Law Enforcement

Bicyclist killed in South LA hit-and-run
Police are looking for a hit-and-a-run driver that killed a bicyclist in South Los Angeles Wednesday night. The cyclist was struck around 9:40 p.m. near the intersection of South Normandie Avenue and West 47th Street, according the Los Angeles Police Department. The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he later died. Police are looking for a vehicle described as either a red Toyota Corolla or a burgundy Pontiac, LAPD said.
NBC4

'That's creepy': Mayor says LAPD drones won't be 'flying over the city...trying to find crime'
Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) acquired by the LAPD will remain grounded until lawmakers can establish specific policies governing their use, Mayor Eric Garcetti said Tuesday. During Wednesday's "Ask The Mayor" call-in segment on KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO, Garcetti said that UAVs - or drones - could be used in hostage standoffs and other similar law enforcement situations, but that their operation should be strictly limited.
CBS LA

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck wants to do more for Los Angeles
Chief Charlie Beck said at the first in a series of meetings seeking public comment on his bid for a second, five-year term as chief of the Los Angeles Police Department that he believes he has more to give to the city. About 25 people attended the June 11 meeting at the Westchester Senior Center and the turnout have been impacted by the Los Angeles Kings playing Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Beck said he was satisfied by the turnout.
Westside Today

Man suspected of abducting 2-year-old son reportedly spotted in Boyle Heights
Authorities suspect a man accused of abducting his 2-year-old son in March may still be in the Southland. Abraham Vargas, 27, was spotted Friday afternoon near Fourth Avenue and Soto Street in Boyle Heights, according to a tip reported to the Los Angeles Police Department. The man thought to be Vargas was sporting a new goatee, had shaved his head and was riding a black BMX-style bicycle, Detective Megan Aguilar said.
CBS LA

'White Pages Bandit' gets 12 years for string of home burglaries
A 30-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison for burglarizing more than a dozen San Fernando Valley homes, which he targeted by using reverse phone directories, prosecutors said. Aramis Davae Williams pleaded guilty to seven counts of burglary and admitted to the allegation that a person was home during some break-ins, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD seeks public's help to find Kimberly Blum
Los Angeles police are seeking information from the public to help find University of Redlands alumna Kimberly Blum, 44, of Los Angeles, who has been missing since June 5. Blum was last heard from in the 1000 block of Newhome Avenue in Sunland around 4 p.m., according to Los Angeles police officials. Blum is described as a white female with brown hair, blue eyes. She is about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 144 pounds.
Redlands Daily Facts

Legislation

Cops would use gun database before welfare checks under California bill
The state senator who represents the Isla Vista community that was ravaged by a mass murder last month has introduced legislation to require law enforcement to check California's gun-purchase database before going out on a welfare check, and provide grants to help police take guns from people who are not allowed to own them.
Sacramento Bee

House bill may help slain TSA agent's family
The House Appropriations Committee today approved a legislative amendment that would provide federal death benefits to the family of a Transportation Security Administration officer who was killed in a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport. Gerardo Hernandez, 39, of Porter Ranch, was killed Nov. 1 when a gunman opened fire in Terminal 3. Three other people were wounded. The legislation would provide Hernandez's family with the same death benefits provided to the families of other federal law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
City News Service

Scams

Caller posing as immigration agent scams Glendale man of $11,500
Police are warning about a phone scam that bilked a Glendale man out of $11,500 after he received a call from someone posing as an immigration agent threatening jail time. In the last few weeks, callers have been posing as Internal Revenue Service agents, law enforcement officials and utility representatives who warn victims they will be arrested or have their utilities shut off if they don't pay a fine, the Glendale News-Press reported.
Los Angeles Times

City Government

L.A. opens bidding for firms to serve new trash collection zones
The city of Los Angeles began implementing an overhaul of its trash collection system Wednesday, aimed at reducing landfill waste and pollution. In April, the City Council approved sweeping changes to the trash pickup system for the city's large apartment and commercial buildings - a total of 63,000 properties that are responsible for about 70% of the city's landfill waste.
Los Angeles Times

City Council confirms Seroka for Port of Los Angeles post
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday confirmed Gene Seroka as executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. The council voted 14-0 to back Mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination of Seroka, an executive at American Presidents Line, the world's seventh-largest container shipping company. Garcetti selected Seroka following a search to replace former port executive director Geraldine Knatz, who announced her retirement last year.
City News Service