San Francisco board overrides mayor's veto of sanctuary expansion

It upholds an ordinance barring local authorities from turning juvenile illegal immigrants over to the federal government unless guilty of a felony. Newsom's office says the issue isn't settled.

Iraq veteran is killed while installing cable TV

The former Marine, who survived three overseas tours, is fatally beaten with a hammer in Victorville in what authorities say was an unprovoked attack.

Public subsidies approved for San Diego County desalination project

The vote by the Metropolitan Water District board means the private venture could get up to $350 million. Coastal groups opposed the action.

Top L.A. County judge warns of consequences of budget constraints

Judge Charles 'Tim' McCoy estimates that over the next four years as many as 1,800 jobs may be eliminated and 180 courtrooms closed, slowing the pace of cases through the system.

Michael Jackson's funeral cost more than $1 million, court documents show

The Forest Lawn crypt cost $590,000, and $35,000 was spent on the pop star's clothing. On Tuesday, his mother dropped her objection to two associates of her son being named executors of his estate.

Suspect in hacking death changes plea

Calvin Sharp pleads not guilty by reason of insanity in the meat-cleaver attack on a 6-year-old Thousand Oaks boy in 2007. A hearing will be held to determine if he was sane on Jan. 11.

CSU applications up 53% from last year

The increase puts added pressure on the 23-campus university system, which has raised tuition 30% this year and plans to cut enrollment by 40,000 students in the face of a severe budget crisis.

Buzz Aldrin named L.A. County's lunar diplomat

The Board of Supervisors declares the astronaut 'Honorary Consul General to the Moon from Los Angeles County.'

71-year-old 'sexual psychopath' gets 17 1/2 years in prison

The Orange County man, who was arrested last year at LAX, had pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault of his 7-year-old niece in the Philippines.

Los Angeles to use $10.3 million in stimulus funds for worker-training programs

City will offer $4 million for vocational training for 1,000 workers and keep $6.3 million available for 2,000 people in healthcare, construction, transportation and other sectors.

Cities, counties no longer mellow about pot dispensaries

At least 120 cities and eight counties in California have banned medical pot shops, fearing crime and profiteering. Some cite the proliferation of dispensaries in L.A.

Website listing addresses and aerial photos of celebrity homes comes under scrutiny

For nearly two years, celebrityaddressaerial.com operated with little notice. But a warrant revealed that a member of an alleged burglary ring had used it to case the homes of young Hollywood stars.

Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has leukemia

The NBA's all-time leading scorer has a rare form of the disease, but he says it is manageable with medication and that his long-term outlook is good.

The Station fire is out -- or is it?

The soil around Mt. Wilson Observatory still smolders, burning what root systems remain after the devastating Station fire was declared contained weeks ago. Fire crews are monitoring the area.

Cedars-Sinai finds more patients exposed to excess radiation

Hospital officials apologize and offer to cover medical care needed because of overdoses.