After Denying Corruption Allegations For Years, Former LA City Councilmember Jose Huizar Pleads Guilty To Racketeering

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.

—City Hall: Former L.A. City Councilmember Jose Huizar has agreed to plead guilty to racketeering and tax evasion. For years, Huizar had denied any wrongdoing but on Thursday, the former council member admitted that he was “pleading guilty because I am guilty of the charges,” the L.A. Times reported.  In a plea agreement filed yesterday, Huizar admitted that he received more than a million dollars in bribes from real estate developers. To learn more about Huizar’s corruption and misdeeds, listen to L.A. TACO and Neon Hum’s investigative podcast, The Sellout. [LAT]

—Sherman Oaks: Pit-master Adam Perry Lang is bringing his pecan smoked colossal beef short ribs to the back patio of Casa Vega Restaurant in Sherman Oaks this Saturday and Sunday from noon until they sellout (or 3 PM). Honey butter cornbread, margaritas, mezcal cocktails and cherry wood smoked sweet and sticky pork ribs are also on the menu. [@AdamPerryLang/IG]

—David Crosby—singer, songwriter and guitarist for The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash—passed away yesterday “after a long illness” his wife, Jan Dance, told Variety. Crosby was 81-years-old. [Variety]

—Alec Baldwin will face involuntary manslaughter charges for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. [NYT]

—Malibu: Due to recent storm damage, Thornhill Broome beach campground in Malibu will be closed for the rest of the month. The scenic beachside campground offers a rare opportunity to camp just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. [CA State Parks]

—Cudahy: A rent increase freeze in the City of Cudahy has been extended until April 17, 2023 according to Cudahy Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar. The moratorium prohibits “rent increases to multifamily residences citywide.” [@Lizfromsela/Twitter]

—A new study found that fewer people are being sent home with opiates after being discharged from the emergency room than in previous years. [CDC]

—Chavez Ravine: How big is Dodgers Stadium’s parking lot? Big enough to fit an additional 10 stadia according to a Reddit user. [Reddit]

—Filipinotown: Genever, a gin-focused James Beard-nominated bar in Filipinotown owned by three local Filipinas, announced it will close next week due to what sounds like ongoing issues with their landlord. The local Filipinotown cocktail bar is considered by some to be one of the best in the country. Recently they’ve been so packed you can’t find a seat at the bar or  a table. The owners plan to use their liquor license as leverage to hopefully attract an investor or investors to keep their woman-of-color-owned business dreams alive. For now, you have a few more days to enjoy one of their signature Filipino-inspired negronis, they close shop on January 25. [LAT]

—Hollywood: Actor Leslie Jordan died of “sudden cardiac dysfunction,” caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner-Coroner. The 67-year-old died after driving into a wall. [NBC Los Angeles]