Thank a local elected official today if you have the chance.  This week's Tustin City Council Agenda features a great example of the crazy things local electeds have to deal with on a regular basis.  The item below also, shows that some police encounters can go better than others.  The first interaction demonstrates restraint and a realisitic approach to law enforcement.  The second shows that even friendly cops have a limit...

CONSIDERATION OF CLAIM OF STEVEN KOERNER, CLAIM NO. 09-01  The Claimant alleges that he suffered a panic-induced asthma attack on November 8, 2008 as a result of being illegally detained by the Tustin Police Department. The Claimant was initially contacted by Tustin PD at a local bar in response to a call regarding petty theft. The victim of the petty theft did not desire to press charges, however, the Claimant was asked to leave the bar as a result of exhibiting various signs of intoxication. Approximately 30 minutes after leaving the bar, the Claimant arrived, on his own, at the Tustin Police Department to file a complaint against the Officer he had encountered at the bar. It was determined at that time that the Claimant was intoxicated, and he was arrested for being drunk in public. He was transported to Huntington Beach Jail where he was refused booking due to a medical condition. He was then taken to Western Medical Center for medical clearance, where he was eventually cited and released.

Recommendation: That the City Council deny Claim Number 09-01, Steven Koerner, and direct Staff to send notice thereof to the Claimant.
 

I am pretty sure Mr. Koerner will be nominated for one of those awards that highlight stupidity beyond normal societal levels.