Law Enforcement

L.A. County sheriff's deputy killed in head-on collision in Santa Clarita
An L.A. County Sheriff's deputy was killed Wednesday night after losing control of his SUV and colliding head-on with another vehicle in Santa Clarita, officials said. Deputy Brandon Arce, 31, of Lancaster was off-duty and using his own vehicle at the time of the crash, according to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Brandon Arce, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Sheriff Jim McDonnell said in a statement. “Law enforcement is a close-knit community, and when we lose a member of our family, the loss is definitely felt by everyone.”
Los Angeles Times , ABC 7

Two Deputies Injured, Pedestrian Killed in West Hollywood Crash
Two sheriff's deputies were injured, one pedestrian was killed and another was critically injured Thursday night after a crash in West Hollywood, authorities said. The crash was reported around 11:15 p.m. at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vincente Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Authorities said one of the deputies had to be extricated from his vehicle. All of the crash victims were transported to a hospital. One of the pedestrians died at the hospital and the other was in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.”
NBC Los Angeles

Police Search for Driver Who May Have Intentionally Struck Bicyclist Near USC
Police were searching for a driver who witnesses say may have intentionally struck a bicyclist in a deadly crash near the USC campus Thursday morning. The crash was reported near West 39th Place and South Vermont Avenue about 9 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department said. The man, described as approximately 35 years old, died at the scene, according to LAPD. Witnesses at the scene said the driver of a light-colored SUV was involved in an altercation with the man riding a bicycle.
NBC Los Angeles

18-Month-Old Girl Found After Being Abducted by Biological Mother
An 18-month-old girl was found safe Wednesday night after she was taken by her biological mother during a supervised visit at a McDonald's restaurant in South Los Angeles, police said. The child, identified as Sariya Ogbeiwi, was taken at about 11 a.m. in the 1400 block of West Manchester Avenue as her non-custodial mother visited her in the presence of a with a Department of Children and Family Services worker, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
NBC Los Angeles

LAPD SWAT team to get a new home for Christmas
Archaeological discoveries and a tight market for contractors and materials have slowed the conversion of the former Rampart police station into the new home for the LAPD SWAT team and the rest of the Metro Division. But city officials say the project is on target to be finished in December, more than a year behind schedule. The 1960s-era building, which had become a target for vandals after being left vacant since 2008, at 2710 Temple Street is now painted a shade of gold and white. A new public seating area with benches has been created on the western side of the property.
The Eastsider LA

Police seeking help searching for teen missing since Oct. 12
Police sought the public's help Thursday to find a 17-year-old girl who went missing on her way to school in Highland Park. Emilie Lopez was last seen 7:30 a.m. Monday in the 5600 block of Meridian Street, walking to Franklin High School. She was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and brown shoes, police said. Emilie is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts was asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Division detectives at (323) 344-5731.
My News LA

State Government

California may put a major gun measure on the ballot in 2016
California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled a ballot initiative aimed at strengthening the state's gun control laws by banning possession of large-capacity magazines and requiring background checks for ammunition purchases. Newsom hopes to put the initiative before voters in the November 2016 election.
Business Insider

Here's how California's new voter registration law will work
California has received a lot of attention in recent days for its new voter registration law, which is intended to streamline the process of signing up to vote and encourage more participation in elections. Here's what we know — and don't know yet — about the new law.
Los Angeles Times

Pensions

Most California cities back new pension strategy despite cost
Most California cities support a new strategy by the nation's largest public pension fund to make its investment portfolio more conservative, even though the move could gradually increase how much employers pay into the fund. Still, some cities expressed serious reservations about a California Public Employees' Retirement System plan to incrementally lower the $293 billion fund's assumed rate of investment returns following periods of strong performance.
Reuters