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.

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San Clemente voters will decide on a sales tax to pay for more sand

If approved, the sales tax increase will bring in $15 million annually.
California governor frontrunner Xavier Becerra’s playbook: Never say you’re sorry

Democratic frontrunner for California governor Xavier Becerra has dodged weeks of criticism about his record.
Panicked California Democrats are pushing a risky strategy: Wait till the last minute to vote

Liberal California activists are urging Democrats to wait until the last minute to vote in the race for governor, then support the frontrunner in the polls.
LA County forms a committee to oversee a policy protecting patients brought in by ICE

A county policy that went into effect earlier this year informs health workers on how to navigate interactions with law enforcement.
'Being here breaks people': Inside solitary confinement at Adelanto

ICE detention centers are placing more people in solitary confinement. Some detainees say they’ve been put in isolation for asking for essentials.

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Trump's Truth Social lays bare narrow obsessions of an extremely online president

The bulk of the president's social media posts don't make news. But taken together they show what's on his mind as he leads the nation through war and domestic turmoil.

Listen 4:13
Former staffers accuse OC assessor candidate of misuse of campaign funds and sexual harassment

Party leaders told Janet Keo Conklin to lawyer up and drop out of the O.C. assessor race. Conklin denies the allegations of misuse of campaign funds and sexual harassment.

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Steve Hilton talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and former UK political advisor discussed housing, taxes and more.

Listen 25:58
Matt Mahan talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and San Jose Mayor spoke about homelessness, taxation and more.

Listen 26:04
A County Sheriff has 480 surveillance cameras. Officials say data isn't shared with ICE

Department officials are aiming to address community fears about cooperation with civil immigration enforcement.
Border czar promises 'mass deportations are coming' to fulfill Trump's promises

The remarks contrast with Border Czar Tom Homan's softer messaging earlier this year, after two U.S. citizens were killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis.
For the lone woman left in the California governor’s race, it’s all about ‘temperament’

Katie Porter released an ad joking about her temper. But experts say the touchy issue reveals a double standard for women candidates.

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Civics & Democracy