Raves in Reykjavik: Jessica Tivens, the Calabasas...

Raves in Reykjavik: Jessica Tivens, the Calabasas High School soprano, is back in class this week after her recent world debut in Iceland. Tivens, above, earned standing ovations and flattering reviews during her weeklong Icelandic stay. “It is extremely clear that Jessica Tivens is a wonderful singer--certainly our best hope for a diva on the world stage of opera,” wrote one critic.

* PARK MONEY: At the urging of Rep. Brad Sherman, above, the House of Representatives agreed to free up $700 million to purchase parkland, including tracts in the Santa Monica Mountains. See Political Briefing. B5

* POLICE WARNING: Police are urging the public to be wary after a man attempted to abduct a 15-year-old girl as she walked to Canoga Park High School. B1

* PACOIMA BANK: Glendale Federal Bank announced it would expand services at a Pacoima bank that some residents had feared would be closed. The branch is the only bank in the community of 81,000 people. B4

* BRIBE SUSPECTED: Police arrested a city building inspector on suspicion of soliciting a bribe. He was responsible for residential properties in the west San Fernando Valley. B1