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 Enough people have apparently pretended to have disabilities to force Knott's Berry Farm to end its policy of letting disabled guests cut to the front of line at its amusement park rides. Now, disabled customers will have to wait about as long as other customers, eliminating the incentive for able-bodied people to pretend they are disabled, reports the OC Register.
"There were abuses to the system, and at some point the [disabled] line was almost equal to the regular line, so it really wasn't serving its purpose," said Knott's spokeswoman Jennifer Blazey.
A disabled patron will be able to come back at a specified time to board the ride or wait in a nearby area until his or her companions have made it through the line.
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times
 All developer Michael Hanna wanted to do was to open a restaurant in Lawndale with an outdoor hookah lounge. But what he viewed as an ancient social custom across the Middle East -- where smoking tobacco through water pipes is popular in cafes and other gathering spots -- the planning commission of this South Bay suburb considered an unhealthy habit. Not only did the commissioners reject Hanna's proposal, they are also considering a proposal that would prevent the lounges from opening anywhere in the city, reports the Daily Breeze.
Hanna says the commissioners, who initially didn't know what a hookah was, are being culturally insensitive. Hookah lounges have popped up across Southern California -- Hanna already operates one in nearby Redondo Beach -- and have attracted many young patrons. "All they see is the smoke element," Hanna said. "They don't see the socializing, the cultural expression.... If the city were to go out and ban coffee because -- all of a sudden -- it thinks it's a health issue, that would upset a lot of people because Starbucks has become part of the culture in America."
The growing popularity of the lounges and the cultural significance of the hookah did not impress planning commissioners. They were concerned about lung cancer and other diseases related to tobacco use. Even though the smoke is filtered through water, the use of a hookah still poses health risks that have generated warnings from groups like the American Lung Assn. Lawndale Planning Commissioner Nancy Marthens said hookah lounges will only encourage smoking: "My stepdad died of lung cancer, and we have a member of the commission who is now battling lung cancer. So it's very hard to say we're going to aid and abet the tobacco industry."
A vote on the ban is scheduled for next month but there's little reason to expect the commissioners to vote against the ban. They are the ones who requested it.
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Patrons at a Long Beach hookah lounge. Credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times
Nothing like a ferocious heat wave that calls for shorts and swimsuits to remind you that, despite those fervent Champagne-soaked promises to exercise and lose weight, that really, this year's the year, not much has changed since Jan. 1. But don't despair - our very own Jeannine Stein is here with the stories of six people who lost (and have kept off) the extra pounds.
Approaches mixed a variety of diets (including meat-free for the veggies among us) and a surprising array of exercise programs. Zev Yaroslavsky (he's in the photo) added running to a low-fat diet. The common thread - the people in the profiles lost weight and are keeping it off.
Plenty of ideas, tips and inspiration in the accompanying stories.
Lots more great stories in our weekly Health section.
--Veronique de Turenne
Photo: Allen J. Schaben
 About 4,000 foreclosed homes in Los Angeles County have backyard pools. Health officials fear that many of these pools will turn into perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes -- and the dreaded West Nile virus -- if they go unmaintained. That's why health officials are working to get access to many foreclosed pool properties and drop in their secret weapon: the Gambusia affinis, or the mosquito fish.
The fish feast on the mosquito larvae in the stagnant water, reports the Daily News. "These fish have proven their weight in gold," said state health agent Ron Helo.
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Getty Images
 This weekend's closing of the maternity ward at South Coast Medical Center after nearly 50 years has brought back fond memories for many mothers, who recall their hospital stay, staff and...killer ocean views. What do you expect from a Laguna Beach hospital perched on a small hill above Coast Highway? The vistas you would expect from a nearby mansion or luxury resort were mentioned several times by former maternity ward occupants:
"I had a baby at South Coast in January of 1960, and they treated us (new mothers and babies) like royalty," said Nancy Hunt. "The facility was beautiful –- and new -– and the ocean view spectacular."
More comments at the OC Register
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times
 The orange-flavored lollipops developed by UCLA microbiologist Wenyuan Shi are being sold and marketed as the newest way to kill the bacteria that lead to cavities. The key ingredient in the lollipops, sold under a licensing agreement by Dr. John's Candies, is a Chinese herbal compound that Shi has identified as being effective in targeting the bacteria responsible for causing tooth decay. Shi recommends chewing a lollipop once in the morning and in the evening for 10 days straight and then repeating this two to four times a year for the best results.
The effectiveness of the lollipops is still being tested. But the Los Angeles Business Journal (paid subscription required) notes that Shi is looking into other Chinese herbal remedies that are effective at fighting other kinds of bacteria, including those responsible for underarm odor. Anyone for an odor-eating candy bar?
