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What happened on December 24, 1995
NEWS
Illinois Train Crash Kills 2; Evacuees Return to Homes From Associated Press
A Science Teacher's Dream in Studio City : Education: New $13-million center gives students at Harvard-Westlake School top-notch, hands-on lessons. BETH SHUSTER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
In Bethlehem, Arafat Looks to Jerusalem MARJORIE MILLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
RSVP / THE SOCIAL CITY : Looking Past the Holidays MARY LOU LOPER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
1 Killed as Chairlift Falls at Ski Resort Reuters
THE SUNDAY PROFILE : Tower of Hope : Crippled and Decaying, the Cathedral of St. Vibiana Clings to Life With a Faithful Flock MARY ROURKE, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Virgin Islands Still Recovering From Hurricane Marilyn : Disasters: Tourism is returning, but thousands of residents remain homeless or unemployed or both. JAMES ANDERSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Landmark Pier's Timber 'Character' May Need Support : Preservation: Some want Ventura span rebuilt to original length, remaining state's longest wood wharf. Others say steel or cement strengthening is needed to prevent future storm damage. TRACY WILSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Songbird Truce Rattled by a Bump in the Road : Environment: Concerns over plans for O.C.'s Foothill tollway strain alliance of conservationists, developers. DEBORAH SCHOCH, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Clinton Predicts Accord on Budget : Legislation: But 'our most fundamental values' must be reflected in any spending plan, president says in radio talk. He urges end to federal shutdown. MARLENE CIMONS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
U.S.-China Pact OKs Nonstop Flights by American Carrier From Associated Press
Driver Cleans Off His Car After Fatal Hit-and-Run Associated Press
Family Reunited With Man They Thought Had Died Associated Press
It'll Be Shining --and Gleaming : Layers of Paint, Rust Will Come Off So Beauty of Anacapa Island Lighthouse Can Show Through MARY F. POLS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Four-Star Films : 'The Miracle of Morgan's Creek' Michael Wilmington
NEWS ANALYSIS : Can Gingrich Hold His Tongue for Good of Party? : Politics: Speaker has resolved to exercise self-discipline. But if he fails, he may derail GOP cause. EDWIN CHEN, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Arafat Arrives in Bethlehem for Christmas MARJORIE MILLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
A Beautiful Sight, He's Happy Tonight, Hosting a Winter Wonderland : Mr. Christmas: Mervin Whipple got started 28 years ago with a few lights on the porch. That was then; this is now. Last December, his electric bill exceeded $4,000. STRAT DOUTHAT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Both Parties Plan School Bond Ballot Proposals : Legislature: GOP wants to include provision for prison construction funds, which may thwart bipartisan support needed for either measure's passage. RICHARD LEE COLVIN, TIMES EDUCATION WRITER
Can the LAPD Learn From New York? : Policing: Officials say better community relations are curbing crime here and that recent crises make a more military style a poor approach. JIM NEWTON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Parents Abandon Boy, 12, at Bus Station From Associated Press
WITH AN EYE ON . . . : Her role as Superman's mom comes naturally to lifetime nurturer K Callan N.F. MENDOZA, TIMES STAFF WRITER
British 1st on Scene, Find Serbs 'Ready for Peace' RICHARD C. PADDOCK, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Quagmires of Terrain and Logistics Hamper Arrival of U.S. Troops, Departure of U.N. NORA ZAMICHOW and TYLER MARSHALL, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
Swimming Against the 'Mainstream'
Syria's Leader Says It Wants Faster Negotiating With Israel From Reuters
Storm Delivers Snowy Surprise for Christmas BOB POOL and SHARON BERNSTEIN, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
Children Get Mom Back for Christmas : Families: She spent three months in a coma, then revived only to discover she had breast cancer. Husband credits children's voices with her recovery. SHARON COHEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Coach Finds Strength in Basketball to Battle Rare Cancer : Sports: Disease has left Jason Ferguson penniless and near death, but his determination rallies his players. PAUL McLEOD, TIMES STAFF WRITER
365 Die as Fire Engulfs School Party in N. India : Disaster: Tent erected for academic festivities erupts in flames. Many of the children--some as young as 5--and adults crammed inside are crushed in stampede to escape. Hundreds more are injured, officials say. AMITABH SHARMA and S. GOPAL, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Storm Delivers Snowy Surprise for Christmas BOB POOL and SHARON BERNSTEIN, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
