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 child holding a folder looks towards the camera as they stand in the distance next to two adults.

California courts will begin tracking ICE arrests at their facilities

The rule being considered comes as immigration arrests rise at state courts, discouraging victims, witnesses and others from showing up, according to lawyers and advocates.

California election officials face false choice: Count votes quickly or count them right

A group of people with multiple USPS boxes filled with ballots inspect and pull from those boxes. They sit in a warehouse.

Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132M campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race

Tom Steyer, a man with light skin tone, gray hair, wearing a dark blue suit, speaks into a handheld microphone as something in the foreground partially covers the frame on the right side.

Rivals target Steyer, Becerra in debate as California governor race tightens

Six people stand behind podiums in a tv studio with lights beaming on them and the background.

Senate votes to kickstart partisan funding process for ICE. Here's how that works

More Stories

A year ago, Andrew Do called for LAist to fire our reporter. Catch up on what happened next

Nearly a year after LAist started investigating what happened to millions in taxpayer dollars, Do pleaded guilty to federal charges and resigned as an O.C. supervisor. Here are key takeaways from our investigation.
Newly elected LA City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado sets her eyes on public services, housing, and homelessness

Jurado shares her first time priorities after replacing incumbent Kevin de León to represent district 14.
LA County Supervisors are changing the way they do meetings, will it work to boost public input?

Supervisors plan to try a procedural change.
Troubled California teens gain protections under a new law championed by Paris Hilton

The hotel heiress and media personality visited the state Capitol to advocate on behalf of the legislation, and recount the physical and emotional abuse she experienced while living at youth treatment centers in California and other states.
A disgraced OC politician involved both his daughters in fraud scandal. What we know

In his federal plea deal, Andrew Do admitted to funneling money through both his adult daughters. Not much has been written about "Relative #2" who received $100,000 in stolen taxpayer money, according to prosecutors,
California new laws for 2025: Cannabis cafes and entertainment zones

The state is allowing more on-street alcohol sales and food in cannabis lounges. Supporters say the laws will boost downtown economies.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent hip surgery after injury on trip abroad

The 84-year-old is "on the mend" after she underwent surgery for a hip injury she sustained during a congressional trip to Luxembourg, a spokesperson said.
Newly elected LA City Council member Adrin Nazarian shares his priorities

Nazarian told LAist about what he's looking to address in his first term at City Hall.
LA has overspent by $300 million so far, cuts to city services likely

The city’s reserve fund has dropped to 4% of revenues, according to the report. The city has a policy of keeping the fund at a minimum of 5%.
Westminster sues two City Council members for 'dysfunctional and raucous' meetings

The lawsuit alleges Amy Phan West and NamQuan Nguyen repeatedly disrupt meetings.
Threat prompts California legislators, staffers to evacuate state Capitol

The Office of the Secretary of the Senate says law enforcement is working to determine the threat’s credibility.
Andrew Do is out, Janet Nguyen is in. What does that mean for District 1 in Orange County?

Nguyen says she wants to restore public trust and prioritize efficiency.

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Civics & Democracy