The giant Cormier Chevrolet dealership is getting a nearly $8 million bailout from the city of Carson. The City Council approved a plan that calls for the Redevelopment Agency to acquire the dealership's property and lease it back for five years at a subsidized rate.

Between the three major Southern California grocery chains — Ralphs, Albertsons and Vons — there are six supermarkets in South Los Angeles, serving a population of about 688,000. By comparison, 19 supermarkets serve West Los Angeles' population of about 395,000.

Los Angeles is using some urban bleat to combat urban blight. The city has brought in a herd of 100 goats to clear the thick and tangled weeds from a hillside lot next to the historic Angels Flight railway.