Iguanas Climb the Popularity Scale as This Year's Trendy Christmas Pet : Animals: Experts say interest in reptiles, rodents means Americans want less-demanding companions. SANDY SHORE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
GOP Clouds the Future of Environmental Protections : Regulation: Conservatives see a chance to ease tough antipollution rules. But they risk a popular backlash. JAMES GERSTENZANG, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Often It Is a Wonderful Life in Santa's Department-Store World : His tiny clients range from beard-tuggers to doubters accompanied by Mom and Dad wielding 'Santa blackmail.' Still, Old St. Nick believes, and his magic endures. HUGH A. MULLIGAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Malawi's Ex-Dictator, Aides Acquitted of Ordering 4 Politicians' Murders From Times Wire Services
Nuclear Power Plant in Tennessee Is Fueling a Debate Over Safety : Electricity: Operator seeks to fire up facility, but critics say it has major problems. TVA customers fear rate hikes. GARY LEE, WASHINGTON POST
COLUMN ONE : The NYPD: Bigger, Bolder--Is It Better? : New York police claim their new militarism has led to the city's startling drop in crime. The hard-line strategy has raised cheers--and fears. JIM NEWTON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Man Accused of Possessing Lethal Toxin Hangs Himself : Arrest: Suspect was charged with having ricin, which has no antidote. From Associated Press
Conflicting Objectives Blur Russians' Role in Bosnia : Europe: As Kremlin worries about ties to NATO, troops face grim prospect of being ordered by erstwhile Western enemies to kill longtime Serb friends. CAROL J. WILLIAMS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Mom Won't Be Home for Christmas : Aging: This strong, proud woman is no longer 'younger than springtime.' Alzheimer's claimed her spirit and strength; she entered a nursing home on her 86th birthday. Son bids farewell by decorating house for holidays. JOHN KEKIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Declining Sales Cause Condom Shop to Fold : Protection: Long Beach health officials say the store, which fostered education on safer sex, will be sorely missed. JEFF LEEDS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Man Admits Stealing $8 Million Worth of Tickets From Airports Associated Press
Coach Finds Strength in Basketball to Battle Rare Cancer : Sports: Disease has left Jason Ferguson penniless and near death, but his determination rallies his players. PAUL McLEOD, TIMES STAFF WRITER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : ALOHA BOWL : Abdul-Jabbar More Than a Starter
Farmhand Says His Employer Beat Him : Pennsylvania: Owner, another worker plead not guilty. But another ex-employee made similar complaints six years ago. JEFFREY BAIR, ASSOCIATED PRESS
16 Bodies Found in French Alps; Cult Ritual Suspected SCOTT KRAFT, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Grinch Threatening Christmas of Catalog Firms, Even L.L. Bean : Retailing: Business picks up as holiday nears, but it's still 10% below projections. Rising paper and postage costs have caused a double whammy. DAVID SHARP, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Behind the Beard : You see him all around Orange County at this time of year--the jolly old elf in a bright red suit. To keep Santa's image out there, these men help spread the Christmas cheer. KAREN NEWELL YOUNG, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
BOOK REVIEW / ARCHITECTURE : Two Looks at the Homes That Angelenos Built : THE LOS ANGELES HOUSE: Decoration and Design in America's 20th Century City By Tim Street-Porter, Clarkson Potter, $60, 252 pages : LOS ANGELES: The End of the Rainbow By Merry Ovnick, Balcony Press, $34.95, 384 pages JOSEPH GIOVANNINI, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Armies Pull Back from Bosia Front Lines : Balkans: But as peace slowly takes hold, fearful Serbs begin digging up their dead relatives and preparing to flee. AIDA CERKEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS
'Belle Epoque' Kevin Thomas
A Year of Wining, Dining and Divine-ing
Have a Jolly, Folly Christmas RICK DU BROW, Rick Du Brow is a contributor to TV Times
360 Die as Fire Engulfs School Party in N. India : Disaster: Tent erected for academic festivities erupts in flames. Many of the children--some as young as 5--and adults crammed inside are crushed in stampede to escape. Hundreds more are injured, officials say. AMITABH SHARMA and S. GOPAL, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
'Flight of the Innocent' Kevin Thomas
'A Simple Twist of Fate' Kevin Thomas
Taking Out The Trash On 'A Current Affair' FRAZIER MOORE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Israeli Foes of Peace Process Now Face an Uphill Battle : Mideast: After Rabin's assassination, Jewish settlers acknowledge that they are on the defensive. MARJORIE MILLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Profile : Kevin Kilner : A 'Perfect' Part SUSAN KING, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Gravity's Effects on Plants to Be Studied : Science: NASA-funded project is about to begin at North Carolina State University. Findings may help develop plants that can travel in space. ELIZABETH TENNYSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
