January 9, 2014

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Your Community Connection

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 2

January 9, 2014

Sheriff Baca Announces Retirement

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he ink is barely dry on L.A County Sheriff Lee Baca’s retirement notice, and already at least three men are entering the race. Baca announced suddenly on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of this month. He will not seek a fifth term in office. Former L.A. County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, former Commander Bob Olmsted and L.A. County Assistant Sheriff Todd Rodgers have announced their intention to run for office. Citing personal and private reasons during a press conference at the department headquarters in Monterey Park, Baca admitted remaining in his post would not be good for the department. He called his decision to retire “the most difficult of my professional life.” “We’ve had a great journey over the years,” said Baca. “I’ve held fast to the core values of this great department. That’s who I am, that’s who we are.” Baca’s exit comes amid a scandal. Andre Birotte Jr., the U.S. Attorney for

On The Inside: • News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

New Laws for California Motorists

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ow that 2014 has arrived, the California Highway Patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding motorists of several new laws or changes to existing laws went into effect on January 1, 2014, unless otherwise stated: CHP Laws Affecting Motorists: AMBER Alert – Expansion. This law has been expanded to require law enforcement to request activation of the AMBER Alerts after receiving a report that a child has been taken abducted by

L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca announced his retirement on Tuesday.

California’s Central District, recently filed charges against 18 current and former deputies for illegal conduct, unjustified beatings and detentions of inmates at Los Angeles County jails. The U.S. Justice Department has charged deputies with racial profiling, harassment and excessive force

against blacks and Latinos in the Antelope Valley. Baca described a run at a fifth term in office as “a campaign of negative contentious politicking.” A source close to Baca said he is stepping down so he will not be a distraction from the positive work the department has been doing. L.A. County Supervisor

Mark Ridley-Thomas said in a statement: “Like many, I was surprised to hear about Sheriff Lee Baca’s decision to retire. I applaud the Sheriff, however, for taking a step he firmly believes to be in the best interest of the men and women who work in the department. “The mantra for our coun(Continued on page 2)

Inglewood’s Future?

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By Thomas Bunn

often find myself driving through the town and, as many residents are, feeling sad about the number of vacant lots, office spaces, and retail storefronts that paint the portrait of a city in depression. How does Inglewood combat this trend? The parroted response to this question is, as major developers come in, interest (Continued on page 2)

Coming Soon – Our brand new website! www.inglewoodtoday.com

anyone, including a custodial parent or guardian, who may cause serious bodily injury or death to the child. Charter Bus Carriers – Limousine Emergency Exits (SB 109, Corbett): By January 1, 2016, every limousine that has been modified or extended to accommodate additional passengers shall have two rear doors and one or two internally removable rear emergency windows. If such modifications occurred on or after July of 2015, these requirements apply immediately after July 1, 2015. All new limousines manufactured after January 1st, 2015 must meet these requirements as well. (Continued on page 10)


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