2000 TEAM SET TO HUNT FOR BUGS.

Byline: Beth Barrett Staff Writer

After months of getting Los Angeles' computers talking Y2K language and following a dramatic sewage spill that occurred during a millennium bug test, local politicians Friday announced a regional team to manage the transition and keep the public informed.

The Millennium Management Leadership Team of county and city officials as well as business representatives was created to make sure final Y2K preparations are coordinated, contingency plans are in place and residents know what to expect New Year's Day, officials said.

Together, the city and county have spent about $265 million to correct the computer glitch that has sent tremors though the global computing world as the year 2000 approaches, requiring computers to recognize the date change.

Mayor Richard Riordan predicted L.A. will ``amaze the world'' with its preparation, while John Koskinen, chairman of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, said Southern California is a model for the rest of the country.

A blueprint prepared pro bono by the Candle Corp. of Santa Monica outlines a series of measures to coordinate regional efforts, which will culminate in a regionwide Y2K exercise in November.

The team and blueprint will address community concerns, such as those raised in the wake of a recent sewage spill at Woodley Avenue Park during a Y2K test and an elevator stoppage at City Hall East.

``We believe the public deserves honest responses,'' said Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, chairman of the City Council's Information Technology & General Services Committee.