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 small drone is set on a table in the foreground in front of a row of nameplates and people talking amongst themselves out of focus in the background.

Drones will be used to crack down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July

Police departments around SoCal are starting to embrace new technologies this Fourth of July that cracks down on illegal firework use.

Half-cent sales tax to fund LA city fire department heads to the Nov ballot

A red fire engine is parked in a street intersection. A firehouse attached to the engine is connected to a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. A firefighter stands beside the hydrant on the sidewalk.

California leaders yet to reach deal to keep billionaire tax off the ballot. Time is running out

People inside a large theater stand, cheering, while holding signs that read, "Billionaire Tax Niw."

In symbolic vote, Congress directs Trump to remove forces from Iran war

California may force the release of 911 calls at immigration detention centers

People walk outside a building signage that reads "GEO. Adelanto ICE Processing Center." A gated fence is out of focus in the foreground.

More Stories

Meet the (likely) new LA City Council members

A look at who they are and what’s next for L.A.’s city government.
Residents like you — not politicians — will now control redistricting in LA

Here’s how it will work, and how you can get involved.
LA releases sanctuary city ordinance ahead of second Trump term

President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations in his second term.
Trump’s proposed tariffs, especially on China and Mexico, could hit California hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.
Democrat Levin holds onto San Diego and Orange County-area House seat

Republicans had hoped to flip the seat after Levin turned it Democratic in 2018. The seat covers coastal north San Diego County and parts of southern Orange County.
Why no one spent more than Google to lobby California officials this summer

Google spent $10.7 million on lobbying the Legislature and governor between July 1 and Sept. 30, far more than ever before.
Santa Ana rejects ballot measure that would have allowed non-US citizens to vote

Santa Ana would have been the first city in California to allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in city council and mayoral races.
Democrats nab 2 wins in tight SoCal races that could decide if the House goes red or blue

With Republicans just two seats away from snagging control of the House, three historically tight SoCal races were in play. Now all eyes are on the tightening Michelle Steel vs. Derek Tran race.
Whitesides takes back California's 27th Congressional District for Democrats in pivotal race

The race was one of the most closely watched in the country.
California beat Trump in court his first term. It’s preparing new cases for his second

California sued the Trump administration more than 100 times in his first term and secured some major victories on the environment, immigration and health care.
State senators criticize Michelle Steel’s awarding of meal funds to her campaign mail vendor

The responses, from one Republican and one Democrat, include calls for an investigation and audit after an LAist investigative report.
Anti-slavery measure Prop. 6 fails, allowing forced labor to continue in California prisons

Other states, including Nevada, are deleting references to slavery in their constitutions and banning forced prison labor. California voters rejected that path when they turned down Prop. 6.

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Civics & Democracy