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From the LA Times:

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Hybrids' Shift to a New Lane Stalls
Solo drivers in the high-mileage vehicles will not be allowed to use carpool routes until the state measure gets federal approval.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hybrid1jan01,1,6117843.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Violent Crime Is Down 14% in L.A.
Bratton says the decline shows that the city is getting safer. But he is disappointed there still were more than 500 homicides last year.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-crime1jan01,1,1607304.story?coll=la-headlines-california

New Laws for the New Year
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed 311 bills and signed 959 last year. Here's a look at some of the most notable.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newlaws1jan01,1,5376313.story?coll=la-headlines-california

A Weapon in the LAPD's Arsenal: Talking
Introducing neighbors to beat officers can reduce crime.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-vo-torres1jan01,1,7992422,print.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

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From the Daily News:

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Tougher alarm policy sought
Armed with statistics showing the LAPD still responds to more than 6,000 false burglar alarms a month, Chief William Bratton says he wants to toughen the year-old policy designed to limit officer response to unverified alarms.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2629342,00.html

Valley vote key in next mayor's race
After months of jockeying for position, the race for Los Angeles mayor now enters its next phase -- a 64-day sprint to the March 8 election that many say could be decided in the vote-rich San Fernando Valley.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2629084,00.html

Koretz revives quest for beach-smoking ban
With cigarette butts the top source of trash on California beaches, Assemblyman Paul Koretz is again pushing an effort to ban smoking on state beaches.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2629294,00.html

Cigarette lighters snuffed at airports
In what could become a major hassle for air travelers who smoke, the Homeland Security Department will ban all cigarette lighters beyond airport checkpoints beginning Feb. 15.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2629121,00.html