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.

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

President Donald Trump declared that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products.

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."

Lawyers are teaching immigrants at Adelanto how to challenge their own detentions

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One US visa program is growing rapidly. No one is happy with it

Republicans on Capitol Hill are starting to talk about one facet of immigration reform: how to expand the popular H-2A visa program for farm laborers. They face obstacles.

Listen 4:15
California is running short on money. Should the state boost police and firefighter perks?

California police and fire unions are backing bills that would create new retirement benefits or raise pay. Lawmakers approved them overwhelmingly.
During World Cup, LA advocates have received uptick in calls for help with ICE

Despite concerns, ICE has not been conducting visible enforcement at the tournament. But immigration arrests are continuing elsewhere.
Santa Ana voters to decide whether to make sales tax increase permanent

The tax measure was approved by voters in 2018 with plans to reduce the rate to 1% by 2029, then eliminate it in 2039.
Covina residents battle against a proposed battery energy storage facility

A proposal has faced backlash from community members who say they are worried about the environment and public health.
Judge rejects California tribes’ latest attempt to kill blackjack at cardrooms

California cardrooms win legal battle with tribes, attorney general over blackjack.
Under Trump, spouses of US citizens face policy changes in the immigration system

Spouses of U.S. citizens have traditionally had a special place in immigration law. That's no longer the case, according to the administration and immigration lawyers.

Listen 3:18
Long Beach will soon start planning budget cuts. Here’s how you can weigh in

A proposed city budget — with expected reductions — will be revealed soon. Then you can give your opinion during a series of hearings and meetings.
You could get fined $63 for ‘daylighting’: Here’s what you need to know

Several county police departments in SoCal are strictly enforcing a law that prohibits parking too close to crosswalks, which took effect back in January 2025.
Another OC city is asking voters to approve taxes to shore up budgets

Santa Ana voters could see sales tax measure on November ballot.

Listen 0:34
All-gender bathrooms, ‘use-by’ dates, loud ads: the new California laws to know

From standardized food date labels to quieter streaming ads, a slate of new California laws took effect July 1.
Mass displacement of unhoused people and human rights concerns loom over LA Olympics planning

At a Tuesday L.A. City Council committee meeting, local officials and councilmembers questioned LA28's human rights plans, including for addressing homelessness.

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Civics & Democracy