Los Angeles Council approves appointments and discusses police commission report

Los Angeles City Council convened on March 21, 2000, to address several key appointments and community concerns, culminating in significant decisions that will shape local governance and public safety.

The council approved the appointments of Robert Kohler and Mr. Yu to the Community Development Bank Board of Directors, with both receiving unanimous support from council members. These appointments are expected to enhance community development initiatives and financial oversight in Los Angeles.

A notable discussion centered around the Rampart Board of Inquiry (BOI) report, which addresses critical issues within the police department. Council members emphasized the importance of the report, urging all stakeholders to review its findings. The report outlines necessary reforms to rectify past misconduct and improve police accountability. Council members expressed concern over the judicial system's response to the issues raised, highlighting a perceived lack of cooperation from the District Attorney's office in pursuing accountability for officers involved in misconduct.

Additionally, the council discussed the potential sale of the Los Angeles Times, with members advocating for local ownership to preserve the newspaper's connection to the community. The sentiment was that losing local control could further alienate the city from its media representation, echoing broader concerns about corporate influence over local resources.

In a procedural move, the council also voted to reconsider item 17 from a previous agenda, which pertains to the Official Police Garage (OPG) contract. The city attorney raised concerns about the language in the proposal, prompting a decision to send the matter back to committee for further clarification. This step aims to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the RFP process across all divisions.

As the meeting concluded, council members reiterated their commitment to transparency and community engagement, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue as they navigate these complex issues. The decisions made during this session are poised to have lasting impacts on public safety, community development, and local media representation in Los Angeles.