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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LA Mayor Bass proposes $14.9B budget with no major cuts, little new spending

The budget calls for hiring 510 police officers, enough to keep up with attrition, city officials say.

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Trump's labor secretary resigns amid investigation into misconduct

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer becomes the third cabinet departure of President Donald Trump's second term.

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He was accused of lying and cheating in court. He was just named ‘Judge of the Year'

The Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County gave the award to a key figure in the long-running “snitch scandal” for his volunteer work with mock trial students.

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Lagging in polls and fundraising, Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s race

Progressive former state Controller Betty Yee said she is dropping out amid faltering polling and poor fundraising.
Democrats’ plan to raise pay for security guards would pressure employers into labor deals

California security guards earn low pay and have dangerous jobs. Legislative Democrats are pressuring companies to unionize.
Live Nation is supporting two California bills to lower prices. Can fans trust it?

Bruno Mars tickets running for $2,000 and ones for SZA costing $600 caught California lawmakers' attention. They're advancing two bills targeting the resale market.
Koreatown to host candidate forum for California’s next governor

A coalition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups are bringing candidates directly to one of California’s fastest-growing voter bases on Saturday.
California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help

Even with Rep. Eric Swalwell’s downfall, California Democrats face a glut of gubernatorial options. Party heavyweights won’t save the day.
Top 5 takeaways from Homeland Security budget hearings

Lawmakers have been in a stalemate for over 60 days about funding the entire department.
Fesia Davenport — who got a $2M settlement from LA County — has her last official day as county CEO

Davenport, who has been on leave since October, has faced criticism over the controversial payout which was initially kept out of public view.
Why a California lawmaker wants to give the state more power to collect child support

A California lawmaker wants more parents in the state's formal child support system, but her plan has some concerned that it could affect family dynamics.
Adam Miller talks to LAist about why he should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

The Los Angeles mayoral candidate and tech entrepreneur covered topics ranging from homelessness to building permits.

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Civics & Democracy