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Reed Hutchinson / UCLA Today
A massive water conservation plan is in the works at L.A. City Hall. We'll have the usual measures, like fining those who waste water, limiting how much you can use to water your lawn or wash your car. Most controversial, though, is a proposal to recycle wastewater. Will Angelenos go for
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's $2-billion plan? Rich Connell explains all.
Expect a ruling on gay marriage from the state's Supreme Court today.
Dump a patient, risk a $25,000 fine. That's the new law that just got preliminary approval from the L.A.
City Council. Cara Mia DiMassa has the details.
Did you feel that? Teensy (3.3) earthquake in Paso Robles last night. No reported damage or injuries. AP via LAT.
Lakers win! A squeaker? No, but a bit of a thriller. Get the details from Mike Bresnahan. And how did Kobe do? Bill Plaschke is so glad you asked.
Check in with Mark Ridley-Thomas and Bernard Parks as the two
candidates for county supervisor in the 2nd District talk about health
care in the area (Mar Vista through South L.A. to Compton and into Carson) they want to help govern. Q&A here.
Did Blackwater use some sleight-of-hand to get their training facility in San Diego County? Some angry locals say you betcha. Tony Perry looks into it.
Last year, CBS wanted to stir things up. This year, it's all about "balance." Matea Gold and Maria Elena Fernandez give a rundown of what you can expect to see next season.
--Veronique de Turenne
Photo: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
It's April 15 and the tax man cometh. Unless you file for an extension. Need a post office that stays open late tonight? The answer at (800) ASK-USPS. More tips and resources for procrastinators last-minute tax filers right here.
Speaking of money, that's exactly what Antonio Villaraigosa wants, lots of it, to put 1,000 more police officers on L.A.'s streets. How, exactly? With a 38% trash rate hike, for starters. And maybe a sales tax increase. And that's on top of the DWP hike already on the table. Just how deep into your pockets does the city want to reach? Our man in City Hall, David Zahniser, has the details.
There's a cancer-causing chemical in the air in Riverside, and the South Coast AQMD thinks it's coming from giant piles of clinker dust from a nearby cement plant. More from Janet Wilson.
More mayhem leaves two men dead in East L.A., Francisco Vara-Orta reports.
Listing prices down $130K from their peak. LA Land
A famous freedom fighter joins the cause in Little Saigon and protests a newspaper accused of communist leanings. My-Thuan Tran explains.
Northwest and Delta plan to merge, a move that won't affect us here in SoCal, at least not directly since the two carriers only account for a combined 11% of the market at LAX. But you might see some long-term effects on the airline industry, and we're not talking cheaper flights or better service. Peter Pae has the details.
Her daughter did it! That's the last-minute shift in the defense of one of the two 70-something women charged with taking out big insurance policies on homeless men, then killing them. Victoria Kim is following the trial.
Another high-profile court drama is coming to town -- the tax evasion trial of Joe Francis, of "Girls Gone Wild" infamy fame. Associated Press via L.A. Times.
-- Veronique de Turenne
You could climb Mt. Whitney -- or, like writer Dan Koeppel, get exercise (and more vertical ascent) on a 16.2-mile 'walking tour' of Los Angeles' outdoor stairs. Janet Cromwell reports:
One . . . more . . . step. Almost there. Top of the hill. Don't step on
the smashed guavas. Step over the giant philodendron. Ignore the
snapping dog.
More than 75 years ago, Laurel and Hardy struggled to maneuver a piano
up these 131 Silver Lake steps in the classic comedy "The Music Box,"
cementing the staircase in cinematic history.
Hauling an oversized load up the oxygen-depleting ascent hasn't gotten any easier, but it's worth the trip.
Huff. Puff.
Wheeze a little while sucking a deep breath of eucalyptus into bursting
lungs -- and then, there it is: a dazzling string of vintage, eclectic
homes at the top of the longest outdoor staircase you've ever scaled.
Where? How? Answers in Janet's full story here.
Photo: Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times
 It's one of the first things readers noticed when Charles Ornstein broke the UCLA hospital snooping story last month: The punishment of rank-and-file staffers exceeded that of doctors for the same offense. Charles' newest story on the scandal shows readers were right:
...the 13 nonphysician employees who viewed Spears' record while she was in UCLA’s psychiatric unit were “suspended, dismissed, resigned or retired.” Of the eight physicians who perused Spears’ records, though, three were suspended and five were reprimanded. None was fired, the state found.
The info comes from a report released today by state health inspectors. Full story to come.
--Veronique de Turenne
Photo: Associated Press
That's right, $7 billion, which is how much the federally appointed receiver says it'll take to bring healthcare services and facilities for California's prisoners up to constitutional standards. Michael Rothfeld reports: The plan includes $6 billion to design and construct new health facilities and housing for 10,000 inmates with medical or mental health needs; and $1 billion to improve existing health care facilities at state prisons.
