Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn is well in the danger zone one week ahead of the municipal election, but he has cut a hole in challenger Antonio Villaraigosa's lead. The Los Angeles Times Michael Finnegan reports:

With the Los Angeles mayoral election a week away, incumbent James K. Hahn has made large gains among major voting blocs, but still trails challenger Antonio Villaraigosa by 11 points, a Los Angeles Times poll has found.

Hahn's improved standing with such pivotal groups as San Fernando Valley whites and South Los Angeles blacks has cut into the 18-point lead that Villaraigosa held in a Times poll last month.

But the new survey still reflects pervasive trouble for Hahn. Just 24% of likely voters in the May 17 election say that Los Angeles is better off because of his policies and should continue on the same course, while 67% want the city to change direction. His job approval score has sunk to a record low of 38% — from 44% a month ago. Fifty-six percent say they disapprove of his performance as mayor.

If the election were held today, the poll found, the councilman would oust Hahn by 51% to 40%. The survey found 9% of likely voters undecided.

While Hahn is still not even close in the race, it could all turn into a nailbiter if the ethical charges leveled at Villaraigosa lead to an anemic turnout. Hahn will not have a clear mandate in this situation, but for an incument sitting at about 40 percent, a victory is a victory.