Morad Family Sues LBPD
LONG BEACH — On July 22, supporters joined Morad family members at a press conference in front of the Long Beach Police Department.
The family announced that they are filing a $28 million dollar lawsuit against the City of Long Beach for the death of 20-year-old Feras Morad. On May 27, Offficer Matthew Hernandez killed Morad. Morad, who was displaying erratic behavior after apparently consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, was unarmed.
Morad’s family filed $28 million civil rights lawsuit against the LBPD. Mother Amal Morad, father Amr Morad, sister Ghada Morad and cousin Kareem Morad spoke at the press conference.
“My son needed care,” said Amr Morad, Feras’s father. “Instead, he got killed…. I only hope that there is a change so that the next young man gets the help he needs.”
A native of Woodland Hills, Feras Morad attended El Camino Real Charter High School, then Moorpark College, choosing a longer commute in order to join that school’s accomplished debate team. A high school and college debate champion, he ranked nationally in both the Phi Rho Pi National Forensic Organization and the National Speech and Debate Championship Tournament, and competed in many other leagues. He was a ranking member of ROTC while at El Camino Real.
Feras chose to enroll at Cal State-Long Beach in order to save money in hopes of attending law school.
Man Kills Step-Daughter, Himself
LONG BEACH — Long Beach Police Department detectives are investigating what they are considering a murder-suicide, which took place about 4:45 p.m. July 27.
Sixty-four-year-old Keenan Wynn killed his 41-year-old step-daughter Tecia Robinson.
Police responded to a residence in the 2200 block of Eucalyptus Avenue and learned that a woman was in her home with her husband, Wynn, and her daughter, Robinson. Wynn attempted to shoot her and Robinson. The woman fled the home and called police. Robinson remained in the home. It wasn’t clear whether or not she was shot at the time.
Officers tried phone calling Wynn but he did not answer. Believing Robinson may have been shot and in need of immediate medical attention, officers entered the residence and delivered her to Long Beach Fire Department paramedics who were staged nearby. Robinson was shot in the torso and declared dead on at the scene.
Wynn, who was within the residence, shot himself in the torso and was also determined deceased at the scene by paramedics. A motive for the shooting is unclear and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident should call (562) 570-7244 or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Garcia Selects Long Beach City Clerk
LONG BEACH — On July 28, Mayor Robert Garcia announced that the City Council has selected Maria de la Luz Garcia to serve as the city clerk for Long Beach, pending a formal vote at its Aug. 11 meeting.
The appointment of de la Luz Garcia (no relation to the mayor), who is senior project coordinator in the Elections Division of the Los Angeles City Clerk’s office, was selected from a pool of more than 30 candidates after extensive interviews.
De la Luz Garcia replaces Larry Herrera-Cabrera, who retired April 30 after 12 years as Long Beach city clerk.
De la Luz Garcia is a Long Beach resident.
Charged with keeping records, including minutes and actions of the council and all boards, commissions and committees, the clerk is also responsible for overseeing elections, posting ordinances and is custodian of the city seal. The clerk can also perform civil marriages and register voters.
De la Luz Garcia, who will supervise a staff of 15, was also previously director of voter engagement for the NALEO Educational Fund. She is a dean’s merit scholar and master in public administration candidate at the Price School of Public Policy at USC. In 2008, de la Luz Garcia won an Emmy as an associate producer for an elections public service announcement. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and serves on the board of CORO Southern California, a public affairs leadership development organization.
City Clerk de la Luz Garcia is scheduled to start Aug. 31.
LA City Council Approves High Capacity Gun Magazine Ban
LOS ANGELES — On July 28, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a ban on high capacity gun magazines.
The ordinance makes it a misdemeanor to have gun magazines that can carry more than 10 rounds of ammunition. State law allow bans the sale manufacturing and importing of such magazines, but that didn’t include possession.
The council will have to do a second vote on an amendment exempting retired police officers who have concealed weapons permits.
“Everyday 89 Americans are killed by guns,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement. “As national and state leaders struggle with a way to move forward with much needed gun laws, I applaud our City leaders for taking decisive action today that will help us save lives and prevent crime. I wholeheartedly support a ban on the possession of high-capacity ammunition magazines and am eager to sign it into law.”