Welcome 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.
—Inglewood: Clippers owner Steve Ballmer expects a shiny new stadium for his team. But what is he really excited about? The number of toilets it will have. In a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, Ballmer got downright giddy at the prospect that it will have 1,160 toilets, or "three times the NBA average." [The Score]
—Toluca Lake: Lory Ventura, said to be the owner of Pet Pal Los Angeles in the Valley, is accused harassing a girl working at Teto's Produce in Oxnard, throwing her berries and repeatedly demanding to see the businesses' vending license. The vendor admitted to feeling "scared" for her safety while filming Ventura. According to the posted video, Ventura is said to have also messaged the girl on Instagram after leaving the scene. [EnamoradoAlex]
—Hollywood Hills: Edwin Castro, winner of the $2 billion Powerball last November—the largest prize awarded in the history of the U.S. lottery--has purchased a $25.5 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills. On a 0.58 acre lot, the house features an infinity pool, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and counts celebrities like Ariana Grande, Dakota Johnson and Jimmy Kimmel as neighbors. [NBC]
—El Sereno: 17-year-old Xavier Daniel Chavarin was stabbed to death on Friday while waiting for his mother outside of King Torta on Valley Boulevard. The suspected murderer was seen getting out of a dark SUV before crossing the street and stabbing the Wilson High student repeatedly in the back. He is also suspected of stabbing a 33-year-old father to death that same evening, also on Valley Boulevard. There is now a police standoff in Alhambra at the suspect's home. Police report that the victim's mother is on the phone with the suspect in a negotiation to get the suspect to peacefully surrender. [KTLA]
—Historic South Central: An office building was burning at 2615 S. Grand Avenue early Wednesday morning, with the sixth floor of the six-story concrete building showing significant flames. Fortunately, firefighters found no one inside, while more than 160 firefighters responded and were expected to remain on scene battling the blaze for several more hours. [CBS]
—Researchers from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy concluded that residents of wealthier, whiter areas exported air pollution to the neighborhoods around their commutes, potentially exposing non-driving Angelenos to more pollution than they produce. [LAT]
—The Dallas Morning News takes on "the Edgar" cut popular with some Latino youths these days, making a case for its indigenous roots. [DMN]
—Happy International Women's Day!!
