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.
—On Thursday the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) posted a poll on their official Twitter account asking people if they'd like to see more cops patrolling their area, fewer cops, or the same number. As of earlier this morning, nearly 80 percent of responders said they would prefer fewer LAPD officers in their neighborhood. After more than 14,000 votes, the LAPD deleted their poll. [Lexis-Olivier Ray/Twitter]
—El Monte: Birrieria El Patron is opening two locations, one in El Monte and another in Covina. To celebrate, they're giving away hundreds of FREE tacos this afternoon starting at 5 PM. Tacos will be $1 all night but the first 100 customers will get five tacos on the house. Check out Birrieria El Patron's IG for more info. [L.A. Foodie]
—The Metro Board of Directors has voted to negotiate and extend its current multi-agency transit law enforcement contracts with modifications for up to three additional years. But, as part of the motion, Metro staff will also bring back a report in May on the feasibility of creating an in-house public safety agency. During a meeting, last month Metro board approved the awarding of three individual five-year, firm-fixed unit rate contracts with the Los Angeles Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to support its day-to-day bus and rail operations across Metro's entire service area. Those contracts are set to expire on June 30. [City News Services]
—Chinatown: Thousands of students and LAUSD workers gathered in L.A. Historic State Park on the final day of a three-day strike. This morning, hundreds of thousands of students returned back to classrooms after the union representing school employees and LAUSD officials failed to come to an agreement. Labor discussions will reportedly continue. [Lexis-Olivier Ray/Twitter]
—Scientists found "startling concentrations" of DDT—a "forever chemical" that was discarded into the Pacific Ocean during the 40s and 50s—on the ocean's seafloor. [LAT]
—DTLA: Jurors who will decide the fate of suspended L-A City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas in his federal corruption trial could be handed the case as early as today, with the prosecution's rebuttal argument expected to wrap up in the morning. The panelists heard from both sides on Thursday -- with a federal prosecutor saying Ridley-Thomas, while serving as a county supervisor, sold his vote for a series of benefits for his son, and a defense lawyer countering that nothing the longtime politician did was illegal. [City News Services]
—Lynwood: A rideshare driver was reportedly killed by passengers outside of a 7-Eleven in Lynwood early Friday morning. ABC 7 reported that a physical altercation ensued before the driver was shot in the torso. [ABC 7]
