Morning Scoop: Hollyweed and Vine, Bratton’s blessing, cakes and company

Good morning from the City Desk, where it's chillier inside than outside. Some California stories from today's Los Angeles Times to help you rev up your conversational motors:

Bratton's blessing: Outgoing LAPD Chief William J. Bratton was lobbying for Charlie Beck to succeed him. For a while, that may have put the odds against Beck.

Record settlement: Los Angeles Clippers owner and real estate mogul Donald T. Sterling and his wife, Rochelle, have agreed to pay a record $2.7 million in a settlement over allegations that they discriminated against Latinos, African Americans and families with children at their many Los Angeles-area apartment buildings. If approved, it will be the largest settlement the U.S. Justice Department has ever obtained in a case involving apartment rentals.

Hollyweed and Vine: Steve Lopez takes a whirlwind tour of Los Angeles medical marijuana dispensaries.

Mixed verdicts: Former Dominguez High basketball coach Russell Otis was convicted Tuesday of misdemeanor child molesting, but the jury acquitted him on two other charges and deadlocked on a third.

Cakes and company: A Pomona couple have become very close to firefighters at a nearby fire station, and it all started with a cake.

Big spender: The primary's still seven months away, but Meg Whitman already has spent $19 million in her bid to become California's next governor.

The state Legislature finally has passed a comprehensive bill to overhaul the water system. We'll bring you other news as we get it.

Got news for us? Let me know at nita.lelyveld@latimes.com.

-- Nita Lelyveld

Leave us your comments here or follow @latimescitydesk on Twitter.