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Today: January 27, 2025
Today: January 27, 2025
Zakir Jamal

Zakir Jamal

Staff Writer

Zakir Jamal is a freelance writer for the L.A. Post., covering arts, culture and news. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago, and is currently working on his Master's thesis at McGill.

Latest From Zakir Jamal

Uncategorized

Council passes Measure ULA programs to increase renter protections

The Los Angeles City Council Monday approved final guidelines for the expansion Measure ULA programs in a 12-0 decision.  Council members Traci Park and Monica Rodriguez were not present during the vote. An amendment introduced by Councilman Bob Blumenfeld was also passed. The amendment requests a report on the ways in which the city might lighten the financial burden on nonprofits which build or acquire affordable housing for seniors. Measure ULA was approved by voters in a ballot initiative April 2023. The bill places a so-called “mansion tax” on the sale of properties over $5 million. Funds raised are meant

Council passes Measure ULA programs to increase renter protections
Uncategorized

Social media users believe UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect may have left clue to motive

What do the Pokémon Breloom and the town of Altoona, Pennsylvania have in common? They are both associated with two things: the number 286, and suspected UnitedHealthcare gunman Luigi Mangione. Breloom, which appears in the cover image of an X account that is suspected to belong to Mangione, is number 286 in the Pokémon game’s internal numbering system.  The McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, to which Mangione allegedly fled after the shooting, is located approximately 286 miles away by car from the Hilton Hotel where the shooting occurred. Mapping software may indicate that the distance is precisely 286 miles. Mangione, 26,

Social media users believe UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect may have left clue to motive
Local|News|Political

Two new city councillors to be sworn-in

Ysabel Jurado and Adrin Nazarian will begin their terms on the Los Angeles City Council Monday, more than a month after they won runoff elections in the 14th and Second districts. The official ceremony will take place behind closed doors, with the City Clerk administering the oaths of office. On Tuesday, a ceremonial public swearing-in will take place during the council’s meeting. Nazarian will succeed Paul Krekorian — for whom he once served as chief of staff — as Council Member for the Second District. Krekorian retired this year due to the role’s term limit. Prior to that, Nazarian was

Two new city councillors to be sworn-in
Local

Finding winter wonderland just minutes from Downtown L.A.

Written by Zakir Jamal and Sirisha Dinavahi Los Angeles is known the world over for its sunny weather. In December, just like in June, you can expect to see clear skies and bare arms across the city. It’s pleasant — people come here from around the globe to soak up the sun. But sometimes, you need a change.  Maybe you’ve had enough beach days this year; you heard too many songs about white Christmases and deer-drawn sleighs, and you want a taste of the tundra. Perhaps you’re looking to ski or snowboard or sip champagne in a chalet. If that’s

Finding winter wonderland just minutes from Downtown L.A.
Uncategorized

Hochman to be sworn in as L.A. County District Attorney at noon

Nathan Hochman is set to assume office Monday as the top prosecutor for Los Angeles County. The new District Attorney will be sworn in by Arnold Schwarzenegger at noon, outside the Hall of Justice in downtown L.A.

Hochman to be sworn in as L.A. County District Attorney at noon
Local|Entertainment

Winter Fest OC brings skating and snow to SoCal

Many Southern California residents are happy to live in a place where frigid temperatures and icy weather are rare. But for those seeking a controlled dose of winter, Winter Fest OC is the destination of choice.

Winter Fest OC brings skating and snow to SoCal
Local|Entertainment|News

Bésame Mucho 2024 cancelled less than a month before start of festival

Bésame Mucho — a major Latin music and arts festival — will not move ahead with its 2024 iteration in Los Angeles, management said in a statement Monday. The Austin festival scheduled for April 2025, is still expected to occur.

Bésame Mucho 2024 cancelled less than a month before start of festival
Local|Entertainment|News

Schwartz & Sandy’s, bar co-owned by embattled ‘Vanderpump’ star Tom Sandoval, to close

Schwartz & Sandy’s, the Hollywood bar owned by Vanderpump Rules costars Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, will shut its doors

Schwartz & Sandy’s, bar co-owned by embattled ‘Vanderpump’ star Tom Sandoval, to close
Uncategorized

Where to get a free turkey in LA this weekend

As has become tradition, many food banks and other organizations across the country are offering free turkeys, vegetables, and other Thanksgiving staples this year

Where to get a free turkey in LA this weekend
Business|Environment

Phillips 66 Charged with Illegal Wastewater Discharge into LA Sewer System

Phillips 66 Charged with Illegal Wastewater Discharge into LA Sewer System

Phillips 66 Charged with Illegal Wastewater Discharge into LA Sewer System
Crime

Santa Clarita Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stuffed Animals Drug Ring

Santa Clarita Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stuffed Animals Drug Ring

Santa Clarita Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stuffed Animals Drug Ring
Local|Crime

He was hit by a suspected drug smuggler on the run. Did the police put him in harm’s way?

A crash sounded through El Segundo on August 4, followed by the sound of a car driving off at full speed. When neighbors emerged, Jorge Santos, 27, of Baldwin Hills, L.A.

He was hit by a suspected drug smuggler on the run. Did the police put him in harm’s way?
Local|Crime

Harm Reduction is Under Fire Across California. Could Giving Drug Users Paraphernalia Help Them?

The non-profit, Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles, takes an approach to drug use known as ‘Harm Reduction.’