SHOWS FOR YOUNGSTERS AND THEIR PARENTS TOO : All About Charles: A&E 'Biography' examines what draws Schulz to 'Peanuts' N.F. MENDOZA, TIMES STAFF WRITER
On the Set : Beastie Ploys : FAMILY CHANNEL'S GAME SHOW LETS KIDS ACT LIKE ANIMALS BETH KLEID, Beth Kleid is a frequent contributor to TV Times and Calendar
Bingle Bells : AMC OFFERS A CROSBY FILM MARATHON; DISNEY RECALLS HIS FAMILY SPECIALS SUSAN KING, TIMES STAFF WRITER
SPORTS
Kase Work Just About Over : Football: Defensive lineman and Academic All-American from Hart High considers a career after football on eve of Aloha Bowl against Kansas, which will be his final game as a Bruin. DANA HADDAD, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Divac Answers All Questions : Lakers: Despite sprained ankle, he has 19 points and 10 rebounds in 102-99 victory over Trail Blazers. SCOTT HOWARD-COOPER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Star Quarterback Picks Kentucky Associated Press
He'd Rather Get Fruitcake Jim Murray
Playoff Possibilities
UCLA Assistants Toledo, Field to Interview for Donahue Job STEVE SPRINGER
Something in Reserve Helps Colts Clinch : AFC: Warren fills in for Faulk with combined 157 yards as Indianapolis holds off New England, 10-7. From Associated Press
Ice Dogs Snap Losing Streak, 6-4 Associated Press
PREP ROUNDUP : Ludwicki Leads Fountain Valley Past Ocean View
Buena Girls Look North for Quality Opponents STEVE HENSON
Pepperdine Hangs On, Defeats San Jose State JEFF FLETCHER
THE NBA / MARK HEISLER : Bulls Are Kinder, Gentler--and Better Mark Heisler
Cardinals Sign Free Agents Benes, Gant From Staff and Wire Reports
Cross Has Mild Wrist Sprain; Grades Stall Morbley JEFF FLETCHER
Rebels Make Noise, Bruins Show Poise : College basketball: UCLA makes 66.1% of shots, holds off UNLV, 89-82, for fourth consecutive victory. TIM KAWAKAMI, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Now if Dewey Beats Truman, Something's Up SHAV GLICK
Bruin Abdul-Jabbar Drafts His List of the Pros and Cons : College football: Junior tailback has until Jan. 10 to decide whether he'll leave early for NFL. STEVE SPRINGER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : Knee Surgery for Cowboys' Novacek Associated Press
From Quiet Start, Fiesta Bowl Now National Spectacle : College football: When Nebraska and Florida meet on Jan. 2, it will mark the third title game played in Tempe in nine years. WALTER BERRY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Harding Starts Over Again, Marries Machinist in Portland Times news services
USC's Luck Runs Out in Loss to Utah : College basketball: No. 13 Utes waste little time putting away Trojans, 84-49. LONNIE WHITE, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Basketball Roundup
NBA ROUNDUP : Jordan Gets 30 as Bulls Win 13th in a Row From Associated Press
BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Kennedy Falls in Tournament Final, 83-80 STEVE GALLUZZO
COMMENTARY : Urban Legend Now Rated Sensational, Soon To Be Great DAVE KINDRED, THE SPORTING NEWS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : ALOHA BOWL : Abdul-Jabbar More Than a Starter STEVE SPRINGER
HOLLYWOOD PARK : Scratches Help Alphabet Soup in Native Diver BILL CHRISTINE, TIMES STAFF WRITER
COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL : Golden West Routs El Camino, 93-54
COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : ROSE BOWL : Snow in Winter, Just Like Home SHAV GLICK
Who Knows Where 49ers Would Be Without Rice : Pro football: He has caught a pass in last 158 games and San Francisco has a 118-39-1 record. He can break two more records today. T.J. SIMERS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
A Lot of Good Things Snowball for the Chargers : Pro football: Despite losing Humphries and being pelted by fans, San Diego rallies for fifth victory in a row and reaches playoffs, 27-17. BILL PLASCHKE, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Complicated Coach : UCI's Baker Might Be Hard to Define, but His Influence Is Certainly Great JOHN WEYLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Wallace Leads Syracuse Past No. 3 Arizona From Associated Press
Kings and Avalanche Tie One On, 2-2 : Hockey: Hrudey saves 37 shots, but counterpart Fiset kicks out 36 as Los Angeles remains unbeaten in overtime since Feb. 14, 1994. LISA DILLMAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Lions Still Hot, Buccaneers Are Still Not : NFC: Detroit rolls into playoffs, but 37-10 victory may be last game in Tampa. From Associated Press
NHL ROUNDUP : Maple Leafs Win, Gilmour Gets 1,000th Point From Associated Press
What the Yankees Really Need Now Is Good Grinch-Hitter Mike Downey
Rose Bowl: USC vs. NORTHWESTERN, Jan. 1, Channel 7, 2 p.m. : Howard's End : Jones Began USC's Football Success in the 1920s; So What if He Wasn't Ever Going to Be Life of a Party? EARL GUSTKEY, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Home Court : Cal State Fullerton's Williams Still Finds Peace of Mind in Basketball LON EUBANKS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
