Public commenters raise concerns about federal prison treatment, Rampart-era abuses and personal complaints

Several members of the public addressed the Los Angeles City Council during the Nov. 5 public-comment period, urging the council to investigate treatment of high-profile detainee Ervin "Irv" Rubin, and raising issues related to police conduct and personal grievances.

Larry Green (called by the clerk as the first public speaker) said he did not sleep the previous night after learning that Ervin (Irv) Rubin was very ill in detention and asked the council and city attorney to investigate the conditions of Rubin's confinement. "I would like to know why Ervin wasn't granted bail. Why Irv Rubin wasn't allowed to have Jewish dietary food brought into him for 11 months," Green said, asking whether the city could call for an investigation into his treatment.

Wiley Brown, the next speaker, addressed multiple matters including a recent Bunker Hill incident and allegations of police abuse connected to the Rampart scandal. Brown described a personal experience with a police raid and listed injuries and medical concerns he said were associated with a past incident. Council staff and members noted that they could not respond directly to matters raised during public comment but that staff representatives would follow up. Councilmember Holden directed a staff member (Mister Hernandez) to speak with the commenter after the meeting to address the concerns.

The council chair reminded speakers that the council cannot respond directly during public comment but that staff follow-up is possible. No formal council action was taken on the specific allegations during the Nov. 5 meeting; the transcript records council staff offering to have deputies consult with the speakers afterward.