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.
—Saxophonist Fito Olivares passed away at the age of 75 earlier this morning, leaving a legacy of more than 50 years dedicated to the music industry. Among his main hits are songs like 'Juana la Cubana', 'El Colesterol' and 'La Gallinita.' The news was confirmed by his wife to Raúl Brindis's YouTube channel after he stated that he had spent the last three days sleeping all day and not eating after suffering from multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. Multiple reports from publications in Mexico and Texas are just now starting to come in. [El Financiero]
—Armed robbers are reportedly targeting streetside taquerías and vendors. KTLA reports that over ten days, four taqueros were robbed at gunpoint.
—Hollywood: L.A. just recognized a new neighborhood in Hollywood named "Hollywood Heights." [L.A. Mag]
—Sun Valley: A man riding a bicycle was killed today in a hit-and-run crash in Sun Valley. Paramedics sent to the 8400 block of Lankershim Boulevard about 6:20 AM pronounced the man dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. [City News Services]
—South Los Angeles: A traffic crash involving a school bus and two other vehicles in the South Los Angeles area today left one person with a possible injury. The crash was reported about 7:35 a.m. in the 1700 block of West 54th Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. About a dozen students were aboard the bus, but none was hurt, the LAFD reported. The bus driver was examined at the scene for a possible injury. [City News Services]
—LA Public Press is paying freelancers and community members $150 to live tweet city council meetings. [L.A. Public Press/Twitter]
—DTLA: La County Deputy Public Defenders highlight the challenges they face working to defend their clients, on social media. One public defender said the biggest barrier their clients face is having resources and time. Another attorney said that clients often look at prosecutors, judges and public defenders as part of the same problem, which can lead to mistrust, lying, and verbal arguments. [IG]
—Jeff Weiss writes about L.A.'s underground and DIY party scene following the closure of venues like The Airliner for the L.A. Times. [LAT]
