Today’s intro is written by How To LA podcast host, Brian De Los Santos:
Mutual aid isn’t a new idea, but it’s definitely becoming a bigger factor in how we interact with communities in need.
I remember my first introduction to mutual aid was when I was a kid in church — the congregation would raise resources to support a family in need and donate money, clothes, food. It’s all about one group of people looking out for another; neighbors helping neighbors.
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It’s a model that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in recent years in Los Angeles, there’s been a rise in mutual aid groups assisting unhoused communities, providing everything from clean needles and antiseptic wipes to water and new backpacks.
Over the next few weeks, How To LA will bring attention to this work and explore these questions:
Up first, we follow two volunteer-run groups. One called PUMA (Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid), which provides harm reduction supplies like Narcan and clean needles to unhoused people living in encampments, and Water Drop LA, which provides drinking water to folks living in Skid Row.
“We realized that it was a huge gap in services,” said Aria Cataño, who cofounded Water Drop during the summer of 2020 while a student at USC. “A lot of people didn't realize that unsheltered people in L.A. don't have access to water.”
To learn more, read How To LA producer Evan Jacoby’s story and listen to the How To LA podcast.
Stay safe, L.A. There’s more news below — just keep reading.
(After you stop hitting snooze)
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Did you know Tuesdays at LAist are all about civics and democracy (also known as Civics Tuesday)?
Today, we’ll learn about how to get your name on a ballot. Yep, you read that right.
One of my favorite things during voting season is reading candidate statements in my voter pamphlet. And that’s because there are always a few people running that make me think, “How in the heck did they get this very inappropriate statement in?” But also, “How did they get a space and … can I also do it?”
This week is the deadline for getting candidates on the ballot, and according to my colleague Brianna Lee, if you live in L.A., there are going to be a lot of names on your ballot.
She breaks down the process, and there’s a part of me that’s tempted to try it… just kidding. But you can read all about it here.
Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
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