Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation’s press.

TV/RADIO

‘Spin’-Doctoring: ABC and DreamWorks Television are tinkering with “Spin City.” Carla Gugino, who plays Michael J. Fox’s live-in girlfriend, is leaving the series. Her last episode airs Dec. 17. Although there was no official comment on Gugino’s departure, speculation was that producers did not believe that the relationship between her character and Fox’s was working. Sources said that there is no new girlfriend planned for Fox’s character at this point, and that the show would focus more on the mayor’s office. “Spin City,” which has earned some of the best reviews of the season, got off to a promising start this fall but its ratings have declined; twice in November, it finished behind NBC’s “Caroline in the City.” But ABC still harbors high hopes for the show, which is sandwiched between two of its most popular programs, “Home Improvement” and “NYPD Blue.” Gugino’s other credits include the movie “The War at Home” and the BBC’s “The Buccaneers.”

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Spiritual Talk: Ram Dass, the spiritual speaker and social philosopher, will host three talk radio shows on KPFK-FM (90.7), early Tuesday mornings from midnight to 2 a.m. for the next three weeks. The “Here & Now With Ram Dass” show will include conversations with special guests and live calls from listeners and will explore issues ranging from current events to “personal growth and transformation, living more conscious and compassionate lives.” Los Angeles was chosen as one of two “pilot areas” for a nationally syndicated series hosted by Ram Dass scheduled for fall 1997.

LEGAL FILE

Selena’s Family Sues Saldivar: Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of slain Tejano singer Selena, has sued his daughter’s convicted killer, Yolanda Saldivar, for wrongful death and gross negligence. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Quintanilla’s wife and his late daughter’s husband, seeks an unspecified amount of damages, reimbursement for legal costs and other monetary relief. Saldivar was convicted last year of fatally shooting 23-year-old Selena on March 31, 1995, at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. Saldivar was sentenced to life in prison last fall. An attorney close to the case who asked not to be identified said Quintanilla may be attempting to prevent Saldivar from making money off the story.

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Legal Briefs: Burt Reynolds filed for bankruptcy in Florida Monday, in a move his lawyer said was aimed at giving the actor a “breathing spell” to pay off his debts. . . . Country singer Wynonna responded Tuesday to a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit filed against her last week by a fired female farmhand. Wynonna said she was “shocked and saddened” by Andria Surles’ allegations and that she plans to file counter claims against Surles. . . . A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge has thrown out a lawsuit against talk-show host Geraldo Rivera in which self-proclaimed Mafia hitman-turned-actor Sonny Gibson claimed he was “ambushed” and lost three acting roles as a result of a guest appearance on Rivera’s show in 1994.

THEME PARKS

But Can He Make Those Pounds Disappear?: Magician David Copperfield is joining forces with the Walt Disney Co. The two announced plans Tuesday for Copperfield Magic Underground, a 30,000-square-foot magic-themed restaurant scheduled to open at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 1998. Although it will be part of the resort, diners will be able to go to the restaurant without entering the theme park. Copperfield said the restaurant will combine “the impact of illusion with the magic of Disney.” . . . Meanwhile, Disneyland in Anaheim has announced that it will open its Main Street U.S.A. for holiday shoppers Dec. 16-19 from 6-9 p.m., after other attractions at the park have closed. Admission and parking will be free.

POP/ROCK

More Drug Discussions: Following two “town hall” style meetings held in Santa Monica over the past year to deal with ongoing drug problems in the music industry, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences has called a similar session for today at New York City’s Sheraton Towers. About 400 people--from artists and managers to record company employees--are expected to attend.

QUICK TAKES

Jack Nicholson gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today at 11:30 a.m. Nicholson’s star--the walk’s 2,077th--will be in front of Mann’s Chinese Theatre. . . . Lauren Bacall, who has drawn good notices for her role in Barbra Streisand’s “The Mirror Has Two Faces,” will receive the Broadcast Film Critics Assn.’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award during ceremonies Jan. 20 at Ma Maison Sofitel in Los Angeles. . . . “Home Improvement’s” “Tool Time” gal Debbe Dunning gave birth to a baby girl, Spencer Schae Timmons, at a hospital in Los Angeles early Monday. The baby is the first for Dunning and her husband, Olympic gold medal-winning volleyball player Steve Timmons. . . . It’s official. Pamela Anderson Lee and rocker Tommy Lee are back together, less than two weeks after she filed for divorce. The “Baywatch” star’s publicist has confirmed that the couple is “definitely reconciled.” . . . Village Pizza, a business in Roslyn, Wash., whose 100-year-old, two-story storefront was seen weekly during the Main Street scene in the opening credits of TV’s “Northern Exposure,” was destroyed by fire Monday, and the restaurant’s owner, 60-year-old Harry Balmer, died, apparently of a heart attack, while running from the building. The cause of the fire was not announced.