Morning Brief: Voting Day, Takeout Cocktails, And Blvd Mrkt

Good morning, L.A. It’s Sept. 14.

Today’s the last day to vote in the historic recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom, and no matter how you cast your ballot, you can rest assured that LAist will keep you informed of the outcome — and the ensuing fallout — through our reporting, and this newsletter.

But local journalism isn't easy work, and it isn't cheap to produce. We’re now embarking on our Fall Member Drive, so if you can, please make a donation today to help power our work.

And now, back to the news…

As Californians decide how to vote in the recall election, conservative talk radio host Larry Elder has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Newsom should the process go forward. He rose to the top of a list of dozens of candidates on the ballot despite initially not having his name on the list.

Elder and Newsom have traded barbs at debates, with Newsom repeatedly reminding voters that polls show minimal support for a recall, and Elder insisting that criticisms against him are “because I dare to say racism is no longer a major problem in America.”

Elder’s stance on racism is part of what prompted the Black political establishment in L.A. to organize against him.

“The policies that he projects are an absolute threat to the Black community,” said Democratic Congresswoman Karen Bass. “When you talk about the COVID-19 rate, the death rate and the infection rate in the Black community, it’s a pretty obvious choice … People understand where their interests are.”

We’ll be covering the election closely on LAist and 89.3 KPCC, so stay tuned for updates throughout the day today and tomorrow.

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A., and stay safe out there.

What Else You Need To Know Today

• A brushfire that broke out in Castaic this weekend remains at 462 acres Monday morning, and is now 63% contained.
• A federal lawsuit filed by six LAPD employees against the city’s vaccine mandate argues that the requirement violates their constitutional protections, but a legal expert says that argument is unlikely to hold up in court.
• Breakthrough COVID-19 cases are becoming more common; here's what you should know.
• The search is on to help California farmers find less-thirsty tree crops.
• Even if a new governor immediately revokes a bunch of Newsom's decisions, California's legislature could push back.
• On the second-to-last day of voting in the recall election, data shows Democrats turning out in high numbers to support Newsom.
• It's not "bottoms up" just yet, but AB-389, which allows takeout cocktails, looks like it will become law.

Before You Go ... This Week's Outdoor Pick: Blvd Mrkt

Beer and cognac.

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LAist Flickr pool

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Blvd Mrkt, the new indoor/outdoor artisan food hall market in downtown Montebello, had its official grand opening in late August. Built out of shipping containers and a repurposed brick building, the new food hall features Cafe Santo, Los Taquero Mucho, Alchemy Craft beer garden and NOLA Cajun and Creole.

Or, you could: Learn how to cha cha. Watch Yo-Yo Ma perform Bach's cello suites. Laugh at a bunch of comedy nights. Attend the first of many spooktacular Halloween events. Sip Negronis, hit up a new food hall in Montebello, nosh on hot dogs aboard the Battleship Iowa. And more.