Good morning, it’s Monday, October 19. The heat will continue to wane through the week (expect low to mid-80s today) before likely rain on Wednesday and Thursday.
1. Does it matter that Nithya Raman is a lone wolf on the City Council?
Councilmember Nithya Raman (L.A. Material photoillustration. Base images by Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times and James Leynse/Corbis via Getty Images)
When Councilmember Nithya Raman made her shock entrance into the L.A. mayoral race eight months ago, there were immediate questions about whether her fellow DSA council members would back their ally over Mayor Karen Bass. Instead, all three remained staunchly in the incumbent mayor’s camp. And Raman, who has led in recent polls, stands without the support of a single fellow council member.
Raman’s lack of backing from her colleagues on the 15-member body has been chum for her detractors during the race.
In a new story, veteran journalist Jim Newton delves into the jealousies, conflicting ambitions and internal politics that swirl through council chambers.
