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 with blonde, shoulder length hair, smiles while seated in front of a black background wearing a black blazer

OC Board of Education member faces more penalty fees for failing to report millions in income

Marilyn “Mari” Barke will have to pay more than $100,000 in penalties, according to a judge's ruling last week.

LA neighborhood councils: 3 things to know before attending a meeting

A meeting of people sitting around tables facing a crowd of people sitting in chairs, with one person with long hair sitting in the foreground with a laptop facing away.

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

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

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.

More Stories

The Troubled Angel Stadium Deal — Here’s What We Know So Far

Former mayor Harry Sidhu had been the main negotiator on the deal, now he’s the subject of a federal corruption probe.
Money Wars: Special Interests Spend Big In California Primary

Independent expenditure committees funded by special interest groups are spending millions of dollars to make their picks in the California primary. In some races, they are clearly supporting or opposing candidates. In others, the strategy is more complicated.
Anaheim Mayor Resigns Amid Federal Corruption Probe

Harry Sidhu is a subject in an FBI probe that alleges he gave insider information about a stadium deal to the Los Angeles Angels in the hopes of securing campaign contributions.
Biden Says The US Would Be Willing To Intervene Militarily To Defend Taiwan

A White House official said Biden's comments did not reflect a policy shift, even though the U.S. traditionally has avoided making such an explicit security guarantee to Taiwan.
An Archbishop Bars Pelosi From Communion Over Her Support For Abortion Rights

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco said he sent House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a letter expressing his concerns after she vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
Judge Rules That Pandemic Border Restrictions Must Continue, A Win For GOP-Led States

A federal judge in Louisiana has blocked the Biden administration from lifting the pandemic border restrictions known as Title 42, which were set to end on Monday.
After Public Outcry, LA County Registrar Adds 3 Vote Centers In Koreatown And Chinatown

There had been one location in Koreatown and none in Chinatown, prior to the announcement.
LA Archdiocese Asks Villanueva Campaign To Nix Ad That Features The Sheriff Praying In A Local Church

According to Archdiocese policy, church property can not be used for candidates’ political campaigns.
The Great Culling: Which California Bills Did Legislators Kill?

As part of a stately and secretive ritual called suspense file day, legislators killed about 220 bills on education, health care, housing and more.
LA's Next Mayor: How Gina Viola Would Tackle The Big Issues Facing The City

We asked the candidate about homelessness, housing, policing, climate change and more.
LA's Next Mayor: How Rick Caruso Would Tackle The Big Issues Facing The City

We asked the candidate about homelessness, housing, policing, climate change and more.
LA's Next Mayor: How Mike Feuer Would Tackle The Big Issues Facing The City

Before he dropped out of the race on May 17, we asked the candidate about homelessness, housing, policing, climate change and more.

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Civics & Democracy