Councilwoman Hahn responds on her blog to the Fox 11 report that sided with two cops suing the city and tied Hahn to the mother of a Grape Street gang member. Excerpt:

While I know that most of you would never believe the horrible tabloid journalism that was exhibited on Fox 11 last week, it has been brought to my attention that a number of people are continuing the gossip and mistruths from those terrible pieces. So, I wanted to drop you a quick note so that you could hear directly from me and also be prepared if you hear these things out and about in our community.

First, everyone must know that the allegations that I have assisted or funded gang members, which ran on Fox 11 last week are outrageous, ridiculous and false. The entire story was based on statements made by desperate criminal gang members that would say anything to avoid going to jail. I have never paid these gang members, never had them work for me nor have I ever helped them to get out of jail.

I also want you all to know that I do not condone hiring current gang members to do any gang intervention work in Los Angeles. However, I do agree with Chief Bratton that the only way to ever get rid of gangs in Los Angeles is through the three-pronged approach-using suppression, prevention and yes, intervention.