Good morning -- here's what's happening 5.09.08
Peregrine falcons in California cities have more flame retardants in their bodies than any living organism anywhere on the planet. The chemicals come from the pigeons the falcons eat, more proof of how these chemicals, which damage developing nervous systems, are working their way up the food chain. Marla Cone explains.
The city's struggling to balance the budget and one plan on the table is to give -- yes, that means free -- a three-acre site in North Hollywood worth almost $15 million to a developer. David Zahniser and Steve Hymon follow the trail of red ink that led to the proposal.
Five more claims of sexual abuse by Santa Monica teacher Thomas Arthur Beltran have surfaced. One goes back to 2004, and others could reach back to 1998. And how do school officials explain all the years that Beltran remained in the classroom? Communication breakdown. Tami Abdollah has more details on the growing scandal.
Neighbors listened to 70-year-old Katan Khaimov beg for help for an hour after he was stabbed in his West Hollywood neighborhood, and no one called the police. He died in the street. Scott Gold visits Poinsettia Park and looks for answers.
At last -- some good mortgage news. The House passed a rescue bill to make $300 billion in new loans available, enough to keep about half a million homeowners out of foreclosure. (The only California Republican to vote for the bill? Rep. Gary G. Miller of Diamond Bar.) The details -- and the bill's chance of becoming law -- from Maura Reynolds.
A look at all the Kobe Bryant worship out there from Bill Dwyre.
Forget Riverdance. L.A. native Victor Quijada comes home from Canada with his ballet-based, hip-hop
infused fusion troupe, Rubberdance. Victoria Looseleaf is betting you'll like it.
You're a very vocal bunch of readers, not always polite, but invariably impassioned. A sampling of the reaction to the Montrose flag controversy here. And if you're new to it, here's the story and the video.
-- Veronique de Turenne
Photos: Los Angeles Times