TENNIS / JULIE CART : Edberg to Retire With Style and in Style Julie Cart
Pepperdine Prevails on Johnson's Prayer : Men's basketball: His off-balance three-point basket becomes four-point play and an 80-76 victory over San Jose State. JEFF FLETCHER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Cardinals Sign Free Agents Benes, Gant From Staff and Wire Reports
Williams Ignores House Rules, Clippers Win : Pro basketball: In first visit back to Denver, center gets 15 points, 17 rebounds against Mutombo, 107-92. CHRIS BAKER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
OPINION
LOS ANGELES TIMES INTERVIEW : Julian Wolpert : Charity in Los Angeles-- or the Lack Thereof Clifford Rothman, Clifford Rothman has written on politics and culture for The Times, the New York Times and the Washington Post
Change the System, Not Just the Problem : Cal State: The trustees are working toward elimination of the need for remedial programs, not just the programs. BARRY MUNITZ, Barry Munitz is chancellor of the California State University system
LABOR : Deja Vu Again as Workers Arise Walter Russell Mead, Walter Russell Mead, a contributing editor to Opinion, is a presidential fellow at the World Policy Institute. He is the author of "Mortal Splendor: The American Empire in Transition" (Houghton Mifflin) and is working on a book about U.S. foreign policy
It's (Classical) Music to L.A.'s Ears
Waiting for a Christmas Visitor Along Skid Row : The poor: St. Nicholas helped all in need, 'deserving' or not. ALICE CALLAGHAN, Alice Callaghan, an Episcopal priest, is director of Las Familias del Pueblo, a nonprofit community center in Los Angeles' garment district
Year of Special Challenges in Prospect for California : 1996 will demand new approaches and a new seriousness in Sacramento
Santa Stamps
THE STATE : Why Utility Deregulation Won't Benefit L.A. Rate Payers Robert V. Phillips and Steven P. Erie, Robert V. Phillips, former general manager and chief engineer of the Department of Water and Power, is president emeritus of Water and Power Associates, an education and service organization. Steven P. Erie, who teaches political science at UC San Diego, serves on its board of directors
Whatever Happened to 'Good Will Toward Men'? : An Increasing Rising Civil Incivility Martin E. Marty, Martin E. Marty, who teaches the history of religion at the University of Chicago, is senior editor of the Christian Century and author of "The Noise of Conflict" (University of Chicago Press)
Russian Elections
Playing Politics While 3 Women Die Each Day : NOW: The response to the Simpson verdict has split the feminist organization. TAMMY BRUCE, Tammy Bruce is president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women and a radio talk show host
Photos From Holden's Trip
A Queenly Foot Comes Down : Elizabeth, fed up with being fed up, acts to rescue the monarchy's image
THE WORLD : Haiti Elected a New President, But Can He Replace Aristide? J.P. Slavin, J.P. Slavin has covered Haiti for the Washington Post and is the editor of "Haiti Insight," the newsletter of the National Coalition for Haitian Rights
MTA : Leadership by Blaming Others Xandra Kayden, Xandra Kayden, a political scientist at UCLA's School of Public Policy and Social Research, is writing a book on the political structure of Los Angeles. She is the author of "Surviving Power" (Free Press.)
Whatever Happened to 'Good Will Toward Men'? : A Mean-Spiritedness in Politics Susan Estrich, Susan Estrich, a contributing editor to Opinion, is a law professor at USC. She served as campaign manager for Michael S. Dukakis in 1988
Hmong Practice
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE : The Years With Ross: Failure, Success & Christmas (Not in That Order) Shelby Coffey III, Shelby Coffey III is the editor of The Times
Charter Schools, Special Education
THE NATION : EDUCATION : A System That Advocates Equality Everywhere but in the Classroom Ruben Navarrette Jr., Ruben Navarrette Jr. is the author of "A Darker Shade of Crimson: Odyssey of a Harvard Chicano" (Bantam) and editor of the forthcoming newsletter, Reconciliation
Saudi Arabia
PERSPECTIVE ON BROADCASTING : The Golden Age of TV News That Never Was : Even the revered Edward R. Murrow hosted a 'lighter than air' celebrity interview show. STANLEY CLOUD and LYNNE OLSON, Stanley Cloud is a former Washington bureau chief for Time magazine. Lynne Olson is an assistant professor of journalism at American University. They are coauthors of "The Murrow Boys," to be published by Houghton-Mifflin next spring
TRAVEL
Hikes for Tykes : Five local walks that are easy on the kids JOHN McKINNEY
13 Historic Lodgings Join National Trust
Intrepid, Articulate, Flavored With Angst JOHN MUNCIE
Berlin Offers WelcomeCard
Reader Poll
In a Tight Spot
Philadelphia Story
Educating Mind and Body HANK KOVELL
Hotel Room Service Includes House Calls WASHINGTON POST
Same Place, Next Year EILEEN OGINTZ
Festivals, Feasts & Fairs MARY FRANCES SMITH
