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 Latina speaks at microphones during a press conference, with others standing behind her and a sign reading 'Shut Down Adelanto' nearby.

A federal judge ordered fixes at Adelanto. Now a congresswoman wants the state to step in

Rep. Norma Torres of Pomona is calling on California to intervene to protect people detained at the facility where federal officials are under orders to improve conditions.

Replay: Watch LA mayoral candidates talk environmental strategy

Two women in suit jackets hold mics and gesture as the address an audience.

The Trump administration still aims to make state citizenship lists ahead of midterms

What to know about the mail-in voting fight at the Supreme Court

California kills bill regulating Flock cameras even as public rage grows

A person wearing sunglasses and a hat holds signage depicting, and text written on it reading, a Flock Camera with an eyeball.

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Two California prosecutors promised a different kind of justice. Voters turned on them

California voters turned on progressive district attorneys George Gascon and Pamela Price in the 2024 election, dealing a setback to the movement they championed.
Trump’s deportations could cost California ‘hundreds of billions of dollars.’ Here’s how

Some California sectors, like agriculture, will be hit directly. Many more could feel the ripple effects of mass deportation.
RFK Jr. was on the losing side of California vaccine fights. Now, Trump wants him in his cabinet

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a key figure in protests over California vaccine laws. He could set U.S. health policy in the Trump administration.
‘What’s going to happen to my kids’: California prepares to resist Trump deportations

The "Sanctuary State' is readying legal challenges to thwart a second Trump administration's mass deportation plans.
In November election, OC earned its purple cred

Is O.C. a harbinger for the future of America?
Democrat Derek Tran's lead over GOP Rep. Michelle Steel continues to grow in Saturday ballot release

Tran now leads Steel by 545 votes, an increase of 26 votes from Friday.
Democrat Derek Tran is now 519 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Michelle Steel in latest ballot release

Tran grew his lead by 49 votes on Friday in a widely watched tight race for the House seat.
Gavin Newsom vows to ‘leave no region behind’ on California jobs

Newsom touts the first of 13 regional plans to boost economic development across the state.
One of the closest watched House races is in California's 45th District. Is it headed for a recount?

A day after the election, incumbent Republican Rep. Michelle Steel was ahead of Democratic challenger Derek Tran. Since then, Tran has pulled ahead but only by a few hundred votes.
Ysabel Jurado pledges to stop 'eviction to homelessness pipeline,' and says LA can't police its way out of problems

The newly-elect councilmember stresses the need for better city services and is eyeing public land to build more housing.
Democrat Derek Tran's lead over GOP Rep. Michelle Steel climbs to 480 votes

The contest in California's 45th district is one of three undecided House races.
How ballot curing could decide those super tight races

Voters have until Dec. 1 to fix mismatched or missing signatures on their ballots. Here’s how it works.

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Civics & Democracy