BREAKUP BACKER: Yvonne Chan, maverick principal of...

BREAKUP BACKER: Yvonne Chan, maverick principal of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, announced her support Tuesday for a breakup of the Los Angeles Unified School District. “When I hear the literal suffering and frustration of my colleagues and I see what I can do and they can’t, I can see how trapped we all are,” said Chan (above). “It’s time to get out of this blob.”

LONG GOODBY: Rep. Carlos Moorhead on Tuesday confirmed long-held rumors that he will retire from Congress. The Glendale representative has spent 23 years on the Hill, longer than any California Republican now serving (A3). . . . Moorhead, 74, said he might have run again if Speaker Newt Gingrich had not passed him up when giving out plum committee assignments.

ANIMAL ACTORS: They came in search of stardom, these furry and feathered thespians (B1). More than 100 of them turned out Tuesday for an open audition in Burbank. . . . “We’re shocked at all the amazing things they do,” said producer Janet Turner. Camera crews taped the audition for an upcoming documentary on performing animals.

TO THE DOGS: Emma Harter’s neighbors are shocked by her animals too, but it’s because of quantity rather than quality. Harter goes to court today on charges of running an illegal kennel in her Acton house where she has 55 pet Chihuahuas. . . . Animal Control Officer Jerry White wants justice done, but fears he will have to impound the animals if she is found guilty. “We really don’t want them,” White says.