BRIEFLY.

Caltrans agrees to clear brush

Because of this year's high fire danger, Los Angeles city officials on Tuesday announced an agreement with Caltrans to clear brush along freeways in hazardous areas.

"We are in a climate-change reality and we need to prepare ourselves for the potential of fires that can break out any day," Councilman Bill Rosendahl said. "And Caltrans has to clear the brush on its land just as we ask our residents to clear their brush."

The deal ends a dispute with Caltrans earlier this year after Los Angeles Fire Department demanded it clear brush around 300 structures on land it owns.

Fire officials said the state agency recently agreed to clear the brush and the city agreed to provide access to its private contractors to assist in remote areas.

-- Daily News

$50,000 offered for rewards

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday authorized $50,000 in rewards for information leading to the arrest of any member on the top 10 list of most wanted gangsters in the city.

Councilman Tony Cardenas authored the proposal, saying the boost from $25,000 was needed to bring forth witnesses.

Those on the list include Fernando Araujo, Dennis Figueroa, Oscare Flores, Maro Lemus, Ismael Alejandro Campos, Soper Chea, Eric Roberto Cahuex and Rodolfo Diaz. All are being sought on suspicion of murder.

-- Daily News

Rehabilitation plan forwarded

A request to provide $1.1 million for the rehabilitation of the Lankershim Depot Transit Center in North Hollywood was forwarded to the Los Angeles City Council Tuesday without a recommendation.

The city's Housing, Community and Economic Development Committee was expected to vote on the proposal but could not act because it lacked a quorum.

The city and Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans to rehabilitate the depot and eventually turn it into a customer service center with a concession stand, public restrooms, bicycle services and MTA offices.

The MTA Board of Directors approved a $3.6 million budget for the project last October, contingent upon the city's approval of its share.

Los Angeles officials had expected to pay just $364,000 for the project. However, costs increased due to delays associated with the construction of the Metro Orange Line and changes in building plans.

-- City News Service

Pacheco gets post on panel

Former U.S. Attorney and LAPD adviser Anthony Pacheco replaced civil rights leader John Mack as head of the mayoral-appointed Police Commission Tuesday.

In a unanimous vote, the five-member civilian commission named Pacheco to a two-year term as president. Under the city charter, a president can only serve one term.

Topping Pacheco's agenda will be continuing department reforms and promoting community/police relations, compliance with a federal consent decree and reducing crime. He also said that the commission will continue to protect and use it's independence.

-- Daily News

Warning issued on death scam

Los Angeles police Tuesday warned against fraudulent donation solicitations that have been reported since the death of two of its officers in freeway collisions.

"Our police stations are receiving complaints from citizens saying they've been called and asked for credit card information on the pretense of donating funds for fallen officers," Deputy Chief Michael Moore said.

"I want to stress that the LAPD does not solicit funds by telephone for any reason. Legitimate channels for contributions have been set up, but no member of the public will be solicited by this department via telephone for a donation."

Officer David Rodriguez and Detective George Selleh died in unrelated collisions on Sunday.

Rodriguez was the sole financial provider for his mother. He was not vested with a pension because he had only been with the department four years. Donations in his memory can be made to "Blue Ribbon Trust FBO David Rodriguez," Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union, Attn: Blue Ribbon Trust FBO David Rodriguez, 2030077 S4.6, PO Box 10188, Van Nuys, CA, 91410.

Donations in memory of Detective George Selleh, a 29-year veteran of the department, can be mailed to: "Blue Ribbon Trust FBO George Michael Selleh," Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union, Attn: Blue Ribbon Trust FBO George Michael Selleh, 2030077 S4.7, PO Box 10188, Van Nuys, CA, 91410.

-- City News Service