Skip to Content
News

Headlines: Investigation Into Wilmington’s Westside Wilmas Gang and the Mexican Mafia Lead to Multiple Arrests

In addition to the arrests, authorities allegedly seized 23 firearms, 57.7 pounds of methamphetamine, about 23,000 fentanyl pills, 5.2 pounds of powdered fentanyl and 2.2 pounds of cocaine.

photo: Hoodlumxsociety/Instagram

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.

—Free rides on L.A. metro buses, trains, and bikes today, all day! Metrolink is free to cyclists all week. [Metro Los Angeles]

Central-Alameda: LAPD released a bizarre video showing celebrities like Pete Davidson, Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, Shia LaBeouf and Benicio Del Toro praising the LAPD's Newton Division following a screening of End of Watch. [LAPD Newton]

Elysian Park: The Los Angeles chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a self-described group of "leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns,” who were going to be honored with the Dodgers' Community Hero Award, have been removed from the lineup of this year's Los Angles Dodgers’ 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night in June, due to complaints from Catholics over the imagery they use, including Senator Marco Rubio. [KTLA]

Wilmington: The FBI and LAPD announced multiple arrests Wednesday stemming from a joint investigation that targeted the Westside Wilmas gang, and eventually expanded into the Mexican Mafia, which they believe was involved in the sale of illegal firearms and narcotics throughout the Harbor area. In addition to the arrests, authorities allegedly seized 23 firearms, 57.7 pounds of methamphetamine, about 23,000 fentanyl pills, 5.2 pounds of powdered fentanyl and 2.2 pounds of cocaine. [NBC]

—A person opened fire on LAPD police officers Wednesday afternoon on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles, according to authorities. No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred shortly after noon on the southbound side of the freeway. The officers did not return fire, a spokesperson said. [ABC]

Venice: Citing issues with employee safety, scheduling changes, pay, and access to affordable benefits, approximately 30 cannabis delivery drivers at the Stachs-Eaze Lincoln cannabis delivery depot in Venice voted to unionize this week, making it the second Los Angeles Stachs-Eaze depot to unionize since March, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770. About 80 workers at the San Jose depot also voted to unionize. [Patch]

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Seven Non-Profit Organizations That Support and Defend Our Nation’s Immigrants

If you have the means to financially support those who are digging in to fight, here are seven non-profit organizations that support the rights, dignity, and well-being of immigrants and the undocumented.

January 21, 2025

Is It Safe to Eat My Backyard Fruit In L.A. During Wildfires?

The short answer is yes—with precautions.

January 21, 2025

15 Food and Drink Fundraisers To Support L.A. Wildfire Relief

Here are 15 fundraisers at L.A. bars and restaurants to support first-responders and neighbors affected by the tragic fires via eating and drinking, including pizza pop-ups, oyster festivals, and superhero tacos.

January 17, 2025

Palisades Taquero Sued By Ralphs Returns To Feed First Responders

Gracias Señor's customers in Pacific Palisades were 70% locals, including many students from the local high school that burned down. On the day the fire started, taquero Rudy Barrientos barely made it out in time to not have to abandon his popular food truck. Through World Central Kitchen, he's been serving the first responders who are working the graveyard shift breakfast burritos. As for the future, he doesn't know where he will set up next.

January 16, 2025

Finding Burnt Pages of Books in Your Yard? Wildfire Experts Say That’s Normal

“Although it certainly offers a dramatic visual, seeing partially burnt pages from books and newspapers fall from this sky is an all-to-familiar experience for anyone who has experienced a major fire that destroyed numerous structures,” climate scientist Daniel Swain told L.A. TACO.

January 16, 2025
See all posts