BRIEFCASE.

Byline: Staff and wire reports

21st Century sees net income drop

WOODLAND HILLS - 21st Century Insurance Group reported Wednesday net income of $19.4 million, or 23 cents per share, for the first quarter of 2005, compared to $19.8 million for the same period in 2004.

The 2004 results include net realized capital gains of $7.6 million, compared to a net realized capital loss of $500,000 for the same period in 2005.

Pacifier, two toys recalled for risks

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recalls Wednesday of a pacifier and two toys that were imported by a Los Angeles company from China, and urged consumers not to use the items.

Recalled were the ``Light-up Pacifier,'' ``New Style Piano,'' and ``High Toys Choochoo Toy Train.''

The products - about 5,000 units in all - were manufactured in China and imported by California International Trading.

The products were sold at various swap meets and flea markets in the Los Angeles area from July 2004 through February 2005 for between $1 and $2.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifiers and toys away from young children and call [phone] for refund information.

Latin music CD shipments climb

Shipments of Latin music CDs to retailers rose by 23.6 percent in 2004 when compared with 2003, as regional Mexican music continues to drive sales throughout the nation, the Recording Industry Association of American said Wednesday.

Approximately 48.5 million units of Latin music were shipped in 2004 versus 38.6 million in 2003.

Given that Latin music is the most heavily pirated genre, the RIAA said the 2004 shipment figures are a positive sign in their quest to curb piracy.

Support growing for wholesome TV

LAS VEGAS - As public and legislative support grows for a crackdown on indecent TV programming, broadcasters are working to develop tough voluntary guidelines they hope will stall eventual government regulation, officials said Wednesday.

A task force of broadcasters is set to deliver a report this summer that will include a series of measures to reduce profanity, ``wardrobe malfunctions'' and other indecent content from making it to the airwaves.

The action comes as a new poll suggests that about six in 10 Americans are ``very concerned'' about what children see and hear in entertainment.

CalPERS raps five giants of industry

SACRAMENTO - The influential California Public Employees' Retirement System on Wednesday chided five U.S. industry giants as ``bad actors'' on Wall Street, urging the companies to rein in executive compensation and revamp corporate board elections.

This year's targets: American International Group, AT&T Corp., Novell Inc., Delphi Corp. and Weyerhaeuser Co.

For years, the CalPERS list has been considered a wake-up call to Wall Street companies over questionable business practices. The goal is to boost financial performance and market value.

``We see companies make big changes and add good value to the company and shareowners,'' said CalPERS President Rob Feckner on Wednesday. ``Most of the companies have been quite receptive once we sit down and have discussions.''