That's triple the amount in budget Schwarzenegger submitted in Januray, and will require the state to borrow most of the cash. Michael's full story here.
--Veronique de Turenne
A rabid bat was discovered in Griffith Park, says the L.A. Department of Public Health. Don't panic -- officials also say: "At this time we do not have any indication that this bat infected anyone with rabies." Full story here.
Proposed upgrades to L.A's historic bridges (hey -- is that a river down there?) have people taking a second look, saying oooh, wow, cool. (Well, not in those words.) LADN
Is David Geffen going to buy the LAT? LAO
UCLA -- one of the toughest schools to get into -- accepts 17 seniors from San Fernando High, USC drops the German major, and some mixed feelings from students about the prom. A veritable feast of education news in our excellent blog, The Homeroom.
The grilled cheese invitational in April 19 -- register now!
Last year, Holly Wiseman was voted Teacher of the Year at Bergeson Elementary in San Juan Capistrano. This month, she learned she's in line to be laid off. Story in the OC Reg.
Downtown's neon signs make a brief appearance. Angelenic
Beverly Hills approves $500-million hotel-condo project. LAT
--Veronique de Turenne & Jesus Sanchez
 Los Angeles County's ailing public health system was back in the emergency room this afternoon. Embattled health services director Dr. Bruce A. Chernof abruptly announced his resignation as the department faces a huge deficit. Chernof was on the job for only about two years before announcing his exit. Times reporters are working on a full story.
The departure was made public hours after the county announced that the only viable candidate to reopen Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital in Willowbrook had pulled out of the running. Despite never having run a large healthcare system, the low-key Chernof was hired by the county Board of Supervisors with high hopes of turning the department around.
At the time of his appointment in May 2006, Chernof said, "I really love this system," citing its mission to serve the community's neediest patients. "It's a challenge. But it's worth it."
—Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Los Angeles Times
 Who would want to take on the responsibility and cost of re-opening the doors of Martin Luther King-Harbor hospital? Well, the only viable candidate pulled out of the running today, leaving Los Angeles County to find another group to run the South L.A. Hospital, reports Garrett Therolf.
Many said that Pacific Hospital of Long Beach was not prepared to run a giant public health facility. But no other major institution, private or public, has stepped up to the plate. "I'm eager to find out if there is anything that can be done to bring them back to the table," said Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke, who represents the district that includes King hospital in Willowbrook. "At this point, I have no reason to think that there is anything that can be done."
--Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Los Angeles Times
A nasty fight erupted at L.A. County hospitals today when organizers for the California Nurses Assn. launched a campaign to persuade 6,000 county-employed nurses to ditch the Service Employees International Union, the powerful organization that represents them, and join the CNA instead, Garrett Therolf reports.
Police arrested a CNA organizer accused of slapping an SEIU organizer and of stomping on the foot of another. A county official who asked for anonymity claimed CNA
organizers dressed up as nurses so they could get into areas of the hospital normally off limits.
"The nurses are leaving SEIU and coming to CNA. That is a fact," said Jill Furillo, CNA's Southern California director. "Los Angeles County hospitals are the most horrendous and horrible facilities. The patients and nurses have been suffering in those places."
That's news to Elizabeth Brennan, a spokeswoman for SEIU Local 721.
"There is no question that the nurses will continue to be represented by SEIU," Brennan said. "Nurses won a record raise last year because they are united as an entire healthcare team with other Los Angeles County employees and other healthcare workers -- and that helps improve the quality of healthcare in the county."
Furillo said, "A real war is going to happen."
Last month, the CNA organized the only private hospital in Texas, the Houston Chronicle reports. Its attempt to move into other Texas hospitals, where nurses already have union representation, mirrors the fight now brewing in LA County. Similar scenarios are playing out in Nevada and Ohio.
--Garrett Therolf & Veronique de Turenne
After tonight's Pasadena City Council meeting, don't be surprised if next year's Rose Parade includes a float in the shape of a NicoDerm patch. The Pasadena Star News reports that the City Council will consider an extensive ban on smoking outdoors, including public events like the Tournament of Roses.
-- Jesus Sanchez
And now, some health news:
Turns out, cat owners have measurably fewer heart attacks than non-cat owners. That's the gist of a new report presented at the American Stroke Association's conference last month. It's a serious study about a serious issue that Jeannine Stein wrote up in a seriously good story.
And yet you can't help thinking that cat owners thrive because felines are so damned funny. (Can you say damned in the LAT if you're not quoting "MacBeth"?) Is it all the feeding and grooming and stroking that makes cat owners healthier, or could it be the joking and the mocking?
