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.

The California State Capitol stands on a sunny day with blue skies. Palm trees are in the foreground.

California lawmakers seek protections for patients in ICE custody

California lawmakers want to strengthen protections for detained patients, including by making it easier for their families and attorneys to find them.

Rae Huang talks to LAist about why she should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

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Nithya Raman talks to LAist about why she should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

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Larry Mantle sits across from Nithya Raman

Internal emails show how fringe groups fueled Sheriff Chad Bianco’s ballot seizure

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a man with light-medium skin tone, wearing a kahki sheriff uniform, speaks behind a microphone and in front of signage of the Riverside County Sheriff emblem backlit on a wall in between a California flag and USA flag.

Rideshare drivers sue Uber over being kicked off app in new challenge to California law

Cars are parked in a pick up area as people with luggage wait and approach them.

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Black community leaders respond to immigration enforcement in LA: 'This is our fight, too'

Several Black-led groups shared direct calls to action and suggested ways people can get involved, including supporting protests and mutual aid.
Orange County approves $10.8B budget — but there's one giant question mark

The county is facing at least $400 million in liability claims related to the Airport Fire, which was accidentally started by public crews.
Sacramento police release search warrant in California senator’s DUI investigation

CalMatters obtained the search warrant from Sen. Sabrina Cervantes’ DUI investigation. Here’s what it says.
California urges court to answer how long Trump can keep National Guard in LA

A ruling expected in the next few days.
It’s not just ICE raids — immigration lawyer warns of reopened cases and how to prepare

Attorney Cynthia Santiago explains how families can prepare, avoid scams and respond to revived immigration cases.
State engineers get a reprieve from Newsom’s return-to-office mandate

Gov. Gavin Newsom in May announced that he wanted state workers in the office four days a week. One union negotiated a pause on that policy.
Lista de recursos para personas afectadas por las redadas de inmigración

LAist ha reunido una lista de recursos para ayudar a las personas y familias preocupadas por la actividad migratoria en la actualidad.
California bill would require law enforcement and federal agents to show ID

The 'No Vigilantes Act' looks to strengthen state laws against police impersonation and come as masked federal agents conduct immigration arrests in Los Angeles and around the state.
Debris removal from torched Tustin hangar is almost complete

Meanwhile, the city is collecting public input on what to do with the hangar's remaining twin.
As LAPD’s mounted unit faces scrutiny over protest tactics, police commission approves a new horse

The LAPD’s Metro Mounted Platoon focuses on “crime prevention, crowd management, and handling demonstrations.” But its recent deployments have prompted accusations of excessive force.
California bill would prohibit ICE officers from wearing masks in the state

The proposal from two Bay Area lawmakers would prevent police at all levels from covering their faces and require them to be identifiable via uniform.
Here's where to get help if you're affected by the immigration sweeps in SoCal

LAist has put together an evolving list of what organizations are helping with grocery drop-offs, remote jobs and other resources.

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Civics & Democracy