BRIEFLY : NORTHRIDGE TO GET PERMANENT RAIL SITE.

The Los Angeles City Council this week approved spending $2.1 million to make permanent the Northridge Metrolink station built by the federal government following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

``This will let us have a permanent facility to provide Metrolink service to commuters,'' said Francine Oschin, a deputy to Councilman Hal Bernson, who represents the area.

The funds, which include $1.3 million in city money and $830,000 from the state, will be used to purchase the land, compact the soil and replace the temporary platform, stairs and benches with permanent structures.

The station, at Parthenia Street and Wilbur Avenue, has proved popular in the area. Cal State Northridge officials estimate up to 250 students and faculty members ride the train daily.

SOURCE: Daily News

Extension urged for false alarm rule

The Los Angeles Police Commission recommended this week that an ordinance toughening fines for false burglar-alarm calls be extended past the current Dec. 31 sunset date.

Lt. Charlie Beck told the commission that there has been a 2.7 percent decline in the number of false alarm calls received by the Los Angeles Police Department in the past six months, which he attributes to the ordinance reducing from four to two the number of false alarms allowed before fines are imposed.

``What that really means is 3,000 (fewer) times police officers have to respond to false alarms,'' Beck told the commission Tuesday.

SOURCE: Daily News

Fire code review ordered by council

The Los Angeles City Council this week asked the Fire Department to report on its enforcement of fire codes in the garment industry and determine whether it needs to step up its efforts.

LAFD spokesman Roger Gillis said Tuesday the department does make inspections for fire dangers and would report to the council on its actions.

But Councilman Nate Holden said it was time for the city to step up its efforts to monitor workplace conditions.

``Over and over again, we hear about these sweat shops and it's shameful,'' Holden said. ``We have to do more than keep passing motions. I think we should look at making this a criminal act and put these people in jail. That may be the only way to stop it.''

Joseph Rodriguez, executive director of the Garment Contractors Association, said his group has been working to end abuses in the industry.

SOURCE: Daily News

Reward offered in home invasion

The Los Angeles City Council voted this week to offer a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man who assaulted a middle-aged couple in their North Hills home in the early morning hours of Aug. 26.

Councilman Richard Alarcon said the home-invasion crime in the 9700 block of Burnet Avenue struck particularly close to home for him because the couple is an aunt and uncle of one of Alarcon's nieces.

``It, for me, is a very personal situation when you see people so closely related to our families and friends who are brutalized in their communities,'' Alarcon said.

SOURCE: Daily News