By JOHN ASBURY, The Press-Enterprise

When a woman was approached to buy a gold bar outside a Southern California Wal-Mart, she thought she was getting a bargain.
Instead, she ended up with a polished hunk of metal.
Moreno Valley, Calif. police recently arrested two swap-meet dealers on suspicion of selling jewelry without making sure it wasn't stolen.

Ornithologists -- scientists who study birds -- published two studies this week saying that an increase in climate change during the past 40 years may have led to the disappearance of hundreds of bird species nationally.

Fully loaded new homes with stainless steel refrigerators, gas stoves and dishwashers are a draw for buyers.
They also entice thieves.

When a kitchen stove disappeared from a vacant Lake Elsinore, Calif. tract house, a developer's tracking device didn't let the appliance get far.The global-positioning system monitor on the appliance, embedded by developer KB Home, is the latest tool to help police foil home burglaries.

When California fugitives flee across the border to Mexico, law enforcement chasing them must abide by an international agreement not to seek the death penalty in exchange for prosecution in the United States for Mexican nationals.U.S. police enter Mexico several times each year looking for fugitives wanted in murders, drug trafficking and robberies.

Illegal guns being funneled into Mexico through Southern California are arming a violent drug war that could weaken the Mexican government, a top federal official said.U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Director Michael Sullivan said that stopping the gun trade should be the agency's top priority and an obligation of U.S. foreign relations.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A woman was arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $2,000 worth of reptiles from a pet store.