Law Enforcement

LAPD responds to 'swatting' call at Russell Brand's L.A. home
Los Angeles police responded to the home of comedian Russell Brand on Monday afternoon, the latest celebrity targeted in a wave of "swatting" calls. The call, which was reported shortly before 4 p.m., allegedly involved an armed suspect at Brand's residence in the 1800 block of Doheny Drive. That brings the number of such 'swatting' incidents to nearly a dozen in recent months.
Los Angeles Times

Northeast officials meet with constituents in Eagle Rock
About 80 people gathered Saturday afternoon in the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, to meet with a group of elected officials from Northeast Los Angeles who talked about the roles of their respective levels of government and the programs and services they offer, besides listening to constituents' concerns in face-to-face meetings. The event featured Congressman Xavier Becerra, 51st District Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and Councilman José Huizar.
Eagle Rock Patch

Wearing a badge, and a video camera
Here's a fraught encounter: one police officer, one civilian and anger felt by one or both. Afterward, it may be hard to sort out who did what to whom. Now, some police departments are using miniaturized video cameras and their microphones to capture, in full detail, officers' interactions with civilians. The cameras are so small that they can be attached to a collar, a cap or even to the side of an officer's sunglasses. High-capacity battery packs can last for an extended shift.
New York Times

Moreno Valley: Dispatcher's killer could serve only 34 days
Although sentenced to nine months in jail, Juan Zacarias Tzun could serve as little as 34 additional days behind bars for causing the death of Riverside County Sheriff's dispatcher Dominic Durden. Superior Court Judge Rafael A. Arreola on Wednesday, April 3 ordered Tzun to serve the first 90 days of his 270-day sentence in jail. He received credit for 56 days already served, leaving a balance of 34 days actual jail time. Tzun, 32, pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence - a misdemeanor -- in the July 2012 crash in Moreno Valley that killed Durden, 30. Tzun did not have a driver's license, had two drunken-driving convictions and is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala.
Riverside Press-Enterprise

Legislation

Congress tackles gun violence, immigration
After a two-week spring recess, Congress returns to work on Tuesday for a make-or-break legislative sprint on two White House priorities - gun violence and immigration reform - in a session that could help define President Obama's second term. Spurred by the elementary school shooting last December in Newtown, Conn., tightening the nation's gun laws was expected to be the top order of business when the Senate reconvenes. But the gun violence bill could be delayed as negotiators struggle to reach accord on a provision that would require law enforcement background checks for nearly all gun purchases.
Los Angeles Times

Crime legislation: Focus on facts, not fear
California already had what were arguably the nation's toughest sex offender laws in 2006 when voters, spurred on nightly by fear-mongering television hosts such as Nancy Grace and Bill O'Reilly, adopted this state's version of Jessica's Law. The best path to solving problems created by frenzied lawmaking is not more frenzy. It's better thinking. That's the way to pull California out of its prison mess instead of legislating its way in deeper.
Los Angeles Times Editorial

County Government

L.A. County may crack down on illegal street vendors
Board member Mark Ridley-Thomas, who represents the Watts area and wrote the motion, says illegal vending is hurting local businesses and driving down sales tax collections. He's calling for county planners and law enforcement officials to explore strengthening codes to control the unlicensed vendors and resellers, some of whom set up more or less continuous operations, he says.
Los Angeles Times

City Election

Greuel wins key endorsement from Rep. Maxine Waters
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel picked up the endorsement Monday of Maxine Waters, a Democratic congresswoman with substantial sway among black voters in South Los Angeles. Waters is the latest in a succession of prominent African Americans in L.A. politics to take sides in the May 21 runoff between Greuel, the city controller, and Eric Garcetti, a city councilman. Black voters, particularly in South L.A., are one of the biggest voting blocs up for grabs.
Los Angeles Times