Sheriff says pot dispensaries have become crime targets

The industry has been 'hijacked by underground' drug dealers, Lee Baca says as a suspect is charged in last week's triple murder in West Hollywood, which allegedly has ties to medical marijuana.

L.A. civic leaders urge LAUSD, union to revamp teacher evaluations

The group, including the presidents of the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater L.A., urges the use of student test score data and more access to information about instructors for families.

When the shooter may not be the killer

Inglewood police fired the shots that killed a young man in 2008. But a suspected gang member is accused of provoking the killing.

Someone needs to call the shots

Californians are paying the price as the Legislature dickers over a final budget agreement.

L.A. to begin takeover of golf cart concession

Commission votes to end contract of at least 35 years and have city workers handle rentals. Board president says that will give the agency more flexibility; critics say the city is in over its head.

Bell residents applaud state's reform bills

Legislation spurred by Bell salary scandal is headed to the governor's desk. The bills include restrictions on automatic pay raises, an end to pension spiking and refunds for high property taxes.

Former O.C. football star gets 25 years for killing Newport Beach store owner

Weston Scott Kruger was shoplifting a pornographic magazine when the liquor store owner confronted him. Kruger shoved him hard to the concrete floor, cracking his head.

Home searched, green SUV seized in slaying of Moreno Valley girl

The house is a few blocks from where Norma Lopez was apparently abducted in July. A witness had reported seeing such a vehicle speeding away after she vanished. No suspects are in custody.

Woman accused of stabbings at Target found incompetent to stand trial

Layla Rosette Trawick will be sent to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino County. She wounded four people in the May 3 rampage at the West Hollywood store.

South L.A. garment factory workers to get back pay and overtime in settlement

City lawyers had alleged that Seventeen Inc. falsified time and payroll records and required 12-hour shifts without extra pay or breaks. The owner also agreed to have a monitor oversee operations.

Bell's Rizzo gave $400,000 in city loans to two businesses without council approval

One of the loans, $300,000 given to a local Chevrolet dealer in 2008, is the subject of a court fight because the dealer went out of business within a year of getting the loan, having repaid nothing.

O.C. man charged with wife's murder

Officials think Richard Forsberg beat Marcia Forsberg to death in February at their Rancho Santa Margarita home, then took her body to Ventura County. He is arrested after an apparent suicide attempt.

L.A. Unified board makes first statements about test score analysis of teachers

Most members say the current way of evaluating teachers needs to be reworked; some add parents deserve more information about instructors. Some criticize The Times' publication of database.

L.A. County orders disclosure of all child deaths from abuse or neglect

The actual number of fatalities remains unclear after an independent review of such cases handled by the Department of Children and Family Services.