Week in Review: Arson in the Valley, Death Penalty Possible in Double Slaying Case, and More

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NEWS

No one was injured in the fire, which took 42 firefighters to put out.

The local celebrity resident talked about her upcoming appearance in a new Food Network program hosted by Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri.

The chimp, named Cheetah, succumbed to kidney failure. Report casts doubt on his Hollywood pedigree.

Charged with two counts of murder, Zubek pleaded not guilty in couple's shooting deaths. Zubek pulled a pistol on a police officer when he was discovered on a rooftop on Libbit Street in August.

Among the highlights of civil court cases was that of Courtney Rosenberg, who was awarded nearly $70 million by a jury in her case against Encino-Tarzana Medical Center.

Here's a roundup of reported crimes in Encino for Dec. 18 – 25.

Officials believe the same arsonist who hit Hollywood and West Hollywood recently lit fires in North Hollywood, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Sherman Oaks and Sun Valley.

Metro canceled work on installing a sewer pipe along the Skirball Bridge, previously scheduled to begin Wednesday night.

County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky would be a strong candidate in the race for L.A. mayor, according to political observers. He talked to Patch editor Doug Kriegel.

Puppy named Chewie was last seen in Sherman Oaks hills.

The photos show the fake snow machine working hard in the hot Valley sun.

Yellow tape was set up around the CVS pharmacy in Sherman Oaks after a backpack was found in a parking lot.

Never give out bank account information over the phone, DA warns.

Elizabeth Warne was last seen on MTA Bus #154.

The home was the site of a previous fire the week before, authorities say.

The LAPD bomb squad was called to the scene.

Chia seeds are one of the healthiest foods around.

COLUMNS

From the fifth-grade 'sugar-coating' scandal to the year's biggest breakup, our Encino mom columnist recaps the year.

HOLIDAYS

The annual program aims to make it easy for residents to recycle Christmas trees by providing several options.

What to do with all that food!

Learn how to avoid holiday weight gain and stay fit.

Electrical problems and dry, unmaintained Christmas trees are among the causes of holiday fires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the death toll from impaired driving collisions increase during the holidays.

The festival focuses on seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Four California towns are among 24 nationally vying for $100,000 prize for one lucky school district.

Complementary travel was offered 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on one of the year's worst nights for drinking and driving. Auto Club towing was available until 6 a.m.