By Debby Abe, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Apr. 11--Alan Nishino, one of four finalists to lead Tacoma schools, has left behind detractors in two of the California school districts where he served as superintendent.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will reopen Pyramid Lake to public recreation use on Saturday, April 5, 2008, following a 45 day shutdown for sediment removal.

By Patricia Farrell Aidem CASTAIC -- A tiny mollusk is increasingly raising concerns across the Southland as the pesky creature invades waterways, where it threatens fish populations and clogs underwater pipes.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will close Pyramid Lake to public recreation use beginning Tuesday, February 19, 2008, until Saturday, April 5, 2008. The closure will affect boat ramps at Emigrant Landing and the Vaquero Day-Use Area, as well as all other day-use and picnic areas.

By Jerry Berrios CASTAIC -- About 100 firefighters, lifeguards and other emergency responders from the Los Angeles area sharpened their water-rescue skills Wednesday at Castaic Lake.