THE WEEK IN REVIEWChief StakesA sharp rebuke...

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Chief Stakes

A sharp rebuke from City Hall and a plea from LAPD Deputy Chief Mark Kroeker quieted a grass-roots letter-writing campaign last week promoting the Valley’s former top cop as a natural for Chief Willie Williams’ job. . . . “I’m not going to go against his wishes,” said Northridge’s Evelyn Greene of the Kroeker support group. But Greene said members are only waiting for a sign to start again.

Winners and Losers

Other cops were winners and losers: LAPD Sgt. Jeri Weinstein won a $3,000 settlement from a Woodland Hills woman she accused of filing a false complaint. . . . Fired LAPD Sgt. Roger M. “Hoot” Gibson of Canyon Country won $631,000 in a federal rights case against the city. . . . Loser: West Valley Councilman Hal Bernson may be tried for spending campaign funds on Hollywood Bowl tickets.

All Fall Down

Back-to-back Santa Anas toppled 1,000 Valley trees, the Department of Public Works reported Friday. . . . About half were owned by the city, which so far has been hit with only one damage claim. Expect more.

The Week Ahead

Speaking of trees. . . . About 300 needy Valley residents will get Oregon firs for Christmas from several charities, including the Salvation Army, Friends of the Family and MEND. . . . The trees are being donated by the Oregon Family Christmas Trees lot in Woodland Hills.