The City Maven

19Apr
2012

Supervisor Antonovich Likens Measure R to Sexualized Violence*

A discussion on whether to support state legislation that would pave the way for an extension of Measure R took an unexpected turn today when a Los Angeles County supervisor likened the tax to “gang rape.”

Supervisor Mike Antonovich’s comment prompted Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a major supporter of Measure R, to temporarily walk out of the Metro committee meeting. He later returned for the 3-2 vote to support Assemblyman Mike Feuer’s bill. Today’s dust up follows last night’s State of the City address, which focused on why Villaraigosa believes it is necessary to eliminate the 2039 sunset of Measure R.

Audio of the exchange is after the jump.

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19Apr
2012

Police Union Sues City Over Unlicensed Drivers Policy

The Los Angeles Police Department’s policy on when to impound the vehicles of unlicensed drivers has prompted a lawsuit from the union that represents rank and file members of the department, the Los Angeles Police Protective League announced today.

The civilian Police Commission recently changed the department’s policy that required police to impound the vehicles of unlicensed drivers for 30 days. Critics said the policy unfairly targeted immigrants who do not have drivers licenses. The LAPD’s new policy would allow impound periods to be as short as one day if the unlicensed driver does not have any prior convictions for being unlicensed, is able to show proof of insurance, has sufficient identification, and is not at fault in a major traffic collision.

The board of the LAPPL believes the policy conflicts with state law, which mandates a 30-day impound.

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April 19, 2012

Maven’s Morning Coffee

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven’s Morning Coffee — a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

Today is Thursday, April 19, 2012, and here is what’s happening in Los Angeles:

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April 18, 2012