~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the LA Times:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Businesses Press Mayoral Candidates on Tax Issue
One by one, Mayor James K. Hahn and his challengers have appeared before Los Angeles business groups in recent weeks, and each time, they have been confronted with the same vexing question.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tax26sep26,1,1553209.story?coll=la-headlines-california

West Nile's Spread Slows in State
Virus appears to have peaked. 'It could have been far worse,' says one health official. Residents are cautioned to remain vigilant.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-westnile26sep26,1,1997239.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Drawing Attention to Schools
'House parties' aim to mobilize guests in cause of education -- and against new federal law.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-party26sep26,1,7171015.story?coll=la-headlines-california

7 L.A. Schools Cry Foul on Funds
Officials at the charter campuses say L.A. Unified owes them $7 million. The district says it can spend the money as it wishes.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-charter26sep26,1,5050930.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Evicted From Forest Homes
Mountain residents are distraught at evacuation order. Some say they could help prevent fires.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-forest26sep26,1,404746.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Waters Vows to Fight for Hospital
Congresswoman to rally residents of South L.A. in effort to save trauma unit at King/Drew.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-drew26sep26,1,4762217.story?coll=la-headlines-california

TIMES ENDORSEMENTS
Yes to Open Public Meetings
California has several "sunshine" laws that require government meetings be open, documents be available for viewing and agendas be public. All very well, until state and local agencies and elected officials spot a loophole or a new, urgent need for secrecy.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-govrecords26sep26,1,7622103.story?coll=la-news-comment-editorials

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Daily News:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Manager stabbed to death
PACOIMA -- A dispute over the purchase of beer led to the beating and stabbing death of a 49-year-old convenience-store manager on Osborne Street, police said Saturday.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2427231,00.html

Just how old is too old to safely get behind the wheel?
Edward Kussman turns 94 on Monday, and what he wants for his birthday more than just about anything else is to get his driver's license back.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2427365,00.html

Portable wall has names of those killed by gangs
LAKE VIEW TERRACE -- Nicole Williams, Derrick Tomas, Eric Daniels, Torrey Jones -- the names of those lost to gang violence were placed on a memorial wall Saturday at Hansen Dam Park.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2427299,00.html

Nuez energy plan vetoed
Arnold wants electricity customers to be able to shop for cheaper power
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2427421,00.html

Public enemy No. 1
Part 1 of a three-part editorial series.
Islamic terrorists threaten the safety of Americans everywhere, but right here in Southern California the immediate and constant threat comes from our own homegrown terrorists: Street gangs that have infested nearly every neighborhood and town from the Ventura County coastline to the high desert
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20951~2426799,00.html

Commentary
Pols to public: Go away
By Mariel Garza
I have some bad news for the public. Elected officials don't want to hear from you.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~29627~2427525,00.html