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.
'Tom Bradley Center' Suggested as Name for New LAPD Headquarters
Scratch William Parker's name from the idea list, or so said the LAPD Commission today, who voted to oppose to name the new LAPD headquarters with his name, which stirs up a controversial racist past.
Instead, Councilmember Richard Alarcon wants to name the building after Mayor Tom Bradley. Here is the councilman's take on his bio:
Tom Bradley arrived in Los Angeles in 1924, the son of sharecroppers and the grandson of slaves. In 1940, he became a member of the Los Angeles Police Department and subsequently became a lieutenant, the highest rank held by an African-American police officer at that time. When he was elected Mayor, he opened the doors of City Hall - his staff and administrative appointees represented the rich cultural fabric of Los Angeles. He worked to attract business to the City and his policies helped spearhead the resurgence of Downtown. During his 20 years as Mayor he showed his commitment to fair law enforcement and community partnership with the Police Department.
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
