Law Enforcement

Sketch released of man suspected of molesting boy in park bathroom
Police released a sketch Wednesday as part of their effort to identify a man suspected of molesting a juvenile in a South Bay park restroom. Manhattan Beach police said the man approached the victim Friday in the men's restroom at Polliwog Park before allegedly forcing him into a bathroom stall, where he fondled the boy's genitals, KTLA reported.
KTLA

Felon pleads guilty to shooting at man, LAPD officers in Reseda
A felon charged with shooting at two Los Angeles police officers and another man pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Cliff Gershowitz, 50, was accused of shooting the man during a Feb. 10 argument in Reseda, prosecutors said. The victim was wounded in the arm and leg. When Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the scene, they began chasing Gershowitz as he ran away, according to authorities. Prosecutors said Gershowitz opened fire on police, injuring an officer who was struck in the arm.
Los Angeles Times

Man barricaded in Chatsworth house found dead in garage
A man who barricaded himself in a home after a domestic dispute Wednesday died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound hours later, according to police. The Los Angeles Police Department, SWAT team members and the Los Angeles Fire Department responded just after 8 a.m. to a domestic dispute in the 9700 block of Kentland Avenue. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots.
Los Angeles Daily News

Mayor, LAPD Chief don blue jeans to raise awareness of sexual violence
Los Angeles' mayor and chief of police both put on their blue jeans Wednesday to help raise awareness and change public attitudes about sexual violence. KNX 1070s Margaret Carrero reports Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Charlie Beck were on hand at GUESS corporate headquarters in downtown LA to mark the 15th annual "Denim Day."
CBS LA

Twitter critics take on LAPD after NY police hit on social media
A Twitter backlash against New York City police has spread to the West Coast with people posting critical comments and photos of the Los Angeles Police Department. The New York Police Department was hit with a barrage of negative publicity after agency officials urged people to post pictures that praised officers under the hashtag #myNYPD. On Wednesday, people were using a #myLAPD hashtag to post critical comments and photos of Los Angeles police officers.
Los Angeles Times

Sheriff ran air surveillance over Compton without telling residents
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department acknowledged this week that Compton residents were not notified of an airborne video-surveillance program that was tested in 2012. "No notification to the residents was made because this system was being tested in a city where cameras were already deployed and the system was only being evaluated," the department said in a statement released Tuesday.
Los Angeles Times

Legislation

California car data bill stalls in first committee
Legislation requiring car manufacturers to open access to the data streaming out of computerized cars stalled in committee on Tuesday. Only one lawmaker voted against Senate Bill 994 on Tuesday, but seven abstained from voting. The final vote count, 3-1, was three votes short of what the legislation needed to advance beyond the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee.
Sacramento Bee

Jails

County consultant lays out options for jail overhaul
A consultant hired by Los Angeles County to develop a longterm plan for the county's aging jail facilities laid out options for a roughly $2-billion proposed overhaul of the jail system in a report released Wednesday. The county supervisors, concerned about deteriorating facilities and poor living conditions for inmates with mental health issues, want to tear down the aging Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles and replace it.
Los Angeles Times

Supreme Court

Supreme Court upholds California police search based on 911 tip
The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the authority of police officers to stop cars and question drivers based on anonymous tips to hotlines. In a 5-4 decision, the justices ruled that such stops do not amount to an unreasonable search or seizure, even if the arresting officer did not observe the vehicle speeding or swerving. The decision affirms a ruling of the California courts.
Los Angeles Times

City Government

'Renters' Day' declared by L.A. councilman, activists amid 'crisis'
In a symbolic move meant to spotlight the steep rents and shabby conditions facing renters across the city, housing activists and a city councilman declared Wednesday to be "Renters' Day" in Los Angeles. "We are at a moment of crisis," said Councilman Gil Cedillo, who is asking the council to approve a resolution marking the day. "We are in jeopardy of losing an incredible amount, an extraordinary amount, of housing stock for the poor. But not just for the poor, for the entirety of the city."
Los Angeles Times

DWP union chief says he'll fight order to turn over nonprofit records
Brian D'Arcy, head of the largest union at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, says he will appeal a newly finalized court order requiring him to turn over financial records for two nonprofit trusts that have received more than $40 million from ratepayers. The order, signed Tuesday, gives D'Arcy 10 days to turn the records over to city officials or risk being held in contempt of court, said Rob Wilcox, spokesman for City Atty. Mike Feuer.
Los Angeles Times

Lawsuit alleges the DWP caused last year's Powerhouse Fire
Scores of people who suffered damage when the Powerhouse Fire scorched stretches of northern Los Angeles County are suing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, alleging the utility started the massive blaze and failed to properly maintain power lines and equipment. The fire destroyed dozens of homes and burned more than 30,000 acres over the course of several days last year.
Los Angeles Times