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 man with medium skin tone, wearing a black shirt, stands behind a cash register in front of a kitchen. Next to him are plants and ornaments, including a small statue of the Virgin Mary.

Foot traffic to small shops fell after last year’s ICE raids. Owners say it never really came back

A year after immigration raids exploded in LA, many small shops are still in recovery mode as even a rumor of ICE activity can make customers rethink casual shopping trips.

LA County sheriff: ICE will be at the World Cup in LA but agents won’t do enforcement

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A man in a beige law enforcement uniform stands behind a mic and podium. Another man in a unform stands to his right and a third man is standing to his left wearing a navy blue suit. A multi-colored soccer ball rests on the podium beside him.

Pratt is accusing Mayor Bass of celebrating K-town's destruction in 1992. What really happened

A Koreatown gateway sign stands next to businesses and palm trees.

More candidates are using their personal wealth to campaign than ever before. Should voters care?

Tom Steyer, a man with light skin tone, gray hair, wearing a blue suit and shirt, speaks into a microphone with plants around him on a stage.

Will Huntington Beach concede defeat in state housing feud?

An overhead view of single-family homes.

More Stories

Former staffers accuse OC assessor candidate of misuse of campaign funds and sexual harassment

Party leaders told Janet Keo Conklin to lawyer up and drop out of the O.C. assessor race. Conklin denies the allegations of misuse of campaign funds and sexual harassment.

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Matt Mahan talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and San Jose Mayor spoke about homelessness, taxation and more.

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Steve Hilton talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and former UK political advisor discussed housing, taxes and more.

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A County Sheriff has 480 surveillance cameras. Officials say data isn't shared with ICE

Department officials are aiming to address community fears about cooperation with civil immigration enforcement.
Border czar promises 'mass deportations are coming' to fulfill Trump's promises

The remarks contrast with Border Czar Tom Homan's softer messaging earlier this year, after two U.S. citizens were killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis.
For the lone woman left in the California governor’s race, it’s all about ‘temperament’

Katie Porter released an ad joking about her temper. But experts say the touchy issue reveals a double standard for women candidates.
How to talk to a journalist

Your stories power our reporting, so here's what to expect if you've never spoken to a journalist before.
California House Dems demand answers about treatment of pregnant migrant minors in federal custody

The letter was signed by 48 House Democrats and cites a recent investigation by The California and Texas Newsrooms.
In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats

California's treasurer manages bonds, pensions, and billions in cash. These are the six people vying for the job in 2026.
Inglewood is supposed to have a citizen police oversight commission. It hasn’t met in nearly 9 years

Police oversight commissions can provide accountability and transparency.
CA's June primary ballots are hitting mailboxes. Here's what voters need to know

Today is the deadline for counties to send primary ballots.
Tech regulation gets personal: How Tom Steyer’s brother could shape California’s AI future

Tom Steyer’s arguably equally famous older brother Jim is a well known force in Sacramento working on tech regulations and protecting kids online.

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Civics & Democracy