A huge sigh of relief in the Southland today. Frank McCourt, the embattled owner of the Dodgers, has agreed to sell the team. Bill Shaikin over at the Los Angeles Times broke the story on Monday evening that a plan was in the works between McCourt and Major League Baseball.

An agreement was reached late yesterday. The team will be auctioned off  with the approval of  U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The sell-off will include Dodger Stadium and the surrounding parking lots. McCourt reportedly bought this package deal for $421 million in 2004. It’s expected to sell this time for “… two to three times as much.”  More on the deal and possible bidders for the team on the L.A. Times website here.

Embattled Dodger owner, Frank McCourt, is still fighting to keep control of the team. Yesterday, the Dodgers filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Today McCourt is trying to wrangle enough money to pay the team’s bills. More on McCourt’s  dilemma and an upcoming hearing in U.S. bankruptcy court on the Los Angeles Times website.

Major League Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig, turned thumbs down on a Fox TV deal  for the Dodgers today — a move that kills the Frank and Jamie McCourt diivorce settlement.reached last Friday.

Once again the ownership of the Dodgers is in limbo. Details here on the  Los Angeles Times website.

McCourts’ divorce settlement and TV deal

The battling McCourts announced a divorce settlement today –  but it depends on a TV contract  between the Dodges and the Fox network .So it’s not quite a done deal for Frank and Jamie. Details here on the Los Angeles Times website.

“Green Lantern” burns red hot in theaters

The “Green Lantern”  made a ton of green at theaters today. Nikki Finke over on Deadline.com says the superhero flick’s opening day haul is around  $24 million — with an estimated weekend take of  $60 million.  More about the weekend movies here.

Los Angeles Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt, joined Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Los Angeles Police Chief, Charlie Beck, at a news conference today to unveil a new hard-line policy against disruptive fans. Mayor Villaraigosa said,” violence will not be tolerated” and that “public safety is number one.”

Police Chief Beck praised the Dodger organization eagerness to embrace all of a series of new security recommendations, among them,” increased LAPD presence” at all Dodger games, no drinking in the parking lots, improved lighting, and close security TV.

 Dodger owner Frank McCourt announced the new security measures would be in place for the next home game, Thursday, April 14. McCourt called the recent attack on San Francisco Giant fan, Bryan Stow, at Dodger Stadium “criminal behavior” and not the actions of true Dodger fans.

Stow was viciously beaten after the season opening game between the Giants and Dodgers on Thursday, March 31. The paramedic and father of two suffered a brain injury and is in a coma. A $100,000 reward is being offered in the case involving two male suspects. The Los Angeles Times website has sketches of the suspects, along with more details on the new crackdown on unruly fans and troublemakers.  

Also, the Dodgers put out a press release today about a fundraiser for Bryan Stow and his children, on Monday, April 11. Several organizations will be on hand to help collect donations at a “drive-through” event for a Bryan Stow trust fund. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in parking lot 1 of Dodger Stadium.

The Bryan Stow Fund is accepting donations at www.sfpcu.org as well.

A fan-favorite returns to Dodger Stadium tonight. The dazzling eye-popping Friday night fireworks are back this season and kicks-off tonight, after the Dodgers play the San Francisco Giants. Fans can watch the fireworks show from the outfield grass.

Pizza Hut is sponsoring this series of fireworks shows on Friday nights from now through the end of summer. Here is the schedule: April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 22, July 29, August 26, and September 16. Also, the fast food chain is offering specials to fans who attend games on those Friday nights.

For more information on 2011 giveaways and the Dodgers’ schedule you can visit Dodgers.com

Yesterday, the boys in blue opened their 54th season in Los Angeles with a 2-to-1 win over the defending World Champion, Giants. Also, it was a debut victory for former New York Yankee star/now rookie Dodger manager, Don Mattingly.

Dodgers go for a second win against the Giants tonight. Game time 7:15 p.m. Dodger Stadium.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for new talent. You don’t have to be able to throw a fastball or hit a home run. The baseball organization is accepting applications and resumes right now for the part-time seasonal union position of Ticket Seller.

The qualifications include excellent verbal communications, outstanding customer service, and at least a high school diploma or GED. For more requirements and details on the position click over to dodgers.com   and check under job opportunities or call Human Resources at (323) 224-1547.  The deadline to apply is April 5, 2011.

Photo: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times -- Clipper Blake Griffin slam dunks over a car at Staples Center in Los Angeles February 19, 2011

Blake Griffin how did ya get so fly? The Clipper power forward stunned the crowd at Staples Center last night, and gained all kind of props and kudos, when he leaped over a car during an amazing slam dunk.

Griffin won the NBA’s 26th Annual Slam Dunk Contest. The NBA all-star pumped up his own celebrity and add some magic to the struggling Los Angeles Clippers with that incredible dunk. Oh, and Griffin donated his trophy to the family of a friend who recently died.  What a guy!

