Law Enforcement

Crime alerts for Harbor Gateway and 10 other L.A. neighborhoods
Crime reports are up significantly for the latest week in 11 L.A. neighborhoods, according to an analysis of LAPD data by the Los Angeles Times' Crime L.A. database. Nine neighborhoods reported a significant increase in violent crime. Harbor Gateway was the most unusual, recording seven reports compared with a weekly average of 1.9 over the last three months. Downtown L.A. topped the list of neighborhoods with property crime alerts.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD's new impound policy takes effect despite pending suit
The Los Angeles Police Department's new impound policy was expected to go into effect Sunday despite a pending lawsuit by the Police Protective League. The new policy allows unlicensed drivers stopped for minor infractions to reclaim their vehicles without waiting 30 days and paying stiff fines.
CBS2

With growing number of parolees in San Fernando Valley, LAPD scrambles to keep its eye on them
The children playing and laughing in the backyard next door couldn't see it, but police officers had forced open a safe in their Woodland Hills neighbor's garage and found a collection of guns and rifles. The team led by LAPD Sgt. Jeff Nuttall had gone to the home to check on Byrone London, who had recently served a prison sentence for obstructing and resisting arrest. London was supposed to stay away from weapons and drugs or risk ending up back behind bars.
Los Angeles Daily News

LAPD, city have changed since the riots, panel agrees
Reflecting on the civil disturbance after the verdict in the beating of Rodney King, former Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti, civil rights attorney Connie Rice and L.A. Times columnist Jim Newton say a diverse Police Department and better leadership have improved relations with communities across the city.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD goes from longtime oppressor to community partner
In 1992, the LAPD was regarded with suspicion and downright hostility by many in South Los Angeles. Now, two decades after the riots, the 'siege mentality' is gone, crime is down significantly and 70% of city residents approve of the department.
Los Angeles Times

101-year-old man missing from home; LAPD asking for public's help
A 101-year-old local man is missing from his home, and Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help to find him. Lazaro Gamez lives alone in the 4300 block of Willowbrook Avenue in Los Angeles. A caregiver who usually checks in on Gamez has not heard from him since Wednesday, April 18. When the caregiver went to Gamez's house at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday, no one was home. That's when the caretaker contacted police.
ABC7

Missing 9-year-old girl in Rampart found
A 9-year-old girl who went missing in the Rampart area was found safe and sound at a friend's house on Saturday. LAPD Sgt. Michael Mabie said Yaiza Cuevas went to a slumber party at a friend's house, and her mom was not aware of it. The girl was reported missing by her mother on Friday after an apparent communication mix-up between the mom and the child's babysitter.
ABC7

Sexual predator sought for striking at San Fernando Valley teen girls
Los Angeles police on Friday sought the public's help in nabbing a man suspected of sexually attacking teenage girls in the north San Fernando Valley. The sexual predator was being sought for attempted kidnappings, assaults and lewd behavior near high schools in Arleta and North Hills. On Tuesday, the man tried to kidnap and sexually assault a 17-year-old girl near Monroe High School in North Hills, police said.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune

LAPD meets Muslim community in Granada Hills to discuss police shooting death of Abdul Arian, 19
Los Angeles Police Department officials met with members of the Muslim community on Friday to mend some fences in the wake of the fatal police shooting of a local 19-year-old Afghan-American. The commanding officer of Devonshire Division and the department's inspector general appeared at the Islamic Center of Northridge's mosque in Granada Hills.
Los Angeles Daily News

City Government

Villaraigosa wants to cut 669 city positions, raise retirement age in quest to balance budget
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for the elimination of 669 city employee positions on Friday, unveiling a budget that slashes funds across the city, but modestly boosts the number of LAPD officers. Civilians in the Los Angeles Police Department will bear the brunt of the cuts: 159 typists, secretaries, and other administrative staff would lose jobs under Villaraigosa's proposal.
Los Angeles Daily News