South London District Erupts Again ED WRIGHT, Wright is a former assistant foreign editor at The Times. His column appears monthly
Hostel Prices Going Downhill LUCY IZON
There's a Gift to Bringing Back Just the Right Memento : Shopping: Local crafts make offbeat and easy-to-carry presents. The best are at artisans' galleries, but markets and museums are good sources too. JAMES T. YENCKEL, WASHINGTON POST
When Cold Damage Is Mainly Skin Deep KATHLEEN DOHENY
Pancakes With Pluto PETER M. GIANOTTI and RITA CIOLLI, NEWSDAY; Gianotti is restaurant critic for Newsday and Ciolli is media writer
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
Santa in the Sky
Restricting Fishing at Huntington Pier
Neighborhoods' Turnaround Offers Hope : * Revitalization of Buena Clinton and Former Commodore Circle Show Change Is Possible
Suspect Sought in Rape of Woman in Lake Forest
City of Big Dreams Has Grand Plans : Development: After defections and delays, Anaheim looks to expand sports, entertainment and convention facilities. GREG HERNANDEZ, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Man Sought in Attempt to Hold Up Store ERIC WAHLGREN
Gunman Wounds Anaheim-Area Man
On the Chopping Block : Edison Co. Plans to End Leases With Tree Farmers TRACY JOHNSON and THAO HUA, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Focus Needed for Valley Transit Plans : After years of debates and delays, a consensus now must be reached on what's best for region
Another Roadside Attraction : Notwithstanding the Christmas crunch, L.A. parking leaves East Coast in the dust
Baugh! Humbug! County GOP Gets Coal in Its Stocking Dana Parsons
Holiday Weekend
Rohrabacher Again Calls for D.A. to Quit : Probe: He says search of Assemblyman Baugh's home was 'beyond the pale.' Capizzi defends actions. DEBORAH SCHOCH, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Schools Chief Seeks to Abolish Institution He Governs : Finances: Board President Marty Bates says county offices of education duplicate services and are a waste of money. His sentiment is gaining support, but others strongly disagree. CATHERINE SAILLANT, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Last-Minute Shopping at Toy Palace No Game for Stock Clerks : Holidays: The scramble to meet the demands of trend-savvy kids can test the mettle of workers entrenched in a war zone. JOHN M. GLIONNA, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Holiday Closings
Disunion a Distress During the Holidays SCOTT HARRIS
Lawyers for O.C. Have Bankrupt Values
El Toro Airport Comments Don't Fly
Costs High in Cutting Use of Pesticide
Stink About Garbage a Sensitive Issue
Antonovich to Blame for Loss of Rail Line
Wooing Retailers at Taxpayer Expense
Kudos for City Crew Who Did a Good Job
Why Not Just Sue the Sun for Rising?
Boots the Cat Lands Permanent Position
Police Should Ticket Real Traffic Hazards
Student Council Visit Welcome by Neighbor
Apartment Damaged in Fire; Family OK
Spirit of Giving : Homeless: Destitute families line up overnight in cold and rain for mission gifts. The wait pays off in toys, hats, blankets. J.R. MOEHRINGER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Christmas Angels
No Excuse for Baugh Finance 'Mistakes'
Landfill Decision Lacks Common Sense
Community Chest : Food Drive Seeks Nonperishable Items
Grand Jury Indictments Show Folly of Looking for Scapegoats
Juvenile-Detention Camps Worth Saving : County Needs to Fight for Money for Worthy Programs in Probation Department
Letter on Coyotes Short on the Facts
Santas Anonymous : Making Sure Thousands of North Pole-Bound Letters Don't Go Unanswered Is a Big--but Rewarding--Job for Southland Volunteers EMI ENDO, TIMES STAFF WRITER
D.A. Should Have Forwarded Letter
NEWS ANALYSIS : Doubts Grow About Mayor's Transit Pledge : Transportation: Some say Valley support for Riordan may dissolve if voters feel abandoned on the rail line issue. HUGO MARTIN, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Crime Intervention Could Save a Life
Stanford Scientist Sees Possible Quake Predictor JANE E. ALLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
A Tale of Two Christmases JOHN DART, Times Staff Writer
Second Opinions : An Act of Kindness Brings Comfort to Woman in Need : A boy's mother waits for the right moment to give her son's outgrown, nearly new shoes to someone she chanced upon who struck her as deserving. JANET BERNSON, Janet Bernson is a free-lance writer who lives in Sherman Oaks
Old Structure Will Be Seen in New Light After Restoration : Nostalgia: Renovation by Coast Guard will preserve the 1932 lighthouse at the entrance to Santa Barbara shipping channel. MARY F. POLS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Bicycles Should Be Registered Too
Obituaries
Commuting by Rail on Fast Track in O.C. : It's Encouraging to See Alternative to Autos Take Hold
