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.
—Torrance: Vendors at the Alpine Village Swap Meet were given notices over the weekend informing them that the swap meet would remain open for a week longer. The owners said last month they’re unsure if it will reopen after February 1, leading some to speculate that the Bavarian-influenced market in the south bay that many have a nostalgic soft spot for is closing permanently this weekend. [Spectrum News]
—Gardena: Lawyers representing recording artist Feezy Lebron filed a $10 million complaint against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department yesterday. On New Years Eve, Feezy was reportedly sitting in his car in Gardena in a public parking lot when he was approached by deputies who allegedly attempted to pull him out of his vehicle and pepper spray him. When Feezy questioned the deputies, Deputy Justin Sabatine unholstered his pistol and threatened to shoot Feezy “dead at point blank range,” the complaint alleges.
—Echo Park: Club Bahia, a Latin music nightclub in Echo Park that has been open since the 1970s, might be demolished soon. This summer, the property that the club sits on was sold for more than eight million dollars. Recently, the new owners filed for a demolition permit and a “plan check” to potentially redevelop the property. Local preservationist Kim Cooper of Esotouric told L.A. TACO, “nothing is set in stone yet.” According to Cooper, the property would require a zone change. “They could submit another permit tomorrow for three condo mansions.” In the meantime, enjoy the dance floor while you still can. Cooper tells us that Club Bahia is still open! [Esotouric]
—Hollywood: The former chief executive officer of an anti-poverty nonprofit based in Hollywood agreed to plead guilty to embezzling and misusing $600,000 in grant money belonging to the organization. [Justice.gov]
—Websites are selling potentially dangerous powders that are supposed to be the ingredients found in popular new weight-loss drugs. Healthcare professionals are concerned. [STAT]
—North Hollywood: The LAPD officer who killed a 14-year-old girl shopping at a North Hollywood Burlington Coat Factory and another man has a history of using bad tactics. [Knock LA]
—Black Angelenos are most at risk for major floods and Los Angeles is due for a 100-year flood event. [NYT]
—Long Beach: The body of a 44-year-old man was found floating in the water on Saturday near the 400 block of East Shoreline Village Drive. [Signal Tribune]
—Workers at Rupert Murdoch’s Harper Collins are on strike. Employees at the second largest publishing company in the country are demanding an increase in wages. Out of the five major publishers, Harper Collins is the only one with a union. [VICE]
