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From the LA Times:

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Healthcare Targeted for Cuts
To avoid tax hikes, state finance chief seeks trims in programs for seniors and the poor. He says, 'I will try to do nothing to discourage business.'
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget18dec18,1,1532611.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Something to Smile About
King/Drew tries to put aside its troubles for a day to throw a Christmas party for children. Parents praise the hospital staff.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-kingdrew18dec18,1,241528.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Hahn Wins the Backing of City's Police Union
The Police Protective League had delayed its endorsement of the mayor's reelection bid. Challengers downplay importance of the nod.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-police18dec18,1,6775492.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Gold Line Noise Relief Is on Track
Judge recommends resolving neighbors' complaints by making the warning bells quieter, erecting sound walls.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-goldline18dec18,1,1491300.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Firm Seeks to Move Lawsuit
Fleishman-Hillard cites fear of biased jurors in plea to transfer case to Ventura County.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fleishman18dec18,1,810683.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Council Gives Visitors Bureau a Shorter Contract
The Los Angeles City Council extended its contract with the city's visitors bureau Friday despite concerns that the number of major conventions it has booked in the last four years has dropped by more than half.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-convent18dec18,1,5505075.story?coll=la-headlines-california

City Shifts Workers to Handle Traffic Cases
Under criticism for dismissing more than 240 parking tickets worth $20,000 because of a lack of examiners to hear appeals from motorists, city transportation officials said Friday they have taken measures to reassign employees so that all hearings will be sufficiently staffed.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-briefs18.1dec18,1,86200.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Childhood Dies on Skid Row
by Zelenne Cardenas, director of prevention services for Social Model Recovery Systems Inc., a human services organization that provides mental health and drug treatment services.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-vo-cardenas18dec18,1,887932.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

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From the Daily News:

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Kids to get longer day
As part of an aggressive $100 million plan approved Friday by the Los Angeles Unified School District, full-day kindergarten classes will be added to 31 elementary schools in the San Fernando Valley by next September.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2604839,00.html

Anti-gang agency backed amid crisis
To combat street gangs that have taken over many poor neighborhoods in Los Angeles, City Councilman Martin Ludlow proposed on Friday creating a new department with far-reaching powers to oversee programs aimed at keeping young people from joining gangs and helping them get out.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2604925,00.html

New deadline for improving air
Region has 3 years to create soot plan
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2605054,00.html

Seal quietly changed in county hall
Residents to stage protest
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2604876,00.html

Hahn endorsed by police union in re-election bid
Mayor James Hahn picked up another key endorsement Friday when the Los Angeles Police Protective League announced it is backing his re-election next March 8.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2604906,00.html

Food, toy drives need donations
Here is a list of local food and toy drives designed to help needy residents during the holiday season:
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2604788,00.html

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From other sources:

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From Senator Feinstein
Senator Feinstein Protests Potentially Devastating Cuts in Forest Service Fire Prevention Funds for California
http://feinstein.senate.gov/04Releases/r-forest-fund.htm