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.
-Seventy-four-year-old Carlos Santana collapsed on stage while playing a show in Michigan, citing dehydration and heat exhaustion. [ABC]
—The cultivation tax on California cannabis growers has been eliminated, but consumers may find themselves paying more at the register due to a forthcoming 15% excise tax. [Hollyweed]
—Thanks to all those 4th of July fireworks, L.A.'s air quality was downgraded for much of Southern California due to high levels of particulate matter and metal air pollutants. [LAT]
—There's a $25,000 taco being served at the Grand Velas Los Cabos resort, featuring a gold-infused corn tortilla with lobster and Kobe beef, topped with black truffle Brie cheese, Beluga caviar, a salsa made from dried morita chiles, añejo Tequila, and Luwak coffee. Oh, and more gold. So far, two have been sold. [Tasting Table]