World Series career, he has given up one run in 31 innings. That earned-run average, ladies and gentlemen and sabermetricians of all ages: 0.29.

No one has given up so few runs in so many World Series innings — not Sandy Koufax, not Orel Hershiser, not Walter Johnson.

In this era of six innings and get the game to the bullpen, Bumgarner was his own bullpen Sunday. He went the distance in a 5-0 victory to carry the Giants within one victory of their third World Series championship in five years.

Game 6 is Tuesday in Kansas City. If the Royals force a deciding Game 7, Bumgarner will be available in the bullpen, for what would be the last game of the season.

Bumgarner has four of the Giants' 11 victories in the World Series run of 2010, 2012 and 2014. No one else has more than two. The Giants set up shop here in 1958, and no San Francisco team has won a World Series without him.

The last pitcher to throw a World Series shutout: Josh Beckett, in 2003, the Florida Marlins' clincher over the Yankees at New York.

Bumgarner has thrown 472/3 innings this October, a postseason record. He has struck out 41, walked six and given up six earned runs. His ERA this October: 1.13.

In 1988, when Hershiser willed the Dodgers to their last World Series title, his postseason ERA was 1.05.

That kind of company?

"Pretty special," Bumgarner said, "and very humbling."

On Sunday, Bumgarner barely allowed the Royals to breathe. He gave up four hits, walked none and struck out eight.

Lorenzo Cain singled with two out in the first inning; Bumgarner struck out the next batter. Salvador Perez singled to start the second inning; Bumgarner struck out the next three batters. Omar Infante doubled with one out in the fifth; Bumgarner struck out the next two batters.

Bumgarner pitched with little margin for error. The Giants scored two runs in the first seven innings, then three in the eighth inning. Brandon Crawford, the light-hitting shortstop, drove in three runs . Juan Perez, inserted as a defensive replacement, drove in two.

What Bumgarner has done in this Series is what the Dodgers expected Clayton Kershaw to do in their playoff series: win both of his starts.

The career postseason records: 7-3 for Bumgarner, 1-5 for Kershaw.

"Kershaw is a great pitcher, no question," Giants coach Ron Wotus said. "Bumgarner, with what he's done in the postseason, he's performed better than Kershaw, quite frankly."

In June, as the Giants coughed up a 10-game lead over the Dodgers, Giants pitcher Tim Hudson said Bumgarner called this classic fall.

"Isn't it amazing," Bumgarner told Hudson, "we're going to get to the World Series and win it?"

Said Hudson, laughing as he retold the story: "I was just hoping we would finish .500."

That kind of confidence leads to this kind of performance, and to dreams of an every-other-year parade.

"He'll sleep well," Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt said, "if his adrenaline allows him to go to bed."

Twitter: @BillShaikin

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Huntington Beach police officer fatally shoots armed man, police say

A motorist who pulled a handgun on Huntington Beach police on Saturday evening was shot and killed, authorities said.

Officers responded to a call of a vehicle being driven recklessly about 5:30 p.m. and were following a dark sport utility vehicle when it pulled over at Gothard Street and Ernest Drive, said Huntington Beach Police Lt. Kent Ferrin.

The man got out of the SUV and was armed with a handgun, Ferrin said. The man ignored commands by police to drop the weapon, and an officer shot him multiple times, Ferrin said.

The lieutenant said officers applied first aid to the man at the scene, and he was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center, where he died. Officers located a handgun at the scene, Ferrin said.

He said police had yet to confirm the man's identity as of late Saturday.

Ferrin said he did not know whether the man fired at officers. None of the offciers involved were injured, he said.

For more Southern California news, follow @jackfleonard.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Ask Sam Farmer: How do names get on jerseys so fast on NFL draft day?

Have a question about the NFL? Ask Times NFL writer Sam Farmer, and he will answer as many as he can online and in the Sunday editions of the newspaper throughout the season. Email questions to:  sam.farmer@latimes.com

Question: My question concerns the NFL draft. If nobody knows the selection before the "select" announcement, how does the NFL have the correct color jersey, with the correct player's name, for his immediate appearance onstage? There is no time! I can't believe the league has thousands, or more, possible combinations already prepared, which are then trashed!?

