CityWatch is LA’s opinion, news and information website and newsletter.  CityWatch reports and provides perspective on the issues that face us in Los Angeles at the neighborhood level.  Our mission is to promote and facilitate civic engagement and neighborhood empowerment, and to hold area government and its politicians accountable.  We have a staff of expert journalists who report on what’s important to our community each week.

CityWatch is a multi-media website (text, audio/video) updated 24/7 on CityWatchLA.com and via e-blast twice weekly direct to over 90,000+ opt-in subscribers.  Our subscribers are among the most influential people in the city (politicos, developers, unions, business leaders, and everyday stakeholders).  They are interested in a growing LA and are actively involved at the rate of 610,457 hits per day and 65,000 page views per day (1,961,000 page views per month) on CityWatchLA.com.

CityWatch is published online 24/7 with twice weekly e-news blasts to more than 90,000 electronic subscribers.  The purpose of CityWatch remains unchanged: To hold City Hall accountable and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.

CITYWATCH PRINCIPALS AND STAFF

CityWatch was the inspiration of founder Mark Siegel, a long-time activist and political consultant. These were the pre-Charter years and Siegel was monitoring the work of the Charter Commissions. He called his reports Charter Watch. Neighborhood Councils were born when the Charter was approved in 1999 and Siegel's reports became CityWatch. He also helped found the Citywide Alliance of Neighborhood Councils at the time.

Siegel took a sabbatical from publishing in 2000 and with a new partner and editor, Ken Draper, CityWatch became a printed handout publication which was published bi-weekly to an email list of a few hundred. 

About Ken Draper

Ken Draper, Publisher, had a lengthy professional background in media and communications. He worked as managing consultant for Westinghouse Broadcasting Company’s chain of all news properties and Executive Editor of KFWB All News Radio, written for the Chicago Sun Times (among many) and created the Newsletter Network.

Ken Draper passed away in August, 2022.

About Jim Hampton

Jim Hampton, as the new Publisher, is continuing Ken's legacy.  Jim has been the Web & Content Manager and Director of Marketing for CityWatch since it was first launched on the Internet in 2003.  Hampton's background includes 40+ years in broadcasting, content development, sales and marketing.

About Our Writers

The CityWatch writers, columnists and contributors are selected based on three principles: professional background or expertise on the subject matter or value and clarity of the article submitted. The opinions, whether left, right or center, are their own and are not censored by CityWatch.

All accepted journalistic standards apply at CityWatch.

CityWatch Publishing LLC is an independent opinion platform featuring articles contributed by a diverse group of writers. The views, opinions, and statements expressed in articles published on this website are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of CityWatch Publishing LLC, its editors, or its affiliates.

CityWatch Publishing LLC does not assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of content submitted by third-party contributors. Authors are solely responsible for their own submissions, and any claims or disputes regarding an article should be addressed directly with the author.

Additionally, CityWatch Publishing LLC provides a forum for public discussion through user comments. While we strive to moderate content in accordance with our community guidelines, we do not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for user-generated comments. If any content is believed to be unlawful or in violation of our policies, please contact us at [your contact email] for review.

How to Be a CityWatch Writer

CityWatch welcomes thoughtful voices on Los Angeles government, neighborhoods, housing, public services, politics, and community life. You don’t have to be a professional journalist. You do need a clear point of view, accurate information, and a willingness to stand behind your work.

Introduce Yourself

With your first submission, please include:

• Your full name, email address, phone number, and city of residence.

• A short description of your background and connection to the subject.

• Links to previous articles or relevant professional credentials, if available.

• A two-line biography for publication.

CityWatch may request a brief phone or video conversation and verify relevant credentials before publishing your first article. Your phone number and other private contact information will not be included in your article.

If you wish to use a pen name, discuss it with the editor first. CityWatch must know your actual identity.

Prepare Your Article

• Keep submissions to 1,200 words or fewer, unless otherwise arranged with the editor.

• Submit a Word document or plain text, rather than a PDF.

• Include a suggested headline.

• Embed links to records, reports, news coverage, and other sources supporting important factual claims.

• Include a high-resolution image if available, with its source, credit, and permission to publish.

• Add your two-line biography at the end.

Write clearly and explain why the subject matters to CityWatch readers. Opinion is welcome; readers should be able to distinguish your interpretation from documented facts.

Be Accurate and Fair

Check names, dates, quotations, figures, and links before submitting. Represent other people’s positions accurately and provide context.

When making allegations about an identifiable person or organization, supply supporting documentation and explain whether you sought their response. Serious accusations require more than rumor or assumption.

Writers must be available to answer editorial questions, provide sources, and promptly address errors.

Disclose Relevant Connections

Tell the editor about relationships that could affect how readers understand your article. These include:

• Running for public office or working for a campaign.

• Employment, clients, lobbying, or financial interests connected to the subject.

• Leadership or membership in an organization discussed in the article.

• Payment or sponsorship for writing or submitting the piece.

Candidates must clearly identify their candidacy. Relevant disclosures may be included with the published article.

Submit Work You Can Stand Behind

Submit your own work, credit other people’s reporting, and obtain permission for material that requires it. Tell the editor if the article has appeared elsewhere or is being considered by another publication.

Disclose substantial use of artificial intelligence to draft or rewrite the article. Regardless of the tools used, you are responsible for checking every fact, quotation, citation, and source.

Understand the Editorial Process

CityWatch reviews submissions for relevance, accuracy, clarity, and available space. Submission does not guarantee publication or a particular publication date.

The editor may request revisions or edit headlines and text for clarity, length, and style. Publication frequency varies according to editorial judgment and the mix of stories in each edition.

Our goal is to give readers informed perspectives that encourage discussion and help them understand their city.

We do not compensate our writers.  Articles should be between 750 and 2000 words and submitted as a Word doc with any links embedded and no special formatting, such as indents. 

CityWatch publishes on Monday and Thursday evening.  Deadline for submittals is Sunday and Wednesday by 5pm.

Submit to: [email protected].

Privacy Policy

Comments Guidelines

CityWatch welcomes thoughtful, respectful dialogue. To keep this space constructive, please follow these basic expectations:

Be respectful. Criticize ideas, not people. Personal attacks, harassment, insults, or defamatory statements will be removed.

Stay on topic. Keep comments relevant to the article. Off-topic rants or repeated posts may be deleted.

No hate speech or threats. Racism, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, or language inciting violence will not be tolerated.

No spam or self-promotion. Advertising, unrelated links, and promotional content are not allowed.

Use your own voice. Don’t impersonate others or intentionally spread misinformation.

Repeat Violations.  Users who repeatedly violate the guidelines may be blocked from future commenting.

CityWatch reserves the right to moderate or remove comments that violate these standards and to limit participation when necessary to maintain a safe, productive environment.

Help us make CityWatch a place for informed conversation and civic engagement.