by Senator Barbara Boxer . The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is America's earthquake science agency, charged with providing reliable information about where and when earthquakes may occur.  The USGS has issued a new report that should be of interest to Californians.  The report relates the prediction that California has more than a 99 percent chance of having a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake within the next 30 years.  Importantly, it also provides clues as to regions more likely to experience a major quake.

New Web Site . Enter your address and a map will pop up with your home as a small icon of a house. There will be red, blue and green dots surrounding your entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a criminal will appear with his or her home address and the description of the crime he or she has committed.  Perhaps best of all, you can show your children these pictures (and see how close these people live to your home or school). This site was developed by John Walsh from Americas Most Wanted. This is another tool we can use to help us keep our kids safe.

by Dennis P. Zine, Los Angeles City Councilman . Street gangs have one primary purpose: to intimidate communities through criminal activities. These thugs terrorize their own neighborhoods and other communities without the slightest regard for human life or a bare minimum of human decency. A sizable portion of gang membership consists of criminals who are in this country illegally. Major efforts (and millions of dollars) have been spent on obtaining and enforcing injunctions to keep gang members away from certain areas and to stop gang members from associating with each other. Common sense suggests that another effective way to reduce gang violence is to find and deport gang members who are in this country illegally. But in the city of Los Angeles, common sense has taken a back seat to a misinterpretation and restrictive implementation of a policy known as LAPD Special Order 40.

by Michel R. Moore, LAPD Deputy Chief . The core values of the LAPD stress, in part, the importance of treating all people with respect and dignity. Integral to our mission is to protect victims from criminals who prey upon the weak or terrorize communities. The immigration status of a crime victim or witness is of no concern to the department, nor should it be. However, the immigration status of a criminal - gang member or otherwise - suspected of residing in this country illegally is a concern. Over the past year, 10 full-time Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have worked closely with LAPD gang officers and detectives to identify active adult gang members who are committing crimes in the San Fernando Valley. The cooperation between the department and ICE has resulted in more than 100 criminals in the San Fernando Valley being arrested by ICE for various immigration violations.

by Capt. Blake Chow . Two suspects have been arrested in an investigation by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Hollenbeck detectives of a group of South and Central American suspects who attempt to scam elderly Hispanic victims. By analyzing recent crime reports dealing with theft by trickery and similar operations, detectives were able to identify the suspects' pattern of operations.

I would like to introduce myself to you.  I am Lieutenant Rick Banks, and as of April 2008, I am the new Lieutenant in charge of the blog.  That is to say, I manage the blog by approving the postings and reading all of your comments and evaluating which ones will be published.  Once published, your comment is added to the discussion board for everyone to read.

by S.L.O. Ronald Carter -. BE AWARE !  No one is allowed into your home.- It is imperative that no one is allowed into your home, unless you personally scheduled the workers or have first verified that they are properly identified as who they say they are. All DWP Personnel carry Identification and are glad and happy to answer your questions. If not, then call "911".

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa . "L.A. is poised to emerge as the great global city of the 21st Century, but our imaginations will be tested in this tough budget year." EDITOR'S NOTE: A recap of department cuts / additions can be found on page 6 of the first download we've provided. The link is also the web page where you may see the entire budget and post your comments or thoughts.