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

Santa Ana voters to decide whether to make sales tax increase permanent

The tax measure was approved by voters in 2018 with plans to reduce the rate to 1% by 2029, then eliminate it in 2039.
Covina residents battle against a proposed battery energy storage facility

A proposal has faced backlash from community members who say they are worried about the environment and public health.
Judge rejects California tribes’ latest attempt to kill blackjack at cardrooms

California cardrooms win legal battle with tribes, attorney general over blackjack.
Under Trump, spouses of US citizens face policy changes in the immigration system

Spouses of U.S. citizens have traditionally had a special place in immigration law. That's no longer the case, according to the administration and immigration lawyers.

Listen 3:18
You could get fined $63 for ‘daylighting’: Here’s what you need to know

Several county police departments in SoCal are strictly enforcing a law that prohibits parking too close to crosswalks, which took effect back in January 2025.
Long Beach will soon start planning budget cuts. Here’s how you can weigh in

A proposed city budget — with expected reductions — will be revealed soon. Then you can give your opinion during a series of hearings and meetings.
Another OC city is asking voters to approve taxes to shore up budgets

Santa Ana voters could see sales tax measure on November ballot.

Listen 0:34
All-gender bathrooms, ‘use-by’ dates, loud ads: the new California laws to know

From standardized food date labels to quieter streaming ads, a slate of new California laws took effect July 1.
Mass displacement of unhoused people and human rights concerns loom over LA Olympics planning

At a Tuesday L.A. City Council committee meeting, local officials and councilmembers questioned LA28's human rights plans, including for addressing homelessness.
LA City Council pulls noncitizen voting proposal at the last minute

The ballot proposal for November would have allowed the council to authorize non-citizens to vote in council and school board elections.
'A sigh of relief': LA reacts to Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship

In a 6-3 vote, the majority ruled to affirm the nation’s 158-year-old legal standard.
California to share driver's license data despite fears it could expose unauthorized immigrants

The program is meant to bring the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law.

Hey, LA listener!

Civics & Democracy