LOS ANGELES-Government officials say effort to keep the sidewalks clean is needed to make Downtown a better place to live and work, but opponents say it infringes on rights of the homeless.

NORTHRIDGE, CA-New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics signs $2.8-million, three-year deal for 36,346 sf here at Harman International Business Campus. The new space will serve as an extension of the company's Van Nuys testing laboratory.

LOS ANGELES-L.J. Express and San Francisco-based Fritz sign separate deals for a combined 83,000 sf. The two deals combined are valued at $3.5 million.

LOS ANGELES-The $14.5-million purchase will put the land, off Mulholland Drive, off-limits to developers. Part of the acreage had been slated for construction of luxury homes.

SYLMAR, CA-L.A. Records Management signs 10-year pact valued at $8 million for a new building inside Gateway Business Park. The document-storage company will relocate from nearby Sun Valley in the spring.

LOS ANGELES-The agency, which plays key role in local hotel industry, lays off 12% of its staff to stem budget shortfall. Hoteliers worry the move will slow their recovery.

LOS ANGELES-A new report by Transwestern's Delta Associates research affiliate says a big boost in defense and technology spending will generate more demand for office space.

ARCADIA, CA-The 85,600-sf complex will rise in this city's redevelopment district. National Automobile & Casualty Insurance has already agreed to buy one of the two buildings.