Rebecca Avila Named to Fill Chaleff’s Post on Police Panel

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to appoint Rebecca Avila to fill a vacancy on the Los Angeles Police Commission.

Avila, the former executive director of the city’s Ethics Commission, will carry out the remaining three months of Gerald Chaleff’s term. Chaleff, who had headed the commission since 1999, was fired by Mayor Richard Riordan last month after the mayor said he wanted a change in leadership.

Although council members opposed Riordan’s decision to fire Chaleff, they expressed confidence in Avila’s abilities. She serves on the board of directors for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. She also lists reforming the Police Department as one of her top priorities.