Which Way, L.A.?

Commission Says State Shortchanging Immigrants

Even though 25 percent of all Californians are first-generation immigrants, the state has no set policy for helping them integrate or ensuring that the state benefits from their contributions. Now a 40-year old bipartisan group, designed to promote efficiency in government, says it's time to rise to these "extraordinary challenges." After a lengthy study, California's Little Hoover Commission found that responsible immigrants benefit California, and so should be helped and encouraged, whether they're legal or not. Immigration opponents call that a noble idea we just can't afford. We hear more from a member of the commissioner and the media director for a national organization that opposes mass immigration. Newsmaker: Hahn Announces Opposition to Ahmanson Ranch Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn has taken sides in one of Southern California's hottest environmental disputes, over the Ahmanson Ranch development on the border of LA and Ventura Counties. Brad Smith, who reports for the Ventura County Star, reports that secession and traffic moved Hahn to oppose the project. Reporter's Notebook: Better Business Bureau's Spotty Record Southern California boasts America's largest Better Business Bureau, which can be counted on to alert customers when businesses fail to be fair and ethical. But an investigative report faults the Southland Bureau for not living up to its reputation. We hear more from Chris Knap, who co-authored the report for the Orange County Register, and southland Bureau President William Mitchell.