LOS ANGELES, May 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn has made gains among major voting blocs ahead of next week's election but still trails opponent Antonio Villaraigosa by 11 points, according to a Los Angeles Times poll published Tuesday.

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

    But the new survey still spells trouble for Hahn. Just 24 percent of likely voters in the May 17 election say Los Angeles isbetter off because of his policies and should continue on the samecourse, while 67 percent want the city to change direction.

    Hahn's job approval score has sunk to a record low of 38 percent from 44 percent a month ago, and 56 percent say they disapprove of his performance as mayor, The Times reported.

    If the election were held today, the councilman would oust Hahnby 51 percent to 40 percent, with 9 percent of likely voters undecided, according to the Times poll. Enditem