Wed.-Sun., Jan. 18-22, 2012

U.S. SCIENCE GROUP BACKS DOT ON TOYOTA THROTTLES

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences issued a report authenticating last February’s conclusion by the U.S. Transportation Department that the electronic throttle control systems of Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles are not responsible for incidents of unintended acceleration. (Japan Times)

JAPAN’S NODA NOT ON OBAMA’S BUDDY LIST IN TIME MAGAZINE

In an interview with Time, President Barack Obama mentioned several world leaders with whom he has forged good relations — minus any mention of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. (Japan Times)

JAPAN TOLD U.S. MILITARY OF RADIATION FALLOUT DAYS BEFORE PUBLIC

Japan’s science ministry provided data to U.S. forces about levels of radioactive fallout from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant far earlier than it informed the public, according to the Associated Press. (Stars and Stripes)

COUNCIL STOPS CARSON MAYOR’S PLAN TO RENAME CHAMBERS FOR KAWAGOE

In a prolonged, blistering battle of political wills, a new Carson City Council majority emerged and trounced Mayor Jim Dear over a seemingly benign issue — the naming of council chambers after the newly resigned city clerk. (Daily Breeze)

BUSCAINO OVER FURUTANI IN RACE FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL RACE

Political newcomer and Los Angeles police officer Joe Buscaino finishes with 60.7% of the vote to Assemblyman Warren Furutani’s 39.3% and wins the vacant Harbor-to-Watts district seat on the Los Angeles City Council. (Daily Breeze)

TV’S CHARLIE ROSE TALKS TO GARY LOCKE

The U.S. Ambassador to China reflects on currency manipulation, human rights, and the value of 160,000 visiting students. (BusinessWeek)

CAYETANO CONFIRMS HE IS RUNNING FOR HONOLULU MAYOR

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano confirms that he will run for mayor of Honolulu this year, setting up a three-way race that could determine the future of the city’s $5.1 billion rail project. (PBN)

FORMER WEST COVINA COACH MICHAEL OKURA DIES

Students, teachers, family and friends are mourning the death of West Covina High School’s legendary teacher and coach Michael Okura, who passed away at his home. He was 66. (IndieSocal.com)

UCLA MOVING TOWARD SALE OF HANNAH CARTER JAPANESE GARDEN IN BEL AIR

Several cultural artifacts were removed from the UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden Tuesday, the next step toward the university’s planned sale of the garden by the end of January. (Daily Bruin)

LAPD: PINKBERRY FOUNDER ALLEGEDLY BEAT HOMELESS MAN WITH TIRE IRON

Pinkberry co-founder Young Lee is arrested at Los Angeles International Airport as he arrives from Korea for allegedly attacking a homeless man, police say. (Daily Breeze)

WOMAN WHO SMOTHERED 2 SONS, KILLED HUSBAND GETS DEATH SENTENCE

Manling Tsang Williams, 32, of Rowland Heights, Calif. — who smothered her two young sons with a pillow and killed her husband with a sword as they slept — has been sentenced to death. (Daily Breeze)