Activists push ballot initiative to end state benefits for illegal immigrants and their U.S.-born children By Teresa Watanabe The measure would end public benefits to illegal residents, challenge the citizenship of their U.S.-born children, cut welfare payments to those children and impose new birth certificate requirements. Iraqi teen's dream of returning to L.A. comes true By Kurt Streeter Friends of Marwa Naim, who was wounded during the U.S.-led invasion, worried for her safety when she went back to her homeland after surgery at UCLA in 2006. Now she's back in the U.S. and happy. Budget cuts raise concerns for future of Southeast Asian archive By My-Thuan Tran UC Irvine's extensive collection preserves the stories of refugees, but researchers worry that cuts will hinder documentation of the evolving immigrant community. California budget threat to state parks doesn't apply to an off-roader favorite By Zachary Slobig Oceano Dunes is the last stretch of beach in the state open to motor vehicles. It's not on the governor's closure list, but advocates of the western snowy plover want it shut to protect the birds. A spreading Web of language help By Raja Abdulrahim Children of immigrants who want to master their ancestral tongues are finding like-minded practice partners through the Internet. Marking the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. nuclear meltdown By Louis Sahagun A reactor in Chatsworth began leaking radioactive gas on July 14, 1959. Some area residents blame the facility for their health issues and say the site remains contaminated. PASSINGS Harry J. Gray, retired chief executive of United Technologies, dies at 89; Ric Hardman, screenwriter, dies at 84; Waldo McBurney, deemed America's oldest worker, dies at 106 Joe Bowman dies at 84; sharpshooter was known as 'Master of Triggernometry' By Joe Holley Bowman shared his marksmanship skills with Hollywood stars and law enforcement officers. He was also a gifted magician and trick roper, performing at rodeos and gun shows. Lottery results LOCAL ELECTIONS 32nd Congressional District election is Tuesday By Jean Merl Candidates are Democrat Judy Chu, Republican Betty Tom Chu and Libertarian Christopher M. Agrella. Canyon Country man held in death of cyclist By David Zahniser Marco Valencia, 20, was arrested after his pickup truck allegedly struck three bicyclists in the Angeles National Forest. One, Joseph Novotny, 43, of Stevenson Ranch, was killed.

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