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.

An entrance where two large columns stand that read "MacArthur Park" leading into a park with trees and walkways.

What we know — and don’t know — about the MacArthur Park fence

Plans to enclose MacArthur Park are still somewhat unclear, including the project's timeline, total cost and what closing off the green space could mean for the neighborhood.

Lawmakers vote to let first responders retire earlier and with more money. Will Newsom sign on?

A group of firefighters walk up a steep hillside as firetrucks are parked in the distance.

The data center backlash is here — and Big Tech is spending big to combat it

A silhouette of a person speaking on a phone in front of a window with a downtown area and bridge in the background.

Voter ID is on the ballot: Tell LAist about your experience getting an official ID

A close up of the corner of an ID showing a yellow bear illustration with a star inside of it.

Judge hands victory to Westminster councilmember, but political war continues

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A group of adults and children smile together outside a courtroom door labeled Superior Court Department W13.

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Newsom’s parting gift: A budget that delays California’s deep cuts to 2027

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers reached a final budget deal last week.
The Supreme Court upholds grace periods for mail-in ballots, siding against the GOP

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a law that allows election officials to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days after it.
Supreme Court cements Trump's power over agencies long considered independent

The Supreme Court struck down a 91-year-old precedent that has prevented presidents from removing members of independent agencies meant to be a check on his power.

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Notario fraud is a longstanding problem in immigrant communities. Advocates say it’s getting worse

To combat the unauthorized practice of immigration law, advocates are calling for legislative action.

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California unions, hospitals strike deal — but billionaire tax heads to ballot

Hospitals and a healthcare union have agreed to pull rival initiatives from the ballot, but a proposed one-time 5% tax on billionaires remains headed to November voters.
Inglewood’s video billboards score a major win in court battle with stadiums

The ruling allows the city’s agreement with WOW Media to continue for now, even as parts of the broader legal fight remain unresolved.
Judge orders Huntington Beach to adopt 'ranked-choice' voting to settle dispute over Latino votes

The ruling came in a case accusing the city of diluting Latino residents’ voting power.

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Local advocates respond to Supreme Court ruling on refugees: ‘How do you prepare to say goodbye?’

The court’s ruling allows the Trump administration to revoke deportation protections for Syrian and Haitian refugees.
This new California law lets you give public officials a piece of your mind — remotely

Can’t get to a city council meeting? You can soon call in your comments.

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Trump keeps sabotaging legislation over a voting bill. Here's what's in it

President Donald Trump blew up what could have been a win for his party to force lawmakers to pass an elections overhaul bill.
OC grand jury calls for allowing elected officials to be ousted for misconduct

Grand jurors cited LAist’s unearthing of county HR investigations that found harassment, retaliation and workplace violence violations by two top county elected officials.
Ex-OC state parks chief accused of secretly filming male lifeguards in locker room

The former superintendent, Kevin Pearsall retired last year shortly after officials executed search warrants in the case against him.

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Civics & Democracy