Laura Diaz Anchor's Blog

It’s a new era for the LAPD. Charlie Beck was sworn in as the 56^th chief of police yesterday. The second-generation officer takes the helm at a watershed moment for the city. Here’s a snapshot : the crime level is at an historic low, race relations have dramatically improved and some nearly ten thousand officers patrol the streets today.

It was a much different reality when former Police Chief Bratton took over in 2002. Historically, minority communities held a persistent distrust of the police force. It was a dychotemy. The very communities where crime and poverty ran rampant were also where its citizens feared law enforcement the most. And so, Bratton set about the delicate task of bridge building and implementing court ordered reform. Inner city areas like South L.A., East L.A. and the Rampart area were special points of focus. The idea was to partner with the people of neighborhoods so they were involved in their own safety. ..invested in their own futures. Community based policing ,with an emphasis on community. ..

I spoke with the new police chief yesterday in his new office at police headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. It was early evening, and Charles Beck was in for a long day. He said he awakens everyday and immediately checks his Blackberry to make sure nothing ‘bad’ has happened.. But he was still ebullient from the swearing-in at L.A. City Hall, where his family watched with pride that morning. The council approved him 14 to 0…but this veteran cop knows the work is just beginning. He told me that he intends to carry on the reform of his predecessor, and build upon it. When I asked him how he would maintain the ranks in the midst of a crippling recession, he was adamant the low crime rate could go even lower. He maintained that good police work isn’t just about the money. And that he was up to the task.

This is a guy who knows the communities of which he speaks. He worked South L.A. , he is credited with cleaning up Rampart-post scandal, and also knows the policing challenges of Hollywood. Most recently, he was in charge of LAPD detectives. At the end of the day, he concluded the old school way …’just didn’t work.’

Chief Beck will be formally sworn in the first week of December.

It was a star studded salute to outgoing LAPD chief Bill Bratton and his wife, Rikki Klieman on Saturday, November 7. Nearly a thousand people gathered at the new LAPD Headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles for the “True Blue Gala”--- The Los Angeles Police Foundation’s signature event. Originally, that evening was supposed to mark the grand opening of the new headquarters and to thank Chief Bratton for his exemplary service to the people of Los Angeles. But it quickly became an emotional farewell after Chief Bratton suddenly announced in August he would be leaving before his second term was concluded as leader of the LAPD.

The evening included a series of videos highlighting the Chief’s achievements: a substantially lower crime rate, improved race relations between minority communities and the LAPD and some very funny material by talk show host Conan O’ Brien. (O’Brien took some good natured jabs at many, including Chief Bratton, and Mayor Villaraigosa).

But the heart of the event was the tribute to the Bratton’s. Former Police Commissioner, Rick Caruso lauded the chief for his service. And Chief Bratton and his wife Rikki took the podium together to graciously accept the love they received in the room. With the conclusion of their remarks, begins the official post-Bratton era.

Some interesting notes of the evening: Chief Designate Charlie Beck walking in with a commanding striding into the event, Attorney General Jerry Brown being referred to as Governor Brown, and his response of … ‘I haven’t even declared I’m running yet.. “

And the venue was stunning. Granted this was a party, and the soft blue kick lights dress up a building, but the new LAPD headquarters are beautiful! It was my first visit there. As you look up from the courtyard you are struck by the magnificent architecture and its location, looking to the north was an illuminated L.A. City Hall, towering over the headquarters. Bratton said he liked the new building very much, its architectural metaphor not lost on him…He told me.. “Transparency. It represents transparency. And the new LAPD.”

The event raised 2 million dollars for the support of the LAPD and its various programs.

I met Katie Couric for the first time last night. The anchor of the CBS Evening News is in Long Beach for the Annual Governor’s Women’s Conference. I interviewed her on camera for today’s News Central on KCBS at 5pm.  We talked about a number of subjects, from her high power (and high pressure) job to the importance of attending the conference.

I have attended the conference off and on since the mid 1990’s and I’ve seen it grow exponentially. But First Lady Maria Shriver has made this event her baby. The list of speakers becomes more impressive every year. Ms. Shriver is persuasive. Who can say no to her? As Ms. Couric told me, “I said no to her many times!” And as you can see, her refusals did no good.

This year’s impressive guest list includes everyone from White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett to reality star Kate Gosselin. Ms. Shriver invited Ms. Gosselin before the scandal, and she said she wasn’t about to disinvite her after it all became public.

As for Katie Couric, she’s hosting an interview with famed photographer Annie Leibovitz while also giving a speech, then taking the red eye back to New York. She left me with the impression of a woman who has boundless energy, solid journalistic ethics, and is a fierce competitor. I’m proud to work for the same company that employs her.

The Women’s Conference sold out all 25,000 tickets in only TWO HOURS. But all the big events are being streamed live on the web. For more information, logon to californiawomen.org.

Patti Lupone is one of those old school, give it all ya got, leave ‘em wanting more performers in the grand tradition of Ethel Merman. A ticket to see her performing is an investment- the memories will pay dividends for life.

