Welcome back to L.A. TACO’s daily news briefs, where we bring our loyal members, readers, and supporters the latest headlines about Los Angeles politics and culture. Stay informed and look closely.
—Eagle Rock: A coalition of Black, Brown, and Indigenous activist groups were joined by Councilmembers Mike Bonin, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Council member-elect Eunisses Hernandez as they rallied outside of Councilmember Kevin de León's residence last night. The coalition is demanding that de León step down from his position as the representative of Council District 14. Despite nearly abandoning his district to become Mayor of Los Angeles, de León has said he will not resign because it would leave his constituents without representation (again). You might remember that de León took office early due to former Councilmember Huizar being indicted on federal racketeering charges. Council President Paul Krekorian indicated yesterday that if de León resigns, he will initiate a special election immediately to avoid a gap in representation. [Twitter]
—Adidas finally severed ties with the rapper and fashion designer formerly known as Kanye West following his antisemitic comments. For weeks, customers and Adidas's own employees had demanded the German sportswear brand break off its lucrative relationship with Ye. In a statement, Adidas said that the decision will have a short-term negative impact of roughly $250 million on their balance sheet. [CNBC]
—Boyle Heights: Businessman and mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has spent an unprecedented amount of money on his campaign (more than $80 million). And it seems to be paying off. In recent weeks, Caruso has closed the gap between himself and Karen Bass. Mexican celebrities like Kate Del Castillo, who campaigned in Boyle Heights yesterday, and Jaime Camil, have both recently endorsed him. There's a good chance the Billionaire could be our next mayor. [Politico]
—Hollywood: Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan died yesterday morning after driving a vehicle into a wall in Hollywood. Jordan was known for his small stature and for roles in films and television series such as 'Will and Grace.' During the pandemic, Jordan reemerged as a social media star and established a following of more than 5 million fans. [NBC-LA]
—So far, fire season has been more mellow than in previous years, but that might, unfortunately, change as Santa Ana winds pick up in Los Angeles. The potential for a wildfire in LA is "extreme," officials indicated on Monday. [Twitter]
—South-Central: A pedestrian was struck by a driver at around 9 PM last night and killed near the corner of Vermont and Manchester in South LA, according to the fire department. The deceased was reportedly found trapped underneath a vehicle. Nearly 300 people were killed in traffic-related incidents last year, a 20 percent increase from the previous year, despite an initiative to bring that number down to zero. [LAFD]
—The Los Angeles City Council will return to council chambers this morning after two weeks of turmoil and virtual meetings. The last time council met in person. Protestors shut the meeting down. People are divided on whether or not business should continue as usual. Protestors have vowed to shut down meetings until council members Cedillo and de Leon resign. But others say that the council needs to meet in order to address serious matters like renters' protection. [FOX-LA]
Beverly Grove: Thieves crashed a Sprinter van into a Chanel store near Cedars Sinai in Beverly Grove early Tuesday morning. [CBS]
