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

Listen 0:45

A group of adults and children smile together outside a courtroom door labeled Superior Court Department W13.

More Stories

A former immigration lawyer defrauded thousands of immigrants. What to know about your case

Alexandra Lozano had offices across the country, including Southeast L.A.
This 1987 loophole is being used to evict LA business owners

Small L.A. business owners have nearly zero rights to fight an eviction due to a 1987 state law that protects acquisition firms.
Can’t make it to an Inglewood City Council meeting? You can now comment by phone or Zoom

A new California law requires Inglewood to open its weekly council meetings to public commenters dialing in by phone and Zoom.
Raman to be removed as chair of LA City Council’s homelessness committee

Councilmember says removal is punishment for running against L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
Voters are sick of the 2-party system. A new poll shows they're open to big changes

A new poll shows support for moving the U.S. toward proportional representation.

Listen 2:36
California craft liquor delivery is about to go away thanks to big money lobbying

California craft liquor deliveries could end Jan. 1. Distillers say powerful alcohol companies and Teamsters killed an extension of the delivery law.
Would you trust your boss with data about your brain? California moves to regulate neurotech

Neurotechnology is advancing, and California companies, lawmakers and unions are jockeying to shape how the resulting data can be used.
OC councilmember caught a break in a bribery case — and then mocked it, DA says

Amy Phan West has raised the ire of fellow councilmembers, local watchdogs, and now the Orange County prosecutor’s office.

Listen 0:50
Why rent control won't be on Anaheim ballots this November

The group behind the initiative pulled back their efforts in order to improve the measure for a future ballot.

Listen 0:37
Can a historic LGBTQ+ Latino bar find a new home in Westlake? Its future neighbors say not here

Residents living beside The Silver Platter’s proposed new home say work schedules, language barriers and an unfamiliarity with Zoom kept many from speaking at a hearing.
Airbnb, the LAPD union, a landlord giant: Where the money's coming from in LA's race for mayor

The largest spending so far appears to be Airbnb in support of Karen Bass, and the LAPD officers’ union and a major landlord company against Nithya Raman.
Immigrants detained at Adelanto say inhumane conditions continue, despite government claims

Federal officials say they're already meeting orders to immediately improve medical care, water and food. Attorneys for those detained say poor conditions remain the norm.

Hey, LA listener!

Civics & Democracy