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From the LA Times:

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Listen Up, Politicians: It's Ears Before Ayes
Striking a blow for anyone who has ever been rudely treated by government officials, a state appellate court ruled Thursday that city council members must actually listen when their constituents make official appeals before them.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-listen31dec31,1,6770900.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Hospitals Fail Nurse Head Count
Fifteen of 28 institutions checked by the state this year after complaints were filed were found to be violating required nurse-to-patient ratios.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-nurses31dec31,1,3157235.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Drunk Drivers on Police Officers' Radar Tonight
Local and state agencies aim to curb accidents on historically dangerous New Year's weekend. CHP will use hundreds of special units.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-drunk31dec31,1,7901065.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Eat, Drink and Be Chauffeured
In an effort to reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is offering free rides on its buses and trains from 9 tonight until 2 a.m. Saturday.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-drunkbox31dec31,1,4038023.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Workshop Offered on Caring for Feral Cats
Los Angeles County animal services officials Thursday announced plans to offer a six-week workshop to teach people how to care for feral cats.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rsbriefs31.3dec31,1,2971014.story?coll=la-headlines-california

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From the Daily News:

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Violent crime down sharply in past year
Violent crimes reported in Los Angeles fell sharply in 2004 -- short of the 20 percent drop promised by Chief William Bratton, but an indication that his efforts to put more cops on the street are paying off, officials said Thursday.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2627254,00.html

Court orders new hearing for strip club
An appeals court ruled Thursday that City Council members violated a strip club owner's rights by chatting on cell phones, reading e-mail messages and conferring with aides while representatives of the club testified.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2627698,00.html

Local aid goes to tsunami victims
Dozens of Southern California relief workers and charity organizations ramped up efforts Thursday to help millions of people left devastated by the tsunamis in South Asia.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2627384,00.html