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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How Orange County is making sure Garden Grove evacuees can still vote

There are multiple ways to cast a ballot in the June 2 primary.

Listen 0:45
Immigration courts are using a new tactic to speed up deportations

The Justice Department is moving up the court hearings for hundreds of immigrants and scheduling them for mass hearings. If they don't show up, they could be ordered deported.
In mayor's race to represent LA, this activist thinks Black views matter

The discussion missing from the primary campaign is how and whether Mayor Karen Bass has benefited L.A.’s Black community.
California’s ‘groundbreaking’ fast food council lacks a leader, hasn’t met in over a year

Fast food workers, council members call on Gov. Newsom to appoint a chairperson so the council can meet again.
Katie Porter talks to LAist about why she should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and former representative in the U.S. House discusses government spending, oversight and more with AirTalk host Larry Mantle.

Listen 30:04
Career prosecutors accuse LA city attorney of dropping cases to help donors

A supervising prosecutor wrote in an email that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has a pattern of protecting donors. She says that’s false.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as national intelligence director citing husband's cancer diagnosis

Gabbard is the latest in a series of cabinet officials to leave the Trump administration.
The other June 2 vote in LA: New funding for streetlight repairs

Have you noticed long waits to get L.A. city streetlights fixed? Here's what to know about a vote on funding future repairs.

Listen 18:31
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.

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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.

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Civics & Democracy