Free Republic

Ed Edelman, the longtime Los Angeles County supervisor whose crusading policymaking influenced many aspects of local life including child welfare, health services and environmental preservation, has died. He was 85. During his 20 years on the Board of Supervisors, Edelman championed efforts to improve the way county government treated its most vulnerable citizens while also fighting to protects parts of the Santa Monica Mountains from development.

TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) - Deane Dana, a former Los Angeles County supervisor for 16 years who was known for his gentle demeanor among a panel of outspoken board members, has died. He was 78. Dana, who had Alzheimer's for several years, died Thursday of a heart attack at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, said his son, Deane. During his tenure, Dana pushed for a businesslike approach to government, including privatizing county services. Fifty-seven departments were consolidated to 34 during his term from 1980 to 1996 representing the fourth district, which stretches from Marina del Rey to Long Beach and from Whittier...