California adopts stricter rules for drug abusers in the health industry

Nurses, dentists and other professionals with addictions will be subject to more drug tests, and any restrictions to their licenses will be listed on public websites.

UC regents approve 32% student fee hike

The decision was made with little debate after a lengthy committee discussion Wednesday. Thousands of students and labor union activists protested outside the meeting at UCLA.

California lawmakers, officials face 18% pay cut

Legislative leaders had challenged the authority of the state's independent pay commission after it voted to trim salaries. But Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown's opinion says the panel can cut compensation.

UC regents approve partnership with L.A. County to reopen King medical facility

The regents, some expressing concern about potential pitfalls, said they acted out of a moral imperative to aid the community for which the hospital was once a point of pride.

California flu-related deaths, hospitalizations slowing

Health officials warn, however, the swine flu strain is still a major concern, and hundreds of Californians are still being hospitalized. The vaccine shortage continues.

Charter schools in L.A. area win $60-million grant

The five organizations will receive the money from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a system to evaluate teachers based partly on student test scores.

KCRW manager succeeded by being true to herself

Ruth Seymour, who is retiring after 32 years, was passionate, unflagging and determined to do things a different way. Her way. She built the radio station with a broad, worldly sensibility.

Customs finds surprising cargo in Chinese shipment

The 860 boxes with Christmas ornament labels turn out to contain 316,000 bongs and other drug pipes. No arrests have been made and an investigation is pending.

L.A. County hate crimes drop 4%

But gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people were targeted more often, prompted in part by last November's highly charged Prop. 8 initiative, report says.

Redondo Beach could loosen leash to allow dogs in parks

The city's 3,600 licensed canines are barred from all parks but one, but officials have asked a panel to study modifying the 1979 ban to allow pets at Czuleger Park.

'BMW bandits' extend their operation into the San Fernando Valley, police say

The thieves known for stealing air bags and headlights from luxury cars in the Westside and Mid-Wilshire areas have targeted about 10 vehicles, not all BMWs, in the Valley.

Family and friends blame LAPD for woman's death in Venice crash

Devin Petelski's BMW was struck by a police cruiser on Oct. 15. Her relatives say the officers were speeding with their sirens and lights off.

CalPERS board members endorse new lobbying rules

Legislation would scrap the pay system for agents who try to persuade the state's public pension fund to invest with their clients.

U.S. leads in convicting Nazis

The Simon Wiesenthal Center reports that progress has slowed, though, in part because the pool of suspects has dwindled.

Pension board member directed funds to a firm with ties to his, documents show

Three years after a real estate firm invested in his company, Elliott Broidy voted with fellow panel members to place up to $30 million with the fund.

California voters want a no-pork diet

The water bond proposal written and passed by the Legislature needs a major rewrite, with an emphasis on de-larding it.

Many libraries go quiet as local budget cuts deepen

Branches in Ventura, Colton and elsewhere face closure, reduced hours and layoffs even as public demand for their free Internet access and resume assistance swells.

California's budget woes will continue for years, report says

Tax receipts have leveled off, but revenue won't bounce back until the 2014-15 budget year, according to the chief budget analyst. Near term, the state faces a nearly $21-billion deficit.