CHINATOWN HAILS YEAR OF THE DOG Russia's Sputnik dog, Laika, notwithstanding, this is the Year of the Dog. It began officially today, the start of Chinese New Year (4556). Throughout Los Angeles Chinese community there will be much celebrating for the next four days, says Chester Quan, president of the New Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. One event will be the traditional dragon parade through Chinatown's streets on Thursday and Friday nights and plenty of music to scare away evil spirits. Symbolic of the community's friendliness with those who pay their taxes by the Gregorian calendar system, Chinatown Princesses Maria Tsien and Lisa Lu officially invited Undersheriff Pete Pitchess and the rest of Los Angeles to join the party. Chirped the princesses: "Gong Hay Fat Choy" Happy New Year in any language.
