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.

Seven people stand behind individual podiums on a stage in front of an audience sitting on chairs. The podiums have a design of a woman imposed over the state of California and text in Spanish that translated reads "Our voice '26."

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.

Top 5 takeaways from Homeland Security budget hearings

Fesia Davenport — who got a $2M settlement from LA County — has her last official day as county CEO

A woman with medium-dark skin tone and short hair in tight curls wearing a blue knitted sweater speaks into a microphone from her desk with a sign that reads 'Fesia Davenport/ Chief Executive Officer."

Why a California lawmaker wants to give the state more power to collect child support

A close up of a woman's holding hand holding a baby's hand.

Adam Miller talks to LAist about why he should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

Listen 26:14

Two men sit in upholstered chairs with mics in front of them.

More Stories

Want government records? This California lawmaker wants you to pay more for them

Californians have a constitutional right to government records, but a lawmaker’s plan would let agencies charge extra fees to get them.
OC Supervisors ask how corruption went undetected in Andrew Do scandal

Orange County Supervisors say they are trying to understand the extent of the corruption that took place under former Supervisor Andrew Do.
Governor candidate debate at USC canceled following controversy

Debate canceled last minute after controversy over the exclusion of candidates of color.
ICE deployments created chaos for cities and cost them millions, NPR analysis finds

Leaders report strapped police departments racked up overtime bills in the millions while others report a multi-million dollar hit to business during the worst ICE surges.

Listen 3:56
Riverside Sheriff says AG is interfering in election investigation

More than 650,000 ballots cast in 2025 were seized.
LA County CEO announces plan to resign, citing health concerns

Fesia Davenport has been on a monthslong medical leave, during which she’s faced scrutiny over a $2 million settlement she received. She plans to step down on April 16.
3 political newcomers join forces in bid to unseat City Council incumbents

They've formed a ticket that spans from downtown to North Long Beach.
An immigration court few have heard of is quietly shaping policy behind the scenes

President Trump has slashed the number of people on the Board of Immigration Appeals and stacked it with his appointees, tightening the due process available for immigrants.
The rush to wipe out Cesar Chavez’s name from public spaces

Cities, counties and the state are moving to remove Chavez's name from public buildings, parks and other areas after sexual assault allegations
California voters appear to support a billionaire tax, split on proposed voter ID law

A survey from UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies found 52% of voters backing a proposed a one-time, 5% tax on the net worth of billionaires.
Some California Democrats pitch gas price relief as prices at the pump soar

Two moderate candidates for California governor are proposing gas price relief similar to their GOP rivals as the war in Iran sends fuel prices soaring.
The Postal Service may be out of cash in 2027 without Congress' help, postmaster says

The U.S. Postal Service's leader says it is set to run out of money in less than a year and may have to stop deliveries.

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Civics & Democracy