One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This new California law lets you give public officials a piece of your mind — remotely
A public commenter addresses the Orange County Board of Supervisors about an ethics proposal.
(
Nick Gerda
/
LAist
)
Listen
0:44
Why it's now easier than ever to give elected officials a piece of your mind
Government agencies across SoCal are now required to let people speak up at public meetings remotely — by video or telephone. LA'st Jill Replogle explains this move toward making it easier than ever for people to participate.
Can’t make it to those late night meetings for your city council or county board of supervisors? You’ll soon be able to speak up on local issues remotely — from your couch, or while stuck in traffic on the 101.
What’s this all about?
A new state law that takes effect July 1 requires most Southern California city councils and other governing bodies to allow people to comment remotely. Some cities already allow this, but many only let the public speak in person … until now.
-
Online comments border on hate, with many based on cultural clichés and stereotypes. They touch open cultural wounds for some Argentine Americans -
In the suit, the contractor alleges that the city of L.A. is misplacing blame in construction-related disputes and refusing to extend contract deadlines. -
Applications to volunteer at the L.A. Olympics and Paralympics are now open.
Why it matters
The idea is to make it easier for more people to participate. It could also mean longer meetings and so-called "Zoom bombings." But supporters say that’s a small price to pay for more civic engagement. The new law also calls for local governments to translate meeting agenda into languages commonly spoken in the district.
What does the law say exactly?
The new law, SB 707, requires local governments to allow for remote participation, and to pause meetings if the internet cuts out or there’s some other glitch making it impossible for people to participate remotely. It also requires translation of meeting agendas into languages commonly spoken in the district.
What is covered by the law?
The law applies to city councils in cities with a population of 30,000 or more; and all cities in counties with a population of 600,000 or more. That means all cities in L.A., Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties must comply with the new law. It also applies to large special districts like LA Metro and the Orange County Water District.
Sponsored message
How to watchdog your local government
One of the best things you can do to hold officials accountable is pay attention. Your city council, board of supervisors, school board and more all hold public meetings that anybody can attend ... and now, for most of them, remotely. You can find meeting times and agendas by visiting the websites of the city, county or other government agency you're interested.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
