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

Top 5 takeaways from Homeland Security budget hearings

Lawmakers have been in a stalemate for over 60 days about funding the entire department.
Fesia Davenport — who got a $2M settlement from LA County — has her last official day as county CEO

Davenport, who has been on leave since October, has faced criticism over the controversial payout which was initially kept out of public view.
Why a California lawmaker wants to give the state more power to collect child support

A California lawmaker wants more parents in the state's formal child support system, but her plan has some concerned that it could affect family dynamics.
Adam Miller talks to LAist about why he should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

The Los Angeles mayoral candidate and tech entrepreneur covered topics ranging from homelessness to building permits.

Listen 26:14
Eric Swalwell resigns: What to know about the special election and the governor’s race

Here’s what happened and what it means for the June 2 statewide primary and the future of Swalwell’s congressional seat.
Xavier Becerra talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services discussed healthcare costs, gas prices and more.

Listen 25:45
Antonio Villaraigosa talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

California gubernatorial candidate and former L.A. mayor covered topics ranging from the state's gas taxes to how he'd interact with President Trump.

Listen 25:18
LAPD commission president steps down in surprise move

The reason for Teresa Sánchez-Gordon stepping down is unclear, as two commissioners were appointed to leadership roles during a regularly scheduled meeting.
Here’s how California’s next governor will change your taxes

Candidates have laid out their vision for taxation in California.
Another woman accuses former Congressmember Eric Swalwell of sexual assault

Lonna Drewes said she believes Swalwell drugged her glass of wine in 2018. She alleged he proceeded to rape her in a West Hollywood hotel room.

Listen 0:44
Why Congress is fighting over a central tool of American surveillance

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is responsible for a huge share of intel collected by the U.S.

Listen 3:56
California Democrats are clamoring to tax the rich. Why their proposals could backfire

Progressives say California should tax the rich to maintain health care access for the poor. Here’s why it could worsen the state’s budget problem.

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Civics & Democracy