To Our Readers

Beginning today, the Los Angeles Times is changing several aspects of its format and making Valley news more prominent. The changes are aimed at presenting a better organized newspaper, giving easier access to The Times’ comprehensive coverage.

Among the differences:

Highlights, a column on the front of the section except main news, and spotlights Valley news in the section.

Sections are lettered. The front news section is the A section.

The Top of Today’s News on A2 has been designed to spotlight the most important news from across the paper in summary form.

Valley readers will find the B section renamed as Metro/Valley with Valley news repositioned to start on B3.

Column One on this page has a new look that includes an overview of the story.

Headlines, in many cases, now have overview subheads that provide further explanation about the accompanying story.

The Times invites readers to comment on the changes by calling 1-800-678-0105. The line will operate from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. Monday through Friday. Or they can write to: “Format Changes,” Los Angeles Times Valley Edition, 20000 Prairie Street, Chatsworth 91311.