Sheriff to answer for Hilton

Under renewed fire for freeing Paris Hilton, Sheriff Lee Baca faced racism charges Monday from the Rev. Al Sharpton, a lawsuit from a double-amputee incarcerated in the same jail as the celebrity heiress and a campaign to boot him from office. And, today, he appears before the Board of Supervisors to explain his decision ro release her early. Details from staff writer Troy Anders.on in today's Daily News.

Baca has survived a barrage of controversy since taking office in 1998, ranging from releasing dangerous criminals early to kowtowing to celebrities - including last year's handling of actor Mel Gibson's drunk-driving arrest and anti-Semitic tirade.

Hilton is now back in jail after a judge ordered her to complete what is expected to be a 23-day sentence. And political observers doubt whether she'll be Baca's downfall.