PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune Christine Robancho (center) of Chula Vista, son Everett Bagaporo, 5, explored the Little Laguna Meadow area of the Cleveland National Forest this week.

When managers of the Cleveland National Forest tried to limit access at four sites last year to protect nesting raptors, rock climbers protested, saying they would be locked out of areas popular for their sport. The strong opposition – some of it rallied from climbers across the country – surprised the U.S. Forest Service. Officials retreated and have yet to adopt a plan for balancing the interests of birds and climbers.

WASHINGTON – Soon after U.S. forces toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, Gen. Tommy Franks surprised senior Army officers by revamping the Baghdad-based military command.

Elizabeth Nila's old street in Murphy Canyon could have been called Surrogate Lane. Four other women on her cul-de-sac in the military housing complex near Tierrasanta had given birth to babies for other people.

• Military personnel banned as surrogates

By most accounts, the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines was one of the best ever staged. It was challenging and had record crowds, top TV ratings, and a captivating story line that culminated in an injured Tiger Woods winning after 91 holes.

• Torrey Boosters

WASHINGTON – He thinks of her every time he gazes at the painting – a blazing orange sun she drew a few years after the tragedy. It's the only splash of color in his tiny K Street office, and it gives him great joy, and a stab of sorrow.