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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Eric Swalwell resigns: What to know about the special election and the governor’s race

Here’s what happened and what it means for the June 2 statewide primary and the future of Swalwell’s congressional seat.
Antonio Villaraigosa talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

California gubernatorial candidate and former L.A. mayor covered topics ranging from the state's gas taxes to how he'd interact with President Trump.

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Xavier Becerra talks to LAist about why he should be California's next governor (Transcript)

The California gubernatorial candidate and former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services discussed healthcare costs, gas prices and more.

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LAPD commission president steps down in surprise move

The reason for Teresa Sánchez-Gordon stepping down is unclear, as two commissioners were appointed to leadership roles during a regularly scheduled meeting.
Here’s how California’s next governor will change your taxes

Candidates have laid out their vision for taxation in California.
Another woman accuses former Congressmember Eric Swalwell of sexual assault

Lonna Drewes said she believes Swalwell drugged her glass of wine in 2018. She alleged he proceeded to rape her in a West Hollywood hotel room.

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Why Congress is fighting over a central tool of American surveillance

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is responsible for a huge share of intel collected by the U.S.

Listen 3:56
California Democrats are clamoring to tax the rich. Why their proposals could backfire

Progressives say California should tax the rich to maintain health care access for the poor. Here’s why it could worsen the state’s budget problem.
Judge dismisses Trump's $10B lawsuit over the Wall Street Journal's Epstein reporting

In the order issued Monday, the judge wrote that President Trump had failed to make the argument that the article was published with the intent to be malicious.
Swalwell’s exit from California governor’s race leaves Democratic field in disarray

The Democratic race for governor remains a toss-up, with Tom Steyer and Katie Porter most likely to benefit from Rep. Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal.
LA County CEO proposes $48.8 billion budget, warns of federal funding cuts

County officials warn cuts to Medi-Cal and CalFresh in the next fiscal year are expected to have a devastating effects on those programs.

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Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress following sex assault allegations

Swalwell said he would step down from the office he’s held since 2013, but continued to deny the allegations against him by four separate women.

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Civics & Democracy