The Maloofs have seen so many new arena proposals shot down in the state capital over the past decade, it's not likely they are kicking the tires here merely as a last-ditch ruse to get the Sacramento taxpayers to fund a new arena. They have to be serious, because they came to Orange County earlier this month to meet with arena officials and Anaheim politicians, including City Manager Tom Wood.

Through a city spokesperson, Wood declined my request for an interview Tuesday to talk about what pro sports teams mean to Anaheim. But the spokesperson said that Honda Center "has been built to have a second professional team" and the city "would welcome" another one. I guess that means Wood knew what I really wanted to talk about.