Progressive Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in a November runoff election, after a count of mail-in ballots from the June 2 primary showed Raman surging ahead of former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt. This comes as officials continue to tally votes in the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, with more than 80% of ballots processed and Republican Steve Hilton holding a slight lead over Democrat Tom Steyer. One of them will advance to challenge former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in the general election, according to Democracy Now!.

Trump Claims California Elections Are ‘Rigged’

On Monday, former President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claim that California’s elections were “rigged,” writing on his Truth Social platform, “Not possible for Spencer Pratt to have lost the L.A. runoffs after the big lead he had. 3rd World Nation.” Over half of Los Angeles voters are registered Democrats, while less than 15% are Republicans, according to the same report.

Community-Based Financial Practices in L.A.

In Boyle Heights. Many residents rely on community-based financial practices known as “tandas.” These are rotating savings and credit associations where members pool money and take turns receiving a lump sum. For Alfonso Estrada. A Boyle Heights resident and immigrant from Mexico, “tandas” have been a way to “poder ahorrar dinero,” or be able to save money. Estrada has participated in tanda groups for over 20 years, according to LA Local (spa).

“Tandas” are especially popular among immigrant and low-income communities, who often struggle to access traditional banking services. Bill Maurer, professor of anthropology at UC Irvine, explains that these groups help build a sense of community and financial responsibility. “Las ‘tandas’ son generalmente algo en que participa la gente pobre, especialmente las mujeres, para mantener un sentido de comunidad,” he said. Women often lead these groups, which can help them gain a sense of control and economic independence within their households.

For small business owners like Alma Díaz, a 36-year-old jewelry shop owner, “tandas” serve as a way to fund business needs. “Las ‘tandas’ son una forma de juntar dinero, y lo puedes ocupar para lo que tú quieras. En mi caso, es por el negocio,” she said, explaining how she uses the lump sum to buy inventory and manage expenses in bulk.

Pop Culture and Hollywood in ‘Instructions Not Included’

The Mexican film “Instructions Not Included” follows the journey of Valentín, a carefree bachelor in Acapulco who becomes an unexpected father after a former lover leaves a baby at his doorstep. The film explores themes of parenthood, responsibility, and self-discovery as Valentín moves to Los Angeles in search of the baby’s mother, Julie, who is now in New York. In LA, Valentín takes on work as a Hollywood stunt double to support his daughter Maggie, who becomes his translator in the movie industry.

The film also highlights the struggles of undocumented workers in Hollywood, as Valentín frequently endures physical harm on set and relies on aromatic salts to recover. Despite the challenges, he finds purpose in raising Maggie, turning his apartment into a “Disneylandia” for her entertainment. A particularly touching moment occurs when Maggie reads letters from her mother, triggering Technicolor animated sequences across the screen.

While not directly related to the political race, the film’s themes of unexpected responsibility and community support mirror the broader context of financial and social support systems in immigrant communities, such as “tandas.”