On the Chopping Block : Edison Co. Plans to End Leases With Tree Farmers TRACY JOHNSON and THAO HUA, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Landmark Pier's Timber 'Character' May Need Support : Preservation: Some want Ventura span rebuilt to original length, remaining state's longest wood wharf. Others say steel or cement strengthening is needed to prevent future storm damage. TRACY WILSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Trenches of Toy Palace No Game to Stock Clerks : Shopping: The last-minute scramble to please trend-savvy kids could bring out the worst even in Santa. JOHN M. GLIONNA, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Off-White Christmas : Storm Brings Snow to Mountains and a Welcome Gift to Farms ERIC WAHLGREN, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Will Quake Warning Leave Californians Shaking? : Safety: Alarm system could be in place within 10 years. It would give people perhaps 30 seconds to prepare. But some experts say panic could cause more deaths and injuries. RICHARD COLE and JANE E. ALLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Christmas Tree Farms Get the Ax : Traditions: Utility won't renew leases, saying it needs more income. TRACY JOHNSON, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
We Can All Gain From Commitments to Nonprofit Institutions : The spirit of giving that made the county's small businesses thrive can do the same for compassionate service. RICHARD D. CHESHIRE, Richard D. Cheshire is director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and professor of organizational leadership at Chapman University
Residents Clamor for DDT Clinic Results : Health: Officials have not linked ailments to toxics from nearby waste sites. But residents remain apprehensive and fearful. MARGARET RAMIREZ, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Boy, 14, Accidentally Shoots Himself in Leg
A behind-the-scenes look at Orange County's political life : Special Ballot Question: Who's Paying the Bills for All the Investigating?
MOORPARK : 'Catch a Star' Gathers Gifts for Needy Youth SCOTT HADLY
Fires Damage Homes in Studio City and Tarzana, Killing Pets
Police Make Dazzling Recovery of Stolen Bracelet From Staff and Wire Reports
Alleged Drunk Driver Crashes, Killing 1
Woman's Body Found Near Tracks Identified
Homeless Shelters
County School Board Chief Hopes to Abolish Institution He Governs : Finances: Marty Bates says offices of education duplicate services and are a waste of money that should be going into classrooms. His sentiment is gaining support, but others strongly disagree. CATHERINE SAILLANT, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
SECOND OPINIONS : Real Airport Economics Entail Wide Perspective : An editorial criticizing authority expenses just camouflages the basic issue--a new Burbank terminal. It's time everyone quit fighting and get to the point. THOMAS E. GREER, Thomas E. Greer is executive director of the Burbank Airport
VENTURA : Wells Fargo Bank Branch Is Robbed ERIC WAHLGREN
OXNARD : Coroner Finds That Woman Was Strangled CHRISTINA LIMA
Spirit of Giving : Elderly: While police jail suspects in theft of nursing home gifts, community rallies to replace the loss threefold. SARAH A. KLEIN, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Bank Robbery Suspect, 17, Shot During Pursuit ANNA CEKOLA and REBECCA TROUNSON, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
A Legal Player With an Inside Edge : Ronald Brower Works His Connections for Clients, Both in and out of Court TRACY WEBER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Slaying Victim's Mother Calls End to Recall of Judge REBECCA TROUNSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Declining Sales Cause Condom Shop to Close JEFF LEEDS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Fullerton Man Killed in Crash Near Victorville
City of Big Dreams Has Grand Plans : Development: After defections and delays, Anaheim looks to expand sports, entertainment and convention facilities. GREG HERNANDEZ, TIMES STAFF WRITER
South Bay Neighborhood Clamors for DDT Clinic Test Results : Health: Officials have not linked ailments to toxics from nearby waste sites. But residents remain apprehensive and fearful. MARGARET RAMIREZ, TIMES STAFF WRITER
The Beat Goes on for Manufacturer of Native American Drums : Culture: Craftsmen at Taos Drums in New Mexico make about 20,000 a year--some big as coffee tables, others hand-sized. Not one sounds alike. RICHARD BENKE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Obituaries : Carl J. Niebuhr; Longtime Ojai Resident
'Indian Santa' Delivers Holiday Joy : Christmas: Lewis Trujillo, a Ute, has spent the last 10 years delivering food, clothing, toys and schoolbooks to children. DEBORAH MENDEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOORPARK : 'Catch a Star' Gathers Gifts for Needy Youth SCOTT HADLY
BUSINESS
Disability Insurance Tough for Self-Employed KATHY M. KRISTOF
Pretax Contributions Are Yours CARLA LAZZARESCHI
1995-96: REVIEW AND OUTLOOK : People, Companies and Trends to Watch in '96 MARTHA GROVES, TIMES STAFF WRITER
1995-96: REVIEW AND OUTLOOK : Variflex Encounters Rough Skating MARTHA GROVES, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Former Apple Executive Has His Work Cut Out at AST : Technology: The once-proud Irvine computer maker has hit hard times, and all eyes are now on Ian Diery as he tries to bring back the glory days. GREG MILLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Important Information on Indonesia Omitted
