Law Enforcement

Hundreds of LAPD cadets to assist in Endeavour's final journey
As the space shuttle Endeavour slowly rumbles across South Los Angeles this weekend, it will be hard to miss the hundreds of youthful faces in light blue shirts lining the route. These young people won't just be witnesses to history, they will be integral to ensuring a smooth ride for an event that is expected to draw thousands, if not tens of thousands, said Los Angeles Police Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger.
Los Angeles Times

Report: Illegal drivers behind high hit-and-run rate in LA
The number of hit-and-run accidents in Los Angeles is four times higher than the national average, with one in five fatal crashes involving an unlicensed driver, according to a new report. Don Rosenberg, the founder of UnlicensedToKill.org, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO that an estimated 750,000 illegal immigrants live in the L.A. area and those who drive could pose "an immense threat to society".
CBS LA

Part of LAPD headquarters evacuated
A portion of the Los Angeles Police Department's downtown headquarters was evacuated for a couple of hours after an envelope with a white powdery substance and a threatening note was found. Cmdr. Andrew Smith says the envelope was opened about 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the mailroom. White powder and a note were found inside. The first floor was evacuated and the remaining nine floors were placed on lockdown. A bomb squad and a hazardous materials team responded and determined the powder was harmless.
Associated Press

In a first, U.S. labels MS-13 street gang 'criminal organization'
Federal authorities Thursday designated the notorious Mara Salvatrucha MS-13 as a "transnational criminal organization," giving federal authorities more tools to fight the street gang that has its roots in Los Angeles. Under the designation, federal officials said they can now seize assets of gang members found within the United States jurisdiction. The designation is the first for a U.S. street gang.
Los Angeles Times

Suspected tagger falls from three-story building, shatters skull
A 19-year-old man who allegedly climbed a tree in Westlake so he could paint graffiti on a three-story building fell onto the sidewalk early Thursday morning and shattered his skull, authorities said. The man fell about 30 feet about 2:45 a.m. in the 1600 block of Beverly Boulevard and was taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with no brain activity, said Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Wes Buhrmester.
Los Angeles Times

Police search for gunmen who shot undercover officer in Westlake
Police blocked off a large area near South Virgil Avenue and West 6th Street in Westlake on Thursday to search for two suspected gunmen who shot an undercover Los Angeles police officer. The undercover officer, who has not been identified, was "conducting an investigation" about 3 a.m. Thursday when he was shot in the leg, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Tenesha Dobine. Dobine said the shot grazed the officer, who was treated for the injury and later released.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD Memorial Foundation Celebrity Golf and Family Fun Day this weekend
A huge number of stars are expected to attend this year's LAPD Memorial Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament and Family Fun Day being held on Saturday.. The celebrity golf tournament is the only fundraiser benefiting the Memorial Foundation. Each year, over $650,000 in direct financial grants are issued to officers and their immediate family members, who experienced unforeseen catastrophic circumstances, including death, illness and injury. The Memorial Foundation is the cornerstone of the Los Angeles Police Departments employee wellness program and has raised over $13.5 million without any direct taxpayer money.
Look to the Stars

Pensions

Former Mayor Richard Riordan says he'll launch his pension reform initiative Friday
Former Mayor Richard Riordan plans to file his own pension reform initiative Friday and begin collecting signatures to qualify the measure for next May's mayoral runoff election. Riordan's effort comes two weeks after the City Council voted to create a new less-generous pension plan for new civilian workers. The new pension tier requires employees to work until age 67, be eligible for reduced benefits and pay more into the system.
Los Angeles Daily News

City Election 2013

L.A. billionaire Rick Caruso says he won't run for mayor
Billionaire shopping mall developer Rick Caruso is staying out of the Los Angeles mayoral race, he said in a statement released Thursday. "As a lifelong Angeleno, I have dedicated my career to supporting Los Angeles through world-class developments, creating jobs and economic benefits and in working with civic and community organizations throughout Los Angeles," Caruso said. "I look forward to continuing to contribute to our city by focusing on endeavors that enrich the lives of the people in this city."
Los Angeles Times

L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl backs Wendy Greuel for mayor
Two days after he dumped on an array of politicians across the country, departing Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl announced Thursday there is at least one elected official he still likes: City Controller Wendy Greuel. Rosendahl endorsed Greuel's bid to replace Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the March election, praising her as "smart, levelheaded and candid." "As mayor, I know she'll work to bring L.A. back to fiscal solvency," he said in a statement.
Los Angeles Times