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

Californians may get a new way to sue big companies. Some Democrats are nervous

Some Democrats are leery about stifling business if Californians are allowed to sue corporations over monopolization
Trump will speak on elections in Thursday primetime address

The speech comes as President Donald Trump has escalated calls for Republicans to pass tighter federal voting rules.
What measures will be on the LA County ballot in November? Here's what we know

There are expected to be at least two countywide ballot measures, plus a swath of additional measures for the city of L.A.
Should LA County rename places honoring César Chávez? Take the survey

Residents can take an anonymous survey on whether streets, parks, buildings and other public places bearing Chávez's name should be renamed.
A year after mass raids, activists in the Central Coast protest ongoing detentions

In Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, community members pledge to continue helping their neighbors.
Some critics in LA say FIFA sponsors 'sportswashed' the World Cup and betrayed the city’s values

Protesters rallied against Hyundai-Kia, the Home Depot and Aramco during the tournament. They called for more support for the workers who make big events possible.
CalPERS just had one of its best years in a decade. Why it matters to taxpayers

CalPERS’ investment returns determine whether government agencies — and taxpayers — have to kick in extra money to cover losses at the pension fund.
States sue to stop Paramount-Warner Bros blockbuster merger

California is among the states suing to block Paramount from buying Warner Bros. Discovery in a Hollywood mega-merger.

Listen 3:54
Authorities seized dozens of drones in LA during the World Cup. One was at a community event

A nonprofit was hosting a gardening day near the Coliseum when someone used a drone to take a photo. Then the FBI arrived.
One US visa program is growing rapidly. No one is happy with it

Republicans on Capitol Hill are starting to talk about one facet of immigration reform: how to expand the popular H-2A visa program for farm laborers. They face obstacles.

Listen 4:15
California is running short on money. Should the state boost police and firefighter perks?

California police and fire unions are backing bills that would create new retirement benefits or raise pay. Lawmakers approved them overwhelmingly.
During World Cup, LA advocates have received uptick in calls for help with ICE

Despite concerns, ICE has not been conducting visible enforcement at the tournament. But immigration arrests are continuing elsewhere.

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Civics & Democracy