Law Enforcement

Northridge slayings spotlight unlicensed boarding homes
The killing of four people outside what appeared to be an illegal boarding house has cast a renewed spotlight on the proliferation of such homes and the health and safety of residents who live in them. Los Angeles police offered no new details Monday about a suspect or the two men and two women found shot to death in the 17400 block of Devonshire Street at 4:25 a.m. Sunday. Detectives told the Los Angeles Coroner's Office to delay releasing the names of the victims, who were found in a yard beside the five-bedroom house.
Los Angeles Daily News

LAPD arrests third suspect in Arleta attempted murder
The third and final suspect in an Arleta shooting was taken into custody by Los Angeles Police officers Saturday. Jose Romero was booked for the Nov. 2 attempted murder of a Hispanic male after he was arrested for a restraining order violation. Officers discovered the attempted murder warrant for Romero when they ran his identity. Carmen Garcia and David Valle were arrested in November for the non-fatal shooting.
Los Angeles Daily News

Did 'Knock-Knock' burglars hit you? See on Web if LAPD has your stuff
Victims of knock-knock burglary crews -- or those who think they might have been -- can search for their stolen jewelry on a Los Angeles Police Department website. Since busting some 70 gang members and their fences in September, the police have itemized and photographed more than 10,000 purloined pieces. "Now, we've moved into the prosecution phase of this case, and in the process of doing that we'd like to identify more victims -- and see if we can return some of the stolen jewelry to their rightful owners," explained Detective Joe Esquivel of the Valley Bureau.
Los Angeles Daily News

LAPD Northeast Division seeks help finding missing Echo Park teen
According to a posting from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Julio Ernesto Lopez is considered an "endangered runaway." The posting on the Center's Web site says Lopez went missing on Sept. 28, 2012. He is 17 and is from Echo Park. He is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and has both his ears pierced. It is believed that he could still be in the area. If you have information you can contact the Northeast Division at 323-344-5701 or the LAPD at 877-275-5273.
Echo Park - Silver Lake Patch

Homeland Security chief Napolitano 'deeply saddened' at death of Coast Guard officer
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano expressed sadness Monday at the death of a U.S. Coast Guard petty officer who died when the Marina del Rey-based vessel he was aboard was rammed by a panga-type boat being piloted without lights near the Channel Islands. Executive Petty Officer Terrell Horne, 34, of Redondo Beach was pronounced dead early Sunday morning at Port Hueneme, where he and another officer were taken after the collision, which caused both of them to be thrown into the water, according to Adam Eggers of the Coast Guard.
City News Service

Gun sales rise sharply for Black Friday, month of November
Toy and electronics stores weren't the only businesses racking up big sales numbers on Black Friday. For area gun shops, the weekend after Thanksgiving is typically one of the busiest of the year. They saw even more sales this year after the re-election of President Barack Obama, continuing a trend that occurred after he was first elected president. "California is following pretty much the national trend," said Michelle Gregory, spokeswoman for the California Department of Justice, which keeps a record of dealer sales.
Sacramento Bee

Jackie Lacey sworn in as L.A.'s first woman and African-American district attorney
Jackie Lacey took the oath of office Monday as Los Angeles County's first woman and first African-American District Attorney since the office was created in 1850. "The message is if you're the most qualified person, if you're willing to work hard, people will entrust you with an office like this," she said in a news conference preceding the inauguration at USC's Galen Center.
Los Angeles Daily News

Thank you, Officer DePrimo - An inspiration to us all
An all-too-common story is that of a passerby who uses his cell phone to catch a cop in an unflattering light. The social media world then picks up the picture, and it goes viral. But this time, the story is different. This time, the passerby took a picture that captured an act of kindness that reflects positively on police officers everywhere and inspires us all.
LAPPL Blog

Transit

Downtown L.A. streetcar measure appears headed for victory
A special measure to bring back the downtown Los Angeles streetcar appeared to win approval Monday with more than 70% of votes in favor, city officials announced. Out of 2,065 ballots counted, 1,508 favored the proposal to create an assessment district to help finance the $125-million project, said Holly Wolcott, executive officer of the city clerk's office. Backers of the streetcar have emphasized the potential economic effects it could bring to downtown, especially along Broadway, where the city is working to revive old movie palaces and office buildings.
Los Angeles Times

The Ports

LA-Long Beach port strike enters second week
Negotiators returned to the bargaining table Monday as a strike that has crippled operations at the nation's largest port complex entered its seventh day. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa demanded that both sides meet nonstop until they reach an agreement. "It seems like progress is being made," union spokesman Craig Merrilees said after negotiations resumed. "It's not quick and it's not easy, but there is some progress."
Associated Press

Health

CDC says US flu season starts early, could be bad
Flu season in the U.S. is off to its earliest start in nearly a decade-and it could be a bad one. Health officials on Monday said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states, and the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types. It is particularly hard on the elderly. "It looks like it's shaping up to be a bad flu season, but only time will tell," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Associated Press