Ronald Palmer, Torrance

Farmer: I had the same question last year, and here's what I found: It's a little NFL magic, with an assist from Nike.

The league has a hot jersey press backstage at Radio City Music Hall, the nameplates of all 23 players in attendance at the draft, and a Nike employee at the ready to produce a newly minted XL No. 1 jersey. The same procedure will be in place when the 2015 draft is held in Chicago.
When Commissioner Roger Goodell is handed the name of the selection backstage, so is the jersey jockey who quickly lines up the last name and presses it onto the shirt. The jersey can be ready in as quickly as 30 seconds. It's not necessary that the player gets it that fast, though, because Goodell reads the name, the player gets time to celebrate with his family, then someone from NFL staff brings the player his hot-off-the-press memento.

"That's part of the overall shock and awe of draft day," league spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Times last year. "It's what they see from the time when they get picked up at the staging area at Rockefeller Center. From the time they arrive at the draft until the time they're picked, it's first-class treatment."

The league debated whether jerseys should be made for Day 2 players but ultimately decided it might be awkward to distribute jerseys with No. 2 — or, gasp, No. 3 — on them.

Question: Without huddles, how do teams call plays? Is everything called at the line of scrimmage?

Chad L. Budde, La Cañada

Farmer: There are a variety of ways a quarterback can get a play call. The most common is by way of the coach-to-quarterback radio earpiece in his helmet. The helmets for up to three quarterbacks can be equipped with these one-way devices, and the radios are shut off when there are 15 seconds left on the play clock. Only one coach can be on the radio, and he has to be on the sideline, as opposed to watching from a high angle such as the press box.

The quarterback needs to get across everything about the formation, the motion, the protection and/or the run scheme, all the patterns, and the snap count. Sometimes you'll see people holding up big signs on the sideline. Normally, that's signaling a formation, so that everybody running to the line of scrimmage can get that information in a glance. When they get in formation, players look to the quarterback, who can bark out the play and snap count to the interior players, and use hand signals to alert receivers.

And just think: In most cases, when they're not trying to be too complex or verbose, teams can relay all that information in only a few words.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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USC notes: Adoree' Jackson makes a 100-yard kickoff return

USC's Adoree' Jackson, who had been on the verge of breaking off a long kickoff return, finally did it Saturday night.

Jackson returned a second-quarter kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown that helped give No. 20 USC a 14-10 halftime lead over No. 19 Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

It was Jackson's second touchdown of the season. The freshman caught a touchdown pass in the opener against Fresno State.

Utah had taken a 10-7 lead on a field goal, but Jackson caught the ensuing kickoff about eight yards deep in the end zone and then eluded tacklers while dashing down the right sideline to the end zone.

Jackson had aggravated a hip-flexor injury on the opening kickoff of last week's game against Colorado. He played eight plays on defense before leaving the game.

Jackson started at cornerback against Utah.

Wheeler injured

USC tackle Chad Wheeler suffered an apparent leg injury during the first quarter and left the game.

Wheeler, a third-year sophomore who has started every game since last season, was injured on a second-and-goal pass play from the seven-yard line.

Senior Aundrey Walker replaced Wheeler.

Rogers recovers

Receiver Darreus Rogers had a rough start.

A pass to the sophomore behind the line of scrimmage bounced off his upper body and he, like most of the players on the field, thought it was an incomplete pass.

But officials did not whistle the play dead and Utah cornerback Davion Orphey picked up the ball and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Rogers came back and caught a third-down pass for 16 yards.

Browne plays

USC quarterback Max Browne got his first meaningful action in the first quarter when Cody Kessler left the game briefly because of an apparent rib injury.

Kessler had been hit by defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei after a pass attempt.

Browne, a third-year sophomore, came in with 11:23 left in the first quarter and the Trojans facing first and goal from the seven.

