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From the LA Times:

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Prison System Fails Women, Study Says
State policies designed for violent men make female offenders' rehabilitation difficult, an oversight panel finds.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-women16dec16,1,4816280.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Accord on Gang Problem, but Dissent on Eviction as a Solution
Neighbors complain about violence at apartments, but say judge's order unfairly treats everyone as a criminal.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-apartment16dec16,1,4541651.story?coll=la-headlines-california

State May Face Bigger Budget Gap
The shortfall for next year has swelled to about $8 billion, sources say. That will force Schwarzenegger to seek deeper spending cuts.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget16dec16,1,615103.story?coll=la-headlines-california

City Settles Decade-Old Suits Over Gender Bias
The cases led to reforms in the LAPD. Resolution had been held up over fees and damages.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lapd16dec16,1,3853868.story?coll=la-headlines-california

MALDEF Supports Plan to Raze Hotel
The group files a legal brief on behalf of RFK's son and others who favor demolishing most of the Ambassador site.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ambassador16dec16,1,326667.story?coll=la-headlines-california

State Board Gives $35 Million to Cultural Groups
Dozens of projects, which include those pushed by lawmakers and panel members, win grants. L.A.'s Latino Theater gets $4 million.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pork16dec16,1,4762197.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Apartments OKd for Belmont Tunnel Lot
The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a plan to build 276 apartments on an abandoned subway yard near downtown that had become an unofficial park and graffiti landmark.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-briefs16_.1dec16,1,3674611.story?coll=la-headlines-california

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From the Daily News:

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Charter kids do better
Harvard study compares students from same neighborhood
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2600540,00.html

Rules for flu shots eased
County obtains more supplies
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600520,00.html

Pirated DVD, CD bust biggest ever
Southland haul worth $200 million
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2601211,00.html

Bond panel: Ignored again
Oversight group wants to be consulted in school matters
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600616,00.html

Villaraigosa wins backing
Engineers, architects support candidate
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600456,00.html

11 challengers want Hahn's job
Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn will face 11 challengers in his bid for a second term at the March 8 election, the City Clerk's Office announced Wednesday.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600630,00.html

Baca, Bratton could replace Ridge, he says
LAPD chief may be interested
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600631,00.html

Greuel: Market area to tourists
Reviving the issue of respect for the San Fernando Valley, City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel called Wednesday for increased efforts to market the area as a tourist destination.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600541,00.html

Prison system not suited to women
SACRAMENTO -- California must do a better job supervising female convicts in prison and after their release, if only to break a crime cycle that often ensnares thousands of their children, the watchdog Little Hoover Commission said Wednesday.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600670,00.html

Kids may not get vaccines
Adults instead likely to benefit
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2600639,00.html

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From other sources:

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From Attorney General Lockyer
Attorney General Lockyer Unveils Megan's Law Internet Site Containing Information on Sex Offenders
Californians Can Go Online To Get Details On More Than 63,000 Registered Offenders
http://caag.state.ca.us/newsalerts/2004/04-141.htm

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Expansion of Roadside Devices to Help Prosecute Drunk Drivers
10 UC and CSU Police Departments Will Receive Portable Instruments For Breath Testing
http://caag.state.ca.us/newsalerts/2004/04-142.htm