Law Enforcement

LAPD releases composite sketches of Los Feliz predator
LAPD has released composite sketches of the suspect they believe is responsible for a wave of burglaries and sexual assaults in Los Feliz that began in March. Multi-unit buildings and single family structures along and near Los Feliz Boulevard were targeted, and police say the suspect entered through doors or windows, taking computers, money, jewelry and clothes. The suspect also targeted single women, making sexual contact with several sleeping victims during a number of the break-ins, said officials.
KPCC

Beatings mar L.A. police overhaul
After a decades-long effort by the LAPD to rehabilitate its image and practices, a string of high-profile cases in which police have been accused of using excessive force is raising questions about whether the department will be able to sustain the progress it has made. Police officials say all the incidents are being investigated internally, and some will receive augmented scrutiny from the Police Commission, a civilian oversight body, as well as the Inspector General's office.
Wall Street Journal

UCLA Students to Volunteer at LAPD Academy, Griffith Park
Thousands of UCLA students on Tuesday will help the homeless, work with young students and beautify local parks throughout Los Angeles for the school's fourth annual Volunteer Day. More than 7,000 Bruins will travel to places all over L.A. to roll up their sleeves and pitch in at more than 50 sites, about double the number of locations from last year. One is the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park.
Echo Park Patch

Ballot Propositions

Unions contribute $3.48 million to anti-Proposition 32 campaign
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees contributed $1.5 million to defeat Proposition 32, part of $3.48 million given by labor unions and politicians within the last week. The campaign supporting the campaign finance-reform initiative raised about one-tenth over the same period. Records filed with the California Secretary of State's Office show that the Teamsters, SEIU Local 1000 and the California Labor Federation has each donated $500,000 to fight the measure since Sept. 17.
Sacramento Bee

Field Poll shows voters closely divided on death penalty
After years of steadfast support for the death penalty, California voters are now divided over whether to repeal capital punishment through a measure on the Nov. 6 ballot, a new poll has found. Among likely voters, 42 percent would repeal the death penalty and replace it with life without possibility of parole, while 45 percent would retain death as a punishment, the survey by the Field Poll and the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley.
Sacramento Bee

The Courts

Man can sue LAPD over allegedly forced confession, court says
A Los Angeles man who spent 19 years in prison for murders he did not commit will be able to sue the LAPD for allegedly coercing his confession, a panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Monday. Harold C. Hall should be permitted to amend his complaint against the city to allege coerced confession, which the court said was made as a result of "desperation, fear and fatigue," in possible violation of the Fifth Amendment.
Los Angeles Times

Carmageddon II

Carmageddon, the sequel: Drivers less cautious this time
During last year's weekend-long shutdown of the San Diego (405) Freeway, Angelenos heeded the warnings, stayed off the roads, and the city avoided catastrophic gridlock. A traffic "Carmageddon" was averted, thanks in part to dire predictions by city officials. But as residents prepare for another shutdown this weekend there are signs the sequel, Carmageddon II, is being taken less seriously. Undaunted by traffic warnings, and fed up with living next to the around-the-clock construction near the 405, many residents are announcing their intentions to, yes, get in a car.
Los Angeles Daily News

Noise complaints prompt officials to ask helicopter pilots for 'restraint' in covering Carmageddon II
Local state and fed officials pleaded with news and tour helicopter operators Monday to use restraint during the Carmageddon II shutdown of the San Diego (405) Freeway this weekend. Rep. Howard Berman, D-Van Nuys, hosted a news conference at the Sherman Oaks Galleria to request that helicopter pilots be respectful of local neighborhoods. "We implore you to use restraint this coming weekend in the coverage of the stories and the way you operate," Berman said.
Los Angeles Daily News

City Election 2013

Assemblyman Mike Feuer challenges City Attorney Carmen Trutanich to 10 debates
Assemblyman Mike Feuer on Monday called for a series of 10 debates with City Attorney Carmen Trutanich before the election next March. "This is an historic election that will have an enormous impact on the future of our city for years to come," Feuer said. "It's critical that voters have an opportunity to learn about the candidates' experience, perspective on key issues and vision for the office of city attorney."
Los Angeles Daily News

City Government

City Council panel approves proposed NFL stadium in downtown Los Angeles
A proposal for a football stadium sailed through a city council panel Monday despite the uncertain future of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is developing the project. Led by Councilwoman Jan Perry, the City Council's Ad Hoc Committee on Downtown Stadium and Convention Center Renovation backed AEG's plan for a $1.2 billion stadium and revamped convention center hall, which sends the project to a City Council vote on Friday.
Los Angeles Daily News

L.A.'s DWP pays 'significantly' higher salaries, analysis finds
Salaries at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are "significantly" higher than those paid by other public and private utilities, according to an analysis prepared for city leaders. With two back-to-back electricity rate increases - 4.9% this year and 6% next year - up for a City Council vote Tuesday, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm has concluded that key employee groups at the DWP earn more and receive health and retirement benefits that appear "more generous than industry norms."
Los Angeles Times