The Los Angeles Times website has more photos and a terrific column by Bill Plaschke on Griffin’s mind-blowing dunk.

Photo: The Black Eyed Peas from their website -- (l-r) will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo, apl.de.ap

The hip Grammy winning SoCal band, The Black Eyed Peas, is planning to really rock the house at the Super Bowl on Sunday. In a post on the Spin Magazine website, band member will.i.am described their plans for Super Bowl XLV:  “We’re known for doing outlandish things and we’re going to make this a big spectacle.”

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year. The Spin article has more on past Super Bowl halftime shows, some details on the “Peas” spectacle, and what this performance means to the Southland rockers.

The kick-off for Super Bowl XLV, the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers, is this Sunday, February 6, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

 The Los Angeles Dodgers announced some special arrangements today for the grieving family of  the youngest Arizona mass shooting victim, Christina Taylor Green. The 9-year-0ld nicknamed, “Princess,” by her father, is the daughter of Dodgers scout, John Green, and the granddaughter of Dallas Green, a major league executive who’s a former pitcher and manager as well. 

Photo: The Arizona Republic/The Los Angeles Times -- A victim of that mass shooting in Arizona on January 8, 2011, 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green. Her father is a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

When a gunman sprayed a political gathering with bullets last Saturday, young Christina was hit in the chest. She died later at a hospital. Five others were killed in that deadly attack, more than a dozen wounded, including the alleged  target, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head. Giffords is recovering, but is still in critical condition.

In a press release today, the Dodger organization revealed it had received “… overwhelming offers of support for the family of Los Angeles Dodgers scout John Green.” So today the club announced several developments. First, the creation of an e-mail address “…where family, friends, and members of the community can share their thoughts and feelings on the tragic passing of  Christina Taylor Green.”

Condolences, thoughts, and memories can be sent to greenfamily@dodgers.com  Those e-mails will be compiled into a memorial book for the family. Instead of e-mails, you can send letters to: Dodger Stadium c/o the Green Family, 1000 Elysian Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90090.

Also, the family has created a charitable memorial fund to honor the life and memory of a spunky little girl, who played baseball and was interested in politics. The fund will be held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

You can make a donation by doing the following:

• Logging on to the website of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona at www.cfsoaz.org and clicking on the link to the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund

• Contacting the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona by e-mail at christinataylorgreenmemorial@cfsoaz.org or by calling (520) 545-0313

• Checks may be sent to: The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, In Memory of Christina Taylor Green, 2250 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ  85719

 A public memorial service for Christina is scheduled for 1 p.m. this Thursday, January 13, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 8650 North Shannon Road in Tucson, AZ.

Photo: White House Blog -- 2010 NBA World Champion Los Angeles Lakers and President Obama came together for an afternoon of education and service projects with some Washington DC kids December 13, 2010

The repeat World Champion Los Angeles Lakers went  to the White House to celebrate a championship win last year. So this time around, they did something different to honor their latest accomplishment.

Earlier this month, on December 13, the Lakers visited with members of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Part of the time was spent with the kids assembling care packages and writing letters to wounded military men and women, as well as putting together special gift kits for the homeless in DC. For fun, the players and coaches joined with the kids in a skills building game called, “Big Brain Academy Challenge.”

Also, helping sponsor the event, the league’s global social outreach program, NBA Cares.

“The Lakers have a proud tradition of performing community service in the L.A. community, and I’m glad that they took the time to help us during the holiday season here in Washington, D.C. We celebrate that spirit of service off the court — because it’s very hard to do what these guys do on the court, but everybody can serve off the court,” President Obama said later at a ceremony honoring the Lakers.  The full text of the President’s remarks on the White House website.

More on this event in this story on the  Lakers website. You can get updates on the Lakers in the sports section,  in the middle column,  of this blog.

A Los Angeles judge handed down a legal ruling today that could mean more bad news for the Dodgers. This morning, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon threw out a 2004 marital agreement, between Jamie and Frank  McCourt, that would have given him sole ownership of the team.

Frank is not thrilled with the ruling and has indicated he will continue the court battle with some new strategies — which could tie the Dodgers up in legal limbo for years.

On the other side, Jamie McCourt’s lawyer, Dennis Wasser said in an interview on KNX 1070 newsradio,  that he is pleased with the decision, but a settlement would be in the team’s best interest “… the Dodgers deserve some stability in the front office…”

The battle between the co-owners of the Dodgers has been raging since they filed for divorce back in 2009. This legal fight was a distraction to the Dodgers during the past season and continues to be so in the preps for next year. I think it’s pretty clear that Frank should do what’s best for the team and pay Jamie whatever she wants to get full control of the team — so everyone can move forward.

More on the judge’s decision and McCourts’ battle over the Dodgers on the   Los Angeles Times website.

