Los Angeles Kings Hockey

A Los Angeles City Council panel has recommended that the city accept liability for operating a navigational beacon atop the Forum in Inglewood so that it can begin guiding pilots landing at International Airport. The council's Industry and Economic Development Committee recommended Tuesday having the city indemnify the Forum, owned by Jerry Buss and used by Buss' Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and the Los Angeles Kings hockey club.

Jeffrey P. Sudikoff, a former owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and once a well-known Los Angeles businessman, pleaded guilty Friday to insider-trading charges in connection with his now-defunct Culver City communications firm. With his plea, Sudikoff, 43, settled federal charges that he spread phony information to inflate shares in IDB Communications Group, once one of the fastest-growing companies in Los Angeles and a Wall Street darling.

A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted Jeffrey P. Sudikoff, a former owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, on charges of securities fraud and insider trading in connection with the once high-flying Culver City telecommunications firm he founded, prosecutors said. The 19-count indictment against Sudikoff, 41, and Edward Cheramy, 53, is the result of a lengthy investigation into IDB Communications Group, once one of the fastest growing companies in Los Angeles.

A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted Jeffrey P. Sudikoff, a former owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, on charges of securities fraud and insider trading in connection with the once high-flying Culver City telecommunications firm he founded, prosecutors said. The 19-count indictment against Sudikoff, 41, and Edward Cheramy, 53, is the result of a lengthy investigation into IDB Communications Group, once one of the fastest growing companies in Los Angeles.

Jeffrey P. Sudikoff, a former owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and once a well-known Los Angeles businessman, pleaded guilty Friday to insider-trading charges in connection with his now-defunct Culver City communications firm. With his plea, Sudikoff, 43, settled federal charges that he spread phony information to inflate shares in IDB Communications Group, once one of the fastest-growing companies in Los Angeles and a Wall Street darling.

Optimism runs deep among the Kings, who believe they have the talent to challenge for second place in the National Hockey League's Smythe Division. They may be excited about this team, but they're not delirious. They've conceded first place to the Edmonton Oilers. That still leaves a pretty steep climb for the Kings, who in six years in the Smythe have never finished higher than fourth, which is where they wound up last season.

Creative Artists Agency senior executive Sandy Climan was hired Thursday as an executive vice president of MCA Inc., the first high-level departure from the agency since former Chairman Michael S. Ovitz announced in August that he is leaving to join Walt Disney Co. Climan's exit had been expected in the wake of the Ovitz departure, but the destination was a surprise to Hollywood executives.

The California Supreme Court has rejected a bid by billionaire Philip Anschutz to avoid being sued for allegedly aiding and abetting securities fraud at Denver-based-phone company, Qwest Communications International Inc. The state high court also refused to stop the lawsuit, brought against Qwest, Anschutz and company President Joseph Nacchio by the California State Teachers Retirement System, while Anschutz appeals the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

* Telecommunications: IDB Communications Group, trying to restore investor confidence after Deloitte & Touche abruptly resigned as its auditors in an accounting dispute, named two outside directors to an oversight subcommittee that will hire new auditors as well as review the company's accounting systems and controls. The Culver City-based company's stock plunged more than 50% last week--triggering shareholder lawsuits--after the Deloitte resignation was made public.

A major hotel-restaurant developer and an actor-investor have begun discussions with Burbank about building a state-of-the-art, 20,000-seat sports arena that they hope will attract a professional sports franchise. Lewis N. Woolf, co-owner of the Burbank Airport Hilton, and actor Wayne Rogers, best known as the star of the "MASH" and "House Calls" TV series, are seeking a three-year exclusive right to negotiate with the city about building the arena on a yet-to-be-determined site.

A Los Angeles City Council panel has recommended that the city accept liability for operating a navigational beacon atop the Forum in Inglewood so that it can begin guiding pilots landing at International Airport. The council's Industry and Economic Development Committee recommended Tuesday having the city indemnify the Forum, owned by Jerry Buss and used by Buss' Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and the Los Angeles Kings hockey club.

Optimism runs deep among the Kings, who believe they have the talent to challenge for second place in the National Hockey League's Smythe Division. They may be excited about this team, but they're not delirious. They've conceded first place to the Edmonton Oilers. That still leaves a pretty steep climb for the Kings, who in six years in the Smythe have never finished higher than fourth, which is where they wound up last season.

A Pacific Palisades investment banker was sentenced Monday to 51 months in federal prison for bilking clients out of $1.3 million. Benjamin Bush, former owner of Ben Bush Investment Management Inc., also was ordered to make nearly $1.2 million in restitution to eight victims who suffered most of the losses. Bush, 53, pleaded guilty in May to one money laundering count and admitted that he laundered the funds he bilked from his clients.

"Platoon" leader Tom Berenger battles rugged terrain and his own prejudices when he joins up with lawman Sidney Poitier to search for his kidnaped girlfriend Kirstie Alley in "Mountain King," now shooting in Vancouver. . . . TV's newest odd couple: "Entertainment Tonight" host Mary Hart and comedian Richard Lewis will co-host NBC "Friday Night Videos" on May 8. . . .