WISHING WELL: President Clinton has two New...

WISHING WELL: President Clinton has two New Year’s wishes for Los Angeles. First: no more natural disasters, the president told The Times (A1). Clinton said he’s tired of California calamities. A second presidential wish: complete economic recovery in 1996. Left unsaid was Clinton’s fondest wish--that California deliver its 54 electoral votes to him in November.

GARBAGE IN: Say, you’re a trashy family. As in garbage, not Tobacco Road. And your two city trash cans just can’t contain your debris. Along come the enterprising folks at City Hall. They’re considering a way to let you have your trash--and pay for it too. $5 a month per 30-gallon can for general refuse. $2.50 a month for yard trimmings. . . . And a break for large households.

SNAKE OIL: What should discerning python owners give their slithering snake for Christmas? A heat lamp is good. . . . And for that cute Australian bearded dragon, above, held by Katherine Fell? Something in leather is always tasteful. For the lowdown on pet gifts, see Valley Weekend in today’s Calendar (F1B).

PUNK ROCK: Just when you thought that punk rock was passe, it’s back. . . . So dust off those earplugs and read about the local punk scene in Valley Weekend (F1A). Fuchsia hair optional.

DOG DAYS: Emma Harter says she won’t part with her 42 precious Chihuahuas, despite a conviction for running a kennel without a license. The 64-year-old’s 180-day jail sentence was suspended Tuesday. But an Antelope Valley judge did order a shelter for the pooches. . . . Meanwhile, she feels for her pups: “I haven’t been able to spend much time with the babies!”