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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A slate of LA City Council plans could bring more environmental justice power to Boyle Heights

L.A. City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced seven motions Tuesday, all geared at providing immediate and long-term relief.
LA County to provide assistance checks to businesses near Lineage warehouse fire. What we know

County supervisors voted Tuesday to help small businesses affected by the aftermath of the Boyle Heights warehouse fire.
The number of people living outdoors in LA is growing. What does that mean for the mayor's race?

The latest numbers were a blow to an incumbent mayor who put homelessness at the top of her agenda.

Listen 0:41
Keep an eye on these 5 deals as California lawmakers close out the legislative session

California lawmakers have fewer than 30 days to hash out deals on climate spending, wildfires, school sex abuse settlements and California Forever.
‘Don’t Flock me’: California, US lawmakers debate license plate reader technology

They’re all over our roads and really good at helping police solve crimes, but do California’s automated license plate readers need limits?
Senate Judiciary Committee advances Blanche nomination, setting up a final vote

Todd Blanche's nomination to serve as attorney general has been held up in a Senate committee over the $1.8 billion fund.
Long Beach plans to cut hundreds of jobs to cover multimillion-dollar shortfall. How to weigh in

Long Beach officials proposed deep cuts as they grapple with dwindling reserves, rising personnel costs and a slew of fiscal issues.
Mayor Bass issues executive order to pause the Lineage warehouse rebuild. What’s next?

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is directing city departments to stop the Lineage warehouse from being rebuilt for now.
Trump's claims of 250,000 non-US citizens on voter rolls leave some states baffled

Trump officials say they found 250,000 noncitizens on voter rolls in just four states. Those states don't know where the numbers came from.

Listen 3:51
Orange County cities are finalizing the November ballot. Here are some of the key items

Local governments have until Aug. 7 to call a local measure election to be included in the November General Election.
The Trump administration has undercut the US asylum program. These 3 charts show how

A new rule for asylum applications adds to the bevy of changes under the Trump administration to the core program for those fleeing persecution in their home countries.

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A judge sent a doctor to evaluate California’s largest ICE detention center. Here's what he found

ICE quickly opened a new detention center in a former California state prison last year. Detainees now are suing over their access to healthcare.

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Civics & Democracy