The human mind is complex, mysterious, fragile, but also incredibly resilient. Join us for a look at the nature of consciousness and new research on the potential for psychoactive medications to heal and change; suggestions on how to calm the mind and manage stress through breathing, meditation, and mindfulness; and, some thoughts on how to live life to the fullest. Tune in to TNT! Cover design by Urs Baur
As May gives way to June this week, we’re getting ready for summer here at TNT with an introspective issue, a retreat for the mind and spirit between the pages of the paper. We have features on ways to calm our stress; a look at the nature of consciousness; reflections on intuition and letting joy be one’s compass; a loving tribute to a late local yoga guru; and a meditative trip into Topanga’s past.
This is the time of year to enjoy the tranquility of morning fog, afternoon sun in the garden, starry skies at night with the summer constellation Scorpius rising, and to take a moment to simply breathe. However, there’s something we all need to do first, if we haven’t already, and that’s vote.
The 2026 California Primary is on June 2—less than a week away. Secure ballot drop-off locations are open all over Los Angeles County, and ballots can be dropped off at any of them, or returned by mail. It is essential that mail-in ballots be postmarked no later than June 2, and it might be a good idea this year to bring mail-in ballots to the post office in person and make sure they are hand-stamped by a postal employee.
Many of our friends and neighbors have already voted, but this is an unusually complicated ballot and we know a number of people who are still indecisive. There is still time to research the options and vote. It’s estimated that only about 20 percent of eligible voters participated in primaries, and that makes the vote of every person who does take the time to cast a ballot in this election carry the weight of those who opt not to participate.
Term limits combined with California’s “jungle primary” law that lets anyone who is qualified and possessed of the financial wherewithal to run has resulted in a crowded field. The governor’s race was already a three-ring-circus when Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell flamed out over sexual abuse allegations. Even though he is no longer in the race, his name is still on the ballot, along with a record number of candidates—61 in total.
The current polling suggests that Democrat Xavier Becerra is in the lead, followed by Republican Steve Hilton, with Democrat Tom Steyer close behind, but polling is an increasingly inaccurate metric, as fewer and fewer people respond to cold calls and other polling practices, and all bets are off on June 2. Only the top two will make it to the next round in November.
The governor’s race isn’t the only one with a crowded field. Topanga’s state senator Ben Allen is also termed out and the race for his seat in the 24th Senate District is also crowded, with 10 candidates. Eight challengers are running against incumbent Congressman Brad Sherman for the 32nd District, and there are 15 judicial races. It’s a lot to process and sift through.
LAist’s election guide for voters in Los Angeles County and City is an invaluable resource for those still undecided about who to vote for: https://laist.com/news/politics/voter-guides/2026-election-california-primary-los-angeles-county#la-county-race-guides.
The Los Angeles County Bar Association’s list of prospective judges and their qualifications is also a helpful reference: https://lacba.org/
The Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder’s website is the place to find all of the details on voting locations: https://lacounty.gov/government/elections-voting. The four-day voting center at the Topanga Library opens for business on May 30. Topanga residents who plan to vote in person or drop off their ballot in person can do so from May 30–June 1: 10 a.m–7 p.m., and on June 2: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
There’s a lot on the line in this election. Now is the time to participate.
Be safe, stay well.