Westcorp Buys 80% Interest in Newport Beach Mortgage Firm
Loan for AmeriQuest
Recession Brings Swarm of Street Merchants to Mexico City : Marketplace: Officials and business groups complain as mostly illegal ambulantes clog sidewalks, hawking everything from videos to perfume. CHRIS KRAUL, TIMES STAFF WRITER
US Facilities Names Kelbel Chief Executive
Has a Beef With Denny's
Cybernetics Renamed
1995-96: REVIEW AND OUTLOOK : Banker Ng: A Star on the Rise : Finance: President of East-West Bank has first-hand understanding of uncertainty driving capital out of Hong Kong and Taiwan. EVELYN IRITANI, TIMES STAFF WRITER
1995-96: REVIEW AND OUTLOOK : People, Companies and Trends to Watch in '96 BARBARA MARSH and MARTHA GROVES, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
At Some Back-to-School Nights, Apple Gets the Teachers : Marketing: The computer maker is enlisting instructors to plug its products. Critics say it compromises schools. DENISE GELLENE, TIMES STAFF WRITER
The Lessons of Educational Software
High-Technology Future Switches to a New Mode JAMES FLANIGAN
Pointed Objections to Article on Hughes' Project 776
BOOKS
Inside the Emotional Foundry : The families we were are the families we become : INTIMATE WORLDS: Life Inside the Family, By Maggie Scarf (Random House: $25; 464 pp.) Michael Sledge, Michael Sledge is the author of "Mother and Son," a memoir
Jason Robards As Brutus
Nonfiction SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS
Dreamer of Books ALLAN M. JALON
Nonfiction SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS
Nonfiction SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS
Down and Out Near the Happiest Place on Earth : CHEZ CHANCE, By Jay Gummerman (Pantheon Books: $21; 224 pp.) Dave Shulman, Dave Shulman is a regular contributor to the LA Weekly
Nonfiction Michael Webb
Fiction
Traveler in the Word-Clouds : He's given birth to two-fifths of a mile of opinions. And the journey continues . . . RICHARD EDER
Home for the Holidays : HOME: American Writers Remember Rooms of Their Own, Edited by Sharon Sloan Fiffer and Steve Fiffer (Pantheon: $22; 235 pp.) Bernard Cooper, Bernard Cooper's collection on memoirs, "Truth Serum," will appear from Houghton Mifflin in the spring
The Death Of Camus
The First 'Lost World'
Talking Pictures TOBI TOBIAS, Tobi Tobias grew up in a Jewish family and writes children's books and dance criticism
Not Your Average Long-Lost Secret Twin Brother : Wickedly clever 'Drag Queen' zips along like a 'Twilight Zone' version of the 'Patty Duke Show' : DRAG QUEEN, By Robert Rodi (Dutton: $21.95; 259 pp.) Margo Kaufman, Margo Kaufman is the author of the forthcoming book, "This Damn House" (Villard)
Nonfiction SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS
Beauty, Truth and the Danish Way : Social criticism--at times insistent, at times satirical--reveals the poverty of Danish inner life : THE HISTORY OF DANISH DREAMS, By Peter Hoeg (Farrar, Straus & Giroux: $24; 356 pp.) Jim Shepard, Jim Shepard's most recent novel is "Kiss of the Wolf." His first collection of stories, "Batting Against Castro," will be published this spring by Knopf
Gossip Mongering
Worldling, by Elizabeth Spires
This Must Be the Place : An impressionist travelogue rates some U.S. cities based on livability--including the Cheers Factor : A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE: America's Last Migration, By Terry Pindell (Henry Holt; $27.50, 413 pp.) Francesca Lyman, Francesca Lyman, author of "The Greenhouse Trap," writes frequently about the environment
Nonfiction SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS
Riffing on Relationships : HIGH FIDELITY, By Nick Hornby (Riverhead: $21.95; 304 pp.) Michelle Huneven, Michelle Huneven is a regular contributor to The Times
REAL ESTATE
This Redwood Plant Table Just Might Be the Answer DON and DAVE RUNYAN, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
ENTERTAINMENT
As the Escrow Flies : There's more room than ever in the film business for wannabe players. Just ask the people involved with last summer's aborted feature 'Divine Rapture.' Frank Rose, Frank Rose, who lives in New York, writes frequently about Hollywood
MOVIES : Give That Festival a Cigar : Despite a depleted economy, Cuba retains an artistically strong movie industry, and among Latin American film fests, Havana is the major player. Kenneth Turan, Kenneth Turan is The Times' film critic
Music & Dance News Lewis Segal
Directors Get Their Due Online Jaclyn Easton, Jaclyn Easton is the host of "Log On U.S.A.," which airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. on KIEV-AM (870)
Women's World
Global Effort
Album Reviews Bill Kohlhaase
Garbage Hailer
Sorry, Courtney, It's the Day of the Jacko : The King of Pop's escapades again dominate our annual year-end roundup of Dubious Distinctions. Steve Hochman, Steve Hochman is a regular contributor to Calendar
Only One Mouse Fit for Kingdom M.S.H. and S.H.
