Patch PM: Ranchers Up in Arms Over Mountain Lion; Ex-USC Running Back Killed in New Orleans; Woman Vandalizing Car

LOS ANGELES, CA -- After a mountain killed more than 10 farm animals in Malibu, a "depradation permit" was granted to a rancher, which caused an uproar by animal lovers.

A Blackhawks fan was out of luck after a judge tossed his lawsuit against the owners of the Staples Center for allegedly failing to protect him from being beaten by Kings fans.

And the week ended with news that former USC running back Joe McKnight was shot and killed in a suspected road-rage incident in Louisiana.

Here is your roundup of the local Patch stories people are talking about.

• Jeers, Catcalls, Raucous at Meeting Over Local Mountain Lion: Ranchers and animal activists clash over what to do with a local mountain lion after it killed more than 10 animals in Malibu.
• Missing Long Beach Man Found Dead in San Bernardino: Lloyd Thompson apparently died of natural causes, police said.
• Rancher Backs Down from Plans to Shoot Mountain Lion: A woman who obtained a permit to kill a local mountain lion for killing livestock, said she will instead build protections for her animals.
• Joe McKnight's Alleged Shooter Released Without Charge; Authorities Promise Thorough Investigation: Ronald Gasser, 54, was released after giving authorities a statement. He may still face charges, and the investigation was still ongoing.
• Rapper Lil Twist Gets One Year in Jail for Miracle Mile Assault: The rapper known as Lil Twist was sentenced to one year behind bars for allegedly beating up and robbing a former Nickelodeon star.
• Judge Chucks Lawsuit by Blackhawks Fan Allegedly Beaten by Kings Fans: A judge has thrown out a $1.5 million lawsuit against the owners of Staples Center alleging the arena failed to protect Blackhawks fans.
• Woman Spends Hours Vandalizing Car While Onlookers Watch: The whole incident was caught on tape.
• Man Arrested at Paramount House Fire was Shot by Deputy, Authorities Now Say: Sheriff's officials said the suspect lit at least four fires inside the house and threatened responding firefighters.
• King Harbor Act, If Passed, Will Cost Redondo Beach Millions: Report: The ballot proposal backed by slow-growth proponents would cost the city $200 million according to a report released Tuesday.