Which Way, L.A.?
Sheriff Lee Baca Resigns… Why Now?
Today, after 15 years as Los Angeles Sheriff, Lee Baca is stepping down. Last month, the US attorney indicted 18 sheriff's deputies. How much is he to blame?
By Madeleine Brand • • 18m ListenLee Baca was sheriff of Los Angeles County for 15 years. Today, he said he'll step down at the end of the month. Baca told reporters, "I don't see myself as the future. I see myself as part of the past." It's a past plagued by scandals, including abuse at the county jails. Last month, the US attorney indicted 18 sheriff's deputies. But there were other problems during Baca's tenure. How much is he to blame? Guest host Madeleine Brand considers what kind of changes we'll see in the jails, and who's lining up to succeed him. Also, the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show.
On our rebroadcast of today's To The Point, three years after the revolution in Egypt, the military is running the country. It's outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood and jailed journalists. Guest host Barbara Bogaev looks at what that means for the future of democracy there and what happened to the promises of the Arab Spring.
Banner image: Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca announces his retirement during a news conference at Los Angeles County Sheriff's headquarters in Monterey Park , California January 7, 2014. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Reuters
