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Here's the story lineup for the first issue of West, the Los Angeles Times Magazine replacement that debuts in the Sunday paper.
Cover story:"The Valley's Not So Civil War" - West senior writer Mark Arax reports on how one grieving parent found some peace after his son's death in Iraq - even as the fear of terrorism in the Central Valley ignited intolerance and hate between Right and Left, pro-war and anti-war.
Features:
* "Dance Class" - Contributing writer Anne Lamott asks, "What is life on earth if not an invitation to twirl?"
* The Lingering Reek of Smell-O-Vision" - Adapted from "OOPS: 20 Life Lessons From the Fiascoes That Shaped America" by West senior editor Martin J. Smith and co-author Patrick J. Kiger
* California Story (short fiction) - "Arguably," an adapted excerpt from Daniel Handler's forthcoming novel, "Adverbs"
Style:
* Mad Hot Music" - Sometimes the best scenes are in obscure clubs with bands you've never heard of.
* Blast It Trash It Smash It Rip It Kick It Couture" - Clothing designer and bass player Corey Parks has never met a leather jacket she hasn't wanted to tear to pieces.
* Sly and Me" - Some revolutions begin underground. Some start in the street. And some happen at 33-1/3. West senior writer Lynell George's personal look at Sly & the Family Stone
Departments:* From First & Spring: An Editor's Note - "The Birth of a Magazine" by Rick Wartzman
* Rearview Mirror - "Oil in the Sand and a Gusher of Greed," a look back at the 1921 discovery of oil at Signal Hill and what Upton Sinclair had to say about it.
* Photo Synthesis - Colin Westerbeck showcases photographer Joel Sternfeld's "Queen of the Prom" from Slab City.
* The Rules of Hollywood - Screenwriter Gary Gilbert shares his strategy for selling a script on the basketball court. Almost.
* 800 Words - Dan Neil closes this week's issue with a look at Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It may not be the center of the universe, but it's close enough for government work.