L.A.Times Crossword Corner

Theme:  YOWSA!  (It hurts my eyes!) CrossEyedDave here, and I am still trying to erase the after image of this puzzle out of my mind... most...

 Theme? To finish this puzzle, you must climb the  MESA, or BUTTE, or PLATEAU, to arrive at the TABLELAND. 4 Down. One who switches sides:  ...

  Many Happy Returns...  (Hopefully...) This was a very taxing puzzle! But daughter no. 1 helped me with it, so call her my CPA! 17 Across. ...

  Lessee, Theme,, hmm,,, I like  AURORA,  as in  Sleeping Beauty...  (As in, Her Prince has come...) Or how bout:  Favorite Pet Name.  Not s...