All That Counts: Noise at Van Nuys...

All That Counts: Noise at Van Nuys Airport prompted some noisy complaints this week. About 250 people turned out for the first of several airport planning meetings. . . . A consultant predicted there will be fewer planes based at Van Nuys--but more noisy jets and helicopters.

Winners and Losers: The Santa Clarita Water Co. was a loser, but its customers could be winners: An office of the state Public Utilities Commission said water company rates should be cut by 20%. . . . And at the Statehouse, some winners: Freshman Assemblyman Tony Cardenas became the region’s first Latino representative; Speaker Pro Tem Sheila Kuehl is the first woman and first openly gay legislator to achieve that post.

The Week Ahead: Will Mayor Richard Riordan’s petition to put a charter reform panel on the April ballot succeed? After a slow start, election officials said Friday that valid signatures were up to 73%, more than the 71% needed. A final tally is due Tuesday or Wednesday.