Law Enforcement

Los Angeles considers next step after rejected LAPD contract
With the overwhelming rejection of the proposed one-year contract offered to Los Angeles Police Department officers this past weekend, city officials Monday were trying to determine the next step to take in new negotiations with the Los Angeles Police Protective League, as well as determine the impact of those continuing talks on other unions. Aides to Mayor Eric Garcetti have said his goal is to have a contract he considers "fiscally responsible," though he would not comment further on the issue.
Los Angeles Daily News

Here's how the LAPD is connecting with young people
Police officers are not always known to have the strongest relationship with local youth, but the Los Angeles Police Department is using recruitment as a tool to change that narrative. Late last month, the LAPD graduated 652 cadets from ages 14 to 20, the largest graduating class since the program launched in 2007, the Los Angeles Times reports. Rather than guiding young people into law enforcement, the program includes courses ranging in topics including citizenship, leadership and financial literacy.
NationSwell

Man's body found near Markham Middle School in Watts
Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found early Monday just outside Markham Middle School in Watts, officials said. The man, who was in his 40s, was discovered about 7:30 a.m. at 104th Street and Compton Avenue near the school, LAPD Officer Liliana Preciado said. Paramedics had responded to a call about a man possibly overdosing, she said. About 200 students were attending summer school classes on campus at the time, according to school officials.
Los Angeles Times

2 injured in 2-car hit-and-run crash on 101 Freeway in Sherman Oaks
Two vehicles overturned on the northbound 101 Freeway in Sherman Oaks, injuring two people in a crash that authorities Monday blamed on a driver who ran from the site, abandoning his disabled car. The crash, just east of 405 Freeway, was reported at 11:53 p.m. Sunday, said California Highway Patrol Officer Tony Polizzi. Authorities launched a search for the hit-and-run driver, using aircraft and police dogs, Polizzi said.
City News Service

Federal agent who fired gun during pro-Israel rally is placed on leave
A Federal Protective Service agent is on administrative leave after firing his gun when a truck full of men who allegedly assaulted pro-Israel protestors Sunday in Westwood tried to get away, an agency official said. The shooting occurred about 5:20 p.m. outside the federal building in the 11000 block of Wilshire Boulevard as demonstrators faced off over Israel's recent offensive against the Gaza Strip, authorities said.
Los Angeles Times

Immigration

Border Patrol takes on caretaker duties
They bought car seats and infant formula, kids' drinks and story books. They made lunch, wiped faces, changed diapers, led outdoor play time, took temperatures. For the past several weeks, Border Patrol agents have taken on an unfamiliar and unexpected role: guardians of hundreds of Central American migrants, some adults and some barely old enough to tie their shoes, who passed through San Diego for immigration processing.
U-T San Diego

Drought

Proposal would fine California water-wasters
In one of the most drastic responses yet to California's drought, state regulators on Tuesday will consider fines up to $500 a day for people who waste water on landscaping, fountains, washing vehicles and other outdoor uses. The rules would prohibit the watering of landscaping to the point that runoff spills onto sidewalks or streets. Hosing down sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces would be banned along with washing vehicles without a shut-off nozzle.
Associated Press

Medical Marijuana

L.A. city attorney seeks court order to halt cannabis farmers market
The Los Angeles city attorney is seeking an injunction to stop what's being dubbed as the city's first-ever cannabis-centric farmers market, which opened for business over the Fourth of July weekend. The medical marijuana market opened July 4-6 inside a Boyle Heights warehouse and continued to operate this past weekend, following its successful start.
Los Angeles Times

California looks to regulate medical marijuana
The strange bedfellows' society was definitely in session at a recent Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing. Medical marijuana supporters like Committee Chair Tom Ammiano and longtime opponents from law enforcement groups and the League of California Cities all praised each other for working on a regulatory and licensing framework - not just for dispensaries but for growers, processors and physicians. The League of Cities' Tim Cromartie says his group recognizes the need for strong marijuana regulations.
Capitol Radio

Economy

Activists pitch L.A. ballot measure for citywide $15 minimum wage
A coalition of activists has taken the first step in a campaign for a $15 minimum wage for workers across Los Angeles, drafting language for a ballot measure that would follow in the footsteps of a boost recently approved in Seattle. "This isn't a pie-in-the-sky kind of thing," said John Parker, an organizer with the Los Angeles Workers Assembly, a grassroots group backing the proposal. "It's something that a lot of people are demanding."
Los Angeles Times