Which Way, L.A.?

Latest on the Supermarket and MTA Strikes

The fires may be over but the strikes are still going on. The Metropolitan Transit Authority wants striking mechanics to vote on its latest proposals. Will the union go along? Sharon Bernstein is covering the story for the Los Angeles Times. Meantime, shoppers at Ralph-s got a break last week when the Food and Commercial Workers Union pulled pickets away, to focus on Vons, Albertson-s and Pavilions. We get an update from Nicholas Grudin of the Daily News, who is following developments in the grocery strike, including the union's curious strategy. Reporter's Notebook: Ecological Effects of the Fires Last week-s fires covered a total area the size of Rhode Island, and the massive burning took an enormous toll on wild birds and animals. Scientists say the recovery of many species will depend on plants. We hear about their chances for long-term survival from biologist and ecologist Stephen Davis of Pepperdine University and Ronald Quinn, director of the John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies.