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From the LA Times:

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Labor Group Backs Hahn
The county AFL-CIO political arm says the mayor has supported key labor issues. But some member unions back Villaraigosa.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-labor17dec17,1,3318134.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Hate Crimes Down but More Violent
Reported incidents have declined 33% in L.A. County since peaking after 9/11, but assaults with deadly weapons are up from 2002.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hate17dec17,1,4312623.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Ludlow Proposes City Anti-Gang Agency
The Department of Urban Affairs would focus on stopping violence. Police chief likes the idea, but mayor questions its cost.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gangs17dec17,1,3055990.story?coll=la-headlines-california

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From the Daily News:

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Hate crimes drop but get more vicious
Attacks by girls as violent as boys
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2602850,00.html

DUI deaths in state nearing 5-year high
With statewide drunk-driving fatalities expected to reach a five-year high in 2004, authorities have boosted their DUI enforcement for the holidays and will use state grants to increase sobriety checkpoints in 2005.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2603097,00.html

FlyAway terminal to open
With great fanfare, the upgraded FlyAway terminal at Van Nuys Airport will open today in time for the holiday season, even though the project, beset with delays and flaws, won't actually be complete until April or later.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2603291,00.html

Hahn gets blessings from unions
County group backs mayor
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2602827,00.html

Slaying suspect still at large
Police ask for public's help finding Armenian national
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2602813,00.html

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From other sources:

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From the LAPD
Join Santa in his Sleigh for a Toy Giveaway
http://www.lapdonline.org/press_releases/2004/12/pr04613.htm

From Attorney General Lockyer
Attorney General Lockyer Issues Holiday Reminder to Californians About Solicitations for Charities
Warns Con Artists May Try To Take Advantage of Californians' Generosity
http://caag.state.ca.us/newsalerts/2004/04-144.htm

From the Department of Homeland Security
Secretary Tom Ridge Highlights New Procedures for Increased Container and Cargo Security
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/speech/speech_0235.xml