LA’s New Controller Monitored A Protest. The Police Union Was Outraged

A lot of us don’t really think about the job of the Los Angeles City Controller. If I asked you right now, could you tell me what the controller actually does? Well, if you don’t know, the City Controller serves as the chief accounting officer. They are responsible for things like audits, payroll and managing spending. But how they fulfill their position could look different depending on who is in the role.

Kenneth Meija's Active Approach As Controller

In my colleague Frank Stoltze’s latest story, he wrote about how the newly elected L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia is hoping to take a more active approach. For example, last month, after the police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Mejia and his team showed up to a protest outside of L.A. Police Department headquarters. They didn’t show up to join the rally, they showed up to observe how the police department was making use of taxpayer’s money. How many officers were working and what other resources were used? How is the department applying their budget and operations to do its job?

In an interview with LAist, Mejia said the following:

“We are trying to provide current, on-the-ground information on exactly what our payroll is getting us,” Mejia told LAist. “Usually you do an audit that looks back a year, two years, three years and you know it takes time.”

The police union, however, was outraged. Find out why the union was upset and how Mejia views his role as the city’s accountant by reading Frank’s story here. 

As always, stay happy and healthy, folks. There’s more news below — just keep reading.

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Nachos For Super Bowl Sunday?

Chef nachos at Happy Taco in Pico-Union are topped with beef, chicken, and shrimp.

(Brian Feinzimer

/

LAist)

The Super Bowl may be a few days away, but if you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking about the food you’ll be chowing down with your homies. Nachos might be on your list. They are definitely a classic fan favorite and the cool thing about nachos is that there’s a variety of ways to make them. Good thing Gab Chabrán, LAist’s associate editor for Food and Culture, has five nacho joints that you should try in L.A.

I don’t want to give it all away, but I will say that there is something for everyone in his latest article. If you love birria, shrimp, or jackfruit on your nachos, he has places for you. Are you interested in trying something that resembles a nacho birthday cake? What about some seasoned nachos that may taste like upscale Doritos? Check out all the places you should try just in time for game night here.