Case in point, one of the Web's goofiest (and most popular) sites, Lolcats. Web address is "Icanhascheezburger," which gives you a sense of what's there. So does one of the many photos that cat lovers create and post, like the one just below.
This being planet Earth, however, where every action has an equal and opposite reaction (thanks, Sir Isaac!) there's also a study that says pet owners get more urinary tract infections than non-pet owners.
I suppose it's wrong to call the Minneapolis-based researchers a bunch of spoil sports -- they're just reporting what they saw. Which is that E. coli from pets (close to twice as many dogs as cats) can get transferred from animal to human, which can give the human a UTI. Not something to LOL about.
-- Veronique de Turenne
 Southern California's newest restaurant and food guide is not exactly like Zagat's. You won't find stars or ratings for service, atmosphere or even the cuisine. This 59-page, and growing, guide is published by the California Department of Public Health and includes all the restaurants, markets and other establishments that purchased recalled beef from the Westland/Hallmark Meat Packing Co. in Chino.
With more than 2,800 food outlets, the list cuts across Southern California's dining scene. Not only will you find the Taco Queen in Los Angeles and Tamales Liliana's in East Los Angeles, but B.B. Kabob in Glendale and Juon Yuan Restaurant in San Gabriel . Would the diners at Le Bistro Mediterranean in Newport Beach and R.J.'s in Beverly Hills be surprised to discover that the same packinghouse that supplied beef to their restaurant also sold meat products to the Hooters in Santa Monica and the Santa Barbara County Jail?
The list is a work in progress and will be added to as the state Public Health Department receives more information about where the 143 million pounds of recalled beef were sold, said spokeswoman Lea Brooks. She said the department has not heard of anyone getting sick from consuming recalled beef, but was responding to public requests for more information about where the meat has been distributed. "People are just fascinated by the list," she said.
Fascinated and puzzled. You would expect to find places such as Landmark Steakhouse in Corona del Mar and Jim's Burger in Lynwood. But what are the Olympic Tofu House in Monrovia and the Yogurt Stop in La Habra doing buying beef?
--Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
**An earlier version of this post said that 153 million pounds of beef were recalled.
 It's been a while since Orange County diners have had to drive across the county line into L.A. for haute cuisine (or pupusas, for that matter). But the O.C. restaurant scene still lacks a common feature in Los Angeles: a health department letter grade. That might change as O.C. officials consider adopting the decade-old A-B-C grading system used in L.A. County, the O.C. Register reports.
What if you are hungry now and looking for a clean lunch spot in Huntington Beach? Then go to a searchable directory of restaurant inspections and a letter grade generated by the Register. L.A. County has also posted its online grades and inspection reports, as have Pasadena, Long Beach and other cities. After reviewing a couple of nearby places, you might be grateful that you brought your own lunch.
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times
 Gardena beauty salon owner Patsy Bates was in the hospital awaiting surgery to remove a lump in her breast when an administrator told her that the surgery had been canceled. There was a problem with her insurance. After she agreed to pay her insurer, Health Net, three additional premiums, the company agreed to cover the operation. But in January 2004, as she was undergoing post-surgical chemotherapy, Health Net canceled her coverage, claiming she had misstated information in her application. Bates sued. Today, a judge in Los Angeles awarded the salon owner $9 million in damages.
Lisa Girion reports it was the first settlement of its kind and prompted Woodland Hills-based Health Net to announce it would abandon some of its controversial cancellation practices.
After hearing today's news, Bates closed shop early to drive to her attorney's office and meet with reporters. Tonight, the 52-year-old mother will go home to cook a birthday dinner for her daughter. She's not sure if she will go to work tomorrow.
--Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times
 If Rickie Lee Jones' voice sounded more raspy than normal during a Monday night concert, it was because, as the singer noted apologetically to a Los Angeles audience, she was fighting the flu. Join the club. Yes, this is traditionally flu season, but it is peaking later than usual and is more severe after a few mild years, say state and national health specialists. After a slow start, local doctors and hospitals have reported a recent surge in flu patients, says the Long Beach Press Telegram.
"Moderately severe," is how L.A. County public health department director Dr. Jonathan Fielding described the season to Times reporter Jia-Rui Chong. He said it's not clear why there are so many cases compared with last year (which was very light). But one reason might be that this year's batch of vaccines protect against only about 40% of the strains out there. Still, he recommended getting a flu shot, noting that county clinics still have plenty available. Now if only someone can help Rickie before her next performance.
-- Jesus Sanchez
Photo: Associated Press
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Enough people have apparently pretended to have disabilities to force Knott's Berry Farm to end its policy of letting disabled guests cut to the front of line at its amusement park rides. Now, disabled customers will have to wait about as long as other customers, eliminating the incentive for able-bodied people to pretend they are disabled, reports the OC Register. 