Photo from www.charlottecarter.com -- Author Charlotte Carter in the batting cage ready to slam a homer, September 2010

Author Charlotte Carter is a mother of two and grandmother of five, but you’d never say she’s over the hill. Not with the activities Carter is involved in. The talented SoCal writer and ardent volunteer, has had more than 50 romance, mystery, and inspirational novels published.

A few years back, I was the moderator for a writers/authors group in Burbank and Carter was a guest speaker a couple of times. An experienced workshop facilitator, Carter has  participated in writers’ events at the Burbank library as well.

Carter’s newest book, “Montana Hearts,” hits store shelves today. It’s an inspirational romance about a transplant recipient who meets and falls in love with a rancher whose late wife donated the heart that saved her life.

Carter has another uplifting novel, ” Big Sky Reunion,” set for release next May. More details about her books on her blog,  Charlottecarter.com.  Also, on the site you can read about Carter’s other interests including her enthusiasm for sports, passion for the outdoors, and love of a funny line — she does stand-up comedy, too!

 Yes, Charlotte Carter is a one of kind inspiration.

Photo: Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images/Los Angeles Times -- After getting injured in a basketball game, President Obama heads back to the White House with a busted lip in Washington DC, November 26, 2010

President Barack Obama probably has a very sore lip today, after being injured in a pick-up basketball game, with friends and White House aides, at Fort McNair in Washington DC, yesterday. During the game, President Obama got elbowed in the  mouth and had to leave because of a busted lip. A short time later, he reportedly received 12 stitches at the White House.

The Los Angeles Times has a report today on the incident and the player who whacked the president with his elbow.

 Earlier in the week, President Obama had an easier time throwing out high-fives during a food giveaway at Martha’s Table, a community based non-profit in DC. It has become an annual tradition of service for the Obamas who volunteer their time to help others on the day before Thanksgiving.  

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama gives a high-five to a little boy during a food giveaway in Washington DC, November 24, 2010

Ex-NBA Star, Magic Johnson, must have some major plans in the works. The Los Angeles Times is reporting Johnson recently sold his 105 Starbuck franchises back to the parent company.

Earlier this week it was announced, the former Laker superstar, unloaded his ownership interest in the Lakers. Both deals are worth around $100 million, according to the Times. More on Johnson’s wheeling and dealing here.

Former Laker Superstar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, is no longer part owner of the NBA champion Lakers.  Sad, but true. Yesterday, the team announced Johnson had sold his ownership share to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a 25-year season-ticket holder, local businessman, and philanthropist.  

Johnson reportedly bought his share for $10 million in 1994. No official word on what it sold for, but according to the Los Angeles Times, Johnson’s stake was about 4.5 percent. Last December, Forbes magazine listed the Lakers as the NBA’s most valuable franchise at $607 million. So that means Magic’s share would be worth around $28 million.

Magic apparently wants to join a group of investors onterested buying the Detroit Pistons. Magic has strong ties to Michigan; he grew up in Lansing and  played for Michigan State. 

No matter, Magic is forever linked to the purple and gold. In a press released posted on the team website, Magic emphasized his commitment to the Lakers: ”I am truly humbled to have been a Lakers player for 13 years and an owner for over 10 years. I thank Dr. Buss from the deepest part of my heart and soul for allowing me such an incredible opportunity. I will continue to work alongside Dr. Buss, Jeanie Buss and Mitch Kupchak in their efforts to continually build and maintain the best NBA franchise in the league. This was a bittersweet business decision made on behalf of my family and myself, and I want to assure all the wonderful and loyal Lakers fans that my decision will in no way affect my dedication and support for the Los Angeles Lakers. I am and will always be a Laker for life.”

Follow the Lakers on this blog. Check the middle column for updates on the players and the franchise.

Facebook film wins Box Office derby

Despite a big publicity blitz by Disney the new film,”Secretariat,” got dusted by the geeks of  ”The Social Network” at the Box Office this weekend. The final figures are out today and they show “The Social Network” leading the pack with $15.4 million — to hang onto the title of the number one film in the country for the second straight week.

In second place, the new comedy/drama, “Life as we Know It,” earning $14.5 million. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play single professionals who must make a relationship under one roof work after they become the caregivers to an orphaned little girl they both adore.

“Secretariat,” the story of the spectacular race horse who won the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1973, managed only third, pulling in $12.6 million. The film stars Diane Lane and John Malkovich. A much stronger debut was expected from the movie, which received good reviews along with a ton of  promotion.

The animated family flick, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” came in fourth with $6.88 million. Close behind in fifth, the new slasher film, “My Soul to Take,” scared up $6.84 million. The 3D movie stars Max Thieriot, John Margaro, and Christopher Place. The plot revolves around the return of a serial killer to his hometown to stalk seven children who were born on the day, 16 years ago, he supposedly died.

