O.C. Now

Laguna Beach

Crimes dropped in Laguna over 2009

Major crimes in Laguna Beach dipped by 4.3% in 2009 over the previous year, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department’s annual report.

The fact that the city has a full complement of officers for the first time in several years has improved many areas of policing the city, said Lt. Jason Kravetz.

The increased police presence has translated into a 22.4% increase in felony arrests; a 20.1% increase in warrant arrests; and a 31% increase in traffic stops over 2008 figures.

Most major crimes showed little or no change, but figures indicate 25% fewer burglaries in 2009 compared with 2008 figures.

There was one murder reported.

Aggravated assaults — where victims are seriously injured — remained double what they were as recently as 2007, but three more were tallied in 2009 than in the previous year.

A total of 11 rapes were reported, one more than in 2008 or 2007, a 10% increase.

Kravetz said a majority of the rapes were cases in which victims knew their attackers.

— Cindy Frazier

Huntington Beach

City official enters county treasurer race

Huntington Beach’s city treasurer plans to run for Orange County treasurer tax-collector.

Shari Freidenrich filed her intention to run in March and recently announced a number of endorsements, including the Huntington Beach City Council and county Supervisor John Moorlach.

Freidenrich is the only treasurer from a public agency in the running to replace outgoing Treasurer Chriss Street, a Newport Beach resident.

— Britney Barnes

Newport Beach

Rodman faces reality in courtroom on show

On the recent episode of “Sober House,” former Newport Beach resident Dennis Rodman attended court for criminal charges for domestic violence and discussed his dual partying-personality with Dr. Drew.

This episode forced Rodman to come face to face with his lifestyle by attending court to address his domestic violence case. As the B-roll rolled of Rodman entering the courthouse, Dr. Drew said, “He’s been doing domestic violence classes and some community service. But it seems to me like a very serious, serious problem. My understanding is he could go to jail today.”

Rodman didn’t get hauled off in handcuffs, but the judge told him the slammer isn’t too far off for the NBA player if he doesn’t shape up. It’s a familiar refrain: Police were frequently called to his home in West Newport when he lived there.

— OCLNN.com