Faithful Gather: The Syrian-born prelate was assigned...

Faithful Gather: The Syrian-born prelate was assigned only 15 months ago to St. Ephraim Cathedral in Burbank, the western diocese headquarters for the small Syrian Orthodox Church in North America. But already Metropolitan Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, 42, is hosting the church’s four-day North American convention, starting today at Los Angeles’ Westin Bonaventure.

* Dining Alfresco: Saddlepeak Lodge in Calabasas provides ideal ambience for an alfresco dining experience, says restaurant critic Max Jacobson. (Valley Calendar Weekend, Page 36)

* Telling Tales: The local actor-producer team of Oshatz and Herron will bring its production based on ethnic folk tales, “A Story Circus,” to several Los Angeles Public Library branches. (Valley Calendar Weekend, Page 50)

* Dispensing Justice: Kenneth Acosta, convicted of involuntary manslaughter in three drag-racing deaths, was sentenced to probation. B1

* Golf to Court: A developer who was denied a permit to build a golf course in the Big Tujunga Wash said he will file a lawsuit today, claiming the Los Angeles City Council has denied him the right to develop the land. B1