🌱 Metro Blue Line Crash On Vernon + Cholo Claus' Tamales On Whittier

Morning, neighbors! Today, we celebrate Christmas Eve, when Santa Claus, Father Christmas, the Christkind, or Saint Nicholas leave for their annual gift-giving journeys! It's Sylvia, your host of the Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. In today's Daily, we'll cover these stories and more...

• 🚗 Street upgrades on Reseda Boulevard
• 💧 Window washers stranded on South Broadway
• 💡 No illumination for the Hollywood Sign

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🌞 But first, today's weather:

Warm with plenty of sunshine. High: 77 Low: 52.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations in the City of Los Angeles

• United Oil at 705 N Eastern Ave., $3.89
• 76 at 1800 E Olympic Blvd., $3.89
• United Oil at 4931 W Pico Blvd., $3.95

⏰ New Year’s Resolutions Poll! 🎶
According to Forbes, only 8% of people making New Year’s resolutions actually achieve them. Even so, the experts suggest making resolutions because they encourage intentionality, optimism, and a positive effect on others. So, what are your resolutions for 2023? So far, 19% intend to meet new people or interact more with current friends. Letting go of negativity is the goal for 14.3%, and 9.5% want to travel or experience something new. Another 33.3% want to live healthier, and the final 23.8% plan to embrace change.

📰 Here are the top stories in Los Angeles today:

1. A Metro Blue Line train crashed into an SUV in the “1600 block of East Vernon Avenue at around 3:45 p.m” on Thursday. The impact split the car in half and injured two people: the driver and a pedestrian. First responders noted that it appears “the driver made a left turn in front of the train,” which then resulted in the collision the train could not avoid. (Patch, ABC)
2. Did you notice the “new concrete bus boarding and pedestrian islands that are in place on Reseda Boulevard between Parthenia Street and Victory Boulevard?” The L.A. Department of Transportation (LADOT) announced Friday that this upgrade in council district 12 is part of the “Reseda Blvd Complete Streets project.” (LADOT)
3. Passersby saw two window washers stranded close to the 25th floor of a building in the 400 block of South Broadway Street. The incident happened Friday morning around 10:20 a.m. when “the rig motor broke.” Firefighters and a building engineer determined that the best way to rescue the two would be by opening a window and letting them crawl to safety. Who knew windows that high up actually open? (KTLA)
4. No, the Hollywood Sign will not be illuminated. On Wednesday, Mayor Karen Bass killed the executive order that her predecessor issued on his last day in office. “I am hereby rescinding Executive Directive No. 36. There is no replacement,” she told department heads. Reportedly, an attorney alerted her that the order was in “violation of local and state laws.” (Los Angeles Times)
5. "Cholo Claus" was again on hand to give out tamales on Whittier Boulevard. News crews saw him on Thursday and decided to learn more. Turns out he’s a former gang member who’s done a lot of bad stuff. But a promise to the Virgin Mary changed him, and he looked for ways to give back to the community. He's been handing out tamales and toys four years in a row. When you see him, shake his hand! (ABC)

📆 Today in Los Angeles:

• Purina vending machine dispenses free pet treats at Westfield Century City (10 AM)
• "Shogun Santa" visits the Japanese Village Plaza (11 AM)
• It's A Wonderful Life plays at The Million Dollar Theater (11 AM)
• Jingle 5 Carolers at Ovation (12:55 PM)
• LA County Holiday Celebration at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (3 PM)

📓 From my notebook:

• "We have just learned that 'gold rings' may refer to the yellowish ring around a pheasant's neck. Yes. More birds." (LA County Museum of Art via Instagram)
• "⭐️🚒 Earlier this week, East Regional Operations Bureau Deputy Fire Chief Vince Peña presented Acting Assistant Fire Chief Gerald Gonzales 'GG' with his 30-year County service award." (Los Angeles County Fire Dept. via Instagram)
• "We lost one of our partners today. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of beloved Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) K9 Jack. K9 Jack was a devoted member of the SEB K9 Detail for the past 4 years." (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department via Facebook)
• A WeHo MidCity-Central neighbor says, "If you are interested in a huskie, he's got a full house! Please reach out to him @ (323) 485-0595. His name is Alan. Qualified applicants only. Reasonable fee." (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Los Angeles Daily? Contact me at losangeles@patch.com