Law Enforcement

U.S. police officer deaths jump nearly one-third in first half of 2014
The number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty nationwide jumped 31% in the first half of 2014 with California leading the nation with eight deaths, data shows. In the first half of the year, 67 officers died in the line of duty in the U.S. compared with 51 in the same period in 2013, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The number marks the first major increase in several years.
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Daily News

Do LAPD officers deserve a raise?
Mayor Garcetti says LA can't afford to give cops a raise, and he wants to address them directly. The cops rejected a no-raise contract, even though it was recommended by leaders of their union, the Police Protective League. Now the League says it'll sue to prevent the Mayor and the Chief of Police from going to roll call. Guests on Tuesday's "Which Way LA": Tyler Izen, Los Angeles Police Protective League and Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department. (Listen to audio beginning at 17:00.)
KCRW

Suspect in custody after man is fatally stabbed in neck in Van Nuys
A suspect was in custody after a 40-year-old man was fatally stabbed in the neck early Tuesday near a Target store in Van Nuys, police said. The incident took place around 5 a.m. at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Hatteras Street, according to Los Angeles police. Police used force to restrain the suspect, a male who was believed to be under the influence of narcotics. He was transported to Sherman Oaks Hospital because of injuries sustained while being arrested.
Los Angeles Times

NYPD officers to get training in L.A. after alleged use of chokehold
New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said the death of a 43-year-old Staten Island man who may have been placed in a chokehold by a police officer last week would probably spark a federal review and could lead to a probe into possible civil rights violations. Speaking at a Tuesday afternoon briefing, Bratton said the death of Eric Garner highlighted a need for improved training, and said he would send a contingent of officers to Los Angeles to develop new training regimens.
Los Angeles Times

Human remains identified as those of missing Sherman Oaks man
Human remains found about five months ago near the Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank have been identified as those of a missing 65-year-old Sherman Oaks man, authorities said. Thomas Katz was reported missing after last being seen Aug. 30, 2013, near his home, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. His car was found in Burbank and authorities said last year that he may have been depressed; family members were concerned for his safety, police said.
Los Angeles Times

Presidential Visit

Obama to give speech on economy at LA college
President Barack Obama will be making his way to Southern California for the third time in three months to deliver a speech on the economy at a Los Angeles college during a 24-hour fundraising swing this week. The president will will attend two Democratic National Committee fundraisers in the LA area starting Wednesday and then give a speech at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College on Thursday. Obama is scheduled to arrive at Los Angeles International Airport around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
NBC4

Legislation

House passes bill to improve airport security in wake of LAX shooting
In the wake of November's deadly shooting at Los Angeles International Airport, the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill to tighten security at the nation's airports. The measure, introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), is named in honor of Gerardo Hernandez, the Transportation Security Administration screener who was shot to death Nov. 1 while on duty at LAX.
Los Angeles Times

Courts

Mexican-born professor eyed for state high court
Gov. Jerry Brown nominated a Mexican-born Stanford law professor on Tuesday to the California Supreme Court, continuing a trend to diversify and shift one of the most influential courts in the country to the left. Brown nominated Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, 41, to be an associate justice of the state's highest court. If approved, the registered Democrat would fill a vacancy created by the retirement in January of conservative Justice Marvin Baxter.
Associated Press

County Government

L.A. County supervisors order agencies to scale back water use
Los Angeles County's board of supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to order restrictions on water use for its government operations, following a state directive to Californians to curb water usage during one of the worst droughts in decades. The county, which employs more than 100,000 people and runs an extensive system of parks and government buildings, will adhere to the restrictions issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, including a ban on allowing runoff from outdoor sprinklers and hosing down driveways and sidewalks.
Los Angeles Times