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

LA Mayor Bass On Kevin De León’s Refusal To Resign And Unhoused People Sleeping On Public Transit

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass joins LAist’s radio show AirTalk each month. On Wednesday, she shared her thoughts on Kevin de León refusing to resign from the L.A. City Council, the city’s homelessness problem, and more.
Have You Run For A Neighborhood Council in LA? Talk To Us

What was it like? What did you learn? We want to hear about the highs and lows, the accomplishments and regrets.
LA Has A New Mayor. Take LAist’s Survey And Set The Agenda You Want To See

Karen Bass takes over as L.A.'s mayor on Monday. Tell us what challenges feel most urgent to you and what advice you have for the new mayor.
Meet The Candidates For Nury Martinez’s LA City Council Seat

The candidates include a city council staffer, two community organizers, the head of a housing nonprofit, the head of the San Fernando Valley NAACP, and three people in private business.
Looking At The New Year For Smoother(?) LA Politics

We checked in with Controller Kenneth Mejia and LAist’s Frank Stoltze to preview how officials could work together in 2023.
In LA, The Rise Of The Asian American Progressive

Newly-elected Kenneth Mejia joins Councilmember Nithya Raman as some of the city’s most visible Asian American progressives.
LA Has A New Mayor. Take LAist’s Survey And Set The Agenda You Want To See

Karen Bass takes over as L.A.'s mayor on Monday. Tell us what challenges feel most urgent to you and what advice you have for the new mayor.
LA City Council In 2023: Your Guide To Who's Who (And What They Do)

New faces are in and longstanding members are gone. We help you understand who's who and what's next.
Superior Court Results: What We Know So Far In The Judges Races

Watch this space for live results.
Live General Election Results From Los Angeles, LA County and California

Follow all the latest results in key races from L.A. mayor and L.A. County sheriff to ballot measures, congressional contests and more.
LA City Council: Who's Running In The 2022 General Election And Why It Matters

Your guide to the L.A. City Council candidates and issues in the Nov. 8 general election. Still on the ballot: Districts 5, 11, 13 and 15.
LA Superior Court Judges: Who's Running In The Nov. 8 Election And Why It Matters

Evaluating judicial candidates is notoriously hard, but there are a few pieces of information you can look at to help with your decision.

Hey, LA listener!

Civics & Democracy