Coach Steve Sarkisian did not play it safe.

Browne attempted a pass to the back of the end zone to tight end Bryce Dixon, but the ball was batted away.

Kessler returned the next play.

Tavai comes through

Linebacker J.R. Tavai came up with two big plays for the Trojans in the first half.

The score was tied, 7-7, in the first quarter and Utah had a third-and-goal at the one.

Utah running back Devontae Booker took a handoff but he was hit by Tavai, who forced a fumble that was recovered by safety Leon McQuay III.

In the second quarter, Tavai sacked Utah quarterback Travis Wilson on third down to force a punt.

Heidari returns

Kicker Andre Heidari returned from a groin injury that sidelined him the last two games.

Heidari kicked two extra points in the first half but did not attempt a field goal.

Walk-on Alex Wood continued to handle kickoffs.

Stayed home

USC safety Gerald Bowman, receiver George Farmer and fullback Soma Vainuku did not make the trip because of injuries.

Bowman suffered a foot injury last week against Colorado on a play in which he broke up a pass. The ball was tipped to cornerback Kevon Seymour for an interception. Bowman said after the game that he suffered the injury when he made a break toward the ball. Bowman, a senior, is the Trojans' third-leading tackler.

Farmer, a junior, did not play against Colorado after suffering the hamstring injury during practice. He participated in workouts this week but was not able to perform at full speed.

Farmer has 13 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Vainuku, a junior, also did not play against Colorado because of a hamstring injury suffered against Arizona.

Vainuku has only six carries, but he is an invaluable special teams performer.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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Live updates: Utah defeats USC, 24-21

Adoree' Jackson returns the kick to the 30-yard line before he is tackled.

USC has one second on the clock.

Quarterback Cody Kessler is sacked. 

---

Utah 24, USC 21 (Eight seconds left in the fourth quarter)

Utah will start on its own 27-yard line.

Travis Wilson completes a pass to Kenneth Scott, who gets out of bounds. 

Second and one, Wilson's pass to Scott is incomplete.

Third and one, Devontae Booker rushes three yards for a first down.

First and 15, Wilson throws to Dres Anderson -- who is covered by Kevon Seymour -- and a flag comes flying. It's pass interference on Seymour.

Automatic first down. 

Hayes Pullard tips Wilson's pass, and it flies out of bounds.

Wilscon completes a pass to 17-yard pass to Booker, to move the ball to USC's 36-yard line.

Adoree' Jackson breaks up a deep pass to Tim Patrick.

Wilson completes a 10-yard pass to Dres Anderson for a first down in front of Seymour.

Wilson follows with a seven-yard completion to Kenneth Scott, to USC's 19-yard line.

Wilson scrambles 18-yards and goes straight for the endzone. He dives, but is knocked out of bounds, and the ball does not cross the pylon inbounds. Officials review the play after ruling it a touchdown and spot the ball on the 1/2 yard line.

Wilson hands off to Booker for no gain.

Wilson throws to Kaelin Clay for a Utah touchdown.

Trojans fans, it happened again.

---

USC will start at its own 11-yard line.

Javorius Allen is back in and takes a handoff from Cody Kessler. He rushed two yards.

Another low snap from Max Tuerk that Kessler has to deal with, but he does, and completes a first-down pass to Nelson Agholor.

Agholor has nine catches for 82 yards.

Again, Allen goes nowhere on a handoff.

USC's up-tempo offense is slowing down -- the Trojans waiting until five seconds are left on the play clock before running a play.

Third and eight, Kessler completes a 28-yard pass over the middle to Nelson Agholor.

Steven Mitchell catches his first pass, before he's tackled by Zach Banner. Yes -- you read that correctly -- Banner, a USC offensive lineman, ran into Mitchell and knocked him over.

USC running time off the clock now. 

Justin Davis with consecutive rushes as time continues to wind down.

Third and two and Kessler's pass falls incomplete.

Fourth and two and Kessler pitches to Agholor stepped out of bounds on his way to a first down.

Utah football.

---

Utah will start on its own 32-yard line.

