Headlines: L.A.’s ‘Cannabis Czar’ Steps Down; Lakers’ Head Coach Fired

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.

—Cat Packer, L.A.'s first "cannabis czar," has stepped down from her position as executive director of the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation after five years. [High Times]

—A Santa Monica neighborhood has had its USPS mail delivery suspended after carriers in the area have experienced threats and attacks. [NBC]

—On Monday, tenants from across L.A. held a protest against K3 Holdings, owner of over 60 rent-controlled buildings in the city, with accusations of allegedly predatory practices and filthy building conditions. [ABC]

—Karen Bass and Rick Caruso are currently leading the L.A. mayoral race, according to a new poll. [LAT]

—Frank Vogel has been fired as The Lakers' head coach on Monday, despite a year left on his contract. [ESPN]

—Philadelphia has reinstated its indoor mask mandate, citing rising cases of the latest COVID-19 variant. [NYT]

—Several UPS trucks were burned at a UPS customer center in Lancaster on Monday. [NBC]

—25-year-old Cristian Rodriguez grew up in Hawaiian Gardens and now plays for L.A.'s professional rugby team. [ABC]

Authorities are asking the public's help to find Carlos Emmanuel Montalva, a 25-year-old man last seen in East L.A. [Hey SoCal]