Headlines: L.A. River Sewage Spill Closes LBC Beaches; Hate Crimes Skyrocketed in 2021

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.

–12,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the L.A. River in Compton on Jan. 31, causing beach closures in Long Beach. [The Hill]

–Metro has approved a $8.5 billion light rail that runs through southeast L.A., from Artesia to Union Station. The full line is expected to open in 2043. [GCR]

–A woman was shot and injured by the L.A. River in Long Beach on Sunday, with the bullet possibly coming from a car. [LBP]

–LAPD shot and killed 23-year-old Jonathan Murillo in Pacoima on Monday morning, alleging he was high and coming at them with a knife. [AP]

–The Harvard Law Review has named 24-year-old, Downey-born-and-raised Priscila Coronado as its president. The daughter of Mexican immigrants is the first Latina to serve as president in the Review's 135 year history. [Reuters]

–Los Angeles had the most recorded hate crimes among big cities in the nation in 2021, among an overall 71% spike in incidents. A majority of these incidents found Black residents being targeted. [LAT]

–The California Attorney General is reviewing several L.A. Sheriff's Department investigations that appear to some to be politically motivated and signs of Sheriff Alex Villanueva abusing his power. [KTLA]