The week ahead

A look at upcoming news events:

Wednesday

Police heroes: The 47th Medal of Valor luncheon, put on by the Los Angeles Police Foundation, will recognize 21 officers.

Friday

Candidates’ forum: The All Valley Legislative Coalition and the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership will present “Open Forum” at the Rancho Mirage Public Library, featuring Republican and Democratic candidates vying for seats in three area legislative districts.

Saturday

Neighborhood advice: The city holds its seventh annual Riverside Neighborhood Conference, featuring booths and representatives from municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations offering workshops.

Foreclosure forum: Rep. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) holds a foreclosure forum to address the housing market.

The Tip

Boat use skyrockets in the summer, but boat owners, beware: Quagga mussels are hitching rides on hulls and trailers, and larvae travel in engines and bilges. Mussels feel like sandpaper, so inspect and rub boat surfaces, say experts hoping to slow the creatures that are invading state rivers and lakes. www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/

Ask a reporter

I thought the “Erector Set” parking lot at 1st and Grand in downtown Los Angeles was going to be demolished. But now there’s a sign saying it’s open. What’s going on?

Parking Lot 17, as it’s officially known, was supposed to be temporary when built in 1969, but it apparently has found yet another lease on life. The lot is on property owned by the county of Los Angeles and is slated to be the site of the first phase of the Grand Avenue project.

Last month, officials from project developer Related Cos. said they planned to ask for a time extension -- giving them until 2012 to complete the first part of the $3-billion redevelopment effort -- because of difficulties in obtaining construction loans during the real estate downturn. Under that timeline, construction would begin early next year.

After being closed for months as workers removed lead paint, it was reopened a few weeks ago by county officials as a way to continue to bring in revenue until Grand Avenue project construction begins.

-- Cara DiMassa