To Chris Brown, it's art; his neighbors see a monster nuisance

Pop star Chris Brown's home includes outside walls with massive paintings of monsters, 8 feet tall in bright neon colors. Some say the images frighten children.

$42.6 million hidden in city fund through accounting error

The money was found in a Transportation Department special fund, making officials wonder whether other misplaced money can be found.

Poll finds Garcetti, Greuel in dead heat

The results boost hopes for the city controller, who had been lagging in other surveys. Greuel leads among women while Garcetti is ahead among men.

USC steals 2 star brain researchers from UCLA

USC lures prominent neuroscientists from crosstown rival UCLA. They'll bring with them graduate students, staffers, substantial government and private funds and highly sophisticated equipment.

After rebuke by archbishop, Cardinal Mahony takes higher profile

Stripped of public duties by Archbishop Jose Gomez over mishandling of clergy sex abuse cases, Mahony has begun what some call a rehabilitation tour.

Similar records, but L.A. mayoral candidates inhabit different worlds

Born and raised in the Valley, Wendy Greuel still lives there. Eric Garcetti grew up there too, but moved around before settling in the 'tri-hipster' area of Hollywood, Silver Lake and Echo Park.

Assembly OKs bill allowing transgender students in sports

Students would be able to be on teams and use bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity rather than their sex.

O.C. supervisors deny $20,000 increase for grand jury

One official calls the panel 'incompetent' after it issued reports charging local government was corrupt and covered up sexual harassment.

Officials search for 4 pit bulls believed to have killed woman

The 63-year-old woman is mauled while on her morning walk in the Antelope Valley community of Littlerock. A $25,000 reward is offered for information leading to the dogs' capture.

Jackson friend told AEG executive of fears singer might die

Karen Faye, Michael Jackson's longtime makeup artist, testifies about his declining health and says she warned his manager days before his death.

Alleged voter fraud in Little Armenia being investigated

Backers of L.A. City Council candidate Mitch O'Farrell are accused of illegally filling out ballots. The O'Farrell campaign counters that workers for rival John Choi improperly filled out ballots.

'Dell Tax Maneuver' could galvanize efforts to tweak Prop. 13

Even the tax-cutting law's staunch defenders criticize a glaring example of a loophole that aids commercial property owners, but any change will be bitterly fought nonetheless.

Judge refuses to free murder defendant, 86, from mental hospital

Judge calls the man, accused of murder and attempted murder, a threat to public safety. L.A. County had sought his release to a relative because he has dementia.

British Olympic medalist killed while training for America's Cup race

Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, a Swedish team member, dies when the team's catamaran capsizes in San Francisco Bay. He had won Olympic gold and silver medals in sailing.

L.A. Times couldn't be barred from reporting on testimony, judge rules

A judge rules that the newspaper could not be stopped from reporting on testimony from the top manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in a deposition for an open-government lawsuit.

Rocker Tim Lambesis pleads not guilty in murder-for-hire case

Lambesis, 32, lead singer for the Christian-themed band As I Lay Dying, is charged with trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged wife, who filed for divorce in September.

Girl helped boyfriend carry out slayings, prosecutor says

A Compton jury is told not to feel sympathy for Cynthia Alvarez, 16, who testified that she watched helplessly as a controlling boyfriend killed her mother and stepfather.

Shootout after high-speed chase leaves one suspect dead

Another suspect and a CHP officer are wounded in the gun battle in San Bernardino County. The pursuit began shortly after a body was found inside a vehicle.

Delays, costs build up for 405 Freeway project in L.A.

The 10-mile project is expected to be mostly finished by mid-2014, a year later than anticipated. Meanwhile, who pays what for cost overruns is up in the air.

California ranks 11th in hospitals with A grades for safety

Hollywood Presbyterian and Long Beach Memorial are among those with A's, according to a Leapfrog Group report. A few Fs also were given in the state.

Clinton plays down politics at event in Beverly Hills

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton focuses on her predecessor's legacy as she accepts an award named for Warren Christopher from the nonpartisan Pacific Council on International Policy.

Former Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado criticizes Brown's prison policy

Maldonado calls Brown's handling of prison crowding an early-release 'shell game.' The Republican says there's a 'good shot' he'll run for governor.

L.A. police union backs Greuel candidacy with another $850,000

Police Protective League, which represents roughly 10,000 officers, has put more than $1.43 million into her mayoral bid. She and rival Eric Garcetti trade barbs.

Jackson thought God was speaking to him, witness testifies

Alif Sankey, associate producer of the 'This Is It' tour, says Michael Jackson's behavior and appearance had her convinced he was dying.

L.A. council approves controversial rail yard for port complex

Action sets stage for possible court challenges alleging environmental and civil rights violations. Backers say the project would bolster efficiency and create jobs.

For their Sunday best, black women turn to Jewish clothier from Iran

Church-going customers know they'll find what they need at Ebby Tabarai's shop, Divas, in downtown L.A. (But don't come on Saturday.)

Coliseum hid reports of financial woes, records show

The reports confirm financial irregularities, an official's use of a personal Visa card to gain travel points and questionable reimbursements.

Four immigration officials charged with bribery, fraud

The officers at various border and immigration agencies took money from an attorney in exchange for providing favors for his clients, one of whom is also charged, authorities say.

Oakland police chief takes medical retirement

Embattled Chief Howard Jordan announces his departure hours before consultants, including ex-L.A. Chief William Bratton, were to offer crime-reduction plan for the city.

Bay Bridge retrofit plan addresses failed bolts

Transportation officials say a steel saddle will take the place of massive bolts that failed on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge's eastern span. A Labor Day opening is uncertain.