Last fall, I was in New York and saw Lupone play “Mamma Rose” in “Gypsy” on Broadway. She won a Tony for her role, and from the opening number on, it was easy to see why.

Now, she’s planning to play another Ethel Merman role- Annie, from “Annie Get Your Gun.” She’ll reprise the famous role from Irving Berlin’s musical in Chicago next August in honor of the 150th anniversary of Oakley’s birth. She’ll be backed up by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

For Lupone, she just doing what comes naturally. (You knew that line was coming, didn’t you?) And the last time she appeared at this theatre festival in Chicago, it was in “Gypsy,” just before she opened on Broadway. Could another Tony be in her future?

I have never met Patti Lupone, but my impression of her is that she is a strong, powerful woman who is not afraid of anyone or any situation. Twice recently she stopped singing in mid song to berate an audience member who broke the rules by photographing her. One of the incidents was caught on audio and has been posted on Youtube. Here is the link-  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGoSc8HS2WE

 You really don’t wanna mess with Patti Lupone, especially when she’s playing Annie Oakley with guns in her hands. If this show ever makes it to Los Angeles, I’ll be there. But I’ll make sure to leave all my electronic devices in the car!

Elizabeth Smart is back in the news again. She testified last week about the horrible details of her abduction seven years ago from her Salt Lake City bedroom. It was the type of story that riveted and repelled people all at the same time. You will recall the chronology:  a stranger breaks into a home, snatches a young teenage girl from her bed at knifepoint, and holds her captive for nine months.

Elizabeth, who is now 21, gave a calm, measured account of the ordeal she suffered during those nine months. She described being drugged, tied to a tree, and raped as often as four times a day. This brave young victim was willing to face her alleged attacker in federal court. Her accused kidnapper is Brian David Mitchell. He entered the courtroom singing a Mormon hymn. The judge ordered him to stop. When he refused— Mitchell was sent to a holding cell to watch the court proceedings on a television monitor.

When asked by the U.S Attorney,” What was his dominant focus?” Smart would answer,“Sex. He used religion to get what he wanted.” This is key to the federal case.  Twice, Mitchell has been found incompetent to stand trial in Utah state court. Smart’s testimony that he kidnapped her for sex, not because of religion, is critical to prosecutors.   

In Salt Lake City, Smart’s testimony was carried live on local television. News organizations from around the world requested to be in court. For the first time, people were hearing exactly what had taken place, according to Elizabeth. Among those hearing the painful details were her parents, Ed and Lois Smart. They had never pressed her to speak of what she suffered over that period of time. They thought Elizabeth would speak when she was ready. Time would help her heal.   

Last spring, I interviewed Ed Smart. I have been in the company of Mr. Smart on several occasions. He is one of a handful of parents who has joined forces with other parents of sexual abuse victims. They call themselves the 'Surviving Parents Coalition'. Their mission is to prevent predatory crimes against children. By now, you know their names.  Erin Runnion:  Samantha’s mom. Mark Lunsford: Jessica’s dad. Marc Klaas: Polly’s dad.  Their children died terrible deaths after they were stolen and sexually assaulted. Elizabeth’s safe return was nothing short of miraculous. Tragically, the vast majority of cases will not conclude with these children being returned to their homes.   

Ed Smart was just learning some of the details of his daughter’s abduction last May. He would tell me that Elizabeth had wanted to die rather than face another moment with her captor. That she wished he would kill her..’just get it over with…’

And he recounted the day his daughter was spotted, along with her alleged abductors, in March of 2003. Smart was filled with joy and relief.  But at the same time, he recalled the guilt he felt. His daughter was home, but his friends’ children were lost forever.
 
Of course, the other parents did not feel that way. They were thrilled a child had returned home safely. Erin Runnion would tell me… ‘It was almost as though Samantha had come home…’ It gave hope to broken hearted parents who waited for some shred of good news about their own missing children.

The case will continue on November 30, when the U.S District Judge will hear from prosecution and defense witnesses in connection with Mitchell’s competency.

Today is Mexican Independence Day, and in a little more than a month, the East Side of L.A. will be able to declare its own independence of a sort. For a century, getting to and from the East Side without a car has been a hassle, to say the least. The busses have always moved at a snail’s pace. But all that is about to come to an end.

 

In November, the $900 million extension of the MTA’s Gold Line light rail line will make its debut. The line will go from Union Station to Atlantic Avenue. Residents, merchants and visitors have suffered through street closings and excavations for several years to get this project finished.

 

Now the community has bold plans for the future. Some envision an arts district in Boyle Heights along First Street from Mariachi Plaza to Soto Street. Others hope for a booming outdoor café scene.

 

Boyle Heights is the West Coast’s answer to Ellis Island.  For much of the last century it was a gateway for new immigrants. Jews from Eastern Europe came here, as did Japanese, Mexican, Russian and Yugoslav immigrants. Today the area is mostly inhabited by Mexican Americans.

 

The area was named after Andrew Boyle, an Irish immigrant who made his home there in 1858.

