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From the LA Times:

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Governor Considers a Special Election
Schwarzenegger and his team want to change the way California's political districts are drawn, put a limit on spending, and more.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold2dec02,0,3748213.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Mayor, Rival Push Tax Hikes
Hahn and Villaraigosa, seeking funds for more police, offer competing ballot measures.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cops2dec02,1,6725968.story?coll=la-headlines-california

For Some Homeless, No Room at the Inn
In the Antelope Valley, a dearth of beds at shelters leaves many transients out in the cold during a time of record low temperatures.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-homeless2dec02,1,7199846.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Shakeup in Leadership of Parole System Is Planned
Key change will be the transfer of the official in charge of implementing reforms, sources say.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parole2dec02,1,3234249.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Hahn to Face Challengers in 1st Debate
L.A. mayor plans to highlight his record on public safety, a key issue in the race, at tonight's event.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-debate2dec02,1,6131606.story?coll=la-headlines-california

City Council Control of Agencies' Major Contracts Is Urged
Three City Council members, in a challenge to Mayor James K. Hahn's administration, called Wednesday for the City Council to take final control over major contracts away from the commissioners who oversee the airport, port, and water and power departments.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fleishman2dec02,1,6528413.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Officials Move to Stall LAX Overhaul
The county is pursuing last-ditch attempts to stop the mayor's proposal, which it says fails to limit growth at the airport.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lax2dec02,1,1898180.story?coll=la-headlines-california

District Takes Tough Tack on Truancy
Hollywood High students and parents are summoned to a session on absenteeism's costs.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-truant2dec02,1,4273650.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Ex-Officer Confesses to Rogue Cop Heists
Jesse Moya is the second to admit stealing drugs and cash in staged raids.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-plea2dec02,1,7451446.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Undersheriff to Retire
Los Angeles County Undersheriff William T. Stonich, the department's second highest-ranking official, announced his retirement Wednesday.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-stonich2dec02,1,3541285.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Gray Davis Is Hired by Legal Firm
Former Gov. Gray Davis has been hired by the law firm of Loeb and Loeb for his first job since being voted out of office in the October 2003 recall election.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sbriefs2.2dec02,1,7342346.story?coll=la-headlines-california

EDITORIAL
Cold Reception
Just about the only thing longer than the lines of families shivering in 20- degree temperatures as they try to enter Los Angeles-area shelters is the list of unfulfilled promises that city, state and national leaders have made to "end homelessness."
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-homeless2dec02,1,3983088.story?coll=la-news-comment-editorials

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From the Daily News:

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DWP deaf to '02 alarm
Agency auditors issued warning
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2570618,00.html

Bratton gives backup to Hahn on cops issue
Chief says mayoral contenders shortsighted
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570577,00.html

LAUSD-breakup plan revived
Hertzberg says split would be his first priority as mayor
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570597,00.html

Cold winter nights jam homeless shelter beds
On any other frosty night, Armando Estrella may have ridden a bus all night with no destination in mind, his only goal to escape the bitter cold until morning.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570578,00.html

Warning issued on truancy
Consequences spelled out for offenders
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570661,00.html

Counties skimp on deputy hires, report contends
California counties massively increased spending for health, welfare and legal-system employees' salaries while stiffing sheriff's deputies and other public safety workers from 1997 to 2002, according to a report released Wednesday.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570705,00.html

Man flees screening line at LAX
Police briefly searched part of Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday evening for a man who fled a security screening station, officials said.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570478,00.html

Group to file suit over mission funds
WASHINGTON -- An advocacy group announced a lawsuit Wednesday over legislation to restore California's aging Spanish missions, arguing that the law violates the principle of separation of church and state.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2570584,00.html

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From other sources:

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From the LAPD
Children's Holiday Party
http://www.lapdonline.org/press_releases/2004/12/pr04582.htm

From Attorney General Lockyer
Attorney General Lockyer Reminds Consumers They Can Obtain Free Copies of Their Credit Reports
Required Access Under Federal Law Takes Effect Today For Californians
http://caag.state.ca.us/newsalerts/2004/04-136.htm

From Senator Cedillo
Senator Cedillo Dedicates New AIDS Monument on World AIDS Day
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/servlet/gov.ca.senate.democrats.pub.members.memDisplayPress?district=sd22&ID=2480