State auditor's office subpoenas Vernon financial records

The office, which rarely uses its subpoena power, is conducting a probe of contracts, bond issuances, salaries and other financial matters in Vernon.

Former L.A. County appraiser is arraigned

Scott Schenter is charged with unlawfully lowering property values by $172 million, allegedly to secure campaign contributions from the owners for Assessor John Noguez. He pleads not guilty.

Man confessed in 2 Orange County slayings, transcript says

Actor accused of killing two friends in a plot to frame one for the slaying of the other confessed to police when arrested, according to a grand jury transcript.

Hollywood philanthropist throws a lifeline to L.A. Unified

Megan Chernin's group has already sponsored a breakfast program for 200,000 and screened 'Bully.' Its goal is to get wealthy Angelenos to rally around public schools.

A cop and bull story

A Fresno motorcycle officer who knows the ropes chases down a runaway animal and lassos it as authorities seek to put two schools on lockdown.

CHP shifting to SUVs for patrol cruisers

Officials say they plan to start phasing in a 'Police Interceptor' version of the Ford Explorer this fall because traditional sedans available were too small. A third of the fleet is replaced each year.

San Francisco announces Coit Tower overhaul fund

San Francisco leaders announce creation of a $1.7-million fund to upgrade the iconic concrete tower built in 1933 and to repair its severely damaged famous frescoes.

West Hollywood to defend councilman if he is charged over expenses

The district attorney's office is investigating John Duran, who charged more than $7,000 in meals to his city credit card over three years. Duran says all the meals were related to city business.

Angeles National Forest land burned in Station fire reopens

Forest Service announces reopening of 41,000 acres closed since the massive 2009 Station fire.

Friends mourn photographer, 101, killed by driver, 91, in Burbank

Otto Jensen, also a former Olympic boxer and long-distance runner, was known as much for his youthful vigor as for his decades of picture-taking. He died Tuesday.

Metro to run Westside subway extension under Beverly Hills High

City and school officials in Beverly Hills have warned that construction could disrupt or damage the school. Metro officials rebut that assertion.

Water quality at L.A. County beaches improves

Heal the Bay credits the gains to a drier winter and construction of more facilities to capture, treat and divert tainted storm water. But the county still has seven of the state's top 10 most polluted beaches.

Gov. Jerry Brown seeks to cap wildfire liabilities in California

Proposal to limit the money the government can recover for fighting fires and restoring land is supported by governor's contributors. He says there is no link.

Michael Heizer's calling is set in stone

The creator of the 'Levitated Mass' sculpture at LACMA, whose centerpiece is a 340-ton boulder, Michael Heizer is no stranger to exploring the complexities of giant stone.

Cal State Chancellor Charles B. Reed to retire

The administrator is ending 14 years as head of the 23-campus system, an era of cuts, rising costs, protests over presidents' salaries and clashes with unions.

Proprietors of same liquor store killed eight years apart

The first slaying in Hawaiian Gardens was committed in a botched robbery, but this week's killing remains a mystery. One theory is that the victim was targeted over gambling debts.

Go, stop, order, chaos: the rhythm of Los Angeles

A search for the city's rhythm is inspired by L.A. poets' musings on the unique feel of the movement of people and time here.

Utility regulators more than double California's solar power goal

The state Public Utilities Commission raises the maximum total capacity for all rooftop solar systems in an electric bill-slashing program to about 5,200 megawatts from 2,400 megawatts.

California seeks discipline for Bell's auditing firm

Meyer Hoffman McCann, which is accused of rubber-stamping city audits, could be fined $1 million and lose its license to practice in the state.

Judge OKs extradition of accused arsonist Harry Burkhart's mother

The attorney for Harry Burkhart opposed sending Dorothee Burkhart back to Germany to face fraud charges because she is a crucial witness in his client's case.

California gas prices to set record for Memorial Day weekend

The state's average gasoline price, though down 5.5 cents from a week earlier, is still higher than during Memorial Day weekend 2008. Analysts say this summer's outlook is difficult to predict.

Internet phone service bill advances in California Senate

A state Senate committee approves SB 1161, a bill to ban regulation of Internet phone service, after changes are proposed to uphold some consumer protections.

A 10-year nightmare over rape conviction is over

Brian Banks spent years in prison, branded a rapist. Then his accuser provided the key to getting his conviction dismissed.

Caltech's day of mind games, amusements and crossbows

Leaders of cash-strapped Coliseum complex claim luxury suite

The taxpayer-owned venue is in financial ruins, but four commissioners kept a private, catered area at the Sports Arena from public sale, so they had prime views of Bruce Springsteen singing about blue-collar struggles.

L.A. OKs ban on plastic bags at checkout

Council also imposes a 10-cent fee on paper totes. The law will be phased in over the next 16 months.

Mother shocked by daughter's alleged murder plot against her

Angelica Aquirre of Hesperia says she recently became tougher with her rebellious daughter. Then the 13-year-old plotted to kill her, police say.

Jury orders death penalty for killer of Jamiel Shaw II

Pedro Espinoza shot Shaw, a high school football star whom he mistook for a rival gang member, in 2008.

Secret files detail clergy abuse at Santa Barbara boarding school

After court battle, papers are released regarding accusations of sexual abuse of children at the Franciscans' St. Anthony Seminary.

Mountain lion killed in Santa Monica was probably seeking a home

The male cougar shot and killed by Santa Monica police on Tuesday was 3, the age that the big cats go in search of their own territory.