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.

A person speaks behind a podium towards a group of 7 people sitting behind a long wooden bench as people sitting in red chairs listen behind him.

California pension ruling limits how many vacation hours workers can count for retirement

A new California Supreme Court ruling upholds limits on how many vacation hours government workers can cash out and apply toward the pension formulas.

‘Pretty sure he’s wet:’ Immigration agents used racial slurs during LA sweeps, court records show

Federal agents with face coverings arrest a man on the floor as more agents and a police officer stand around them in between vehicles.

California bill would let abuse victims use trauma as legal defense for violent crime

A woman wearing a red blazer and blue and white blouse stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone. A group of people stand behind her.

More people are showing up to hospitals in ICE custody. A new report teaches staff how to respond

Feds move to drop case against LA labor leader David Huerta

David Huerta, a man with medium skin tone with a gray beard, speaks into a microphone. There are people behind him out of focus holding up signs, with one that reads "Unions for all."

More Stories

Teen Found Dead of Apparent Overdose Inside LA County Juvenile Hall

The death comes amid a crisis inside L.A. County's two juvenile halls, which the state has threatened to shut down amid problems including overdoses and violence.
After Years Of Waiting, A South LA Neighborhood Has A New Library

Florence-Firestone residents who organized against the demolition have mixed feelings about the new space.
As The Pandemic Winds Down, Anti-Vaccine Activists Are Building A Legal Network

They're aiming to bring together lawyers who have brought COVID-19 and vaccine-related cases to court with experts and build a body of law to combat future public health orders.
More Turmoil At LA Probation Department: Interim Chief Resigns

The departure of the interim chief comes less than two months after the Board of Supervisors fired Chief Probation Officer Adolfo Gonzalez amid mounting problems, including violence inside juvenile halls.
Mixed Reviews for Mayor Bass’s LAPD Budget, While The Wait Goes On For Measure ULA Money

The mayor wants to significantly increase the number of cadets at the LAPD academy. The police chief says that would be a challenge.
Mayor Bass Wants To House 17,000 People In Her First 12 Months. How Will The City Get There?

Recruiting officers to the LAPD and quickly moving people off the streets are among Mayor Bass' top priorities.

Listen 25:56
How You Can Help Shape The Future of LA's City Council — From Its Size To How Districts Are Drawn

A special committee is on a brief public tour to get your feedback on council size and how we draw district boundaries. And there are other ways to get your voice heard too.
LA Mayor Bass Promises Review Of Neighborhood Councils

Bass says she wants to improve how the councils operate. Council members want more details.
LA Strips Telephone Comment Option From Council Committee Meetings

California's state of emergency is over and that’s changing how people access some public meetings.
Former LA Mayor Richard Riordan Dies At 92. He Led The City Through Northridge Quake

Riordan was a moderate Republican known for supporting LGBTQ and immigrant rights, along with the right to abortion. He served from 1993 to 2001.
Wrongly Convicted LA Man Who Spent 20 Years In Prison Is Running For Congress

Democrat Carrillo, who was exonerated in 2011, will run against Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in Northern L.A. County.
The Supreme Court Ponders When A Threat Is Really A 'True Threat'

The court hears arguments Wednesday in a case that looks at whether the prosecution has to show that the defendant frightened his target intentionally.

Listen 6:56

Hey, LA listener!

Civics & Democracy