Officers faulted for shooting during Dorner manhunt

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More than half a dozen LAPD officers who mistakenly shot at two women delivering newspapers during the manhunt for Christopher Dorner are facing discipline that could range from a slap on the wrist to dismissal. The department’s oversight panel says the officers violated LAPD policy when they collectively fired their weapons more than 100 times. One of the women was shot twice in the back, and the pair subsequently settled a lawsuit against the city for more than $4 million. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck says he agrees with the commission’s conclusions.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti wants to get rid of the city’s business tax. A spokesman says the mayor’s plan will unfold during budget discussions, which are now in their early stages. The aide says the business community is disadvantaged by the tax, which he calls the highest in the region. The tax generates more than $400 million a year for city coffers, but some business groups say eliminating the fees could actually increase revenue because of greater economic activity and job growth.

stocktonprisonA court overseer has ordered the state’s newest prison not to accept any more inmates because of problems with medical treatment at the facility. The California Health Care Facility in Stockton opened just six months ago and was intended to help improve medical care in the state prison system. But Clark Kelso – who was appointed by federal courts to oversee health care in California prisons – says the Stockton lockup is plagued by problems. In one case, nurses failed to promptly answer the emergency call of a bleeding patient who subsequently died.

SidewalkProperty owners in commercial areas could be asked to pitch in to repair the city’s cracked and broken sidewalks. A new proposal by City Councilman Bob Blumenfield calls for property owners to pay between half and three-quarters of the cost of repairs – with the city picking up the rest. About 40 percent of L.A. sidewalks are in need of replacement. Blumenfield says his plan would speed up much-needed repairs. A similar program was introduced five years ago in residential areas.

sparks

It appears L.A.’s financially troubled women’s professional basketball team will be getting a boost from owners of the L.A. Dodgers. Former Lakers’ star Magic Johnson and Mark Walter, managing partner of the Guggenheim Group, are among investors in a group that will reportedly buy the L.A. Sparks. The WNBA has been looking for a new owner ever since the Spark’s CEO, Paula Madison, told the league in December that her family-owned company could no longer afford to invest in the club. An announcement on new ownership is expected today.