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.

More Stories

California’s ‘Trump-proofing’ likely won’t include AI — at least not yet

President-elect Trump has vowed to rescind an executive order that imposed AI safeguards, and could use tech to enable mass deportations. How far will California go in the other direction?
California voters pass Prop. 34 health care spending rules

Prop. 34 is about healthcare spending. But it will also likely quash the controversial AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s fight for rent control.
Democrat Derek Tran is now 397 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Michelle Steel

The race for California's 45th Congressional District remains the tightest in the country.
California’s slow vote count sows doubt. Here’s how one group is trying to fix that

The California Voter Foundation launched a tool tracking daily vote counts in 18 close contests for Congress and the state Legislature.
California’s budget is ‘roughly balanced,’ but growing deficits expected

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a $2 billion shortfall for 2025-26, but says the state can’t afford big new programs.
No raise for California’s minimum wage workers. Voters reject Prop. 32

California voters refused to raise the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour. Fast food and health care workers already get more.
Democrat Tran widens lead to 314 votes over GOP's Steel in 45th House District race

The race for the 45th Congressional District in Southern California has become the closest House race in the nation.
OC supervisor calls for review of county contract with Rep. Michelle Steel’s campaign mail vendor

The review was prompted by reporting from LAist that found Steel directed a $1.2 million taxpayer-funded contract to a company that she was using for her congressional election campaign mailers. At the time, Steel was a county supervisor.
LA City Council officially adopts sanctuary city ordinance in advance of Trump's second term

The ordinance was rushed by city officials in the wake of the re-election of Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations.
Lobbying activity this past summer cost a record-breaking $168 million. Here’s what we know

Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism.
Democrat Derek Tran's lead over GOP's Michelle Steel grows to 102 votes in the 45th House District

Tran grows his lead after Steel took the early lead after Election Day. It's one of the last Congressional races not yet called.
Trump’s mass deportation plan requires help from police and sheriff's deputies. Will he get that in SoCal?

California law largely prohibits cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.

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Civics & Democracy