Background Checks of Appointees Urged

Los Angeles County Supervisor Deane Dana wants his colleagues to consider doing background checks on people they appoint to county commissions, after reports this week that one of Dana’s appointees was arrested on forgery and traffic warrants.

Carl R. Hassan, a member of the county’s Institutional Inspection Commission, was arrested Monday night, according to the Sheriff’s Department. A spokesman for Dana said the supervisor immediately removed Hassan, 43, of Manhattan Beach, from the commission. Hassan had served on the commission since March.

“The recent arrest of one of our commissioners on a felony charge is a clear indication that we do not possess the authority to conduct the type of background investigation necessary to assist in making these appointments,” Dana said in a motion due to come before supervisors on Tuesday.

Hassan could not be reached for comment.