Shooting for the Hip : A new Grammy system designed to recognize more adventurous music makes predicting nominees even trickier. But out crystal ball is ready to go. Paul Grein, Paul Grein, a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, has been forecasting the Grammys for Calendar since 1981
'Divine' Comedy
ART NOTES : Sculpting a Garden of Scholarly Delight : An ambitious project at Pasadena City College has been turned into something more, thanks to the vision of New York artist Jody Pinto. Suzanne Muchnic, Suzanne Muchnic is The Times' art writer
MOVIES : Vive le Cinema! : The first moving pictures were shown 100 years ago this week. Hollywood may be ignoring the anniversary, but the French are toasting it in haute style. Scott Kraft, Scott Kraft is The Times' Paris bureau chief
Fedderly's Progress : The tenor, a regular at Los Angeles Music Center Opera, will be getting national exposure in PBS' version of 'The Rake's Progress.' Jan Breslauer, Jan Breslauer is a frequent contributor to Calendar
Album Reviews Bill Kohlhaase
COVER STORY : Oh, What a Web She Weaves : With 40 years in the theater, a couple of Tony Awards and a plum role in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' Chita Rivera is a bona fide Broadway star. Come into her parlor. Patrick Pacheco, Patrick Pacheco is a frequent contributor to Calendar
Much Ado About Shakespeare David Gritten
MUSIC & DANCE NEWS : Seattle Says It Has the Money for New Hall Daniel Cariaga
The Dinosaur, According to Fred : Fred Flintstone and the rest of the Bedrock denizens are helping teach kids in a new display at the Natural History Museum. Lynne Heffley, Lynne Heffley is a Times staff writer
THEME PARKS : What Would Walt Say? : It's a great big, beautiful tomorrow--at least it used to be. Disneyland's new rides may draw large crowds, but what's happened to long-time favorites? It's a nostalgic world after all. Mary Susan Herczog and Steve Hochman, Mary Susan Herczog and Steve Hochman are regular contributors to The Times
THEATER NOTES : Doing It the 'Company' Way Don Shirley, Don Shirley is a Times staff writer
Acting Bonds Freddie Prinze's Son to His Dad Chuck Crisafulli and Chuck Crisafulli is a frequent contributor to Calendar.
THEATER : A Long Way From Santa's Ride : As a cabbie in Chicago, playwright Will Kern collected a sackful of stories along with his fares. 'Hellcab' wraps up the best of them in a Christmas setting. Janice Arkatov, Janice Arkatov is a regular contributor to Calendar
ALBUM REVIEWS : A Good Mix for Veteran Jazzman Don Heckman
Shakespeare Is One Happenin' Dude : The makers of a 1930s-era 'Richard III' think they've got a timeless tale with mass appeal. It's just one of many greenlighted bard projects. David Gritten and David Gritten, based in London, is a frequent contributor to Calendar.
Album Reviews Bill Kohlhaase
Str8 to the List
MAGAZINE
Close-up : Cartographer to the Pols Emily Gest
Wild Things : Skeletons in the Closets Marcus Errico
SHROUD NINE : Getting Lost in the Fog and Playing Other Mind Games in Los Angeles Wanda Coleman
Divided They Stand
Stlye / Restaurants : Repasts To Remember
Priceless To Some, Too Pricey For Others
Tunes : Sergei Rachmaninoff Rules! Evelyn Sheinkopf
The Crying Game
L.A. Speak : Tropical Fish Flippancy Robb Moore
Future Shock
Remember when the Government Moved Wolves Back Into Yellowstone? Well, Now They're Hoping to Return the Grizzly to the Wilds of Idaho. The Welcome Wagon Is Not Waiting. : Howdy Neighbors! MARLA CONE, Marla Cone is a Times environmental writer. Her last piece for the magazine was about the development of an electric car by General Motors
Made, Not in the Shade : Phoenix Has Become the Capital of the Southwest. Is Becoming the Next L.A. That Far Away Louis Sahagun, Louis Sahagun is The Times' Denver bureau chief. His last article for the magazine was about the brown tree snake infestation in Guam
Style / Interiors : If The Chandeliers Could Talk Barbara Thornburg
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