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.
—Hollywood: A group of street vendors and community groups filed a lawsuit against the City of L.A. for unlawful and discriminatory “no-vending” zones. The plaintiffs include two street vendors as well as advocacy groups Inclusive Action and East LA Community Corporation (ELACC). “Street vendors are part of the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Los Angeles and deserve the same access to economic opportunity as other small businesses in the city…The continued enforcement of illegal, exclusionary regulations and harsh enforcement prevents these small businesses from thriving,” the group said in a statement. The lawsuit which is being filed Wednesday alleges that the anti-vending zones violate SB 946, a 2018 state law that essentially legalizes street vending. Thursday, a coalition of vendors and community groups will march through Hollywood to announce the lawsuit.
—Hollywood: The man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker last year during a robbery in Hollywood, was sentenced to 21 years in prison, after accepting a plea deal. In court, the victim said that they’ve suffered “lung collapse after lung collapse” on top of losing their career and friendships. [NYT]
Morocco defeated Spain in a Round of 16 matchup this morning that ended in penalty kicks. Spain was unable to score a single goal during the shootout. Morocco becomes the first team outside of Europe and South America to advance to the quarter final. [AP]
Engine Vision Media, a company co-founded by attorneys Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas, acquired LA Magazine as well as two other local magazines. Geragos is currently under investigation by The State Bar of California for allegedly diverting funds intended for Armenia Genocide survivors. The new owners plan “to invest significantly in the magazine’s journalism and expand its digital and social media presence, while also putting a new focus on live events,” L.A. Mag reports. [L.A. Mag]
—Anaheim: A Huntington Beach elementary school principal jumped to his death at “the happiest place on earth” over the weekend. [LAT]
Several children’s toys, clothes and other products were recently recalled due to lead contamination. The health department urges parents and caregivers to discontinue using these products and test children for lead exposure. Find a list of the recalled products here.
Michael Avenatti, the attorney who represented Stormy Daniels in her lawsuits against former President Trump, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Monday for not paying his taxes while stealing millions of dollars from his clients. [LAT]
—Beverly Hills: Marc Coopwood, a former Beverly Hills Assistant Police Chief was the highest paid municipal worker in California last year. The assistant chief was paid more than $700,000 in total compensation. According to the City of Beverly Hills, Coopwood retired in 2021 and as part of his severance package was paid a year’s salary plus benefits for “unused leave,” Emily Rahhal from Patch L.A. reports. [Emily Rahhal/Twitter]
Hate crimes in Los Angeles reached a 12 year high, according to an analysis by Crosstown LA. Black Angelenos have experienced the greatest increase in hate crimes. [Crosstown L.A.]
