Kings v. Ducks: A Friendly Wager Between Mayors

In a friendly bit of cross-town rivalry, the mayors of Los Angeles and Anaheim staked some public service time today on the outcome of the playoff series between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings.

The two National Hockey League teams are squaring off for the first time in the playoffs, with the winner moving on to the conference finals.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait has Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti -- who lists jazz composition among his hobbies -- on the hook to give music lessons to students at Guinn Elementary School in Anaheim. But that's if the Ducks emerge victorious in the seven-game series.

"Upon conclusion of this second-round series, I will personally welcome Mayor Garcetti to Anaheim," Tait said. "As an accomplished musician, Mayor Garcetti will offer our young residents a wonderful lesson in the value of music and the arts."

Garcetti, betting that the win will go to the Kings, said he plans to see Tait spending a few hours cleaning up the Los Angeles River.

"The Los Angeles Kings made history this week and became the hottest team in the N.H.L., just another reason that L.A. is the best sports town in America," Garcetti said. "After the Kings advance to the conference finals, I will welcome Mayor Tait to join me for a project to clean up the L.A. River and help it become a lifeblood for the next chapter in our city."

--City News Service