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

Listen 0:45

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

More Stories

4 takeaways from Tuesday's primary night in half a dozen states

While Trump continues to rack up victories on his vengeance tour, general election opponents are waiting in swing districts and swing states.
Supervisors vote to create LA County's first ethics commission

Voters first approved creation of an ethics panel in 2024.
Moving to California with a gun? You might have to take a four-hour course

California lawmakers may require four hours of training to buy a gun. And you’d better have ammo for the range.
Huntington Beach faces $50k monthly fine for ignoring state housing mandate

A San Diego judge ordered the penalties earlier this month after the city ran out of legal appeals.

Listen 0:40
What is California's ‘jungle primary’ — and why does it matter so much for the governor’s race?

this system is different from how most states handle their primary elections.
Insurance commissioner candidates float bigger California role

From a public wildfire authority to a state backstop, California insurance commissioner candidates propose greater state involvement.
Fireworks are back on Inglewood’s ballot just 1 year after the city initially banned them

An initiative to make some firework use and sales legal again in the city is on the ballot for the June 2 special election.
California governor debate: Rivals gang up on Democratic frontrunner Becerra

Candidates for California governor faced off in one last debate before the primary.
Key takeaways from Trump's China trip

President Donald Trump returns to the U.S. after wrapping up his whirlwind trip to China.

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Huntington Beach's MAGA coalition is fracturing over 'cronyism'

Huntington Beach’s MAGA majority showed signs of fracturing over recent allegations of self-dealing. Some say the problem is pervasive.

Listen 0:41
OC halts use of chemicals that critics say poison the county’s creeks and coast

A tiny OC environmental group used election jostling to score a big win.

Listen 0:40
Newsom’s last budget: Cut California spending now, save for the AI bubble to burst

California tax revenue is soaring thanks to tech stocks. But Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing more cuts, warning that the boom won’t last and Trump cuts will hit the state hard.

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Civics & Democracy