California IN BRIEF : SOUTH LAKE TAHOE : 140 Camp in Snow for Chance at Homes

Driven by a rare chance for permission to build homes in this scenic ski and gambling resort, about 140 people spent a fourth day camped outside the city library in snow and sub-zero temperatures. The would-be builders--some huddled in crudely built igloos and snow caves--held their ground even though the county government Friday withdrew a plan to issue 123 coveted permits on a first-come, first-served basis this morning. A smaller contingent waited outside City Hall, hoping for a chance at a separate batch of permits controlled by the city government.