Eastside opening.

With Antonio Villaraigosa giving up his council seat to become L.A. mayor, there is already intense speculation about who might replace him on the City Council.

Topping the list is former city councilman Nick Pacheco, whom Villaraigosa unseated two years ago for the 14th District post. Pacheco, who is now a lawyer, has said he would like his old seat back. However he's been dogged by a city ethics probe into alleged fundraising violations during his 2003 re-election bid.

Another name bandied about is Los Angeles Unified School Board president Jose Huizar, who's made no secret of his desire to move on to the council. He's proven a popular leader among his Eastside constituents, many of whom also live in the 14th Council District.

Then there are two wildcards. One is powerful state Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, who has been in the limelight for trying to pass legislation granting drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants. If Cedillo were to enter the race, Huizar has privately indicated he might drop out.

The other wild-card is Hillary Norton-Orozco, who was once chief of staff for Richard Alatorre, the longtime councilman from the 14th District. She is now president of a neighborhood council within the district and retains many connections from her days as a council aide. She has not indicated whether she wants to run for the seat and many consider her a long shot if Pacheco, Huizar and-or Cedillo enter the race.