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

Sheriff Candidate Questionnaire: Eric Strong

LAist sent all candidates for L.A. County sheriff a questionnaire. Here are answers from candidate Eric Strong.
Sheriff Candidate Questionnaire: Matt Rodriguez

LAist sent all candidates for L.A. County sheriff a questionnaire. Here are answers from candidate Matt Rodriguez.
Sheriff Candidate Questionnaire: Karla Carranza

LAist sent all candidates for L.A. County sheriff a questionnaire. Here are answers from candidate Karla Carranza.
Lack of Polling Places In Chinatown And Koreatown Decried By Asian American Civil Rights Groups

Not one of the 630-plus vote centers listed for the June 7 primary is in Chinatown, and only one is in Koreatown, two of L.A.’s densest neighborhoods.
In An Unprecedented Move, Jan. 6 Panel Subpoenas McCarthy And Other Republicans

There is little history of a congressional committee issuing subpoenas for members of Congress. The move now escalates the war between House Republicans opposed to the investigation and the panel.
Joe Buscaino Withdraws From LA Mayor's Race, Endorses Caruso

The L.A. city councilman and former LAPD sergeant was struggling to gain traction in the race for the city's top job.
Senate Report: Mayor Garcetti ‘Likely Knew Or Should Have Known' About Former Aide's Alleged Sexual Misconduct

Allegations about Garcetti’s former top advisor is putting the mayor’s potential ambassadorship to India at risk.
LA County Assessor: Who's Running In The June 7 Primary Election And Why It Matters

The county assessor is an under-the-radar office that plays a big role in determining how much we pay in taxes.
Sheriff Candidate Questionnaire: Eli Vera

LAist sent all candidates for L.A. County sheriff a questionnaire. Here are answers from candidate Eli Vera.
7 Persistent Claims About Abortion, Fact-Checked

Several not-quite-right claims have continued to linger about abortion since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
How The Reversal Of Roe V. Wade Could Affect The Transgender Community

Rights groups are afraid that reversing Roe v. Wade could have consequences for same-sex marriage, access to contraception, and transgender rights. And now they're mobilizing.
As LA City Hall Reopens, Virtual Public Comment At Meetings Has Gone. Not Everyone Is Happy About That

Gone are the days when a visitor could show up unannounced to a councilmember's office. Now, appointments are required, and proof of COVID-19 vaccines or a recent negative covid test is also needed to enter the building.

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Civics & Democracy