Law Enforcement

LAPD Chief Beck: 'People can feel safe in Hollywood '
A recent spate of high-profile crimes in L.A.'s Hollywood district has raised concern over safety in the area, a popular destination for tourists and clubgoers. On June 18, a 23-year-old woman was fatally stabbed near the Hollywood & Highland Center. A month later, on July 17, a roaming band of robbers targeted local businesses and tourists in a crime spree that was reportedly coordinated on social media. And on Monday, a man was fatally stabbed and four others were injured in separate attacks.
KTLA

LAPD Chief Beck 'fairly confident' crime will decline for 11th year
With two-thirds of 2013 in the books and statistics continuing to fall, Los Angeles is on track to see its 11th consecutive year of declining crime, Police Chief Charlie Beck announced Thursday. Beck told reporters that, given the numbers, he was "fairly confident" the city would see another year of decreasing crime. But the chief said officials were keeping their eye on another milestone.
Los Angeles Times

19 men arrested in LAPD prostitution sting
Los Angeles police have arrested 19 men for solicitation along the Sepulveda Corridor, officials announced Thursday. The four-hour sting occurred on Aug. 22 and focused on two San Fernando Valley motels, the Travel Inn and the Palm Tree Inn, both in the 8500 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. The suspects were arrested after they offered female vice officers money in exchange for sex, the LAPD said. The arrestees ranged in age from 19 to 38 years.
CBS LA

21 arrested in Wal-Mart protest in downtown L.A.
Los Angeles police arrested 21 people who were part of rally and march downtown to call for better wages and improved working conditions at Wal-Mart stores. The protest drew people who chanted and waved signs that read "Pay us Enough to Support our Families" and "Illegally Fired for Standing Up." The 21 protesters were arrested on suspicion of failure to disperse near Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenue, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Nuria Vanegas.
Los Angeles Times

Man gets jail, probation for anti-gay hate crime attack
A Los Angeles man was convicted and sentenced to jail for making anti-gay slurs during a hate crime attack in which he repeatedly threatened a witness, authorities said Thursday. Mario Williams, 32, was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years' probation and ordered to attend anger management after he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor hate crime count and one count of making a threat of harm.
Los Angeles Times

L.A. Police Museum named 'Awesome Museum' by children's group
The Los Angeles Police Museum has been named one of the "Most Awesome Museums" by Red Tricycle, an organization that promotes child-friendly activities. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck planned to highlight the award Thursday at the museum in the old Highland Park police station at 6045 York Blvd. "The nation's preeminent Police Museum, the LA Police Museum, shares LAPD's rich history via an engaging audio tour and numerous fascinating exhibits," wrote Red Tricycle.
Los Angeles Times

Driving

Tesla drivers get good HOV news
If you own a Tesla Model S, you probably already feel like you're doing the right thing by the planet. California is augmenting your good karma by extending eligibility for the fast lane for electric cars until 2019. The state's sticker program that gives electrics, hybrids and high occupancy vehicles a pass for the fast lane, was going to end in 2015. A bill approved by the state legislature gives the sticker plan four more years, according to CNet.
Silicon Valley Business Journal

Don't read this while driving: L.A. insurance rates highest in state
Here's another item to add to the "That costs more in Los Angeles" list, and it isn't pretty: car insurance. The 10 most expensive ZIP Codes for car insurance in the state of California are all in the L.A. metro area. L.A. County is also the most expensive county in the state, while Beverly Hills wins the honor of most expensive city in the state to insure a vehicle. The findings are from a study commissioned by InsuranceQuotes.com.
Los Angeles Times

Prisons

Lawmakers will move forward with prison hearings
As the hunger strike in California prisons ends, two lawmakers plan to move forward with their plans to hold hearings examining the use of solitary confinement in maximum security facilities. The strike lasted for two months as inmates protested prison conditions. "The issues they raised will not be ignored," said Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) on Thursday. Hancock and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) announced last week that they would hold hearings, a decision that pleased inmate advocates.
Los Angeles Times

City Government

Garcetti says luring NFL team to L.A. a priority, but 'on our terms'
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Thursday that he remained committed to luring a professional football team to the city after nearly two decades without one, but was not counting on one to spur economic growth downtown. "I think having (the) NFL in Los Angeles is a priority," Garcetti said after an event celebrating the opening of a new Microsoft office in Playa Vista.
Los Angeles Times