AM news: law and order and homelessness

Police Chief Bratton leaves for Israel on Thursday. The LA Times reports he spent four months of the year 2005 out of town; some are displeased. We think he manages to stay in LA for the good stuff; we spotted him in his uniform outside the Oscars.

Anti-gang efforts continue in East LA. Led by Father Gregory Boyle, Homeboy Industries broke ground on a new $11.5 million, 21,000 square foot complex. The nonprofit helps former gang members find jobs, by either employing them in several small businesses (a print shop, a bakery) or by making it easier for them to get work elsewhere, with tattoo removal and counseling.

What's the worst city for the homeless in the nation? That's right, we're number one. A White House official visited with Mayor Villaraigosa and offered, uh, nothing at all to help.

In breaking international news, Slobodan Milosevich was found dead in his cell near The Hague; his trial has been in progress since 2002. He was 64. Initial reports say his death appears to be from natural causes.