Law Enforcement

LAPD's vehicle impound reforms put on hold
The Los Angeles Police Department's controversial plan to revamp the rules on how officers impound vehicles of unlicensed drivers was put on hold Tuesday because state lawyers questioned the legality of the proposed reforms. Police Chief Charlie Beck, who has faced considerable blowback in recent weeks from people angered by the impound plan, had hoped the Police Commission would approve implementation of the new rules at Tuesday's meeting.
Los Angeles Times

Westwood home invasion robbers sought
Two men armed with handguns entered a Westwood home Tuesday morning, bound at least one occupant and stole items, Los Angeles police said. The 7:40 a.m. home invasion occurred on the 300 block of Norcroft Avenue, just one block east of the UCLA campus, said LAPD spokesman Richard French. The suspects wore dark clothing and bound up a nurse inside the home, French said.
Los Angeles Times

Cracking down on parking meter cheaters
They use disabled-driver placards that they don't deserve. But thanks to the LAPD and DOT, some of them get the hefty fines they really do deserve. As the scoundrels arrived to look for parking, little did the unsuspecting offenders of decency know that an undercover sting had been set up to ruin their day.
Steve Lopez/Los Angeles Times

Man who barricaded himself in Van Nuys home is arrested
A man who barricaded himself inside a Van Nuys home and later escaped was detained Tuesday hours after SWAT teams had dispersed. The 71-year-old man, whose name was not released, was taken into custody after a short vehicle pursuit about 9:30 a.m., said Lt. Andy Neiman of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Los Angeles Times

Obama visit may snarl afternoon traffic on the Westside
President Barack Obama's visit is likely to tie up traffic this afternoon in Beverly Hills and adjacent Westside neighborhoods, but City Councilman Bill Rosendahl said delays will not be terrible. Obama is scheduled to arrive at Los Angeles International Airport shortly after 3 p.m. and fly by helicopter to the Veterans Administration hospital near UCLA. Traffic in the area could back up as late as 11 p.m., when Obama travels from the fundraiser to the Beverly Hilton, where he usually stays when in the Los Angeles area.
Torrance Daily Breeze

State Budget

S&P upgrades California's financial outlook
California got another bump from Standard & Poor's on Tuesday as the rating agency upgraded the state's financial outlook from "stable" to "positive." The agency's analyst, Gabriel Petek, said the state has "corrected a significant portion of its budget imbalance" by cutting spending. That means California's credit rating of A-, the lowest of any state, is poised for improvement.
Los Angeles Times

Politics

Villaraigosa will chair Democratic National Convention
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has been selected chairman of this summer's Democratic National Convention, elevating his role as a surrogate in the Latino community and raising his national profile at a time Villaraigosa considers his political future. A formal announcement was scheduled Wednesday in Washington, with the mayor planning to join President Obama on Wednesday night for a presidential fundraiser in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Times

City Government

L.A. City Council redistricting discussions turn nasty
The once-a-decade ritual to redraw Los Angeles City Council district lines has become an increasingly messy and acrimonious bit of political theater as lawmakers and community groups jockey for favored positions. Councilman Bernard C. Parks is seething over what he said was a four-letter epithet directed his way by the executive director of the Redistricting Commission, a former aide and close ally of rival lawmaker and Council President Herb Wesson.
Los Angeles Times

The importance of City Council committees
When most people think about the L.A. City Council, they think of its regular meetings at City Hall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. (televised on L.A. CityView 35). What many don't realize is that by the time an issue is ready for consideration by the 15-member Council, it's already been reviewed and analyzed by one or more city council committees. Not as visible as the City Council in session but crucial to the governing of our city, these committees perform investigative duties for the full Council and issue recommendations.
LAPPL Blog

Election 2013

Mike Feuer announces bid for L.A. city attorney
Assemblyman Mike Feuer officially announced his candidacy for Los Angeles city attorney Tuesday, and said he has raised more than $300,000 in his campaign treasury. The current city attorney, Carmen Trutanich, is running for district attorney. A former Los Angeles city councilman, Feuer ran for city attorney in 2001. He finished first in a crowded primary field but lost a run-off against Rocky Delgadillo. Feuer was elected to the Assembly in 2006, and is barred from seeking reelection because of term limits.
Los Angeles Times