L.A. RECORDS BEST OZONE SEASON ON RECORD, BUT MAINTAINS CALL FOR NEW RULES

Citing unusually cooler weather, South Coast air district officials say 2004 was the best air quality season on record, which spans almost 30 years. Last year, South Coast officials said unseasonably hot weather contributed to the worst smog season over the previous six years. Moderate temperatures this summer and more rain in early fall led to 27 days when ozone levels exceeded the federal one-hour standard, compared with 68 days last year, according to the district. "Cleaner cars, businesses and...