Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Bell Mayor Says Death Threats Keep Him Away from Work, Cops Won't Protect Him
Hernandez' booking photo (LA Sheriff's Dept.)
Bell's mayor, Oscar Hernandez, says that he's been staying away from his "civic duties," including City Council meetings, because death threats have him "fearing for his life," according to LA Now.Hernandez says he has told the police, but "they don't want to give [him] protection." He adds that he does not trust Bell's police because he has voiced his support for "eplacing the department with Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, a move that would reportedly save the financially desperate city about $3.5 million a year."
Steve Finkelstein, the Bell PD Captain, stands by his officers, and lauds them as professionals who would not disregard their duties in the face of a dissenting opinion.
Hernandez's absences from Bell's City Council meetings has contributed to a consistent lack of quorum that has put civic affairs on hold. Adds LA Now: "It's unclear whether the council will be able to meet before next month's city elections, which likely will give the council a makeover."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
