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.

A woman speaks into microphones at a podium, with several people standing behind her.

Lawsuit alleges inhumane conditions at Adelanto ICE facility

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights claims people held at Adelanto lack “basic necessities” and medical care

In the wake of Alex Pretti's death, Congress appears on track for a partial shutdown

Listen 3:39

Homicide case tainted by 'OC Snitch Scandal' ends in reduced prison sentence

The setting is a courtroom: A man wearing a dark suit is sitting and looking at a man, also wearing a dark suit, as the man is speaking in reference to some papers in his hand.

A list of Sunday protests in SoCal over second shooting death by federal agents in Minnesota

Hands holding up small lights at what appears to be a protest at night.

How Monterey Park residents pushed back on a data center

Listen 4:51

In the foreground of a crowded meeting room is a sign that reads "No Data Center" held up by a woman who's face is obscured by the sign.

More Stories

California prosecutors push back on ICE immunity claims

California prosecutors are challenging claims from the federal government that ICE agents have immunity from prosecution.
LA County workers shocked and outraged by CEO’s $2M payment, union leaders say

Union leaders say Fesia Davenport told workers there was no money for raises while — it turns out — she was negotiating her payout. She didn't respond to requests for comment.
Federal government has no right to California voters' sensitive data, judge rules

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter made the ruling Thursday in a case with national significance.

Listen 26:32
As requests for birth certificates shoot up 36%, OC's Clerk-Recorder has gone mobile

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is bringing his office to you — with a new van on wheels.
Should SoCalGas be allowed to close all of its branches? You can help decide

A small portion of the utility’s customers still rely on the in-person service, but the utility says there are several alternatives.
Newsom plans no new journalism funding despite $175 million funding deal with Google

Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his budget proposal last week.
US to suspend immigrant visas from 75 countries over public assistance concerns

The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance.
Federal judges uphold California’s new congressional maps favoring Democrats

The ruling denies a request by California Republicans and the Trump administration for a preliminary injunction blocking the maps created by Proposition 50.
Huntington Beach's Michael Gates launches a campaign for Attorney General

Huntington Beach’s controversial former city attorney is running for state attorney general.
Hotel workers want tax on companies with 'overpaid' CEOs

Unite Here Local 11 has launched signature gathering for "Overpaid CEO Tax" ballot proposition, adding tax on companies where executives make 50 times the media worker wage.
Debate over Irvine veterans cemetery hits same frustrating roadblock

The City Council voted to table the conversation after debate over how to even find a location.

Listen 0:43
LA city has a ‘silly’ law that makes playing sports illegal. Lawmakers want to repeal it

Want to play catch on the sidewalk or in a park? You’d technically risk jail time under this over 80-year-old law.

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Civics & Democracy