LOS ANGELES-December is barely half over, but investors announced the closing of more than $250 million of purchases in and around the sprawling San Fernando Valley. However, brokers say double-digit rents are coming to an end.

LOS ANGELES-Handing at least a short-term victory to homeowners, officials at LA International Airport say they'll delay their expansion efforts by at least six months to get more input from the public.

LOS ANGELES-City officials, Jones Lang LaSalle exec and telecom players call big press conference to explain details of plan to make CBD come alive. But few others show up: 'Downtown sucks, and it will never get better,' one office manager proclaims.

LOS ANGELES-In novel program, LA and the Enterprise Foundation will buy HUD-owned properties at a deep discount. The houses and small apartments will be renovated and sold to moderate-income buyers and housing groups.

LOS ANGELES-The unsolicited $740-million bid for CB Richard Ellis has overshadowed takeover efforts for another locally based, publicly held firm--tiny G&L Realty Corp.

LOS ANGELES-Hostpro Inc. and United Title take combined 37,000 sf at 3250 Wilshire Blvd.

LOS ANGELES--Lowe Enterprises represents East Coast retirement fund in $50-million office purchase in El Segundo. The pair will build an additional 90,000 sf on an adjacent parcel.

LOS ANGELES-Brokerage powerhouse adds small but highly successful Matlow-Kennedy Commercial Real Estate Services to its 10,000-person worldwide network. Move strengthens Cushman & Wakefield's position in hot South Bay market.