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.
—City Hall: Newly-elected City Controller Kenneth Mejia announced on Twitter his office plans to audit the LAPD's infamous fleet of helicopters. Mejia's office will start the audit this month and release it by late summer. They'll look at LAPD's compliance with deployment policies, environmental concerns, and the overall costs associated with the helicopter program. As well as their effectiveness in reducing crime. [Kenneth Mejia/Twitter]
—Filipinotown: Woon, a popular Filipinotown-based noodle spot, is expanding to a second location on the border of Pasadena and Altadena. The new location is said to be much bigger than their tiny FIlipinotown restaurant and will also serve natural wine. [Eater LA]
—Hollywood: Los Angeles firefighters narrowly escaped a giant sinkhole after responding to a water main break in Hollywood. As water shot up approximately 70 feet into the air, a woman was trapped in her apartment. When firefighters reached her door, "they were met with a river flowing from behind the door." [LAFD]
—Huntington Park: The family of Anthony Lowe, a double-amputee fatally shot by Huntington Park police, announced they filed a claim against the city yesterday, the first step to filing a lawsuit. Lowe's family says he fled for his life when shot in the back. [LAist]
—Hollywood: After confiscating a cache of weapons and ammunition earlier this week from a high-rise Hollywood apartment, LAPD officials said that the seizure likely prevented a mass shooting. But yesterday, officials backtracked, admitting they haven't found any evidence that the suspect was "planning a mass shooting." “We are working with our federal partners to exhaust all investigative leads and believe there is no threat to the public,” the LAPD said in a statement. [AP]
—Dwayne 'The Rock Johnson's mother survived what appeared to be a serious car collision earlier this morning. "If you still got your mom and dad, make sure you hug ‘em hard, cos (sic) you never know when you’ll get that 3 am call we never want to get,” Johnson said in an Instagram post. [LAT]
—Hollywood: The Greek Theater will host P-22's celebration of life this Saturday. You can watch the sold-out event from home here. [NBC]
—Westchester: Most terminals at LAX lost power for about an hour yesterday, prompting security delays. Shortly after 3 PM, power was restored, according to LAX officials. [LAT]
—Beverly Hills: A multi-million dollar home under construction burned for hours early this morning, prompting evacuations. [NBC]
—Hollywood: Will Beyonce finally win album of the year at Sunday's Grammy Awards? [LAT]
