Which Way, L.A.?
How Safe Is the Sheriff of LA County?
Federal indictments against 18 officers are only the latest blow against LA Sheriff Lee Baca. Last night, we spoke with some critics. Tonight we talk to supporters.
By Warren Olney • • 26m ListenFive federal indictments against 18 officers add up to only the latest blow against LA Sheriff Lee Baca. A blue ribbon panel has already blamed him for brutality in the jails and mismanagement. The LA Times and a County Supervisor have told him it's time to retire, but he's running for re-election next year. Last night, we talked with some critics. Tonight we talk to supporters and others. Also, a tipping point in the effort to legalize marijuana in California.
On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, major American companies are changing their strategies when it comes to global warming. We hear about the political consequences of Exon Mobil and others now being willing to pay tax on carbon emissions, amid growing concern about the urgency of preparing for climate change.
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2 storiesHow Safe Is the Sheriff of LA County?
Next year, Lee Baca will be running for a fifth term as Sheriff of Los Angeles County. But last year, a blue ribbon commission blamed Baca's mismanagement for jailhouse brutality, which was at the heart of federal criminal charges filed yesterday against 18 of Baca's deputies.
Read the story21 minCalifornia Support for Legalized Pot Is Higher than Ever
In 1969, 13 percent of Californians favored pot legalization, 49 percent favored harsher penalties for use and possession. By 1983, supporters had risen to 30 percent. In 2010, it was 50 percent, but a legalization measure failed on a statewide vote. Now, the number has risen to 55 percent.
Read the story5 min