Harm Reduction is Under Fire Across California. Could Giving Drug Users Paraphernalia Help Them?
Crime|Technology

Siblings of Disney Engineer Named in Alleged Hack Defend His Innocence: ‘He Did Nothing Wrong, and His Entire Family Has Been Ruined’

In July, hackers claimed they had access to over a terabyte of Disney internal communications. The hackers allege they had the help of a man on the ‘inside,’ whose personal information they posted to their website. Whether or not a breach actually occurred has not been independently verified. The named employee, Matthew Van Andel, of Los Angeles, has maintained he was an unwitting victim. Now, his siblings have spoken to the Los Angeles Post to present their perspective and an attempt to clear his name. Christa Maier and Stephen Van Andel, Matthew’s siblings, say hackers gained access to his personal

Siblings of Disney Engineer Named in Alleged Hack Defend His Innocence: ‘He Did Nothing Wrong, and His Entire Family Has Been Ruined’
Uncategorized

California's School Phone Crackdown: What It Means in the Event of a Shooting

On August 28, a shooting threat was spread via social media at Birmingham Community High School, in Van Nuys, LA. One week later, thirteen people were shot at a school in Georgia while their peers made frantic phone calls to their parents. Reports began to circulate about the ways in which students had made use of their devices to keep themselves safe. Then, on September 6, the California Legislature sent Governor Newsom a bill that would require all school districts to limit their pupils’ use of cell phones while on school property. While the bill has been presented as a

California's School Phone Crackdown: What It Means in the Event of a Shooting
Local

$5 Tournament Tickets, Horse-Actors and Wine Tastings: LA Equestrian Center Brings Polo to Griffith Park

Angeleños looking for a unique night out now have an unexpected option: watching polo in Griffith Park. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center will be hosting a “challenge” — or polo tournament at the site’s Equidome on October 4th. In addition to polo, the evening will feature contributions from entertainers across L.A.. “Instead of just having it be an equestrian event, we really wanted to extend the reach out to the community,” Madliene Clowry, one of the organizers, told LAPost.com. “So we had an art gallery, and we had vendors, and we had a barn, we had a food experience and

$5 Tournament Tickets, Horse-Actors and Wine Tastings: LA Equestrian Center Brings Polo to Griffith Park
Uncategorized

Suburbanoid: The Hippie Sound Healer Bringing Meditative Music to SoCal

Southern California has long been famed for its embrace of alternative health movements. Perhaps that is why Jim Trotta Davis, better known as Suburbanoid, settled here.

Suburbanoid: The Hippie Sound Healer Bringing Meditative Music to SoCal
Uncategorized

Community Raises Over $50,000 for ‘Barney’s Beanery’ Valet Wounded in Street Attack

Efrain Zarazua was at work in West Hollywood on September 14, when he heard a commotion coming from outside. When he went to assess the situation, a shirtless man shoved him to the ground. The assailant, having allegedly assaulted three other people, shoved Zarazua to the ground before stomping on him and kicking him in the head, Zarazua’s family says. Afterwards, Zarazua was transported to a hospital, where he was placed in the ICU and diagnosed with numerous injuries to the head and body. His son, Chris, told LAPost.com that he had a severe concussion, broken cheekbone, and several other

Community Raises Over $50,000 for ‘Barney’s Beanery’ Valet Wounded in Street Attack
Local|News

Santa Ana winds bring strong gusts, fire warnings to SoCal

A red flag warning, indicating increased fire risk, has been issued for most valleys and mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Santa Ana winds bring strong gusts, fire warnings to SoCal
Sports

The Dodgers are in the World Series. Here’s what you need to know.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series this Friday. It’s a showdown between the nation’s two largest cities, the MLB’s two best players, and the top team in each league.

The Dodgers are in the World Series. Here’s what you need to know.
Local

Update: Man arrested in connection with beating of ‘Barney’s Beanery’ valet

After a search lasting more than a month, police have finally arrested a suspect in the beating of Barney’s Beanery valet Efrain Zarazua. 

Update: Man arrested in connection with beating of ‘Barney’s Beanery’ valet
News|Local|Sports

'We’re ready – to win': City prepares for traffic nightmare ahead of World Series

hose who plan to drive on Friday evening should consider leaving early. Several major sports and entertainment events are expected to bring major traffic jams across the city, with Halloween celebrations adding additional potential for backups.

'We’re ready – to win': City prepares for traffic nightmare ahead of World Series
News|Food

Trick or Treat? Chocolate shortage haunts Halloween as prices skyrocket

Consumers may finally start feeling relief from years of high inflation, but there remains one item that can still induce sticker shock: chocolate.

Trick or Treat? Chocolate shortage haunts Halloween as prices skyrocket
Local|News

Homeowners affected by Rancho Palos Verdes landslides eligible for buyouts

Homeowners affected by Rancho Palos Verdes landslides

Homeowners affected by Rancho Palos Verdes landslides eligible for buyouts
Local|News|Political

A guide to the L.A. District Attorney’s race next week

Nov. 5, also known as Election Day across the United States, is anticipated as the night Americans will vote in their next president. However, Angelenos will be focused on another big race: the Los Angeles District Attorney.  D.A. George Gascón is facing a bid to unseat him by the law-and-order oriented Nathan Hochman, who has a commanding lead in the polls. The contest calls to mind the 2022 election which brought down Chesa Boudin, Gascón’s successor as San Francisco D.A. In both cases, an incumbent who was voted into office during 2020’s groundswell of support for police reform is now

A guide to the L.A. District Attorney’s race next week

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