🌱 No Easing Of L.A. Mask Mandates + How Hit-And-Run Rewards Work

Sylvia Cochran
Updated ·5 min read

Get on up, Los Angeles, and happy National Puzzle Day! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

While San Francisco is thinking of easing mask mandates on February 1, Los Angeles is not. Also, there’s a program that lets L.A. pay for hit-and-run information – if certain criteria are met. Finally, the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of La Habra Heights has a court date on Monday.

First, today's weather:

Rather cloudy. High: 69 Low: 47.

Here are the top five stories today in Los Angeles:

  1. Friday’s COVID numbers are going down. County Health Director Barbara Ferrer noted that “hospitalizations and deaths from the fast-spreading Omicron variant were also trending downward.” Even so, mask rules are unlikely to be rolled back any time soon. “Ferrer said transmission remains too widespread. In contrast, San Francisco is easing its mask mandates. At this time, the “statewide indoor masking mandate is due to expire Feb. 15.” (Fox 11)

  2. Did you know that Los Angeles pays for information leading to the location of hit-and-run drivers? We learned Friday that the City paid $300,000 in 2021. For example, one caller to the LAPD was able to provide a “driver's name and the location of his vehicle” and was rewarded with $25,000. However, Capt. Andrew Neiman, the commanding officer of the LAPD Valley Traffic Division, and the City Council have to approve a case for a reward. (Patch)

  3. On Thursday, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department arrested the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of La Habra Heights “for Impersonating a Peace Officer 538(d) P.C. and False Imprisonment 236 P.C.” He allegedly “impersonated a peace officer, conducted traffic stops, and unlawfully detained his victims.” The suspect has a court date on Monday. (L.A. County Sheriff’s Department)

  4. Also on Thursday, the LAFD announced that the Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section arrested a 32-year-old man suspected of setting a series of fires in and around Venice. However, they think he didn’t act alone, and officials are asking for your help with finding the accomplice. “Anyone who knows the identity or location of the outstanding suspect or who can tie these individuals to other crimes or fires should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477.” (losangelesfiredepartment)

  5. Violist Daniel Morris has been a Los Angeles jewel during this pandemic. We learned Friday that he receives requests for his musical talent “to help others get through tough times and celebrate special moments when loved ones are far away.” In the process, he has played outside bosses’ windows, cheered up fathers who recently lost work, and now continues “sending sounds of healing to whoever might need it the most.” (Spectrum News 1)

Today in Los Angeles:

  • LADWP Regional High School Science Bowl (Required Scrimmage) at Alliance Gertz-Ressler Richard Merkin 6-12 Complex (7:30 AM)

  • Pico Union Neighborhood Clean Up with University Preparatory Value High at Pico Boulevard and Arapahoe Street (8 AM)

  • The Hayes Law Firm hosts ‘Avoid Trust Administration Mistakes!’ (online Webinar w/ Live Chat Q&A) (10 AM)

  • LAFC vs New England Revolution - Soccer Scrimmage at Banc of California Stadium (12 PM)

  • COVID -19 Vaccination Clinic at New Designs Charter School (all day)

From my notebook:

  • A kind Larchmont Beverly North neighbor took in what appears to be an abandoned or very lost dog. She was found wandering on N Plymouth, just south of Melrose. She has no microchip. Is she yours? (Nextdoor)

  • Another kind Florence-Normandie neighbor found a young dog running around the 1500 block of W 64th St. Does anybody know who might own him? (Nextdoor)

  • A George Washington Carver Park neighbor lost their Pomeranian near Success Ave and 118th St. Reward if found! (Nextdoor)

  • Our N Hollywood Oxnard-Archwood neighbor is looking for a plumber. (Nextdoor)

  • A Little Armenia West neighbor is looking for free/cheap outdoor furniture! Ideally a table and chairs, or maybe some benches or flower pots. (Nextdoor)

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Events:

  • Manhattan Beach Cars and Coffee (January 29)

  • Avoid Trust Administration Mistakes! (Webinar w/ Live Chat Q&A) (January 29)

  • Run/Walk 5k/10k benefitting WeSPARK Cancer Support Center - Jan 30 (January 30)

  • Understanding the Probate Process (Webinar w/ Live Chat Q&A) (February 2)

  • Estate Planning for Your Loved Ones - Webinar w/ Live Chat Q&A (February 2)

  • Benefits of a Medi-Cal Trust Webinar (w/ Live Chat Q&A) (February 5)

  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 8)

  • 41st Annual CARSplus Convention : Networking for Success and Best Practices (February 25)

  • [Free Masterclass] Increase Your Website Sales & Leads Using SEO (February 26)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

This article originally appeared on the Los Angeles Patch