Country Singer Garth Brooks lends a helping hand

Photo: PRNewsFoto/Habitat for Humanity International Ezra Millstein -- Garth Brooks helped build homes in Alabama as part of Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project October 8, 2010

Entertainer, Garth Brooks, traded in his microphone for a drill as he  joined 400 volunteers for the 27th Annual Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Birmingham, Alabama last Friday. Oh, Brooks did perform for Habitat supporters the night before. The volunteers are building 10 new homes and rehabbing 18 others, according to a PRNewswire press release.

Brooks and his wife, singer Trisha Yearwood, have volunteered with Habitat in the Gulf Coast and in Los Angeles as well.  

An update for Harry Potter fans

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1″ is coming out  on schedule, but in 2D, according to a PRNewswire press release.  Apparently, Warner Bros.Pictures has not been able to complete the Potter sequel and get it into the 3D format in time for the target release next month, on November 19.

Also, the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –Part 2″ will hit the big screen on July 15, 2011, in both 2D and 3D format.

Paris Hilton’s guilty plea in Vegas

Photo: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun -- Paris Hilton and her attorney David Chesnoff in a Las Vegas courtroom today, September 20, 2010

 Hotel Heiress Paris Hilton pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor cocaine charges in a Las Vegas court today.  Hilton got a plea deal: one year probation, $2,000 fine, 200 hours of community service, and she must complete a drug abuse program.  Also, if  Hilton violates her probation she risks going to jail for a year!

The drug charges followed the socialite’s arrest at the Wynn Las Vegas last month. At first, Hilton denied ownership of the cocaine and the purse it was found in. However, today the judge made her admit she’d lied.

More on Hilton’s case and what she had to say in court in this Las Vegas Sun report. Also, on the newspaper website, some nice photos of Hilton looking more like she was attending a fashion show rather than a court sentencing.

Jamie McCourt testifies in court

Some pretty amazing testimony in Frank and Jamie McCourt’s nasty divorce and legal battle over the Los Angeles Dodgers today.  Jamie McCourt took the stand and claimed she didn’t read nor really understand the document she signed in 2004 giving her estranged husband sole ownership of the Dodgers.

 However, Steve Susman, Frank McCourt’s attorney, pointed out in court  – Jamie McCourt practiced law at one time. Hmm, interesting. More on Jamie McCourt’s testimony on the Los Angeles website.

Ben Affleck’s film tops the Box Office

The final numbers came out today and the crime drama,  ”The Town,” easily won the domestic weekend Box Office. Ben Affleck wrote, directed, and starred in “The Town,” which debuted with 23.8 million, to become the new number one film in the country.

The new teen comedy, “Easy A,” racked up $17.7 million, good enough for second place. It was followed by the new horror flick, “Devil,” which managed only $12.2 million, despite being the creation of M. Night Shyamalan. 

Last week’s top film, “Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D” came in fourth with $10 million, and in fifth place, the new animation “Alpha and Omega” with $9 million.

More changes for the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers. A press release from the organization yesterday announced the departure of Manager Joe Torre and his replacement– another former New York Yankee, Don Mattingly.

In the release, Dodger General Manager, Ned Colletti, praised Torre for his contribution to the team:  ”Joe Torre has been a great friend, a strong leader and an incredible presence for this organization and I cannot thank him enough for his service to the Dodgers. I respect his decision to step aside…”

“It has been an incredible honor to wear the Dodger uniform and I will always carry with me some very special memories from the past three seasons,” Torre is quoted in the release as saying. “This was not a decision I took lightly but I believe it’s the right one for myself and my family…”

Late yesterday at a news conference, The ex-Yankee manager admitted he was retiring from the Dodgers, but not from baseball. Can you really blame him for heading for the door? Late last month, Dodger management dumped Big Time Attendance Draw/Slugger, Manny Ramirez, and pretty much threw in the towel on the season.

Meanwhile team owners, Frank and Jamie McCourt,  are ripping each other apart and dragging the team through the mud in a Los Angeles divorce court. No wonder, there’s growing concern about the McCourts handling of the legendary team and its impact not only on the Dodgers, but on all of Major League Baseball!   

The new manager, Don Mattingly, takes over next season. Mattingly is probably best known for his 14 years as a first baseman for the Yankees. As a player, he won some awards and racked up some pretty good stats.  He’s been a coach for the past seven years — the last three, as the Dodgers’ hitting coach. However, Mattingly has NEVER held a manager’s job. The Los Angeles Times points out that this season Mattingly filled in for Torre a couple of times and the results were not impressive.

At that Dodger Stadium news conference, Mattingly tried to generate some confidence: “I’m excited about this opportunity… I feel like I’m ready.” I hope he is. Mattingly has an incredibly difficult job ahead of him and huge shoes to fill.