Linking LA: drunk driving rates, a misplaced badge and dodgeball

CELEBRATE, THEN DESIGNATE: A new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study reveals that the nation experienced a significant drop in drunk driving rates. California's drunk driving rate hovers around the national average, while the state's drugged driving rate dropped more than half a percentage point. (CBS Los Angeles)

EXTREME MAKEOVER, WAREHOUSE EDITION: San Francisco residents are converting former warehouses into creative spaces with swinging couches and gallery spaces. "We're trying to turn this into an art-community space that brings people together through music events, technology events and art events in the city," says resident Johnny Hwin. (Wall Street Journal)

MISPLACED BADGE: The L.A. Weekly's Informer reports that City Council candidate Rudy Martinez possessed an LAPD badge without ever having been a police officer. Martinez was once an LAPD reserve specialist, a civilian volunteer not given a gun or badge. "I had this badge along with a lot of other things," Martinez told the L.A. Weekly in 2004. The badge was then lost or stolen, eventually turning up at the Pasadena Police Department.

DUBIOUS HONORS: Berkeley's City Council is considering a resolution to honor Pfc. Bradley Manning, the U.S. soldier who allegedly disclosed classified information to WikiLeaks, as a hero. (Daily Clog)

IF YOU CAN DODGE A BALL, YOU CAN GIVE A GIFT: The Eagle Rock Yacht Club, a nonprofit community organization centered on dodgeball, holds its second annual toy drive on Sunday in Glassell Park. Donate a new toy or book and enjoy access to a dodgeball open gym and a discounted drink at the drive's after-party. More details at the event's Facebook page.

-- Soo Oh

Comments

[Yearlong Student]

Rudy Martinez is toast.

El Sereno where i live can do without him.

First he worked for Big Tobacco, now he gets a badge clearly illegally...

What is up with this guy.