Skip to Content
News

Headlines: LAPD Requests $119 Million Budget Increase; CHP Warns They Will Be out On Full Force on Thanksgiving

an LAPD squad car on the street with it's passenger side door open.
via Vapi Photographie

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.

Los Angeles: As if $3.1 billion wasn’t enough, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting a $119 million budget increase. The requested budget includes more than $15 million for new helicopters and more than $100 million for recruiting and overtime. [Kenneth Mejia/Twitter]

Vernon: A large fire damaged a home goods store near the corner of Miles Avenue and Slauson Avenue this morning. NBC reported that firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours. [Southeast Los Angeles/IG]

South Whittier: An attorney for the 22-year-old accused of intentionally driving their car into a group of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s recruits, injuring 25, told The Times that their client fell asleep at the wheel before the crash. [LAT]

Los Angeles: L.A. Conservancy is offering a $5,000 grant to a local small business that has been operating and contributing to their community for at least 20 years. The deadline to apply is December 7. [L.A. Conservancy]

Sun Valley: A 32-year-old Sun Valley “gun enthusiast” is accused of stalking Natalia Bryant, the 19-year-old daughter of the late Kobe Bryant. [Patch LA]

Los Angeles: Beginning tomorrow (Wednesday), California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers will be out in full force looking for drunk drivers as well as traffic violations. [CBS News]

Historic South-Central: Los Angeles Police found 60 bullet casings and a dead woman inside of an apartment in Green Meadows. [KTLA 5]

Los Angeles: How much money do you have to make to afford a house in L.A.? At least $200,000. [KTLA 5]

Orange County: A floating torpedo was found off the coast of Dana Point. A Navy commander confirmed with The Register that the torpedo is used for training purposes and was dropped either by an aircraft or ship. [CBS News]

West Hills: Jay Leno was released from a West Hills burn center yesterday after suffering serious injuries and undergoing surgery. The comedian is expected to make a full recovery. [LAT]

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Weekend Eats: Ramadan Feasts at Maydan, Aguja Tortas In Hollywood, and Goat Machito In East L.A.

new dek: "Plus, a new Hokkaido-style fried chicken sandwich from a ghost kitchen in Pico-Union and a new filet mignon taco in Studio City. "

February 20, 2026

Daily Memo: ICE Used 14 Vehicles to Take 6 People from Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse

So essentially what we’re seeing is that Border Patrol is still active down in San Diego, along with ICE. Here, ICE is operating out of their local offices in Santa Ana and San Bernardino. We also know that people are being taken in Los Angeles who show up for their check-ins. These incidents are hard to catch, observe, or document, but we've confirmed that they're happening.

February 19, 2026

The 24 Best Fish and Seafood Tacos In Los Angeles, Mapped

From scallop tacos to fish machaca flautas to a smoked marlin gobernador, here is a taco crawl for our pescatarian friends, and those just looking to eat less meat.

February 19, 2026

Punk Bands Are Bailing on ‘Punk in the Park’ Over Founder’s Trump Donations

L.A. woman-fronted punk band, Naked Aggression, was the first band to pull out. L.A. TACO confirmed that N8NOFACE is also withdrawing from the festival taking place in Vallejo, California, as of this morning. Other bands, like 8 Kalacas, are doubling down and still performing.

February 18, 2026

DAILY MEMO: Communities and Lawmakers Start Preparing For ICE’s Next Move

Around Los Angeles and Orange County, ICE is still grabbing people who show up to their immigration appointments. ICE also has a big presence in the I.E. and San Bernardino County. Shake-ups and changes continue with DHS, and lawmakers in other states are trying to criminalize ICE observers while one in California is trying to protect them.

See all posts