TERROR IN OKLAHOMA CITY : Security Downtown

Concrete barriers, like those used to divert traffic during construction projects, were in place Friday near the Spring Street entrance to the U.S. District Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles. Meanwhile, federal marshals continued to prevent cars from parking in metered spaces on Main Street alongside the courthouse, and access to the plaza between the building and the newer Edward Roybal Federal Building was restricted to employees.

Hotline in Los Angeles

A special phone line has been set up for Southland residents concerned about missing relatives or friends in Oklahoma City. The number for Operation Compassion is (800) 725-9005, and will be operational daily between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PDT. Callers should be ready to give names, addresses, relationship and other details of people believed missing or dead, said Col. George Church, Los Angeles divisional commander of the Salvation Army.

TV Special for Kids

Amid concerns about the psychological effects of the Oklahoma City bombing on children inundated with shocking images of the blast, the Nickelodeon channel on cable TV will broadcast “When Bad Things Happen . . .” TV journalist Linda Ellerbee will lead an unscripted discussion with children--some of them from Oklahoma City--about how they feel about the bombing and the threat of terrorism. It airs Sunday at 8 p.m. PDT.