Which Way, L.A.?

LA Homeland Security; the Oscars; Iraqis Far from Home

Most of the Iraqis in the United States came here to escape the repressive regime of Saddam Hussein. As war against the Iraqi dictator gets under way, the biggest concern for Iraqi immigrants in the US is the security of the families they left behind. However, they-re also worried about themselves and each other. Salam Al-Marayati, who came to the US with his family in 1964, is director and one of the founders of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles. Al-Marayati talks about his homeland, the Muslim community, discrimination and hate crimes in this country, and renewed interest from the FBI. Making News: As War Looms, Mayor Hahn Assesses Security in LA Los Angeles International Airport has been cited in at least one government document as California-s number one terrorist target. Since yesterday, the Orange Alert has been in effect at LAX and 550 buildings and locations throughout the city. LA Mayor Jim Hahn addresses new procedures aimed at increasing Southland security. Reporter-s Notebook: Motion Picture Academy Says Oscars Show Will Go On The prospect of war in Iraq has thrown a wet blanket over Hollywood-s biggest event of the year. The Motion Picture Academy says the show will go on, even though the Oscars won-t look the same without the bleachers, the red carpet or the paparazzi. Gregg Kilday, film editor for the Hollywood Reporter, says participants are struggling to balance the somber tone of impending world events with the glitz of an otherwise glamorous Hollywood gala.