Travis Wilson hands off to Devontae Booker who rushes seven yards.

Booker resembling Javorius Allen, rushing 15 yards. Booker evaded Anthony Sarao and then drags Adoree' Jackson a few yeards.

Wilson continues to feed Booker, who now has his fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing game.

Booker is stuffed behind the line of scrimmage on third down by Scott Felix and Hayes Pullard.

Utah punts.

---

USC 21, Utah 17 (10:18 left in the fourth quarter)

USC will start from its own 27-yard line.

Cody Kessler completes a five yard pass to Nelson Agholor.

Kessler quickly goes back to Agholor who makes the catch, but slips on the turf. 

That's the end of third quarter.

Third and five, Kessler breaks a tackle and somehow completes a 15-yard pass to Javorius Allen.

Next play is handed off to Allen, who gains a yard. 

Allen finally able to break through the first -- and second level -- to rush 12 yards.

Apparently it's Allen time. Kessler completes a two-yard pass to him.

Second and eight, USC is backed up after Toa Lobendahn is called for a false start.

Second and 13, Kessler takes a big hit, but completes a 14-yard pass to Nelson Agholor. 

Allen rushes four yards to Utah's two-yard line, but is shook up on the play and heads to the sideline in apparent pain.

Tailback Justin Davis is in and is dropped for a loss on the next play. Davis, who has been prone to fumbling, has both arms wrapped around the ball.

Kessler scrambles on third and goal and completes a touchdown pass to Darreus Rogers.

Andre Heidari's extra point is good.

---

Utah 17, USC 14 (49 seconds left in the third quarter)

Utah will start at USC's 38-yard line.

That turnover comes back to bite USC. 

Devontae Booker rushes 24-yards for a touchdown.

USC defenders Antwaun Woods, Adoree' Jackson and Anthony Sarao got tripped up on eachother on the play.

---

USC will start on its own 20-yard line.

The Trojans are continuing to get the run game going. 

Javorius Allen rushes eight yards on his second carry of the series.

Second and nine, Cody Kessler throws behind Nelson Agholor, who tips the ball and it is intercepted. That's Kessler's second interception of the season. 

---

Utah will start from USC's 15-yard line.

Third and six at the 12, Wilson throws to Tim Patrick. It is ruled a complete pass, but Adoree' Jackson came up with the ball.

Of course, Pac-12 officials will review.

Officials determined it was a catch, and then a fumble. Jackson recovered in the endzone. 

USC's ball -- and the second time Utah loses the ball on the one-yard line.

---

USC will start from its own 20-yard line.

Quarterback Cody Kessler attempts a deep pass to JuJu Smith, but it's overthrown by a couple of feet.

Kessler is sacked on second down after another snap on the ground by Max Tuerk.

Third and ten, Kessler scrambles and has to throw the ball away.

USC's offense has been unable to find a rhythm since the first half.

Utah is known for strong special teams - and the punt return squad was just special - with a 54-yard return to USC's 15-yard line.

---

Utah will start at its own 20-yard line.

Quarterback Travis Wilson completes a seven-yard pass to Westlee Tonga, who is tackled by Hayes Pullard.

Second and three, Devontae Booker rushes for seven yards.

Utah's center, Siaosi Aiono, went down on the play and had to be helped off the field.

Su'a Cravens took off and sacked Wilson for a loss of 11 yards. No one came close to blocking Cravens. That's his second sack.  

Wilscon keeps the ball the next play and was smothered by Scott Felix and Leonard Williams.

Wilson completes a 10-yard pass to Kaelin Clay, who is tackled by John Plattenberg short of the first down.

Utah punts.

---

USC will start on its own 33-yard line.

The offensive line provided Cody Kessler plenty of time on first down, Kessler eventually completed a four-yard pass to Nelson Agholor.

Another handoff to Javorius Allen goes nowhere.

Third and four, Kessler's pass to Agholor is at Agholor's feet and is incomplete.

The Trojans have not been able to establish the run. They've rushed 51 yards on 20 carries and are averaging 2.5 yards per carry. 

