WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators shut down two big savings and loans based in Southern California on Friday, saying they fell victim to the acute distress in the housing market in that state. The two companies were the Downey Savings and Loan Association, based in Newport Beach, and PFF Bank & Trust of Pomona. Their closings brought the number of bank failures this year to 22. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was appointed receiver of the two thrifts. U.S. Bank, based in Minneapolis, acquired all the deposits of both institutions. Downey had assets of $12.8 billion and deposits of $9.7...
