A Reduction in the Capital Gains Tax Would Benefit Relatively Few By Robert Eisner, ROBERT EISNER is William R. Kenan professor emeritus of economics at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He is the author of "The Misunderstood Economy: What Counts and How to Count It."
Palmdale Needs Full-Service Hospital By Diana Beard-williams, Diana Beard-Williams is a radio talk show host, management consultant and freelance writer specializing in human relations and ethics issues
Southern Baptists Read Selectively By Benjamin J. Hubbard, Benjamin J. Hubbard is chairman of the Department of Religious Studies at Cal State Fullerton. His most recent book (co-editor) is "The Abraham Collection--A Jew, Christian and Muslim in Dialogue." He is working on "A Teacher's Guide to America's Religions."
What's the Rush Behind Consolidating Water Agencies? By Sherri M. Butterfield, After spending four years on the Planning Commission, Sherri M. Butterfield was elected to the Mission Viejo City Council and currently serves that city as its mayor
The Reel America By Neal Gabler, Neal Gabler is author of "An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood" and "Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Cult of Celebrity" (Knopf)
Psst, Wanna Read Your FBI File? Check It Out! By David Wise, David Wise is the author of "Nightmover," a book about Soviet spy Aldrich Ames which takes its title from the FBI's file on the case
'Wedge' Issue Corners Feinstein By Frank Del Olmo, Frank del Olmo is assistant to the editor of The Times and a regular columnist
Hold Japan's Feet to the Fire By Clyde V. Prestowitz Jr., Clyde V. Prestowitz, Jr. is president of the Economic Strategy Institute, former U.S. trade negotiator and author of "Trading Places," a book about the U.S.-Japan economic relationship
Warning: Renovations May Cause Severe Drowsiness By Christopher Reynolds, TIMES TRAVEL WRITER; Reynolds travels anonymously at the newspaper's expense, accepting no special discounts or subsidized trips. To reach him, write Travel Insider, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053; telephone (213) 237-7845