Morning Briefing: California Democrats Unite

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Do you realize there are only 11 weeks until the presidential election?
That’s right — while we’re busy trying to do literally nothing, time has still been going by just outside our doors. And at the Democratic National Convention, which kicked-off last night, California will be represented by a coalition of politicians who, despite having been previously split over Bernie vs. Biden, are now showing a united front to vote out the current occupant of the White House.
“We have to defeat Donald Trump,” said L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, a co-chair of the California Democratic party. “That’s the number one priority.”
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, August 18
In Fall 2019, KPCC/LAist gave cameras to 12 SoCal parents to document their lives. Since then, A LOT has changed. Join this diverse group — from South L.A. to the valley and beyond — to see what parenting really looks like, through their eyes.
Born in Hicksville, Ohio in 1861, Daeida Wilcox moved to Southern California with her husband, Harvey Wilcox, in 1883 and helped establish a small temperance community called Hollywood. Daeida not only gave Hollywood its name, but was also a respected local businesswoman who donated money to build schools, a library, banks, churches and City Hall. She also endured her own share of personal tragedy. LAist contributor Yvonne Montoya has the story.
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The Past 24 Hours In LA
L.A. Kids: LAUSD will periodically administer coronavirus tests to staff who are on campus and students at home. Rodney King's daughter's foundation is helping kids with back-to-school supplies.
A Moment For Patriotism: The California Democratic party is making a show of unity, putting pro-Sanders and pro-Biden people together as co-chairs of the delegation. Hollywood's most recognizable fighter pilot, Pete "Maverick," Mitchell, will be back in the cockpit for a new Top Gun movie, and officials wonder whether it will lead to a bump in recruitment — as the 1986 film did.
Policing The Police: The Pasadena Police Department said they’re hoping to release body cam footage of the fatal shooting of Anthony McClain within the next few days.
Coronavirus Updates: L.A. County officials reported 1,185 new confirmed cases of coronavirus Monday, but new data shows a steady decline in daily hospitalizations. California has cleared its COVID-19 backlog, which was caused by problems with a data-processing system.
Fire And Money: There have been a few different plumes of smoke in the SoCal skies over the past several days, so here's a quick look at where things stand. L.A. County launched its $100 million rent relief program, which differs significantly from the city's.
Here’s What To Do: Mystery Science Theater riffs on a Vincent Price camp classic, a documentary examines how a coup in Iran changed history, the cast of The Little Hours does a Q&A after a drive-in screening, and more in this week’s best online and IRL events.
Photo Of The Day
Wooyong Choi is one of 12 parents who have been using a camera to document their lives for KPCC/LAist since last fall. Here, he snaps a pic of his kids playing at the beach.

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The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This post has been updated to reflect changes in what's coming up for today.
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