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.
—Five high-rated Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles will be participating in a campaign to highlight and educate Japanese food lovers about the healthful properties of koji and other fermented traditional seasonings used in Japanese-inspired cooking, such as koji and soy sauce. Participating restaurants include N/Soto, Ryla, Kagura Torrance, and Tsubaki in Silver Lake. Restaurants are offering a special menu item until February 23rd. [JFoodo]
—Westlake: A cashier at Amaya's Mini Market wrestled the knife away from a would-be robber trying to steal money from the register last week, before chasing him out of the store. [NBC]
—Sherman Oaks: A man was shot and killed in Sherman Oaks early this morning following an argument with a neighbor who lives in the same building. The neighbor is reported to have opened fire on the now deceased man, before alerting the police himself and being taken into custody. [KTLA]
—Reconstruction and Pod Save the People have created 'The Blackest Book Club' reading list to celebrate Black History Month, featuring a curated collection of stories, poems, and essays from classic and contemporary leaders of Black thought and literature. [Reconstruction]
—Northern California big wave surfer Tyler Fox is a first-hand witness to the devastation climate change is causing on the California coast behind this year's incredible surf season, both gradually and suddenly, including this year's massive storms and record floods. [NYT]
—Rest in peace to De La Soul rapper Trugoy the Dove, born David Jolicoeur, who died at 54 it was announced over the weekend. No cause of death was announced, but Trugoy revealed that he was suffering from congestive heart problems in 2017. [NPR]
—A 27-foot-long sausage-shaped Oscar Meyer Wienermobile was robbed of its catalytic converter before an appearance in Las Vegas. [8NewsNow]
—Dodger Mookie Betts is super serious about bowling and enjoys a reputation as a great bowler, "thanks to a surprisingly strong track record in professional events highlighted by a 300 game in the 2017 World Series of Bowling." [LAT]
—A paddleboarder was joined by a Disney-worthy display of circling dolphins off Dana Point on a crystal clear day. [ABC]
