Police Sergeant to Run Against Picus

Los Angeles Police Sgt. Dennis P. Zine, a West Hills resident, has taken an official step toward becoming the fifth candidate to challenge Councilwoman Joy Picus’ reelection bid this spring.

Zine, 45, a traffic sergeant who was formerly press spokesman for Deputy Chief Mark A. Kroeker, head of the Valley Bureau, filed papers last week declaring that he intends to raise money for a campaign against Picus.

Zine said Monday that he was entering the race because of “my frustration about what’s been happening to the city--the business flight, the fear factor, the overtaxation.”

Picus has failed to address these major city problems, he said. “She hasn’t done anything wrong, but still I see our community going downhill,” said Zine, who said he would be seeking the support of the police union in his bid to unseat Picus.

Picus will be seeking reelection in April to a fifth term representing the southwest San Fernando Valley.

Also opposing the incumbent are two of her former allies, Robert Gross, president of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization, and Laura Chick, a former Picus field deputy. Morton Diamond, a paralegal who ran against Picus in 1989, and businessman David Moles are also running for the 3rd District seat.