Law Enforcement

LAPPL responds to death of Los Angeles firefighter
On behalf of all members of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, President Paul M. Weber responded to the tragic news that Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen died while bravely serving the city. "Los Angeles Police officers join our brethren firefighters in mourning the death of Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen, who died from injuries he suffered while fighting a fire on Wednesday. The death of Glenn Allen is a tragic and sad reminder of how much gratitude we owe to first responders, who routinely put their lives on the line for the public's safety."
LAPPL Press Release

Officers fatally shoot gun-wielding suspect in East Hollywood
As LAPD investigators examined the scene of a fatal officer-involved shooting in East Hollywood on Saturday, one resident expressed dismay over the outburst of violence. The shooting occurred near the intersection of Fountain and Westmoreland avenues after a foot chase. An LAPD officer suffered minor injuries. According to LAPD Lt. Ricky Banks, officers were called to the 1200 block of Westmoreland Avenue at around 9:30 a.m. to investigate a report of a prowler.
Los Angeles Times

One dead after Gardena shooting, LAPD says
A man in his 20s died of a gunshot wound to the head early Sunday in the backseat of a car as his friends drove around looking for a hospital to treat him, authorities said. The man and his friends had just gotten into the car at 11400 South Vermont Avenue in Gardena and were preparing to leave at about 1:18 a.m. when multiple shots were fired into the car, according to Los Angeles Police Officer Bruce Borihanh and Lt. Larry Barr.
Los Angeles Times

City mourns death of decorated officer
As the investigation into Friday's tragedy reveals new details, the City of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., mourns the loss of a decorated police officer. The death of police Officer John Falcone after he pursued a gunman who had just fatally shot his wife, shocked city residents, veterans of law enforcement and elected leaders. Falcone was described with love by those who knew him. He was loved for his sense of duty, his compassion and selflessness.
Poughkeepsie Journal

Do cameras stop crime?
If you want to be on TV, don't go to Los Angeles or New York. Come to Chicago, where your wish is certain to be fulfilled. In fact, you couldn't avoid it if you wanted to, thanks to the nation's most extensive network of police surveillance cameras. Anytime you walk out your door, you may find an audience. This is one of Mayor Richard M. Daley's proudest achievements, but the estimated 10,000 devices now in operation are not enough for him.
Chicago Tribune

Federal & State Budget Crises

Congress, Obama brace for showdown as government shutdown looms
The prospect of a government shutdown appeared more possible Saturday after the House passed a budget measure in the pre-dawn hours that cuts $61 billion - and was immediately rejected by Senate Democrats and President Obama. The House plan, which was approved on a party-line vote at 4:40 a.m. after five days of debate, eliminates dozens of programs and offices while slashing agency budgets by as much as 40 percent. The debate over the size and scope of the government now moves to the Senate, where leaders have already said that the House plan cuts way too deep and that they are planning a far more modest proposal.
Washington Post

Jerry Brown: Budget deal target date is March 10
Gov. Jerry Brown said he is optimistic he can reach a budget deal with the Legislature by March 10, a date he said is close to his deadline to put tax extensions on the June ballot. Brown said he is not yet certain what the absolute deadline to force a June election might be, but he said it is "very close" to March 10. "I think we're within striking distance of getting something out of the Legislature that will give the people a chance to vote," Brown told reporters.
Sacramento Bee

Pensions

Public-pension fight surfaces in California
Fighting over spending on public employees has shut down the state capitol in Wisconsin, sent police officers marching in Hartford, Conn., and sparked the largest public protest ever in Trenton, N.J. Now, it is complicating California Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to close a $26.6 billion budget gap. Mr. Brown, a Democrat, wants the legislature to authorize a ballot initiative that would ask voters to approve the extension of a temporary tax increase as part of his plan to deal with the state's deficit. But some businesses say they won't support a tax referendum unless Mr. Brown agrees to tackle a public-employee pension overhaul as part of his fix.
Wall Street Journal

Pension debt bill: new drive toward 401(k)s
The author of a bill in Congress that would result in public pensions reporting much larger debts expects the same outcome as his opponents - a move to switch to the 401(k)-style individual investment plans now common in the private sector. As U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, spoke to local government officials last week at a pension "boot camp" held by reformers, he said the federal action could spark action by "folks on the ground" in the states.
Calpensions