Wendy Greuel, Eric Garcetti dash across L.A. to shore up support

The controller appears in South L.A. with Magic Johnson and Rep. Maxine Waters. The councilman, who leads in a new poll, warns workers not to take victory for granted.

W Hollywood penthouses: All the glitz, none of the grit

For those who will live in the posh abodes, there'll be no need ever to come in contact with the grungier realities of Hollywood.

Oakland police struggle to rebuild — using fewer resources

'Working smarter' and reorganization can go only so far. It's not clear that the public is ready to make the investment.

Mayor candidates on transportation: innovation vs. tried and true

L.A. mayor candidates Garcetti and Greuel have similar track records on city transportation problems, but there are a few notable differences.

Little attention paid to race in huge community college district

Incumbent Nancy Pearlman is being challenged for her L.A. Community College seat by David Vela, a political aide, in a low-profile race. The candidates have sharply different profiles.

Do we love L.A.? We don't always vote like it

The weather should be nice (what else?) for Tuesday's municipal election, so roll out of bed and start humming Randy Newman. Maybe we'll hit 25% turnout.

Garcetti's lead over Greuel at 7 percentage points in mayoral race

Latest survey also shows 11% of likely voters still undecided, meaning the dynamics of the race could still shift before Tuesday's runoff.

Analyst disputes Brown's budget outlook as too glum

Legislature's advisor sees $3 billion more in revenue, which could hamper the governor's bid to curb spending.

Democrats seeking office have their eye on Sacramento

Lawmakers and candidates are increasingly feeling they can accomplish more at the state level than in Washington, where many would be serving in the minority.

USC made its offer to neuroscientists a no-brainer

The school's 'all hands on deck' effort to lure Arthur Toga and Paul Thompson from UCLA included money and the prospect of new collaborations, as well as less tangible personal perks.

Ex-Compton fire official charged with arson, theft

Marcel Melanson, once considered a charismatic department hero, pleads not guilty to stealing expensive radios while a battalion chief and denies setting a fire to cover up the theft.

St. John's picks Providence Health & Services in bidding war

Owner of the landmark Santa Monica hospital has started negotiations with the Catholic chain after weighing multiple offers, including those by UCLA and local billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong.

Troubled youths deserve more effective discipline than suspension

There is no simple fix for disruptive behavior, but we owe it to struggling students to focus on ways to keep them in the classroom, not shut out of it.

Labor group won't back away from campaign mailer

Mailer to Latino voters urges support for Wendy Greuel because she 'will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour,' but Greuel does not back that minimum pay level for all workers.

Nearly $2 million raised in council's 1st District runoff

Business and labor groups have helped push spending on the Cedillo-Gardea race to more than four times that of previous campaigns in the small district near downtown.

Political savvy vs. education skills in L.A. school board runoff

Antonio Sanchez, 31, has the former, which has helped him attract big support from labor, while Monica Ratliff, 43, has the latter, making her the favorite of educators.

2 leaders in L.A.'s 6th council district race are women

Looking to replace Tony Cardenas in the Valley are two strongly backed veteran public officials: LAUSD's Nury Martinez and DWP's Cindy Montañez.

Navy dolphins discover rare old torpedo off Coronado

Two trained dolphins surprise Navy specialists with their find: a Howell torpedo, state-of-the-art for its day in the late 19th century. It's only the second one known to exist.

Body of missing O.C. woman found; roommate held

Officials say that remains found near Modjeska Canyon are those of Maribel Ramos, who vanished May 3. Kwang Chol 'KC' Joy is being held in her death.

Students raised in foster system honored for completing college

A luncheon in Little Tokyo brought together about 30 foster children -- students from Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Northridge, UCLA and L.A. City College -- to celebrate their graduations.

Federal judge lifts LAPD consent decree

The order ends oversight imposed in 2001, mostly over the Rampart scandal, which involved abuse of suspects, evidence tampering and perjury.

L.A. mayor's race result may be unknown for weeks after election

Mail-in ballots, the apparent tightness of the race and the peculiarities of the City Clerk's counting procedures open the possibility of a delayed outcome.

Facing walkout, UC medical centers canceling elective surgeries

Hospitals in San Diego, Irvine, L.A., San Francisco and Davis take action in face of a possible strike next week by patient care and technical workers.

Greuel cites high-profile role as an executive at DreamWorks SKG

The candidate's position at DreamWorks was about more than making movies — she was a go-between for the studio to the political, governmental and civic worlds.

Villaraigosa denounces mayoral ads aimed at Latinos

The mayor says TV spots for Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel by independent supporters make 'outrageous claims' and are 'out of line.'

In L.A. council race, rivals still battling over failed sales tax hike

In multiple mailers sent to voters in the 13th council district, candidate John Choi contends that rival Mitch O'Farrell backed laying off '500 cops.' Farrell counters: 'That's a lie.'

In low-profile race, Zine and Galperin have a feisty final debate

The candidates for city controller hammer an insider-versus-outsider theme. Zine is a longtime L.A. official; Galperin is the only candidate for citywide office 'who has not been an elected official.'

California bills on firearms, violence clear hurdles

Legislation passed by the Senate includes a measure requiring gun owners to keep firearms locked up if they live with someone prohibited by law from using guns.

12 L.A. area campuses lock down after threatening call

A Santa Monica College student, 19, is arrested after police identify him as the person who called 911 saying he was going to 'shoot up' a campus.

Bakersfield protest targets deputies' fatal beating of man

About a dozen protesters gather at the Kern County Superior Court building on behalf of victim David Sal Silva. The FBI is investigating Silva's death.