Carson City Council's muted meetings

California's open-meeting laws ensure the public has a right to speak at city meetings. But the mayor of Carson has taken to hitting the mute button, and that's prompted the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office to open an investigation, the Daily Breeze reports.

Carson City Attorney Bill Wynder is supposed to advise the council on the law, but chose to punt on the question of whether the mute button is a violation:

"I do not believe the mute button has been used in a way that violates the Brown Act but that's not my decision to make," Wynder said. "That's up to the District Attorney's Office. We'll give them the information they request."

(found via LA Observed)

DA probes mayor of Industry

The Los Angeles Times and San Gabriel Valley Tribune report that District Attorney's public integrity unit is investigating Mayor David Perez of the city of Industry over allegations that he's benefiting financially from city contracts. The probe comes at a sensitive time, as a proposal to build an NFL stadium in the city pushes ahead. LAT, SGVT

(Updated)

No charges in May Day rally

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office today said no charges will be filed against the police officers who roughed up a crowd of protesters and journalists at a 2007 May Day rally. LAT