---

Utah will start on its own 10-yard line.

Quarterback Travis Wilson keeps the ball on first down and gains 16 yards. Wilson just slipped out of the reach of Antwaun Woods.

Hayes Pullard makes a solo tackle on running back Devontae Booker.

Wilson's pass intended for Wesley Tonga was tipped by Su'a Cravens.

On third down, Wilson fires deep for Kaelin Clay but the play is broken up by safety John Plattenburg. Wilson hurried the throw with Leonard Williams rushing -- count it a quarterback hit for Williams.

---

USC will start at its own 34-yard line.

Aundrey Walker remains the left tackle with Chad Wheeler sidelined. Walker played left tackle his sophomore season.

USC has been unable to establish the run. 

Cody Kessler handed off to Javorius Allen twice before he pitched it to Allen. Allen was unable to gain a first down.

Kris Albarado punts.

---

The broadcast says Chad Wheeler is out for the game and will have an MRI on his right knee .

Utah will start on its own 25-yard line.

Quarterback Travis Wilson keeps the ball on first down before Scott Felix forces him out of bounds.

Antwaun Woods knocks down Wilson's pass on second down. The bal bounced right off his hands.

Kevon Seymour breaks up a third-down pass. Seymour is having a nice game in the secondary.

Utah punts.

---

Here are a few halftime stats.

USC:

Quarterback Cody Kessler has completed 13 of 16 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown.

Tailback Javorius Allen has rushed 36 yards in 12 carries.

Receiver JuJu Smith has caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Utah: 

Quarterback Travis Wilson has completed nine of 16 passes for 113 yards.

Running back Devontae Booker has rushed 32 yards in 13 carries.

Tight end Westlee Tonga has caught five passes for 64 yards.

 ---

Quarterback Cody Kessler takes a knee to send the game into halftime.

---

Utah will start at its own 33-yard line.

Quarterback Travis Wilson attempts a deep pass on the first play, but it falls incomplete. Nice coverage by cornerback Kevon Seymour.

Third and 10 and Leonard Williams stuff Devontae Booker behind the line of scrimmage. Not a single player for Utah even attempted to block Williams.

Utah punts.

---

USC will start from its own 19-yard line.

It's another quick three and out for the Trojans.

Cody Kessler did a nice job establishing the passing game, but it is starting to sputter late in the second quarter.

Javorius Allen rushed four yards, Kessler's pass to JuJu Smith was incomplete, and then a handoff to Allen goes nowhere.

USC punts.

---

Utah will start from its own 13-yard line.

Travis Wilson completes a 17-yard pass to Wesley Tonga, who breaks a tackle from Hayes Pullard and J.R. Tavai who collided on the play. 

Tavai is down on the field, but walks off on his own.

USC suited 48 recruited scholarship players.

Su'a Cravens sacks Wilson for an 11-yard loss. Gary Klein wrote a great feature on Cravens, who Ronnie Lott is keeping a close eye on.

Utah punts.

---

USC 14, Utah 10 (5:06 left to play in the first half)

There he goes. Adoree' Jackson returns a kick 100-yards for a USC touchdown.

Coach Steve Sarkisian has said it was only a matter of time before Jackson broke one. 

My, is he fast. 

J.R. Tavai and Randall Telfer both made critical blocks on the return.

---

Utah 10, USC 7 (5:08 left in the second quarter)

Utah will start at its own 50-yard line. 

Bubba Poole rushes four yards.

Travis Wilson completes a 15-yard pass to tight end Westlee Tonga.

Wilson throws deep the next play, but great play by cornerback Kevon Seymour to break it up.

Wilson completes a 12-yard pass to Kaelin Clay. Su'a Cravens forces him out of bounds and it is getting chippy on the field between players.

Third and seven at USC's 16-yard line, Wilson completes a huge eight-yard pass to Dres Anderson in front of safeties Leon McQuay.

Second and goal, USC calls a timeout. It looks like there was confusion between McQuay and John Plattenburg in the secondary. 

