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California's strong attachment to business kept most of the state and Los Angeles as supporters of the more conservative Republican Party till the late 1980's. This changed with the influx of a large Hispanic population and was accelerated by the flight of the upper and middle-class to the conservative stronghold of the west Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Today's urban Los Angeles is characterized by a liberal "anything goes" attitude, despite the many outlying neighborhoods with more conservative sensibilities. In the 2004 Presidential Election, a third of the counties votes went to Republican candidate George W. Bush, but overall the area is best represented by the more liberal democrats.

Arnold Schwarzeneger, first known for his career in body-building and acting has taken on a new role as "The Governator", California's current governor. Although initially elected under an unusual recall election, he has been re-elected twice and has proven himself to be both widely popular and effective. Los Angeles's Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is the first Hispanic mayor since the 19th century. To find out more about the mayor you can check out his history and biography at http://www.lacity.org/mayor/bio1.htm.

Several political issues are among constant discussion and contention. The lack of rainfall and high population leads to periodic droughts and issues of water rights. Land use is also divisive in that the area around Los Angeles is highly desirable and fluctuations in land value can have a deep impact on citizens net worth. The threat of lowering land values by changing flight paths or putting in a landfill can lead to fierce court battles. Another issue that plagues LA in the area of law and politics are attempts at gun control to try to stem gang activity which continues to be some of the worst in the nation.

To contact Los Angeles's city government:

Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Downtown Los Angeles
(213) 621-CITY

San Pedro
(310) 547-CITY

West Los Angeles
(310) 471-CITY

Van Nuys
(818) 904-9450

The official City website: http://www.lacity.org