Civics & Democracy

LAist’s coverage of civic life and citizen issues in Southern California. We cover elections, examine who gets listened to and why, and provide a guide for anyone who wants to more fully participate in civic life.

Cars drive along a four lane surface street, past a Popeye's restaurant and Ralph's market.

Inglewood is redrawing the city map for the first time in nearly 40 years

The city’s new land-use plan draft calls for mixed housing and business zones along La Brea Avenue, Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard.

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas

A large neoclassical style building with a black dome and columned pediment at dawn.

Deadline looms to join LA County’s inaugural Ethics Commission. Here's how to apply

A large building with an entrance sign that reads "Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration."

Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce wants small business owners to know about a new forgivable loan program

People walk down a sidewalk past a building with a mural of Nipsey Hussle and text written over his face that reads "Crenshaw."

More Stories

Rae Huang talks to LAist about why she should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

Huang, a Presbyterian minister and community organizer, covered topics ranging from labor management to the size of the LAPD and the homelessness crisis.

Listen 25:55
Nithya Raman talks to LAist about why she should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

Raman, who currently sits on the L.A. City Council, covered topics ranging from homelessness to labor management.

Listen 26:05
Internal emails show how fringe groups fueled Sheriff Chad Bianco’s ballot seizure

Records reveal that the unprecedented taking of 650,000 ballots was based on the thinnest of evidence, raising alarms over how the November election could be disrupted.
Rideshare drivers sue Uber over being kicked off app in new challenge to California law

The drivers say Uber is violating the law it wrote in California because drivers have no real way to appeal when they’re kicked off the app.
LA Mayor Bass proposes $14.9B budget with no major cuts, little new spending

The budget calls for hiring 510 police officers, enough to keep up with attrition, city officials say.

Listen 0:45
Trump's labor secretary resigns amid investigation into misconduct

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer becomes the third cabinet departure of President Donald Trump's second term.

Listen 3:25
He was accused of lying and cheating in court. He was just named ‘Judge of the Year'

The Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County gave the award to a key figure in the long-running “snitch scandal” for his volunteer work with mock trial students.

Listen 0:45
Lagging in polls and fundraising, Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s race

Progressive former state Controller Betty Yee said she is dropping out amid faltering polling and poor fundraising.
Democrats’ plan to raise pay for security guards would pressure employers into labor deals

California security guards earn low pay and have dangerous jobs. Legislative Democrats are pressuring companies to unionize.
Live Nation is supporting two California bills to lower prices. Can fans trust it?

Bruno Mars tickets running for $2,000 and ones for SZA costing $600 caught California lawmakers' attention. They're advancing two bills targeting the resale market.
Koreatown to host candidate forum for California’s next governor

A coalition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups are bringing candidates directly to one of California’s fastest-growing voter bases on Saturday.
California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help

Even with Rep. Eric Swalwell’s downfall, California Democrats face a glut of gubernatorial options. Party heavyweights won’t save the day.

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Civics & Democracy