Method
How we work
LA Decoded starts from official records. This page explains what we use, how we check it, and how to tell us when we get something wrong.
What we use as sources
- Agendas, staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, and adopted minutes.
- Recorded public meetings, with timestamps for quotes.
- Official press releases from the body involved.
- News coverage, used for context and cited as news, never as the record.
How we check a summary
- Every factual claim links to a source you can open.
- Vote counts, dollar figures, and dates are checked against the official document.
- Quotes are taken from the recording or transcript, with a timestamp.
- A person reviews every summary against its sources before it is published.
Use of AI
AI tools may help draft summaries, transcribe audio, and prepare graphics. A person checks every summary against its sources before publication. Where a platform requires it, we disclose AI-generated voices or visuals.
Neutrality
LA Decoded does not endorse candidates, ballot measures, or parties. On contested issues, each explanation presents the strongest case for each position, drawn from the people who made it. We describe the record and leave the judgment to you.
Corrections
If you find an error, tell us. We fix it on the page, add a dated note that explains the change, and link the correction from the video description or pinned comment where the item appeared.
To report a correction, email [email protected] with the page address and the part that is wrong. Include a link to the official source if you have one.
Accessibility
LA Decoded aims to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA on every page. Text can be enlarged to 200 percent without losing content, every video has captions and a transcript, and every control works with a keyboard. If something here is hard to use, tell us at [email protected] and we will work on it.
Contact
For tips, questions or press, email [email protected]. For errors in anything we publish, email [email protected].
About the project
LA Decoded is an independent project. It is not affiliated with the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, or any other government body.