Leonard Williams forces Poole to fumble, the Utes recover. 

Third and goal, Wilson's pass carries his receiver out of bounds.

Utah kicks a 24-yard field goal.

---

USC will start on its own eight-yard line.

And it is a speedy three and out after Justin Davis rushes three yards, fullback Jahleel Pinner (spotted!) catches a three-yard pass and then Kessler's pass to Davis falls incomplete.

Pinner's reception is his first of the season. 

USC punts.

---

Utah will takeover at its own 29-yard line.

Utes quarterback Travis Wilson is doing a nice job establishing the passing game as he completes a 12-yard pass to Dres Anderson. Coach Kyle Whittingham said in a pregame television interview that Wilson needed to assert himself and move the ball.

A couple of rushes by Utah pick up short gains. 

USC picks up its fourth penalty, Scott Felix is called offsides. 

J.R. Tavai sacks Wilson on third down. 

Utah punts.

---

After recovering a Utah fumble, USC will takeover on its own one-yard line.

Aundrey Walker is in at left tackle for USC.

Cody Kessler hands off to Javorius Allen, who goes nowhere against Utah's defensive line.

Center Max Tuerk with a very low snap to Kessler, who is able to handle it off the ground. 

Kessler completes a third-down pass to Darreus Rogers and then finds JuJu Smith in another third-down situation.

Smith appears to be Kessler's go-to receiver tonight. He's caught six passes for 77 yards.

Tuerk is called for a chop-block, which results in a personal foul and sets up first and 25. I wonder if Oregon State's Mark Banker is watching. 

More problems for USC's offensive line, Zach Banner is called for a false start. 

Kessler is doing a great job on third down. He completes a 15-yard pass to Nelson Agholor on third and 14 on their own 39-yard line.

Javorius Allen rushes for 10 yards.

That's the end of the first quarter.

First and 10 at Utah's 36-yard line. 

Kessler hands off to Allen, who rushes for three yards. Agholor catches a six-yard pass and then a handoff to Allen goes nowhere.

Coach Steve Sarkisian opts to go for it on fourth and one at Utah's 27-yard line -- but more connection woes between Tuerk and Kessler as Kessler fumbles the snap.

Utah football.

It's a pleasant evening in Utah -- 65 degrees and scattered clouds -- but I'd bet USC thinks conditions in Rice-Eccles are less than ideal right now. 

---

Utah will start from its own 25-yard line.

Travis Wilson throws a 12-yard completion on the first play. He follows it with a 17-yard completion.

USC's pass rush will need to get after Wilson to help its young secondary. 

DeVontae Booker gains no yards in his first carry. 

Wilson is completing passes with ease, this time an 18-yard completion to Westlee Tonga.

On third and six, Booker through the middle for an easy first down.

First and goal, Antwaun Woods forces the ball out from Booker, but Utah recovers.

J.R. Tavai with a huge play for the Trojans, knocking the ball loose from Booker and USC recovers it at the bottom of a pile.

USC injury note: left tackle Chad Wheeler was carted off the field after he suffered an apparent injury on the last offensive series.

---

USC 7, Utah 7 (10:11 left in the first quarter)

USC starts on its own 25-yard line.

Cody Kessler hands off to Javorius Allen on three consecutive plays and Allen gains a first down.

Kessler throws to a wide-open Nelson Agholor for an 18-yard gain.

Tight end sighting early in the game for USC as Kessler completes a 21-yard pass to Randall Telfer.

Freshman offensive guard Viane Talamaivao is called for a false start. It's a loud environment at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Kessler completes a 15-yard pass to JuJu Smith, but takes a huge hit. He stayed down on the turf and walked off the field. It appeared the wind was knocked out of him.

Backup quarterback Max Browne is in. Browne throws to the back of the endzone for Bryce Dixon, but the pass is batted down.

Left tackle Chad Wheeler is down on the field after the play. This cannot be close to how USC wanted to start at Utah. 

Kessler missed just one play and is back in at quarterback. USC has second and goal at the seven yard line. 

