THE TAX ROM COMETH: More than 4.1...

THE TAX ROM COMETH: More than 4.1 million people are expected to do their taxes by computer this year, more than double the number from three years ago. . . . But is the TurboTax computer program really more efficient than the trusty 1040-EZ? Times staff writer Aaron Curtiss says a cyber tax trek saves time, accountant fees and shoe boxes. Valley Business, Page 4.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER: A Municipal Court judge Monday postponed the arraignment of William A. Masters II of Arleta on weapons charges in connection with the shooting of two taggers. But Masters’ trial may come Thursday--in the public eye. . . . Masters claimed self-defense and was freed of murder charges after killing 18-year-old Cesar Rene Arce. But for the first time, Masters faces the other teen-ager he shot, David Hillo, and Arce’s sister on KTLA’s “Charles Perez Show” Thursday at 4:30 p.m. . . . A spokesman for the show, which was taped earlier, said the audience was “definitely hostile” toward Masters.

CRIME CAPITAL: Beautiful weather. Wealthy homeowners. An abundance of natural disasters. What more could any con artist ask for? . . . From crooked earthquake repair contractors to bankruptcy fraud, it’s no wonder that Southern California is the nation’s capital of white collar crime. But the U.S. Justice Department wants to take that highlight off the map. Times staff writer Myron Levin interviews U.S. Atty. Maureen A. Tighe about the problem. (B5)

HUNGER PAINS: Company stockholders found it hard to swallow when Sherman Oaks-based Hamburger Hamlet chain posted a $10.6-million loss last year. So they turned to . . . a former dishwasher. But Shawn Holder is not just any former dishwasher: He successfully steered the Islands restaurant chain. See Valley Business, Page 10, for Holder’s new course for the Hamlet.