L.A. Votes: Polls, ads, debates shape mayoral contest

Los Angeles’ mayoral race has kicked into full gear in recent days, with new polls, ads, debates and a weekend appearance by a former president at a pastrami landmark.

Eric Garcetti leads Wendy Greuel by 10 points among likely voters in a new poll by the Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California. The two candidates sparred over each others’ integrity in a debate on Spanish-language television, and will meet in another face-off Monday night.

Greuel launched an ad attacking Garcetti. And former President Bill Clinton stumped for Greuel at Langer’s on Saturday, while decrying the “ridiculous” voter turnout in the March primary.

FULL COVERAGE: L.A.’s race for mayor

The termed-out mayor that Greuel and Garcetti are seeking to replace, Antonio Villaraigosa, got favorable ratings from more than half of the respondents in the Times/USC poll. Villaraigosa is expected to release his final budget on Monday, with sources saying that the anticipated shortfall has shrunk. The mayor on Sunday joined thousands of bicyclists in CicLAvia.

In other races, Mike Feuer led incumbent City Atty. Carmen Trutanich by 11 points in the Times/USC poll, and 34% supported Dennis Zine to be the city’s next controller, compared with 22% who backed Ron Galperin. Zine recently vowed to audit all officer-involved lawsuits.

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The three competing marijuana measures on the May ballot have divided the cannabis industry, with each side accusing the other of trying only to protect profits, not do what is best for patients. And unchecked spending continues in the city’s school board races.

Comments, questions or tips on city elections? Tweet me at @LATSeema.

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