 

History is everywhere in Boyle Heights, and one day in 2005 the MTA found out the hard way.  Two days after digging began for the Gold Line, workers stumbled upon human bones- arms, legs and even a coffin containing human remains. All work stopped. An archaeologist was called to the scene. They discovered L.A.’s firs cemetery for indigent people, dating back to 1877.

 

They also found broken vases and Chinese coins. They’re still studying the significance of these finds.

 

Boyle Heights is a true Los Angeles treasure, and soon you’ll be able to discover it for yourself and leave your car at home.

Sunday night at the MTV VMA Awards, Kanye West stole the microphone from a triumphant Taylor Swift, ruining what should have been one of the proudest moments of her life.

The night before, Serena Williams threatened a line judge who gave her a foot fault during match point at the US Open. It cost her the match, which she probably would have lost anyway, and at least $10,500 in fines.

Last week, as President Obama gave an important address to Congress about health care reform, he was interrupted by South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson, who yelled out “You lie!”

What is going on here?

To be sure, no one should be judged by one incident. We are the sum total of our life experience.  But there must be something in the water.

Rep. Wilson has apologized, but he faces more censure by Congress for his behavior.

Serena Williams finally apologized two days later.  She might still lose the $350,000 she earned for reaching the semifinals, not to mention her endorsement deals that could be threatened. On the other hand, Nike never met a bad boy (or girl) it didn’t like.

Williams also had a bit part in the VMA Awards. She introduced Pink, who sang the song “Sober” while suspended in the air. Serena commented, “Because she’ll be soaring high above Radio City’s stage, she won’t have to worry about stepping over any lines.” It was hard to tell if the line came off humble or defiant.

Some would defend West, Wilson and Williams by saying they are passionate, competitive people who need to learn how to control their emotions. However, those who work in the public eye are taught at an early age never to do anything stupid in front of a camera or a hot microphone. Wilson and Williams know better.

Kanye West seems to be the only one who might benefit from his misbehavior. There is no questioning his “bad boy” image. The incident at the VMA Awards might just add to his street cred. Skeptics say the whole incident might have been staged. The director did appear to get a shot of Beyonce rather quickly, as if he had an inkling what was coming. The skeptics also point out these awards were produced by the same company that brought us the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” of Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl. But we will leave all that to the grassy knoll conspiracy theorists. Kanye’s on air apology seemed quite sincere.

Either way, Kanye, Serena and Rep. Wilson should be forgiven for their behavior. They have suffered enough in the harsh public light, which can be blinding at times. But it’s a reminder to us all-- take a moment before acting out next time.

Jose Hernandez is finally in orbit. The shuttle astronaut had to wait an extra five days to lift off, but what’s a few extra days when you’ve traveled his path to get this far?

Hernandez was born in California to a family of migrant farm workers from Mexico. For nearly twenty years, his family would travel north from Central Mexico every spring to work in the fields near Stockton. They would pick beets, tomatoes and cucumbers.

In an interview with the A.P., Hernandez said, “A lot of kids loved summer vacation. We dreaded it because we knew what that meant. It meant we were going to be working seven days a week in the fields.”

Jose went to school at the farm workers’ camp. He developed a relationship with his teacher, who urged his parents to settle down in the states. His father, who had only a third grade education, started a business in Northern California and his family planted roots.

 In high school, Hernandez was inspired by astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz, and became determined to become an astronaut himself.

He got a degree in electrical engineering, but was rejected several times by NASA before being accepted.

It’s an inspiring story for everyone, but especially for people with humble roots. A child of migrant farm workers can grow up to be anything he or she wants to be… even an astronaut—or a TV news anchor with her own blog.

This weekend's tragic, twisted developments to the story of the murder of 32 year old model Jasmine Fiore bring a shocking end to one of the more sordid stories in Southern California. The body of her ex-husband and suspected killer, Ryan Jenkins, was found in a motel room in British Columbia; an apparent suicide.  Jenkins apparently loved the limelight as much as his wife. He was on the VH-1 reality show "Megan Wants a Millionaire" and was scheduled to appear in another Vh-1 show, "I Love Money.

In reporting this story, it brings back memories of another high profile murder case back in 1995 - the murder of model Linda Sobek.

Sobek's body was found buried in a shallow grave in the Angeles National Forest. She was on a photo shoot with photographer Charles Rathbun, a well known photographer of automobiles.  First, Rathbun told police he accidentally hit Sobek with his vehicle, and panicked and buried her. Then he said he accidentally asphyxiated her. But, the jury did not believe him. Rathbun is now serving a life term.

There are several similarities in the lives of Sobek and Fiore. Both were beautiful blondes, who came to Los Angeles to seek fame and fortune. But Sobek would only make the cover of People Magazine in death. And it was only after she died that Fiore's photo would appear on television for days.

Both women had budding, glamorous careers - Fiore was a Playboy model, and Sobek was a Raiderette cheerleader.  Both models hardly knew their killers - Fiore met Jenkins in March and they were married only a few days later; Sobek had only worked with Rathbun a few times.

Both are stories that captured the imagination of the nation. And sadly, both had tragic endings.