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.
—”There’s no good Mexican food in New York,” Chilean-born, O.C. and San Antonio-raised actor Pedro Pascal proclaimed on the latest episode of Hot Ones. Locals will recognize Homestate’s famous queso making a cameo in the segment. [Homestate]
—El Sereno: Two Los Angeles Police Department officers who were injured during a gun battle with a parolee in Lincoln Heights were released from a hospital, while an investigation continued today into the police operation that led to the gunfire and left the suspect dead. Three LAPD officers were shot and wounded by the gunman during a search for a parolee at large in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters confirmed in a tweet that two officers were set to be discharged from LAC+USC Medical Center on Thursday. A third officer injured in the shootout is expected to remain in the hospital to receive additional medical treatment. [City News Services]
—Hollywood: The 95th Academy Awards returns to The Dolby Theater in Hollywood this weekend. And with the Oscars comes lots of street closures. LAist put together this guide to help drivers navigate Hollywood this weekend. Whatever you do, avoid Hollywood and Highland! [LAist]
—San Luis Obispo: Flash flood warnings were issued for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara due to heavy rains. Nearly ten inches of rain has already accumulated in parts of San Luis Obsipo County and more rain and flash flooding is expected, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles. Residents of Cambria have been ordered to shelter in place due to "dangerous flooding." In Los Angeles, most parts of the city will see 1.5 inches of rain. Coastal areas could see as much as three inches. With the recent rains, La Niña, a climate pattern associated with dryer conditions in the winter, is officially over. [LAist]
—Fullerton: An abandoned newborn baby has been found in a trash can in a restroom at a Fullerton gas station. After finding the baby, Fullerton Police Department officers began life-saving measures on the infant and called paramedics from the Fullerton Fire Department, who took the baby to a hospital. The baby is in the hospital in critical but stable condition. Police reminded the public of the state's Safely Surrendered Baby Law, where a parent or person with lawful custody can safely surrender a baby confidentially, and without fear of prosecution, within 72 hours of birth. The law requires the baby to be taken to a public or private hospital, designated fire station or other safe surrender sites designated by the county Board of Supervisors. [City News Services]
—A suspected DUI driver who led deputies on an hours long chase was arrested after taking a few hits of what appeared to be nitrous oxide and burning out his tires. [KTLA]
—Anaheim: The CEO of Disney admitted that recent price hikes were 'a little too aggressive." Earlier this year the company added more days when tickets are offered at $104, the lowest price offered. [LAT]
—Grammy Award-winner Carlos Santana's weed brand announced the launch of a new solvent-less edible. Available this May in a variety of fruity flavors, the hash rosin gummies are reportedly made with "all-natural" ingredients and come in the shape of the sacred heart found on Santana's hats and other merch. [Mirayo by Santana]
—The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in L.A. County is down today for the second consecutive day following a 35-day streak of increases. [City News Services]