BRIEFLY POLICE ARREST TRIO IN SCHOOL THEFTS.

GLENDALE - Three local residents were arrested early Wednesday as they broke into the vending machines at Clark Magnet High School, and police say the suspects are part of an organized theft ring.

Sgt. Kirk Palmer said Jacqueline Hollier, 20, of Burbank, William Lee, 24, of La Canada Flintridge, and Zachary Schalice, 19, of Glendale took $500 in cash from the machines.

``This group, we believe, is part of an organized theft ring that has committed about 30 other similar thefts, primarily targeting schools,'' he said.

The suspects are scheduled to be arraigned today on charges of felony vandalism. They were being held in lieu of $20,000 bail each.

- Daily News

Mall to screen free family movies

BURBANK - The Media City Center mall is hosting a series of free family movies 7:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays through July 24 at the Ikea furniture store courtyard, 600 N. San Fernando Blvd.

The show schedule is as follows: ``Raiders of the Lost Ark'' next Wednesday; ``Independence Day'' on July 3; ``Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' on July 10; and ``Top Gun'' on July 24.

- Daily News

City to purchase parcels for park

GLENDALE - The city will spend $527,500 to buy three vacant parcels on West Harvard Street in order to create a minipark in the neighborhood, where there is little open space.

The City Council gave the go-ahead to the city staff late Tuesday to purchase 423 and 425-427 W. Harvard St. No date has been set for development.

- Daily News

15 people injured in three-bus crash

Three buses collided Wednesday evening at a downtown intersection, injuring at least 15 people, officials said.

All of the crash victims appeared to suffer minor to moderate injuries, said Jim Wells, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman.

The crash occurred about 7:10 p.m. and involved two Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses and a private tour bus, Wells said.

- Associated Press

Man shot in foot in area near CSUN

NORTHRIDGE - Police were searching a four-block residential area adjacent to California State University, Northridge, on Wednesday night after a man was shot in the foot.

The unidentified victim was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries after the 7:51 p.m. incident near Lindley Avenue and Lassen Street.

Assisted by a police helicopter and dogs, police searched inside a four- block perimeter late into the night.

- Daily News

Fire inspector's case dismissed

A judge in Pasadena on Wednesday dismissed the arson case against a Los Angeles County fire inspector who had been accused of setting fire to an unoccupied house he and his wife were trying to buy.

Superior Court Judge Teri Schwartz threw out the charge against Roland Sprewell, 37, after listening to testimony at a two-day preliminary hearing.

A similar charge against Sprewell's 36-year-old wife, Heidi, was dropped April 18 ``in the interest of justice,'' according to the District Attorney's Office.''

- City News Service

Hahn in Denver for look at airport

As part of his exploration of ways to change Los Angeles International Airport to deal with new security requirements, Mayor James Hahn flew to Denver on Wednesday to examine its baggage screening operation.

``Denver is considered the state of the art in dealing with baggage screening and the mayor wanted to see if any of it could be used in Los Angeles,'' spokeswoman Julie Wong said.

Hahn is putting the final touches on his own plan for LAX, including one that would have passengers and their baggage screened away from the main terminal.

- Daily News