Jim Newton

The recent reappointment of Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore focused the attention on his work as a reformer rather than a crime-fighter. As L.A. history shows, law enforcement can do both. The more recent stumbles are less about the false choice between the two approaches, and more about the effectiveness of management.

In 1980, the Inland Empire was home to 234 warehouses. There are now more than 4,000, providing significant economic benefits for the region. But this growth also has consequences: more unhealthy air days in predominantly Latino communities. Following the release of a new report, a coalition is asking state leaders to intervene.

Residents in both New York City and Chicago have at least 50 local representatives voicing their needs. Los Angeles has 15. After last year's council audio leak revealed how some L.A. officials tried to manipulate redistricting, California's largest city is reconsidering how it handles representation.

Los Angeles has been forced to reboot before, and this time the job falls to Karen Bass, the first woman elected as mayor of the nation's second-largest city. She promised urgent action on homelessness at her swearing-in ceremony on Sunday. Her ability to make visible progress has implications for Democrats in California and nationally.