Gwen Hilburn

Passed by both houses of Congress, the President is expected to sign the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. A similar previous law was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1997.

California had more than half of the nation's total beach closures or postings. The problem is even more acute in Southern California counties. Runoff from streets and lawns is the primary threat.

Boeing left Downey and 160 acres of prime commercial property. Companies are rushing to move in.

LAUSD owns 7.6 acres of land in the Santa Monica Mountains near Pacific Palisades. Appraised at $14 million, it is now for sale. Some local residents want to pool their money to buy it. They do not want it developed.

Conceived in the 1980s, and scaled down in 1996, a plan to make Ventura Boulevard walker-friendly is again being discussed. But it looks as though it will be a very slow go.