🌱 Young Man Found Dead Outside L.A. High School + A Chocolate Display

Hey, everybody! Today, we play along on National Trivia Day! It's Wednesday in Los Angeles, and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening in the community. Today's issue includes news about:

• 💻 A ransomware attack on the Housing Authority
• 🧑‍🚒 A chemical smell at UCLA
• 💰 Local projects that get funding from the omnibus bill

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☁️ But first, today's weather:

Cool with periods of rain. High: 61 Low: 54.

Business owners and marketers in Los Angeles: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

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

• Valero at 401 S Soto St., $3.99
• World at 7201 S San Pedro St., $3.99
• United Oil at 9815 National Blvd., $3.99

💐 Valentine’s Day Poll! 🥂
Pink hearts, boxes of chocolates, and greeting cards – reminders that Valentine’s Day is coming are everywhere. But responses to the holiday are mixed. What are your feelings about the occasion? Do you celebrate?

📰 Here are the top stories in Los Angeles today:

1. Reportedly, a dead body was found outside of Los Angeles High School on Tuesday morning. An employee alerted authorities before 7 a.m. Authorities say the body is that of a young man in his 20s, but “no foul play is suspected.” Similarly, they remained mum on any cause of death. No classes were going on at the time. (NBC)
2. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) confirmed hackers’ claims of a ransomware attack on Tuesday. According to the LockBit ransomware gang, hackers stole “15 terabytes of data from the housing agency.” Compromised information may include “personal details of people who sought housing assistance from the city, as well as data from the city agency’s payroll, human resources, and accountancy files.” You may remember that the Los Angeles Unified School District was hacked by the Vice Society ransomware group, which later published “passport details, Social Security numbers, health information and psychological assessments of students.” (Tech Crunch)
3. On Monday afternoon, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to calls of a chemical smell at UCLA by calling in the HazMat Squad, but about half an hour later, these folks determined “there was no HazMat protocol required.” By about 7:30 that evening, the LAFD had searched the floors and didn’t find any hazardous material. “It is believed a refrigerant leak was the cause of the odor.” (LAFD)
4. Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán announced on Monday that she included 15 projects in the end-of-the-year omnibus bill. She represents the 44th District, which “spans from the Port of Los Angeles to the Watts Towers,” and the funding will now benefit AltaSea ($1 million), the Harbor Community New Technology Career Development Center ($4 million), and the Watts Labor Community Action Committee ($922,000) among others. (Barragan, Random Lengths News)
5. LA Plaza Cocina at 555 North Street is hosting an exhibition on everything chocolate. Learn about the “legacy of cacao” and sign up for one or more of several cooking classes. The exhibit opens on January 13 and runs through April 30. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day! (LA Plaza Cocina)

📆 Today in Los Angeles:

• Preschool Storytime at the Miraleste Library (10:15 AM)
• Covered CA Outreach And Enrollment Assistance at the Panorama City Branch Library (3 PM)
• Transgender Advisory Board Meeting at Plummer Park Rooms 5 & 6 (6 PM)
• West LA's LGBTQ+ Book Club meets at the West Los Angeles Regional Branch Library (6 PM)
• Those Aren't The Words is curated comedy at The Crow (8 PM)

📓 From my notebook:

• "The City of Los Angeles is now accepting applications for Electric Distribution Mechanic! Salary: $109,766 - $180,966 (Flat-Rated) - Apply Today! - Visit https://governmentjobs.com/car... for more information on this opportunity!" (City of Los Angeles - Jobs via Instagram)
• "The LA Schools All-District Honor Marching Band celebrated the start of 2023 with a brilliant performance at the Rose Parade this morning. Congratulations and well done!" (Los Angeles Unified via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Liddy Clark - Writer’s Block Songwriter Showcase (January 10)
• [Free Masterclass] Increase Your Website Sales & Leads Using SEO (January 14)
• Preschool-8th Grade Open House - ST. CYRIL SCHOOL (January 19)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (January 19)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Preschool - 8th Grade Open House - ST. CYRIL SCHOOL (Details)
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Housing:

• $1695 Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment Studio - Close to LAX (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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