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.

Farmworkers in wide-brimmed hats bend over rows of leafy crops in a field, with vehicles and utility poles in the background.

For Central Valley farmworkers, a court order brought calm. Now it's on hold — and LA is watching

The order, issued after disruptive immigration raids in January 2025, placed new restrictions on immigration agents arresting people without warrants.

Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be released under bill going to Newsom

A slightly blurry photo of two people wearing dark blue jump suits with text on the back that reads "Inmate" as they walk down a hallway.

A federal judge ordered fixes at Adelanto. Now a congresswoman wants the state to step in

A Latina speaks at microphones during a press conference, with others standing behind her and a sign reading 'Shut Down Adelanto' nearby.

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

More Stories

In LA, The Rise Of The Asian American Progressive

Newly-elected Kenneth Mejia joins Councilmember Nithya Raman as some of the city’s most visible Asian American progressives.
Mayor Bass Declares State Of Emergency On Homelessness In LA

Now that L.A.’s new mayor has made the declaration, it’s headed to the City Council for a vote.
LA Explained: With A New Mayor In Town, What Powers Does Bass Actually Have?

While the mayor is the city’s highest office, there’s a lot they can and can’t do.
It’s The First Day For LA’s New Councilmembers. For The Council’s Progressive Voices, Housing Issues Are Dire

Eunisses Hernandez, a community activist, and Hugo Soto-Martinez, a labor organizer, are among five new councilmembers taking office.
Karen Bass Sworn In As LA’s First Woman Mayor

After being sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, Bass called on Angelenos “to welcome housing in every neighborhood.”
Challenges And Opportunities Await Karen Bass As She Takes Over As Mayor

Karen Bass will become the first woman to lead Los Angeles.
LA Has A New Mayor. Take LAist’s Survey And Set The Agenda You Want To See

Karen Bass takes over as L.A.'s mayor on Monday. Tell us what challenges feel most urgent to you and what advice you have for the new mayor.
Mayor-Elect Karen Bass Announces Her 100-Day Transition Team

Those on the team include labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former California Governor Gray Davis.
New Blood, Big Oil: California Legislature Starts Special Session

A new California Legislature with a record number of women is sworn into office and gets an oil profits penalty plan from Gov. Newsom.
The LA County Final Vote Is Official And Fewer Voters Turned Out Than Last Midterm Election

A month after Election Day, votes in L.A. County have all finally been counted and finalized. And they show 44% of registered voters in the county cast their ballots — the vast majority by mail.
2022 Election Results In Orange County Are Official

Nearly a month after Election Day, the results are final. Some winners emerged after defeating incumbents by just a few dozen votes.
SoCal Congress Members Make History In New Leadership Roles

U.S. Reps. Pete Aguilar and Ted Lieu take over top spots in the House Democratic Caucus.

Hey, LA listener!

Civics & Democracy