LAPD in budget crosshairs

Setting up another fight between the mayor and the Los Angeles City Council over police hiring in tough budget times, the city's chief legislative analyst recommended on Monday cutting the March police academy class by 45 recruits to save money. Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

The LAPD is currently recruiting police candidates faster than the city planned. Reducing the number of new hires this year would save $1 million and stave off proposed cuts to library book purchases and graffiti removal programs.

Moreover, the city must close a $155 million budget deficit by June 30 - and "belt-tightening" measures proposed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa won't deliver the expected cost savings by that deadline, according to the analyst's office.