The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission count shows that nearly a million dollars has been dropped into the race through independent expenditures, with more than $800,000 going to support Essel. Essel supporters spent another $110,000 in independent expenditures opposing Krekorian's campaign.

Those independent spending levels have broken records for non-citywide elections, The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday.

If Krekorian wins, his departure will prompt yet another special election to fill a legislative vacancy. One candidate has already jumped in that race. Sundar Ramani, a Glendale businessman who has served as chair of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, told the Los Angeles Daily News this week that he would run in a race to fill Krekorian's 43rd Assembly District Seat.

Meanwhile, a handful of legislative hearings are taking place across the state today.

The joint Select Committee on Improving State Government is meeting in Los Angeles for its third informational hearing on proposals to overhaul aspects of state government. Today's panel will include testimony from Inspector General Laura Chick, State Auditor Elaine Howle and Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor.

The Assembly Natural Resources Committee convenes in Oakland at 1 p.m. to look at California's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abating the effects of climate change. Members will hear from Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols, Energy Commission Chair Karen Douglas and representatives from the environmental and business communities. Click here to see the agenda.

Here in Sacramento, a budget subcommittee is meeting at 1:30 in Room 447 to look at programs within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

That hearing, along with a Select Committee on Women and Children in the Criminal Justice System hearing on rehabilitation options for female inmates, have sparked a rally to protest existing and planned cuts to prison rehabilitation programs. More than 200 teachers, former inmates and rehabilitation workers are expected to gather on the Capitol steps for the 10 a.m. demonstration, which is being organized by SEIU Local 1000.

The Assembly Transportation Committee is also continuing a series of hearings on the future of California transit at 1 p.m. at the Sacramento Regional Transit Office.

This post was updated to reflect an additional $5,000 spent in support of Essel that was reported after the post was filed.