Tailback Javorius Allen is dropped for a loss of three yards. 

Kessler throws to JuJu Smith for a touchdown.

Andre Heidari's extra point is good.

---

Utah 7, USC 0 (14:23 left in the first quarter)

Utah won the toss and deferred to the second half.

USC will start on its own 25-yard line.

Quarterback Cody Kessler starts the game throwing the ball, a 23-yard completion to JuJu Smith.

Kessler follows with a lateral pass to Darreus Rogers who bobbles and drops the pass.

And there is a major USC miscue, Utah picks up the ball and returns it for a touchdown. 

Officials review the play and the call stands. Utah touchdown on a 53-yard return, DeVion Orphey.

Reminds me of two seasons ago, when USC center Khaled Holmes made a ban snap the second play of the game to Matt Barkley -- Utah picked it up and scored.

---

USC announced its starting lineups.

On offense: Quarterback Cody Kessler, fullback Jahleel Pinner, tight end Randall Telfer, tailback Javorius Allen, receivers Nelson Agholor and JuJu Smith and offensive linemen Chad Wheeler, Toa Lobendahn, Max Tuerk, Viane Talamaivao and Zach Banner.

On defense: Linemen Leonard Williams, Antwaun Woods and Delvon Simmons, outside linebackers Su'a Cravens and J.R. Tavai, inside linebackers Anthony Sarao and Hayes Pullard, cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson and Kevon Seymour, and safeties John Plattenburg and Leon McQuay III.

Receiver George Farmer (hamstring), safety Gerald Bowman (foot) and fullback Soma Vainuku (hamstring) did not make the trip.

Pregame chat

It's about 40 minutes before kickoff here at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Columnist Bill Plaschke is here to help cover the Trojans.

Gary Klein: Hey Bill, haven't seen you for awhile. Good to see you again.

Bill Plaschke:  Great to be back with USC after spending time with the Dodgers and UCLA, both of whom lost the last time I was with them. Are the Trojans going to break my losing streak?

GK: Utah looked like it was going to be a very tough opponent, what with a victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl…

BP: Stop right there, I know what you're getting ready to say ... aw, heck, just say it.

GK: But then the Bruins barely hung on against Colorado.

BP: But you still haven't addressed the biggest question tonight here at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

GK: What's that?

BP: Where's Lindsey?

GK: Indomitable USC blogger Lindsey Thiry will be monitoring the game from Los Angeles. Unfortunately, we all won't be able to do a 1 a.m. postgame video from the field.

BP: That's unfortunate?

GK: You were here two years ago. What do you remember about that game?

BP:  I remember a great crowd, a big Utah start, but then the Trojans just wore them down. Better athletes, more skilled. I'm thinking that's what going to happen tonight?

GK: It should be noted that this is a blackout game for the Utes and their fans. And I'm happy to report that Bill is decked out in a black shirt, black pants, black shoes and a black coat. You're in the spirit.

BP: So says the guy in the black sweater.

GK:  OK, the Trojans are wearing their shiny metallic-tinged helmets again. You have not seen those in person, right?

BP: Actually, I have seen Lindsey wearing one.

GK: Who wore it better? Lindsey or the Trojans?

BP: I think it looks better on Cody Kessler, although last week, anything would have looked good on him. Will his hot streak continue tonight?

GK: I think Steve Sarkisian reins it in a bit tonight and puts the load on tailback Javorius Allen and the running game.

BP: That would be smart because Utah leads the nation in sacks.

GK: But remember, 10 of those came against UCLA.

BP: Here we go again with the Bruin bashing. Hey, the Lakers used to win double-overtime games in Colorado all the time, and we didn't bash them.

GK: No one is bashing the Bruins. All right, what's the final score tonight?

BP: I think the Trojans win, 21-17, but can I call Lindsey and confirm that?

GK: I think the Trojans win. I'll ask Lindsey to tweet her prediction.

BP: We can discuss this later at the Salt Lake City Denny's at 2 a.m.

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times

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