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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California House Dems demand answers about treatment of pregnant migrant minors in federal custody

The letter was signed by 48 House Democrats and cites a recent investigation by The California and Texas Newsrooms.
In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats

California's treasurer manages bonds, pensions, and billions in cash. These are the six people vying for the job in 2026.
Inglewood is supposed to have a citizen police oversight commission. It hasn’t met in nearly 9 years

Police oversight commissions can provide accountability and transparency.
CA's June primary ballots are hitting mailboxes. Here's what voters need to know

Today is the deadline for counties to send primary ballots.
Tech regulation gets personal: How Tom Steyer’s brother could shape California’s AI future

Tom Steyer’s arguably equally famous older brother Jim is a well known force in Sacramento working on tech regulations and protecting kids online.
Xavier Becerra backpedals on single payer as he woos powerful doctors’ lobby

The former health secretary under President Joe Biden has advocated for government-run healthcare since he was a congressman 30 years ago.
Here’s what those new signs on LA city property are all about

The LA Local recently spotted them at Hollenbeck Park and in Echo Park, and officials said they’ve put up 500 around the city.
Should a California union dictate how clinics spend money? Employers sue to block ballot measure

California health clinics are suing to stop a union ballot measure that would dictate how they spend money — and they say it could force hundreds of clinics to close.
Congress ends record shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security

Thursday's vote in the House provides funding for DHS after a more than two-month shutdown, but does not include dollars for ICE and CBP.

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Supreme Court ruling on voting won’t change California districts, but could hurt Democrats

The law in California was primarily used to help Latinos gain political representation.
Officials aim to fix tech problems in MyLA311, LA's service-request system

An update to the system last year was supposed to make it more responsive and user-friendly, but problems persist.

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Civics & Democracy