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.
—LAPD officer Frank Hernandez pleaded no contest yesterday to an on-duty assault of a 28-year-old homeless man in Boyle Heights two years ago, in an incident widely seen on video. Hernandez will receive two years probation and 80 hours of community service. [L.A.D.A.]
—How to crash Malibu's beaches despite locals' attempts to make them look private. [LAT]
—The worlds of boxing and Hollywood are mourning Azuma Bennett, a beloved trainer who was shot and killed one week ago outside of a dispensary in Windsor Hills. [NBC]
—California ranks #2 in a survey determining which states have the most spoiled dogs. We're #2! We're #2!! [Forbes Advisor]
—Griffith Park Drive is now permanently closed to traffic. [Nithya Raman]
—A new mural dedicated to Mexican-American basketball pro-Juan Toscano-Anderson will be unveiled in Inglewood today in honor of his officially joining the Lakers. [Paisa Boys]
—Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights will center its tram rides around Jordan Peele's Nope and Us, while the haunted house lineup will include the horror classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space, among others. [HHN]
—Suspects are being sought in the ransacking of a 7-11 in the aftermath of a street takeover. [LAT]
—A four-car traffic collision left two dead in South L.A. this morning. [My News L.A.]
—28 alleged members and associates of South L.A.'s longstanding Eastside Playboys gang were arrested by federal agents on Thursday on federal racketeering, narcotics, and firearms charges. [FBI]
—Dodgers TV broadcaster David Vassegh broke two bones in his wrist and cracked six ribs after going down a slide at the Brewer's stadium on Wednesday night. [ESPN]