Economists Predict Optimistic Growth for Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation has released its annual economic forecast for downtown Los Angeles. The report predicts positive economic growth, driven mostly by entertainment and tourism. Prospects for job growth are not as encouraging. Timothy Beck Werth has more on the surprisingly optimistic report. (posted 2/18/10)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

LA music students finally getting new instruments
Students in public school music programs aren't used to hearing good news. A couple of celebrities changed that on Tuesday, and now hundreds of Los Angeles high school students are on their way to playing new instruments. At a surprise announcement at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Jamie Foxx and Dominic Monaghan told cheering students their schools would be getting $100,000 to buy them new instruments. The donation is part of Fidelity Investments 2010 Future Stage program. (posted 2/10/10)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

“Grim Sleeper” serial killer remains at large
The city council renewed a $500,000 reward for a serial killer that preys on women in South Los Angeles. Known as the "Grim Sleeper", the killer is responsible for 11 murders since 1985. Timothy Beck Werth has more on the ongoing effort to bring him to justice. (posted 12/01/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

California readies controversial cap and trade program
Today California's Air Resources Board released a draft of the state's greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system. The program would offer businesses incentives to reduce emissions by forcing them to pay to pollute. But environmental justice groups say it;s no cause for celebration. Timothy Beck Werth has the story. (posted 11/24/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

Laid-off Toyota workers march in Hollywood
Around 100 janitors and supporters from the Service Employees International Union gathered in front of a Toyota dealership in Hollywood. They're protesting Toyota’s decision to cut the janitorial staff by 40 percent at its national headquarters in Torrance. The marchers blocked traffic as they banged on drums and chanted. Toyota is also shutting down a plant in Fremont, which will cost thousands more workers their jobs. (posted 10/27/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

Sheriff department negotiates to renew controversial partnership with ICE
Immigrant rights advocates gathered in front of the federal building downtown to demand information about the Sheriff department’s partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under an agreement known as 287 (g) local law enforcement agencies help identify, detain, and deport criminal immigrants. The officers are only supposed to target serious felons, but the advocates say that’s not always the case. After allegations of racial profiling in other parts of the country, ICE is coming up with new agreements for the 287 (g) program. Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside are some of the only areas in the country yet to reach an agreement. (posted 10/20/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

Swine flu vaccine for the uninsured
Vaccines for the swine flu have started to arrive at doctor's office around Los Angeles County. The Department of Public Health will also be making vaccines available to residents without health insurance. Starting October 23, clinics will be set up in parks, community centers, and churches to reach high risk populations without access to regular healthcare. More than one million vaccines will be available to Angelinos and the County does not anticipate any shortages. (posted 10/13/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

City Council approves ambitious anti-graffiti ordinance
Today the City Council approved an ordinance that requires all new property in Los Angeles to be sprayed with an anti-graffiti coating. The clear finish will cause spray paint to drip off when taggers or graffiti artists attempt to vandalize property. Business owners can choose not to apply the coating if they sign a contract pledging to remove graffiti themselves within seven days. The city spends millions annually removing an endless flood of spray paint. (posted 9/29/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth

 

Families question Sheriff Department’s deadly record
Family members of three slain men gathered at the Board of Supervisor's meeting to call for an investigation into a string of deadly shootings by Sheriff Deputies. Violence in Los Angeles is down, but fatal shooting by Sheriff Deputies has increased. There have been 13 deadly shootings this year, up from five in 2008. Many of the men were shot in the back as they ran from the police. Their families are not satisfied with the official explanations, and think the Sheriff Department needs special investigation. Last week, Sheriff Lee Baca said he would ensure his department completes their own investigations into the shootings within 90 days. (posted 9/22/09)
By Timothy Beck Werth