LAPD wants to discipline 19 in May Day melee

Seventeen officers and two sergeants face department charges resulting from the mishandling of the May Day protest in MacArthur Park in 2007. No details were given, except that Cmdr. Rick Webb told the Police Commission today that the charges revolved "mostly around the force issues." Most of the protesters were peaceful that day, but LAPD officers swept through the park clubbing and assaulting the public and members of the news media. The DA is reportedly still looking at possible criminal charges. LAT

More LAPD: Controller Laura Chick said her review finds that $47 million in higher trash-collection fees were used to hire 366 additional officers, but that $89 million of the new revenue went for other LAPD budget needs. The higher fee was sold to the public by Mayor Villaraigosa as necessary for police hiring. Read her letter.