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.
—Altadena: Joseph Chahayed, a local store owner who moved to the U.S. from Syria 42 years ago, has won $1 million for selling the $2 billion-winning Powerball ticket at his business this week. [CNN]
—Downey: The construction of a housing project destined for the land once comprising the historic Potter's Field cemetery for the indigent attached to Rancho Los Amigos will soon begin, drawing the attention of preservationists concerned about the possibility of human remains still present, and advocating for a permanent memorial. [Esotouric]
—El Segundo: A fire broke out at Chevron's El Segundo oil refinery yesterday, burning for a few hours before firefighters put it out. [Daily News]
—Recycling plastic is "practically impossible," with a new Greenpeace study reporting only 5% of plastics being turned into new things, a decrease that is expected to grow. [NPR]
—Los Angeles: A flash flood warning alert was mistakenly sent widely to Angelenos around 4p.m. yesterday, though it was only meant for residents of Duarte. Doh. [LAist]
—Democratic Senator Alex Padilla has won his special election, making him the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. [LAT]
—Downtown: Civic Bicycle Commuting, a new bike-carpooling program, seeks to increase bike ridership in the city by organizing group rides and safety protocols, and offering financial benefits, through an app named Pave. [The Eastsider L.A.]
—La Verne: A man wanted for suspicion of murder was arrested while trying to steal 20 bottles of laundry detergent from a local Vons on Tuesday. [KTLA]