BRIEFLY : WITNESSES IN COSBY CASE REFUSE TO TALK.

SANTA MONICA - The Ennis Cosby murder trial was interrupted Thursday when a convict refused to testify about a conversation in which the defendant allegedly admitted shooting an African-American man, and another witness was ordered into custody.

The latter witness told the judge he feared for his life if he was incarcerated. He had just given the most incriminating testimony yet against Mikail Markhasev, quoting the defendant as saying: ``I shot a n-----'' and ``It's all over the news. It's big.''

Christopher Chen Young So, who was held on $100,000 bond to ensure his appearance for cross-examination today, made it clear that he fears gang retribution for his testimony.

``I'm putting my life in jeopardy,'' he said. ``If I'm ever incarcerated again, I may as well kiss my life goodbye.''

Witness Michael Chang, whose refusal to testify brought the trial to a halt, appeared to have similar fears. He came to court in jail garb and under guard and refused to utter a word on the stand other than to assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

The judge, who offered Chang immunity for his testimony, finally recessed the trial for the day and appointed a lawyer for Chang, who may face consequences for refusing to testify.

- Associated Press 

LACCD board to sell high-rise at a loss

A day after the Los Angeles Community College District board of trustees voted to sell a vacant high-rise, officials explained the move Thursday as an effort to cut their losses.

The board has accepted an offer to sell its vacant high-rise at 4050 Wilshire Blvd. to the Horowitz Family Trust for about $5.9 million, Vice Chancellor Bonnie James said Thursday. Ralph Horowitz represents the trust.

The sale of the building, which has sat unused for eight years, is not final.

``It's cutting our losses, and it's a severe loss. I do not see this as something that we've gained,'' said board Vice President Gloria Romero, who has pushed for unloading the building for the past three years.

Still, she said, ``it's the best offer to come before the board.''

The board reported Wednesday that it had entered escrow, but the name of the buyer was not released.

Board members decided to buy the building in 1990 for $12.5 million with a $21.6 million loan, intending to renovate it and set up district headquarters there. But as estimated renovation costs rose, they decided to lease the building at 770 Wilshire instead.

So far, the district has paid more than $4.7 million in interest on the loan for the 4050 Wilshire property. The total cost to repay the loan with interest through 2019 is projected to reach $42.9 million.

- Daily News

Mayor loses another key staffer in office

Deputy Mayor Stephanie Bradfield submitted her resignation Thursday to Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan to accept a post as a vice president for communications and public affairs at the Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Bradfield becomes the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the Mayor's Office over the past year. Earlier this month, Chief of Staff Robin Kramer announced her plans to resign.

Bradfield has served as liaison to the Los Angeles City Council since 1996. Riordan said he is sorry to see her leave his administration, but is pleased that she will continue her work on behalf of the city at the convention bureau.

- Daily News

Burbank seeking task force members

The Burbank City Council is accepting applications for appointments to the five-member Task Force to Study the Los Angeles County Health Department Restaurant Grading Ordinance.

Three vacancies will be filled by Burbank residents and will be selected by the City Council. The other two members will be from the California Restaurant Association and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce.

Interested residents can pick up an application at the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 275 E. Olive Ave., Burbank. The deadline for submitting an application is 5 p.m. July 6.

- Daily News

Locals reappointed to world trade panel

Four Southland residents, including former Los Angeles County District Attorney Robert Philibosian, were reappointed Thursday to the California World Trade Commission by Gov. Pete Wilson.

Philibosian, 57, of Tarzana has served on the commission since 1990. He is a partner with the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton. He was the district attorney in the early 1980s and the state's chief assistant attorney general from 1979 to 1983.

Willard Z. Carr Jr., 70, of Los Angeles has served on the commission since 1992. He has been a partner with the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for more than 40 years.

Wesley Ru, 43, of Pasadena has served on the panel since 1995. He is the president of Los Angeles-based Western Badge & Trophy Co., a title he has held since 1985. Ru also owns several other manufacturing firms and is president of an import-export company.

Genevieve Ryan, a 40-year-old attorney and international trade specialist, has served on the commission since 1992. She previously worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and was the counsel to the Commission on Pornography for the Department of Justice.

- City News Service