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.

Cars drive along a four lane surface street, past a Popeye's restaurant and Ralph's market.

Inglewood is redrawing the city map for the first time in nearly 40 years

The city’s new land-use plan draft calls for mixed housing and business zones along La Brea Avenue, Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard.

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

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."

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Santa Ana’s multi-million dollar deficit shrinks to $85. Here’s what they want to cut

The city chiseled away at a nearly $13 million projected deficit after pulling millions from public programs.
Even while courting moderates on voter ID, GOP leaders still push debunked fraud narrative

Republicans call their voter ID ballot measure ‘common sense’ to appeal to moderate voters, while alienating liberals with election conspiracy theories.
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals hears Trump administration’s request for California voter data

The court heard oral arguments Tuesday in Pasadena.

Listen 0:10
Can you trust that post about Tom Steyer? How paid influencers are flooding into the governor’s race

Billionaire Tom Steyer is paying influencers to boost his California governor campaign. State law requires they disclose it, but offers little accountability.
4 takeaways from Tuesday's primary night in half a dozen states

While Trump continues to rack up victories on his vengeance tour, general election opponents are waiting in swing districts and swing states.
Supervisors vote to create LA County's first ethics commission

Voters first approved creation of an ethics panel in 2024.
Moving to California with a gun? You might have to take a four-hour course

California lawmakers may require four hours of training to buy a gun. And you’d better have ammo for the range.
Huntington Beach faces $50k monthly fine for ignoring state housing mandate

A San Diego judge ordered the penalties earlier this month after the city ran out of legal appeals.

Listen 0:40
What is California's ‘jungle primary’ — and why does it matter so much for the governor’s race?

this system is different from how most states handle their primary elections.
Insurance commissioner candidates float bigger California role

From a public wildfire authority to a state backstop, California insurance commissioner candidates propose greater state involvement.
Fireworks are back on Inglewood’s ballot just 1 year after the city initially banned them

An initiative to make some firework use and sales legal again in the city is on the ballot for the June 2 special election.
California governor debate: Rivals gang up on Democratic frontrunner Becerra

Candidates for California governor faced off in one last debate before the primary.

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Civics & Democracy