L.A. BRIEFLY : COUNTY PAYS FAMILY $24 MILLION IN CLAIMS.

Los Angeles County issued 36 checks worth nearly $24 million Tuesday to members of a Samoan-American family who claimed sheriff's deputies beat and terrorized them during a 1989 bridal shower.

David Dole, the most seriously injured in the incident, was struck on the head 50 times with billy clubs and flashlights. He received the largest check - $4.8 million.

``I feel great,'' he said. ``I'm happy that it's come to this.''

- Associated Press

Police panel sends bond plan to council

A proposal to ask Los Angeles voters in April 1999 to approve $766 million in police facility bonds was sent without recommendation Tuesday by the Police Commission to the City Council.

Commissioners spoke in favor of many of the projects proposed, including new police stations in the San Fernando Valley and a replacement for Parker Center, but said it is up to the elected City Council to decide the scope of any bond measure submitted to the voters.

- Daily News

MTA studying order to assist disabled

The MTA is trying to determine what is entailed in a court order requiring the agency to correct conditions that prevent disabled, wheelchair-using bus riders from using MTA buses, the agency's chief executive officer, Julian Burke, said in a statement Tuesday.

The agency is buying new buses with low floors that are more easily accessed by the disabled, is boosting oversight of contract bus lines to improve reliability of wheelchair lifts and is exploring how another contractor can expand services, include dial-a-ride vans, that serve the disabled, he said.

- Daily News

MWD head resigns for private sector

The general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California resigned Tuesday to take a position at a newly created international water business.

Calling it ``the right decision for me and for MWD,'' John R. Wodraska tendered his resignation after 5-1/2 years with the district.

Wodraska is leaving Metropolitan to become managing director of North America at Azurix, a global water business based in Houston.

- City News Service