L.A. Story of the Day

Where else would this happen?

Two LAPD cops, officers Zine and Smith, are on night patrol in the Valley in a department black and white. Both happen to also be elected members of the City Council. In the back seat is a longtime Valley political operator who is also, it happens, the editorial director of Valley Magazine. They cruise by Bob Hope's house in Toluca Lake, stop a few cars with expired tags - a quiet night. Then they get a call of an assault in progress at Galpin Motors on Roscoe. Now, Mr. Backseat also happens to be the VP and General Counsel for Galpin, as well as a new member of the police commission. They race to the car dealership where the officers-slash-councilmen grapple for half an hour with a bad guy while an aide snaps photos. Councilman Smith goes to the hospital, and there are stories in the Times and Daily News.

Veteran Los Angeles Police Department officers had a jaundiced view of the episode, which is under formal investigation as a use-of-force incident. "It was kind of a donnybrook. They're playing (like) they're kids," said one senior officer. (Daily News)

It is not the first time Zine has generated attention while in an LAPD uniform. Last fall, the councilman searched a strip club in his district, the Frisky Kitty, after receiving complaints about unsavory characters hanging around. In response, the club owner filed a $100-million lawsuit against Zine, charging harassment. The council is scheduled to discuss the lawsuit today in closed session. (Times)

Only in Los Angeles. Much more fun than the news that Mayor Hahn and his wife have separated.