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.
—Eagle Rock: Cannabis-brand Stiizy is taking over Ernie Jr.'s Taco House in Eagle Rock and turning it into a dispensary, but they plan to keep the iconic 51-year-old 'Taco' sign. [The Eastsider LA]
—The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner determined that Coolio died of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine intoxication. The 59-year-old was found unresponsive at a Los Angeles home six months ago. The rapper openly struggled with substance abuse. In 2015, Coolio told radio host Sway “my nemesis was cocaine.” [CNN]
—West Hollywood: The Los Angeles LGBT Center hosts a drag march in West Hollywood on Easter Sunday. The march intends to raise awareness about the rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation. More than 450 bills have been introduced across the country targeting LGBTQ+ rights, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). [LAist]
—A middle school teacher in Fontana was caught on camera repeatedly using the N-word in class. Students were reportedly reading a Mark Twain novel when someone asked how to spell the N-word. One student estimated the teacher used the N-word more than a dozen times. According to the same student, the teacher told the class that "people are oversensitive over the word" and "anybody can say the word." Parents are asking for the teacher to be removed. [ABC 7]
—Inglewood: A 20-year-old charged with the death of Pop Smoke pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery. The defendant admitted to entering a rental home in the Hollywood Hills as a teenager with the intention to rob the 20-year-old Brooklyn rapper and was sentenced to four years and two months in juvenile detention.
—The City of L.A. sued a Knock LA reporter over documents lawfully obtained through a public records request. First amendment experts say their case is weak. [LAT]
—A Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy was charged with unlawfully owning an assault rifle and "tracer ammunition." [KTLA]
—Police are searching for the suspect in two stabbings that occurred at or near stations on the Metro Red Line. The first attack occurred around 5 PM Thursday at the Metro Hollywood/Western Station. A few hours later, a man stabbed someone multiple times in the neck and back on Alvarado Street as the victim was traveling to the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station. One report said the suspect was last seen on the train headed toward North Hollywood. It's not clear whether the same suspect was responsible for both attacks. [City News Services]
—Residents of Highland Park and Westwood Hills recently began receiving anonymous Uber Eats deliveries on their door steps. Are the mysterious deliveries tied to a burglary ring? The L.A. Times investigates. [LAT]
